Barbie 4th of July Crafts Round-Up 2024

When I was a kid, folks would decorate their bikes with streamers and balloons for the 4th of July and join the local parade. Do people do that any more? I think I even remember baby strollers being decorated. Here's my little wink and nod to what seemed like simpler times:@) 

We're only days away from the 4th of July and I thought it might be fun to post a Barbie crafts round-up of ideas... Most are no-sew projects that come together quickly using scraps and items from your crafting stash. Let's celebrate the holiday ~and~ help keep the kids busy:@) Click the links for tutorials and free patterns.

Hairbands:

**A round-up of all Barbie headband crafts, with instructions, can be found Here.

Clothes:

Headband Top with (or without) Dangle Earrings ~ No-Sew Hankerchief Top 

 Crochet Dress ~ No Sew Swing Top 

Bathing Suits:

Balloon Bathing Suits ~ No-Sew Ribbon Bathing Suit

Miscellaneous:

No-Sew Aprons ~ Felt Tie 

Uncle Sam Hat from Recycled K-Cup

These silly Pipe Cleaner Glasses whip up in minutes and you can glue on any desired embellishments. I used star sequins, you could use beads, rhinestones, buttons, felt, glitter, stickers or anything else from your craft stash.

 *You know it's hot outside when it looks like even Barbie is sweating😓 ...or is she melting???

✂What I did: 

1. Wrap pipe cleaner around a pencil or knitting needle (size 13 here), and twist to secure the circle.
2. Move over a bit and create the second lens.
3. Fold each side back to make the arms of the glasses and trim to size. 
4. Glue on decorations.

 A quick side view:

Links to Other Crafts:

Oversized golf hat  ~  Free shorts pattern for Ken  ~  Barbie glasses embellished with glitter  ~  Simple skirt from ruffle  ~  Barbie necklace

From all of us here at PIM,

We Wish You a Very 

Happy 4th of July -Enjoy!

Shark Week July 7th! Barbie/Ken Felt Shark Hat DIY

Some holidays/occasions are overlapping in 2024 so this post is a little early... In honor of Shark Week starting on July 7th this year, Barbie and Ken took a road trip to the local aquarium to visit the shark display:@) The tank was very active, and honestly, Barbie felt it was a little overwhelming. They had never seen so many live sharks before. After a couple hours of wide eyed astonishment, what did they take away from the visit? A hankering for a fish sandwich for lunch...

And a souvenir shark hat:@)

The pattern:

✂What I did:

1. Cut bigger pattern piece from gray felt, smaller one from red felt.
2. Glue red to gray.
3. Cut small triangles of white felt for teeth, glue them on.
4. Trim bottom of hat (the part over the doll's eyes) into curve under the teeth if needed or desired for looks.
5. Glue on black beads or googly eyes.
6. Glue velcro to back of hat for closure.

My inspiration:

📌My Barbie Pinterest Board here.

Click for Previous Shark Week Posts:

2023 - Barbie Shark Petting Zoo

2022 - Barbie Jello Waves of Fun

2021 - Barbie Fishing on the Dock

2021 - Macaroni Salad for Shark Week

2020 - Barbie Floating in Ocean

2018 - Deviled Eggs for Shark Week

🦈Have a Happy Day:@)

Barbie One Piece No-Sew Folded Brim Hat

As summer is beginning to heat up Barbie says let's take a trip to the lake... And because she is all about the accessories, how about making an adorable Folded Brim Felt Hat from one piece of fabric, and it's a no-sew project. Nice and easy, we like that kind of craft here at PIM:@) This hat is a hybrid and depending upon shaping, sort of looks like a cowboy hat, sort of a fedora, sort of nautical, sort of like a visor... But no matter what we call it, it's super cute! 

A word about the top of the hat, it's open, this is why it has a few different looks.

The pattern:

✂What I did:

1. Cut one from felt (I used the thin felt that comes in a roll at Dollar Tree for the red hat).
2. Bring the back two points together, overlap a little and either sew or hot glue the overlap together. I used Aleene's Tacky Glue.
3. Fold brim up about 1/4" all the way around the sides of hat too. Press with your fingers to create a little crease. You may choose to add glue to each side of the brim near the back to help hold the shape.
4. Shape hat, the very top will be open.
5. Add any desired embellishments, buttons, grommets, beads, rhinestones, etc.

The back of the hat: Here are three options. I simply extended the points for a bird tail look on the pink one and added some 1/4" gingham around the top of the white one. Of the three, the white felt was the thickest, I did like working with that one best. I goofed up and shouldn't have glued the ribbon all the way to the ends before I glued the sides together... Should have left the under side unglued so the ribbon would lay on top... Please learn from my mistake:@)

 There are over 25 hat crafts grouped together in my Craft Index HERE.

