Just Another Hang Up

Birthday Calendar...

2012-01-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was on the phone with one of my daughters. We were halfway through a delightful conversation, when she casually mentioned. "It's my birthday today."

{photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens}

I sat stunned. It was true. I had {in my defense} "temporarily" forgotten that is was indeed her birthday that day. I felt awful. I felt despicable. I felt like a horrible mother. Earlier that week I had mailed a card and was fully aware that her birthday was imminent, but it was true when it came down to the day, I choked. At that moment a thousand pitiful excuses started streaming out of my mouth. As I delivered a diatribe of pathetic apologies, she chuckled on the other end of the phone. After I calmed down, she said, "This isn't the first time. You forgot last year too." As much as it pains me to say this -- being her mother and all -- sometimes she ~~lies~~ exaggerates. ;o) {The other day she told me she rarely "reads" blogs... she just looks at the pictures, so I'm pretty sure I can easily get away with that last sentence.} The next day I called her, wished her a "Happy Birthday", sang the birthday song, and told her I was 364 days early this time. I hope she remembers.

Here's the sad truth. It is getting harder and harder for me to remember birthdays and anniversaries in our family. With a total of 25 immediate family members {plus our parents and siblings} that's asking a lot of my puny, menopausal brain. I decided after that uncomfortable experience to do something about it -- especially after I found this adorable birthday calendar.

In preparation I went to Office Depot earlier this week and bought a very small Rolodex that will sit on the desk in my bedroom. It's only 3.5" x 4" x 4" -- so it's very compact. Then I got busy.

I decided to make my own dividers from scrapbook paper. I just punched two holes in the bottom of the paper with a round hole punch and snipped a little slit for the paper to slide into the Rolodex track ...

I decorated the front divider ...

Next I went to work on the monthly dividers. Nothing elaborate -- just some scrapbook paper, punches and stickers. These little cards are only 3 3/4" x 2", so there's not a lot of space to decorate...

Then I used the backs of the cards that were already provided in the Rolodex and typed up the names and birth dates of the individuals in our family. I included their birth year, so I could remember how old they are. This comes in handy with the grands because -- they grow up so fast!

I'm hoping this birthday calendar will help me remember those special days in our family each month. At the beginning of each month it will trigger my memory and having it on my desk will visually remind me of the important dates we celebrate! {Wish me luck...}

Cost:

Rolodex - $7

Scrapbooking paper and stickers - $5

Total: $12

Linked to:
Catch as Catch Can @ My Repurposed Life
Hookin' Up w/House of Hepworths
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage
Show Off Your Stuff Party @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
Wayward Weekend @ Wayward Girls Crafts
DIY Under $15 @ A Little Tipsy
Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts

Winner of "All Those Patterns" Give Away!

2012-01-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all those who participated in the Give Away from...

The fortunate winner wins a $25 credit

which enables her to choose from a delightful menagerie of

PDF Patterns!

And the winner is...

Congratulations Annemarie!

Snappy Bag Addict...

2012-01-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

I've been a Snappy Bag fanatic lately -- grabbing every scrap of fabric in sight and whipping it up into one of these adorable bags...

Making them is addictive.

I need therapy.

Still...there's something wonderful about a project that takes this side of 45 minutes to complete...

Just in case you missed it the first time around,
go here
for my Snappy Bag tutorial.

From the emails I've received I'm not alone in my obsession.
There are a number of Snappy Bag enthusiasts out there.
For an addict -- there's comfort in numbers.

Have a great day creating!

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

2012-01-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

I spy with my Etsy eye something...

naturally green.

Clockwise, starting top left:

Modern Globe Manzanita Terrarium

"Spring Mist" Photograph Print

Natural Moss Pendant Necklace

Mossy Green Miniature Felted Owl

Felt Flower Brooch

Have a wonderful weekend!

Heart-Shaped Doily becomes Stencil...

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Valentine's Day is a favorite of mine.

What's not to love about a day that celebrates love?

Here's a quick and easy craft that takes five minutes of your time and a few pennies from your purse. It's a fun way to help your little one celebrate the day by wearing something heartfelt...

Start by choosing an article of clothing, some paper heart-shaped doilies, and some fabric paint. I bought all these items at Hobby Lobby for about $5 (40% off coupon on the onsie). You can get multiple applications from one package of doilies and one container of fabric paint. You'll also need a piece of sponge or a stencil brush to stencil the pattern onto the shirt.

Open the shirt and put some kind of barricade between the top of the shirt and the bottom, so the paint doesn't seep through to the back of the shirt while you are applying the paint on the front. I used a coloring book with piece of plain paper on top. I'm obviously very professional when I craft...

Use your paper doily as a stencil and apply the paint to your shirt. {Note: I added a little squirt of acrylic craft paint to my fabric paint to add a little color and texture. It's washable too.} You can make any type of pattern -- overlapping the doilies as you go. Just make sure you use a new doily each time you add a heart.

Easiest project ever for your precious Valentine.

Don't forget to sign up for the $25 Give Away
from "All Those Patterns."

"All Those Patterns" Give Away!

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Are you familiar with the blog "Yards and Yards?" I'm happy to shed a little light on a new website and blog that Anna {from "Yards & Yards"} has created called, "All Those Patterns."

What is "All Those Patterns?"

Think of it as a PDF Pattern Mall -- with top PDF Pattern Designers in one location. As the site grows, there will be new designers and patterns added. It's in its infancy now, but is sure to be a fabulous resource for those who sew!

Cute hat, but too bad we can't order that adorable little dumpling to go with it
...little rosebud lips and all wrinkly. {Sigh.}

Whether you are a sewing enthusiast or a brand new crafter you can browse through patterns for quilting, decor, clothing, crochet, knitting, and sewing to find something that will make your heart go pitter-patter!

What's more, my friends, you have the chance to win

$25 worth of free patterns from

"All Those Patterns!"

Are you game?

There are three different ways to submit your name to win this Give Away. You may do only one, but if you'd like triple the chance of winning feel free to complete all three...

Visit All Those Patterns and choose your three favorite patterns. Then leave a comment below stating which three patterns make your heart palpitate. {Browse by clicking on "Individual Designers."}
"Like" All Those Patterns on Facebook, then return and let me know that you've accomplished that assignment by leaving me another email.
Finally, "follow" All Those Patterns blog (button on the left side). Return to my blog and leave a separate comment telling me that you are following All Those Patterns blog.

It's as simple as that!

This contest will run through 4pm Tuesday, January 24th.

That evening the winner will be announced.

Don't be shy --
my blog is not one that commonly hosts Give Aways,
so you have a great chance of winning this fabulous prize! ;o)

Good luck!

Linked to:
Give Away Directory @ Someday Crafts

Snappy Bag Tutorial

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here's the post you {may} have been waiting for -- my "Snappy Bag" tutorial. I'm so excited to share this pattern and tutorial with you. Again, a big "thanks" goes out to my friend Chris who sent me a Snap Happy Bag, which gave me the inspiration for these cute and practical bags!

In no time at all you can whip up one of these mini-pouches for someone you love! Last week I introduced my version of this little bag that has a carpenter's metal tape measure in the top casing that forms a "hinge" that snaps open and shut! These would be perfect little bags {filled with delectables} for someone you love on Valentine's Day.

Please remember the little printer icon at the bottom

of this post that enables you to print {with ease} this tutorial!

Materials needed:

Bag front: 6 1/2" x 8" cotton fabric

Bag lining (& casing for measuring tape): 6 1/2" x 12" contrasting cotton fabric

Ruffles: Two 2" x 12" strips of same (or other) contrasting cotton fabric

Interfacing: 5 3/4" x 8" fusible fleece interfacing

Two 5" pieces of metal measuring tape

Thread

Finished bag: 5 1/2" wide x 4" high

Directions:

1. On the bag front (6 1/2" x 8" piece of fabric) pencil a line one inch away from each short end... (see below)

2. Center fusible fleece to wrong side of bag front and adhere it to the fabric. (The fusible fleece does not cover the seam allowance on the bag front. This ensures a less bulky side seam on the bag.)

3. Fold the 2" x 12" strips (ruffles) in half lengthwise and press. On the unfinished edge of the strip run a basting stitch 1/4" from the edge. Gather. {If you are unsure how to gather fabric, go here for a demo.}

4. Pin your gathered ruffle to the bag front. Place the edge of the gathered fabric along the penciled line on the bag front...

5. Sew ruffles to bag front 1/8" from unfinished ruffle edge. Remove basting.

6. On bag lining fold over short sides 3/8" and press. Center the bag front on the bag lining wrong sides together. Pin.

7. Stitch 1/4" from unfinished edge of bag front and lining between the ruffles. (see below) This will make stitching of the sides easier.

8. Fold the bag lining over the bag front and the unfinished edge of the ruffles and stitch 1/8" from folded edge of lining. This will create the casing for the measuring tape...

9. (Optional) Here's where I get a little picky, but it I won't apologize because it makes for a professional looking bag. In the photos below, can you see where the side edges of the fabric are a little uneven in the top photo. The bag front doesn't meet the lining perfectly. In the bottom photo (below) the edges of the bag have been trimmed evenly. To cut these edges straight I take off about 1/8" with my rotary cutter. I know, I know....I'm a bit of a perfectionista. Geesh.

10. Fold the bag in half right sides (bag front) together. Your lining will be on the outside (see below)... On one side only stitch 3/8" from the edge. Trim and zig-zag edge. (Put the bag aside, and don't stitch the other side yet!)

11. Are you up for a little carpentry work? Now you get to dismantle a tape measure... It's fun. Undo the screws on the side of a measuring tape and take it apart. Be careful as you are doing this as the tape measure can "explode" when released from it's confining metal cover. Put a sturdy piece of scotch tape on the end of the measuring tape to keep it wound...

12. Now find the crummiest set of scissors you have in your house, because after you've used them on the measuring tape they are never going to cut well again. Cut two 5" pieces off the metal measuring tape, round the corners, and tape the ends with masking tape so the sharp edges don't rip your fabric...

13. This part is very important... Now slip those little measuring tapes into the casings at the top of the bag. The number side of the measuring tapes need to be facing toward the lining (or the inside) of the bag as in the photo below. (Note one tape is facing 'up' and the other facing 'down' because they need to be facing the lining on each side.)

14. When you have those little tapes shoved all the way inside the casing, pin the sides together and sew 3/8" from the edge of the fabric. Trim and zig-zag the seam.

15. Turn right side out and press! Yay!!! You're done!

Just think of the possibilities...

Enjoy!

If this tutorial was helpful, please take the time to leave
a comment below. Your comments give me the
encouragement to continue creating!

Also, please remember the little printer icon at the bottom

of this post that enables you to print {with ease} this tutorial!

Linked to:
Weekend Party @ Sisters of the Wild West
Show & Tell Saturday @ Be Different Act Normal
Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous
Free for All @ Sassy Sites
The Stuff of Success Linky Party
Blog Stalking Thursday @ The Blog Stalker
Hookin Up w/ HOH
Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple
Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage
Show Off Your Stuff @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts
DIY Under $5 @ A Little Tipsy
One Stop Shoppe @ The Southern Product Queen
Show & Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
Northern Cottage Party @ Northern Cottage
Sew Cute Tuesday @ Creative Itch
Show Me What You Got @ Not Just a Housewife
The Inspiration Board @ Homework
DIY Project Parade @ DIY Showoff
Ta-Da Tuesday @ Mommy by Day Crafter by Night
Get Your Craft On @ Todays Creative Blog
Handmade Tuesdays @ Ladybug Blessings
Make-It-Yourself Monday @ An Original Belle
Made by you Monday @ Skip to my Lou

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

2012-01-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

I spy with my Etsy eye something...

heartfelt.

Clockwise, starting top left:

Scandinavian Pendant Necklace

XO Chunky Book

Flowering Heart Cross-stitch Pattern

Traveling Mouse

Fingerless Gloves

Newborn Scandinavian Hat

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

It warmed my heart...

