tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29416079213957076562024-03-19T05:32:54.860-04:00Shady Tree DiaryMy little way of sharing.Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-53460097787224692922013-02-16T09:50:00.001-05:002013-02-16T09:50:31.091-05:00Old Postcard in a Frame<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As I was <span style="font-size: small;">going through <span style="font-size: small;">a few boxes in my attic (and let me tell you there are sooooooo many to go through!) I came across this <span style="font-size: small;">old postcard that I bought at <span style="font-size: small;">an antique store several years ago.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span>I remember there were boxes of old postcards there and I thought they were so intimate. Each had been written to someone along the road of life, and I remember thinking that it seemed so intimate to be able to read someone else's mail. Like I shouldn't be getting this little glimpse into the life and friendships of another. This particular card was among the first few I glanced at, and I so identified with the saying that I bought it. Isn't it the truth? I have found as I have gotten older that my quantity of friends may be increasing, but my true friends remain the same. The cherished ones. The reliable ones. And no matter how many friends you have on Facebook, or Twitter, or on your block, those true friends are always the same few. The saying strikes me even more than it did 15 years ago when I purchased this card. </div>
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My intention was to frame it for my home.</div>
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I wonder how old Mrs. Teague was when she received this postcard? </div>
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Well...you can see how long it took me to put my original intentions for this card into action, but the day is finally here. :)</div>
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I gathered an unused frame (one of my favorites ever!), some pretty patterned scrapbook paper, adhesive, and cardstock.</div>
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This picture alone foreshadows how simple this was, but I love that this little quote (and a tiny piece of Mrs. Teague) are now sitting on a side table upstairs.</div>
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I matted the cardstock base with the scrapbook paper, then added the postcard on top. I used basic Tombow Snail adhesive.</div>
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Slip it into the frame and you have a little bit of old mixed with a little bit of new...my favorite combination.</div>
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Take a glance through the old postcards the next time you're antiquing. You never know what you might find that will touch your heart!</div>
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Thanks for stopping by,</div>
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Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com188tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-35368559080176794152013-01-20T20:28:00.002-05:002013-01-20T20:28:53.212-05:00Valentine Re-Cap<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh my goodness, it has been soooo long! Life has been way too busy to blog and my crafting projects are fewer and farther between, BUT...it still comes to my mind and I miss it! In an effort to get back on track, I'm going to try to get back in the groove with a re-cap post on a few past Valentine projects. Valentine's Day has become a favorite "little" holiday for me since my daughter got old enough to participate. Now I look forward to it every year and am always looking for fun new things to incorporate. Hope you enjoy, and let me know if you have any questions!</div>
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Check out some of these fun and easy projects!</div>
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<a href="http://shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentine-heart-garland.html">Felt Heart Garland</a><br />
Great on a mantle, too, but I don't have one of those. :) </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7s1vmNZ0jso/TTzjg9DPnnI/AAAAAAAAAB0/F2gZvruBMGs/s400/Heart+Garland+on+banister.JPG" width="400" /><br />
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<a href="http://shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2012/02/sweet-valentine-treats-little-nugget.html">Nugget Purses</a><br />
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<a href="http://shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2011/01/valentine-word-fun.html">Valentine Word Fun</a><br />
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<a href="http://shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2011/01/quick-valentine-makeover.html">Valentine Tweak</a><br />
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<a href="http://shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2011/01/little-love.html">Valentine Mail Pouches</a><br />
These are my favorite! My family has so much fun writing notes to each other from Feb.1-14. Try it, but beware...you will do it EVERY year forevermore!<br />
<img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7s1vmNZ0jso/TTj5Oz0CvhI/AAAAAAAAAA0/FPRKVytGQjc/s400/Both+mail+pouches.JPG" width="400" /> <br />
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That's enough faves for today. Pick out a few and see how it goes!<br />
Take care,<br />
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Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com154tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-49788718681961954052012-08-01T18:01:00.001-04:002012-08-01T18:01:11.483-04:00Co-Worker Gifts....Early!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello friends! I'm still here! :) This has been the fastest summer of my entire existence...I swear. I don't know where it has gone, but school starts in just 3 weeks for my kiddo and 4 weeks for me. I am already feeling sad!! Many mommas are ready for the routine and truth be told, just ready for their kids to go back to school...but not this one! Yes...I need breaks, yes...we get tired of each other throughout the summer..., and yes...our days aren't always perfect. BUT. I still would rather us be home together than anywhere else. Call me weird, but that's hows I sees it! :) </div>
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I have projects in my mind, yet they don't seem to be materializing these days. Maybe it's the heat, or maybe it's just our busy summer schedule, but I'm a little bummed that a few of those haven't come to fruition. But...I did get this little task completed. One that I will thank myself for throughout the school year when I'm crazy busy and don't have the extra time for things I could have prepared over the summer!</div>
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Do you remember the little birthday gift exchange we do for the teachers and staff at my preschool? Well, to catch you up, each person contributes some small item(s) around $2-$3 to a birthday bag for each staff member each month. This might sound cheapy to some, but it's right up my alley! You would be surprised how many cute little things you get in your birthday bag, and always things you wouldn't have picked up for yourself. I loved opening my birthday bag last year. We have a monthly birthday lunch to celebrate, and open the bags during that time. Last year I made <a href="http://www.shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2012/01/note-card-gift-sets.html">Notecard Gift Sets</a> and <a href="http://www.shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2012/01/lovely-bookmarks.html">Lovely Chipboard Bookmarks</a>, and they were so well-received. I made those throughout the year though, and also picked up things along the way (store bought). For this year, I'm trying to get ahead of the game!</div>
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I picked up several sets of pens and hardback mini-journals from the $1 Spot at Target, and tied them up with a scrap ribbon.</div>
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Then I spotted some super cute decorative pens with coordinating kleenex packets and compact mirrors at Michaels. Score! I picked up several to make little sets of two. I used one of my handy pretty punches to make the tags, stamped a sentiment, and distressed the edges a bit. Let me just say: If you do not have a die cut machine, e-cutter, or something similar, don't fret! Picking up a couple of tag-like punches can REALLY make your life easier for little gifts for friends, co-workers, and teachers.</div>
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These happen to be from Stampin' Up, but you can find cute stamps on the $1 rack almost anywhere, and punches for $10-$12.</div>
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I tied them up with colored raffia that I was obligated to buy from a school fundraiser last year. I hate those things, but it actually came in handy this time!</div>
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So cute!</div>
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They all fit into my bliss of cute, cheap, and easy...so it's good!</div>
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I swear...how did we live without the $1 Spot??</div>
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Have a good one,</div>
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<br /></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com89tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-5476910655776562702012-07-07T16:25:00.002-04:002012-07-07T16:25:48.420-04:00Rainbow Birthday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello friends! Our Rainbow themed 8th birthday party was a big success and fun to put together. I promised that I would share, so be warned of lots of pictures forthcoming! I actually love planning parties for my kiddo, and although the guest list for this one was small (8 girls), I'm starting to think that maybe I would rather pay more and have the party elsewhere??? Terrible, I know...BUT...it's not because I don't thoroughly enjoy planning a themed party. It's mostly because I put so much pressure on myself for everything to be "just right" that I then sometimes forget to enjoy it. So...food for thought for next year, I guess!</div>
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My just-turned-8-year-old loved it, and that's what counts. I put everything together relatively cheaply, which I always strive to do. (Which is why the above mentioned pay-someone-else idea goes COMPLETELY against my grain.)</div>
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We handmade the invites this year, which I like because my kiddo got to help with them. Plus, it's lots cheaper!</div>
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We created these in Word, on a 4x6 card, then I rounded the corners with my paper punch. The kiddo added the rainbow at the top.</div>
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Each girl took home a small favor bag, that again, my kiddo added a few little touches to. Each bag included Skittles, 3 rainbow markers, and a unicorn rainbow lollipop.</div>
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I had a clipboard near the front door where parents could leave a contact number if they were dropping off. This worked really well, and I didn't have to keep up with numbers.</div>
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I whipped up this rainbow pennant....</div>
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...and we hung it over the room where she would be opening gifts and playing a few games. (This is the day before the party, so party stuff was still cluttering up that room!)</div>
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When each girl arrived, she was directed to write down her estimation of our Skittles jar. They dropped their guesses into a little rainbow box from the Target $1 Spot, and then I went through them during cake/ice cream. Our Skittles jar was actually a pickle jar from our recycling bin. I spray painted the lid with primer, then red spray paint. I tied a scrap piece of fabric for the ribbon, leftover from the pennant project. The girl with the closest guess took home the jar. (There were 300!) :)</div>
