create a life you love

Valentines Idea

2010-02-01T18:48:00.001-08:00

So I haven't fallen of the face of the plant, I am still here. I have been doing lots of crafts and projects, but just haven't had time to take pictures and post them. Hopefully I will be better. I wanted to share this quick idea I got from Family Fun Magazine. We made these cute Valentine boxes tonight for Family night and my boys had so much fun doing it I wanted to share. Find the complete instructions here.
The base box is just an empty tissue box, so clever! I found these cute ones at Walmart. We decided we would leave these on the counter for the next two weeks with paper and pens nearby and leave nice notes to each other. My 4 year old loved the idea and can't wait to check his box in the morning. (side note he also insisted on adding the arms, because mom, robots have arms!)

STUFF I'VE BEEN DOIN'

2010-01-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

Yet another FOREVER has gone by but I have good excuses! Most of the things I was working on were gifts for Christmas...alas, they are gifted so I can share. I had SOOO much fun making these little tool aprons for my sweet nephews. I searched for the perfect tool set but everything I liked was too big (and I knew I couldn't fit all the tools in one apron) so I finally decided to split the "black and decker" set I really liked and it worked perfect. I just took a kid sized apron and cut out something similiar. Then I divided the tools and laid them on the individual aprons and made pockets and hooks to match. I made a top pocket on both and put their initials on them. This was so easy and I have to say, they were darling on both boys (doesn't hurt that they are super handsome buddies!!!) These aren't the best pictures and some of the tools aren't pictured but I can't find the others I took. Anyway, if you have a little friend with a special day coming, give em' a try!

One of the other things I have been working on was an apron for my niece-in-love. I found a pattern for some vintage aprons and LOVED them. This picture does not do justice to this apron, it turned out soooo cute! You can't really tell, but the fabric is actually white with yellow polka dots and then trimmed in a cranberry red. I told Trista that she better wear this every time she cooks (including poring cereal!). I love the ruffles and her expression...I think this was about the time someone said it could double for lingerie.

This year I did the 25 days album and I am so glad, super fun way to remember the season, I need to finish up and then I'll share. More later!

Baby Shower Ideas

2009-11-11T19:05:00.000-08:00

We threw a friend a baby shower a few weeks ago and thought I would share some of the ideas we used.

For some of the decorations I made these cute cupcakes out of various baby things. One I did with a diaper, another with the baby legs, one with a onesie, and one with washcloths. All you have to do is fold them so they are a couple inches high, then roll them up, wrap ribbon around them, pin together with straight pins and embellish the centers with whatever you have around. Then stick them in a cupcake liner!I also made these lollipops using washcloths and a pair of baby legs. Fold it, then roll it, then pin it!The party favors.

more trash to treasure

2009-11-07T20:22:00.000-08:00

Before we left Kentucky, we picked up this hideous chair at our churches "swap and serve." FREE. My husband was dying (and so was everyone else...except my faithful friend Michele). Truly, the ugliest! At first , as you can see, we were going to try it in black. UGLY! We ran out of time and moved it with us across the country. Just this week, after 5 months, we FINALLY got the white spray paint out...soooo much better! And thanks to Anna Marie Horner and her fab fabric, we have a cute little chair off to the corner in our entry. I'll post pictures when it comes together a little more. Now go make something pretty!

CHRISTMAS CARDS ARE AVALIABLE

2009-10-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

Okay so sorry on the lack of posts from me lately. I haven't been doing much crafting lately because I have been busy working on Christmas Card designs for Photo Expressions. I am excited to say that they are finally done!! So if you are needing Christmas Cards or know someone who does go check them out and see if there is one you like. You can find pricing over on the right side bar, also any of the designs from last year are also available. You can also find those designs on the right side bar under the 'Christmas Cards' label.

Here is a peak at one of my favorites!!

Halloween decor

2009-10-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

I have never had a ton of Halloween decor (it's not my favorite holiday) but I know my kids love it and I have a bit more space to work with this year. I didn't want to spend money on anything cause lets face it, I want a new couch more than a scary witch...you see my dilemma? Anyway, I had this wall hanging that I still like but I am sooooo over the baby blue/black/brown that was the decor in my apartment!! I decided the frame needed a little makeover and this is what I came up with. I think I like it and will maybe find a cute spot to hang it and just change it for each new holiday...? All of the supplies were just scrapbook/sewing stuff that I had around and the "happy halloween" was made in power point. Do you love power point like I do??? So many possibilities other than slide shows!