2012-01-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

Last week I received a package in the mail. It was sent to me by a reader of my blog as a "thank you" for the free tutorials I had published on my blog over the last few years. It warmed my heart, and I appreciated her thoughtfulness so much. {Thank you again, Chris!}

Among several things in the box was this adorable Snap Happy Bag that she made for me. I fell in love instantly...

This little bag has a carpenter's metal tape measure cut to the correct lengths to form a "hinge" at the top of the bag. It "snaps" open and shut -- thus the name "Snap Happy Bag." It's the perfect size to put in a purse with a couple of makeup items or to hold a gift card.

I knew I wanted to make a version of my own and publish a tutorial, so yesterday I got to work and came up with this version...

Early next week I'll publish the tutorial. With Valentine's Day approaching I can foresee making these and filling them with all sort of goodies!

Linked to:
Sisters Sunday Link Party @ Sisters of the Wild West
Show & Tell @ Be Different Act Normal
Friday Favs @ Naptime Crafters
Friday Flair @ Whipperberry
Catch as Catch Can @ My Repurposed Life
Free for All @ Sassy Sites
Made Monday @ Toastie Studio

Simple Ruffled Pillow...

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was shopping the other day and came across a simple ruffled pillow. I loved the uncomplicated look of this pillow with its two little rows of tiny ruffles. {Below is the photo I took with my cell phone.} It was $78 and 21" x 27" -- a whopper of a pillow in cost and size. The cost would have discouraged me enough, but it was also too large for what I had in mind, so I decided to make one instead.

Our bedroom redo is almost complete, but I still have a few finishing touches and a pillow accounted for one those. I wanted a 15" pillow to sit on a leather reading chair that would compliment the knitted throw that I had recently bought. This pillow with its little ruffles was exactly what I was looking for. Here's what I came up with...

This is what you'll need to duplicate this pillow:

front panels - 3 strips of fabric 6" x 16"

front ruffles - 2 strips of fabric 2" x 40"

back panel - enough to finish the pillow the way you choose
1/2" seams

Because this pillow is so simple, I'm not going to give detailed instructions. Just fold and press the ruffles in half lengthwise, gather them up and tuck them between the seams of the front panels. Then finish the back of the pillow and you're done!

This time I experienced something new when making a pillow. I love the softness of a down pillow -- so luxurious. I wanted that for this new pillow, so I went to Target and bought a down pillow. It was $24, but I knew I could use the down as filling for at least three pillows, so I easily rationalized the expense. I slit the pillow to retrieve the down. Yikes...

It was messy.

Very messy.

I persevered, however, and filled up my pillow insert with a thousand and two little feathers. {And it only took me 30 minutes to vacuum up the feathers that escaped to every corner of my main floor.} Thankfully, it was worth the effort, because this pillow is soft and luxurious...

Cost...

Down-filled pillow insert: $9

Pillow cover: $2

Total: $11

Linked to:
Make-It-Yourself Monday @ An Original Belle
Sister Sunday Link Party @ Sisters of the Wild West
Show & Tell @ Be Different Act Normal
Sat Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Friday Favs @ Naptime Crafter
Made Monday @ Toastie Studio
Friday Flair @ Whipperberry
Free for All @ Sassy Sites
Hookin' Up with House of Hepworths
Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple
Sew Cute Tuesday @ Creative Itch
Transformation Thursday @ Shabby Chic Cottage
Show Off Your Stuff @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
DIY Under $15 @ A Little Tipsy
Party Time Tuesday @ Northern Cottage

Bunting Kindle Case...

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

This Christmas my 8-year-old granddaughter received a special gift. She is a voracious reader, so her parents presented her with a Kindle for Christmas. I love that they encouraged her love of reading with that gift. While they were visiting her parents asked me if I might make a case for her Kindle, so a couple days ago I got busy...

I'm not sure I'm ever going to tire of the banner craze. There's something so fun and whimsical about banners, and I thought they would look perfect on a Kindle case for our Zoey.

Before they left her parents measured Zoey's Kindle because not all Kindle's are created equal. It turns out hers is a little more demure than mine with measurements of -- 4 3/4" x 6 3/4". I decided to make the finished case 6" x 8", so I cut two pieces of muslin 7" x 9" for the outside of the case and two pieces of complimentary cotton fabric 7" x 9" for the lining. I also cut out two 7" x 9" pieces of fusible fleece and secured them to the muslin. A 12-inch zipper is also required. I used 1/2" seams.

I used the same approach that I illustrated in my "Bunting Cosmetic Bag" tutorial to string the bunting across the front of the case...

Then I used the same technique to sew the bag together that Anna {from "Noodlehead"} showed us in her tutorial of her Lil Cutie Pouch...

I hope Zoey likes her case and that her Kindle continues to feed her addiction to reading!

Linked to:
Make-It-Yourself Monday @ An Original Belle
Head to Head Showdown @ I Can't Stop Crafting
Sunday Sisters Link Party @ Sisters of the Wild West
Show & Tell @ Be Different Act Normal
Friday Fav @ Naptime Crafter
Made Monday @ Toastie Studio
Friday Flair @ Whipperberry
Free for All @ Sassy Sites
Hookin' Up @ House of Hepworths
Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple
Sew Cute Tuesday @ Creative Itch
Show Off Your Stuff @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
DIY Under $5 @ A Little Tipsy
Party Time Tuesday @ Northern Cottage
Show & Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
Handmade Tuesdays @ Ladybug Blessings
Ta-Da Tuesday @ Mommy by Day; Crafter by Night
The Inspiration Board @ Homework
Show Me What You Got @ Not Just a Housewife
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog
Made by You Monday @ Skip to my Lou
Make it Monday @ Brassy Apple
Made with Love Link Party @ Sew Chatty
Craft-O-Maniac Link Party

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

2012-01-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

I spy with my Etsy eye...

winter gray.

Clockwise, starting top left:

Linen Napkins

Lotus Leaf Pleated Shirt

12" Industrial Metal Letters

Leather Brooch

Wool Baby Socks

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

2012 Mutual & Primary Themed Plaque Attacks...

2012-01-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

At the start of each new year a theme is chosen for the children's organization and the teen organization in the LDS church. Throughout the year these themes are the focus of lessons and activities within those organizations. I particularly love the thoughts conveyed in the themes this year, so I decided to make them the focus for my January Plaque Attacks.

As you can see I made two versions of the Primary (children's organization) theme, which is "Choose the Right." I also made a plaque version of the Mutual (teen organization) theme -- "Arise and shine forth that thy light may be a standard for the nations." I think we can all agree those are good words to live by!

For those new to the "Plaque Attack Club," each month I feature a new printable document. You'll need to check back every month to receive each new document.

Collect the following materials to make a plaque of your own:

6 1/2" square wooden plaque {available online or at craft stores}
1 piece of scrapbook paper
acrylic craft paint to compliment your paper
Mod Podge {I like matte finish.}
paint brush
Rust-oleum Matte Clear Sealer

For a tutorial on how to make these plaques, go here!

I am offering all three January Plaque Attack printables in a single document foranyone upon request. Simply do the following:

1.) leave a comment below,

2.) consider becoming a follower of my blog,

3.) then send me an email with the words "January Plaque Attack" in the subject line of the email.

My email address is on my sidebar under "Welcome -- Contact Information."
I will return the plaque images in a single Microsoft Word document.

These documents can be made into plaques by children, teens or those who love them!

FYI: Here's another fabulous free Mutual themed printable from The Crafting Chicks. {Don't you just love it!?!) Their printable is beautiful and would be great to use in a classroom situation or at home, however, if you want a printable personalized to compliment colors in a child's bedroom you might want to consider buying a "matching" scrapbook paper and making one of these Plaque Attacks!

Enjoy!

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2012-01-03T06:53:00.003-07:00

I hope you had a nice Christmas. Ours was wonderful! Our children and grandchildren (all 23 of them) have flown back to their nests and my husband and I are alone once again. There's a bit of sadness and relief in that fact. We're fairly certain our house was bounced a good three inches off its original foundation during the four days they were all here. Lots of action and fun!

I'm looking forward to a new year filled with hope and excitement. I've got a few designs percolating in my little noggin that I'd like to bring forth. I'm anticipating a lot of "creating" in the months to come! Tomorrow the January Plaque Attack will be published. The 2012 Themes for Primary and Mutual (LDS) will be the subject of January's plaques!

Two weeks ago I published a Bloomin' Tuesday post that featured some Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs that I had just planted and looked forward to blooming in about four weeks. They looked like this two weeks ago...

Little did I know that these bulbs were such fast growers.

Last night they look like this...

As you can see I already have beautiful white blossoms from these bulbs...

This morning their little white faces were turned toward the sun.

There's a dichotomy that is fascinating in having something grow with abandon

and blossom in the middle of winter!

Happy Bloomin' Tuesday!

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

I spy with my Etsy eye...

a countdown to the New Year!

Clockwise, starting top left:

Happy New Year Cupcake Printables

2012 New Year's Resolution Notepad

Antique Brass Watch Necklace

Watercolor Calendar Print

New Years Eve Party Hat

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

2011-12-23T17:22:00.000-07:00

I spy with my Etsy eye...

a very Merry Christmas!

Clockwise, starting top left:

Felted Christmas Tree

Red Footless Tights

Vintage Tile Pendant

Red Floral Scarf

Cherry Red iPhone Sleeve

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Best Peanut Brittle...

2011-12-22T11:32:00.004-07:00

I dreamt of a white Christmas last night, and this morning my dream came true. Colorado is gorgeous today. More than a foot of snow fell last night, and it truly is a winter-wonderland outside. It's a perfect day to hibernate inside and make some candy...

Last year I tried my hand at Peanut Brittle. I'd never had much luck with candy-making before but for some reason my ability increased dramatically last year, and I became the Peanut Brittle Queen. {Probably due to this easy recipe I found!} Yesterday I chose a different twist and "frosted" the peanut brittle with chocolate and chopped peanuts. It's good. Very good.

This particular recipe is light and airy.

{Easy on the choppers!}

I don't know if you're snow-bound in your neck of the woods,

but here's the recipe just in case...

Best Peanut Brittle

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Tip: You can also make 1/2 recipe with great results.

Ingredients:

2 cup white sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup water

2 cup peanuts

4 tablespoons butter

2 teaspoon baking soda

{candy thermometer}

Optional:

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Directions:

1. Grease a large cookie sheet (with sides) and set aside.

2. In a heavy 2 or 3 quart saucepan, over medium heat, bring to a boil sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water. Stir until sugar is dissolved and add peanuts. Set candy thermometer in place and continue cooking. Stir frequently until temperature reaches 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).

3. Remove from heat; immediately stir in butter and baking soda; pour at once onto cookie sheet. Push peanut mixture into the rectangle about 14x12 inches.

4. {Optional "Frosting"} Immediately pour bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips over hot peanut brittle. Wait several minutes until the chips have melted and are spreadable. Spread chocolate over the top of the brittle and top with chopped peanuts.

Have a wonderful day!

Rocky Road Fudge

2011-12-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

Rocky Road is a favorite this time of year and if your still in the mood for sweets, this is a fabulous recipe that you can whip up in no time. It has all the good things that a traditional Rocky Road recipe has -- chocolate, nuts and marshmallows -- but it also has a creamy texture reminiscent of fudge.

Rocky Road Fudge

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips {l bag}

1 - 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3 cups miniature marshmallows

1 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Spray an 8x8 inch glass or metal pan with Pam. {I also put some wax paper on the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.} Melt chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in the microwave, stirring until smooth {about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes on high}. Stir in vanilla extract, then fold in marshmallows and walnuts.

Last year I posted an even easier Rocky Road recipe that is delicious too. Both are wonderful, but of the two this creamy version is my favorite!

Pour into your prepared 8x8 baking dish. Push Rocky Road mixture into the corners of the dish, then place it in your refrigerator to cool and harden.

Enjoy!

Bloomin' Tuesday...

2011-12-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

The other day I heard a knock on the door. It was my pint-sized next-door-neighbor selling flowers for a school fundraiser. I ordered a variety of flora from my little friend and waited for delivery. Last week among other flowery offerings two boxes of Paperwhite Narcissus were delivered.

