Pink Paper Peppermints Sweet ♥ Crafty ♥ Goodness

a super fun kids craft -- make a scrapbook paper, thanksgiving turkey, place card favor-wahoo!

We've been making turkey place cards and favors over the last few days and having so much fun that I thought I should share.

 
mama's scrapbook version

 
Little O's paper plate version

It looks a little complicated at first, but it's really simple once you make one and they go together pretty quickly so you still have time to make some for thanksgiving! 

Here's what you need to get started:

turkey pattern (download here)
scrapbook paper (I used almost all Elsie's from her adorable Zoe collection.  It's double-sided so my turkey looks just as cute from the back as it does from the front! The brown paper is Over the Moon Press)
paper plates or construction paper
plain white paper
scissors
adhesive
ribbon
crayons

Step One

For little ones who are using a plate you'll want to draw a square in the center of the back side of the plate that is about 2.5 x 2.5 inches.

Then draw lines from the corner of each square, out to the edge of the plate. These are your cutting lines.

If you're using scrapbook paper or construction paper for your turkey then you'll need to trace the paper plate on the back of your paper first and then create the cutting pattern.

Step Two

 

Next, cut your paper or plate on the four lines, stopping when you get to the square.

Step Three

(I'm switching to patterned paper  in the photos for better visibility but the steps are the same for paper plate or construction paper)

Now fold and score each section of paper on the square lines as above.

Step Four

Next you'll want to fold and score each of the four sections in from the corner of the square as in the photo above.

It should look something like this when you're finished:

Step Five

 

Now begin to fold the sides up to form the cup.  The right and left side flaps should be inside the cup.

 

The front and back flaps should be on the outside.

Use your favorite adhesive to attach the back flaps to the inside of the cup.

The front flaps will only be attached on the inside to create wings.

Step Six

Now cut out and trace (or color) and glue your feathers, face etc.  (well not *your* face, I mean the turkey pattern face...heh-heh)

I have to say, I especially fell in love with these turkey legs because it looks like he has the word "art" tattooed on his thighs, heh-heh.

My little guy created his own design on the feathers and plate and then colored them.

(we're learning about the five senses right now, so that's the mat you see under his work surface)

I found with the feathers, that it was easier to lay them out, arrange them, glue them together and *then* glue them to the bird rather than trying to glue them individually.

Step Seven

Now you can make name cards and attach with ribbon...

Or make a little sign with a favorite Thanksgiving scripture or quote for him to hold:

The cup is fairly large and could hold candy corns or snacks (maybe line it with plastic wrap first) or napkins or any number of things you might want on your Thanksgiving table this year.

You could also just make one and use it as a centerpiece.

I think these would be really cute made from felt or fabric too and then you could save them to use each year!

Have fun making these and send me links if you post photos!

Grace and Peace,

♥ Melissa~

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"...singing a song of Thanksgiving, telling of all Your wonders."
-Psalm 26:7

ten on tuesday

ten random thoughts on tuesday (on thursday)

*I'm thinking maybe I should change the name to just "time for ten" or something, huh?*

one
Remember this post? and this one?  According to sitemeter I had visitors from Fannie Mae and Target Corporation on those two days.  Weird, huh?

two
I think it is time to give up the ghost on these little turkey candlestick holders, what do you think?

I love them so much because they were some of the first holiday decorations I ever bought when I was first married.  I have such a warm feeling and fond memories when I look at them.

Well, I did until they became headless and tail-less.

I think the head may be rolling around in the thanksgiving box somewhere. 

Maybe I'll glue it back on and give them one more year.

three
I was right about the candy problem.  Right now there are three different bags of candy in the kitchen. 

The orange slices are calling my name.

four
Sometimes when I pray I think I must sound like a five year old little girl to the Lord.  I can just manage to get out, "oh please, oh please, oh pleeeeeasseee Lord."  

I don't think He minds though.  He did say we're supposed to come as little children.

five
I'm not telling you what the above prayer was in reference to.

six
I've been working on a really fun project this week.  I'm a member of the Christian Paper Artists group and every couple of years, 52 of us get together and design a deck of cards around a scriptural theme.

Last time the theme was "proverbs".  Here's my card from that deck:

The edges are square when we send them in, but the card company prints them on rounded cards. 

The deck came out so, so pretty last time.  52 little works of art.

seven
This year the theme was love.  I chose Romans 8:39 as my scripture.  One of my favorites:

I printed the scripture on the back of a pink ticket. I have to say I was pretty excited when it worked without jamming up my printer...heh-heh.

eight
We also vote on our favorites for the back of the card.  I entered this design:

It's a compilation of all the love scriptures that everyone chose.  Just reading those all in a row will bless your socks off!

nine
If you're interested in purchasing a deck of these cards let me know and I will get you in touch with our group leader.  She's taking orders right now.  I gave some out for Christmas last time and they were a big hit.

ten
Finally here is a fun freebie for crafty types and homeschoolers! 



DJ Inkers is giving away a "Vote 2008" set of clip art and borders!  One of the sheets would make a great notebooking page. 

Here's the link:

DJ Inkers Freebie

Hope you're all having a blessed week.

Grace and Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
-Romans 8:38-39

it's all fun & games until someone loses an eye

So it's time to announce the Bloggy Giveaway winner! 

But first some random thoughts on your comments and the giveaway itself:

♥ I found it somewhat disturbing just how many of you would have actually been willing to dress in pink and red and dance like a chicken for my prize.  (I have to admit I'm tempted to make that a real requirement next time just for the awesome flickr group that would be formed!)

♥ Many of you mentioned my etsy shop button which I had taken down temporarily as the shop is getting ready for an update (actually, I'm getting ready for the update not the shop *heh-heh*).  The shop is pretty empty right now (although if you need bakery twine or glassine envelopes, I'm your girl!) but I am working on a pretty huge update that I hope to have up by the middle of the month.

♥ Apparently a lot of people have really good relationships with the makers of Cocoa Puffs cereal and Land's End.  (Did ya'll notice all the coupons for free cereal giveaways??)

♥ For Chelsey and others wondering: The wayward sequin is the top left one on the left birdie. :)

♥ I really wish I could mail *everyone* who commented a prize because you guys just kept me smiling all week long with your sweet & funny comments.

But alas, there can only be one winner...

The envelope please....

The winner is Jenni Wilson of One Thing!!

Congratulations Jenni!  Send me your snail mail info ASAP so I can get out your prize!

For everyone else, thank you so much for entering, and I hope you'll stick around for more crafty goodness and giveaways!

His Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"...you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light."
-1 Peter 2:9

ten on tuesday - let's talk crafty

ten cRaFtY thoughts on tuesday

(wednesday morning - but it's still tuesday somewhere isn't it?)

one

Well, first of all I'm pretty excited to have been featured as an "Honorary Cr8tv Diva" at Cr8 Everyday Crafts! 

The interview was actually done a while ago and went live while we were on vacation so I haven't had a chance to mention it until now!

If you haven't joined Cr8 Everyday Crafts yet you should!  It is one fun and crafty place to hang out.  There are tons of how-to videos and lots of crafty eye candy plus so many other crafty "peeps" to chat with!

Visit Cr8 Everyday Crafts

You can read my interview and tell me how dorky I sound here.

two

Another crafty thing that happened while we were on vacation was that I discovered the podcast CraftSanity by Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood. 

I downloaded *every* episode before we left and listened to hours and hours of them on the long drive to Wisconsin and back.

It is so much fun to listen to my favorite crafty bloggers talk about how they got crafty and what they are up to now.  Crafters and Artists like Emily Martin, Amy Carrol, Amanda Blake Soule, Claudine Hellmuth and more!

And I just *love* Jennifer.  She always asks the best questions - some that I never would've thought of and always the exact questions I was thinking at the moment! 

If you haven't listened to Craftsanity yet then head over there now and start downloading!

And Jennifer if you're reading this, thanks for helping me keep *my* sanity for 36 hours in the car with three boys!

three

Wordle is my new favorite online/crafty thing to play with. 

oh. my. goodness. 

If you are a visual person and like playing with words then you are going to *love* Wordle.

In fact I feel bad telling you about it because you probably won't get anything else done for the rest of the time you're online now!  (but hey finish reading my blog first, k? heh-heh)

You can play with words a few different ways.  One is to just plug your blog address in (what I did above) and you'll see what you talk about most.  The larger the words the more those words appear in your blog.

