"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred. And we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas time."
- Laura Ingalls Wilder
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Weekend Wonders: The One with Ornaments
I have seen SO many cute Christmas ornaments around the blogosphere lately! I'm sharing a few of my faves with you today.
Cupcake Ornaments
Are these cupcake ornaments at Artsy Vava not adorable!?! Head on over to learn how to make them using cupcake liners and Christmas balls plus a few more "ingredients."
Lightbulb Snowman
Felt Owls
I Spy Ornament
(In fact, I may make them myself for some of the kids in my life!)
JOY Ornament
Scrabble Ornaments
Photo Ornaments
Mini Yarn Wreath Ornaments
Lastly, check out a few of my ornaments from Christmases past.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Paparazzi Jewelry Review
One of the things I love about blogging is making new friends that I probably never would have met if it weren’t for blogging since they don’t live near me. Michelle, from Someday Crafts, is one of those friends. She is a special education teacher turned stay at home Mom to three adorable kiddos and we became friends discussing my sweet Noah.
Michelle recently became a jewelry consultant for Paparazzi Jewelry as a way to earn some extra money for her family. Michelle sells the jewelry locally at jewelry parties, craft bazaars, and through her website, Jewelry for Five.
Michelle sent me three pieces of jewelry to give them a try.
I love the ribbon closure on this necklace because you can easily adjust the length of it. The only thing I don't like is that the brown isn't as of a dark brown as I'd thought it was going to be but it's still beautiful and I can wear it with many different things. The necklace also came with matching earrings.
I like that the flower clip has both an alligator clip and then a standard pin back on the back of it so I could clip it in my hair or on a bag or a coat or something; love the versatility of it.
I adore headbands but I will admit I was a little leery of ordering one because I could not try it on first and if a headband is even a smidge too tight I won’t wear it because then I just end up with a giant headache. But I’m happy to report that this headband seems to fit well and although I have only worn it once, it was for about 5 hours and I remained headache free!
When Michelle was first telling me about this jewelry line, she told me that every single piece of jewelry, headband, clips, etc. was only $5.00! You are probably thinking like I first did that it’s too good to be true, right? That because it’s so inexpensive it’s probably lacking in quality. Well, now that I have held several pieces in my hands, I can assure you that it is NOT lacking in quality. It’s the same type of jewelry I’ve bought at boutiques in the mall and paid triple the price for. It’s good stuff and would make a great Christmas gift for family, friends, co-workers, teachers, etc. Click below to go to the Jewelry for Five website and check out Michelle's awesome selection of jewelry and accessories.
Also, if you are looking for a way to supplement your income, becoming a consultant like Michelle did just might be the answer for you. Check out her website or email her at jewelryforfive@gmail.com for more information.
Full Disclosure: I was given free jewelry in exchange for writing an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Michelle recently became a jewelry consultant for Paparazzi Jewelry as a way to earn some extra money for her family. Michelle sells the jewelry locally at jewelry parties, craft bazaars, and through her website, Jewelry for Five.
Michelle sent me three pieces of jewelry to give them a try.
I love the ribbon closure on this necklace because you can easily adjust the length of it. The only thing I don't like is that the brown isn't as of a dark brown as I'd thought it was going to be but it's still beautiful and I can wear it with many different things. The necklace also came with matching earrings.
I like that the flower clip has both an alligator clip and then a standard pin back on the back of it so I could clip it in my hair or on a bag or a coat or something; love the versatility of it.
I adore headbands but I will admit I was a little leery of ordering one because I could not try it on first and if a headband is even a smidge too tight I won’t wear it because then I just end up with a giant headache. But I’m happy to report that this headband seems to fit well and although I have only worn it once, it was for about 5 hours and I remained headache free!
When Michelle was first telling me about this jewelry line, she told me that every single piece of jewelry, headband, clips, etc. was only $5.00! You are probably thinking like I first did that it’s too good to be true, right? That because it’s so inexpensive it’s probably lacking in quality. Well, now that I have held several pieces in my hands, I can assure you that it is NOT lacking in quality. It’s the same type of jewelry I’ve bought at boutiques in the mall and paid triple the price for. It’s good stuff and would make a great Christmas gift for family, friends, co-workers, teachers, etc. Click below to go to the Jewelry for Five website and check out Michelle's awesome selection of jewelry and accessories.
Also, if you are looking for a way to supplement your income, becoming a consultant like Michelle did just might be the answer for you. Check out her website or email her at jewelryforfive@gmail.com for more information.
Full Disclosure: I was given free jewelry in exchange for writing an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Happy December!
November was a busy month here on the blog! I attempted to post every day for NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month.) I have attempted this in the past and usually started out strong but then fizzled out mid month never successfully posting every single day. But I'm happy to report this go 'round - I did it! Yay! There was lots to post about though, with Thankful Thursdays, my first give away, and craft projects; so that made it easier!