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We added mini water bottles to the red bucket, as well as napkins in the front. My kiddo decided to have rainbow iced cupcakes for her party with friends, and a rainbow cake for her party with family. I added the paper pennant triangles to the cupcake stand with simple scotch tape. I cut each of them with a Stampin' Up pennant die.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtFc_pEWcb0/T_iXROGHQII/AAAAAAAABOc/0F5Jk4QHo9k/s1600/sand+table.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtFc_pEWcb0/T_iXROGHQII/AAAAAAAABOc/0F5Jk4QHo9k/s400/sand+table.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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We played a few indoor classic games (like Limbo and Hot 'Cloud' ...it was 102 degrees outside), then headed out under a shade tree to make rainbow sand bottles.</div>
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I bought the colored sand at Hobby Lobby, and we cleaned and prepped Propel bottles from our recycling bin. We labeled the lids with each girl's name ahead of time, and stocked up on funnels and measuring cups from the $1 store. The girls LOVED this activity! They were all pretty serious about it, too. Apparently layering sand is serious business. :)</div>
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They all turned out lovely, and I think every girl was proud of her creation!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwMjpVD43RQ/T_iXOlJIBjI/AAAAAAAABOM/gs0O0Yzjs9k/s1600/rainbow+bottle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwMjpVD43RQ/T_iXOlJIBjI/AAAAAAAABOM/gs0O0Yzjs9k/s400/rainbow+bottle.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvttVoJ0qZs/T_iZFbGnnVI/AAAAAAAABOs/qrovUg8U3Jc/s1600/Girls+smile+with+bottles-cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvttVoJ0qZs/T_iZFbGnnVI/AAAAAAAABOs/qrovUg8U3Jc/s400/Girls+smile+with+bottles-cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After cupcakes, ice cream, and gifts, we finished off our fun with a rainbow pinata (a special request from the birthday girl). </div>
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For our large family gathering, we opted for chocolate cake, and added the Skittles rainbow ourselves. My kiddo added all the Skittles (her fave candy), and really loved how it turned out.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-F6M6T0oQI/T_iXP9m1KSI/AAAAAAAABOU/chSCoiOFx2E/s1600/rainbow+cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w-F6M6T0oQI/T_iXP9m1KSI/AAAAAAAABOU/chSCoiOFx2E/s400/rainbow+cake.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lots of fun, a cute theme, and pretty cheap, too. Although I'm an avid scrapbooker, we've made it a tradition the last few years to create a bound photo book of each birthday party (one with family, and one with friends). I always wait for a discount, which happened to be right after the parties, so both books should be arriving soon. They are so much fun to make and are wonderful keepsakes, too. I use <a href="http://www.snapfish.com/">Snapfish</a>, and actually store all of my photos there as well.</div>
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Hope you enjoyed our rainbow themed party ideas!</div>
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Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the web,</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BeLpCgFA-Cw/T_iaQ_1_CUI/AAAAAAAABO0/qvc4GuYLhmA/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BeLpCgFA-Cw/T_iaQ_1_CUI/AAAAAAAABO0/qvc4GuYLhmA/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-19713135530669255582012-06-12T21:37:00.000-04:002012-06-12T21:37:17.182-04:00Skirt to a Bag...Handmade Birthday<div style="text-align: center;">
Our summer is kicking off with birthdays GALORE! So many parties and gifts to buy, including those for my own birthday girl at the end of the month. Whew! Lots of fun, but keeping up with gifts can be costly and stressful at times. I would like for a gift to be fun and useful, but it's hard to know what children want that they don't already have. </div>
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Since all of our parties are for little girls about age 8, I often make purses and bags out of old jeans. I am now getting a few requests from parents that are familiar with them. Apparently they are used and loved by the kiddos, and that's the best reward for those of us that love to create!</div>
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You can see a few of my previous upcycled denim creations here:</div>
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<a href="http://shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2011/09/little-girl-crossover-purse.html">Little Girl Crossover Purse</a></div>
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<a href="http://shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2011/07/upcycled-drawstring-bag.html">Upcycled Drawstring Bag</a></div>
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<a href="http://shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2011/01/denim-girly-purse.html">Jeans Purse</a></div>
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<a href="http://shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2011/02/american-girl-backpack.html">American Girl Backpack</a> </div>
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Fun, right? So simple to make, and you get to upcycle old jeans at the same time!</div>
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For an upcoming birthday, my daughter requested that I make a bag for her special friend.</div>
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I found an outgrown denim skirt (kid sized) in my stash and and immediately pictured a crossover, larger bag...almost like a messenger bag. </div>
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Can you picture this skirt before I embellished it? In my excitement, I forgot to take a 'before' pic. :)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ogLL9KOZSQo/T9fttfqKtuI/AAAAAAAABMc/fzXfLWB-Q-I/s1600/skirt+bag+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ogLL9KOZSQo/T9fttfqKtuI/AAAAAAAABMc/fzXfLWB-Q-I/s400/skirt+bag+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
It was super simple to make!</div>
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First I sewed the bottom of the skirt closed using a matching thread. This didn't need to be cut off like a pair of shorts/jeans. I thought the original hem and little slits on the side looked more authentic, so I just stitched straight across to close up the bottom of the skirt.</div>
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I went through my fabric and came up with 2 coordinating patterns for the strap and cut them to 46". This is long for my daughter(who is of average height), but the recipient of the bag is EXTREMELY tall :), so we decided to add some length. (The 46" includes seam allowances.) I adhered some fusible fleece between the two fabrics to make the strap more durable and a little padded.</div>
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I sewed the straps on opposite sides of the skirt waist, then added the flowers to embellish it a bit.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BJIWvVDYtrk/T9ftrzrYA6I/AAAAAAAABMU/BaT-PUPooEk/s1600/skirt+bag+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BJIWvVDYtrk/T9ftrzrYA6I/AAAAAAAABMU/BaT-PUPooEk/s400/skirt+bag+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I found a "K" brad in my scrapbook stash, so the bag got a little personalized tweak at the last </div>
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minute!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ywZMdf3D9U0/T9ftuknCS6I/AAAAAAAABMk/YnHXbvDqM3U/s1600/skirt+bag+details.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ywZMdf3D9U0/T9ftuknCS6I/AAAAAAAABMk/YnHXbvDqM3U/s400/skirt+bag+details.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a great size for a few books or art supplies, or just to carry miscellaneous on-the-go.</div>
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What do you think?</div>
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Never throw away old jeans and denim skirts. You never know what they can transform into!</div>
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Thanks for dropping in,</div>
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<br /></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com79tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-79915118679456682992012-06-01T20:12:00.001-04:002012-06-01T20:12:18.146-04:00Pet Loss Project<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello friends! It has been too long between posts, and I hope to change that now that school is out and things are settling down a bit. We are working on planning a Rainbow themed 8th birthday party for the end of June, so I hope to share some of our planning and the final details with you as we go along. I'm loving all the cute ideas I'm finding for the Rainbow theme, and anxious to see it all put together!</div>
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On a sad note, my post today is motivated by our family's recent loss of our beloved dog, Riff.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6_mE7sDYU4o/T8dym3QlXLI/AAAAAAAABKk/q-Fpcm0ivF0/s1600/Tubby+outside-Feb+%2712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6_mE7sDYU4o/T8dym3QlXLI/AAAAAAAABKk/q-Fpcm0ivF0/s400/Tubby+outside-Feb+%2712.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Riff.......RIP 4.23.12</span></div>
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Riffer was our fur baby before our human baby came along. He went with us almost everywhere, and really was another child in our house. His death was unexpected after a fall on our stairs, but he lived a long and wonderful life and brought us so much joy and laughter. He was 2 months shy of his 15th birthday, and we feel so blessed to have had him with us for so long and in overall good health. </div>
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So now that I've put the sad part out there, my project today lends itself to celebrating a pet's life after the loss. I hope that our little project might help someone else out there who is dealing with the loss of a pet. In losing Riff, my dear daughter lost a true <span style="font-size: large;">best friend and playmate</span>. As a way to help bring closure to our unexpected loss, we created a "Memory Box" last weekend.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXX1DwmNQ8I/T8lXoF0aTTI/AAAAAAAABK8/TE4FBrSWyYY/s1600/riff+whole+box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXX1DwmNQ8I/T8lXoF0aTTI/AAAAAAAABK8/TE4FBrSWyYY/s400/riff+whole+box.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This is so inexpensive but so completely filled with love that it really gave us a half an hour of laughter, tears, and memories remembering our boy. </div>
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I purchased a smaller-sized Rubbermaid tote (sorry that I ripped off the label and don't know the actual gallon size!) and we got busy with markers, scissors, and colored pencils. We planned to fill our box with Riff's puppy toys, his "blankie", harness, ID tags from our homes, sympathy cards, etc. All of our "Riff Keepsakes". My girl got busy writing phrases, messages, and drawing a picture or two to decorate the box.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3cvB6B4yOtM/T8lYDQV67TI/AAAAAAAABLE/DLgo2tsfyTM/s1600/Riff+box+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3cvB6B4yOtM/T8lYDQV67TI/AAAAAAAABLE/DLgo2tsfyTM/s400/Riff+box+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JxrWrqiAsTo/T8lYF5BgjwI/AAAAAAAABLU/TniQ7yqNe64/s1600/Riff+box-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JxrWrqiAsTo/T8lYF5BgjwI/AAAAAAAABLU/TniQ7yqNe64/s400/Riff+box-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Isn't it sweet? We tried to use some of his many nicknames.</div>
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I adhered each piece to the INSIDE of the box with clear packing tape, which just seemed easier than using contact paper. We really wanted the focus to be on remembering and decorating, and not on the application. The packing tape worked perfectly.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eh1cygIDabc/T8lYlQJuqUI/AAAAAAAABL0/R_VXSJIFYds/s1600/riff+box+picture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eh1cygIDabc/T8lYlQJuqUI/AAAAAAAABL0/R_VXSJIFYds/s400/riff+box+picture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This is a picture of my daughter and Riff on the <a href="http://www.ashestoashes.com/rainbow_bridge_poem.htm">Rainbow Bridge.</a><br />