The bulbs came with two uninspiring plastic containers to plant them in, so I decided to divide the bulbs up and put them in a four different little containers.They started sprouting immediately...

I'm hopeful in about 4 weeks we'll have a houseful of beautiful, sweetly fragrant narcissus scattered around our home...

Bloomin' Tuesday posts are few and far between in the dead of winter. I have to admit, I'm loving having something alive and blooming in our home!

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

2011-12-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

I spy with my Etsy eye a...

blush of Christmas!

Clockwise, starting top left:

Rustic Christmas Stocking Holder
Christmas Photograph
Original Watercolor Pomegranates
Red Owl Wall Art
Linzer Cookies
Red & White Bakers Twine
Vintage Platter

Wishing you a magical weekend!

Stenciled Walls ::: Yum!

2011-12-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, and stenciled walls are a few of my favorite things. At the moment "stenciled walls" tops the list. A couple of weeks ago I offered you a sneak peak of the wall I was stenciling in my bedroom.

I am so excited to introduce you to a fabulous company that specializes in gorgeous stencils -- Cutting Edge Stencils. They have a broad selection of luscious stencils from geometrics to florals to murals to damasks to nursery patterns and more. The stencil I used on my walls is called "Brocade No. 1", and it is definitely #1 in my book! Here is the wall shortly after I finished stenciling...

I decided to use this beautiful chunky damask stencil on a feature wall in my bedroom. The day after I stenciled the wall my contractor came rushing into the room as he readied himself to continue work on the remodeling in the master bath. He didn't know I had stenciled the wall the day before. He took one look at the wall, stopped in his tracks, and his jaw dropped! The wall has the same effect on me. I absolutely love it...

What's more -- my husband loves it.

That makes me feel really good.

When I decided to stencil my wall, I had a particular look in mind. I wanted the design to be soft and calming, so I chose a paint color just a shade lighter than the wall color for the stencil. Then I chose the stencil...

I love the chunkiness of this particular damask pattern. It's traditional and sophisticated, with a trendy flair. I chose to have the design float -- like bubbles on the wall -- rather than have it spaced out evenly. That's the whimsical in me.

As much as I love the current trend of vinyl stickers {I have a couple on the walls in my home}, they are very one dimensional in nature. With a stencil you can create more of a two dimension feature by making the paint lighter in some areas and darker in others. I love the imperfect nature of a stencil. I like the soft edges and textured feel of the paint on the wall. That's something you just can't get with a vinyl wall decal.

If you've never stenciled and are intimidated by the process, don't be. It's easy to do and just takes a little practice. The best tip I can give is -- don't use too much paint on your roller or sponge! Dip your foam roller, stencil brush or sponge in the paint and then dab the paint off on a paper towel or paper plate until it is almost dry. With just a little paint on your applicator you're ready to stencil! Because I have textured walls, I used a small piece of a sponge instead of a foam roller or stencil brush to stencil the pattern onto my wall. I find that by using a sponge I can control the amount of paint I use more easily. You can always add more paint if you want it darker. Cutting Edge Stencil has this video to illustrate the process...

We've made a lot of wonderful improvements in our Master bed and bath the last couple of months, but my stenciled wall is one of my favorite changes! I would definitely recommend the stencils at Cutting Edge Stencil if you are looking for a quality product and an economical way to make an beautiful change.

Holiday Accent Pillow from a Placemat...

2011-12-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

This isn't the first time I've repurposed a placemat to make an accent pillow, but it's a technique that bears repeating. It's a quick, economical way to make a holiday pillow. Also, there's no skill set for putting together one of these beauties! Anyone can make one because there's no sewing machine required.

Here are the specifics:

Placemat found @ Target, $3.99

Poly-Fil Fiber @ Hobby Lobby or Walmart, $2

Needle & Thread (sewing machine optional)

Start by purchasing a placemat, some poly-fil fiber "stuffing", and putting aside 15 minutes -- or less. I purchased this holiday placemat at Target. Make sure your placemat is lined on the back. In other words there needs to be two pieces of fabric sewn together -- the front piece of the placemat and a back lining.

Use a seam ripper or sharp pair of scissors and open a hole in the bottom seam of the placemat that is large enough to fit your hand through.

Then stuff the inside of the placemat with the Poly-Fil until it's nice and full. I use one 12 oz. package of stuffing.

Sew the seam back together with your sewing machine or by hand using a blind stitch.

The whole process takes the better part of 10 minutes. Truly.

I've given placemat pillows to friends for Christmas and have several around my home as well. They are so economical and easy to make and they create a fun splash of holiday cheer in any room!

Linked to:
Show Off Your Stuff @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
DIY Under $5 @ A Little Tipsy
The Inspiration Board @ Homework
Show Me What You Got @ Not Just a Housewife
Handmade Tuesday @ Ladybug Blessings
Made by You Monday @ Skip to my Lou

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

2011-12-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

I spy with my Etsy eye something...

colorful & quirky.

Clockwise:
Christmas Appetizer Plates
Skateboard Tops
Manzanita Forest Terrarium
Tin Teacups
Sterling Silver Earrings
Plush African Bird

Wishing you a colorful weekend!

Rub-a-Dub-Dub...

2011-12-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

It's time for a scrub!

I've been wanting to make a homemade organic facial scrub for some time now. Yesterday I was inspired by a friend of mine who posted a few recipes (post #1; post #2). Store-bought scrubs, even those packaged as “all natural” or for sensitive skin, can be harsh and irritating. These home-made sugar scrubs are less course than most store-bought exfoliants, so they tend to be less abrasive on your skin. Whether you’re looking for a way to banish dull skin without spending hundreds on salon treatments, or just want an “all-natural facial scrub” that really is natural, these homemade skin exfoliants might be just what you need. I was excited to make some of these for gifts for friends for Christmas. This would also be a fun and easy project to make with children for their mother, grandmother, teachers, etc.!

I started by purchasing a few basic items, like these jars. They hold about 8 oz., which is a generous amount for a scrub.

I bought them at Hobby Lobby {50% off this week} for $1 each. Do I hear a "way to go"? I also bought a little condiment spoon to go with each jar for about $1. You can purchase these spoons online or at most kitchen stores. {Look here or here.} I bought mine at Ace Hardware -- go figure.

Sunflower oil is another ingredient you'll need on hand. It's less fragrant and heavy than many other oils, which makes it perfect for scrubs. I also bought some essentials oils and made sure I had some vanilla and almond extract on hand. The essentials oils can be purchased at health food stores. They are $3 to $7 depending on the oil you purchase. You only use about 20 drops per batch, so they'll be around for a good long time!

I made three different recipes using a variety of flavors and oils.

Here are the recipes I came up with...

::: Peppermint Sugar Scrub :::

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup salt

1 cup sunflower oil
{If more sunflower oil is needed add a tiny bit at a time until satisfied with consistency.}

about 21 drops of peppermint essential oil

Mix ingredients together.

Done!

::: Brown Sugar & Almond Facial Scrub :::

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup salt
2 Tbsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. almond extract
1 cup sunflower oil {add more if necessary}
Mix together.
Done!

::: Orange Peppermint Facial Scrub :::

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup salt
1 cup sunflower oil
about 21 drops orange essential oil
about 4 drops peppermint essential oil
Mix together.
Done!

This gift is obviously inexpensive which is easy on the budget, but -- more important -- I think it is a sweet, personal gift that others will enjoy!

Link Parties:
Handmade Tuesday @ Ladybug Blessings
Made by You Monday @ Skip to my Lou
Sister Sunday Link Party @ Sisters of the Wild West
Friday Fun Finds @ kojo designs
Friday Favs @ Naptime Crafters
Free for All Friday @ Sassy Sites
Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous
Hookin' Up with HOH

"Snowball" Votive Candle Holders...

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

I finished my Christmas decorating yesterday. It was a miracle, and I even had a little time to create...

Last month I was brainstorming how I could make some candle holders that resembled snowballs. I had a picture in my mind for a tablescape, but didn't know how to put it all together. At first I thought about using styrofoam balls with the bottom cut flat and an area cut out for a tea light, but styrofoam has a pesky habit of melting and catching fire so that idea was nixed. I finally settled on attempting a different approach...

It worked.

This was such an easy project and I love how it turned out! You only need the following materials to make these snowball votive holders:

{a round glass votive holder, $1.99 @ Hobby Lobby}

{spray adhesive}

{artificial snow flakes, $1.99 @ Hobby Lobby}

With those three materials these adorable snowballs can be built...

For those of you who say you don't have a crafty bone in your body, here is the the detailed tutorial: ;o)

Dump some snowflakes into a container.
Go outside {don't use spray adhesive inside -- take my word on this one} and spray the glass votive holder with the adhesive.
Take the votive holder and roll it in the snow flakes. Pat the snow flakes down a little with your hand so they adhere to the glass.
Repeat if necessary.

Some say fire and ice don't mix.

I disagree.

Update 12/15/2011: I made more of these candle holders today and instead of using a spray adhesive, I painted Mod Podge onto the glass and then sprinkled on the "snow." It worked beautifully! After you've sprinkled on the snow, pat the snow down with your hand to help it adhere better!

For those who missed my Plaque Attack post yesterday, go here!

Link Parties:
Handmade Tuesday @ Ladybug Blessing
Made by you Monday @ Skip to my Lou
Sister Sunday Link Party @ Sisters of the Wild West
Friday Fun Finds @ kojo designs
Friday Favs @ Naptime Crafters
Free for all Friday @ Sassy Sites
Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous
Hookin' Up w/House of Hepworths
Show Off Your Stuff @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
Show & Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
DIY Under $5 @ A Little Tipsy

December's Plaque Attack...

2011-12-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

I'm interrupting my annual Christmas decorating to publish this post. If you knew the disastrous condition of my house right now you would question whether I should be sitting at my computer. In a few days my house will be tidy and neat, but during the time I am decorating it looks very, very scary with boxes, lights and tinsel strung everywhere. Regardless, here I am taking a few minutes to post my December 2011 Plaque Attacks. It's my {early} Christmas present to you!

As much as I like adorning our home with festive holiday decorations, some of the embellishments I love the most are those that remind me of the true meaning of Christmas. My December Plaque Attacks reflect those feelings. The first document is one of my favorite quotes by Neal A. Maxwell. It reminds me to look for opportunities of service no matter how busy I get during the holidays...

I didn't have time to make a plaque with the second document, but this scripture spoke to me Sunday as I was reading Luke...

Normally this scripture reads like this, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord," but Sunday it became more personal. I realized the angel wasn't only speaking to the shepherds as he heralded the birth of the Savior, but to me as well. This plaque denotes the personal relationship we can each have with the Savior.

For those new to the "Plaque Attack Club," each month I feature a new printable document. Know that you'll need to check back every month to receive each new document. Collect the following materials to make a plaque of your own:

6 1/2" square wooden plaque {available online or at craft stores}
1 piece of scrapbook paper
acrylic craft paint to compliment your paper
Mod Podge {I like matte finish.}
paint brush
Rust-oleum Matte Clear Sealer

For a tutorial on how to make these plaques, go here!

I am offering both December Plaque Attacks in a single document foranyone requesting it. Simply leave a comment below and consider becoming a follower of my blog. Then send me an email (my email address is on my sidebar under "Welcome -- Contact Information") with the words "December Plaque Attacks" in the subject line of the email. I will return both plaque images in a single Microsoft Word document.

Merry Christmas!

Link Parties:
Friday's Fun Finds @ kojo designs
Free for All Friday @ Sassy Sites
Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous
Show Off Your Stuff Party @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
Show Me What Ya Got @ Not Just a Housewife

A Favorite Repurpose...

2011-12-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

The remodeling of our bedroom and bathroom has brought many unexpected changes throughout our whole home. In the process of getting ready for the remodel we removed much of the furniture in our master bedroom so I could paint the room more easily and in anticipation the installation of new carpet. I didn't take a "before" of our bedroom and the furniture, but suffice it to say the furniture in our bedroom looked somewhat similar to the photo below in that it had two large "towers" on either side of the bed, a bridge light going over the top connecting the two towers, and a headboard. I think our unit had a more "classic" feel than the furniture in the photo below -- not quite so early 90's -- but I might be deluding myself with that observation.

