Extreeme Makeover: Stroller Addition

I have never been more excited to write a blog post!

 

My family is planning a trip to an ammusment park and I was trying to think of ways to make our stroller stand out so it will be easy to find.  I've heard all the tips about tying a scarf or whatever to the handle, but i really wanted a GREAT way for it to be MINE.

So i searched online for people who have done a makeover on their stroller.  Surly there would be *something* on pinterest.  

 

NOPE.

There were people with much more time and energy and brain power than i who actually took all the fabric pieces off and made new ones with cute fabric but there was no way that was going to happen.  And i saw a few people who used fabric spray paint to touch up their sun faded stroller.  And I saw one woman who painted a design on a cheap umbrella stroller.

But i wanted more. I  wanted a completely new stroller.

SO i decided to just go for it!  The stroller only cost me $14 so i really did not have anything to loose.  

So i picked out a color scheme and went shopping for paint.

Then i removed the cover (washed it) and taped off any part i did not want painted (including on the cover, like the clear parts). 

 

Then i set to work.  I painted all the plastic parts with a plastic spray paint.  The hardest part about this was being patient and letting it set for the 48 hours before putting on the clear top coat!  SO hard to wait, but i wanted to do it right!!  After the 48 hours i covered everything with a protective clear coat (used the whole can).  Then i let that dry.

 

Next i mixed up my fabric paint using Textile Medium.  You can find it in the paint section.  (side note, i ran out of mine (i've had the same bottle for 7 years now) and had to get more for this project and it was HARD to find.  Micheals, walmart and joanns all did not have it here.  Hobby lobby had a small bottle that wasn't enough for me, but i finally found a large bottle for $10 at Craft Warehouse)  You mix the textile medium with your acrilyc paint to make it a fabric paint.  The ratio is 2 parts paint to 1 part medium.
I saw a DIY where you could make your own fabric spray paint so i tried that first.

well, it didn't work that great.  It wasn't a fine mist and so i had to use a paint brush to apply.  So i didn't even bother trying to spray the fabric.  Now, if your plan was to do your stroller in 1 color only, you might have been able to get it to work (or use the commercial kind).  But that was not my plan.  So painting i did.

A tip, it would probably be easier to do this if you chose similar tone colors.  Trying to do a light color over dark meant a lot of coats of paint (3-4). 

But in the end i thought it looked pretty good.  It actually looks a lot like leather!

Then i set to work painting the rest of it.  I'm sorry at this point i stopped taking pictures. I was too absorbed in what i was doing!  But i painted under the canopy next (make sure you cover what you just painted so you don't get drips!! learned that quickly) Then once that was dry i did the outside in tan (very tricky since i had it on the frame, but i was silly and had removed the tape from the frame protecting it).  Then i painted the outside of the canopy which actually took quite a bit of paint.

NOW, my big plan was i wanted to paint a chevron pattern onto the main body (seat part) of the stroller.  Well, when i was out and about trying to find the Textile Medium i found almost a yard of teal chevron fabric in the remnants section for less than $4!  SCORE!  So i had a change of plans and instead sewed up a stroller pad (got the idea here). 

The pad was pretty easy.  I laid some brown paper in the stroller to make my pattern.  I made the pad with 2 different fabrics to give different looks if i wanted.  I then marked where the buckles woudl go through and did a zig zag stick (very thick) all around the place i would cut (like a button hole).  Only mistake i made was i had removed the bukles from the straps so my holes are too small to use with the buckles on!  OOPS!

I then also made a new 'saddle bag' since the one it came with didn't paint well and i didn't like.  It was a little tricky but i was able to make it work.

So now we come to come completed stroller!  Sure, it's not perfect (really hard to do fine detail painting, and the trim was hard to paint, it kept soaking it all up!) but i really love how it turned out!

 

The lovely Rainbow modeling her new stroller
(remember i do not use real names on this blog)

Detail shots

 

 

 

The fold is a little stiffer now from the paint but still works.  It will fold smaller but i forgot to lift the basket out of the way.

And the finer details where things were not so perfect

the trim was tricky.

As i said, the trim didn't turn out great.

It was really tricky to pain the straps.

I noticed after the base coat dried completely that i had a little bit of cracking on the tray.  I was out of the paint color though so i just clear coated the heck out of it.

I was trying not to pain this black trim, but that didn't happen. 

 So there you have it!  You don't have to live with a boring stroller if you do not want to!  I will make updates as i start using her and let you know how she wears :)  (i just finished yesterday!)  If you have questions, just leave a comment below and I'll try to get to them as quickly as i can :)

Personally, i think she's lovely!  Now to just come up with a name!