Have a happy day!

repurposed men's T

2009-10-04T21:55:00.000-07:00

It's practically a miracle that this is Jenni posting and not Michele...I know Michele, but start breathing again! With all of the changes in our life this summer, I haven't done much crafting but I am so in the mood again. Tonight's project came from just plain boredom but I am happy with the results. I have been hanging onto this white mens shirt, that I got at the Gap clearance for 99 cents, for about 2 1/2 years now. (for those of you who live near hebron, Ky they are there all the time, pick a few up.) Anyway, I originally bought it to do a Martha Stewart baby project but as you can see...no go. So tonight I pulled it out and wanted something for fall. I think it turned out pretty cute.

Took in the sides, reattached the sleeves with a little feminine puff and added an EASY chocolate brown ruffle...It was pretty cute alone, but when I added my new orange cardigan I felt all ready for fall!! To see LOTS more refashions and easy tutorials, go here.

Watch Bracelets

2009-09-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

I just love these beaded watch bracelets that you can change off and on. Here are a few that I made. They are seriously so easy to make. Start gathering some beads (You can get beads at any craft store, and the spacer beads I used are from The Dollar store!), get the stretchy elastic stuff to string it on, 4 lobster clasps and make one for yourself (or a friend), I know you deserve it! If you don't have a watch face, you can order them from here (scroll down towards the bottom).

Chalkboard Plate

2009-09-11T12:35:00.001-07:00

My cute friend made me this darling chalkboard plate for me for my birthday. I thought it was the cutest little memo board and had to get right away to making some. If you haven't seen these already, here is a little how to. They are so easy and fun to make and give for gifts. As I was doing it my mind got going and I kept think of fun things you could do with these. I thought it would be fun to find Christmas plates and give away as gifts for Christmas. I also thought it would be neat to do a wall with 9 of these plates arranged in a square, each family member could have their own plate you could write messages for them on their plate. You could also have a plate for to do lists, grocery lists, important phone numbers, etc. Then if you wanted you could put vinyl lettering at the top of the plate labeling the plate for each persons name. Anyway here is how I did it.

Things you need:
-A plate
(my friend used a glass plate. The one I did I used a plastic one from target. I was sending mine in the mail so I wanted to avoid glass. Both glass and plastic work great!)
-chalkboard spray paint
-Masking tape
-An easelStart by masking off the plate like so This is the chalkboard paint I used. I got mine at Michaels. I am sure you could get it at any craft store.Spray platePull of tape and there you go! On the can of the paint it gives you instructions on drying times for the chalk.So easy and fun!

The Marlo Bag

2009-09-01T19:21:00.000-07:00

Made these cute bags with my sister. Its the Heather Bailey Marlo bag pattern. You can purchase it here.

Love this fun reversible bag, and you got to love the big flower on front!

Wooden letters

2009-09-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been awhile! Now as the summer comes to a close I hope I can get more projects posted and stay on top of things a little better!! I wanted to share a few things I did when we went home to visit this summer. My sister just had her first baby, a boy. They named him Bowen. In kids rooms I love the look of big wooden letters on the wall spelling out their name. We did some for Bowen and here is how they turned out. To get the white antiqued look I just painted the letters using plain old cream craft paint. Then I sanded the edges and applied a glaze over the top and around the edges. The glaze I used is just one my mom had in her garage, but stain also works. After they had dried really well I sprayed them with few coats of Lacquer and that is it!

Young Womens Theme Handouts

2009-06-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

If you have a calling in Young Womens, have a daughter who is in Young Womens, or know someone who is in Young Womens... you have to go here, to my

photo expressions blog.

I have some new items for sale and you will for sure what to check them out! I have an updated theme, with the new value Virtue add as well as other Young Women related products! So go check it out and tell all your friends!

Here is a peak at one!

A Clever Idea

2009-06-03T19:12:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share this idea that I got from a friend who I think found the idea somewhere on the internet. Anyone ever have problems with kids and popsicles and messy sticky messes? Well I do. My kids love popsicles, but I hate the mess. This little invention has helped tremedously. Next time you have one of those plastic lids from the empty bread crumbs can or formula can or anything like that, save it. Make a little slit the size of a popsicle stick with a knife through the lid. Then put the popsicle through the slit, and there you go. The perfect thing to catch all the messy dribbles.
It really has worked GREAT! Even my little one (who holds the popsicle by the sides of the lid) stays a lot less messy!