I apparently say "just" and "really" way too much and O-man was mildly disturbed that "paper" was the same size as "God". 

I do like paper.

I was puzzled by the words "butter" and "toast" showing up as large as they did.  Do I talk about toast and butter a lot?? 

I do like butter.

You can also just put whatever words you want in to create a neat art piece.  I can't wait to play with this. I'm going to try all of our family's names.

You can experiment with different colors and backgrounds and changing the maximum word count changes the way it looks as well.

four

Here are some others I created (click on them to see them larger):

I put all the names of Jesus in for this one:

Crafty Words:

Cooking words:

As you can see Wordle can be dangerous but oh so fun! 

If you make one, leave me a comment with the link so I can see it!  I know there are a thousand more creative things that could be done with this cool tool!

five

One of the highlights of the trip for me was when I walked into the library of a tiny town in Wisconsin and saw a sign on a table of books that said, "Free to a good home".

I glanced at it casually and didn't really see anything that caught my eye at first and then suddenly there it was, a giant collection of crafty magazines from the seventies!

six
It was huge and covered and dust and just calling my name.  I was so excited.  You should see all the wonderful photos in these magazines.

And the kitschy craftiness! It's heaven!

Actually you will be seeing them, because I'm going to be posting them in the weeks to come, they are just too good not to share.

seven

Again I have to apologize to you (and possibly your neglected children-heh-heh) in advance for the following links.

I found two great blogs that are nothing but craft tutorials!  Can you imagine? 

Well you don't have to!  Just click on over!

Craft Tutorials

30 Handmade Days

eight

Love this one!  It's a search engine just for crafty blogs!

nine

A sneak peek of something I'm working on:

(any guess as to what it is?)

A little sign I made (inspired by a greeting card) to hang on the fridge and remind me of my blessings.

 

Remember those ad magnets?  I just glued one to the back of this.  I think it would help if you mounted your sign on chipboard first for stability.

The scripture is Psalm 124:7 and says,

"My soul escaped like a bird, out of the snare of the fowler."

We used to sing a song with those words in Bible school that I just adored.

I love how poetic the Bible is...an escaped soul is such a beautiful picture.  I want to do more art with that...

ten

It's very hard to blog about crafty things where you have to insert links because

when you go to get the links

you get very distracted

by the new crafty things.

very.

distracted.

I actually started this blog post yesterday.

God's Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"She loves to work with her hands..."
-Proverbs 31:13 (NIRV)

Felt Flowers | 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days - Day 29

Day Twenty-Nine-still feelin' fine!

Today's flower tutorial for 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days  is one of my favorites!  Felt flowers!  No matter how you make these they turn out so pretty!

 Here's what you need to get started:
 

-Felt in bright colors
-Needle & embroidery floss or thread
-Scissors
-Buttons

Step One

Cut the felt in in flower shapes. 

Step Two

Layer the shapes.  The more layers the prettier your flower will be. 

You can use a button as the center or embroidery, sequins or beads look pretty too.

Step Three

For a little more complicated felt flower, cut your felt in graduating circles.

Step Four

 

Next, cut thin little triangles out all the way around to create squarish petals.

Step Five
 

Now layer your flowers and take a small stitch with contrasting thread (I used 3 strands of embroidery floss) about a quarter of an inch in on the petal, down over the edge and into the next petal. 

Do this through each layer of petals as shown below.

That's it!  Fun & fast felty flowers!

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"At that time the Lord All-Powerful will be like a beautiful crown, like a wonderful crown of flowers for His people"
-Is 28:5

Word Flowers | 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days - Day 28

Day Twenty-Eight - almost to home plate!

It's a word flower tutorial for today's 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days ! 

 Here's what you need to get started:
 

-Watercolor Paper
-Watercolor Pencils
-Pencil
-Brush & water
-paper, ribbons, bakers twine & flowers (optional - to create card)

Step One

Lightly sketch out your design on watercolor paper.

Step Two

 
Using the watercolor pencils, write the words you want to use on the lines of your flower.  I used the scripture,

"The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the Word of our Lord stands forever." -Is 40:8

You could also write poetry, someone's name or just a little love note!

Step Three

With a damp brush go over the watercolor pencil lines to smudge them a little and create a painted look. 

Once the flower is dry you can go in and erase the pencil sketch lines, but I kind of liked how this looked so I left it.

Step Four

  

Cut out your flower and mount it on patterned paper for a handmade card. 

I attached ribbon and silk flowers to some bakery twine to decorate the spine of the card.

Have Fun!

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"He sent Me to give them flowers in place of their sorrow, olive oil in place of tears, and joyous praise in place of broken hearts. They will be called "Trees of Justice," planted by the LORD to honor his name."
-Isaiah 61:3

Recycled Newspaper Flowers | 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days - Day 26

Day Twenty-Six and one more flower from my bag of tricks!

Don't throw those newspapers away until you try this!  Today's flower tutorial for 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days  is a perfect summer activity to do with the kids!

 Here's what you need to get started:
 

-Old newspapers
-Acrylic Paints
-Decorative Scissors
-Flower punch or templates or die cut machine (or just freehand your own!)
-Buttons
-Tags
-Ribbon & Bakery Twine
-Medium Grade Sandpaper

Step One

Cut newspaper into pieces small enough to work with.  Choose sheets with solid sections of text or interesting graphics depending on the look you want.

Step Two

 

Pour on a little paint and spread with a foam brush or cotton ball, let dry.

Step Three

Add a piece of cardstock behind the newspaper for stability before punching your shapes (the newspaper tends to crinkle up and get stuck if you don't do this).

Step Four

  

Punch flowers. You can also use a die cut machine or templates for this or just freehand your own designs.

Step Five
 

You can cut decorative elements with your shaped scissors.

Step Six

 

Cut freehand leaves.

Step Seven

Now put together your flower!  I put mine on a tag and sanded it with sand paper to give it a distressed look.

You could also create a really cute handmade card with these, or magnets, bookmarks or even gift wrap!

Have Fun!

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"Look how the wild flowers grow! They don't work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn't as well clothed as one of these flowers."
-Luke 12:27

Office Supplies, Book Pages & Balloon Flowers! | 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days - Day 25

 

Look Alive it's Day Twenty-five!

Hey today we have some more fabulous flower tutorial links and even a video-Woo-hoo!  Enjoy these!

How About Orange

Flowers + Fabric + Office Supplies = L-O-V-E! 

Okay, if you can only go to one of the links today it has to be this one.  Jessica is one of my very favorite bloggers *ever*! 

She is so full of fun and inspirational ideas and just visiting her blog will make you feel happy! 

Her tutorial on flowery fabric-covered office supplies really will brighten your day!

Reconstructed Shabby Chic Silk Flowers

Here you will find a really neat tutorial on taking apart a silk flower and layering it with lace & glitter & stamping to make one lovely, shabby chic flower!  (Forget what I said about only going to one link!  You can't miss this one either! heh-heh)

Book Page Flowers

Tammy has a tutorial for making gorgeous paper flowers from book pages and stamping ink!  You will love this one! (See the one link only thing will just not work)

Balloon-a-ful!

Just for fun how about learning how to make a balloon flower!  Click play below!  (It looks pretty easy if you don't have the debilitating-fear-of-the-balloon-pop-noise thing going on...heh-heh)

Find more DIY videos

Ok have fun with these this weekend and come back Monday for more 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days!

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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 "If you value Wisdom and hold tightly to her, great honors will be yours. It will be like wearing a glorious crown of beautiful flowers." 
-Proverbs 4:8-10

Foam Stamp Flowers! | 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days - Day 24

Day Twenty-Four and we could open a flower store!

Make your own flower stamp with this foam stamp flower tutorial for today's 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days ! 

 Here's what you need to get started:
 

-Craft Foam
-Pencil
-Scissors
-Adhesive (rubber cement or glue dots)
-Old cd case or acrylic mounting block

Step One

Draw your design on the craft foam.  Look in magazines, and coloring books for ideas for designs.  Simple shapes work best for this type of stamp.

Step Two

 
Cut out your shapes.

Step Three

Mount your design on the cd case with rubber cement or glue dots.

Step Four

  

Ink up your stamp and start stamping! 

