Making Memories

I had the opportunity to hold a Craft Night with some wonderful ladies at church.

We had a great time, visiting and crafting...and laughing!

Our craft was a simple sign.

I purchased the wood at Lowe's and had the teenager working cut it into 12 inch pieces.

My awesome husband drilled holes for the ribbon.

Then my crafty daughter and I quickly put a white base coat on the wood, so we would be ready to go at the craft night. 

We had a variety of topics chosen for the signs...addresses, job titles, simple phrases...each one fitting of its author.

I told the ladies that the hardest part of the night was picking what to put on their sign.  Then it was simply drawing lines, placing the stickers, painting the sign, and removing the stickers after the paint dried.  Choosing the perfect ribbon proved to be a little difficult also!

We did have a party crasher....this little fella stopped by with his daddy (our new preacher) and his momma caught him long enough to make an adorable sign with his handprints!

Thanks to the talented ladies at hometalk for providing our new aprons for the evening!  Everyone was sooo excited to receive them!  If you want to host your own hometalk party, they are ready to help!

Simple Chocolate Teacher's Back to School Gift

Last week, these two cuties and I went back to school.  We weren't exactly thrilled, but it was a great summer and we didn't want to complain...

I knew they needed a little something for their teacher.  I also know that teacher's LOVE and NEED chocolate sometimes to get through a particularly rough day!

I used some Crystal Light drink mix containers and filled them with chocolate.

First, I wrapped the container with scrapbook paper, cutting where it would fit all the way around.  I used a glue stick to stick it on a wrapped a rubber band around to hold it in place while it dried.

Next, I used washi tape around the top and bottom of the paper to hold it down.  Plus, washi tape is just fun to use!

To hold the container onto the desk (I envision under the desk so little hands can't get into the stash), I used magnets that came on the top of my phone books.  I recycled them by cutting them into strips and hot gluing them onto the container.

Last, I made labels for the top that read "Because sometimes you just NEED a little chocolate!"  All of the teachers loved these as we handed them out at Back to School Night!

And, yes, I did make one for my desk!  And a few for my fellow high school teacher buddies.  They were a hit with them, too!

A Piece of Family History

Last summer my mother got a new fence for her backyard. Which meant, obviously, that the old fence would need to come down. The backyard holds memories of birthday parties, friends hanging out, family gatherings, and celebrations.

I had her save some of the fence pieces to create a memento for my sister, brother and myself. Our childhood backyard fence made into art.

I got four fence pieces and had them reattached back together and cut into three sections. I then used a vinyl outline of the word "family" to paint each section, choosing a different font for each.

I finished up the artwork just in time for Easter weekend. I was so excited to present them to my sister and brother. I can't wait to see where they display theirs, and where I decide to put mine!

Valentine's Fun

I remember writing out Valentine cards when I was little, picking just the right one for my friends and one that wasn't too icky for the boys in the class.

I enjoyed helping the kids get their own cards ready this year. They actually had their Valentine party at school on Friday. So, we can share what they did today!

Of course Daniel needed a Star Wars card. I found an awesome design on pinterest and just enlarged it a little for our needs. We also found his box design on pinterest.
He was so cute, concentrating so hard writing all the names on the cards.

Olivia wanted an owl themed card, and I found a great one on Living Locurto. This gal has lots of cute downloads, tons of them are free! We made Olivia's box with the Hello Kitty Cricut Cartridge.
We had a close call with the snow last night, but we're off to school for a fantastic Valentine's Day!

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My Old Kentucky Home

Yes, that is ME KariAnne is talking about!!! She just made my day!!!

KariAnne is my hand-waving, fellow country club member, Book Club member, Girl Scout momma, expert decorator and crafter friend!

My daughter is always making up songs. She made up one recently about a purple pineapple, it has become her signature song, just ask her friends. I made a canvas using KariAnne's technique for her room.

What does 2012 hold?

A dear friend of mind gave me the coolest idea from Pinterest.
Our goal is to fill this big ol' jar with wonderful memories from 2012! Let the memories begin!

Lilly Pulitzer Project

My sister, Paige, and I adore Lilly Pulitzer clothes. The problem is we're a big too frugal to purchase them new! We scour the coolest 2nd hand shops in St. Louis (Scholarshops) each Spring and can only find the cute skirts in size 2 or 4, NOT happening!

I got the idea to get some Lilly fabric and make some cool things for my sis for Christmas. I looked over the internet, found some neat fabric, but the urge never hit me to actually follow through with placing an order. Then I got the idea to have Paige purchase a slightly used skirt, no matter what the size. She admitted she felt a little weird buying this size 2, even if it was just $12!

I loved the colors and the different options the skirt presented me with. I quickly made a list of all the different options I had....jewerly, decorated frame, mouse pad....

I finally ended up making a bracelet, using squares of the fabric and mod podge. I also made pendants with Diamond Glaze and a glass square. Last, I made a couple of pony tail holders by making covered buttons and slipping them on blank pony tail holders. I gave them to Paige for Christmas.
I only used about 1/2 the material and want to make some things for myself and Olivia. I figure if you can't buy a Lilly dress, you can dress up what you do have with a few Lilly accessories!

Tote Bag to Pillow

A couple of weeks ago I went to a conference for work. It isn't unusual to get a tote to carry all of the handouts and catalogs we get. I've got plenty of totes like this.

I started thinking... this tote is made out of canvas....canvas is so popular right now...I could use this canvas for something...

First, I cut the handles off to be used on a project later, then I cut the bag down the sides by the seams. I then turned it inside out and sewed again right beside those seams. I also stitched down the little flaps at the bottom of the bag. So far so good.

I cut out a design on my Cricut and used the outline as a template for my Santa. I used Martha Stewart's new paint from Plaid, found at Michael's. It is great paint!

Since I'm not the greatest seamstress, I just created an envelope style cover and stuffed it with stuffing. I folded over the top and tacked it down with pins, for it's temporary use over Christmas.

I've also gotta sneak in a picture of my little Indian from his class play last week! He did an awesome job with his lines!

Linking up with these parties:

Thankful

Today I am thankful for a husband who spends quality time with his children. Even if it means he might miss the "big buck" because they are too loud in the hunting stand!
I am also thankful for kids who can find creative things to do on a rainy afternoon. Olivia talked Daniel into making their own indoor rivers/streams, complete with a steamboat to travel from one to another!

Fall Table Setting

One of my most creative friends, KariAnne, created this tablescape. I only assisted with the vinyl for the plates, but wanted to share her wonderful creation. She picked out several "thanks" themed Bible verses. We then printed them flipped, so that they could be applied to the backs of the plates, for less yucky eating!

The whole table looks beautiful! This table runner has me motivated to create one for myself.