When we removed the furniture from the bedroom my husband and I were surprised at how large the room felt without it. The wall unit took up so much space that it made the room look smaller than it actually is. We decided we liked the roomy feel much more, so we started looking around for new bedroom furniture that would fit the room better. This is what we decided on:

Headboard

Extra-Wide Dresser

Nightstands

Desk

As much as I loved the new furniture, I had a problem with getting rid of the old. We knew we wouldn't be able to get more than a couple hundred dollars for it which bothered me because it is solid wood and beautifully crafted by a furniture company in our hometown. Regardless, we resolved to list the items on Craig's List and hope for the best.

A few days later I was agonizing over how to better organize an area of our computer room. When we had our home built square footage was our biggest concern. We had seven children and we needed lots of room, so we compromised on some of the furnishings. We surmised that later we could change flooring, tile, etc. as money became less scarce. As a result we had this less-expensive bookcase and "desk" built into a nook in the study when the home was built...

The "desk" served its purpose for a lot of years as a good place for kids to study or a place to plop my husband's laptop. The bookcase , however, was always a problem. Instead of becoming a shelf for books it also became home to CDs, electronic cords, printer cartridges, and junk {my opinion, not my husband's}. As much as I tried to organize it with baskets, it still looked unkept and messy. That day as I tried to think of how to organize this area better, I had {if I do say so myself} a brilliant idea. I did a little measuring, called my favorite handyman, explained my fabulous idea and a week later the old "desk" and bookcase were removed and in its place I had this fabulous built-in...

If this built-in looks a little familiar, it should.

We took the two towers that were on either side of our bed and with a little finagling created this built-in cabinetry for the den.

Here's the process:

In order to make the two towers look as one, we needed to pop off the top piece from each of the towers and use one solid piece of wood across the top. Below are the two towers sans the drawers.

We also needed to put the towers on a base because we have a return air duct on the wall behind where the unit would be placed, so we needed to put a return air grille in the bottom of the cabinetry so the air could flow across the bottom of the cabinets into the return air duct on the wall. Having this return air unobstructed would make the room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

The "bridge" {from the bedroom wall unit} made the perfect base for the cabinet. We also used a piece of wood from the bridge for the piece used to go across the top of the cabinets. {See "bridge" in the photo below.} The towers fit amazingly well in the space in the study, but we purchased a piece of oak and used it as a filler on either side so it would fill in the space perfectly.

Unfortunately, I could not find a return air grille in an oak finish in the size we needed. So I bought a white one -- spray painted it tan -- then used an orange glaze and a brown glaze to give it an oak finish. {You can see it laying on top of the bridge in the above photo.}

I could not be happier with the result. It's just what I imagined it would be. I love the fact that all those items that used to be in plain sight on the bookcase are now sitting on shelves behind closed doors or tucked away in a drawer. Plus there is sooo much more storage available in this unit. I'm also happy to have something left of the furniture I once appreciated!

I do believe this is one of my favorite repurposed items ever!

Link Parties:
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Show Off Your Stuff @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
Show & Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
Trash to Treasure @ Sassy Sites

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

2011-12-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

I spy with my Etsy eye some...

stocking stuffers.

Clockwise, starting top left:

Orange Crocheted Heart with Lavendar

Set of Three Storage Baskets

Merry Christmas Gift Tags

Felted Slippers

Wooden Button

Orange Anise Lip Balm

Paper Yarn Necklace with Beads

Frond Earrings

Middle:

Butterfly Felted Christmas Ornaments

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Stencil Day...

2011-12-01T09:18:00.001-07:00

It's stencil day at our home today. I'll publish another post detailing this process, but I'm using this gorgeous brocade stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils to make an abstract design on one of the walls in our bedroom today. I love the way the stencil floats on the wall in no particular order and the subtle feel of it all!

It's a bit of a tedious process, but well worth the effort. More to come when I've finished the wall! Have a great day!

Home Again...

2011-11-28T20:19:00.001-07:00

My husband and I calculated the other day that we've been out of state at least once every month this year. In December we're staying planted and our family is coming to us! {So happy about that!} We just spent the last 10 days in northern California visiting my family. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and I even had the chance to craft a little bit. We helped "host" Thanksgiving this year for my family, so I wanted to try my hand at some centerpieces that I had pinned earlier in the month. I bought some inexpensive round glass vases at Michaels (tin cans would have worked too) and some long cinnamon sticks. I cut out a brown paper bag to go around the vase and hot glued the cinnamon sticks to the paper. They had a delightful, subtle fragrance. Then I bought some flowers and collected some greenery and gorgeous roses from my mother's garden. The result was really beautiful...

On Thanksgiving morning my husband, son and I went on a walk and collected beautiful fall leaves in a variety of colors, pods, and berries to put at the base of the vases with some greenery.

Then I put my husband and son to work carving out little round circles in some miniature pumpkins we bought at the grocery store. We plopped a tea light in those and they were stunning when they were lit!

I left the "cinnamon vases" there, but I've decided I'll have to make some for Christmas at our house. I think they'll be beautiful with some Christmas greenery and white and red flowers!

I came back to an almost finished master bathroom redo. I"m so excited about that, however, I have a lot of painting to do in the next 36 hours, so I'll be AWOL for several more days. I'm so anxious to show you a fabulous redo of some master bedroom furniture we re-purposed for our computer room. {You heard me right.} I'll post that later this week! I'm also going to be using a damask stencil on our bedroom and bathroom walls -- stay tuned for that adventure!

2011-11-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

I spy with my Etsy eye a...

chocolate Christmas.

Clockwise, starting top left:

Distressed Rocking Horse Wall Hanging
English Toffee
Christmas Topiary
Gingerbread Photograph
Faux Fur
Felted Snowman

I hope you're enjoying this beautiful holiday weekend!

Christmas Photo Cubes...

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was inspired a few weeks ago by these cute paper photo cubes from Style Burb that I saw on Pinterest, so I pinned the photo and wrote it on my "to do" list!

I'm visiting family this week, but last week I had some time so I got busy. Instead of making them out of a paper template as suggested on Style Burb, I chose to buy 1 1/2" wooden blocks and Mod Podge the photos on the cubes along with some festive scrapbook papers.

Here's what you'll need for the project:

1.5" Wooden blocks (they are actually slightly smaller in size than advertised)
Mod Podge and a paint brush
Scrapbook papers
Cropped (square) photos of family members
Optional: Brown stamp pad for distressing block
Optional: 1 3/16" square paper punch

One and a half inch wooden blocks can be purchased at Hobby Lobby in a package of six for $2.99. They can also be purchased individually at Michael's for $.99 each. I started by distressing the outside edge of my wooden blocks by running the edges along a brown stamp pad...

Then I used a square hole punch to punch out some squares of scrapbook paper...

I went to my computer and found pictures of each member of our family. I cropped the pictures to make square close-ups. I inserted those photos into a Word document, sized them, printed them off and used my hole punch to make nice little square photos. I printed two pictures of each individual per wooden block. Examples of some of those photos are below...

Then I started the job of Mod Podging the photos and scrapbook papers onto each cube. I thought this was going to be very tedius, but it went surprisingly fast. I Mod Podged a couple sides at a time on each block and allowed a little drying time in between applications. Soon I had something like this...

I'm going to use these for holiday decorations and games at Christmastime, but I also think blocks like these would be a fun gift for a toddler! I made 25 of these little cubes. That's how many members are in our immediate family. What's more they are all coming for Christmas {gulp}. That's right, all of our kids and grandkids will be home for the holidays. {I've begun taking a multi-vitamin with extra Iron in preparation.} I'm so excited!

The above photo made me hum the tune, "O Tannenbaum," which is about the only thing I remember from my three years of German in high school. ;o)

2011-11-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

I spy with my Etsy eye something...

romantic.

Clockwise, starting top left:

Ferris Wheel Photograph

Shabby Chic Charm Bracelet

Shabby Chic Magnetic Boards

Mineral Eye Shadow

Fabric Flower Custom Wedding Bouquet

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Master Bath Remodel...

2011-11-17T09:58:00.001-07:00

I just got through putting the second coat of paint on the master bathroom. I'm glad that's done. Here's how the work is progressing. My contractor promises me that most of the work should be done by the end of next week. He needs to set the tub, tile and grout the tub surround, and install cabinets and countertops. After that it's just little things like mounting towel bars and light fixtures. Yippeee! I have carpet scheduled to be installed on November 30th and our new bedroom furniture delivered a couple days later.

This is how the work has progressed this week:

In the shower room, the walls have been calked and the soap dishes have been added. Grout was added between the tiles on the floor and the cabinet was installed. Also plumbing fixtures were added in the shower. After the walls of the shower were up I ordered the shower door. That should come in this week and be installed soon.

I cannot tell you how much I love these cabinets. The beading on them is so beautiful and I love the slightly distressed look. It's just what we wanted. I stillneed to pick out drawer pulls and cabinet knobs. One more thing to purchase, but it'll save the cabinets in the long run!

The tub was placed this week and the plumbing fixtures installed. That is one deep soaker tub. (Pass the Calgon, please.)

This morning I finished painting the main room of the master bath. Love the color -- Parachute Silk from Behr. The light fixtures will be replace and I'll need to do a some touch up work on the paint, but generally the painting in that room is finished. I still have to paint the walk-in closet and the closet in the bathroom -- I'll do that after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Emotionally I've done remarkably well for the last few weeks with all the construction commotion in the house, but this week I hit the wall. I don't like messy or cluttered or dust. I'm tired of the inconvenience of it all, but it's a small price to pay for what we'll have in the long run.

We've also been moving furniture from one room to another and changing up other rooms slightly. I have a fabulous repurpose of furniture that I'll tell you about after Thanksgiving! So excited about that! That project should be completed this next week!

Print button...

2011-11-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago one of my readers, Carla, wrote me and asked if I had a "print button" on my blog. She couldn't find it and wondered if I had placed it in a less than obvious spot. I have to admit that up until that time I hadn't heard about "print buttons" so I did a little investigating. I immediately came upon this website at "Print Friendly." I followed the simple instructions and with a few easy clicks this button was installed at the end of each of my posts.

This button enables my readers to print my blog posts with the click of a button. It also has an option to make a pdf file or email the post. One can also scale the text size and/or omit the pictures. The benefit to you as a reader? You'll be able to easily print off any tutorial I publish with the click of a button!

Bathroom Remodel -- end of second week...

2011-11-13T17:15:00.001-07:00

Our bathroom remodel is progressing slowly, but surely. By the end of the second week, the small room in our master bath that houses the shower and toilet is closer to completion.

If you'll remember it started out like this...

By the end of the first week all old furnishing had been removed, the shower floor had been installed and the shower wallboard had been installed. Also the sub-floor for the tile had been laid...

This is where the room stands as of yesterday. The "green board" {behind the shower walls} had been textured and primed, and the shower walls had been attached to the walls and the soap dishes had been installed. The tile on the floor was laid and grouted, and two coats of paint had been applied to the walls..

Unfortunately, with the flash on my camera the color on the walls looks yellow, but it's actually a light taupe brown. This is a closer indication of the color...

By the end of next week I'm hoping this small room will be completed and that work will have started on the tile surround of the soaker tub.

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

2011-11-11T16:08:00.000-07:00

I spy with my Etsy eye something...
whimsical.

Clockwise, starting top left:

Vintage Wooden Ornaments

Felt Reindeer

Recycled Glass Planters

Felted Gnome

Knee-high Socks

Have a wonderful weekend!

Two More Pocket Pillowcases...

2011-11-10T09:54:00.001-07:00

When I make presents for grandkids, I have to make in large quantities. We've been blessed with 11 grandkids, and even though only 7 are getting Pocket Pillowcases for Christmas that still means a lot of sewing! Yesterday I posted the Pattern & Tutorial for my Pocket Pillows. You can read that tutorial here. Today I made two more pillowcases. They take about an hour to whip up (including cutting out the fabric). So fun and easy. Here's one for the little lion cub in our lives...