Magnetic Clips

2009-05-31T17:34:00.000-07:00

I have another project I did for Young Womens, but you this doesn't have to be used for just Young Womens. I was asked to make a magnetic clip that each of the girls could take home and have a specific place to clip up our monthly newsletter for personal progress. Each month our personal progress leader and secretary put out a newsletter, "The Personal Progress Pipeline" to keep parents and girls updated regarding all the personal progress happenings for the month. She lists all the activities from the previous month and what potential value experiences and projects they could pass off and what additional things they will need to do to finish the experience. So this is what I came up with:

They were really easy to do and would be so fun to have for lots of different things. You could make one for shopping lists, to do lists, your kids art work, or even make a generic one with a cute button in the middle. Start with these Jumbo paper clips. I got these at Walmart in the office supply section. They come in a pack of 12 for $.97, got to love that!You will also need these magnetic buttons, also found at Walmart, in the craft section.Hot clue the magnet to the smaller end of the paper clip.
Then glue on the paper flower (I got mine at our local scrapbook store, Archivers, they are made by Heidi Swapp) to the front.This is what it looks like from the back.

Then glue on a "center." I just made mine on the computer, printed them out, then laminated them. Like I said before you can totally personalize these. Have you child's name in the middle and clip up school papers. You could even lose the flower and just do the center. Hang on your fridge or magnet board, clip your paper up, and enjoy your cute new magnetic clip!

YW Grad Gift

2009-05-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

I have another graduation gift idea. This one we are giving to the young woman in our ward who is graduating.First, this candy bar bouquet. Found the idea here at Homemaking Fun. I just used a empty soup can, and modged podged some patterned paper on it. Also instead of using the floral foam (didn't have any and didn't want to have to buy some) to stick the skewers into, I just wadded up tin foil, then put the crinkly stuff on top!Second, I made this Quote book. Last year Jenni and I made these for the graduating girls, so why not do it again right!I folded Chipboard in a triangle stand so it she could sit it on her dresser and she could flip to a different quote each day.I did around 25 different quotes, some were spiritual, some uplifting. Now she will have a cute quote book to take off to college.A fun and inexpensive present for graduating young women, or anyone for that matter. The whole thing cost me under $10.00. If you want a PDF copy of the quotes, just leave an email address and I can send them your way.

Graduation Gift idea

2009-05-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

My little sister is graduating from High School this week and I am sharing the little gift Idea my other sister and I made for her. We started out with a pack of coasters that I found on clearance at Target. We took each letter of her name and came up with a little something to go along with it. We modge podged the different papers on, embellished to our hearts content, and this is the end product.A cute little mini album with things that will help her as she graduates high school and moves on to college!We started it off with the quote by Dr. Seuss: "Congratulations, today is your day, you're off to great places, you're off and away!"As you can see, the front of the coaster has the letter, then the back has a quote or poem that goes along with that letter. Most of the letters have a corresponding gift to go with it.With E for exercise we are giving her a cute water bottle.N, for need a little cash, she is getting some cash. We made this gift card holder to also hold the cash.Z, for Zzz, we got her a cute set of PJ'SI for ice cream, a gift card to Cold Stone!And E for eating out, a gift card to her favorite restaurant!This is what it looked like all laid out.

For the last step we punched holes in each coaster and gift card holder and attached them all to a binder ring.

2009-05-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

Last week my sister came out to visit. She is pregnant with her first, and is having a boy (Due to come in August). We spent the whole week busy with projects for the baby, thought I would share what we created!A couple of different dippie wipie cases. Can't have to many of these, they are just so convenient to have.Taggie BlankieBibs

Burp ClothsWe sewed on a few different edges. We found all the trim at our local scrapbook store.
Nursing Cover. I made me one of these when I had Tanner and I loved it. I don't put the boning in on mine. This way it folds up nicely in the diaper bag.A changing pad to have in the diaper bag. We used the iron on vinyl and it worked out great!Binky Clips
All we used here was the badge tag clips, ribbon, and the Candy dots made by Pebbles Inc. You can find them here.

it worked

2009-05-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: She LOVED the skirt and it looks so cute on her!