You can also try using watercolor markers, fabric paints (for stamping on t-shirts or tote bags) or acrylic paints for a completely different look! 

This is a great summer activity to do with your kids!  Let them find simple designs in their coloring books to trace or have them draw their own designs! 

Have Fun!

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"The entire interior of The Temple was cedar, with carvings of fruits and flowers."
-1 Kings 6:14

Punch Flower Ball Garland | 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days - Day 22

Day Twenty-Two only 9 more flowers before we're through!

Today's flower tutorial for the 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days is a pretty punched flower garland.

 

 Here's what you need to get started:

-Flower Punch (or die cut or trace or draw your own)
-Glue Dots (or other dry adhesive)
-Patterned or plain scrapbook paper  (this would also be cute with recycled paper like yesterday's flower)
-Baker's Twine or other ribbon or string

Step One

Punch flowers in your desired colors. 

You'll need six flowers for each flower ball. 

You'll need about three or four flower balls per foot of garland.

Step Two

 
I've drawn a little face & body on this flower to make the instructions easier to understand. 

You can do the same for the first flower you create to help you get the hang of it, but after that, it probably won't be necessary.

Step Three

Join five flowers together at the "arms" using glue dots or other dry adhesive.

It should look something like this:

Step Four

 

Now put adhesive on all five petals of another flower and join each petal to one of the "faces" on your flowers. 

Then attach the last two "arms".

It should look something like this now:

Step Five

 

Now flip the flower upside down and  you'll see five little pairs of "legs". 

Adhere each "leg" to the one next to it as above.

Your finished flower should look something like this:

 

Step Six

 

Once you've finished all your flowers, string them on bakery twine or ribbon to create the garland.

That's it, now string your garland somewhere summery-ish and enjoy!

You could do this with red,white & blue flowers for a fourth of July barbecue or in bright primary colors for a birthday party too!

Have Fun!

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field;"
-Psalm 103:15

3-D Pop Up Recycled Magazine Flowers! | 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days - Day 21

Day Twenty-One and we're still havin' fun!

Today we're making a super cool pop up flower for the 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days !

I thought it would be fun to make it out of old magazine pages, but of course you could use pretty scrapbook paper, handmade paper, painted watercolor paper or even construction paper if the kiddos are helping to make these fun flowers!

 

Here's what you need to get started:

-9 Magazine pages or 9 sheets of 81/2 x 11 patterned paper (or any other paper)
-Gluestick
-Cardstock
-Scissors

Step One

Fold the first sheet in half.  Don't worry about trimming the torn edges as these will get cut off later.

Step Two

Next fold in half again (to quarter size).

Step Three

Now take the bottom left corner, fold it up to the top edge and crease.

Step Four

Next take the top layer *only* of the fold you just made and fold it back down to the bottom edge and crease.

Step Four

Holding the folded paper (point down) start at the middle and cut upwards creating a petal shape.

When you reach the middle crease, fold the top layer *only* over to the left and use it as a guide to continue cutting.

 

Your folded flower should look something like the photo above.

Step Five

 

Carefully unfold your flower.  You will need to create nine flowers like this one.

Step Six

 

 

Fold a blank piece of cardstock in half and glue the first flower to the cardstock.

Step Seven

Flower A

 

Flower B

Layer each flower over the next alternating the petals you glue with each flower as shown above until you get to the last flower. This is an important step for the flower to open correctly.
 

Step Eight

 

 

 

 

The last petal you will cut in half and glue to stack of petals. 

Then glue alternate petals all the way around the flower as before and fold the card over. 

Place something heavy on it and let set for five or ten minutes (this is the hardest part!).

Step Nine

Time to unfold your finished flower!

This one make take a little practice, but it is so worth the end result!  Kids especially love the big reveal when you open that 3-D Pop Up flower!

Hope you have fun!

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"The two doors to the most holy place were made out of olive wood and were decorated with carvings of palm trees, and flowers..."
-1 Kings :31

Hot Dog Flowers, Paper Roses and Computer Monitors! | 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days - Day 20

 Day Twenty Flowers-a-Plenty!



Today I've got some more fabulous flower tutorial links for you! (my tutorials will be back on Monday)

Today's features are:

Sister Diane from CraftyPod (featured on Fall of Autumn Press)

Diane shows us a super cute way to deck out our computer monitors with flowers and photos!

and

Cooking Cute

Oh my gosh, Hot Dog flowers!  Now I have to say I am morally and ethically against *anyone* eating hot dogs, *but* if you get the non-evil kind from Whole Foods and make these hot dog flowers, well ok then!


and finally one of my favorite artists *ever*:


Rebecca Sower

She has an easy tutorial for some beautiful, glittery paper roses!  (and have a look around her blog because it is so incredibly inspiring!)


Ok have fun with these and I'll see you on Monday for more 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days!


Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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 "The fig trees are producing their early fruit. The flowers on the vines are giving off their sweet smell."
-Song of Solomon 2:13

Applique Flower Stationery | 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days - Day 19

Day Nineteen - Kentucky Wonder Bean.

(no meaning...it's just starting to get hard to rhyme the word teen! heh-heh)

We're using fabric to make appliqué note cards for today's 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days !

This is such a perfect way to use up your scraps of lovely fabric that are too small for anything else! 

I think it would be a great way to repurpose old clothes and linens as well!

Here's what you need to get started:

-Fabric
-Fusible Webbing (like Wonder Under)
-Flower Templates
-Iron
-Cardstock or blank notecards
-Pencil
-Scissors

Step One

First cut a piece of the fusible webbing to the size you'll need for your appliqué and place the rough side on the wrong side of your fabric. 

Press it for 5-8 seconds until fused. 

Now trace your flower pattern onto the paper side of the webbing.

Step Two

Cut out your fabric flower appliqué and leaves if you've made them.

Step Three

Peel the backing paper off your shapes.  Arrange them on your card and press gently for a few seconds until fused.
 
You may want to place a cloth between your card and the iron.

Now you're finished! 

If you want to you can embellish them with beads, buttons, sequins, rubber stamps or even embroidery to spruce them up a bit, but I think they're lovely just like this!

(Now I'm going to go do some housework and try not to worry that they've killed-off Sawyer in LOST tonight!)

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"My beloved is to me a cluster of henna flowers in the vineyards of En-gedi ..."
-Song of Solomon 1:14

Packing Tape Image Transfer Flower | 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days - Day 16

Day Sixteen - Crafty McBean!

Happy Memorial Day!

It's week 5 of my 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days!

Today's crafty flower is a packing tape transfer! This is such a fun and easy technique.

It's especially fun with kiddos.  They can create their own little scrapbooks or journals full of transfers.

It's also a great way to include images from magazines and old books for your lapbooks in homeschooling  

If you want to include larger images or maps in your lapbooking, you can use clear contact paper instead of packing tape.

Here's what you need to get started:

 

-Packing Tape (the cheaper the better) or clear contact paper
-an image from a magazine, old calendar, junk mail, packaging, newspaper, photos printed on a laser printer (ink jet won't work)
-bone folder
-water
-Optional ribbon & tags to decorate

Step One

 
Cut out the image you want to transfer and cover it with packing tape.  Burnish with a bone folder or the back of a spoon.

Make sure there are no air pockets or bubbles.

Step Two

You can now soak the image in a bowl of water for 15 to 20 minutes or (if you're in a hurry) hold the image under running water until the paper is thoroughly saturated.

 
You should begin to see the image through the back of the paper when it is saturated. 

This will take longer the thicker your backing paper is.

Step Three

Begin rubbing the backing paper off under the running water.

 

For a distressed look ruse a sponge to create scratches in the image.

 

Let the image dry for a few minutes.  The backing will remain sticky.

Step Four

Layer your image over patterned paper, old maps, sheet music, or other collage material.

Step Five

Burnish your image to the background paper and trim.

That's it! 

Now you have a transfered image that you can use for a scrapbook page embellishment, in your journal, as a tag, on a handmade card, as part of a school project and all kinds of fun crafty ideas!

I punched a hole in mine and tied on some ribbon for a tag to add to my tag tree!

Hope you're having a fun holiday weekend!

Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"Now the top pieces on the pillars of the porch were made to look like lily flowers, as tall as a man."
-1 Kings 7:19

Foldable Paper Heart Flower Book Card | 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days - Day Twelve

Day Twelve it's time to delve!