And a cute little hippo in "girl blue" (as she calls it) for his cousin...

Remember, to go here for the pattern & tutorial on how to make these pillowcases.

Pocket Pillowcase Pattern & Tutorial...

2011-11-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to those who left such sweet comments of encouragement about my Pocket Pillowcases that I blogged about earlier this week! I whipped up another pillowcase today and am publishing the pattern and tutorial for all to use. These pocket pillowcases would make a fabulous gift for a child or teenager. I love the different ideas of what could be stowed inside that little pocket -- to name a few: stuffed animals, books, journals, iPods, etc. You're sure to find interesting treasures in the pockets of these once the gift is given!

Pocket Pillowcase Pattern & Tutorial

You will need the following materials: 1 yard of flannel or cotton fabric, 1/4 yard of contrasting flannel or cotton fabric, thread, ric-rac (optional).

Tips: Use 1/2 inch seams unless otherwise specified. Press all fabric before cutting.

Fabric Layout

With the yard of flannel you will make the pillowcase back, pillow front and side panel front. To maximize your yardage do the following:

1. Cut the yard of fabric into two 20.5 inch x 34 inch rectangles. The measurement of 20.5 inches is approximate. You will need to cut the fabric in half lengthwise along the fold to make two pieces and then trim your selvage edges (self-finished edges of fabric) 1/4 inch to rid the fabric of most of the manufacturer's writing on the selvage.

2. Put one of the 20.5 inch x 34 inch rectangular pieces aside (pillowcase back). With the other 20.5 inch x 34 inch piece cut it to be 20.5 inches x 23 inches (pillow front) and put aside. Cut the remaining fabric into a 10 inch x 20.5 inch piece (side panel front).

With the 1/4 yard of contrasting fabric, you will make the side panel lining and the pocket.

3. Cut two pieces of fabric from this quarter yard -- one strip 10 inches x 19 inches (pocket), and the other 10 inches x 20.5 inches (panel lining).

Construction of Pillowcase

Attaching the Ric-Rac to Pocket:

1. Fold pocket in half to form a 10 inch x 9.5 inch "square". Press.

2. Pin the ric-rac to the underside of the folded seam and sew about 1/8 inch from seam. Press.

Construction of Side Panels:

1. Now we're going to make a tasty pocket sandwich! Place the pocket on top of the front side panel right sides up.

2. Place the panel lining right side down on top of the front panel and pocket. The pocket will be sandwiched in between panel pieces, like this...

3. Pin and sew seam.

4. Turn panels right side out and press.

5. Baste unfinished edges of side panel front (and pocket) and side panel lining together.

Attaching Side Panel to Pillow Front:

1. On the 20.5 inch edge of pillow front pin ric-rac and baste.

2. Pin side panel piece and pillow front right sides together and sew along seam.

3. Press seam toward pillow front.

4. Topstitch seam to pillow front.

Pillowcase Back:

1. On one of the 20.5 inch sides of pillowcase back, turn fabric 1/2" from edge and fabric and press.

2. Measure front pillowcase to determine exact lenght of the completed pillow front. (It should measure about 31.5 inches long.)

3. Turn over pressed edge of pillowcase back to measure the same length as the pillow front.

4. Pin and sew to make side hem for pillowcase back. Press...

Finishing Pillowcase:

1. Pin front to back, right sides together, along the three unfinished edges. Sew seams. Trim seams to 1/4 inch and zig-zag edges of seams.

2. Turn pillowcase right side out and press seams!

Whaaaalaaaaaa! Your pocket pillowcase is finished!

Please let me know if this tutorial was helpful!

To see more of my Pocket Pillowcases go here!

Linked to:
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog
The Inspiration Board @ Homework
Handmade Tuesday @ Ladybug Blessings
Mom It Monday @ Brassy Apple
Made by You Monday @ Skip to my Lou
Head to Head Showdown @ I Can't Stop Crafting
Crafty Lassie Tuesday @ Sew Stylish Boutique
Monday Link Party @ Craft-O-Maniac
Show & Tell Saturday @ Be Different Act Normal
Weekend Wrap Up Party @ Tatertots & Jello
Show & Share @ Just a Girl
Friday Favs @ Naptime Crafter
Whipperberry Linky Party
Hookin' Up with HOH
Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple
Show Off Your Stuff @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
DIY under $15 @ A Little Tipsy

Pocket Pillowcases...

2011-11-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

I saw this idea several months back on Pinterest and immediately knew I'd want to make a bunch! Last week I designed a pattern and made some for our grandchildren for Christmas. I love the idea of a pocket on a pillowcase. There are so many things you could tuck inside that little pocket. I chose to buy some small books and some stuffed animals (Target, $4.99). Here's what I came up with...

I used flannel fabric because I love a soft warm pillowcase in the winter. I thought the grandkiddos would appreciate that too, however, any soft cotton would work well.

I couldn't ignore the grandboys. Here's one for a dog-lover...

For older children (6-10 years), you could also tuck in a little journal. I love the idea of getting them in the habit of writing in a journal or diary before bed each night.

Later this week I plan on publishing a tutorial with measurements and brief instructions on how to make a Pocket Pillowcase. It's such a quick, easy project! Stay tuned...

Master Bath Remodel...

2011-11-05T06:27:00.000-06:00

Last Monday I mentioned that we were starting a Master Bath/Bedroom Remodel. At the end of the first week much has changed. When we began the process on Monday, the main portion (sinks, cabinets, tub, etc.) of the bathroom looked like the photo below. An update was definitely in order...

Today it looks like the photo below. Everything came out and some construction has begun. The bathtub surround has been hightened to make room for a deeper tub.

The shower area started out like this...

and now looks like the photo below. It was gutted and then a new shower base went in. Previously we had tile to the ceiling in the shower, but this time we are putting in a solid surface product called Swanstone. I'm looking forward to a shower with no grout! The floor has been covered and is ready for an application of tiles!

Next week the shower should be finished and the tiling should commence. We're installing tile on the floor in the shower room and around the soaker tub.

I was also busy painting this week. I finished painting the master bedroom. I love the colors we chose. White below the chair rail and a beautiful brownish color above the chair rail. It's called "Baja" from Behr. It has a very subtle greenish hue.

That's this week's update. Hopefully by the end of next week there will be more to show!

Friday Finds...

2011-11-04T11:19:00.000-06:00

I spy with my Etsy eye something...

rustic.

Clockwise, starting top left:

Rustic Burlap Stocking

Gourmet Jumbo Maple Walnut Marshmallow

Delicate Wooden Snowflake Ornament

Paper Urchin Ornament

Wooden Sign "be"

Barn in Snow Photograph

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

November Plaque Attack is here!

2011-11-01T09:57:00.000-06:00

November's Plaque Attacks have arrived. Yes, that's plural. As is often the case I couldn't make up my mind as to which document I would feature, so I chose to let you decide!

For those new to the "Plaque Attack Club," each month I feature a new printable document. Last year the plaque wording reflected holidays or activities unique to each month of the year. This year the plaque wording will reflect events in our lives or meaningful quotes! Know that you'll need to check back every month to receive each new document. Collect the following materials to make a plaque of your own:

6 1/2" square wooden plaque {available online or at craft stores}
1 piece of scrapbook paper
acrylic craft paint to compliment your paper
Mod Podge {I like matte finish.}
paint brush

For a tutorial on how to make these plaques, go here!

I am offering all three of November's Plaque Attack images in a single document for anyone requesting it. Simply leave a comment below and consider becoming a follower of my blog. Then send me an email (my email address is on my sidebar under "Welcome" -- "Contact Information") with the words "November's Plaque Attacks" in the subject line of the email. I will return all three plaque images in a single Microsoft Word document.

{I will be out of town for a few days toward the end of this week, so if you request the document during that time, please know that I will get back to you toward the middle of next week.}

It would be impossible for me to ignore Thanksgiving in the month of November. I knew I needed to make a plaque that reflects a thankful heart, so here's an ode to my favorite holiday of the year...

Below is surely one of my favorite quotes by a spiritual leader of my faith. You can read the whole text here.

I realized after purchasing the paper for that plaque that it needed a more simple paper behind it, so I made the next plaque. It's the first time I've made a plaque where you use white paper {cardstock would be best}. It just might be my favorite plaque ever. "The Cutest Blog on the Block" furnished the adorable banner for this plaque. Both images will be sent to you upon your request and you can decide to use white or scrapbook paper!

Important: © By requesting this document via email you are agreeing not to sell the pattern or sell products with this pattern on them. You may make as many products as you would like for personal use, gifts or fundraisers.

Enjoy!

Linked to:
Friday Favs @ Naptime Crafters
Show & Share @ Just a Girl
Crazy Cute Link Party @ Between U & Me
DIY Under $5 @ A Little Tipsy
Show & Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
Linky Party @ Tea Rose Home

Update...

2011-10-31T10:08:00.002-06:00

Last week I didn't do much blogging. Monday and Tuesday our house was turned upsidedown as old windows were replaced with new ones. {Gorgeous} I didn't know what a difference it would make, but it's phenomenal!

Wednesday we had an incredible snowstorm that brought with it a lot of collateral damage. Tree branches snapped like twigs under the weight of that heavy, wet snow! Let's just say there was a little clean-up associated with that disaster...

Thursday and Friday the sun came out and I started painting our master bed and bath in preparation for the big overhaul -- a master bed and bathroom redo -- that starts today. Fortunately, I am not very involved in the demo or construction of the bathroom, so that leaves me free to reintroduce myself to my sewing machine and whip up a few items. I'm looking forward to that! The first things I'm going to make are some extra-special kid's pillowcases for Christmas presents. More on that later this week!

Here are a few pictures of the "before" bathroom. We got up extra early this morning to clear it out and remove the carpet. Saturday I gave the ceiling its first coat of paint. I also painted the widow ledges with the new paint color before we replaced the blinds after the new windows were installed.

I'm going to miss this soaker tub. That tub took me down from many a ledge as the kids were growing up. Half hour in there with steaming hot water and lots of bubbles and my cares drifted away...

"Before" pictures are always a little embarrassing. One can live with something for quite some time before the realization hits you that a little update is required! Ah well, looking forward to the changes...

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

2011-10-28T14:01:00.000-06:00

I spy with my Etsy eye an...

autumn menagerie.

Clockwise, starting top left:

Wool Felt Wristbands

Nature Photograph

Woodland Creatures Print

Hand Dyed Yarn

Pixie Hat

Enjoy your weekend!

Nuthin' but leaves...

2011-10-25T06:32:00.000-06:00

I've got nothing to share but leaves today. These beauties were resting at my front door when I walked outside the other day....

God has an incredible imagination, doesn't He? I mean, look at those colors! I let the leaves pile up this year. Every time I'd walk outside I would see them and smile. I'm not sure what phenomenon has to occur to have such vibrant colors in the Fall, but whatever it is -- it happened this year in Colorado. The trees are gorgeous.

I wish I had something else to post about, but creating is at a standstill. This week we are having new windows installed in our home. To say our home has been turned upside-down during the process is an understatement. Toward the end of the week we should have everything put back in its place -- just in time for a master bed and bath renovation starting Monday. So excited. We're {I say "we're" loosely -- we're stimulating the economy by having someone with a construction skill-set take control!) basically gutting the bathroom and starting over! The timeline for completion is 2-3 weeks. We can only hope. The only part of the work that I'm doing myself is the painting. I love to paint. I am having a problem finding the right color though. Ay caramba! Thank heavens for $3 sample paints at Home Depot. My bedroom walls looks like a patchwork quilt right now with all the colors I'm "testing". I'm committing to making a color decision today! Wish me luck.

Here's one more...

Have a nice day!

Braided Pizza...

2011-10-23T16:38:00.002-06:00

Sunday afternoons beg for a quick and easy lunch. We come home ravenous from church at 2pm, having missed lunch and eaten breakfast hours before. This is a fun recipe that my girls shared with me several years ago. It's fast, economical and tasty! Below are two variations, but know that you could put anything into this braid that you would normally put on a pizza crust. Just plan on using smaller proportions, because you need to be able to pull the braid over the top of the pizza fillings. It takes less than a half hour to make and cook!