I used permanent marker to title the top of the box, and then we filled it up. The whole family feels really pleased with how it turned out. Nothing fancy, but <span style="font-size: large;">filled with love.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcsGnKbL3Mw/T8lZofN13nI/AAAAAAAABL8/RL4F-EoYCp8/s1600/Top+of+Riff+box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcsGnKbL3Mw/T8lZofN13nI/AAAAAAAABL8/RL4F-EoYCp8/s400/Top+of+Riff+box.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thanks for stopping by and if you have a cherished pet, give it some extra love today. </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">-Roger Caras</span></i></div>
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Take care,</div>
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<br />Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com79tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-12869279847608849142012-04-02T14:20:00.000-04:002012-04-02T14:20:00.672-04:00{Paper Organization on the Cheap}<div style="text-align: center;">I saw this WONDERFUL idea on Pinterest a few weeks ago and knew that it had to somehow work for me!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.scrapbook.com/gallery/?m=image&id=3089275&type=scraproom&r=1">(USPS boxes turned paper storage</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ipcvcMKAeCQ/T3Sogr4A0QI/AAAAAAAABJ8/A5-cSXi8t9I/s1600/original+Pinterest+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ipcvcMKAeCQ/T3Sogr4A0QI/AAAAAAAABJ8/A5-cSXi8t9I/s320/original+Pinterest+image.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was just listed on a forum at the link above, so that's the best credit I can give.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Isn't this an uber-terrific idea??!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My first thought was scrap and art paper storage for my kiddo in our office area, but it just doesn't fit into my built-ins very well. However, my preschool classroom is low on counter space, and I find myself stacking materials and getting cluttered.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I made my own, and turned it into a "Monday-Wednesday-Friday" file cabinet for my classroom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJkP4JD4HZc/T3SpLuQYcFI/AAAAAAAABKE/sjYMI3N3W2I/s1600/finished+MWF+shelf-side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJkP4JD4HZc/T3SpLuQYcFI/AAAAAAAABKE/sjYMI3N3W2I/s400/finished+MWF+shelf-side.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now I can sort prepped materials, and the best part is......FREE!!! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I used spray paint and scrapbook paper that I had on hand. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I started by cutting one end off of each box, then using duck tape to secure them together. I figured that paint would stick better to duck tape than packing tape. Next I sprayed them with white primer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpurdfuaGso/T3Sp5UsfXiI/AAAAAAAABKM/C8DUCOX8flc/s1600/MWF+shelf-primed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpurdfuaGso/T3Sp5UsfXiI/AAAAAAAABKM/C8DUCOX8flc/s400/MWF+shelf-primed.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I then actually sprayed it with red, but it just didn't cover as well as I would have liked. I decided to go with a basic black instead, since I knew I would be embellishing it a little with scrapbook papers.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I did 2 coats of black, and if you <i><b>really </b></i>look, you can still see some of the original markings on the box, but it's minor. I cut scrapbook paper and printed the days on cardstock, and adhered it to one side with sticky strip. I die cut the stars as an extra.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IRtAWeFnHTw/T3SqgydVE4I/AAAAAAAABKU/MhyJ1qqki7s/s1600/finished+MWF+shelf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IRtAWeFnHTw/T3SqgydVE4I/AAAAAAAABKU/MhyJ1qqki7s/s400/finished+MWF+shelf.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This will really help to keep my prepped materials organized and looking better, and I didn't have to spend any moolah.</div><div style="text-align: center;">What else can you come up using these freebie boxes?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a good one,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yscL0UIqaUo/T3Sq8uZUorI/AAAAAAAABKc/nGfh5HknQoU/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yscL0UIqaUo/T3Sq8uZUorI/AAAAAAAABKc/nGfh5HknQoU/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com137tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-62242573769908877032012-03-27T21:14:00.000-04:002012-03-27T21:14:39.060-04:00{Plastic to Pretty}<div style="text-align: center;">Hello to you! Sorry I've been MIA lately! Life around here seems to be flying by, and I sure have missed the chance as of late to get creative. I haven't been able to post much, or even scour the craft world for all the wonderful ideas out there. I've found that lately I've been putting all of my creative energies into my Pre-K class, although I have a long to-do list of things I'd like to work on around the house. Spring 'sprung' up early 'round these parts, so I've been enjoying watching everything bloom and getting back on the mower. (One of my favorite parts of taking care of our large lot.) I haven't been able to spend as much time in there as I'd like to, but check out the view from my craft room:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOOhYWwLvR0/T3JhvB7T0AI/AAAAAAAABIc/TaMbJItYhvA/s1600/DSCN8262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aOOhYWwLvR0/T3JhvB7T0AI/AAAAAAAABIc/TaMbJItYhvA/s400/DSCN8262.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Isn't that tulip tree gorgeous?? It's a wonderful inspiration (as long as you're actually IN that room, ha!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">So...here's a simple little project I whipped up recently. We have tons of little plastic baskets around our house. You know, the little white ones that come 2-3 in a pack at Walmart for a buck or two? They come in all shapes and sizes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGs0I6B27G8/T3JifKjSteI/AAAAAAAABI8/LGx64oY_tHc/s1600/DSCN8347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGs0I6B27G8/T3JifKjSteI/AAAAAAAABI8/LGx64oY_tHc/s400/DSCN8347.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My daughter has a few around her bedroom, just to keep the little things organized and together. Her headboard has shelves on it, so she keeps a small one there with her nighttime 'necessities': chapstick, a pen, cortisone cream, and of course, a Fairy lipgloss. ;) She uses another for her collection of bookmarks, and so on. I decided they needed a little bit of embellishment!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I chose some ribbon from my stash that matches her room and just started weaving.</div><div style="text-align: center;">What a <span style="font-size: large;">super</span> easy way to make a tiny change and embellish a plain little basket!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WkWXbH5OfA/T3JiYFP-mrI/AAAAAAAABIk/9ex4NaniHOA/s1600/DSCN8342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WkWXbH5OfA/T3JiYFP-mrI/AAAAAAAABIk/9ex4NaniHOA/s400/DSCN8342.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't cut a length of ribbon to start. I just started weaving, and then trimmed it at the end. On the first basket, I overlapped it where the two ends met and they naturally lay flat. You could add a touch of glue or sticky strip if you need to hold the ends down. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VcpoLy2tJpw/T3JijKenWQI/AAAAAAAABJM/DHkmmeCaVoM/s1600/DSCN8349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VcpoLy2tJpw/T3JijKenWQI/AAAAAAAABJM/DHkmmeCaVoM/s400/DSCN8349.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cuter, no? And it actually 'hides' the boring contents a bit as well.</div><div style="text-align: center;">For the longer basket, I decided to tie the ends together in a little knot at a corner. I really like how that looks. Now I can picture favor baskets for birthday parties, little gift baskets for teachers and neighbors, and more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-engT4saeG1w/T3JimMAa4GI/AAAAAAAABJc/-eGJolcnMRY/s1600/DSCN8351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-engT4saeG1w/T3JimMAa4GI/AAAAAAAABJc/-eGJolcnMRY/s400/DSCN8351.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-is4h0u8QbA4/T3Jik8Oo6_I/AAAAAAAABJU/TX6DZwO40LU/s1600/DSCN8350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-is4h0u8QbA4/T3Jik8Oo6_I/AAAAAAAABJU/TX6DZwO40LU/s400/DSCN8350.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">An easy way to spruce up a very plain (but necessary!) item.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8hnUMlkGKrA/T3Jig1V84SI/AAAAAAAABJE/MuUeC9mNujg/s1600/DSCN8348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8hnUMlkGKrA/T3Jig1V84SI/AAAAAAAABJE/MuUeC9mNujg/s400/DSCN8348.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by, and for your patience. I've missed posting, and am looking forward to getting back in the swing of things!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take care,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-adLwTX_47S8/T3JlgDMhRKI/AAAAAAAABJ0/8-B4uGfciSI/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-adLwTX_47S8/T3JlgDMhRKI/AAAAAAAABJ0/8-B4uGfciSI/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-1990421982591576142012-03-01T17:29:00.000-05:002012-03-01T17:29:56.210-05:00{Paper Bag Scrapbook}<div style="text-align: center;">Whew!! I've been MIA lately and I'm not quite sure where the time has gone. I haven't been able to spend as much time in my craft room lately as I would like, but I did manage to get a little 'fix' with these little paper sack scrapbooks. These are so simple, you need VERY few supplies, and they make cute little keepsakes! I've seen lots of them, but never made one myself until one of my days off this week. There may be better ways to make one than mine, but I like the way it turned out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3ACPc6l9DA/T0_3X0A62TI/AAAAAAAABHk/15wdPwVTQFo/s1600/sack+book-front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3ACPc6l9DA/T0_3X0A62TI/AAAAAAAABHk/15wdPwVTQFo/s400/sack+book-front.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I wanted a cutie little place to keep a few of the group pictures from my preschool class this year. I didn't want to buy a photo album, because I really don't have enough pics to fill one. I saw my giant pile of brown paper lunch sacks and thought it was about time to try one of these!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zA_3ihxNMKI/T0_3j-48oRI/AAAAAAAABH0/hLVERkooGUs/s1600/sack+page+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zA_3ihxNMKI/T0_3j-48oRI/AAAAAAAABH0/hLVERkooGUs/s400/sack+page+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcZ1mhanOkU/T0_3yE1ddeI/AAAAAAAABIM/f0DK2URaNxI/s1600/sack+page+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcZ1mhanOkU/T0_3yE1ddeI/AAAAAAAABIM/f0DK2URaNxI/s400/sack+page+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I cut my bags off just above the bottom flap, then put a little glue stick on the open end to keep it together. From there I just added the pictures I wanted, and embellished with scrap pieces of patterned paper. I added a little bit of text here and there, but not a lot. I made it REALLY quick, but I can see doing one in more detail. Cute potential all over the place!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I punched the holes with my Crop-a-Dile, added book rings, and decorated with scrap ribbon. Voila! I think this would be a fun project for kids to make their own little scrapbooks on the cheap. I'm going to suggest them to my daughter's Daisy Troop Leader and I think the girls will love making them. They can make great little keepsakes with cheap scraps and stickers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MwTXvGDUz1s/T0_347rD9RI/AAAAAAAABIU/qU_UohwOqOY/s1600/sack+book+side+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MwTXvGDUz1s/T0_347rD9RI/AAAAAAAABIU/qU_UohwOqOY/s400/sack+book+side+view.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for dropping by!