(Ha! Rhyming is back due to popular demand!  Ok, it was only a couple of  people, but still, every vote counts right?)

**Sorry about the the delay and the crazy formatting guys!  Typepad is really not behaving today and thinks everything should be red Arial no matter how many times I try to change it.  Earlier I couldn't even get on though, so at least now I can post...hopefully!**


Today's flower is a fun foldable! 

It can be used as an invitation, a handmade card, for journaling on a scrapbook page or for a foldable booklet in a lapbook!

Here's what you need to get started:

-Foldable Template Pattern (download here)
-Scrapbook Paper
-Ribbon
-Glassine Envelope or 3x6 envelope
-Bone Folder
-Scissors
-Pencil
-Adhesive

Step One

First print and cut out the template pattern for the flower card.

 

Next trace the template onto your patterned paper.

Step Two

Cut out your flower.

Step Three

Cut and attach a center for your flower. 

I used graph paper (my latest obsession) for this, but you could use any patterned paper.

Step Four

Fold and score the flower with a bone folder along the lines indicated on the pattern.


When you're finished your flower should look something like the above photo.

Step Six

Next you're going to push in the the two side hearts like so:



Your flower/heart should look similar to this from the top:

Continue folding and press your flower into a flat heart-shaped card then add your message to the inside.

Step Seven

Now we'll place it in a pretty glassine envelope and tie it with a sweet ribbon tie.

 

This is especially nice for shower invitations, announcements and handmade cards. 

If you don't have glassine envelopes the flowers will fit in a regular 3x6 envelope.

 (or you can get some glassines from my shop here!)

Step Eight

To tie your ribbon, fold the envelope down to create a flap and punch two holes about an inch and a half apart.



Next thread your ribbon through the holes from front to back.


Now flip your glassine envelope over to the back and cross the ribbon ends over each other:



Thread the ends of the ribbon pieces into those opposite holes:



Finally flip your envelope over once more and pull out the ribbon strips:






That's it!  Now you have a pretty invitation or handmade card that looks like a heart and opens up to a flower!




I'd love to see what you make with these so send me some links!


Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"The LORD will bring about justice and praise in every nation on earth, like flowers blooming in a garden."
-Isaiah 61:11

Watercolor Chipboard Flowers | 31 Crafty Flowers Day Eleven

Hey Welcome Back! 

It's week 3 of my 31 Crafty Flowers in 31 Days!

Today's flower is a Watercolor Chipboard flower. 

It's super easy and can be used in all kinds of crafts!

Here's what you need to get started:



-Watercolor crayons
-Water & paintbrush
-Chipboard (thin, like cereal box, notepad backing, etc.)
-Sequins (or other embellishments for center) 

Step One

First draw your flower and fill it in with watercolor crayons.  I like to use two contrasting colors for the outline and the fill.  Here I used red and pink.

Step Two

Now dip your brush lightly in the water and blend the color on the petals.

The chipboard will turn dark as you blend, but don't worry this will dry.

Step Three

Next cut your flower out.  It should look something like this:

Step Four

Now it's time to give your flower that distressed look. 

While it's still damp, crumple it up, being careful not to tear the edges.  (Although if you do tear the edges don't worry about it, it will just add to the distressed look.)

Step Five

Unfold your flower and let it dry for 10-15 minutes before adding the sequin center.

Step Six

You can use glue dots to attach the sequins or sew them on with needle and thread.

That's it!  Now you have a gorgeous watercolor chipboard flower. 

These are perfect for scrapbook pages like mine below or:

-journal covers
-mixed media collages
-shadow boxes
-handmade cards

Have fun!

♥ Grace & Peace,

Melissa~
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"The lampstand was made of hammered gold from its base to the decorative flowers on top, exactly like the pattern the LORD had described to Moses."
-Numbers 8:4

31 Crafty Flowers Day Four - Pop Open Petals Card

Gimmee More! - Day Four!

We'll be making today's crafty flower with one of my favorite templates from Mirkwood Designs! 

The Hexagon Petal Card Template.  It's so versatile and can be used for so many cute cards!

I'm making a collage-y Mother's Day Card for my mama, but you could also use this as a foldable booklet (minit book) for lapbooking if you're a homeschool mama...

Or a cute way to hide journaling on a scrapbook page for all my scrappin' buddies!

So here's what you need to get started:

The Hexagon Petal Card Template (found in the link above)
Patterned Scrapbook Papers
Scissors
Bone folder
Adhesive

Step One

Print and cut out the template.

Step Two

Trace the template on the back of the patterned paper you've chose for your flower.

I used two different papers for the inside and outside of my card and simply glued them together.

Step Three

Once you've cut out your patterned paper, use the template as a guide and score the fold marks on the petals with bone folder or the blunt tip of a pen cap.

Step Four

Glue your petals together (if you're using two different papers) and fold them in one at a time overlapping as you go. 

You'll need to tuck the last petal into the first when you get to the end.

Step Five

Choose the base for your card and trim and attach it to a piece of cardstock. 

I used some gorgeous Claudine Hellmuth paper that I have been hoarding saving for a special occasion.

Step Six

Choose the materials for your stem and leaves.  I used some patterned paper that looked like buttons! 

You could also use ribbon, ric rac, real buttons, sequins, etc.

Step Seven

Print out the verse you want to use for the front of the card.  I always print mine out on plain paper to test the size, font and placement.

Once I'm sure that I like it, I print it out on the paper I've chosen (in this case, the same paper as the background).

The verse I used is below, 

"Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you, never forget what you learned at your mother's knee.  Wear their counsel like flowers in your hair..."
-Proverbs 1:8 (the message)

Step Eight

On the inside petals of the flower I collaged strips of paper with "lessons" or "flowers in my hair" that my mom has taught me over the years.  Some funny and some serious.

You could also put pictures of the grandchildren on the inside petals or a favorite quote or even a giftcard or a little cash!

That's it!  You made a pop-up/pop open flower card!

I hope you loved this project as much as I did!

See you tomorrow with one more project before a little weekend break.

The Lord's Grace & Peace,

♥ Melissa~
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"Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you, never forget what you learned at your mother's knee.  Wear their counsel like flowers in your hair..."
-Proverbs 1:8 (the message)

31 Crafty Flowers Day 2 - Ribbon Petals

Woo-hoo Day Two!

I love these pretty little ribbon flowers.  They are super quick and simple and can be used for so many things.

It's such a great way to use your ribbon scraps, but you can also use:

*strips of  fabric
*newspaper
*magazine pages
*scrapbook paper
*old greeting cards

and anything else that can be cut into strips!

Here's what you need to get started:

Ribbon
Needle
Sewing Thread
Buttons


Step One

Choose the ribbon colors you'd like for your petals.  I chose five petals, but you can make your flower larger or smaller to suit your needs.

Cut the ribbon into about four inch strips.  They don't have to all be exact, but it helps when it comes time to sew them. You can also increase or decrease the length of the ribbon to make larger or smaller petals.

Step Two


Next you'll fold your ribbon strips in half and then stack them in the order you want your petals.

Step Three

Now, run a few stitches up through the bottom of the stack of ribbon and back down again with your needle & thread.  Be sure not to stitch too tightly or your ribbon won't be able to spread out.

Once stitched, you should have a little stack of ribbon that looks something like this:

Step Four

Now it's time to make the petals by gently spreading out your ribbon folds.  You may need to play with them a little bit to get the look you want.

Step Five

Once you have your petals arranged the way you like them, choose a button for the center and attach with needle & thread. 

This will help stabilize your ribbon petals in the position you chose. 

Now your flower is complete!

You could add a ric rac stem and some fabric leaves to make a creative & crafty Mother's Day card:

(Mamas point Daddy to this page if you need to....*wink*)

 
Or hang it from bakery twine and make a mobile!

I also think these would be super cute sewn on a scrapbook page, a journal cover, a tote bag, a t-shirt or even on blue jeans! 

Hope you have lots of fun making these and don't forget to send me your links!

Here's one from our Mexican Tissue Paper Flowers yesterday from Beckie!  So cute!  Thanks for sharing Beckie!

See ya'll tomorrow with more floral goodness!

