Easy, Inexpensive Way to Make Framed Wall Art

If you are in need of some wall art but don’t consider yourself a painter, you are in luck. You can make some beautiful art with finger painting. It’s not just for kids!

Who Are These People?

Have you been wanting to sit down with your family members and capture their great childhood and life stories. Maybe even some words of wisdom?

Or have you tried (like I did) and realized that without the right questions, it became an interview full of facts or just felt awkward because you didn’t know what to ask?

I’m really excited to share something I created out of a need for myself and have spent the last nine months working on…and it is finally done!

Book Recommendation for Anyone Creative (That’s You!)

We are all creative. Whether you like to write, cook, craft, decorate, negotiate at work, or parent your kids, you are being creative.

I feel that we all get callings or nudges to try something. Sometimes we listen and act, but most of the time, we don’t.

If you’ve ever wanted someone to give you permission to go for it, do your thing, be yourself, or just create something for fun, then you will love this book. Not that you need permission to do those things, of course, but sometimes it helps move you along.

The BEST gift you can give your kids (Hint: It’s Free)

I’ve been working on a project for a while now that I can’t wait to share with you soon! The project involves connecting with the generations before us to draw out their best stories~the stories that made them who they are. It’s been a lot of fun (and a lot of work) but I think it’s really important so it’s become sort of a passion project 🙂

In my research, I’ve connected with people who share similar philosophies and are doing their own exciting work. One person, in particular, is Jennifer from Tales of a Peanut. She has an online paper and gift shop with all kinds of beautiful paper products. Her latest line is called Handwritten Heritage.

Photo courtesy of Handwritten Heritage

Easy, Unique Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Giving Mother’s Day gifts doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Here are a few last-minute ideas that just might be perfect for your momma!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! xo

 

 

Conversation Gems-A Non-Candy Valentine’s Treat

Make Personalized Wine Bottles

It’s party time!

If you’re planning on giving wine as a hostess gift or just serving wine at a party, these personalized wine bottle labels are perfect.

DIY Monogrammed Notecards

My sister and I were recently talking about what to give as a First Communion gift. She mentioned she was going to give monogrammed notecards to her friend’s daughter.

I thought that was such a great idea. Everyone should have her own personalized notecards or stationery, but especially kids and teens. With all of the technology now, it’s important for kids to still appreciate the written note.

My sister’s gift inspired me to try to make my own monogrammed cards. If you’re needing a gift for graduation or just want to make these, they are really easy. You just need blank notecards, alphabet stamps and ink pads.

I found that buying blank notecards in bulk is easiest. They are already scored (where it folds) and comes with envelopes. They have different colors and designs, too, which make it more fun.

You can get these at any craft store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby and both stores always have 40% off coupons, which are great 🙂

I liked this polka dot theme for the cards I was going to do.

For the alphabet rubber stamps, it’s best if you have two sets, one with smaller letters and the other with larger letters. In the same section as the stamps, you’ll find ink pads in every color.

To do a standard monogram you will need to know the initials of the person’s first, middle, and last name. Using your largest stamper, stamp the initial of the person’s last name in the middle of the card.

Then using your smaller stampers, stamp the first name initial in the front and the middle name initial on the end.

They also have stampers that say just about anything, so sometimes it is nice to give Thank You cards as a gift, as well.

You can also monogram the envelopes for an extra touch.

There are so many things you can do with these. Just don’t forget to make some for yourself while you’re at it!

 

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Make Your Own Bracelets from Costume Jewelry

My grandma loved her costume jewelry and I am having so much fun with this box of it that was given to me.

Between the broaches, beads and chains, I’ll never run out of things to make with them. A while ago, I used some broaches from this box to make these decorative mirrors.

But for this jewelry project, I wanted to make bracelets from this chain necklace.

I decided to make stretch bracelets because they are easy and don’t require a lot of tools or components.

First, using wire cutters (o.k. you do need one tool), cut off just a small section of links.

I just did enough links to cover the top of my wrist.

Then cut a small strip of stretchy cord.

Fold it in half.

And loop it through one of the end links.

Then just fold the two ends through the opening to attach the cord to the links.

This will gave you two strands of cord.

If your bead holes are too small to string two strands, forget the folding and looping step and just tie your cord around the chain link. Tie a few knots and trim excess cord, leaving one piece of cord.

Next, string beads onto the cords until it is the right length (there are no set measurements here, just wrap it around your own wrist to determine the length you need).

Then tie the cord to the other end link and tie about three knots.

You can put a few drops of glue or clear nail polish on your knots to secure them.

And that is it!

You can use any kind of bead you have on hand to make a fun variety of bracelets.

If you don’t have costume jewelry on hand from grandma, don’t worry, garage sale season is coming up. That’s a perfect place to find great accessories to craft with!

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Fun Way to Display Your Favorite Quote or Verse

In the past month, I’ve come across this Bible passage (1 Corinthians 13: 4-7) five times from five different sources!

I realize this is a popular verse, but I always take notice when something starts showing up over and over. I like to think it’s God’s way of communicating with me and asking me to pay attention to something.

So, I’m not sure what the message is here. Maybe I’m supposed to be loving more? Better? Differently?

Or maybe I’m just supposed to enjoy the love that I already have.

Since I was feeling such a strong connection to this verse, I thought it would be nice to find a way to display it in our home.

This would be cute with any favorite quote or saying.

To start, I bought a frame from the thrift store.

Then I measured the area that shows through the glass so  I’d know what size to print my text.

Using a computer, I typed out the text, changing the font with each verse. Then I printed it and cut it to fit inside the frame.

With a pencil, I hand wrote the word love in the center of the page.

Then using a small brush and acrylic paint, I painted over my penciled text.

After it dried, I just put the paper into the frame and hung it in our bedroom where I could see it every day.

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