Free craft ideas and DIY sewing patterns, how to's, instructions and printable templates for weddings, baby and kids, gifts, invitations, parties, birthdays, cards, food, recipes and home.

free simple & clever craft ideas

Current Crushes

Current Giveaways:
Giveaway Freebie Free

25 Shower Invites or Birth Announcements from Minted

{ENTER HERE}

Now Available
Chalkboard Pillows by Kathy Beymer of Merriment Design now available at UncommonGoods

My Chalkboard Pillows now available at UncommonGoods

Wedding Planning Made Easy featuring my DIY project

2010 Sewing Calendar
w/five of my projects

Sponsors
Free shipping at Joann.com! Code: AP212
Createforless.com Create For Less coupon promotion code
Design the perfect baby shower invitation at Vistaprint.com




Original and easy ideas for parties and events
Perfect and original ideas for babies, kids and children
Simple, easy and original ideas of crafts and handmade DIY
 

Merriment Design is a Commission Junction affiliate

 

Creative Commons License

Merriment Design by Kathy Beymer is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.

 

Baby & Kids

 

Fuzzy bunny slippers from recycled felted sweaters for kids {free slipper pattern}

Accessories, Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects, Winter

Hop to it and make these cute little fuzzy bunny slippers from recycled felted wool sweaters to keep the kid in your life snuggly warm. This free slipper pattern features a cute little face...Fuzzy bunny slippers from recycled felted sweaters for kids {free slipper pattern}... »
 
 

{DIY or Buy} How to Make a Crib Dust Ruffle – Or Where To Buy if Your Plate is Full

Baby & Kids, DIY or Buy, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects

I’m starting a new column today on MerrimentDesign.com called DIY or Buy. I don’t know about you but when it comes to crafting I totally have an "eyes are bigger than my stomach" syndrome....{DIY or Buy} How to Make a Crib Dust Ruffle – Or Where To Buy if Your Plate is Full... »
 

 

“Stickers” Birthday Party Theme Idea for kids {with free custom sticker templates}

Baby & Kids, Decorations & Favors, Invitations & Cards, Paper Crafts, Parties & Birthdays

Looking around our house it's clear that "stickers" was the perfect theme for Elise's second birthday party. Last year it was monkeys and bananas but like many kids her age Elise is a sticker...“Stickers” Birthday Party Theme Idea for kids {with free custom sticker templates}... »
 
 

Oatmeal container straw game for babies and toddlers

Baby & Kids, Recycled Crafts, Under $10, Under 1 Hour

Today's craft is for babies and toddlers about 15 months to 2 years old: a straw game made out of a cardboard oatmeal container. All you need is an empty Quaker oatmeal canister, a...Oatmeal container straw game for babies and toddlers... »
 

 

Custom fabric-covered Huggies baby wipes popup tub container {free pattern}

Baby & Kids, Home, Recycled Crafts, Under $10

My baby wipes pop-up container box has become a fixture on Elise's shelf so I thought why not make it extra pretty? So I decided customize it by covering it with fabric. Here's what...Custom fabric-covered Huggies baby wipes popup tub container {free pattern}... »
 
 

DIY Fabric Safety Gate for Baby and Toddlers

Baby & Kids, Home, Sewing Projects

Here's how to make a fabric safety gate for baby and toddlers for the bottom of stairs or between doorways. This DIY fabric baby safety gate has given me a lot of piece of...DIY Fabric Safety Gate for Baby and Toddlers... »
 

 

Baby burp cloths with loops for toys or binkies

Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects, Under $10, Under 1 Hour

My friend Jolyn, the Queen of Handmade Burp Cloths, taught me years ago how to turn regular white burp cloths into posh fabric-covered burp cloth sets in less than an hour. Cute, huh? And...Baby burp cloths with loops for toys or binkies... »
 
 

Sweet potato crackers recipe – easy, healthy recipe for kids

Baby & Kids, Kid-friendly Recipes, Recipes, Snack Recipes

I've been making this sweet potato cracker recipe again and again since Thanksgiving's sweet potato leftovers and I think it's high time I passed along this yummy kid-friendly crackers recipe. Elise has become my...Sweet potato crackers recipe – easy, healthy recipe for kids... »
 
 

Printable Thank You Cards for Pink Monkey 1st Birthday Party

Baby & Kids, Free Printable, Invitations & Cards, Paper Crafts, Parties & Birthdays, Under $10, Under 1 Hour

Elise loved her 1st birthday gifts and wanted to say thanks in style! I designed pink monkey thank you cards with a '1st birthday' bananas birthday party hat and yellow polka dots cards. Then...Printable Thank You Cards for Pink Monkey 1st Birthday Party... »
 
 

Printable free bubble labels for party favors

Baby & Kids, Decorations & Favors, Free Printable, Parties & Birthdays

I made these yellow and pink bubble labels to coordinate with Elise's 1st birthday party theme - Pink Monkey and Bananas. Elise just loves bubbles - she has a little menagerie of "bubba" blowers...Printable free bubble labels for party favors... »
 
