Birthday Giveaway Winner

It's time to announce the winner of the birthday kit giveaway but before I do that check out ONE CHARMING PARTY's blog. Super cute birthday ideas. I love this cake....

The winner of the birthday kit is.......

Marie said...
I loved this idea when you posted it earlier - And I love the idea of winning it even more! :) Glad to see your back to blogging, I was missing your ideas! :)

I will be emailing you Marie for your info. If you haven't entered the mutual theme kit giveaway yet...there is still time! The winner will be announced tomorrow.

Mutual Theme Project and Giveaway!

Thanks to a wonderful friend my mutual project previously posted has been perfected. Check it out....


I couldn't just make one...

I've already added kits into my etsy shop. If you get a chance go check them out. I just wanted to thank those who have sent me nice emails. They brighten my day! As a thank you to my wonderful readers I am giving away one kit. To enter in the giveaway leave a comment on this post. Make sure I have a way to contact you. I will announce the winner on October 1, 2010.

Don't forget to enter my birthday project giveaway HERE. It will be ending this Thursday!

One of my favs!

Dang! I'm a fan of polka dots and black and white. PARTY WISHES front porch is one of my fav things this week!


So cute!

2x4 Pumpkin Tutorial

Here is a easy 2x4 pumpkin tutorial...

First, cut your 2x4's. You can also use 1x3's. They are slightly smaller and cheaper. I actually prefer them :) For this particular pumpkin cut 2 blocks at 5 inches and the other two at 4 inches. Sand the edges lightly.

Paint the 2x4's orange. I paint mine on all sides but you could just do the front, sides and top.

I used Americana's Burnt orange (above) for the pumpkin pieces and any old brown will do for the stem.

Sand the edges of all pieces.

Cut your paper into strips. Just in case you're wondering....I used a double sided paper from Graphic 45. It's in their Christmas Past Collection. It's called Deck the Halls. Ink the edges of each paper strip with a brown ink pad.

Now it's time for some mod podge!

I put the mod podge on the block and then put the paper on it. Make sure you get no bubbles (they drive me crazy) by smoothing the paper down with your fingers. I let it dry a little and then add a top layer.


Gorilla glue is the best and it's time to use some!


Use this gorilla wood glue to glue the pieces together. It will need some time to dry and you are finished! If you like add some embellishments such as ribbon, yarn and/or berries.

The best thing about pumpkins is there are so many possibilities....big, small, tall, short, wide,

or narrow. What kind of pumpkin will you choose?

Speaking of cute little pumpkins....any crafter with kids knows the damage that can be done while crafting. As I posted this post, double trouble, aka my sons, filled one of their socks up with mud and threw it at the back of the house. The little pumpkin in orange is wearing a brand new shirt. I took this picture so I can remember to laugh....someday :) Happy Crafting!

Mutual theme

It's begun....I'm designing projects for next year's mutual theme....

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things” (Article of Faith 1:13; italics added).

This is my first trial run for this project. I didn't even let it fully dry before I took a picture. I'm late for a soccer game! Eek! It's full of flaws. Just consider it a rough draft but I still love it!

You know you are married to a crafter if...

In my blog hopping adventures today I stumbled upon the blog SHANNON MAKES STUFF. She has a cute page dedicated to

{YOU KNOW YOU ARE MARRIED TO A CRAFTER IF..}

My fav quote of hers is...

"...you go to the hardware store, you won't purchase items for their intended use, and you will lie to the sales associates that want to know what you are fixing because the item is really for a craft." {Shannon Staker}

Hilarious. I was just telling a friend that you should never tell the sales associate what your project is because as soon as they know it's a craft project they become the expert of what will work and won't. Come on dude...I just want my wood cut not advice!

I have to add a few of my own. Such as:

"...your wife says "hand me that thingy over there" about some random tool because she doesn't know the name of it and really doesn't care. She just knows it does what she needs it to."

"...your three year old knows what a crochet hook is." or "...your sons use knitting needles when they have a sword fight."

"...you have a room dedicated to crafts and it's the cool place to be."

"...when your kids pretend they play arts and crafts."

"...you can hear the Cricut cutting paper at midnight."

"...you have spray paint on the garage floor."

I could come up with tons! I'm laughing as I write them :) Do you have any to share???

Feed My Sheep

I made these a while back for the young women in my ward as a handout for a lesson.


The lesson was based on this article ( LDS.org - Ensign Article - The Summer of the Lambs) Today I was thinking about that lesson and made this...

Then thought about this song I love by Michael McLean...

....So why is my shepherd treating me like a lost lamb?

