simply homemade

I love love LOVE this dress! I found it a couple of years ago and put it on my ever growing "to do" list. I competed in SYTYC in 2012 and when I saw that one of the themes was "knock off" I di...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/10/lace-dress-knock-off.html

Hey y'all! It's been awhile.....like 8 freaking months! I had to (for my sanity) take a breather from blogging.  In a photo bombing way here's the scoop from the summer months of my life: We...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/10/hey-yall-its-been-awhile.html

I just finished up some work for a client and it got me reminiscing about my 4th baby who today, is a "not so baby" sassy pants. Let's jump back a couple years before number 4. Everyone and t...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-story-and-sling-tutorial.html

Creativity is allowing yourself to make  mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”  -Scott Adams

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/03/sunday-inspiration-5.html

Several years ago when my baby was a real live baby I made him a happy little monster softie for Christmas. With its circular feet and simple design it reminded me of the fellows from The Happy ...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/03/happy-little-monster-softie-pattern.html

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. An...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/03/sunday-inspiration-4_10.html

Do you remember this post  where I'm all like, "Hooray for zippers...........check back this week and next week for some super duper tutorials that use zippers"......? Do you remember tha...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/03/little-oval-pouch-tutorial.html

The older we get, the more we look back and realize that external circumstances don’t really matter or determine our happiness. We do matter. We determine our happiness. You and I are u...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/03/feel-good-sunday-3.html

I have to admit, I was terrified of inserting zippers up until a just few years ago. I always opted for buttons and button holes. Zippers are actually super easy and after learning a couple of h...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/02/lesson-3-how-to-easily-insert-zipper.html

As you create a home,  don't get distracted with a lot of things that have no meaning for you or your family. Don't dwell on your failures, but think of your successes.  Have joy in your...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/02/feel-good-sunday-2.html

 I have three lovely little girls and they (bless their hearts) have a tenancy of looking a little mangy. I say that with all the love in my heart  but I promise but it's true. They real...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/02/fabric-covered-headband-tutorial.html

Knowing how to change a needle is crucial. If you're working with the same needle that came with your machine you probably need to switch it for a shiny new one. Shoddy dull needles are bad news....

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-sew-2-changing-needle.html

Come here every Sunday to have an inspirational, thought provoking, happy, feel good moment! The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.  No matter our talents, e...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/02/feel-good-sunday-1.html

It's such a thrill to turn a flat very unshapely bit of fabric into something functional or wearable. I love it! It's also kind of awesome to be able to recharge a wardrobe with a few simple alt...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/02/sewing-lesson-1-threading-sewing-machine.html

My poor baby was sick. Like pneumonia sick. Cough, fever, no appetite, lethargy. Sick. Folks, the kid didn't even want any of my fancy chocolate! Pitiful. I went to his drawer to pull out so...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/01/sweatshirt-pants-tutorial.html

I have a dear friend who called me up one night, but blast it all my phone wasn't on! She had been calling to see if I'd like a tasty treat. Curses! Yes. I always want tasty treats and for t...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/01/brie-blackberry-crescent-rolls.html

The moment it slipped from my hand I knew it was done for. What's worse, I hadn't even paid for it yet!  Sometimes I'll refrain from grabbing a cart at Walmart in order to save money. (A...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2013/01/avoiding-catastrophe-fixing-that-broken.html

Last year for Christmas the little ladies of the house received American Girl dolls. I adore them myself so I was thrilled when they each wanted one.....there may have been some gentle persua...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/12/how-to-re-wig-american-girl-doll.html

 Every year while perusing the Pottery Barn catalog I fall in love with their fresh foliage wreaths. I've always been enthralled with the homespun Christmas look, so fresh wreaths are right up...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/12/diy-holly-wreath-tutorial.html

My brain has been buzzing with Christmas stuff and I'll be lucky if I can get 3 tutorials in before the blessed day! Thank heavens for Tator Tots and Jello !!  Have you noticed that life ...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/12/picture-frame-ornament-tutorial.html

Every year I get an "I'm so crafty I wanna make every Christmas present" itch. This year is no different. I wish I'd get it in June though. After Halloween the handmade Christmas itch makes me a ...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/handmade-christmas-part-1.html

Being a mother is a dangerous profession. There are all sorts of scary things I have to do now. Like fishing poop out of the tub, cleaning out the refrigerator, checking to see if random undies ...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-duties-of-super-hero.html

I've been on a heck of a long blogging hiatus. Mostly for my own sanity. I'm not going to apologize because it was a much needed break. I'm going to pretend that I haven't been swamped with Hall...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/10/blogging-hiatus-not-so-hiatus-right-now.html

Do you want to know a love of mine? Deals. Deals, bargains, sales, clearance...I love it all! That's why I'm super excited about this awesome new website, BB Daily Deals.  BB Daily Deals i...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/09/bb-daily-deals-giveaway.html

Every once and a while I get a hankering for arty fartsy photography complete with editing. Husband doesn't understand....but I do it anyway. Now all you photographers out there. No judging. I ha...

http://amanda-darlingdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/09/artsy-fartsy-photography.html