♥ Melissa~
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"The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air."
-Song of Solomon TWO verse TWELVE

ten on tuesday - art and paper and the you-know-who

ten random thoughts on tuesday

one

Happy Earth Day! 

Thank you Lord for this amazing place you created for us.  Please help us to be better stewards of it while bringing glory to Your name. amen.

two

I realize you are all probably tired of hearing about the dentist (thank you so much for your well-wishes and commiserating by the way) but I have one more visit this week that will involve "a little pressure" as the dentist likes to call it and some more heavy medication.  In the meantime I have a short:

Floss your teeth people.   I'm just sayin'.  Floss.

three

Remember this post about the artwork I experimented with by one of my favorite artists Claudine Hellmuth? 

I really wanted to try and not be a big, gigantic goober about this, but it appears I have no control over that so I have to tell you that Claudine commented on my post! 

Isn't that cool?  (I really hope she doesn't read this and realize what a goober I am)

four

Yesterday when I got home from the dentist and was feeling really yucky I got the best package in the mail from one of my bloggy friends.

It just couldn't have come at a better time and it makes me smile how God uses people in your life to do small, sweet things for you.

The very generous package included a beautiful handmade card and was filled with goodies from another one of my all time favorite artists Jenni Bowlin.

What an incredible treat it was to open that package (which was wrapped in gingham ribbon!!) and see all those lovely, papery things.  Thank you so much Tammy!

six

It's been forever since I've done any impulse art so I thought I'd try it this morning with my new goodies. 

I just love the scripture in Hebrews 4:12 that says,

"For the Word of God is alive and active and sharper than a double-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, joint and marrow and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

seven

I am currently enamored with spelling numbers, graph paper, circus fonts, paper lanterns and of course flowers. You might notice some of those in my collage.

I really love the way numbers look when you spell them and it seems to help me memorize scripture references when I see the numbers spelled out.

eight

In case you were wondering I am still working on  the April edition of the HeART & Soul ezine.  It's a little delayed because of the visit to the you-know-who (trying not to mention it again) but it's going to be lots of fun, the theme is one of my favorites, Birdies!

nine

The you-know-who is getting blamed for this too. My lack of Fitness Friday fitness. *sigh*  Oh well, try again next week I guess (I did do the stair stepper twice last week though and drank lots of water for what it's worth).

ten

My hubby brought me a big basket of red geraniums over the weekend.  I just love red geraniums.  Aren't they beautiful?

When I went to the quilt show I found this fantastic company, My Sampler, that sells embroidery kits that are so sweet. 

They have one that I really want to do for my kitchen called, (what else?) Red Geraniums.

Actually, I want to do them all, especially the scripture ones, they are so cute!

Hey, that's ten already!  Be sure and comment on my giveaway post for a chance to win some goodies!

♥ M~

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"...for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!"
-Matthew 6:8

bloggy giveaway time

{This is still a sticky post for the Bloggy Giveaway week!  Scroll down to read more good stuff! Tuesday Ten is posted - imagine that...on Tuesday even!  And don't miss the adventures of the cereal box boys ...a yummy oatmeal cookie recipe and my Friday Faves!...scroooollllllllll dooowwwwnnnn!}

Hey! It's time for the Bloggy Giveaway again!  I'm being a tiny bit lazy and giving away the same prize as last giveaway but really it's mostly because I will be at the dentist twice this week and on lots of heavy medication so...technically it's incoherency and not laziness.

Anyway before I show you the fabulous prize that you can win just for leaving me a sweet little comment, I wanted to tell you about something super exciting that I'm working on for May/June! 



I'm going to be posting 31 crafty, papery, fabricy, flowery things to make and do in 31 days!  There will be lots of links to fabulous tutorials as well as original crafty projects designed by me!

I am so excited about it I can hardly stand it!  So many pretty things to show you! 

So be sure and check in with me all month to see the floral extravaganza ok?  And if you have great flower ideas let me know about them so I can link you!

If you want to share the flower-y goodness on your blog here is the code for the button!!

<a href="http://www.kindawonderful.typepad.com"><img border="0" src="http://kindawonderful.typepad.com/31_Flowers_noshadow.jpg"/></a>

And now for the fabulous prize!  I am giving away a felt basket filled with paper goodies!

The felt basket is exactly the one in the pictures, but the goodies inside may vary a little bit. 

It will be filled to the brim though with yummy stuff so be sure to leave a comment and be entered!

Here's a hint:

There will be paper, tickets, flowers, tags, ribbon and of course bakery twine!  You will love it!

So leave me a comment by noon on Saturday, April 26th and I will draw a name and announce the winner on Monday, April 28th!

Everyone is welcome to participate including my international friends! 

Don't forget to leave me an email or blog address so I can get in touch with you after the drawing.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  See you tomorrow for ten on tuesday!

♥ M~
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"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above..."
-James 1:17

paper people poppets

What a fun, busy, semi-crafty weekend.  How was yours?

Remember when I posted about one of my favorite artists being on Martha Stewart, Claudine Hellmuth? 

Well we finally got around to working on the project she demonstrated on that show.  Her little "sitting pretties".  Only they were a little involved so we really just did more of a "flat stanley" version.

Little O thought it was pretty cool to cut his and his brother's and cousin's head out.

He wanted to color instead of use fabric or paper for the clothes.  And he felt everyone needed an orange shirt and blue pants.

This is as far as he's gotten.  He keeps coming back to it though, so I have hopes that he'll finish.

This is mama's version:

These were really fun to play with.  I definitely want to do some more and try and get a little better at it.  Really fun way to use your favorite scraps of paper too.

{I just realized I put "psalms" instead of "psalm".  annoying.}

If you want to try these you can get Claudine's pattern and watch the video here.

See you tomorrow for ten on tuesday.

♥ M~
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"He fills my life with good things."
-Pslam 103:5

Egg Shell Mosaic Crafty Craft

Okay, as promised here is the quick & easy egg shell craft.  This is such a perfect thing to do with your leftover egg shells after Easter.  Especially if you have sentimental little ones who can't stand to see their "work" thrown out!

What you'll need:

Colored Eggs
Liquid Adhesive (any crafters glue will do)
Old paintbrush
Cardstock
Design of your choice  (download link below)
Baby wipes or damp paper towel (for sticky fingers)

Step One

Shell your eggs and make some yummy egg salad! (okay, you don't have to make egg salad) Be careful to remove the slimy film stuff on the back of the shell.  It will prevent your adhesive from sticking.

Step 2

Choose a design to use as the base for your mosaic.  You can download the spring shapes that I sketched out here or you can do a google search for any shape that you might want.  Try looking for "coloring book pages" + butterfly etc. to find what you're looking for.

Step 3

Dab little dots of liquid adhesive onto your design (we used an old, cheapy paintbrush and crafters glue) and then crush pieces of shell into the glue.  You'll hear a little cracking sound as you crush the shell.  This is good, you want the shell to flatten out into the glue.

Work in small spaces and quickly so your glue doesn't dry out.

Caution:  The egg shell pieces can be sharp so be careful.  Mama may need to help little ones.

Step 4

That's it you're done!  Now cut out your shapes if you like to create cards or framed artwork or to put in your scrapbook!

Have Fun!

♥ M~

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"My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God's people."
-Eph 1:18 (CEV)

ten on tuesday - the fabric edition

ten random thoughts on tuesday (on wednesday night)

one

Easter was lovely and long.   We had quite a fun (which translates to exhausting for mama & daddy) three-day extravaganza.  I won't bore you with tons of photos, but I do have to show you this one:

I found these little plushie peeps and I cannot stop taking photos of them.  They are so cute!  I always buy peeps for the kids Easter baskets because...well..it's tradition...but you know...they taste ...um...  disgusting! 

And we almost always throw them out *unopened*.  *ugh*  I really don't like that, so when I found these little stuffed peeps this year I was so excited!  These will be the new tradition. Yay.

two

After the egg coloring was finished hubby was cleaning up for me (yes, that's right, I have *the* best husband in the world - see number 4 for more proof), and he asked,

"So can I throw this egg dye out?" 

I don't know why, but the words "can I throw this out?" just trigger something in me and my natural reaction is to say,

"No way I can make something with that!"

I got that *I can make something* gleam in my eye and Oman looked just slightly annoyed so I knew I better jump up and make something immediately to prove that I wasn't being the ultimate pack rat. 