He’s searching to find me

And he’s holding me now, yes, he’s holding me now

And teaching me who I am

So why am I feeling like I’m the only one here

It’s like I’m his favorite

And he takes me aside, and he sweetly confides

These remarkable words in my ear

You are one of the ninety and nine

Have you any idea how brightly you shine?

You are safe in this fold, and it’s time you are told

That I know where you’ve been so I know where you’ll be

Because all of your life you’ve been following me

You are more than just one of the sands of the sea

Or just one of the ninety and nine...

Do you have any idea how brightly YOU shine? Maybe you do. I often forget. Make yourself one of these sheep to help you remember and go out and feed His sheep :)

Craft Funny

Yesterday, my four year old son brought me a crochet hook. I asked him where he got it. He said, "I got it from your crap room". I think my husband taught him that. He doesn't ♥ my craft room.

Super Saturday *Craft Group Style*

After the shock of being told there would be no super Saturday where crafts would be made for our ward. My lovely craft group took action. We decided we would have our own super Saturday with crafts. With this group of ladies anything is possible. In order for our day to be a success there is a ton of work to be done. We all chose assignments...such as being in charge of food, crafts, set-up, clean-up and hosting the event.

This post is showing the project options. Please feel to take a peek and be inspired by the talented ladies I am surrounded by. Just ignore all the linguistics of me talking to my craft group. My blog seems like the easiest way to post the information plus you all get to see some fun ideas.
CRAFT GROUP: We have decided our Super Saturday will be Saturday, November 13 at Kristen's home. It will be from 9:00am to 3:00 pm.

Check out the projects below and email, call, tell (make sure I write it down) me what projects you will be making. All money will be due to me (melinda) by November 1st. That gives you a month to figure out what you would like to do and get your money in.

To avoid being charged for the same item twice for different projects (done by different people) it is my hope that each crafter can bring the following items from your stash at home:

*Paint brush/foam brush. Bring as many as you feel needed.
*Scissors and/or paper cutter.
*Modge Podge. You can never have enough. Go buy the big old one.
*Ink Pad. Each project will state if you need this but my guess is you will need a black and brown one.
*Sand paper

Since Wendy has moved (even with me holding onto her leg pleading for her to stay) certain items will not be provided in her kits. Please read the "details", "you get" and "you supply" section of each project.

I had no clue when we started this that there would be so many projects. Prepare to have a hard time choosing :) I still have one more project to post!

Super Saturday (Craft Group Style) Projects:

#1. CHRISTMAS SUBWAY ART

Cost: $8.00
Approx. Time: 1 hr.

DETAILS: It'll be approx. 10.5 x 18". Barn red background, white vinyl lettering.

YOU GET: Wood board, vinyl lettering, barn red paint

YOU SUPPLY: brush, sand paper (optional)

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#2. FLOWER HEADBAND &/or Bobby pins.

(picture from Make it and Love it)

Cost: Free-.50 cents
Approx. Time: 10-15 mins

Details: I have made the headbands, they are super easy and fun and cheap! $.50 each. I can do the first 5 bobby pins for free. After that each one is 5 cents or bring your own. I am no good at the hair ties, sorry! I have gray, black, blu and brown for colors. I will keep an eye out for others colors since we have some time. Made from vinyl.

YOU GET: Everything!

YOU SUPPLY: Nothing!

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#3. 2x4 PUMPKIN WITH PAPER

Cost: $3.50
Approx. Time: 30-40 mins.

DETAILS: Pumpkin is 8" tall and 6 " wide.
YOU GET: 4 (2x4) Blocks, paper, wood stem, orange paint, brown paint, ribbon, gorilla glue

YOU SUPPLY: modge podge, paint/foam brush, sandpaper, brown ink pad

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#3a. 2x4 PUMPKIN

Cost: $3.00

Approx. Time: 30 mins

DETAILS: The pumpkin is about 8" tall and 6 inches tall

YOU GET: 4 (2x4) blocks, wood stem, orange paint, brown paint, yarn, berries

YOU SUPPLY: Sandpaper, paint/foam brush

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#4. CHRISTMAS TREE WITH PAPER

COST: $4.50

Approx. Time: 45 mins

DETAILS: Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas tree. Celebrate Christmas with this 2x4 CHRISTMAS TREE WITH PAPER! The tree stands about a foot tall. Fun and easy craft :)

YOU GET: wood blocks and star, paper, berries

YOU SUPPLY: brush, modge podge, sand paper


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#4a. 2x4 CHRISTMAS TREE

Cost: $4.00

Approx. Time: 45 mins

DETAILS: Keep it simple with this fun but easy Christmas tree. The tree stand about a foot tall.