Braided Taco Pizza

1 - Pillsbury Refrigerated Pizza Crust
1/2 pound ground beef
Monterrey Jack cheese
Taco seasoning packet
Optional: olives, onions, etc.

Cook ground beef and add 1/2 packet of taco seasoning. Shred cheese. Prepare any optional items -- diced onions, green peppers, olives, etc. Spray cookie sheet with Pam. Take pizza crust out of tube and place on cookie sheet. Roll out the pizza dough so it is about 1" from sides of pan. Using a pizza cutter slice the edges of pizza crust as shown in first photo below (1). Pile filling in the center of the crust as shown (2). Start at one end of the crust and braid the dough strips. Tuck last strip under (3). For a shiny crust, brush with one egg white beaten with one tablespoon water before baking. Bake for about 18-20 minutes at 425 degrees. (You may need to put a piece of foil over the braid for the last 5 minutes of baking.) Serve with a side salad or fruit for a fun twist on pizza night!

Braided Pepperoni Pizza

1 Pillsbury Refrigerated Pizza Crust
1 can pizza sauce
Pepperoni slices
Cheddar or Mozzarella cheese
Optional: olives, onions, green pepper, etc.

Prepare your pizza crust as above. Spread pizza sauce on the middle of the dough then layer the pepperoni, cheese and optional toppings. Braid and cook the pizza same as above. Whaalaaa!

Here are some photos of the Pepperoni Braided Pizza I made today:

Linked to:
Show Me What You Got @ Not Just a Housewife
The Inspiration Board @ Homework
Made with Love @ Sew Chatty

Friday's Fabulous Finds

2011-10-21T11:19:00.000-06:00

I spy with my Etsy eye some...

seafoam green

Clockwise, starting top left:

Mint Green Pumpkin

Salt & Pepper Bowls

Beach Photograph

Wrinkled Scarf

Wood Letter

Have a fabulous weekend!

Organic Crocheted Washcloths...

2011-10-20T11:01:00.000-06:00

Admittedly, I've been known to go overboard at times. The last couple of years I've seen many examples of crocheted washcloths on blogs, but I've been a little cautious (until now). It might seem a little over the top, but they are definitely gaining in popularity, and I'm here to tell you I've seen the light. {Hallelujah}

I used the same easy-peasy pattern as the dishcloths that I made earlier this week for these 100% cotton organic washcloths. The pattern has just enough texture to gently exfoliate the skin.

There are those who swear by crocheted washcloths for their facial cleansing routine. Combined with the right soap there's something luxurious about the idea.

Tied with a ribbon and some yummy soap these would make a sweet personal gift over the holidays for a friend, co-worker, or hostess. They could also be used as a stocking stuffer! They take an evening to make, so you can literally make one a night if you browse the TV channels in the pm.

Linked to:
DIY Under $5 @ A Little Tipsy
Show Me What You Got @ Not Just a Housewife
Inspiration Board @ Homework
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog
Handmade Tuesdays @ Ladybug Blessings
Made with Love @ Sew Chatty
Show & Tell @ Be Different Act Normal
Friday Flair @ Whipperberry
Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous
Hookin' Up with HOH
Show Off Your Stuff @ Fireflies & Jellybeans

100% Cotton Crocheted Dishcloths

2011-10-19T09:31:00.001-06:00

Here's my version of a 100% cotton crocheted dishcloth. It is the same single crochet pattern of my previous dishcloths...

As I said in my previous post, years ago I was given a couple of dishcloths like these as a hostess gift. I loved the organic, natural feel of them -- hence the use of 100% cotton! They were wonderfully absorbent and amazingly resilient. I kept them for several years, throwing them in the washer whenever needed. I'm making mine to use as a homemade gift for friends and family for the holidays. This (100% cotton) version is perfect for wiping down counters and light dish washing. Just throw it in the washing machine when it needs to be laundered...

Here's what you'll need:

Cotton yarn (4-ply). {Hobby Lobby and Walmart carry cotton brands of yarn that work well. I used the "I Love This Cotton" Yarn at Hobby Lobby for this dishcloth.}
Size F crochet hook {You may have to adjust this depending upon the thickness of your yarn.}
Scissors

1.) To make an 8.5" dishcloth, chain 34 stitches.

2.) Then, insert the hook back into the second chain from the end and single crochet into each chain to complete the first row.

3.) When you get to the last chain, single crochet, chain one, turn and continue working a single crochet to the end of the next row. Like you did before, single crochet into the last stitch of that row, chain one and continue working in single crochet stitch until you end up with a square piece. You can tie off your ends at this point or complete the optional edging below like I did...

4.) Optional Edging (See first photo for a picture with the edging.): When you have a square piece and you are at the corner: single crochet, chain one, single crochet into that corner stitch, then continue working a single crochet all four sides -- treating each additional corner the same as above (sc, ch, sc).

5.) When you've finished all four sides, end with a slip stitch and tie it off. Weave both loose ends into your dishcloth with a darning needle or your crochet hook.

I love this cotton version! It's perfect for wiping down counters and light dish washing. Again I made a little tag to finish them off. The fonts on this tag can be downloaded (free!) from Kevin and Amanda!

Stay tuned for one more version of these cloths coming later this week!
It will be a fabulous more personal gift for the holidays!

Linked to:
Show Off Your Stuff @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
Hookin' Up with HOH

Crocheted Dishcloths

2011-10-17T15:20:00.001-06:00

Update:
I hate it when I get something wrong. It happens on a regular basis, but it still bugs me. Yesterday I published this post about these dishcloths that I had made. Unfortunately, I hadn't used one of them before I posted. Yesterday afternoon I took one out to use, and immediately I knew I'd made a mistake. My inspiration for making the dishcloths had come from a post, where the author called them "dish scrubbers." I had assumed she used an acrylic yarn (she didn't say otherwise), so that's what I used with mine. Unfortunately, when I went to use my dishcloth yesterday I knew immediately that the yarn needed to be cotton, not acrylic. Cotton is much more absorbent, and the acrylic is more coarse. I imagine the acrylic crocheted cloth would work as a scrubber on dishes, but I wanted to use mine for light dish washing and to wipe down counters, etc. For that use, the cotton is much better. Back to the drawing board... I have since made a cotton dishcloth and made adjustments to the list of supplies and instructions below to reflect using the cotton yarn. I have also changed the size of the crochet hook to a smaller hook which works better with the "I Love This Cotton" yarn at Hobby Lobby. There are other brands of cotton yarn though, and you may need to adjust the crochet hook to a larger size if your yarn is thicker than the "I Love Cotton" yarn. I truly hope this didn't inconvenience anyone...

Go here for my 100% Cotton Dishcloths post!

Last week I was ~~sicker than a dog~~ a little under the weather, so I decided to put the one thing to work that didn't hurt on my body {my hands} and do a little crocheting.

Earlier in the week I had pinned some crocheted dishcloths, so Ithought I would make some for gifts...

Years ago I was given a couple of dishcloths like these as a hostess gift. I loved the organic, natural feel of them. They were wonderfully absorbent and amazingly resilient. I kept them for several years, throwing them in the washer whenever needed. I'm making mine to use as a homemade gift for friends and family for Christmas.

There are many patterns on the web for these dishcloths {including the one I pinned}, but after making a few I decided to use my own pattern. My pattern makes a tighter weaved dishcloth, which I like. {It's not too tight though, because I use a larger crochet hook.} Some of the other patterns lose their shape over time.

These cloths are a cinch to make and very inexpensive. One dishcloth can be completed -- even by the novice crocheter -- in 2-3 hours while watching TV. {Trust me on that one -- I did a lot of TV watching last week because I was ill!}

Here's what you'll need:

Cotton yarn (4-ply). {I would recommend cotton yarn rather than acrylic because it is much more absorbent. Hobby Lobby carries an "I Love This Cotton" yarn that works well.}
Size F crochet hook (you may have to adjust this depending upon the thickness of your yarn)
Scissors

4.) Optional Edging: When you have a square piece and you are at the end of a corner: single crochet, chain one, single crochet into that corner stitch. Then continue working a single crochet all four sides -- treating each additional corner the same as above (sc, ch, sc).

5.) When you've finished all four sides, end with a slip stitch and tie it off. Weave both loose ends into your dishcloth with a darning needle or your crochet hook.

I'm making a bunch of these to use as little Christmas gifts for friends and family. I made a little tag to wrap around them with some cute fonts and cardstock. Then I secured the tag up with a little jute.

Linked to:
Show Me What You Got @ Not Just a Housewife
The Inspiration Board @ Homework

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

2011-10-14T15:00:00.000-06:00

I spy with my Etsy eye something...

birdie-licious!

Clockwise, starting top left:

Baby Seagulls

Ten Birdie Gift Tags

Fine Art Photographs

Bird Tracks Rubber Stamp

Bird Nest Ring

Have a wonderful weekend!

Some Pinterest Love...

2011-10-12T13:42:00.001-06:00

You might have noticed lately a little red "Pinterest" button on my sidebar...

Until a couple of weeks ago, I hadn't given a whole lot of thought to Pinterest. Early on I learned how to see what items from my website were being featured on Pinterest, but other than that I hadn't given the website very much attention.

In case you are unfamiliar with Pinterest, let me explain: Pinterest allows you to create virtual {bulletin} boards of your favorite images, like these boards from my Pinterest site:

These images can be shared with followers, and you can discover new creations along the way. For me, it replaces the "bookmark" on my computer with a visually inspiring image, which helps me better remember what I'd like to work on and create in the future! If you’re looking for a minimalistic, visual approach to cataloging what you find interesting on the internet, Pinterest might be for you.

A couple of weeks ago one of my daughters-in-law was visiting. She showed me her incredible Pinterest collection and I was hooked. I signed up, added the "Pin It" bookmark, and started creating my boards.

{Tip: Once you sign up, the easiest way to pin items is to install Pinterest's “Pin It” bookmark. Then, any time you find an image on a website that you like, just use your “Pin It” button and you will be given options to pin any of the pictures on that post to one of your Pinterest boards. So simple!}

Here's my Pinterest site. Feel free to look around at some of the things I love and follow me if you'd like! There are also a few items from my blog tucked between the favorites I've found.

For those interested in seeing if any photos from your blog have made it to a Pinterest board simply do the following. Type <http://pinterest.com/source/>, then tack on your website.

For example if I wanted to check to see if my blog had any pins, I would type in the following:

http://pinterest.com/source/justanotherhangup.blogspot.com/

You might be surprised at how many pins your blog has!

Mod Podged Pumpkin

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I get carried away with Mod Podge. My motto: any item can be improved with a little Mod Podge. It's a good thing I wasn't familiar with it when my kids were little. As cute as my kids were when they were small they would have run the risk of being shellacked and placed on my mantle for display. Just sayin'...

The other day I was hankering for a fall item to display among my shabby chic decor on the landing in my entryway. Although a splash of orange might have been cute with all that milky goodness, I imagined a more tone-down decoration for the space.

Below is a glimpse into my brain imagining that "tone-downed" decoration...

{I hope that glimpse into my brain didn't scare you too much.}

That's when I spied a pumpkin on the counter in my kitchen and decided it was just what I needed for this little redo. (Note: My pumpkin was a real, live pumpkin, but I imagine a fake pumpkin would work even better and be reusable year after year.) I took some brown mailing paper (found at most dollar stores) and tore it up into manageable pieces. Then I started Mod Podging those pieces onto the pumpkin...

By the time I was done and it had dried, it looked like the item below {not very impressive if you ask me}.

I then took a paper towel and using an ink pad I distressed the pumpkin a bit to give it a little more depth and character. Ahhh, much better.

Then I gave him a place to call home...

I'm thinking he fits right in...

Linked to:
Halloween Linky Party @ eighteen25
Show Off Your Stuff @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
DIY under $5 @ A Little Tipsy
Show & Tell @ Blue Cricket Design

Friday Finds

2011-10-07T16:00:00.000-06:00

I spy with my Etsy eye something...

ruby red.