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJBp70Uxrx8/T0_2ZPpsghI/AAAAAAAABHc/Ca-1hJ5C20k/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJBp70Uxrx8/T0_2ZPpsghI/AAAAAAAABHc/Ca-1hJ5C20k/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-70325214498997833882012-02-16T13:46:00.000-05:002012-02-16T13:46:31.728-05:00{Rainy Day Craft Box for Kids}<div style="text-align: center;">I'm fortunate to have a craft room with more than enough space in it for me (it doubles as a spare room, which is rarely used for company). It hasn't always been that way, but the last 3-4 years I've had that luxury and I love it! One thing that I still feel could be better organized though are the craft items for my daughter. Supplies, materials, and items that I wouldn't use for my own crafting but are better suited for hers.</div><div style="text-align: center;">When she was little, I had very little space for that type of thing. I don't have a photo, but I used a door shoe organizer. It was perfect to keep things handy for her, and no one knew about it. ;) Once I got a room of my own, I sorted her craft items into small totes that would fit onto my shelves. I labeled each of them, because they are filled with miscellaneous supplies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_u2Zg4_4gPk/TVQuwyTMCWI/AAAAAAAAAJE/twCZT4a6B9Q/s1600/craft+room+art+box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_u2Zg4_4gPk/TVQuwyTMCWI/AAAAAAAAAJE/twCZT4a6B9Q/s400/craft+room+art+box.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We go to them when needed, and otherwise they are neatly stored out of the way.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lately though I realized that things were getting a bit messy in this area.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Apparently this age group (7-8 yr olds) receive little craft kits for every birthday or holiday. It seems to be the norm, and what ends up happening is we stuff them in with our craft supplies and they get forgotten. <br />
These are just a few of the little kits she has, that we inevitably NEVER get to because they just haven't been very visible or accessible.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rbvpJhDeB4/Tz1Nuy7t6LI/AAAAAAAABHM/_I08EtfNnV4/s1600/rainy+day+craft+pile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rbvpJhDeB4/Tz1Nuy7t6LI/AAAAAAAABHM/_I08EtfNnV4/s400/rainy+day+craft+pile.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We sorted them out, found an unused plastic container, (a file box we already had), and made a label for it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWmK9_yxH-c/Tz1Npp1hBkI/AAAAAAAABG8/4CrJjJc7skc/s1600/DSCN7810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yWmK9_yxH-c/Tz1Npp1hBkI/AAAAAAAABG8/4CrJjJc7skc/s400/DSCN7810.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> The file box actually works really well because it fits nicely on a shelf in her closet. On those days when she isn't sure what to do next, she can easily SEE it now and has the choice to pick one of her craft kits to fill her time.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Super simple way to keep these kits at the ready. (And hopefully get them finished!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iAYsGzLnKhM/Tz1NsN9UiZI/AAAAAAAABHE/qYht-9UW1wU/s1600/DSCN7811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iAYsGzLnKhM/Tz1NsN9UiZI/AAAAAAAABHE/qYht-9UW1wU/s400/DSCN7811.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Anything to keep kid stuff organized and easier for them to get to independently is always a good thing!<br />
Take care,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wXILpugf3-A/Tz1O9Hsg0kI/AAAAAAAABHU/y-hRCsCnebw/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wXILpugf3-A/Tz1O9Hsg0kI/AAAAAAAABHU/y-hRCsCnebw/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> </div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-43602120627357540622012-02-10T21:34:00.000-05:002012-02-10T21:34:50.428-05:00{DIY 18" Doll Sleeping Bag}<div style="text-align: center;">So now that we have TWO American Girl dolls, they will be having sleepovers. :) We have one beautiful handmade doll bed that you can see a little bit of <a href="http://shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2011/03/doll-bed-rag-quilt.html">here.</a> My father-in-law creates beautiful wooden furniture, so we are fortunate to have a bed, table and chairs, and school desk for FREE. (That's the only way we would have those things, believe me. Yikes on the prices!) So, it's actually wide enough that both dolls can sleep side-by-side, but when they are camping out they really need a sleeping bag. ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQAFodR6daQ/TzXRQcbC6XI/AAAAAAAABGk/1TjmVOrgBlI/s1600/DSCN7519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OQAFodR6daQ/TzXRQcbC6XI/AAAAAAAABGk/1TjmVOrgBlI/s400/DSCN7519.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Again, price the "real" thing and.....it ain't happenin'. My OWN sleeping bag cost only a little more than that. So I grabbed some purple fleece from the clearance remnant rack at Joann's and got started.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I measured it just by laying the doll down and guessing. I think it turned out pretty well. I sewed together 2 pieces of purple for both the front and back side, sliding a thin piece of cotton batting between each of the two pieces. This makes it feel more like a sleeping bag, and it's SO SOFT I want to sleep in it! This doll is camping in luxury!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I sewed scrap ribbon inside of the top piece to use as the roll-up tie. I also sewed velcro along the side, but not the full length of the sleeping bag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbtYxqIZuhA/TzXRPHsJUxI/AAAAAAAABGc/JhJTe1r5ky0/s1600/DSCN7518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbtYxqIZuhA/TzXRPHsJUxI/AAAAAAAABGc/JhJTe1r5ky0/s400/DSCN7518.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I made a little pillow that you can tuck inside before you roll it up. I kind-of wish I had just made the back piece longer, but it's fine this way, too. Live and learn!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I used scrap felt to make the butterfly on the front, and stitched a swirl design freehand to look like the butterfly 'flutter'. It's hard to see that part in this picture. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NMBexXt0QvA/TzXRN32yhsI/AAAAAAAABGU/WQ3CEyrz2TQ/s1600/DSCN7515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NMBexXt0QvA/TzXRN32yhsI/AAAAAAAABGU/WQ3CEyrz2TQ/s400/DSCN7515.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It rolls up nicely and tucks away so it doesn't take up space (and it's easy for her to carry of course).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGyd_8kFlmw/TzXRMUTYrVI/AAAAAAAABGM/CE-8RC8-F6k/s1600/DSCN7514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGyd_8kFlmw/TzXRMUTYrVI/AAAAAAAABGM/CE-8RC8-F6k/s400/DSCN7514.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This cost me about $6 total. The purple remnant I bought was MUCH more than I needed, but it was cheap and I figured I would use it for another project later on. The 'real thing' is in the $30's, without S&H, so I'm counting it as a score.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And look....she must like it because she's sleeping so peacefully!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--bhwSXyBmFM/TzXRR_nq9lI/AAAAAAAABGs/1TjHah7DGtc/s1600/DSCN7521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--bhwSXyBmFM/TzXRR_nq9lI/AAAAAAAABGs/1TjHah7DGtc/s400/DSCN7521.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have so much fun making things for my kiddo to play with, and even more so when it's soooo much cheaper than buying the same thing! I'm rewarded with gratefulness from a sweet girl, and that's really the best part.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Email me if you have any questions about it!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OLNDWvuo_7c/TzXTT5OrpeI/AAAAAAAABG0/P18UbQ8RNqY/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OLNDWvuo_7c/TzXTT5OrpeI/AAAAAAAABG0/P18UbQ8RNqY/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-65424590208534698382012-02-04T20:30:00.000-05:002012-02-04T20:30:03.525-05:00{Sweet Valentine Treats: Little Nugget 'Purses'}<div style="text-align: center;">I made these sweet little treat 'purses' for the staff at my preschool. I love how they turned out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7kaEBVnDsf4/Ty3ZpI6WYOI/AAAAAAAABFc/73fSbj1bEgQ/s1600/nugget+purse+full+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7kaEBVnDsf4/Ty3ZpI6WYOI/AAAAAAAABFc/73fSbj1bEgQ/s400/nugget+purse+full+front.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although they really are more for chocolate nuggets, I just wanted to use Kisses.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I followed the tutorial (mostly) over at <a href="http://www.chicnscratchlive.com/2011/08/hershey-nugget-purse.html">Chic 'n Scratch</a>. She has a great site with TONS of free video tutorials. Whenever I'm drawing a blank in the creativity department I head over there for a little inspiration (and great directions, ha!). </div><div style="text-align: center;">I embossed these with my Cuttlebug, stamped the heart on the front, and punched the circles. The ribbon is from one of those sets on the $1 Spot at Target. I think I might actually have had that ribbon for 3 years. It was time for it to GO finally! It worked great because those rolls are too small to do much with anyway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBCbXruJWSI/Ty3Zr_c3_hI/AAAAAAAABFs/xROQ20T_2f0/s1600/nugget+purse+full+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tBCbXruJWSI/Ty3Zr_c3_hI/AAAAAAAABFs/xROQ20T_2f0/s400/nugget+purse+full+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I ended up adding 3 Hershey Kisses, although only 2 are shown in this pic. I used just a little Tombow Snail to hold them in place, but not make them permanent or hard to pull off. I don't want to have to "work" to get my chocolate! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jLfxAUXZM7c/Ty3ZuEEChYI/AAAAAAAABF8/tqR8gp80p-4/s1600/vday+nugget+purses+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jLfxAUXZM7c/Ty3ZuEEChYI/AAAAAAAABF8/tqR8gp80p-4/s400/vday+nugget+purses+3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">These whip up really quickly and are fun to make. I love to mass produce!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll be placing these on a red platter in the workroom at my school, so each teacher can grab a 'purse' and go!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have some super cute felt foods to share with you next time. Until then, have a great week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BrBEKUdLatk/Ty3bGMu_TYI/AAAAAAAABGE/Jv87mqF7mOA/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BrBEKUdLatk/Ty3bGMu_TYI/AAAAAAAABGE/Jv87mqF7mOA/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-52280763183342271212012-02-01T08:09:00.001-05:002012-02-04T20:18:30.740-05:00{DIY American Girl Tutu}<div style="text-align: center;">Have you priced ballet sets for American Girl? Yikes! We have tons of clothes for our American Girl dolls, and only a few are 'original' AG purchases. The rest are homemade, or purchased from other handmade sellers who are more proficient than I. :) I do like to get free patterns from <a href="http://www.libertyjanepatterns.com/">Liberty Jane</a>, and we've made 4-5 pieces using them. I am not so great at sewing clothes, however, so I look for other sources pretty frequently. We have a favorite Ebay store that I highly recommend for American Girl doll clothes. Email me if you would like the info and I'm happy to share!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sp in lieu of a purchased ballet set, and since her lessons are, in fact, FREE...we improvised and made our own ballet tutu.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today's project is what I like to call "on-the-fly"...meaning I had a random thought to make it, then sat down and fifteen minutes later it was done. Not a lot of thought, which can sometimes be the projects that are the most fun.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">SUPER easy to make for the 18" doll in your life.