YOU GET: wood blocks and star, paint, berries

YOU SUPPLY: brush and sandpaper

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#5. BOOK WREATH

Cost: $3.00

Approx. time: 1-2 hours.

DETAILS: Do you love to read? I do and this BOOK WREATH makes me smile :) Super easy. Just needs your time and attention!

YOU GET: Book Pages, Foam Circle, Glue Sticks

YOU SUPPLY: Try to bring your glue gun, Black ink pad

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

#6. Beautiful CHRISTMAS WREATH

(I can't find where I got this picture from but whoever did it...nice work!)

Cost: $14.00

Approx Time: 1 hour

YOU GET: 60 ornaments of various sizes, hanger, ribbon, hot glue

YOU SUPPLY: If you can bring your glue gun.
--------------------------------------------

#7. LOLLIPOP TURKEY

Cost:$2 ($3 for paper included)

Approx. time: 30-40 mins

DETAILS: A cute little display piece that offers a sweet treat to anyone he greets! Approximate size is 6”x5”. Holds 12 dum-dum suckers/lollipops.

YOU GET: Wood pieces, sandpaper, pattern

YOU SUPPLY: paper or paint, Black or brown fine tip sharpie, scissors, modge podge, ink pad to match, ribbon.

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#8. TURKEY DOOR HANGER

Cost:$5 ($7 for paper included)

Approx. time: 30-40 mins

To cute to even think about eating! This little guy will happily greet all your holiday friends and neighbors with a smile. Cute alone or place him in your fabulous fall wreath you made last year for a quick up-date. Approx. size is 12”x14”.

YOU GET: wood pieces, sandpaper, feathers, instructions

YOU SUPPLY: paint and brushes, modge podge, black or brown fine tip sharpie, scissors, paper for tail feathers, glue for wood pieces (I use E6000), ribbon

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#9. MENU BOARD

Cost:$12 ($14 for paper included)(picture on paperhearts.com, scroll down to bottom of 1st page)

Approx. time: 30-40 mins

DETAILS: A fun and friendly way to stay on top of things in the kitchen. Add your favorite meals to the paper strips and then quickly and easily plan out the entire week! Shopping list notepad included. Size is approx. 14”x16”.

YOU GET: Magnet board, bottle caps, post it pad, magnets, labels, instructions

YOU SUPPLY: paper cutter, scissors, 3 patterned 12x12 paper, glue dots, ribbon, modge podge, brush, 2 solid papers (8.5x11 will work), ink pad (optional).

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#10. CHANGING SEASON FRAME

Cost:$10

Approx time: 1-1.5 hrs.

DETAILS: Stay up to date on your décor the easy way! The center image pops off to move quickly from one season into the next. Kit contains ribbon and image for each spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Frame size is 8”x8”. Specify frame color black or brown.

YOU GET: Frame, beadboard insert, wood pieces, velcro dots, sandpaper, embellishments, instructions

YOU SUPPLY: paint, stain, brushes, scissors, black sharpie fine tip, glue for wood pieces (I use E6000)

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#11. WOODEN "FROSTY" LETTERS

Cost:$5

Approx. time: 1 hr.

DETAILS: Add some chill to your winter in a warm and friendly way! These letters bring some fun to the winter blues with a friendly little snowman face peeking out from where the O should be. Pick your own colors scheme and embellishments to boot! Size ranges from 7” tall by 18” long.

YOU GET: Wood pieces, pattern for snowman and cheeks, black nails for face, sandpaper, instructions.

YOU SUPPLY: Paint, brushes, scissors, Patterned paper, solid paper, modge podge, ink pad, embellishments(I used ribbon, tulle, and buttons)


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#12. STITCHED NATIVITY ORNAMENT

Cost:$3

Approx time: 1.5-2 hrs.

DETAILS :A gentle reminder of what our holidays should be. This ornament shows Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus stitched on muslin and then matted on a stable shaped frame. Simple hand stitching required to complete.

YOU GET: wood pieces, muslin and backing, chipboard and masking, needle and thread, ribbon to hang, pattern, instructions

YOU SUPPLY: paint, brushes, sharp pencil
Wood pieces paint and brushes *you can use an small embroidery hoop, but it’s not necessary

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#13. WOODEN PLAY FOOD KITS

Cost:$12 each kit

Approx. time: 2+ hrs.

DETAILS:Similar to what you see in Pottery Barn, Land of Nod, or from Doug & Mellissa these play food kits are great fun for your little ones! All pieces are solid wood-no spoiling! And pieces stick together with Velcro for lots of interchangeable fun! Pieces can be painted or paper-covered, it’s up to you!