The first thing I saw on my desk as I went into the kitchen was a little stack of manila tags...so into the dye they went!  And you can't believe how cute they turned out!

I also experimented with the little white wax crayon that came with the kit for the eggs and that looked even cuter!  See my little birdie?  (can you tell that Molly Chicken is influencing me?)

So now I have quite the collection of tags to use for projects.  I'm thinking of adding some stitching to them too.

If you like these and want to try it you should run to the grocery store right now and see if they have the egg dye kits on clearance.  I usually pick these up the week after Easter for less than 50 cents!

And if you *really* like them, but have no desire to make them yourself then check my etsy shop in a couple days because I'll have some listed there. :)

three

Things you hear frequently in a house of boys:
"Ha-ha...you will never defeat me!"
"Why can't I just wear *this*?"
"What? I don't smell anything."

Things you don't hear:

"Would you braid my hair?"
"I think we need more pink around here"
"Wanna play barbies with me?"

four

My husband can fix anything.  Really, he is a genius.  He has fixed everything that's ever broken in our house or figured out a way to replace it with almost no money. 

Last night the dryer made the most awful sound and it wouldn't stop.  This morning he opens it up, does some tool-y things to it and now it works better than before!  Really, it had gotten so loud and now you can barely hear it.  I {heart} my handy hubby.

(and also, tonight when I told him supper was ready he said "yay!" as if he was about to go on vacation...and that is even better than handiness to me.)

five

Let's talk about the quilt show some more shall we?  I didn't get to finish showing you everything anyway.

There was so, so much beautiful fabric.

Did I mention the fabric was beautiful??

Lollipops of bias tape.  yum!

Cutest pillow case kits *ever*.

six

Mom bought me this one for LittleO's room.  I'm going to be re-doing it this summer and I just fell in *love* with this!  It's so sweet and retro and I just love all the little sayings about the Lord.  I want to do a mural with those little birds and sun!  Can't wait.

seven

My mom bought me the pattern for this one too!!  I'm so excited, my first quilt!  Isn't it gorgeous?

It's called French Roses by Heather French.   I just love the way the flowers are all rustic looking and fuzzy around the edges.

I like the colors they've used here, but the fabric I want to use is the Ginger Blossom collection by Sandi Henderson. 

I am *so* in love with that fabric.  Gotta sell some stuff on etsy to raise the money to buy me a whole lot of Ginger Blossom! 

And then you will get to see the journey of a first time quilter which may or may not be pretty.  I don't know...*LOL*...

And here is all the beautiful fabric she bought me:

Notice a color trend at all?

I just love the birdy paint by number one...

eight

Can you guess what these are?

They are these:

Gorgeous quilted hearts cut from all sorts & styles of vintage quilts.  They are so beautiful. 

I'm making all kinds of wonderful things with them that hopefully will end up in my shop if I can manage to let them go!

Each one is so sweet and unique.  I just love them. I may put a few of them all on their own in the shop so you can play too!

nine

Here are some of  my first sew-y things.  I am trying not to be too pefectionistic about it, but I do see a lot of flaws when I look at these.  I still love them though and I'm falling more and more in love with fabric everyday!

The first one is this little bunny.  I made him from an old bandana because I wanted to practice on something besides my lovely fabric.

I found him at Crafty Carnival.  She has a wonderful tutorial for him and a little pillow to put him in as well!  You have to go see, they are so cute.

He didn't come out looking like the pillow type to me though.  He kinda looks like he has an attitude...you know?  Like he's saying..."you want somma this?" 

This is my angel baby:

She is from a pattern my mom gave me called "Small Snippets" from Mary's Patterns.  I have to say even with her imperfections I am really crazy about her.  I have never made anything like her before and I just can't stop picking her up and looking at her. It's so amazing to take little bits of thread and fabric and create a beautiful little thing.

She is *very* tiny.  I should have put a quarter in the pic with her to show you.  It would have taken
up her whole dress, that's how tiny she is. 

And I just love her.  Did I mention that?

I want to make lots more of these little snippets.  Oh if only there were 48 hours in day. (24 of them occurring after children went to sleep...wouldn't that be fabulous??  Oh...but then I would miss the children....a little...)

ten

Look what my library just got in!!!

I am so excited!!!

I must go fall asleep reading these now and dream sweet, fabric-y dreams...

Hope you're all having a fantastic week!

Grace and Peace,

♥ M~

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"She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing."
-Proverbs 31:13 (the message)

quilty mcquilterkin

Remember a couple of week's ago, the ten on tuesday about the quilt tablecloth?  Well I tried it and it looks *fantastic* (um...if I do say so myself..heh-heh).

Not only that, but I  found a remnant of clear vinyl at the craft store for a dollar and I didn't know what I would do with it, but thought it was cool so I bought it. 

Well, after putting the quilt on the table I realized it would be pretty labor intensive to wash it after every meal...(um...yeah....ya think?)...so I was trying to figure out what to do when I remembered that vinyl. 

It was all rolled up so I unrolled it and it was the *perfect* size for the table!  I didn't even have to trim it!  Was God takin' care of me or what?

So then looking at the layer of vinyl and pretty pink quilt I started to think how cool it would be to put something between the layers...and came up with this:

These are some old family photos.  The one in the center is my grandfather at a barbecue restaurant he owned in downtown Dallas in the fifties.  Cool, huh?  I used the originals to try the idea out, but I think I'm going to take them out and put photocopies of them in instead.

This is my dad (the tall one) and uncle and aunt on Easter morning circa 1950-something.  So cute.

Next I put together a centerpiece for Easter.  I have been working on little bits & pieces of this for awhile.  I got the idea at Christmas actually.  We have a "candy cane tree" that I bought at the "after-Christmas" sales at Target  a couple of years ago (love those sales).  This is what it looks like with candy canes on it:

So I was thinking for other holidays I could just cover up the star and hang little paper pretties on the rings instead of candy canes.  I wanted to do this for Valentines day, but ran out of time, so the Easter version is my first attempt.

It was fun to work on and I really like how it turned out.

How it looks all together:

And a view with the kitchen banner (don't you just love how I manage to work that spring banner into every post? *LOL*)

So lots of Easter-y things to get ready for this weekend.  I won't be around until Tuesday, but I've scheduled some of my favorite Easter posts for the weekend.

Hope you all have a blessed and wonderful holiday with your loved ones.

♥ M~

P.S.  I made a little easter egg coloring sheet for my LittleO...thought you might like to have a copy.  Just click here to download.
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"Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life—no longer at sin's every beck and call!

What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ's sin-conquering death, we also get included in His life-saving resurrection.

We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word.

When Jesus died, He took sin down with Him, but alive He brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word.

You are dead to sin and alive to God.

That's what Jesus did."

-Romans 6:6 (the message)

spring banner-licious (or how to actually make stuff instead of just thinking about it)

I had so much fun this weekend making something I have been thinking about and wanting to make for months.  As I was making it and praying about what kept me from it for so long the Lord really spoke some things to my heart. 

I hope that I will act on these things on a regular basis because they are essential in being the mama that I want to be.  They don't apply only to craft projects either, they apply to homeschooling, learning new recipes, getting organized around the house and lots more of my favorite parts of being a SAHM.

So here's what I made this weekend.  It's a spring banner (spring garland?) for my kitchen made from  spring-ish, pink & red papers.

{Bunny Trail: My kitchen is pretty old as you can see, but hubby and I really *love* the look and feel of old houses.  When we move from here we'll probably look for an even older house! 

It's funny how the "non-vintage" people that come over to visit almost always comment that we could "take that old vent-a-hood out and put in a nice new microwave with a built in vent." 

Um, why would I *ever* do that??? *LOL*  That vent-a-hood is one of my favorite parts of the kitchen! /end bunny trail}

I saw the idea of the banner somewhere online months and months and months ago.  The article was about decorating for a child's vintage-style birthday party (I think...actually I mostly looked at the pictures, heh-heh).  As soon as I spotted it I knew I wanted to do something similar in my sweet, old kitchen. 

In the photo they had used little vintage circus animals with party hats and balloons on the flags, but what I immediately thought of was using all my favorite scrapbook papers!

It turned out to be pretty easy to make.  Here's a quick tutorial in case you'd like to try it yourself!

