Purchase Ezpz From Shark Tank and Take the Mess out of Kids Mealtimes

If you are a fan of the ABC Show Shark Tank you're aware of the mom's who promote their ideas on the show.  The inventor of Ezpz, Lindsey Laurain is a Kickstarter “momtrepreneur” who doubled her $35,000 funding goal to get the ezpz No Mess Happy Mat into production back in the fall of 2014. She pitches her company to the Sharks in the Shark Tank episode 715.

According to Laurain she invented the Ezpz for messy kids. The product is a food silicon place mat and plate or bowl for kids to use while it stays in place. 
Here are some of the products available to purchase online...

  Ezpz Happy Mat (Blue) - One-piece silicone placemat + plate

About the Product

• One-piece placemat + plate contains kids' messes
• Placemat suctions to the table to reduce tipped bowls / plates
• Easy to clean with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher
• Perfect for mealtime with infants and toddlers 6+ months
• 100% food grade silicone; BPA, PVC, lead and phthalate free

Ezpz Happy Bowl (Lime) - One-piece silicone placemat + bowl

Best Things in Crochet to Learn and Check Out for the New Year

How to Crochet by Carla Scott

 

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I have been crocheting since I was 16 years old and now as a grandmother I still keep learning new techniques and ways to create new items.  For example I use to just crochet simple items such as blankets, scarves, dishcloths, etc. I advanced to hats, toys, sweaters, gloves, socks and other items.  This year I want to add more texture to my crochet projects such as one of the best ways to learn these new techniques is with a Crochet Class .   The classes make it easy to learn something new in crochet from creating new stitches, to seaming crochet items, to learning how to make hats and sweaters, there is something for everyone.

As far as new products for Crocheters there are always new and wonderful yarn colors to check out from bright and bold to baby colors and beyond.  Whether you are checking out the latest crochet hooks or learning how to create new projects with crochet tools you can always find something new in crochet.  Check out the top Crochet classes to try out some of the newest and the best new crochet products you may want to try this year.
Try Something new this year....

Crochet Classes

Learn to Crochet with Jonah - Free Preview

Crochet Shawl Workshop by Marly Bird

Learn to Crochet the Oceano Circular Cardigan Watch the Free Preview

Granny Squares Baby Blanket by Edie Eckman

Crochet Pattern Kits

Dearly Beloved Shawl Pattern Kit

Crochet Kit - Shoreline Ruana

Crochet Kit - Yemi Yoga Mat Bag

Crochet Kit - Harper Bucket Bag

How to Make an Easy Yarn Pom Pom Using Cardboard

Clover Large Pom Pom Maker

Pom Poms can be used for all sorts of items from crocheted or knitted hats to toys and stuffed animals, gift wrapping and items that you make with yarn of fabric.  You can use a pom pom maker to make pom poms or if you want to create one quickly at home you can use your hand or a piece of cardboard to make a pom pom.  If you decide to use your hand to make a pom pom wrap the yarn around your hand approximately 80 times, cut the yarn leaving a long enough piece to be able to attach it to your project.  Use your scissors to cut another piece of yarn and tie it to the center of the pom pom.  Cut and trim your pom pom as you go.  If you use a piece of cardboard you can cut a piece from a cereal box or cardboard box.  Also, wrap the yarn around about 80 times and tie and cut. 
Instructions...
Take your yarn  and wrap it around a small piece of cardboard
Wind the yarn around and around and around. The more you wrap, the fuller the pom pom will be.
When you’ve wound to your desired pom pom size, slide the yarn off of the surface and tie a piece of yarn around the center in a knot. Leave the ends of this string long, so you can attach it to a gift or hat later.
Take a pair of scissors and cut through the loops on both sides of the pom pom.
Pull all the hairs up and give your pom pom a trim! This step is a must, for a fine looking pom. Just keep cutting till it looks full.

Pom and Tassel Maker

View our How to Books and Patterns


 Watch the video for detailed instructions.

 Pom Pom Maker

Pom-Poms Crafts

Pom-Pom Crafts

PomPom Crafts eBook

Learn to Create with Pom-poms

How to Make a Flip Chair That Converts Into a Bed

Learn How to Make a Flip Chair

For months I have been looking at alternatives ways for an extra place for the grandkids to sleep when they stay overnight.  I really like the Flip Zone Chairs but wanted to choose different colors for each one of the kids and the best way to do this was to make my own. Fortunately, there is a free pattern to make your own Flip chair that you can turn into a bed.