Clockwise, starting top left:

Mary Jane Shoes

Red Polkadot Notebook

Bunting

Three Little Birds Decal

Adhesive Fabric Tape

Original Painting

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Printed Halloween Pillow

2011-10-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

A couple of days ago I headed over to Graphics Fairy to have me a look-see. I love to check out holiday graphics when I visit, and yesterday I came upon a Halloween graphic that I loved. The image below is what pillows are made of -- at least at my house!

Last year I created a pumpkin pillow by printing a picture that I found at Graphics Fairy onto fabric, so I thought I would follow the same process to make another pillow with the image above.

All you need to begin the process of printing on fabric is a piece of paper (I've used regular copy paper or cardstock), some muslin fabric (cut slightly larger than the paper) and spray adhesive...

Start by ironing your fabric flat and laying it down on a hard, flat surface. Spray your paper with the adhesive, and carefully place it on the fabric -- adhesive side down. Press the paper onto the fabric, then trim your fabric edges to the exact size of the paper.

I downloaded the batty image from The Graphics Fairy onto my computer.

Then I inserted the saved image into a Word document. Below is an image from my computer screen. It shows the dimensions that I enlarged the image to so it would fit horizontally onto my 8.5 x 11 inch piece of paper.

To print onto your fabric put your paper/fabric into your printer -- fabric side down (for inkjet printers). Make sure you set the 'Print Quality' to "best." Then print the image onto your cardstock/fabric.When it emerges from the printer it will look like the photo below. Kinda cute, eh?

{Just a warning: There are some tutorials in blogland that tell you to tape your fabric onto paper to print. I tried that once. For me that method didn't work well at all. When you tape the fabric to the paper, the fabric tends to shift as it goes through the printer and the image prints unevenly onto the fabric.}

Let the ink on your fabric dry for several hours, then peel off the fabric from the paper.

{Yet another warning: This method of transferring a print directly onto a piece of fabric is NOT washable. The image runs when it comes in contact with water. I would recommend this process for seasonal items that you only display for a month or two out of the year, so the need for cleaning would be diminished. Because it isn't washable, make sure all the water is drained from your iron -- don't press your seams using steam.}

Trim your fabric so there is about 1/2" on all sides of the image. I used 1/4" seams for all the seams. To make a pillow using the image as a middle panel cut two pieces of fabric 2 1/2" wide and as long as the side are (see below). Sew the middle panel to these side panels using a 1/4" seam.

Press the seams toward the side panels and topstitch the seams to the side panels 1/8" from the seam..

To make the top and bottom panels cut two more panels that are 2 1/2" wide and as long as the top and bottom measurements of the pillow. Stitch with a 1/4" seam, trim edges if necessary, press seams toward the top and bottom panels.

Topstitch the seams to the top and bottom panel 1/8" from seam...

The end result is a pillow about 11" x 12". I finished it off with a little ric rac tucked into the seams between the front and back of the pillow...

I kind of like this little pillow.

This is about as "scary" as I get for Halloween.

Truth is I'm a fraidy-cat at heart.

{Shiverrrr}

Linked to:
Halloween Linky Party @ eighteen25
Friday Fun Finds @ kojodesigns
All Things Spooky @ All Things Thrifty
ffa Friday @ Sassy Sites
Friday Flair @ Whipperberry
Catch as Catch Can @ My Repurposed Life

October's Plaque Attack...

2011-10-05T06:30:00.000-06:00

After a one month hiatus, the Plaque Attack Club is back! Many thanks to those who made such wonderful suggestions last month for "themes" for the monthly plaques this year. This month I created a plaque that will be applicable to us all! The theme... birthdays!!!

Without further ado, here is October's Birthday Plaque...

In order to receive this document, please read the following instructions.

For those new to the "Plaque Attack Club," each month I feature a new printable document. Last year the plaque wording reflected holidays or activities unique to each month of the year. This year the plaque wording will reflect events in our lives or meaningful quotes! If you are new to the "Plaque Attack Club" know that you'll need to check back every month to receive each new document.

For a list of supplies and a tutorial on how to make these plaques, go here.

I am offering October's Birthday Plaque Attack in a Word document for anyone requesting it. Simply leave a comment below and consider becoming a follower of my blog. Then send me an email (my email address is on my sidebar under "Welcome" -- "Contact Information") with the words "October's Birthday Plaque Attack" in the subject line of the email. I will return your email with the plaque image attached in a Microsoft Word document. {I will be out of town for a few days toward the end of this week, so if you request the plaque document during that time, please know that I will get back to you toward the middle of next week.}

Important:

© By requesting this document via email you are agreeing not to sell the pattern or sell products with this pattern on them. You may make as many products as you would like for personal use, gifts or fundraisers.

Enjoy!

Linked to:
First Ever Linky Party @ JaQs Studio
Hookin' Up with House of Hepworths
Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple
Show Off Your Stuff Party @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
DIY Under $5 @ A Little Tipsy
Show & Tell @ Blue Cricket Design
Link Party @ Tea Rose Home

Halloween Tutorials & Patterns...

2011-10-04T07:29:00.000-06:00

From my blog archives, come two posts and tutorials that you might be interested in...

{Trick or Treat Bags made Easy!}

{Halloween Advent Calendar}

Linked to:
Handmade Tuesday @ Ladybug Blessings
Made with Love @ Sew Chatty
The Inspiration Board @ Homework

Bloomin' Tuesday

2011-10-03T22:18:00.000-06:00

FYI: October's Plaque Attack will be posted tomorrow!

Last week I visited The Butterfly Pavilion in Westminister (Colorado) with my visiting family members. In the butterfly exhibit there are over 1,200 free-flying tropical butterflies to enjoy. It delights the young and old! There are also a number of beautiful tropical plants in the rain forest exhibit. I thought I'd share some photos I took of those for my Bloomin' Tuesday post this week...

Linked to:
Bloomin' Tuesday @ Ms. Green Thumb Jean's
Garden Tuesday @ Sidewalk Shoes

Thankful Thoughts...

2011-10-02T16:00:00.000-06:00

What delighted me this week?

We've had a full house. Four of our grandchildren and their parents came for a visit this week. I think every piece of framed art on our walls is slightly askew. Those who have grandchildren (or children) will understand that statement. The decibel level in our home went up exponentially as each little one entered the house! It was so delightful to be surrounded by those little people and their parents. I'm happiest when I have family around me.

Another thankful thought...

My husband and I celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary last week. We were toddlers when we wed... :o) I can't imagine having lived my life without this man at my side. He is such a good, kind man, and I'm so thankful that he is mine and I am his.

What challenged me this week?

Have you ever tried to write your spiritual conviction in a short, concise paragraph or two? It's a challenge. Our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes referred to as "Mormons") has given its members an opportunity to create a profile and share their spiritual story on Mormon.org, so this week I embraced that challenge and created my profile. I love this website. It's not only inspirational, but it's a great place to go for accurate information about our church. Feel free to read my profile here.

Friday's Fabulous Finds

2011-09-30T19:53:00.001-06:00

I spy with my Etsy eye some...

eye popping color!

Clockwise, starting top left:

Color My World Belt Buckle
Set of 12 Typewriter Stickers
Vintage Accordion Rack
Hand Embroidered Hoop
Vintage Tumblers
Knit Fingerless Gloves

Have a wonderful weekend!

Bloomin' Tuesday

2011-09-26T21:25:00.000-06:00

Recently my husband and I were in southern California. It's so beautiful there, and I love being surrounded by flowers throughout the year. I was especially struck by the beauty of the bougainvillea, which were in full bloom. They have such a lovely, delicate blossoms -- definitely one of my favorites. I often put them in containers on our patio for the summer in Colorado, but in warmer climes they flourish with abandon. On one of our early evening walks I took some photos of the colorful bougainvillea that was planted at the base of palm trees and in big, beautiful urns. The colors included hot pink, pale pink, salmon, gold, and orange -- so pretty...

Linked to:
Bloomin' Tuesday @ Ms. Green Thumb Jeans

Friday's Fabulous Finds

2011-09-23T17:00:00.000-06:00

I spy with my Etsy eye something...

organic!

Clockwise, starting top left:

Hand- printed fabric
Bird & Pebbles Grafite
Orange Stamen for Flowers
Air Plants
Tree Lovers Print
Hand-painted Beach Pebbles

Have a wonderful weekend!

Bits of news...

2011-09-22T10:49:00.000-06:00

I haven't done a lot of posting this week. Truth be told, I haven't done any. I have a good excuse: I've been busy. Some weeks are like that. I've had several weeks like that and blogging has hardly been on the radar. This week I've been getting quotes for a master bath redo that we are going to start in a few weeks. I'll keep you posted throughout the project. It's a complete overhaul. Everything is coming out and new is being put in. Here's a sneak peak of some of the choices I've been making in carpet, cabinets, tile and countertops...

Additionally I've been a little consumed with taking care of life while my husband was out of town ... natural gas in our basement due to a leak in a huge pipeline behind our house ... a little flooding in our laundry room and basement due to my stupidity ... taking the car in to be fixed -- twice. You know the usual inconveniences associated with living. (Yes, I'm beggin' for sympathy!) It's times like this I need to remind myself of everything that is going right in my life. There is so much to feel grateful.

Anyway, hopefully I'll be able to buckle down and do a little crafting in a week or so. In the meantime, here's another pillow I made for another daughter out of the bunting pillow pattern I made a couple of weeks ago. I sent it to her unstuffed, so she filled it and here it is residing on her couch! Love the colors of turquoise and red that she has in her living room! (And how nicely convenient that the cherry red truck across the street matches her living room accessories!) ;o)

Have a great day!

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

I spy with my Etsy eye something...

cerulean and cerise.

Clockwise, starting top left:

Knit Woolen Socks

Blackberry Photograph

Cake Bunting

Woodland Place Card

Herbarium Earrings

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

And the winner is . . .

2011-09-15T07:14:00.001-06:00

I love to host give aways. It makes me feel like Oprah. Except I don't give away cars or bathrobes or mixing bowls or books. I give away buttons. Hmmm -- not quite as exciting.

Just know if I was as wealthy as Oprah, I'd give all 40+ people who signed up for this give away a car. Truly, I would. ...As it is I'm ready to announce the winner of 12 wooden buttons -- handcrafted by mmmwaaaa {me}. This will enable the winner to make the nine-button pillow and the three-button pillow that I've recently featured.

And the winner is ...

Congratulations Brooke!

Bunting Pillow . . .

2011-09-13T06:24:00.000-06:00

I'm on a pillow kick. That probably doesn't come as a surprise to anyone. It seems that every fall and spring I get in the mood to redecorate with pillows. It is an inexpensive way to change up a room, and I love to experiment with new designs. Yesterday I added another pillow to the list. This one will compliment the 3-button pillow and the 9-button pillow that I already made for my daughter.

Because I loved the bunting cosmetic bag I made earlier this summer, I decided to try my hand at a new pillow design that features bunting. I started with three fabrics -- some muslin and two upholstery fabrics (on sale this week at Hancock's for 54% off). To make this 18 inch square pillow, you will need the following materials:

One piece of muslin 10 inches x 19 inches
One piece of upholstery fabric 2.5 inches x 19 inches
Another piece of upholstery fabric 9.5 inches x 19 inches
One piece of fusible fleece 10 inches x 19 inches (fuse to the back of the muslin)
black thread
bunting triangles from a variety of scrap fabrics

1/2 inch seams allowances

After ironing the fusible fleece to the muslin, the bunting can be applied to the fabric. Sew a line across the top of one of the pieces of muslin -- swooping it from the left side of the fabric to the top (see below). This line will work as a guide for your placement of bunting pieces.

Then attach your bunting triangles by putting the tops of the triangles along the line already sewn and sewing across the top of each piece.

Next sew across the top of the pieces a couple more times and along the sides of the pieces a couple of times. Don't worry about being precise while sewing these lines. I purposely made the lines a little catawampus, which {I hope} adds some character to the piece.