Links to other crafts: 

Felt Tote Bag and Ribbon Bathing Suit

A couple pics from my local park:@)

Have a Happy Day:@)

Barbie Summer Hat or Beach Hat -Free Sewing Pattern

Barbie says it's getting warm out and every girl needs a few hats to help protect her delicate skin from the harmful rays of the sun. But more importantly (in Barbie's world) she says hats can be super cute too:@) Use any cotton fabric, in any design or color, maybe make a few to match different outfits. Now, life is funny folks, and things don't always turn out to match our vision... I started with a great bucket hat pattern for humans from Hello Sewing, and thanks to my marginal sewing skills it turned into a beach hat for a Barbie doll. ~But~ in the end, I did end up with a hat, and I do like the look of it. I'm also pleased with myself that I didn't give up on the project and actually completed this itty-bitty hat! 

While I'll share the actual pattern I used for this hat, what I really suggest is that you stop by Hello Sewing, Helen shares very detailed instructions and even has a video. Very helpful indeed! And if you're feeling extra creative... Maybe make matching hats for your girl and her doll, you'll be a rock star😎

✂The pattern:

I signed up for the free download pattern, and reduced it to 28%.

What I did differently: My hat is not reversible,  and I chose to cut the outer brim with pinking shears so it didn't need a hem. I did use a sewing machine, hand stitching is certainly an option for this small hat.

📌All of my Pinterest Boards here.

Make something just for fun -if you're up to the challenge😉

And have a happy day!

Kentucky Derby! Mint Julep Tea, Peach Pecan Spritz Cookies, & Barbie's Hat...

The Kentucky Derby is today at 6:45-ish, are you watching? May I suggest a little something smooth to sip on... This Mint Julep Tea was very nice:@) I've added my son's recommendation for a bourbon, and even a friendly little betting game if your crowd is into that sort of thing...

Maybe you'd prefer a cup of hot tea and nice little cookie... These Pecan Spritz Cookies with Peach and Bourbon Icing were very good, and look oh-so-fancy:@)

And if ~anyone~ wants to get dressed up and wear an extravagant hat, it would be Barbie:@) I found a pack of spotted craft feathers at the thrift store and thought they would be the perfect embellishment. I started with a crochet hat, added a small cluster of feathers anchored by a sheer organza ribbon bow, and of course, we have to have at least one satin rose for this race.

My picture tutorial for how to make a Barbie dress from 6" square of fabric can be found here. And Barbie says every southern lady should have at least one string of pearls... How to make a Barbie necklace here.

📌My Pinterest Boards here.

Enjoy the race, and 

Have a Happy Day😉

Barbie Birthday Crafts -Barbie Turns 65!

Did you know Barbie's birthday is March 9th? This year she turns 65, and I have to say, still looks pretty darn good for her age:@) I thought I'd put together a few craft ideas that could be fun for a girls B-Day party or sleepover. Birthday Party Balloon Tank Tops: I picked up a pack of 12" birthday balloons at Dollar Tree and three cuts later, the dolls were dressed for the party! For -your- party, all the girls could bring their favorite dolls, and this does work for Curvy Barbie too (on the left). And since the pack comes with 15 balloons, you can make a ton of multi-colored tops! Or... Stick to the party theme color for ease, everyone gets the same thing-you know your kids:@) 

The Ring Doorbell View😂

The balloons I started with, and they do have single color packs:

Folded balloon with neck and arm hole cuts on the left, then cut the bottom off.

Unfolded top on the right.

Push arms through holes, ~stretch~ it over the doll's head to put it on.

This Birthday Party Hat is a cute idea, maybe surprise your girl with her Barbie (or a new doll) wearing it. Or how about having a hat at each place setting, one for the girl, a little one for her doll... It's also another great craft for a party where the guests are bringing their dolls. Always nice to have a project planned that keeps the kids busy for a while:@)

✂What I did:

1. Cut one from pattern. I used wrapping paper, I suggest something a little thicker.
2. Color hat or add stickers if desired.
3. Wrap hat into a cone shape, 
4. overlap the bottom of the hat about 1/2" and make sure you wrap it closed to a point at the top.
5. Glue the hat closed, or use tape.
6. I then glued the tinsel pipe cleaner onto the bottom and pom-pom on top, (you can trim the point off for pom-pom).
7. Dipped the tip of my finger in white craft glue to create the glitter dots.
8. Let dry while having a piece of cake😊

These Curled Ribbon Headbands come together in no time, and only require a bottle ring and some ribbon. They can be made in any color or for any occasion/holiday. How about grabbing a pack of plastic headbands at Dollar Tree and making a matching one for your girl too😊

And every party needs treats!

Soft Sugar Cookies with Jello Frosting-yum:@)

And of course, Barbie says, 

don't forget the ice cream🍨

Why not throw your own little 

Barbie Birthday Party Saturday, and...