December is going to be a busy month as well. Not only blog wise but life wise too! I love this time of the year! I love the colors, the decorations, the scents, the feelings, etc. Our tree is up and almost finished. This season just gives me lots of warm fuzzies.
And as you know, I always change my desk top background at the first of the month. This month I chose a cute Christmas one from LeeLou Blogs.
Happy December friends!
December is going to be a busy month as well. Not only blog wise but life wise too! I love this time of the year! I love the colors, the decorations, the scents, the feelings, etc. Our tree is up and almost finished. This season just gives me lots of warm fuzzies.
And as you know, I always change my desk top background at the first of the month. This month I chose a cute Christmas one from LeeLou Blogs.
Happy December friends!
Counting Down the Days
After posting different ways to countdown the days until Christmas last weekend, I was inspired to create something new to countdown the days. (This is what we used last year.)
Here is this year's Christmas Counter-Downer.....
Want to make one of your very own? You know you do! Here's how.......
1. Gather your supplies. You will need:
3. Cut your paper to the size of your board. Brush a layer of Mod Podge on your plaque and then lay the paper down smoothing it out as you go along. If you have any extra, sand off the edges using a sanding block. Be sure and sand away from the board. (I always cut my paper a bit big for projects like this and sand off the extra because I like the finished looking sanding gives it.)
4. Print out the words "Days until Christmas" on your cardstock in your favorite font or download mine here. Trim to fit your board and glue it to your board.
5. Once your chalkboard paint has dried, glue on your coaster above your words.
6. Add any embellishments you like.
Here is this year's Christmas Counter-Downer.....
Want to make one of your very own? You know you do! Here's how.......
1. Gather your supplies. You will need:
- A piece of wood or board of some kind (I used a tacky plaque I bought at The Dollar Tree. I often like using these for projects like this because they are a good size, the sides are already finished, and there's already a hook on it for hanging on the wall. You'll just want to sand the front just a bit before you do anything to it so that paint or Mod Podge will adhere better.)
- Decorative scrapbook paper
- Coordinating cardstock
- Mod Podge
- Foam brush
- Chalkboard paint
- Chipboard coaster (I used a cheap coaster I bought on super clearance at Michael's that I had in my stash. You could also use a heavy piece of cardboard or chipboard and just cut it into the size circle you want.)
- Embellishments
- Chalk
3. Cut your paper to the size of your board. Brush a layer of Mod Podge on your plaque and then lay the paper down smoothing it out as you go along. If you have any extra, sand off the edges using a sanding block. Be sure and sand away from the board. (I always cut my paper a bit big for projects like this and sand off the extra because I like the finished looking sanding gives it.)
4. Print out the words "Days until Christmas" on your cardstock in your favorite font or download mine here. Trim to fit your board and glue it to your board.
5. Once your chalkboard paint has dried, glue on your coaster above your words.
6. Add any embellishments you like.
Now you are ready to count down the days until Christmas!
(Linking up to the parties listed in my sidebar)
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Noah's Orange Tree
On Friday, we put up Noah's orange Clemson tree. He is so excited to have it back in his room again this year!
Once again all of the ornaments are sports themed, Clemson themed, or orange and purple.
Once again all of the ornaments are sports themed, Clemson themed, or orange and purple.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Snow Patties
The minute I saw this version of what I have come to call "Snow Patties" I knew that I had to make them.
Here's how mine turned out.........
Aren't they adorable? I think they'd make a great stocking stuffer or a sweet little gift for a neighbor, friend, teacher, or co-worker! Want to know how I made them?? Let's get started!
You will need:
Round peppermint patties (I admit that these were difficult to find! I searched about 6 stores before I finally found the round ones. The Christmas ones that are red and green are not in round packages, they are in square packages and I don't think they'd work too well for this.)
Black cardstock
White cardstock
Adhesive of your choice (I used glue dots and my Xyron machine)
Pretezel Bags (You can find these in the cake decorating/candy section of your local craft store.)
Ribbon
1 1/2 inch circle punch
2 inch scallop circle punch
Snowman face printable which you can download here
Tape
1. Print your snowman faces out and punch one out with the circle punch. Punch 2 more circles out of white cardstock with the circle punch.
2. Punch 6 scalloped circles using the scalloped punch out of black cardstock. Punch 6 circles out of the black cardstock using a regular hole punch. These will become your buttons.
3. Adhere each of the white circles to one of the black scalloped circles. I ran the white circles through my Xyron machine but you could just use glue dots for these as well. Now, using the glue dots glue these to the front of your Peppermint Patties.
4. Adhere the small black circle "buttons" to the middle and lower part of your snowman and a black hat to snowman's face. (I cut the black hat using a shape I created in the Silhouette software but you could free hand one or find one online to use as a guide.)
5. Adhere the three remaining black scalloped circles to the back of each of the Peppermint Patties.
6. Grab the middle and lowest part of your snowman and turn those over. Put a small piece of tape on the back to keep them together. Slide them into your pretzel bag.
