Valentine's Treasure Rock with Free Tag Download

Happy Valentine's Day!  

So, I wanted to give my son something other than candy to pass out to his young friends for Valentine's Day, so after many ideas we settled in on making a treasure rock. And let me tell you, these rocks are much fun!    

They look just like real rocks, but break it open and out pops a little treasure.  Fill the rocks with money, bouncy balls, plastic animals, really anything!   My son was so excited to pass these out to his classmates. Let's hope they love them as much as he does.  : )

Tag Front: "You Rock! Have a happy Valentine's Day. "

Tag Back: "Break open your treasure rock for a Valentine's surprise."

Break open the rock and SURPRISE! 

To make the rocks, I used a great recipe found on the preschool education blog,  Play Create and Explore.   It's made with coffee, salt, flour, sand, and water. Easy, easy, EASY. My kids were even able to help.  

For the tags, I've included a free download for you to enjoy. Cut the tags out and mount onto cardstock of your choice. Have your little one sign the back, hole punch the tags and tie it to the rock with bakers twine.   

To download the tags, just click below for the link!

Front: You Rock! 

Have a happy Valentine's Day.

Back: 

"Break open your treasure rock for a Valentine's surprise!"

Valentine's Frock, Gathered Neckline Dress Tutorial

Remember this Valentine's Day frock?  My little one has worn this dress 6 out of the 7 days that the dress has existed. She absolutely LOVES it (which I cannot say that about everything I sew for her).  Because of that I'm thrilled, thrilled, thrilled!  This dress is frilly, soft, feminine without being overly so, and oh so fun to twirl in.  It's perfect for parties or play alike. 

As promised, here's the tutorial on creating a version of this little number.   I have to say version because I made a few mistakes on my original dress and had to do some last minute alterations that weren't ideal.   But lucky you!  Unlike me, you get to make the dress the correct way the first time.  HOORAY!!!: )    

Ready to make your own? 

Here's what you need:

• Lightweight cotton fabric. The amount depends on the size you are making.  For my almost 4 year old daughter I used 2 yards of fabric.  (I suggest using a lightweight fabric (shirting fabric, a light linen, or something else that is super light over a quilting cotton because their are lots of gathers on the neckline, lightweight cotton fabric gathers oh so wonderfully.  I used a pair of old cotton curtains.. so be creative with your materials!) 
• Iron on interfacing
• Piece of newspaper, typing paper, etc to draft a bodice piece
• Ruler (preferably a clear one like the one pictured below)
• Marking Pen
• Fabric Pen
• A ready to wear dress that fits your little one well
• Sewing supplies, sewing machine, matching thread, hand needle, and iron

Click below to see the full tutorial.