A side safety note.  Do NOT ever makeover your car seat.  Doing so is a danger to the function of the seat and will void your warranty.  No aftermarket products allowed.  Changing the fabric, adding pads (strap covers or bundle mes included) are all not allowed.  They are not made to manufacture specifications (like fire retardancy which is very important in an accident, just read this mom's story and see her pictures) and not crash tested (do *not* believe the things you read on the packages in the store.  There is NO standard for them to test them).  And there is no guarantee that the harness slots on a new cover are in the correct position.  Even being off a 1/2 inch could change the harness fit on your child.  Graco once recalled a line of seats because they found that the padding on the covers was 1/4" too thick.  That is how important it is.  Please do not alter your car seat.

Spring E-Book Sale on must have titles!

As a reader reminded me, i promised to do better on posting and would try to post once a month.  I guess that month is up! lol  I've been a bit busy.  At the beginning of the month i actually traveled across the country to visit a new friend and her new little one.  It was great to see her, and great to have a mini vacation (10 day!), but it is good to be home again.

I don't have much time to talk though because i'm getting ready to do a Green Family Expo tomorrow (My booth will be H2O at Home which i STILL need to talk about). 

BUT i did want to share a great deal that i found with all of you.  Right now there is a sale going on until TUESDAY the 23rd.  You can get 30 e-books for only $39!  And they all sound pretty awesome!  I just ordered mine and i just need to dowload them now.  You can read them on your computer and you can send them to your e-reader (like the Kindle) for reading on the go. 

So go to Village Green Network and order yours now!

Here are the titles and descriptions of the books included in this sale (which is 90% savings!)

Grain-free Breads, Snacks & Desserts
Jill Tieman of Real Food Forager

Learn how to bake with gluten-free, grain-free flours in place of wheat. Properly prepare nuts and seeds for easy digestion. Make yummy snacks and treats that actually provide nutrients and are a positive addition to the diet.

The Eczema Cure
Emily Bartlett of Holistic Squid

Learn how to heal eczema from the inside out with real food. How to "put out the fire" that causes your itchy, red, oozing rash -- and step-by-step guidelines for how to get started. Includes detoxifying recipes!

DIY Natural Household Cleaners
Matt & Betsy Jabs of DIY Natural

Learn how to make all your own homemade cleaning products using simple, natural ingredients. These green cleaning recipes take the guesswork out of using essential oils so you can finally utilize their beneficial cleaning properties. Over 60 natural cleaning recipes for every room in your home!

Get Your Fats Straight
Sarah Pope of The Healthy Home Economist

Sarah identifies how the low-fat movement got its start and the devastating effects it is having today. She beats back the arguments for eating low-fat and presents simple, practical advice on what you need to do to regain your health.

Nourished Baby (Completely Revised)
Heather Dessinger of Mommypotamus

Did you know that feeding our children "sacred foods" often prevents the need for braces and can heal cavities? This completely redesigned book features 15+ brand new baby/toddler-friendly recipes including healthy chicken nuggets and bunless sloppy joes!

Skintervention
Liz Wolfe of Cave Girl Eats

All you need to know about healing and beautifying skin, hair, nails, teeth, and everything in between. Whether you deal with acne, eczema, or weak hair or nails, or you simply want to know what to use and why, this guide can help you. It's about taking care of yourself from the outside-in AND the inside-out.

Real Food Nutrition FOR KIDS!
Kristen Michaelis of Food Renegade

Want to teach your kids about real food? Child-friendly lessons inspired by the work of Weston A. Price. A beautiful book full of fun illustrations, coloring pages and activities for younger children.

 

Awaken: 30+ Egg-Free and Grain-Free Breakfasts
Karen Sorenson of Living Low Carb One Day At a Time

Breakfast ideas for those with egg allergies -– perfect for low carb, Paleo, Primal, gluten-free, grain-free, egg-free or dairy-free diets. Takes the guess work out of stocking your grain-free pantry.

Eat For Heat
Matt Stone of 180 Degree Health

Are you tired all the time? Have cold hands and feet? Lost your sex drive? Eat for Heat teaches you how to feel better by reducing beverage consumption, and to overcome your phobias about salt and sugar.

Diet Recovery 2 (Completely Revised)
Matt Stone of 180 Degree Health

Can "eating healthy" make you sick? Diet Recovery 2 is the completely revised guide to breaking free from the empty hunt for the perfect diet and the counterproductive pursuit of losing weight. Learn how to ditch dieting, relax and "eat the food" -- and balance your metabolism and get healthy.