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's what you need:</div><div style="text-align: center;">scrap tulle</div><div style="text-align: center;">ponytail band,in pink or a neutral color</div><div style="text-align: center;">scissors</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I started by measuring the doll from the waist down to where I wanted the tutu to fall on her legs. My tulle strips were cut (and not precisely) to about 5" long. I had lots leftover from my <a href="http://shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2011/12/fancy-birds-nest.html">Fancy Bird Nest</a>, so I just started cutting on that. It takes lots of strips, so just keep cutting. :) </div><div style="text-align: center;">After you cut your strips, you are basically just going to start tying knots on the ponytail band, all the way around. I thought it was easiest to tie the knots on while the ponytail band was actually around the doll's waist. Slide a strip through...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3uJUD5Zh5E/TyGHtSh3pTI/AAAAAAAABEk/y0QIW8IkDyQ/s1600/sliding+through.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3uJUD5Zh5E/TyGHtSh3pTI/AAAAAAAABEk/y0QIW8IkDyQ/s400/sliding+through.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">...and tie it in a tight knot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDAoA15l5hA/TyGHsK5C4fI/AAAAAAAABEc/qXu6WGyj_HU/s1600/tying+knot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDAoA15l5hA/TyGHsK5C4fI/AAAAAAAABEc/qXu6WGyj_HU/s400/tying+knot.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Slide each knot very close to each other, and the tutu will be fuller. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Just keep doing this all the way around, knotting, tightening, and sliding the knots close together. It's that simple!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3QxES01SSk/TyGHnabLoFI/AAAAAAAABD8/1KEPklr7QfI/s1600/knotted.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3QxES01SSk/TyGHnabLoFI/AAAAAAAABD8/1KEPklr7QfI/s400/knotted.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I left lots of extra at the top of the tutu to start with, so that I could cut it to size and not worry about mistakes. Once I got 4-5 strips knotted, I went back and trimmed the top pieces sticking up to about where I wanted them to stick up above the waist.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHgRnm1GLoQ/TyGHq6myfII/AAAAAAAABEU/r8xWGsTuGp4/s1600/trimming+tops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHgRnm1GLoQ/TyGHq6myfII/AAAAAAAABEU/r8xWGsTuGp4/s400/trimming+tops.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">See how much extra I gave myself? Once you have it all trimmed, it looks like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hll805ZbEuo/TyGIdXMNp3I/AAAAAAAABEs/IxMjReogkmA/s1600/DSCN7095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hll805ZbEuo/TyGIdXMNp3I/AAAAAAAABEs/IxMjReogkmA/s400/DSCN7095.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">So easy, and you now have a tutu for cheap! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FNFmLv3uFBQ/TyGHoRdswDI/AAAAAAAABEE/juYTv87zSws/s1600/complete+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FNFmLv3uFBQ/TyGHoRdswDI/AAAAAAAABEE/juYTv87zSws/s400/complete+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYEkjvd6c6I/TyGHpmlxJGI/AAAAAAAABEM/G-ORfXMn8W8/s1600/up+close+complete.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xYEkjvd6c6I/TyGHpmlxJGI/AAAAAAAABEM/G-ORfXMn8W8/s400/up+close+complete.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We could have purchased the whole ballet outfit for $40-$50, and I know it would have been lovely and quality. (I've been happy with ALL of our American Girl purchases.) BUT...my kiddo doesn't play ballet with her dolls every day, and for that price, I would want her to. It doesn't seem right to MAKE her play ballet everyday (wink), so we went with a modified ballet outfit for only a dollar or two and I don't care what she does with it. (Last time I saw this it was stuffed in a dresser drawer.) :) That's the beauty of kid-projects on-the-cheap, no?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Make one of these for the doll in your life...or show your daughters how and enjoy a project together. Afterward you can meet up at the 'studio' for a lesson and some ice cream afterward. :) </div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a great day,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EcaPo27Zo6k/TyGJsFaxbJI/AAAAAAAABE8/F1ft02kVXpE/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EcaPo27Zo6k/TyGJsFaxbJI/AAAAAAAABE8/F1ft02kVXpE/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-64210867977832116852012-01-27T12:22:00.006-05:002012-02-03T14:41:00.583-05:00{100th Day of School: T-Shirt Project}<div style="text-align: center;">The 100th Day of School!</div><div style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite days of the year as a teacher!</div><div style="text-align: center;">So much fun all day long, and ALL of it is learning!</div><div style="text-align: center;">My preschool class is just a 3-day/week class, so sadly we won't make it to 100 days this year.</div><div style="text-align: center;">As a result, I have to live vicariously through my sweet daughter, who will celebrate her 100th Day of First Grade today!</div><div style="text-align: center;">She really wanted to <span style="font-size: large;">WEAR 100 things</span>, so here's what we came up with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RCJ1RyivlMo/TyGMWzeXQbI/AAAAAAAABFE/7wA9HMO06yU/s1600/DSCN7523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RCJ1RyivlMo/TyGMWzeXQbI/AAAAAAAABFE/7wA9HMO06yU/s400/DSCN7523.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We picked up a t-shirt at Hobby Lobby, along with a pack of safety pins.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I printed onto coardstock large numerals '1' and '0' from Word and cut them out. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I pulled out a strip of scrap denim from an old pair of jeans, and my Wonder Under. (Keeping old jeans is a lifesaver in the craft room! Never buy denim off the bolt again!)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I traced and ironed the numerals with the Wonder Under, and adhered them to the shirt. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Then she counted out 100 safety pins and I stuck them on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfYM5dEzlc0/TyGMYYrhMkI/AAAAAAAABFM/UXaTOaHEr-I/s1600/DSCN7524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfYM5dEzlc0/TyGMYYrhMkI/AAAAAAAABFM/UXaTOaHEr-I/s400/DSCN7524.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">She LOVES how it turned out, which is my favorite part!</div><div style="text-align: center;">She can't wait to wear it tomorrow and I can't wait to take pics for my scrapbook. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">What are your kids doing for the 100th Day of School?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take lots of pics and have fun with it!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take care,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Rfyw-9Msx0/TyGMdB4N3VI/AAAAAAAABFU/8yvbd71CqXc/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Rfyw-9Msx0/TyGMdB4N3VI/AAAAAAAABFU/8yvbd71CqXc/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm linking up to these parties:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ccenter%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com/search/label/Linkey%20Parties%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20style=%22WIDTH:%20150px;%20HEIGHT:%20150px%22%20src=%22http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x343/livinglifeintentionally/TGIFLinkyParty-1.jpg%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/center%3E"></a></div><center><a href="http://livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com/search/label/Linkey%20Parties" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x343/livinglifeintentionally/TGIFLinkyParty-1.jpg" style="height: 150px; width: 150px;" /></a></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com/2012/01/its-hodgepodge-friday-20124.html">It's a Hodge Podge Friday</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://sunscholars.blogspot.com%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20alt=%22For%20the%20Kids%20Friday%22%20src=%22http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PRTs42islCo/Tf10XoXDtEI/AAAAAAAABKY/YYDkjm6elOA/s1600/for+the+kids+apple+small.JPG%22/%3E%3C/a%3E"></a><a href="http://sunscholars.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="For the Kids Friday" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PRTs42islCo/Tf10XoXDtEI/AAAAAAAABKY/YYDkjm6elOA/s1600/for+the+kids+apple+small.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x134/Rczuk0818/fyfbutton.png%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cbr%20/%3E"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x134/Rczuk0818/fyfbutton.png" /></a></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-668090143279836992012-01-25T08:00:00.001-05:002012-01-25T08:00:09.461-05:00{Burlap Hearts Revisited}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7s1vmNZ0jso/TT9_h13Sb8I/AAAAAAAAACw/ei3qQ_Lfa7I/s1600/finished+burlap+heart.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7s1vmNZ0jso/TT9_h13Sb8I/AAAAAAAAACw/ei3qQ_Lfa7I/s400/finished+burlap+heart.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thought I would re-post these cute little burlap hearts from last year. They look so sweet in a small bathroom dish, or with several in an apothecary or antique bowl on the kitchen table. Burlap goes with almost everything!<br />
Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Here's how I made these:</div><div style="text-align: center;">I cut the burlap and some solid red cotton with my standby Nestie hearts (second from the largest I think). Then I stitched them together with red thread, leaving an opening. It actually took more stuffing than I thought, but still not much to fill them. You need a solid color fabric to go between so the stuffing doesn't fall through the burlap.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7s1vmNZ0jso/TT9_gRPAUCI/AAAAAAAAACs/ODPq0VbUpNc/s1600/burlap+heart+pillow-open+end.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7s1vmNZ0jso/TT9_gRPAUCI/AAAAAAAAACs/ODPq0VbUpNc/s400/burlap+heart+pillow-open+end.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7s1vmNZ0jso/TT9_e3LR-vI/AAAAAAAAACo/QNTOL6iMBqQ/s1600/burlap+heart+pillow+%2526+stuffing.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7s1vmNZ0jso/TT9_e3LR-vI/AAAAAAAAACo/QNTOL6iMBqQ/s400/burlap+heart+pillow+%2526+stuffing.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then I finished stitching them up and voila! I love how they turned out. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7s1vmNZ0jso/TT9_dEHYSeI/AAAAAAAAACk/j_TlpgZnSGc/s1600/stack+of+burlap+hearts.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7s1vmNZ0jso/TT9_dEHYSeI/AAAAAAAAACk/j_TlpgZnSGc/s400/stack+of+burlap+hearts.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I used scrap felt, as well as scraps from my <a href="http://shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2011/01/little-love.html">Valentine Mail Pouches</a> to make a few more to add to the mix.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So cute!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-was1nQMF0Kg/TULSP7q5ecI/AAAAAAAAADY/mw06_rRQEi8/s1600/small+bowl+of+hearts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-was1nQMF0Kg/TULSP7q5ecI/AAAAAAAAADY/mw06_rRQEi8/s400/small+bowl+of+hearts.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Take care!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5zkPiVV0Jvs/TxyA_CSKACI/AAAAAAAABD0/4jR2NL-NY8I/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5zkPiVV0Jvs/TxyA_CSKACI/AAAAAAAABD0/4jR2NL-NY8I/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-22044328766953832052012-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-20T08:00:12.366-05:00{Note Card Gift Sets}<div style="text-align: center;">Remember <a href="http://www.shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2012/01/lovely-bookmarks.html">these gifty bookmarks?</a>?</div><div style="text-align: center;">I promised to share more little packages of paper goodness and so I shall.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Another item I've stockpiled for staff birthday gifts are these sets of (4) blank cards/envelopes:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KsXuDIu-_tg/TxN2-ytVoFI/AAAAAAAABC8/vVuCDmepH60/s1600/kraft-turq+cards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KsXuDIu-_tg/TxN2-ytVoFI/AAAAAAAABC8/vVuCDmepH60/s400/kraft-turq+cards.