The pattern calls for 4 Yards of Outdoor Fabric I guess they suggest the outdoor fabric to make it more sturdy but if you know of a durable easy to work with fabric you may want to try that.   Home Decor Fabric On Sale...

You will also need 3 foam cushions and a sewing machine, plus two bags of polyester stuffing. 

You could also make these buy purchasing existing outdoor cushions and assembling them together per the instructions but you are then limited on fabric choices.
View the Pattern at Joann's

Find the Flip Chair Pattern on eBay

Find the Flip Chair Pattern on Amazon 
Sewing Pattern on Etsy

Sew a Sleeping Bag Learn How

Giancarlo Toddler Flip Kids Sofa

Learn How to Knit a Free Super Bulky Mistake Stitch Scarf and Headband Pattern

Super Bulky Mistake Stitch Scarf and Headband Free Knitting Pattern

A Headband makes a great alternative to wearing a hat in the winter while still keeping your ears warm. This super comfortable bulky Mistake Stitch Scarf and headband is stylish and looks great on.  The knitting pattern calls for a bulky wool yarn such as the Tuff Puff Yarn. 

The pattern is show in a cream color but can easily be knitted in any color choice of yarn you choose.

Super bulky yarn makes for warm and cozy accessories. The scarf and headband are quick to knit – just right for gift giving during the busy holiday season. Post-holiday, they’re the simple kinds of projects that we all love to make as we crave relaxation, simplicity and maybe some social knitting with friends. 

Download the FREE Super Bulky Mistake Stitch Scarf Knitting Pattern Here...

Seaman's Scarf Pattern - Free Scarf Knitting pattern

Endless Loop Scarf Pattern - Free Knitting Pattern

Columns Scarf Pattern - Free Knitting Pattern

How to Use the ColorScope Tool to Choose the Best Yarn for Your Projects

ColorScope Tool for Yarn Projects 

If you are not sure which colors of yarn or how much to use for your next crochet or knitting project a cool tool to try out for under $10 is the ColorScope tool. It can help you select colors and what proportion of each color of yarn to use. The ColorScope tools does this by presenting the yarn in a Kaleidoscope-style viewer lets you see yarns and fabrics in a repeating sequence to make selecting the perfect colors easier than ever before!

This helps you choose which color combinations you like the best.  It's also a great tool for quilting and sewing to help select the right fabric combinations.

The tool is portable and easy to use to select the right color for your next crochet, knitting, sewing or quilting project.  It's really and cool and excellent tool to use. Play with the tool by arranging your yarn in by a main color and adding in more colors or see what works best with a particular color. 

You use the tool by removing all of the labels on your yarn and looking through the ColorScope viewer to view the color combinations. Watch the video below to learn how this is done.  You can order the tool online Here

Order the ColorScope Tool at Annies for under $10!  

  Yarn Bowl to hold yarn

  Wooden Yarn Ball Holder

Save Money on Eyeglasses to Wear While Crafting

  The Right Lighting and EyeGlasses can Make a Difference when crafting!

Crafts from sewing to quilting, crochet, knitting, painting and others can easily put a strain on your eyes. The best solution for this is to make sure you have an annual eye exam and get the right pair of glasses in addition to having the right lighting while crafting.  

I keep an extra pair of eyeglasses in my current WIP crochet project basket at all times in order to pick up where I left off.  This prevents me from having to run around and find my glasses and just start getting creative.  

It's important to have your eyes examined every year.  Realizing as we age and do more and more with our eye with technology, reading and other things that can't make our eyes tired how easily things can become harder to view.

Once you have your annual eye exam the best way to save money on your glasses it to purchase them online. One of the best places I have found is 39dollarglasses.  They have a great selection and make it so easy to get your prescription, reading, or sunglasses quickly and easily. Plus right now you can 

One of the best things I ever did to improve my vision while crocheting (and help prevent mistakes) is get the right pair of glasses and use the correct lighting while doing crafts.

Learn more about the best way to order glasses and the importance of eye exams below...

Importance of Annual Eye Exams:

Annual eye exams are an important way to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear. At your annual exam your doctor will perform tests to screen for early signs of eye problems and will evaluate your vision. Regular checkups will keep your vision healthy and comfortable. After your exam, check out the wide selection of glasses from 39DollarGlasses.com. Stylish and affordable prescription glasses from 39DollarGlasses start at just $39 a pair.