Real Food For Real Life
Emily Benfit of Butter Believer

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the "food rules" out there, you'll love this brand new book about eating healthy, without letting food take over your life. Real food is supposed to be simple! Get back to the basics and check perfectionism at the door, while learning the hows and whys of feeding yourself and your family healthy, whole nutritious foods.

Indulge and Heal: 40 Treats Without Grains, Dairy, Nuts and Refined SugarLauren Geersten of Empowered Sustenance

Discover new grain-free recipes for the SCD, GAPS, and Paleo Diet! Resources and tools for natural healing -- and support and encouragement for a holistic lifestyle.

The Homemade Handbook
Lindsey Gremont of Homemade Mommy

If you want to be inspired to learn to cook real food and to have the courage to experiment in your kitchen with new flavors and techniques, this e-book is for you! Packed with real food cooking tips and techniques from roasting to fermenting + 60 real food food recipes to get you started and test your new skills
 

Fast Paleo Top 100 of 2012
James Gregory of Fast Paleo

The 100 absolute best Paleo and Primal recipes from Paleo bloggers and enthusiasts around the web in one great e-cookbook. Fast Paleo Top 100 of 2012 includes everything from breakfast to slow cooker meals to baked goods and desserts.

From Your Freezer To Your Family: Slow Cooker Freezer Recipes eCookbook
Stephanie Brandt Cornais of Mama & Baby Love

This e-cookbook is full of great recipes that go straight from the freezer to the crockpot. It's also a complete beginner’s guide to real food. All recipes are 95% grain-free, gluten-free and dairy-free.

The Nourished Metabolism
Elizabeth Walling of The Nourished Life

Want healthy hormones? Learn why you should stop dieting TODAY, how to balance nutrients and energy for the optimal metabolism, a balanced eating plan that doesn’t restrict food groups, myths about sugar, salt and water -- and much more!


 

Real Food Ingredient Guide
Kelly the Kitchen Kop

Do you want to use more nutritious ingredients in your kitchen, but feel confused about which ones to choose? Do you need help deciphering food labels at the store, or knowing which foods to buy at your local farm? Get Kelly's help in this eye-opening, handy referenece manual.

Real Food 101
Kendahl Millecam of Our Nourishing Roots

Are you new to real food? Real Food 101 is a visual companion to Nourishing Traditions-style foods full of step-by-step tutorials with color photos that will teach you how to prepare real food easily and confidently!

The Almond Flour Sweet Treats Cookbook
Stacey Duncan of Nourished For Free

More than 100 delicious and Paleo-friendly sweet recipes using almond flour, coconut flour, natural sweeteners such as raw honey, coconut sugar, stevia, dried and fresh fruits... pastured eggs, coconut oil, coconut milk, fresh and dried coconut, grassfed raw butter, milk, and cream, sprouted nuts and seeds.

Toxic Free: 70 Recipes for a
Toxic-free Home
Robin Konie of Thank Your Body

Many of the ingredients found in commercial cleaning and personal care products have been linked to health problems. From infertility to cancer, the toxic chemicals that threaten our health are some of the most common things we put directly on our skin! Are you ready to ditch the toxic garbage for good?

Nourishing Our Children
Sandrine Love of Nourishing Our Children

Based on the nutritional principles of Dr. Weston A. Price, this book covers dietary principles for parents before and after conception, problems associated with modern processed foods, and vital information about water and fluoride, traditional fats and oils, milk, soy, vital nutrients, and healthy meal preparation.

Indulge: 70 Grain-free Desserts
Carol Lovett of Ditch the Wheat

Take all the guesswork out of making scrumptious baked goods that are grain-free, dairy-free, cane sugar free, and Paleo/Primal friendly. Over 70 + recipes and 162 pages of content. All recipes are dairy free and adhere to Paleo principles.

Simple Natural Health

Nina Nelson of Shalom Mama

A simple, comprehensive guide to natural health: nourishing your body with herbs, nutrition and fitness. Use herbs for upset tummies, sore throats and a whole host of other ailments – and in conjunction with diet to prevent illness.

Afternoon Tea: Grain, Nut, Dairy and Refined Sugar-Free

Suzanne Perazzini of Strands of My Life

107 pages of beautifully photographed treats that are all grain-free, nut-free, dairy-free with no refined sugar. Every recipe includes two photographs alongside clear and easy to follow instructions.

Toadally Primal Smoothies

Todd Dosenberry of Primal Toad

Do you enjoy smoothies? Do want to feel awesome and be able to do the impossible? Toadally Primal Smoothies contains 150 mouth-watering, healthy smoothies that follow Primal/Paleo/WAPF eating guidelines, including 70 low carb smoothies.