Time to add more bunting by creating another swooping sewing line starting at the top of the fabric and sweeping across the fabric to the right. Just like before, go ahead and add your triangular bunting pieces using the sewn line as a guide for placement. Again sew around each triangle and across the top a couple of times!

Then attach the 2.5 inch piece of upholstery fabric (lime green) to the muslin and the 9.5 inch piece (turquoise) using 1/2 inch seams. Top-stitch the seams toward the 2.5 inch strip of fabric. All that's left is attaching a back piece of fabric (19 inches x 19 inches) to the front, filling the pillow with stuffing, and slip-stitching the hole shut.

The first time I create a pattern and sew an item is always a trial run -- sometimes it works out well and other times not so much. Next time I'll give the buntings a little more of curved swag {if that makes sense}, but overall I'm pretty happy with the results!

Linked to:
Glitter Link Party @ Running with Glitter
Sister Sunday @ Sisters of the Wild West
Weekend Wrap Up @ Tatertots and Jello
Friday Favs @ Nap Time Crafters
Friday's Features @ Cookie Nut Creations
Handmade Tuesdays @ Ladybug Blessings
DIY under $15 @ A Little Tipsy
Let's Party @ Sassy Sites
Hookin' Up with House of Hepworths
Show Off Your Stuff Party @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
Anything Related @ All Things Related
The Inspiration Board @ Homework
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog

Plaque Attack -- Help Needed !

2011-09-12T07:47:00.004-06:00

Early last month I mentioned that the Plaque Attack Club would be beginning a new phase. Last September I started the club, and with the completion of August's plaque each month has a subway art document symbolizing that month.

If you haven't received all 12 months of documents and would like additional months, please send me an email (my email address is on my sidebar) with the months you are requesting in the subject line of the email.

For the Plaque Attack Club this year we'll use the same wooden plaques, but the theme will change. Instead of concentrating on months of the year, I'll create some themed documents that reflect important things or events in our lives. Here are some examples...

a plaque that could be placed in a child's room
famous quotes or sayings
birthday theme

This is where you come in... Please leave a comment below with ideas you have for future plaques themes or wording! I will sift through the suggestions and make plaques with the most requested or original themes. Thank you so much for helping me with this. I've gotten so many fabulous ideas from my readers. It's good to know I can turn to you for help!

Thankful Thoughts

2011-09-11T16:22:00.000-06:00

What moved me this week...

Transitions in our lives are often hard to manage. I've seen three of my children's families transition to having a new little one in their home this summer. That transition is often a formidable one, but another transition that can be just as challenging is when the last child leaves home and a parent is faced with the question, "What now?" I've found that in time you discover new adventures and avenues for growth that add meaning and direction to your life, but during that period of changeover from one phase of your life to another a little soul searching can take place as you try to determine where you fit in your new world.

Last weekend Mark and I were visiting his brother's family in California so we went to church with them on Sunday. Because it was the first Sunday of the month it was Fast and Testimony Meeting. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka: LDS, Mormons) Fast and Testimony Meeting is a meeting where rather than predetermined speakers on particular subjects, the members are given opportunity to bear testimony to one another of gospel truths and to share spiritual experiences they have had in an extemporaneous manner. My sister-in-law Sharon took the opportunity to share.

Recently her last child went off to college, which left their home unusually quiet and left her life noticeably less fulfilled. Sharon soon realized being a mother with no children living at home affected all aspects of her life, but it became particularly apparent when she went to church the first Sunday after becoming an empty nester. Because her husband is busy on Sundays with a demanding church position, for the first time since she became a mother she was left to sit alone while attending church. Sitting companionless at church tugs at your heart when, for over 30 years, you've had seven children and a husband to keep you company during services. That feeling of solitude made Sharon wonder if anyone would miss her if she chose not to attend church. Would family and friends even know she was absent? Would they care if they noticed her missing?

As we all do when melancholy sets in, Sharon {in her own words} was in the processing of hosting herself a little "pity party." All this she admitted as she stood to share in the meeting we attended with her family. Her admission surprised me. My sister-in-law is an amazing woman with many, many talents and abilities. Among her many positive attributes is her friendly, welcoming, self-confident nature. People flock to her because of her out-going personality. She is the last person I would expect to feel lonely or less than self-assured. Nevertheless, by her own admission she was feeling awkward and alone.

Now... for the tender mercy. After church a young mother approached Sharon. After the usual pleasantries she told my sister-in-law that she always looks forward to seeing Sharon at church and that her attendance meant something to her. It was, of course, just what she wanted to hear. She was reminded through the words of that young woman that she was still needed and of worth. Additionally Sharon recognized that the young woman's words were a blessing and affirmation from a loving Heavenly Father.

There are several references in the scriptures to the "tender mercies of the Lord." I have come to realize that these "tender mercies" are the very personal and individualized assistance which we receive from and through the Savior. Often these ministrations come in quiet, subtle ways through the help and support of others. When we recognize the source of these ministrations, we realize how wonderful it feels to be blessed, watched over, supported, and protected by Him, and we realize that He is mindful of us and aware of our needs. I am moved by the tender mercy that Sharon shared with us -- not only because it happened to someone I love, but because I could relate to it so completely.

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

2011-09-09T17:00:00.000-06:00

I spy with my Etsy eye ...

a hint of autumn!

Clockwise, starting top left:

Vintage Railroad Lamp
Felted Pumpkin
Baby Booties
Mineral Eye Shadow
Rustic Autumn Crown

Wishing you a beautiful fall weekend!

Remember to go here to sign up for my handcrafted button Give-Away!

A Give-Away and Button Pillow Number 2 !

2011-09-08T09:29:00.000-06:00

Last week I told you about a Fall Pillow with handcrafted wooden buttons that I made for my daughter and promised that I would show you its companion pillow this week. This second pillow is truly one of the easiest pillows you could ever make. It's an 18 inch pillow with a simple 2 1/2 inch vertical tuck that is tacked down by three large 2-inch homemade wooden buttons! {If you'd like to learn how to make your own wooden buttons, go here.}

Like the first pillow, this second pillow is so simple that it doesn't need a tutorial, but I'll go ahead and give you the measurements for the front of the pillow in case you'd like to replicate it. You'll need to decide how you want to finish the pillow to determine the measurements for the back piece of the pillow.

For the front of the pillow you will need a piece of fabric 19 inches x 24 inches. The fabric I chose for this pillow was bought at Hancock Fabrics from their drapery/upholstery fabric. It's a lime green Herringbone. It's luscious, rich texture is perfect for the fall and winter months.

I also cut a piece of fusible fleece the same size as the front of the pillow and fused it to the wrong side of the fabric before I made the tuck. Adding a piece of fusible fleece to the front of the pillow makes all the difference. When it is applied to the front fabric of a pillow it makes the end product have a much more professional look.

You will need to sew a vertical tuck in the fabric that is 2 1/2 inches wide {a total of 5 inches is needed for the front and back of the tuck}. When the tuck is complete, you'll have a piece of fabric that is 19 inches by 19 inches.

Finish the pillow by attaching the back of the pillow to the front using 1/2 inch seams on all sides to make your 18 inch square pillow.

{Now for the fun part -- the Give-Away!}

By leaving a comment below you will be entered into a give-away to receive your very own handcrafted wooden buttons -- made by mwaaaa {yours truly}. The winner will receive 3 two-inch buttons and nine 1-inch buttons. With those in your hot little hands the winner will be set to make the pillow I featured in this post AND the pillow I featured last week. How's that for fantastic!!! {Please note that both of these pillows can easily be made by a novice sewer.} Just follow the steps below...

No anonymous comments please. I need an email address or accessibility to a public blog in order to contact you if you win! This contest will run until midnight Wednesday, September 14th. On Thursday morning, September 15th, the winner will be announced. Good luck!

Linked to:
Sister Sunday Link Party @ Sisters of the Wild West
Show & Tell Saturday @ Be Different Act Normal
Frugalicious Friday @ Finding Fabulous
Show & Share @ Just a Girl
Show Off Your Stuff @ Fireflies & Jellybeans

Labor Day . . .

2011-09-07T13:25:00.001-06:00

The hubs and I arrived home yesterday from yet another trip -- this time to California for an extended Labor Day Weekend. Sooo very fun. You can tell from the highlights of our trip below that my husband indulged me with lots of fabulous food and shopping. {One of the many reasons I love that man!} Without further ado...

Il Fornaio Italian restaurant in Irvine -- Delicious!
Ayers Hotel in Costa Mesa/Newport -- Beautiful!
Sunrise stroll on Newport Beach watching surfers -- Tranquilizing!

Beautiful drive up to San Luis Obispo where the hubs and I first met. Here's "Our Story."

Shopping, sightseeing and lunch in Morro Bay...

Wedding Reception with favorite family members in Visalia -- Lovely!
Church with family -- Rejuvenating!
Taking down my husband in Dominos and card games -- Unusual!
Browsing at shops in Laguna Beach -- Awesome!
Lunch and dessert at our favorite restaurant in San Clemente -- Yummy...

A good movie -- Relaxing!
Home again. Yay!

Tomorrow if the cloud-cover parts and it stops raining (so I can get some good pictures) I'll show you "Wooden Button Pillow #2." So cute! Also, I'll need your help to determine what Plaque Attacks I will conjure up this year. Stay tuned for that post!

Fall Pillow with Wooden Buttons Tutorial

2011-08-31T19:44:00.000-06:00

I'm sure you've hear the motto...

"When you're handed lemons, make lemonade."

I considered it a wise motto to live by. Lately, however, I prefer a motto of my own with a similar message...

"When you're handed wooden branches, make buttons."

As clever as my adage is, it may not become wildly popular. I'm ok with that. I'll take a wooden button over lemonade any day.

Several weeks ago I made some wooden buttons out of a branch from a peach tree that was felled in our backyard. I used those wooden buttons as a decoration on a pumpkin and butterscotch fall pillow that I dreamed up. It is an amazingly simple pillow, but I really love it. When my daughter saw it she said it was her most favorite pillow that I've ever made. I love those kinds of compliments. Armed with that endorsement, I decided to make a couple of pillows for my daughter's home using more homegrown wooden buttons and a fabric that would match her decor. I'll post about the first pillow I made for her today and show you the second pillow next week.

This pillow is so simple that it doesn't need a tutorial, but I'll go ahead and give you its measurements in case you'd like to replicate it. I'll show you the dimensions for the front of the pillow. You'll have to decide how you want to finish the pillow to determine the measurements for the back of the pillow.

For the front of the pillow, you'll need a piece of fabric this size...

I also cut a piece of fusible fleece the same size as the front of the pillow and fused it to the wrong side of the fabric. It makes all the difference. When fusible fleece is applied to the front fabric of a pillow it makes the end product look much more professional and sturdy.

Three lines need to be sewn vertically on the pillow. The first is 3 inches from the right edge, then another 2 1/4 inches from the first line. Last, another line sewn 2 1/4 inches from the second line. Go here to discover the trick to sewing straight lines on fabric.

Next sew your buttons on the lines at irregular intervals. I used 1/2 inch seams to attach the back of the pillow to the front.

The fabric I chose for this pillow was bought at Hancock Fabrics from their drapery/upholstery fabric. It's a lime green Herringbone. It's luscious, rich texture is perfect for the fall and winter months.

Next week I'll show you an even simpler patterned pillow with larger handmade wooden buttons!

Linked to:
Hookin' Up with House of Hepworths
Show Off Your Stuff @ Fireflies & Jellybeans
Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Just Another Hang Up

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Simple Ruffled Pillow...

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Rocky Road Fudge

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Stenciled Walls ::: Yum!

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Two More Pocket Pillowcases...

Pocket Pillowcase Pattern & Tutorial...

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Master Bath Remodel...

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Braided Pizza...

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Thankful Thoughts...

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Bloomin' Tuesday

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Bits of news...

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

And the winner is . . .

Bunting Pillow . . .

Plaque Attack -- Help Needed !

Thankful Thoughts

Friday's Fabulous Finds...

A Give-Away and Button Pillow Number 2 !

Labor Day . . .

Fall Pillow with Wooden Buttons Tutorial