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I made several sets with simple color combos, each one consisting of (2) stamped 'Thank You' cards and (2) stamped 'Thinking of You' cards. The inside of each card is blank so they are flexible and easy to write a quick note. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUed5KvdY9A/TxN3D1Z5rII/AAAAAAAABDM/ODCgLR8aqx4/s1600/cream-green+card+pkg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUed5KvdY9A/TxN3D1Z5rII/AAAAAAAABDM/ODCgLR8aqx4/s400/cream-green+card+pkg.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I topped the cardstock base with an embossed layer, which is a really simple way to add an elegant touch and easy texture to any card. I use Cuttlebug embossing folders, but there are lots of options. I punched the sentiment and scallop circle, and tied jute around the layer. Notice how I used a basic card sketch and just changed the color combinations? It's a really simple layout, but still lovely and great for mass producing. Anytime you can incorporate one element of the card using a punch or die, you go into major time-saving mode.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KO645gIZtQQ/TxN3Hl1JOrI/AAAAAAAABDk/0Ligk9DQe70/s1600/pink-choco+card+pkg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KO645gIZtQQ/TxN3Hl1JOrI/AAAAAAAABDk/0Ligk9DQe70/s400/pink-choco+card+pkg.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VjIcQW-eszk/TxN3FAQ-7AI/AAAAAAAABDU/HqG3tj9-AZY/s1600/kraft-turq+card+pkg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VjIcQW-eszk/TxN3FAQ-7AI/AAAAAAAABDU/HqG3tj9-AZY/s400/kraft-turq+card+pkg.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I added 4 envelopes to each group and packaged them in cello bags with jute ties. Teachers always need a 'Thank You' note at the ready, and 'Thinking of You' applies to everything from a friendly note to a sincere message to a friend in need. I'll be dropping these in the birthday bags next month and I hope they are well received. Each bag is filled with a little love!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Creating!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CpC7CwfFTL0/TxN5jai2u9I/AAAAAAAABDs/-2_pAYM24b0/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CpC7CwfFTL0/TxN5jai2u9I/AAAAAAAABDs/-2_pAYM24b0/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-4366512852487117492012-01-16T08:00:00.019-05:002012-01-28T11:14:05.785-05:00{Lovely Bookmarks}<div style="text-align: center;">A shout-out to all the papercrafters out there! Although I just love {creating}, paper crafting is by far my favorite crafty passion. Scrapbooking, cardmaking, and miscellaneous 3D type projects/gifts really make my heart flutter. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">The last several days I've been in a papercrafting frenzy, making projects right and left. In the preschool where I teach, we do a cool birthday idea for the teachers and staff. Instead of buying a traditional gift for each member of the staff, each month there is a birthday bag for each person who has a birthday that month. Everyone is supposed to add to the bag with an item that is only a $1-$2. At the end of the month we have a birthday lunch, and the birthday girls get a bag full of little goodies.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the idea, because it doesn't break the bank and often I feel like the little things are the most meaningful.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Instead of flying by the seat of my pants so-to-speak and waiting until the last day to add to the birthday bags, I've been stockpiling gifts for the remainder of the school year. I'll try to do a post for each project, so keep checking back for simple, papercrafting goodness!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today I wanted to share these <span style="font-size: large;">sweet bookmarks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkRZwGuUTDY/TxNw5EafaJI/AAAAAAAABCc/8Awwu-QPBX8/s1600/butterfly+bookmarks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkRZwGuUTDY/TxNw5EafaJI/AAAAAAAABCc/8Awwu-QPBX8/s400/butterfly+bookmarks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">These measure 2" x 7", and the base is made from good ol' cereal boxes out of our recycling bin. :)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I adhered quality cardstock over the cardboard, then sanded the edges. I die cut and embossed the butterflies with a Sizzix Die, added a brad in the center, and some lovely ribbon at the top. On a couple of them I also distressed the edges with chocolate ink.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jmg8Ywhpx4/TxNw1uZopRI/AAAAAAAABCE/MS7gw6YqTPw/s1600/butterfly+bookmark+up+close+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jmg8Ywhpx4/TxNw1uZopRI/AAAAAAAABCE/MS7gw6YqTPw/s400/butterfly+bookmark+up+close+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5Wy6GQnX-0/TxNw2_mry-I/AAAAAAAABCM/8c0zRk5yqGE/s1600/butterfly+bookmarks+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5Wy6GQnX-0/TxNw2_mry-I/AAAAAAAABCM/8c0zRk5yqGE/s400/butterfly+bookmarks+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I adhered the butterflies with sticky strip for extra security. I packaged each one in a cello bag, and tied it with raffia. I will add one more tip and say that for bookmarks, I think you definitely need quality cardstock/papers. I use Stampin' Up cardstock for mine because it really is the best in my opinion. It's very heavy, which you need for bookmarks. Lower quality cardstock is fine for other projects, but bookmarks look better and last longer with heavy cardstock. Just a tip! :) It's frustrating to make something lovely and then realize that your paper is just too thin to stand the test of time. (I've been there and done that!)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-F9xPIiRe8/TxN0Zmqu8OI/AAAAAAAABC0/4G_gdo3vgos/s1600/packaged+bookmarks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-F9xPIiRe8/TxN0Zmqu8OI/AAAAAAAABC0/4G_gdo3vgos/s400/packaged+bookmarks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Perfect to add to the birthday bags!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">These are really simple to make, and the original I made myself a few years ago still looks beautiful in each book I devour. :) </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Any homemade gift says "thinking of you", don't you agree? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Look for more easy paper goodness to follow. I've been busy!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have questions.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZV2xmaukQY/TxNydEyv4iI/AAAAAAAABCk/jBAQGTilXFY/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZV2xmaukQY/TxNydEyv4iI/AAAAAAAABCk/jBAQGTilXFY/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm linking up over at:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://whipperberry.com/2012/01/whippercafe-friday-flair-link-party.html">Friday Flair @ Whipperberry</a><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-69407920332633764262012-01-12T13:50:00.005-05:002012-01-19T09:06:12.268-05:00{'All About Me' Booklets for Dolls}<div style="text-align: center;">Santa added a second American Girl doll to our home this year and the fun hasn't stopped. Dare I say that Mom likes all this doll stuff as much as the kiddo does? I hate to admit it, but I get a little pulled in to the tiny realism! My kiddo was wishing out loud for little booklets for each doll to write down their favorite things. Alas, she was writing on PLAIN scrap paper that had no flair at all. <span style="font-size: large;">What???!</span> So I went to my own scraps (the scraps with flair) and came up with these.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QvTjiLB2pXc/TwyBPwSvaBI/AAAAAAAABBU/vOlNVMZ5AJs/s1600/AG+books-fronts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QvTjiLB2pXc/TwyBPwSvaBI/AAAAAAAABBU/vOlNVMZ5AJs/s400/AG+books-fronts.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I made these exactly like <a href="http://www.shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2011/01/inspiration-book.html">my Scrappy Quote Chipboard Book</a> , I just changed the size. Again, I used cereal boxes as my chipboard, and adhered scrapbook paper to both sides of that to make the front and back covers.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I created the pages in Word, and printed them on white cardstock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6Oo_IfTc7M/TwyEShkBP4I/AAAAAAAABBc/8D0E_uGiVM0/s1600/AG+book+page.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6Oo_IfTc7M/TwyEShkBP4I/AAAAAAAABBc/8D0E_uGiVM0/s400/AG+book+page.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One likes horses and one is from Hawaii. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8RFwSbi0ww/TwyEl8QdRAI/AAAAAAAABBk/F3IjvWQwHjc/s1600/DSCN7206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8RFwSbi0ww/TwyEl8QdRAI/AAAAAAAABBk/F3IjvWQwHjc/s400/DSCN7206.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I punched the holes with my Crop-a-Dile and bound the books with hemp cord.</div><div style="text-align: center;">These are 5x7 for the overall measurements and my kiddo {loves} them! She wants me to make one for<b> her</b>, but since she's a living, breathing-not-plastic-and-stuffing person, I think she should have the store bought version. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you'd like to make some of these for the 18" dolls in your life, you can download the pages I made here:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/77798214/Kanani-s-All-About-Me-Book">Kanani's All About Me Pages</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/77798213/AG-Doll-All-About-Me-Book">General Doll All About Me Pages</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I also added one blank page at the end just for drawing or miscellaneous.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JaM2SSqjbw/Tw8rYmrxn-I/AAAAAAAABB0/s_xktGeH7XQ/s1600/American+Girl+books-side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JaM2SSqjbw/Tw8rYmrxn-I/AAAAAAAABB0/s_xktGeH7XQ/s400/American+Girl+books-side.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Have fun playing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQDwlCQkVog/TwyGBCLX0aI/AAAAAAAABBs/BGzrRjpZq9s/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQDwlCQkVog/TwyGBCLX0aI/AAAAAAAABBs/BGzrRjpZq9s/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm linking up to these parties:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ccenter%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/%22%3E%3Cimg%20border=%220%22%20src=%22http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy351/jdsmit21/SMAbuttonWDIWargylecopy-1.jpg%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/center%3E"></a></div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ccenter%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/%22%3E%3Cimg%20border=%220%22%20src=%22http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy351/jdsmit21/SMAbuttonWDIWargylecopy-1.jpg%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/center%3E"><center></center></a><center><a href="http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy351/jdsmit21/SMAbuttonWDIWargylecopy-1.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://whipperberry.com%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://whipperberry.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/whipperberry-button.jpg%22/%3E%3C/a%3E"></a><a href="http://whipperberry.com/"><img src="http://whipperberry.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/whipperberry-button.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/search/label/show%20and%20tell%22%3E%3Cimg%20border=%220%22%20src=%22http://www.rememberthemoments.com/images/blog/satbutton.gif%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%20%3Cbr%20/%3E"></a><a href="http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/search/label/show%20and%20tell"><img border="0" src="http://www.rememberthemoments.com/images/blog/satbutton.gif" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-88954119477872564492012-01-08T08:00:00.001-05:002012-01-08T15:02:34.298-05:00{DIY Lunchbox Notes}<div align="center">School started on Wednesday (back to the old grind for all of us!) and as I was thinking about lunches for the week, I realized that my little basket of lunchbox notes was finally about empty. Time to restock! I have several versions of lunchbox notes saved on my computer...really cute, very easy to print and cut out, very convenient. Then I remembered that I'm low on printer ink. Ugh...don't want to a)go out and get more at this point or b)spend more $$ on it unless I have to. I have to print lots and lots, but lunchbox notes is NOT one of them! :)</div><div align="center">So I stepped into my craft room and said to myself...."Woman, you have LOADS of unused paper lying around...masses of stamps and stickers...WHY do you need printer ink?"