to the left, to the left, to the right, to the right . . . let me see your crayon roll!

It's simple.  It's classic.  It's something every child can use.  It's the crayon roll . . . marker roll . . . colored pencil roll.  Who knew a roll could be so versatile?  I think it may be my first craft till Christmas.  I've looked a patterns on multiple crafting blogs, and they all claim that this is one of the easiest projects out there.  One blogger said, "Anyone with a sewing machine can make a crayon roll."  Anyone?  Really?  Hmm . . . I am going to be testing that theory. 

Here are a few variations on the nifty little craft that "anyone with a sewing machine can make."  If you have a sewing machine why not join me in testing this theory.

First, I like Cocoa's crayon roll pattern at Chocolate On My Cranium mostly because I like chocolate and also because I credit Cocoa with giving me the basic skills necessary to make my own blog template.  Thank you Cocoa!

Second, I'm a big fan of Skip To My Lou's crayon roll with vinyl.  Cindy provides three variations on the crayon roll.  You can find links to the other two patterns by clicking the crayon roll with vinyl link.  

Cindy's Crayon Roll - SO CUTE!

Last, but of course not least, I'm loving Serena's version of the roll at Nap Time Crafts.  She actually used Cindy's tutorial but with different dimensions to come up with the colored pencil roll.

So now that I know the craft, I just have to pick the version that's easiest, find my materials and start. 

Craft on! 

in the beginning . . .

Beginnings are full of anticipation . . . full of questions. As I begin my experiment in crafting, I am full of questions:
Can I actually do this?
Do I have the time?
Will the things I make be recognizable?
What craft will I start with?

This last question is the one I will tackle first because I can't begin until I have something to begin with. I have decided to stick to four criteria for the first craft:
1) Easy
2) Fun
3) Easy
4) Fun

I need something easy and doable so that I have some sort of a sense of accomplishment. I need something fun because . . . well, what's the point if it's not fun.
Here are a few of the sites I've been poking around for the inspiration for my first craft till Christmas.

Cindy at Skip To My Lou made these delicious looking felt foods.

I can already imagine my youngest dragging this sweet little doll house by Dawn around the house.

These creative clothes pin dolls found at Angry Chicken would go smashingly with the doll house.

Here's an adorable little monkey from Larissa and mmmcrafts

I love just about everything from Jaime's site Nothing Fancy, but I'm especially fond of her doll bassinet. It was my goggle search for a doll bassinet pattern that led me to Jaime's site.

So . . . what craft will be my first? Any suggestions?  Craft On!