 

Pink monkey printable birthday party hat for kids

Baby & Kids, Decorations & Favors, Free Printable, Paper Crafts, Parties & Birthdays, Under $10, Under 1 Hour

I made this pink monkey birthday hat for Elise to wear on her 1st birthday. She was a good sport about it and I think she looked adorable especially when she dug into her...Pink monkey printable birthday party hat for kids... »
 
 

Happy 1st Birthday Banner Free Printable Hanging Sign – customizable

Baby & Kids, Decorations & Favors, Free Printable, Paper Crafts, Parties & Birthdays, Under 1 Hour

I made this "Happy 1st Birthday Elise" pink and yellow hanging birthday banner for Elise's pink monkey and bananas birthday party. I hung it over our living room curtains using three kinds of ribbon...Happy 1st Birthday Banner Free Printable Hanging Sign – customizable... »
 
 

Pink Monkey and Bananas Kid’s 1st Birthday Party Idea and Free Printable Templates

Baby & Kids, Decorations & Favors, Free Printable, Paper Crafts, Parties & Birthdays

I was totally stumped trying to think of birthday party theme ideas for Elise's 1st birthday. And then Shane suggested having a Pink Monkey and Bananas 1st birthday party theme and it just felt...Pink Monkey and Bananas Kid’s 1st Birthday Party Idea and Free Printable Templates... »
 
 

Sunshine and Rainbow Halloween free costume pattern for babies, toddlers and kids

Baby & Kids, Free Patterns, Holidays, Sewing Projects

My daughter Elise is my little ray of sunshine, without a doubt. So when it came to making my delightful baby her first proper Halloween costume, I came up with this cheery fleece and...Sunshine and Rainbow Halloween free costume pattern for babies, toddlers and kids... »
 
 

Baby sunhat pattern with ruffles and ties

Baby & Kids, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects, Spring, Summer, Under $10

Elise looks adorable in hats. I just can't get enough of them. So I decided to make a free baby sunhat sewing pattern with ruffles to add to her fashion options. I freehanded this...Baby sunhat pattern with ruffles and ties... »
 
 

Chalkboard lids for baby food jars

Baby & Kids, Recipes, Recycled Crafts, Under $10, Under 1 Hour

Elise is eating solid foods now so I've entered the Land of Frozen and Leftover Baby Food. With my brain still set on 'sleep deprived,' I put my chalkboard obsession to good use with...Chalkboard lids for baby food jars... »
 
 

Kid’s Travel Toy Blanket with Velcro Loops and Ribbon Tags

Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects

I made this toy travel blanket for Elise's first plane flight. We were flying to Maine and I wanted any toys she dropped to stay in our seats rather than fall into the filthy...Kid’s Travel Toy Blanket with Velcro Loops and Ribbon Tags... »
 
 

Sparkless sparklers for kids for the Fourth of July using chopsticks, ribbon and party garland

Baby & Kids, Decorations & Favors, Holidays, Parties & Birthdays, Recycled Crafts, Under 1 Hour

This original Fourth of July craft was created for Daily Candy Kids. Welcome, Daily Candy readers! I mourn sparklers. The City of Chicago banned sparklers in 2007 joining most other ousted fireworks. Â Yes,...Sparkless sparklers for kids for the Fourth of July using chopsticks, ribbon and party garland... »
 
 

Colorful fabric baby stacking blocks

Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects

My baby Elise is four months old now. She can hold her toys in both hands and sit up assisted. I think this big girl is ready for some colorful jingly oversized 5" x...Colorful fabric baby stacking blocks... »
 
 

Valentine’s Day Felt Heart Pocket Bracelet and Mini-Purse for Kids

Accessories, Baby & Kids, Free Patterns, Holidays, Sewing Projects, Under $10, Under 1 Hour

Hearts is the theme of two easy Valentine's Day gifts perfect for spoiling the sweet toddler and tween girls in your life. First is a teeny pouch bracelet perfect for storing candies or tiny...Valentine’s Day Felt Heart Pocket Bracelet and Mini-Purse for Kids... »
 
 

Family coloring book from photos

Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Paper Crafts, Under $10

My niece Madison is universally and deservedly spoiled by all members of our family. I try to make her special handmade Christmas and birthday gifts like this one and that one. With our cross-country...Family coloring book from photos... »
 
 

Scrabble Letters Word Book for Kids

Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Paper Crafts

My coworker Danielle recently came back to work after the birth to her first child, son Otto James. We work together at a web design company in an industrial part of Chicago near Oprah's...Scrabble Letters Word Book for Kids... »
 
 

Gathered Dust Ruffle Bed Skirt for Cribs and Toddler Beds

Baby & Kids, Free Patterns, Home, Sewing Projects

We're in the middle of converting our den into a baby's room. We're keeping it simple -- borrowed our niece Madison's crib, kept the room painted light gray -- and have begun accenting with...Gathered Dust Ruffle Bed Skirt for Cribs and Toddler Beds... »
 