Have a Happy Day:@)

Barbie & Ken Winter Hat Crafts Round-Up

I thought it might be fun to group my Barbie and Ken Winter Hat posts to date. All are pretty simple projects (some only require a pair of scissors and literally take a minute), and there are a couple free crochet and sewing pattern links below. The hats are cute projects kids can help make, they make fun little gifts, and are perfect crafts to kill a little time on a cold afternoon:@)

Crochet Long Ski/Santa  ~  French Beret from Felt  ~  Hat from $1 Ornament  ~  Garlic Bag Mesh Hat  ~  Yarn & Toilet Paper Roll Hat  ~  Stocking Cap from Sock  ~  Crochet Hooded Scarf Hat

Winter Hat from $1 Ornament: 

I simply cut it off!

Ken Hat from Recycled Mesh Garlic Bag:

Couldn't be easier... Cut, roll, dress:@)

Two Pointed Cat Ear Hat:

Another fashionable option...

And of course at Christmas (or if you can still find one on clearance to put away for next year)... The Santa hats from Dollar Tree wine bags are adorable and fit the dolls perfectly.

☃Let's all stay warm and cozy, and 

Have a Happy Day⛄

Barbie No-Sew Head Wrap with Scarf & DIY Football Crafts Round-Up #2

While Philadelphia is always excited for football, the faithful are concerned that this may not be our year... But as the playoffs are starting, we're always hopeful:@) Last year I put together a little round-up of Barbie football crafts HERE. And of course, while mine may be Eagles theme'd, the crafts and ideas work for whatever sport or team you follow. Or use your favorite color for any day, any look. I thought we'd add a second round-up this year, and brand new... This easy Head Wrap. It's basically a long wide rectangle, I love how great it looks for something so simple.

No-Sew Head Wrap & Scarf

✂What I did:

1. Start with about an 18" x 3 1/4" rectangle of fabric. Well worn flannel (old PJ's works best), I used standard cotton. *This will fray, if you have pinking shears that will help deter the fraying.
2. Scrunch each end and glue it together to create a bit of a gather or a point. 
3. Glue pom-pom, bead, or tassel to each end.
4. To dress doll: Place one side over shoulder and let drape to about her waist. Bring up over her head, and wrap around front of neck (creating the scarf), bring around back of neck to other shoulder and let drape down. 

More Headgear, Scarves and Hair Bling,: All are quick projects kids can help make and are fashionable and cute:@) Links below:

Blingy Rhinestone Hair Extension ~ Eagles Baseball Cap ~ Spool Thread Knitter to create a yarn scarf ~ No-Sew Pocket Scarf ~ Cat Ear Pointed Hats ~ Yarn and Toilet Paper Roll Hats

Not shown: Chunky Yarn Scarf, Hooded Scarf, Infinity Scarf, Eyelash Yarn Scarf.

And guys ~love~ to represent their team! This 10 Minute Felt Vest is great for any sporting event, occasion, or holiday. It can be no-sew with hot glue, or it just needs two quick side seams. I've made my Eagles version kind of like an ugly Christmas sweater vest, the gaudier the better:@)

Pinterest Board DIY Barbie.

Pinterest Board Football Fun-Philadelphia Eagles.

Scroll through all PIM posts that share Barbie & Football here.

🏈Make something just for fun and have a happy day!

Oh and... GO E-A-G-L-E-S!!!

Early Spring Garden & Easy Felt Barbie Shrug DIY

Truthfully, there isn't much going on in my raised bed garden here at the very beginning of April folks... I'm just looking forward to planting and still trying to plan the layout. As of this time, it looks like we'll have a more moderate April in Philly this year (unlike the freezing temps of last year). Ma gifted me some pretty daffodils, I decided to add them to the flower bed on the end that gets the most sun:@) This little bed also has a new lavender plant. I'm hoping for daffs in March/April and pretty purple flowers this summer. And with any luck, a nicely shaped, small rounded shrub year-round. We shall see...

My spinach isn't setting any records for growth...

I did take it out of the planter and put it in the ground.

I'm watching to see if the cold frame gets enough sunlight.

Might change the board on the left (south facing) to plexiglass.

Just something I'm kicking around.

But I did try a fun little snow pea experiment this year...

I usually plant pea seeds on St. Patrick's Day.

This year they went in during the first week of March instead,

got watered well, and covered with a clear glass pot lid.

I had sprouts ~on~ St. Pat's Day!

Very exciting indeed:@)

And Barbie is ready for spring too... How about whipping up a One Minute, No-Sew Felt Shrug. Super easy, and can be embellished with any sewing trim you have. I found these little pom-poms at Dollar Tree.

✂What I did:

Cut an approximate 6" x 2 3/4" rectangle of felt.

Bring the two short corners together, glue together at the edges.

Note: If adding trim, it might be easier to glue this first.

Barbie's arms go through the two side holes.

The shrug gets adjusted up over her shoulders,

covering the back and neck, and will be open in front.

Wa-la, a 1 minute project that creates a cute doll outer garment😎

The side view:

Now, this is ~your~ outfit...

Felt is not going to softly drape down the back.

You can always glue two small darts on either side so it lays flatter.

But please note, 

that may restrict the doll's arm movement.

🌷Make something just for fun and

Have a Happy Day:@)