Refashion

2009-04-25T04:10:00.000-07:00

Every year at church they do what is called "swap and serve." The concept is that everyone drop off the things that they don't want and then you just swap for other people's stuff. It's basically a huge garage sale with no money. It really is so organized and people love it! For the last 2 years I have dropped stuff off and not wanted ANYTHING! But, I always find a deal. Last year we got my 3 year old a little set of golf clubs--he was SO happy. This year, since we are moving I said that no one could come in the building with me...they didn't listen. We all found a treasure...knights armor for buddy, a jump rope for sis, and my husband found some really nice hair clippers (he cuts his own and our sons hair--yeah!). As for me, I decided to look for something that I could "refashion." This is my first try so go easy! I found a sundress that would fit about an 8-10 year old and I loved the fabric and the eyelet hem so I made a skirt for my 5 year old. I think I have plans for the top of the dress...we'll see. I haven't tried the skirt on her yet, but I will let you know if it was a success.

BEFORE

AFTER

a one year old

2009-04-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

This sweet girl is ONE today! I wanted to make a birthday shirt and remembered the cute owl shirt that Traci made...check it out! It was super fun to do and I added "look HOO'S 1" on the bottom to tie in the owl. I had lots of the flowered fabric. I picked it up a couple of weeks ago when our walmart was closing out their fabric department...so I decided to make a skirt to match the shirt. I figure the whole outfit cost me about 50 cents.

Easter celebration

2009-04-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

First of all, SERIOUSLY bad photography...I am in great need of a new camera and I know that my picture quality is NOT good, but until my husband has a job this will do. Disclaimer over.

While Josh was gone tonight, I worked on an Easter project. I saw this idea on House of 3 website but honestly, couldn't spend the money on something I could do...BUT, all the backgrounds are from their site, I already had them. I like the idea of celebrating the last week of the Saviors life and teaching my kids how important Easter really is. The concept is easy. Starting the sunday before Easter (tomorrow) you read a scripture telling what the Savior was doing each day that last week. I am excited to start a new tradition with my family and have something "tangible" to bring out that the kids will recognize. No doubt I will add embellishments and find a way to display this through the month, but for now it is ready to be started tomorrow.

If you want a copy, I am happy to e-mail one to you...just leave a comment with your address.

baby gift

2009-03-31T16:11:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by this post on Elizabeth Kartchners blog. Since I have a good friend with a baby boy due in July, I decided to make a small memory book for her. It was soooo easy to put together. I basically did what Elizabeth did by backing the journal cards onto patterned paper, but i used a big variety of them. I wanted it to be sweet and simple and just a place to keep special thoughts. Best of all, it was all made from stuff I had on hand.

Spring center piece

2009-03-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a fun idea for a spring center piece.

Take an empty formula can (or any can you can find around your kitchen) Clean it out. Cover it in patterned paper, or wrapping paper. (Here I used a black and white polka dot wrapping paper from ikea)Next place spring flowers in can, fill with jelly beans and embellish with ribbon!
And there you have it, a fun bright center piece that definitely says SPRING!

NOTE: Don't stop there with the cans. You can also use these cans for organizing, for gifts, use a bigger can for an Easter basket (drill holes in the side and attach ribbon for the handle).
More ideas to come!!

Young Womens Conference Handout

2009-03-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

I made these booklets to give my young women so they have something cute to take notes in (because it makes it so much more fun to take notes in something cute, wouldn't you agree)?

Not in YW's, then print one out for yourself. Taking notes makes me focus a little more and get more out of each talk. The trick is getting my kids to let me take notes, Right!!

If you would like a copy, leave a comment with your email address and I will send a PDF File your way!!

Make as many copies as you need, then cut down the center of the paper, and staple them all together.

get a cute (FREE) swimsuit

2009-03-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

Do you love cute swimwear as much as we I do? Have you checked out LIME RICKI? I found them last year and LOVE there stuff. They are doing a giveaway over at "thirty hand made days"...check it out here. Good LUCK! Oh, and tell them I sent you!

a quick card fix

2009-03-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

I love a homemade card just as much as the next gal, but I don't always have time or I'm writing them at the last minute. My favorite solution to this problem, is the dollar section at micheals. They have great card packs and I love to stock up when they go 2 for a dollar. To make them look "homemade" I just add a small saying or embellishment and wa-la! Here is a quick batch I just made for a friend.

{click on picture to see bigger}

70 cent Christmas frame

2009-03-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

I was at tjmaxx the other day and browsed the clearance section for a minute. I have found that they have great frames that are a little bruised up...perfect for "trash to treasure." I found this frame for 70 cents and it matched my new christmas colors. The edges were pretty banged up and it had scratches, but with a little black paint and some scrapbook letters, I think it turned out pretty cute.

Before:

After: