{free printable & project share} How Do Dinosaurs?... Book Popsicle Stick Puzzles

I'm pretty sure every mother to young boys has heard of these "How Do Dinosaurs..." book series, but if you haven't click on the book picture below and go check them out.  They are apart of our nightly ritual-- sometimes they are an all day phenomenon.  My kids LOVE them.  So much we've had to purchase this particular book (see below) 3 times because the pages began to fall out.

So... because they are a fave in our house, I thought it appropriate to use these book's pictures on my popsicle stick puzzles.  I googled these books and found a gazillion pictures online to print at home.  I'm not sure if it's illegal or not-- anyone know?    However, you could also use pictures from any old book you have laying around.  After I did this I thought to myself I could have used one of those other books with the pages falling out and that would have worked great too!

The puzzle sticks were a super quick craft and was achieved in one afternoon's nap time.  I used jumbo popsicle sticks and these pictures were cropped and sized just right for them.  I highly encourage the use of your own books, as I've been told as of lately that using pictures from the web and printing them infringes on copyrights.

The number stickers were an after thought, but I think they'll be nice to have when it comes time to teach the little ones their numbers and their order.

 My three year absolutely LOVES them and has asked to play with them for the past few days straight.  It's always great when you can take your child's favorite book and make it come alive for them.  Such a darling book series--recommend checking them out at the library OR buying them for your own library collection.  They are a fave in our family!

{project share} DIY Stegosaurus Hoodie

Inspired by Whatever Dee Dee Wants and liberally using her tutorial, I decided to have my own run at this fun DIY dinosaur hoodie.  Not to mention it made me break out my brand new serger, that has been sitting in the box over a year now.  I don't know why, but just the thought of serging fabrics intimidated me.  Once the threading process was finished, which took forever, it was relatively easy to maneuver.

 I decided to use two differing shades of green felt for the stegosaurus spikes.  I sewed two of the sides, then stuffed them with batting and stitched them back into the hoodie using my serger.  One of the fastest sewing projects I've ever done.

These two little sillies just love their dinosaurs and this hoodie was very much appreciated by my little one.

Side Note:  I was a little concerned how the washing process would effect the felt spikes, but after washing it numerous times already I can see that they're going to hold up fine.  The batting has stayed fluffy and has not balled up and the felt hasn't shrunken at all.

ROAAAAAAAAAR!  If you have some dino-lovers in your family this has been a huge hit and I highly recommend it for your little ones.

{WINNER} Shappy Apple's Key to My Heart Necklace

First, thanks to everyone for entering this contest.  Now, for the winner! With the help of Random.org the winner is....drum roll please....

Commenter #2, Brandee 

Yay--I'm so excited for you.  Shabby Apple is so generous for this giveaway.  Please remember you still have until March 2nd to receive the 10% discounted rate, using code "embellish10off" at checkout.  Enjoy your necklace Brandee.

{real party} Milesasaurus' Dino-Mite Shindig!

ROAR!  That is a word (or noise) I hear frequently in my house, so what better theme for a birthday party?  To say Miles is obsessed with dinosaurs would be an understatement.  He eats and sleeps dinosaurs.  No, really... he does.  He eats all things dinosaur shaped and sleeps with approximately 6 dinosaurs each night.

 

The party printables were originally inspired by this party, but made by myself and will be in my Etsy shop soon if you're interested in your very own customized set.  Anywho, let's get onto the party details.

{free printable} Dino-Mite Valentines

Have you seen these adorable dinosaur valentines?  I originally pinned it on Pinterest, but have traced it back to this woman's cute site.  She also has adorable girly ideas for heart shaped chocolate valentines.  I absolutely LOVE the idea and made my own version and now you can download and print your own if you choose to do so.  They print at 5" x 7" two/page.

Just print, cut and attach heart shaped chocolates with glue dots.  I bought two bags of Dove heart chocolates and it was just enough to make sixteen valentines, with two left over chocolates to devour. :)  Don't you just love Dove?  I especially enjoy the little sayings on the inside of the wrapper-- I occasionally need the friendly reminders.

{giveaway} Shabby Apple's Vintage "Key to My Heart" Necklace-- CLOSED!

It's an exciting day here at Embellish.  Shabby Apple has contacted me about doing a giveaway and after much deliberation and hmming and haaaing I've chosen this vintage looking necklace, called "Key to My Heart".  One lucky reader will receive this simple and elegant piece of jewelry!!! So let's chit chat about Shabby Apple for a sec.  If you have never been to their site you need to head on over and take a look.  They have the most classic looks for women's dresses and vintage jewelry.  It's the type of shop you buy a dress from and will find yourself wearing years from now because it will never go out of style.

 I am LOVING this (see above) pineapple colored dress with the front ruffles, but if you're more into subdued colors they have that too. Take a look at the dress below-- such a darling neckline and I love the simplicity of it.

How to enter to win the "Key to My Heart" Necklace

1.  Head on over to Shabby Apple's Facebook page HERE and click "like"

2.  Then come on back to Embellish and leave me a comment saying you did so

3.  Remember to leave your email address in the comments section so I can contact the winner.

4.  The winner will be chosen from a random number generator from the comments left on my blog.

5.  Winner must have a US shipping address and the necklace chosen can not be exchanged for any other items. 

Contest will close midnight on FEBRUARY 16, 2012 (CLOSED)
I know we're not all lucky winners here, so Shabby Apple has generously provided a coupon code to my readers.  So if you like what you see then head on over to Shabby Apple's site and use the code "embellish10off" to receive 10% off your order.  Coupon code expires March 2, 2012