</div><div align="center">Now of course I can write a quick note on scrap paper, and without a doubt, the love is still there. Some of my favorite love notes from my sweet husband have been on a napkin. You've got those, right? BUT...since I'm a crafty lady and my daughter likes cute stuff...I had to go a little further, while still keeping in mind that the reality is that these will get PB&J on them and will go in the trash. (Meaning, I'm not making little masterpieces either!)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">You know all that 12x12 white paper that they stick in scrapbook sleeves?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-crPgyZn_aTU/TwXolwJaKvI/AAAAAAAABAU/2nin1dDXUfc/s1600/DSCN7144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-crPgyZn_aTU/TwXolwJaKvI/AAAAAAAABAU/2nin1dDXUfc/s400/DSCN7144.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you keep yours? I always just stick it in this organizer. My kiddo uses it for art projects at times, and I use it for stamping scraps as well. It's perfectly good white paper and I have tons of it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I grabbed a few sheets of it, a couple of journaling stamps, ink, and a stamp set I have from Stampin' Up with cute sayings and little critters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nbfOqZQC14s/TwXpEY3iW6I/AAAAAAAABAg/IEMOt9brZEc/s1600/DSCN7147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nbfOqZQC14s/TwXpEY3iW6I/AAAAAAAABAg/IEMOt9brZEc/s400/DSCN7147.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started stamping, trying to space them on the page to allow for cutting out and leaving a small blank side for my handwritten note.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yrPrrlpQrR4/TwXpfzcqTII/AAAAAAAABAs/gef3rPrZO1U/s1600/DSCN7148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yrPrrlpQrR4/TwXpfzcqTII/AAAAAAAABAs/gef3rPrZO1U/s400/DSCN7148.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I cut them out and added them to my little note basket that is hidden in the kitchen cabinet. She knows I write them, she just doesn't know where I keep them. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQZW4XBRuYU/TwXpv21kZYI/AAAAAAAABA4/TU__hx6ed5I/s1600/DSCN7151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQZW4XBRuYU/TwXpv21kZYI/AAAAAAAABA4/TU__hx6ed5I/s400/DSCN7151.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's a little silly, but it's gratifying to create with scrap paper, whatever craft medium you can scrounge up, and save money at the same time. Will I still need to buy printer ink? Yep! But I'll only be using it to print what I really NEED to print. And...handmade lunchbox notes is just a {little} extra love, isn't it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a good week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L65LzHaG85I/TwXqtO3Q_cI/AAAAAAAABBM/9cxwaKwFOjg/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L65LzHaG85I/TwXqtO3Q_cI/AAAAAAAABBM/9cxwaKwFOjg/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
I'm linking up over at these fun parties:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/2012/01/sundae-scoop-link-party-12/">Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Naptime</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center"></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-41567662527077551862012-01-01T08:00:00.005-05:002012-01-08T15:03:13.779-05:00{A Little Inspiration}<div align="center">The New Year is upon us! Where did the time go? I'm not one for making resolutions, but I do like to have inspiration around. I'm a lover of quotes, and I tend to collect them. Anybody else do the same thing? I actually started saving them on my computer a few years ago, and whenever I find a new one that inspires me I just add it on. I like to go back to it occasionally, and when I do I always find at least one that is a good reminder or food-for-thought for that particular day.</div><div align="center">So...as the New Year approaches...I thought maybe I could collect these wonderful bits of wisdom into one little custom book just for me. I'm really pleased with the way it turned out, and it was so simple to put together. You can make this mostly with things you probably already have lying around. </div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YSfJeT9WE8/TvqQNzRg90I/AAAAAAAAA_Y/N_sx1xkYx-8/s400/front.JPG" width="400" /></div>Here's what you need:</div><div align="center">scrapbook paper </div><div align="center">paper cutter</div><div align="center">adhesive/glue stick</div><div align="center">cardstock</div><div align="center">hemp cord, jute, twine, ribbon-your choice for the binding</div><div align="center">cereal boxes from your recycling bin</div><div align="center">scrap ribbon or buttons for embellishments (as you see fit!)</div><div align="center"><br />
I started by using my trusty 'quotes' file from my computer. I tweaked my fonts a little bit, then oriented them a little differently into a Word document. I printed them on cardstock, cut them out, and distressed the edges with brown ink.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OK8KMMZTK54/TvkxMHuP5CI/AAAAAAAAA9s/YeRuMUPX7X0/s1600/stack+of+quotes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OK8KMMZTK54/TvkxMHuP5CI/AAAAAAAAA9s/YeRuMUPX7X0/s400/stack+of+quotes.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">Next, I cut my cereal boxes down to pages that are 5x7. I then went through my scrapbook paper and cut several pages to 5x7 as well. Since this isn't a keepsake project with photos, I simply used glue stick to adhere the 5x7 scrapbook paper to the 5x7 cereal box pages. I used a small sanding block to smooth out all 4 edges of each page. This distresses the edges a little bit and also makes it look very even and neat. (You can use a nail file for this as well.) Here are the finished pages:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4i-keY1OSTo/TvkyGVRwgRI/AAAAAAAAA94/rmoJkjwaQfc/s1600/blank+pages+ready+for+quotes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4i-keY1OSTo/TvkyGVRwgRI/AAAAAAAAA94/rmoJkjwaQfc/s400/blank+pages+ready+for+quotes.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"> The next step is optional, but since I have an addiction to distressing, I also inked all the edges of each page to give it an antiqued look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtT7osEf_Dw/TvkydbiXCxI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/QBiYB7qZiQM/s1600/distressing+page.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtT7osEf_Dw/TvkydbiXCxI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/QBiYB7qZiQM/s400/distressing+page.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">Once you have your pages the way you want them, just start adding your quote blocks any way you like. I also glued these down with glue stick instead of adhesive. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6c4FS7Y6c0/Tvky1Eb_yJI/AAAAAAAAA-o/7MUQWPAVC_w/s1600/finished+page+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6c4FS7Y6c0/Tvky1Eb_yJI/AAAAAAAAA-o/7MUQWPAVC_w/s400/finished+page+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I rearranged my quotes in Word, I tried to make them various sizes to add interest to my pages. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next, I used my crop-a-dile to punch 2 holes along the left side of each page for binding with the jute twine later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I used scrap pieces of ribbon and buttons for a few extra embellishments. It's a good idea to punch holes before adding embellishments. Don't ask me how I know this. ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2qo00klNo20/TvqQnSNT9eI/AAAAAAAAA_k/sUHpTSWYUek/s1600/open+page+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2qo00klNo20/TvqQnSNT9eI/AAAAAAAAA_k/sUHpTSWYUek/s400/open+page+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp0OB0H-VNI/TvqQrEEH5ZI/AAAAAAAAA_w/OwCqiQdNWX8/s1600/open+page+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp0OB0H-VNI/TvqQrEEH5ZI/AAAAAAAAA_w/OwCqiQdNWX8/s400/open+page+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used jute twine to bind my book. I love jute because it looks rustic and is sturdy. Get your pages in order, lace the holes, and knot. The pages turn really easily and I can lay it flat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I printed out a title on cardstock as well, and then adhered it to the front. It now has a happy place directly in front of me at my craft table. :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwPUGLejIoM/TvqQykaX2wI/AAAAAAAAA_8/CRzgoHYtEPI/s1600/side+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwPUGLejIoM/TvqQykaX2wI/AAAAAAAAA_8/CRzgoHYtEPI/s400/side+view.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-up4D1ZhPCnY/TvqQ8XQPT6I/AAAAAAAABAI/sRXDgMG2YX4/s1600/front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-up4D1ZhPCnY/TvqQ8XQPT6I/AAAAAAAABAI/sRXDgMG2YX4/s400/front.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can see making a smaller version of this for a purse or school bag, can't you? Like a little pocket full of thoughts to ponder.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'd love to hear what you think!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a great week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSHrlYrOXtg/Tvk0l_KEyhI/AAAAAAAAA_M/AHDlpYzHlAo/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSHrlYrOXtg/Tvk0l_KEyhI/AAAAAAAAA_M/AHDlpYzHlAo/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm linking up over at:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/2012/01/sundae-scoop-link-party-12/">Sundae Scoop @ I Heart Naptime</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/Show%20Off%20Your%20Stuff%20Party%22%20imageanchor=%221%22%20style=%22margin-left:%201em;%20margin-right:%201em;%22%20target=%22blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20border=%220%22%20src=%22http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fvxHkFmRuww/TjYS_3oztzI/AAAAAAAAAjA/H6n_MRE4xhs/s200/Show+off+your+Stuff+party+button.JPG%22%20width=%22125%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E"></a><a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/Show%20Off%20Your%20Stuff%20Party" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fvxHkFmRuww/TjYS_3oztzI/AAAAAAAAAjA/H6n_MRE4xhs/s200/Show+off+your+Stuff+party+button.JPG" width="125" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sugaranddots.com/2012/01/what-i-whipped-up-wednesday-some.html">What I Whipped Up Wednesday @ Sugar & Dots</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.skiptomylou.org/%22%20%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3Cbr%20/%3E"></a><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/"><img src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/button2.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-41300082849055852592011-12-25T08:00:00.001-05:002011-12-25T08:00:11.285-05:00{Merry, Merry Christmas!!}<div align="center">Here's wishing you the Merriest Christmas ever and a New Year full of blessings and more blessings!</div><div align="center">God is good.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QTm6DN6gKM/Tu__PzpYIqI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/wjHyMtx9cD0/s1600/Polex-12-2-11+Family+Pic+outside+with+Train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QTm6DN6gKM/Tu__PzpYIqI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/wjHyMtx9cD0/s400/Polex-12-2-11+Family+Pic+outside+with+Train.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div align="center">(About to board the Polar Express.)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Looking forward to great things for my family and creative projects in my craft room in 2012!