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!

Happy 2012!

Well, Christmas came and went without a new post from me. We had a fabulous time, celebrating Christ's birth with family! Now we are in the new year and everyone seems to have the "clean and update your house" bug!

We have a few goals at our house right now...

1. Hang a shelf in Daniel's room that has been sitting in his closet for YEARS! (Done, yesterday!)

2. The shop class is building a locker type storage system for my mudroom/back entry way. Can't wait to get it painted and put in place.

3. I got a beautiful new comforter at Dillard's New Year's Day Sale! My awesome cousin is coming this weekend to paint my master bedroom and bathroom, which is way overdue!

4. Huge goal...we have a bonus room upstairs...craft & hunting storage, extra tv, computer area, Jeff's desk, etc. I want to get someone to build a wall to separate it into two areas. We also have attic space that we need access to...hoping someone can build me a door up there and finish off some much needed storage space!

Whew...lots of goals. Little by little it will get done!

5. I need to post some of the gifts I made for Christmas!

Happy 2012!

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.

The Letter of the Week is...

P for Peanuts!
(Uncle Steven, I have on my Jedi shirt!)