 

Planes, Trains and Automobiles Burp Cloths

Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Sewing Projects, Under $10, Under 1 Hour

Here's an easy, fun and practical gift for new arrivals: Planes, Trains and Automobiles burp cloths. Friends Tamara and Jon recently welcomed Lucas, little brother to adorable Sienna, and I made these especially for...Planes, Trains and Automobiles Burp Cloths... »
 
 

Chicago-themed fabric photo memory game for kids

Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Sewing Projects

Last year I made Madison a super cute pint sized kid's pleated apron out of pink retro Wizard of Oz fabric. I added fun numbers cookie cutters and wrapped both in cookie jar wrapping...Chicago-themed fabric photo memory game for kids... »
 
 

Madison Wrapping Paper

Baby & Kids, Free Printable, Paper Crafts, Parties & Birthdays, Under $10, Under 1 Hour

So my niece Madison's 3rd birthday is in April. What a big girl! I work near Madison Street in Chicago and couldn't resist taking a photo of a street sign to top her package....Madison Wrapping Paper... »
 
 

Peanut Butter & Jelly Mac and Cheese – 4th Place!!

Baby & Kids, Lunch Recipes, Recipes, Sides Recipes

Updated: I found out that I got 4th place beating not only Stephanie Izard, Top Chef winner, but also Roger Herring, chef and owner of Socca in Chicago. Hip hip! Peanut butter & jelly...Peanut Butter & Jelly Mac and Cheese – 4th Place!!... »
 
 

Chalkboard Pillows Holiday Edition

Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Holidays, Home, Sewing Projects

Ho! Ho! Ho! Here's a special holiday variation of chalkboard pillows complete with two new free ornament and tree templates to make your own 16" x 16" pillow for the season. The ornament in...Chalkboard Pillows Holiday Edition... »
 
 

Gift wrapping ideas for baby and kids

Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Parties & Birthdays, Under $10, Under 1 Hour

Today I popped by my friend Anne's to drop off gifts for five-year-old son, Gavin, and her newborn son, Graham. I recycled and altered my chalkboard gift tags idea to wrap Gavin's birthday treat....Gift wrapping ideas for baby and kids... »
 
 

Chalkboard pillows for kids and adults redux

Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Home, Sewing Projects

UPDATE: Dinosaur and Birdie Chalkboard Pillows are now for sale at UncommonGoods! Great gift for kids. So when I first invented chalkboard pillows I handmade the chalkboards out of plastic, a knife, drill and...Chalkboard pillows for kids and adults redux... »
 
 

Sewn Tie Appliqué Baby Onesie Bodysuit

Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Under $10, Under 1 Hour

The first time I saw a sewn appliqué tie onesie bodysuit was about a year ago in an Uncommon Goods catalog. I thought it was really cute and looked super simple to make. Well,...Sewn Tie Appliqué Baby Onesie Bodysuit... »
 
 

Car racing wall art for kid’s rooms

Baby & Kids, Home

Watch out Speed Racer. Mom of two Amy Herlihy hand painted racing car wall art to match her son Kieran's racing themed comforter and pillow sham. Now Kieran has his dream bedroom. And it's...Car racing wall art for kid’s rooms... »
 
 

Sewn baby onesie bodysuits – applique dog, butterfly, bottle, bow, heart

Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects, Under $10, Under 1 Hour

So my friend Jeff and I were talking at Mac's about Merriment and he asked if I could make a unique baby gift to help him welcome Isabella, a friend's newborn daughter. These handmade,...Sewn baby onesie bodysuits – applique dog, butterfly, bottle, bow, heart... »
 
 

Child’s pleated Wizard of Oz apron (part 1)

Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Patterns, Sewing Projects, Under $10

So what was in Madison’s cookie jar birthday boxes to help celebrate her second birthday? Super fun numbers cookie cutters and a child’s size pink Wizard of Oz apron handmade by Aunt Kathy. I’ve...Child’s pleated Wizard of Oz apron (part 1)... »
 
 

Cookie jar wrapping paper for gifts

Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Free Printable, Parties & Birthdays, Under $10, Under 1 Hour

So today is my adorable niece Madison's second birthday. I made her a super cool gift that I'll post in a few days with instructions once she's unwrapped her gift. In the meantime here...Cookie jar wrapping paper for gifts... »
 
 

Baby stuffed animals

Baby & Kids, DIY Gift Ideas, Sewing Projects, Under $10, Under 1 Hour

New mom and fashion maven Rachel Pluto made these adorable animals for her newborn daughter Maya. Taking a cue from Dwell's baby animals that retail $105 for three, Rachel handcrafted these adorable reversible giraffe...Baby stuffed animals... »
 
 

A baby is brewing

Baby & Kids, Parties & Birthdays

Being a big tea drinker these favors from Rachel's baby shower were a big hit with me. A box of Twinings tea was wrapped in fresh green tissue and plastic, tied with printed silk...A baby is brewing... »