I've been working on some projects for Zoe for this summer. It's not warm enough for the splash park or the pool just yet, but the days are getting longer and needing to be filled.

I was at Ikea a couple weeks ago (because they have free babysitting as long as you stay in the store) and I needed to get some homework done. After I picked Zoe up, we wandered around the marketplace and I came across their fabric selection. Their fabrics are a thicker weight cotton, probably upholstery weight. Well I saw this cartoon/sketch fabric, called TIDNY and had a great idea, this would be the best coloring page. You could use it outside, inside or even as a tablecloth at parties!

I bought one yard at which makes the size 59x36 inches, minus 1/4" on each side for the finishing. I came home and serged the edges so they wouldn't fray in the washing machine. If you don't have a serger, you could fold over the edges and stitch them, or if you don't have a sewing machine, you can use fray check. 

We bought a pack of washable markers and Zoe went to town. She's been coloring on it for over a week and we still haven't filled up the whole thing. The thicker cotton means that the markers don't bleed through. We haven't washed the whole thing yet but I tested one of the edges and the marker came out just fine.

** Updated 5/29/13: Last night I threw it in the washer for the first time. She has been coloring on the sheet for almost 2 weeks, so those colors have been in there a long time., The first wash got 98% of the color out, there were a few pink spots leftover and 2 spots where she colored with non-washable marker. I washed it a second time and all the color came out, except for the places she didn't use washable markers. So just make sure your kids are using washable markers (We use Crayola) and you should be good!**

This is a great, reusable way to keep the kids entertained. Zoe likes spreading it out on the floor and picking which area she gets to color next.

If you don't have an IKEA in your area and are interested in a giant coloring sheet, let me know, I've been thinking about putting a few of them in my shop. 

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO,

Holly & Co.