YOU GET:
Cookie Kit Contains: Sandwich Kit Contains:

6 sugar cookies 4 bread slices

6 frosting tops 2 cheese slices

1 can frosting 2 slices tomatoes

1 can sprinkles 2 pieces lettuce

1 serving tray 2 slices ham/bologna

1 frosting knife 1 serving tray

1 butter knife

1 jar mayo, 1 jar mustard

*Both kits contain Velcro pieces, labels, and instructions

YOU SUPPLY: paint(think about the colors you want your food to be), brushes, modge podge, and paper and scissors if you choose to paper instead of paint.

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

#14.PIECED PAPER PICTURES. Choose from "Peace", "Adore" or "Rejoice"

Cost: $1.50 each.

Approx. time: 20-30 mins.

DETAILS: It’s like making a quilt, but with no sewing and no fabric! Pieces are cut from paper and fit together like a puzzle to form a fun reminder of the Christmas season. 3 designs to choose from, “peace/angel”, “adore/baby Jesus”, and “rejoice/shepherd”. All will fit into any standard 8x10 frame when completed.

YOU GET: patterns, paper, all paper, instructions

YOU SUPPLY: frame (8x10 or larger if matted) ,All paper pencil, sharp scissors, glue stick, ink pad, fine tip sharpie(brown or black), blush & q-tip

*Peace comes with halo and buttons for angel figure

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14a. WOOD CUTOUTS of “Adore” or “Peace”

(Pictures above with paper cutouts)

Cost $3

Approx time: 20-30 mins each

DETAILS: The same pattern as above only cut from wood and placed on a base so it can stand alone. Supplies are the same as above but you will also need paint of your choice, brushes and modge podge.

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

#15. BELIEVE GLASS CUBE

Cost: $9.00

Approx time: 30 mins

DETAILS:

YOU GET: Glass cube, vinyl, ribbon, jewels

YOU SUPPLY: inside materials...lights and filling

Kids + Crafts =

I'm not super happy she chose to write on this box with permanent marker but how can I be mad! So cute:)

Perfectionist in Recovery

I'm a perfectionist in recovery. Yep it's true. Way back when (well... and occasionally I relapse) If I couldn't do something perfect I wouldn't do it. It applied to many different areas of my life including crafting. If I made something I thought was to be hideous I would throw it away and quit. I've now learned creating is a process. Sometimes you get it right the first time and other times you just need to change a few things to make it *perfect*! The funny thing is this post isn't where I made something perfect :) I think it's like craft therapy posting my junk. I like my little tree but it needs a little more....



So I added a little paper and....it looks like a disaster!

I'm going to try sticking with the darker paper, make the star smaller and change the yellow color and then we just might have something worth posting. I would love to see the pumpkins and trees you are all creating :)

Mixin' things up

Just mixin' things up a little bit. What do you think?I'm sure you are all tired of my pumpkin obsession....I'm doing the same thing to my tree :)

Make sure you entered my birthday giveaway!!!

Blanket Pattern

I'm a big fan of ravelry. They aren't even paying me to say that! Ravelry is a free site for knitters and crocheters. The site provides tons and tons of free patterns. If you haven't checked it out yet it's a must to do.

A few days ago I shared this blanket I made. I was asked to share the pattern. Why not??

Before I share the pattern I must warn you I am an incredibly annoying crocheter/knitter. I start off following a pattern but somewhere I always decide to change it up. Even worse I don't write down or remember the changes I make. Super annoying I know! With that said I will try my best to share how I made this blanket. The good news is for this particular blanket I followed the majority of the pattern.

This pattern is called the Litttle V-Stitch Blanket by Lion Brand. I used a crochet hook size L11 but my theory is use what you got and make it work! I followed the pattern up to the finishing section. I didn't love the picot edging so I made up my own scalloped edging.

* Change color if you want and then v-stitch (dc, ch1, dc) around the entire edge in new color. For the scalloped edge {sc, dc 2, sc} all around the blanket except for the 4 edges {sc, dc 3, sc}

If this all sounds too foreign to you (a lot of things do when you first start crocheting) let me know and I will make it easier :)

My favorite things this week

Today I fell in love with two things... This watchArt kit from Silver Lime. I ordered one a few weeks ago but just found this beauty...



A friend posted this picture on facebook today of a baby skirt she made. She is going to start an etsy shop. I will share the link soon. I'm going to have her make each of my girls one :)

Do you like how my two favorite things this week match? Don't forget to enter in my giveaway!!!