7. Loosely tie a piece of ribbon around the bag to be your snowman's scarf.
8. Add the snowman's face to the pretzel bag. Fold the bag down in the back and tape it closed.
And you are done!
I big puffy heart these snow patties!
Here's how mine turned out.........
Aren't they adorable? I think they'd make a great stocking stuffer or a sweet little gift for a neighbor, friend, teacher, or co-worker! Want to know how I made them?? Let's get started!
You will need:
Round peppermint patties (I admit that these were difficult to find! I searched about 6 stores before I finally found the round ones. The Christmas ones that are red and green are not in round packages, they are in square packages and I don't think they'd work too well for this.)
Black cardstock
White cardstock
Adhesive of your choice (I used glue dots and my Xyron machine)
Pretezel Bags (You can find these in the cake decorating/candy section of your local craft store.)
Ribbon
1 1/2 inch circle punch
2 inch scallop circle punch
Snowman face printable which you can download here
Tape
1. Print your snowman faces out and punch one out with the circle punch. Punch 2 more circles out of white cardstock with the circle punch.
2. Punch 6 scalloped circles using the scalloped punch out of black cardstock. Punch 6 circles out of the black cardstock using a regular hole punch. These will become your buttons.
3. Adhere each of the white circles to one of the black scalloped circles. I ran the white circles through my Xyron machine but you could just use glue dots for these as well. Now, using the glue dots glue these to the front of your Peppermint Patties.
4. Adhere the small black circle "buttons" to the middle and lower part of your snowman and a black hat to snowman's face. (I cut the black hat using a shape I created in the Silhouette software but you could free hand one or find one online to use as a guide.)
5. Adhere the three remaining black scalloped circles to the back of each of the Peppermint Patties.
6. Grab the middle and lowest part of your snowman and turn those over. Put a small piece of tape on the back to keep them together. Slide them into your pretzel bag.
7. Loosely tie a piece of ribbon around the bag to be your snowman's scarf.
8. Add the snowman's face to the pretzel bag. Fold the bag down in the back and tape it closed.
And you are done!
I big puffy heart these snow patties!
(Linking up to the craft parties listed in my sidebar)
Monday, November 28, 2011
Making Trees with Noahie
Noah's new found love of art is going strong and I'm still loving it too! A couple of weeks ago, we made trees! I found the original idea at Artful Parent and I just adapted it a little bit so that it would work better for Noah's skill level.
Instead of having Noah make the tree himself with masking tape, I made the tree while Noah was sleeping using brown ribbon that I ran through my Xyron to make it sticky. I just stuck it down on cream colored cardstock.
Then when Noah was ready, I gave him the closest colors we had to "fall colors" of his beloved paint markers. (They are still his favorite - and mine too!) He used the paint markers to make "dots" for the leaves. He had a great time doing it and they turned out really cool. I even framed one and put it up with my fall decor which he just thought was the coolest thing ever!
Here's a few pics of Noah making his trees......
Getting ready to paint!
Look at that smile!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Quote of the Week: Out of the Lowest Depths
"Out of the lowest depths,
there is a path to the loftiest heights."
- Thomas Caryle
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Weekend Wonders: The One with Christmas Countdowns
Well, the official countdown until Christmas is on as of December 1st. Lately I have seen lots of cute ways to countdown the days until Christmas. Here are some of my favorites......
Snowman Advent Garland
This snowman advent garland from Whimsy Girl is an adorable way to count down the days until Christmas. Each little snowman holds a small trinket.
Clipboard Countdown
Clothespin Advent
Santa's Beard Advent
As you count down the days to Christmas with this cute advent at Brandy's Crafts, Santa's beard will get shorter and shorter. Fun one for the kiddos!
Do you make something to count down the days until Christmas?
Friday, November 25, 2011
The "Yay, it's the Christmas Season" Tradition
My Mom has a tradition that I love. (Confession: I love just about any tradition that involves presents.) My Mom doesn’t like to give us Christmas things (ornaments, decorations, shirts, etc) for Christmas because we have to wait a whole year to be able to use them. So, years back she started a tradition where she gives us a gift on Thanksgiving Day that I have dubbed the “Yay, it’s the Christmas season gift.” It could be any of the afore mentioned things like ornaments, Christmas clothes, decorations, and what not.
Since my Momma is the queen of gift baskets and usually makes me a gift basket for just about every holiday, I received a cute green and red gift basket yesterday full of little Christmas trinkets. My favorite thing in the basket was the gingerbread man and woman salt and pepper shakers. (I collect salt and pepper shakers.)
Anyways, it’s a fun little tradition to celebrate the start of the Christmas season. Do you have any fun traditions to celebrate the upcoming holidays?
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thankful Thursdays #4
(continued from here)
23. Family recipes
24. Pets
25. Cherry coke
26. Help with Noah
27. Family around my table
28. Thanksgiving cards
29. All the love in my life
30. Our yummy turkey dinner
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