First I made a template for the flags (which you can download here.  You may need to enlarge the template if you want your flags to be the same size as mine. The template came out about 1/2 inch smaller when I created & saved online):

Next I just traced it on to the back of the papers I had chosen and then cut out all the flags. (You could trace half the template on a folded piece of paper for less cutting and tracing, but I found I could fit more flags on one sheet of paper by tracing it this way.)

{Tip: If you trace on the back of your paper you won't have to erase pencil lines later.}

Finally I folded them around some bakery twine (so in love with that stuff) and used a glue dot to hold the flag together.

   

I thought about sewing across the tops of the flags, but the glue dot seemed to work fine and I liked that I could slide the flags around to the position I wanted them in or take them off completely if needed.

Then I hung up my banners and smiled.  a lot.

Every time I walk in the kitchen now I smile.  It feels like a little party is about to start any moment.  I love it.

So why did it take me so long to do such an easy project??

What were the three things that the Lord showed me as I was praying about this?

Well, I think I'm going to have to share that with you on Wednesday because this post is already pretty long and I have a bunch of stuff I want to make today! (sorry to "ryan seacrest" you like that.)

Updated: here's the link to part 2

See you tomorrow for Ten on Tuesday!

♥ M~
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"That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything."
-Mark 11:24 (the message)

let us do good

I'm participating in a little "card drive" for a friend of a friend of a friend (you know how we internets are). 

We're all making cards to encourage a fellow believer who is going through a difficult time right now. (to learn more click here)

If you like making cards and blessing people I know Wilna would love for you to participate. 

And as an added bonus there will be a drawing with lots and lots of prizes being given away to all the participants.  (I'm giving away your choice of something from my etsty shop.) 

So let's recap:

♥ friends
♥ crafty
♥ cards
♥ blessing
♥ prizes

Is there *any* reason not to head over there and drop Wilna an email saying you'd like to participate? 

I think not. :)

If you need inspiration, Wilna has a gallery up of all the cards that have been made thus far! 

Here's mine:

Grace & Peace friends,

♥ M~
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"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
-Galatians 6:10

ten on tuesday - 6

ten random thoughts on tuesday

one

It's Daylight Savings Time again this Sunday.  I am not a fan.

two

I know that there are *thousands* of pencils in this house.  I would really like to know where they are.

When I need a pencil I look in the pencil drawer.

Empty.

Except one small chewed up one with no eraser which is only still there because no one wants to use it.

I look on our supply shelf in the hall where we keep all the school supplies. 

Empty. 

Except for a green one that is really a watercolor pencil from my scrapbook stuff. (so *that's* where that went) 

I decide to use it anyway and guess what?  No lead.

In desperation I go to the extra supply drawer with the bulk packages of items I get at the beginning of the school year when everything is on sale.

Empty.

Wha...?

Where are all the pencils???

really.  where are they?

Maybe this lady has them.

three

For those of you wondering what ever happened with the angry Fedex guys.  Um...nothing.  Can you believe it?  Hubby's coworker called and was transfered from department to department all denying knowledge of and/or responsibility for said Fedex guys,

{oh, that's not my department, let me transfer you}

until finally someone took his name and number and said they'd be sure to get back to him and guess what?

That's right. Nothin'.

So be careful if you're in Texas and see a Fedex truck because there are two very angry Fedex guys driving around who now know they can commit road rage without penalty.

four

I voted in the Texas primary today!  One of the requests I had on my last contest was that I would discuss my political views.  I might do that, but they may be a little controversial.  So I'm still thinking about it.

five

I really don't like it when I'm reading the comments on someone's blog and one of the commentors commenters people leaving a comment, says something really funny and clever and seems like such a neat person and I mouse over their name and *no blog*!  *Ugh*  If you are funny and clever you need to have a blog. I want to read more about you and remember? I want to see your living room!

six

Guess what I saw out my kitchen window last night?  Snow!!!

 

Already gone today though. *sigh*

seven

I saw Claudine Helmuth on Martha today and it was like one of my *friends* was on Martha! Isn't that silly?  I don't know her personally of course (although I think we might have taught at some of the same conventions) but I *love*love*love* her books and read her blog.  She showed Martha how to make her little "sitting pretty" dolls.  I can't wait to try this!

eight


I got this book from Paperback Swap yesterday!  (it's been on my list for two years!)  I love it so far! So full of fun stuff and creative ideas.

nine
I found this cool 'sound' dictionary.  You type in the word you want pronounced and it says it for you!  Love that.

ten

I am eating these right now.  Not really good for you.  Pretty much corn syrup and pepper.  I just get this weird craving for them sometimes.  And they are so cinnamon-y and spicy and sweet.  Is there a fruit that tastes like Hot Tamales?  Maybe I could munch on that instead.

Grace and Peace to you,

M~

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"It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge."
-Romans 7:21-23 (the message)

trust

Something I'm working on...

♥ M~
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"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.  Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."
-Ps.143:8

behind door number one

Time to show you the prizes for the winners of the bloggy move giveaway! 

Kate from Costa Rica won this little felt basket of springy paper goodies!

It includes lots of little crochet and appliqué flowers, tickets, tags...

...tiny beads...

...die cuts a library pocket a little chipboard birdie wrapped in ribbons, lace & baker's twine! (and did you notice the clear, crinkly cellophane?)

Angela won a little Birdie Book O' Bakery Twine all wrapped around some tiny ticket tags!

Inside the birdie (28 yards of gorgeous bakers twine!):

Are you drooling yet?  Well don't despair dear readers because you too could soon be opening a package filled with goodies like those above!

That's right, I'll be giving away more little prize packages during "The Ultimate Blog Party" sponsored by 5 Minutes for Mom! If you haven't looked at this yet, jump over there and see.  If you have a blog it is such a fun week to get to know other bloggers!

And if you simply cannot wait for the blog party you can sneak over to my etsy shop (yes, that's right, I have actually *updated* my shop - woo-hoo!) and get some twine and other goodies right now!  :)

See you tomorrow for Ten on Tuesday!

♥ M~  {←did ya see what I did there?  a little heart!  and an arrow! look here to conquer some evil technology yourself! ha-ha!}
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"She perceives that her merchandise is good..."
-Proverbs 31:18

simple saturday - inspired

I've been experimenting with handwriting and hand lettering again lately (you can see some of my attempts in my banner).  I just found the lovely Homegrown Hospitality site.  Look at her beautiful doodles!  I love the colors she uses and the shadows she creates.  I was so inspired looking through those that I went and dug out all my old lettering books and started playing!  You old school scrappers will remember these:

I have really had fun this morning reading through the books and practicing some of the techniques.  My favorite books are the Becky Higgins one "The Art of Creative Lettering" and the ones by Lindsay Ostrom.  Her doodle-y  flowers and swirls just make me smile.

I'd really like to get a copy of Heidi Swapp's lettering book.  I was so blessed to be able to take a class from her a few years ago before her book was even out and I think a lot of what was in the class is in the book now.  She made *each one of us* little hand-sewn handouts with fabric covers and a pocket for a pencil and marker on the inside.  She is just one of a kind that lady.

Some of my practice:

(Teen O made fun of me for practicing on paper bags, but um...#1 they are just going to get thrown out, so why waste them? and B.) I think it looks cool - so there.)

I actually used to teach a lettering class, but I haven't done hand lettering in so long (there are so many beautiful fonts to use!).  Then when I started playing with my banner I got the itch to try it again (and when I worked on these).

I really want to do more of my own lettering on projects.  There's something so personal and sweet and real about it.  Don't you think?  I'm not sure I'll ever be as good as Stephanie, but it's fun trying to get there!

Have a wonderful weekend my friends.

M~
------------------------------------------------------
"And then God answered: "Write this.
   Write what you see.
Write it out in big block letters
   so that it can be read on the run."
-Habakkuk 2:2

ten on tuesday - 2

one

Garanimals are back!  Just saw them over the weekend. Isn't that funny?  For some strange reason I have fond memories of Garanimals.  I don't  have *any* idea why because look:

Yes, those are Purple, Bell Bottom, Corduroys!  *ewwwww*

But, hey, I matched...