</div><div align="center">God Bless,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWXHkeAla8I/Tu__oV04OvI/AAAAAAAAA9g/D5r5v6PSf7c/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWXHkeAla8I/Tu__oV04OvI/AAAAAAAAA9g/D5r5v6PSf7c/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-29172785159164956292011-12-21T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-21T08:00:13.739-05:00{Scrappy Christmas Coasters}<div align="center">I will be honest and tell you that I made these a couple of months ago, and I'm pretty sure I was surrounded by pumpkins and skeletons at the time. You can never be too early, no? I guess I was on a roll.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I had leftover holiday fabric from an apron I made for my mom like <a href="http://shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-favorite-apron.html">this one.</a> I wanted to make some scrappy coasters with it, so I looked around the internet for some info. I did find several tutorials, and even tried a couple that seemed easy, but honestly they all still seemed too hard. Like I was re-inventing the wheel. </div><div align="center">I will apologize ahead of time for the lack of process pictures, but I decided to cut a square template out of old file folders that measured 5.5" x 5.5" (the unfinished size I wanted the coasters to be). Then I started cutting scraps...piecing them to other scraps...and machine stitching them to each other.</div><div align="center">Yeah...it was a hodge podge, which was exactly what I wanted.</div><div align="center">My only 'rule' to follow was that I made sure that each scrappy piece I finished was LARGER than my 5.5" x 5.5" template. Here are all of my top pieces:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gb77ZZKbLsI/Tuq9EbPD5pI/AAAAAAAAA8o/4UykD6T0a3M/s1600/DSCN4156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gb77ZZKbLsI/Tuq9EbPD5pI/AAAAAAAAA8o/4UykD6T0a3M/s400/DSCN4156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"> I then laid the template on top of the scrappy piece and cut it down to size.</div><div align="center">I cut a backing piece out of solid fabric to 5.5" x 5.5".</div><div align="center"> I adhered a piece of fusible fleece to each side (one to the scrappy side and one to the solid side). I wanted them to be thicker since they are coasters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3lHiQ3Tw_FY/Tuq9Xk39dHI/AAAAAAAAA8w/CHldChf0LsE/s1600/DSCN4159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3lHiQ3Tw_FY/Tuq9Xk39dHI/AAAAAAAAA8w/CHldChf0LsE/s400/DSCN4159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I then pinned them wrong sides together, stitched on 3 sides, turned back around, and top stitched all around the edges. I also "stitched in the ditch" along the seams of all the scraps...just to make them look "scrappier".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne9q_kYpHN8/Tuq9i9rAH8I/AAAAAAAAA84/xu5CJ916_Og/s1600/DSCN4157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne9q_kYpHN8/Tuq9i9rAH8I/AAAAAAAAA84/xu5CJ916_Og/s400/DSCN4157.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">And the final product...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rnT1662zXYc/Tuq9x1lyuCI/AAAAAAAAA9A/kMc79O4sBik/s1600/coasters+spread+out.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rnT1662zXYc/Tuq9x1lyuCI/AAAAAAAAA9A/kMc79O4sBik/s400/coasters+spread+out.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm really pleased with how they turned out, and I love it when I use up scraps.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWv-rxLrdT0/Tuq987Quv5I/AAAAAAAAA9I/pPIJfgvftJo/s1600/coaster+stack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWv-rxLrdT0/Tuq987Quv5I/AAAAAAAAA9I/pPIJfgvftJo/s400/coaster+stack.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What have you been up to?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take care,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PktC2NZJzrU/Tuq-Jn__srI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/PHKVFm6caPU/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PktC2NZJzrU/Tuq-Jn__srI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/PHKVFm6caPU/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-49555699450513482152011-12-18T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-15T22:44:43.987-05:00{Quicky Centerpiece}<div align="center">I've got 2 minutes set aside to blog, but I wanted to share the pretty, quick, and cheap centerpiece I have on my dining room table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fhoKJUC9Ao/Tuq43okQTPI/AAAAAAAAA8A/DuudMZkA1R4/s1600/ornament+bowl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fhoKJUC9Ao/Tuq43okQTPI/AAAAAAAAA8A/DuudMZkA1R4/s400/ornament+bowl.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">I {love} antiques, and have had this bowl for several years. I use it for LOTS of things throughout the year, whenever my little brain needs a change. :) This year, I bought cheapo balls on the $1 spot at Target and dropped them in. Love! I like it that it doesn't look planned...and I'm using one of my favorite bowls...and it's easy to move for dinner...and it cost me next to nothing (okay, I'm sure I paid $20 for the bowl MANY years ago, but that's an investment, right?) . Of course it is. It's paid for itself by now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1yTgar3jU-w/Tuq5iLg4rPI/AAAAAAAAA8I/C3JzhM8zw60/s1600/ornament+bowl+up+close.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1yTgar3jU-w/Tuq5iLg4rPI/AAAAAAAAA8I/C3JzhM8zw60/s400/ornament+bowl+up+close.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center">What I'm throwing out there is that you can put these cheap ornaments in any bowl or basket that you already love and make something totally new out of it. And hey...your kids can mess around with them all they want because they are PLASTIC (don't look it, do they?) and cost $2.50 for a set. So you won't even bat an eye when little fingers approach.</div><div align="center">Thanks for stopping by for a quick post. </div><div align="center">We're getting so close now to Santa's visit and I.CAN'T. WAIT!</div><div align="center">Take care,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-464Q_fA2DhI/Tuq6JLSZiQI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/_gT8j_H1m7U/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-464Q_fA2DhI/Tuq6JLSZiQI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/_gT8j_H1m7U/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-60648350660731103592011-12-15T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-15T08:00:07.830-05:00{Christmas Cards for a Cause}<div align="center">Hello to all, and here's to hoping you're not quite as busy as we have been around here!</div><div align="center">As always, the season is flying by, although I feel lighter and not quite as stressed as years past. It's pleasantly surprising and a nice feeling, I have to say. I don't really think I'm doing anything to de-stress, I just went into the holiday season with a better state of mind. I decided I was going to focus on our family, and not all the marketing, materialism, and overspending that I see everywhere. It must be working, and for that I'm thankful!</div><div align="center"> Remember the <a href="http://shadytreediary.blogspot.com/2011/12/snowman-soup.html">Snowman Soup</a> I made? Well I had some wonderfully usable scraps leftover, along with several stamped images that I didn't need, so I decided to whip up some cards. I used my Cuttlebug embossing folders for the white background, and textured cardstock for the base. (Same as my Snowman Soup labels.)</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDhb25E29RU/Ttudq5s3pBI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/_204nG6-wZI/s1600/Snow+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDhb25E29RU/Ttudq5s3pBI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/_204nG6-wZI/s400/Snow+cards.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each card measures 5.5" x 4", and the base was actually already cut naturally from the Snowman Soup labels. All I really needed to do was add some layering for the sentiment, so they whipped up pretty quickly. Each one will fit in a standard A2 envelope.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LD2q8k1muM4/TtuduFS5V6I/AAAAAAAAA6g/Au8zstL9ZZ0/s1600/Snow+card+up+close.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LD2q8k1muM4/TtuduFS5V6I/AAAAAAAAA6g/Au8zstL9ZZ0/s400/Snow+card+up+close.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Outside of one that I will include with a gift for a friend, I decided that we'll use these to spread some cheer to a recovering soldier at the <a href="http://www.bethesda.med.navy.mil/Patient/Patient_Support_Services/">Bethesda Naval Medical Center</a>. A friend of mine who is a former Marine sent me the address to use, and it seems like there's no way better way than to send something handmade to someone whose sacrifices are beyond my comprehension.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am using the following address and greeting, for the envelopes. Address it to:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Recovering American Soldier</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">c/o Bethesda National Naval Medical Center</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">8901 Wisconsin Ave.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bethesda, MD 20889-0001</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hopefully they will be a blessing to those who have sacrificed for our freedom!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a great week,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ipxm0uVKFY/TtugFoKhxPI/AAAAAAAAA6o/wOGzJXvvgts/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ipxm0uVKFY/TtugFoKhxPI/AAAAAAAAA6o/wOGzJXvvgts/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center"></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941607921395707656.post-91885926319313193042011-12-11T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-11T08:00:06.245-05:00{Santa Gift Card Holders}<div align="center">I adore these!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZudnTcWRTdQ/TuA203nSdWI/AAAAAAAAA7g/4OFYeLYjSgY/s1600/Santa+GC+Holders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZudnTcWRTdQ/TuA203nSdWI/AAAAAAAAA7g/4OFYeLYjSgY/s400/Santa+GC+Holders.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">NOT my original idea, but my tweaks. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found this idea a few years ago, and I honestly believe it was floating around throughout the land of paper crafters at that time. I bought gift cards for my parents this year, and instead of just wrapping them in a box, I thought I would dig out some old ideas and make the presentation just a tad cuter. I tweaked this idea by adding the craft stick base, and by making it a gift card holder instead of a candy cane holder. I believe the original one that I saw was adhered to a candy cane, just as a treat holder.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This project uses mainly the Top Note Die from Stampin' Up (one of my favorite dies and so versatile!), and a few circle punches. I popped up Santa's mustache with dimensionals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the back...the gift card holder part:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YUfLB3ctwv0/TuA3qJhyvqI/AAAAAAAAA7o/djJHrQ94OCg/s1600/Santa+GC+Holder-back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YUfLB3ctwv0/TuA3qJhyvqI/AAAAAAAAA7o/djJHrQ94OCg/s400/Santa+GC+Holder-back.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's actually not the prettiest on the back (hence the 'Merry Christmas' sentiment I added), but it works for a gift card. I just cut another Top Note and trimmed it to fit before adhering it and adding the gift card. It works, since these weren't originally made to be a gift card holder!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you'd like the full details, shoot me an email...but if you have the Top Note die I guarantee you can figure out on your own pretty quickly. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52GfzXHO_8I/TuA4Pd4nYjI/AAAAAAAAA7w/sYF_gRREQZ0/s1600/Snta+GC+Holders+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52GfzXHO_8I/TuA4Pd4nYjI/AAAAAAAAA7w/sYF_gRREQZ0/s400/Snta+GC+Holders+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ho, ho, ho!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSQ7jtPPJoI/TuA4VxDFqwI/AAAAAAAAA74/LgV4ZxoMlak/s1600/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSQ7jtPPJoI/TuA4VxDFqwI/AAAAAAAAA74/LgV4ZxoMlak/s200/scanned+signature-20001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center"></div>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904364921187478783noreply@blogger.com6