Garden and Preservation Planner

Brenda Scott of Well Fed Homestead

Planning, planting, growing, weeding, tending and harvesting a garden is a lot of work! This guide will help you think through what you really need to grow, where to grow it, how to grow it, and how to preserve it.

Restocking the Pantry

Kresha Faber of Nourishing Joy

Make your favorite condiments at home -- without sacrificing the store-bought flavor you love! Avoid high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, and food additives. Save money, have fun, and teach your children how to cook. These recipes are all easy to make & kid-approved!

The Grain Free Lunch Box

Jolene Sloam of Yummy Inspirations

Lunch Box Nutrition – what to include plus tons of tips. Lunch Box Organization & Planning – strategies to keep you organized. 50+ Grain, Gluten, Nut, Dairy & Refined Sugar Free Recipes – kid-approved meat, chicken, fish, egg recipes and a rainbow of vegetable and fruit ideas and delicious baked treats.

Tutorial: How to save your toilet paper from your toddler!

 

So i have an almost 23 month old.   If you have one of these around then you are probably in the same boat as me.  They find the toilet paper FASCINATING.  When they are going potty they have to use 1/2 the roll to wipe and when they are bored it always brings entertainment.  For my daughter it probably does not help that her grandma bought her the Curious George movie for Easter and in it is a scene where he fills the entire bathroom with toilet paper.  Monkey see monkey do lol!

Anyways, i'm fed up with the toilet paper waste (it would be one thing if she just unraveled it but most times she shreds it as well) so i started thinking of a plan.  I had this idea in my head for a while (i don't know if in the past i saw a picture of something like this or what), but i just haven't found the time yet to do it.  Well, this last weekend i've been working on re-decorating my bathroom and i figured that now it was time.  I had the sewing machine out, i had left over fabric from another project in the bathroom, there was nothing stopping me.

So i popped a movie in the my daughter and got to work.
(this is my first ever tutorial so sorry if it's not the best)

Materials needed:
Fabric
elastic
buttons (3 or 4)
Thread and needle (to sew on buttons)
Sewing machine (although you could do this by hand)
Ribbon

The fabric i had to work with.  I found it for $4 a yard at a local store and bought it to starch to the wall behind my shelves.  Part of my bathroom re-do.  I also painted the shelves and got the new shower curtain ;)

Cut your fabric out.  I don't know what size you'll need cause i wasn't smart enough to measure it LOL!  I just happened to have the EXACT amount of fabric left over to do this project.  Didn't have to cut or anything.  (Ignore the two strips on the bottom, i didn't end up using them.)

For you to do this project you will want one piece of fabric that will wrap around your roll of toilet paper completely (a new roll) with a little bit to spare (maybe 1/2 an inch) for a seam allowance.  And you want it twice as wide as the roll as you will be folding it in half.

For the 2nd piece you'll want it a little bit bigger.  You will see why in the pictures below. 

fold smaller piece of fabric in half lengthwise and then stitch around

when you get to the end, leave a gap, about 2 inches.

Turn right side out

Use long pointy thing to turn out corners.  Chopsticks work.  Or if you're lazy like me use what you have on the table, like a star on a stick.

If you just happen to have your iron out from other projects you can use it to press your fabric to make the next step easier.  Normally i don't even bother though.

top-stich around

add a loop of elastic at one end and stitch in place

then very precisely figure out where you want your button. 

sew button in place.  Ta da!!

I added 2 more buttons so as the roll gets used up the cover will still fit.  As i put my design to the test i might have to add another button.

cover in action!  on the last button.

NOW, for the next little project.  A holder for your extra roll of toilet paper!  You will need that 2nd piece of fabric and then some ribbon. 

First you want to take your square of fabric and fold it in half right sides together and stitch around like you did before leaving a 2 inch gap (sorry i do not have pictures).  Then you want to turn it right sides out (use your star again for the corners!) and then press.

measure out your ribbon.  You will want extra length past the fabric like shown.

make sure before you sew the ribbon down that you seal the ends by burning them. Once the ends are sealed you want to top-stich around the entire square and by doing so stitch the ribbon down the sides.

Now all you have to do is tie the 'sling' to your toilet paper roll holder bar thing and then slip a roll in! 

And then the best part about the extra roll holder is that when your toilet paper is in use above it will hold your toilet paper cover so it will not fall on the floor :)  Easy-peasy!

And there you have it!  I haven't yet tested this against the toddler but i think it will work!  At least the cover should ;)  The extra holder might not work until she's a little older but we'll see.  But i love it!  So much that i took 1/2 my day (and 2 movies for my daughter) to make this tutorial for you :) Enjoy!  I would love to see your creations as well!  (and comment below and tell me how i did!)