*side note: Did you know there is a Garanimals font?? Look.

two

I have had some inquiries about the squirrels.  They are awfully quiet lately, but the weather has been weird (freezing cold one day and hot the next - rainy today) and they are usually more frisky in the nice weather.  It could also be the lack of a building permit.  You know how that squirrel bureaucracy can be.

three

Do you know where the most random thoughts for my blog come to me?  In the shower.  I don't know why, but if I don't write them down immediately I completely forget them, so now I try to dry one hand off and lean out of the shower and write them down, dripping all over my pad of paper.  Shouldn't someone invent a way to write ideas down in the shower?  You know like the astronaut pen...only...for wet stuff...instead of... space....?

four

Every time I make a peanut butter & honey sandwich for my little O, I use two knives. It's so annoying.  I spread the peanut butter on, put the knife in the dishwasher (*ugh*), squeeze some honey on, put the sandwich together and then realize that I need to cut the sandwich and the knife is in the dishwasher touching something gross, so I get out another knife.  I could just *wash* the knife in the dishwasher...but...well... I don't.

five

Did you know you can hit Ctrl + Z (Command + Z on the Mac, yes I *am* Mac savvy...ha-ha) and undo whatever you just did in most dialog boxes and text editors?.  And if your post suddenly disappears it will sometimes bring it back too. Ctrl + Y will redo (Command + Y on the Mac)

That's right. You're welcome.  (I like Starbucks gift cards and fine chocolates, but you know, you do whatever you think is right).

six

Remember last tuesday's ten....#two...the laundry....guess what hubby bought me this weekend?  Two new laundry baskets...*LOL*...think he's tryin' to tell me somethin'?  He made me promise not to put anything in them but laundry.   I like him.  He makes me laugh. (maybe I should blog about my lack of rubber stamps next...hmmmm)

seven

I would like to know why the magazines that I subscribe to put 7, 000 subscription cards in my magazines?  Hey, guys...you got me....I'm *SUBSCRIBED*....really...save some trees would ya? 

*side note:  I'm doing this with those extra cards now.

eight
Look at these gorgeous cookies!

They're made with these!  Isn't that cool? I really want to try them!

nine

The other day Teen-O was putting a box in the garage for me.  It looked like he was about to put it on my treadmill that is all set up and waiting for me.... and I said, "Don't put it on my treadmill, ok?"  and he laughed...out loud... I think he even snorted!  And then he choked out "Ok, mom".   

hmmph. 

What?  I'm gonna use it.

ten

These are some little birdie babies I'm working on for our Valentine Clothesline.  (more on that later.) 

Aren't they so beeeee-you-teeee-ful??  I just love birdies.

Hey that ten wasn't as hard as last time.  I think I'm gettin' the hang of this!

M~
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"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them."
-Matthew 6:26

overlooked

I'm participating in a group called "overlooked" that is about taking photos and journaling about the little things in life that so often go overlooked.  It's something nice to think about when I've had enough thinking about doctors and hospitals and risk management etc. 

The first assignment is to take a photo of your favorite mug so here it is:

I just love this little muggie. It was a Target find back in November when they first put out the Christmas stuff and it had all this beautifully wrapped red & white candy in it all tied up in cellophane with a big red ribbon (oh why didn't I take a picture of that??). There was no chance of me walking away from that cup (yay for birthday money!).  I didn't even unwrap it for about a week because it was so pretty to look at (er...at which to look...heh-heh).

I love the texture of it too.  All the little bumpy, retro-y snowflakes.

I'm pretty fickle about which mug is my favorite, but this one is hangin' in there. :)

More doctors tomorrow.  Say a prayer.
---------------------------------------------------------
"For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you."
-Isaiah 41:13 new international version

God is able

Today I was going to give you a long list of all the to-do's I have. And it is

one. long. list.

But, I thought that would be:

a. whiney
b. boring
c. whiney

So, I just talked to God about how I've been feeling.

You know, I really *love, love, love* my life.  But sometimes it completely overwhelms me.  And it's the me part that is the problem.  It's not overwhelming to God.

Clearly.

Just a tiny, little piece of cake to Him.

But I won't let Him have it most days, because I'm...well, I don't know why really.  It does not make sense not to give it to Him.   But I struggle with that anyway.

So today, when I was thinking and praying about what God was saying to me about all this, He just reminded me of that Scripture in Ephesians (another closing scripture by the way), 

"Now To Him that is able
to do exceeding abundantly
above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that works in us,
To Him be glory in the church by
Christ Jesus throughout all ages,
world without end. Amen."
-Eph 3:20
 

And He just said to me,

"I'm able.  I can do it for you.  And you don't even *have* to know what to ask  I'm able to do more than you could even think to ask anyway.  Just let me."

How is He so good to us all the time?  Just let Him.  This is scriptural.  I know this.  But today it became that much more clear to me.  And real.

So this was my response to Him. (click the images for a closer look)

I really love the way this represents how I was feeling, and God's answer.  All my messy, sweet, jumbled life, spilling from the top of the tag and the red and white twine of God holding it all together.

"He is before all things,
and in Him all things hold together."
-Colossians 1:17

I love this new way of making things.  I really try not to think about it at all and just grab bits and pieces off my desk and start adhering (you may recognize the "grace" bubble from my work yesterday, it was a "mess up").  I feel like more of what He's trying to communicate to me comes out.  And then it's the lovely three dimensional reminder to me of what I'm working on in my life.

I cannot say that I'm not going to feel overwhelmed anymore.  But I do feel a little more equipped to handle the feeling, or hand over the feeling I should say. :)

My favorite part about today's blog?

God is the red & white twine holding my life all together.

Grace and Peace to you,

M~

-------------------------------------------------------
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and
supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be
made known to God; and the peace of God, which
surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus."
-Phil 4: 6-9

impulse art - greet one another

See the post below for the inspiration for this impulse:

Grace, peace, mercy, truth and knowledge to you in Christ Jesus.

M~

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"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves.

This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."

-Matthew 5: 43-48 the message

christmas the sequel

I love Christmas, and I especially love the "after-Christmas" sales!  Hubby calls this week or two after Christmas my "Christmas Again".  Packages arriving daily with lots of little 75 to 90 percent off happiness!  It's such a fun time for me, because honestly, I don't do a lot of fun shopping the rest of the year.  Just the grocery and kid's shoe kind mostly.  *LOL*

We always budget part of our Christmas money for these sales because it's the most affordable time of year for buying birthday gifts (7 in the next three months!!), Christmas stuff for next year and household goodies that ordinarily cost infinitely more than our little budget allows for.

One of my very favorite places for the AC sales is Gooseberry Patch.  Just looking at their insanely beautiful watercolor catalog throughout the year makes me drool, but when their sale hits and some of the things on my wish list are 80% off!!!!??

Oh. my. goodness.  Heaven.

So I thought I'd share some of my favorite finds this year:

First, these delicious (I know it's a "food word", but it's how I feel about them) red mixing bowls and sweet little retro measuring cups (shown freshly covered in flour from some homemade french rolls I made for dinner) arrived last week.

real. glass. cups. that measure.  heh-heh.  Love that.

These make me so happy.  The colors, the textures.  I want to fill my whole kitchen with this kind of stuff. 

Before I got the mixing bowls, I had approximately 2 plastic bowls to mix with.  If you bake or cook at all, you know that (especially during the holidays) two mixing bowls will not work.  Well, they will, but so will the cook as she washes and rewashes hastily between dishes she's preparing. 

I also ordered the beautiful Gooseberry calendar.  It's $12.95 unless you wait for the AC sale and then it's $1.95!!!  Wa-hoo! 

My next favorites were some little red birdie salt & pepper shakers.  I found these for 50% off at an American Greetings card store in the mall.(which made them a mere $3.50 ).  I would like to say that we really *needed* new salt & pepper shakers, but the truth is we did not.  However, the "oh-so-beautiful-red-with-little-stitch-mark-wings-and-tiny-
pink-beaks-birdieness"  of these simply defied resistance.

They had an entire line of wonderful little red birdie things but I had to wait it out for the better sales.  And I'm so glad, because I got the matching red birdie cake plates below for 75% off !!

I don't know why, but those red birdies in my kitchen just make me happy.  How can it be so much more fun to shake salt & pepper out of red birdies?  But it is. :) 

-----------------------------------------------------------

"For He did you good and showed you kindness and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with nourishment and happiness."

-Acts 14:17 amp