My First Cricut Project

So once I received my Cricut, I of course couldn't wait to test it out and start making something. I decided to send my little sister a "happy" and make her a card using card-stock I had sitting around the house and my new machine. Here's the result:

Fun, right? It's pretty awesome that the Cricut actually cut out the pattern for the envelope too. All I had to do was fold it down and glue it together. LOVE!

Overall I think it was a good practice project and my little sis already said she loved receiving it. (Although, the "S" was missing when it arrived at her door. Oh, well. It's the thought that counts, right?)

Until next time...

A New Endeavor?

About a week ago, I started a little craft project inspired from some Pinterest items for my mother-in-law's kitchen. (I'm helping her do a little updating. More on that later.) I loved the result so much that I've started making different versions for some other people in my life. I actually like them so much that I'm hoping to make it a little side business (as long as others like them as well).

I'm calling them "antiqued wooden photo plaques", but I also made a "antiqued wooden monogrammed plaque" as another option. I think they would make really wonderful gifts especially since they are so personalized. Basically they are painted with a couple different colors and then sanded to bring out the details with some distressing. Finally I add the photo and Mod Podge it into place. 

The final result works great either hanging on the wall or sitting on your table. Let's see what you guys think:

front

back

edge detail

front

edge detail

back

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edge detail

So I'm loving making theses. I hope you like them! I already have a handful more to work on, but if you'd like one of your own, please let me know! 

Until next time...

I Love Me Some DIY Accessories

If you start cruising Pinterest for DIY jewelry ideas, you'll be overwhelmed by the results. There are some seriously creative people rocking out some super inexpensive, fun and beautiful homemade accessories. Lucky for us, they not only show off their skills, but they also tell us how to do it too! Nice.

Here are some of my favorite do-it-yourself items:

Bird's Nest Necklaces

Paperclip Earrings 

Jersey Knit Bracelets

Decorative Hair Comb 

Wooden Necklace

Multi-Strand Scarf

Utility Cord Bangle

Hex Nut & Thread Necklace

Macrame Bracelets

Pretty impressive, right? One of these days I'm going to tackle one of these projects. I can always use some extra flare in my style.

Anything on your craft list?

Until next time...

Mother's Day is Here

This is a little late considering Mother's Day is tomorrow, but I thought it might be nice to check out a collection of creative DIY Mother's Day gifts. You can just put a few of these on your gift idea list for next year so you'll be prepared. 

Mom & Mom-in-Law, please disregard all of these ideas in case I decide to use them on you in the future. Thank you.

OK. Here we go...

• Here's some DIY garland that celebrates the characteristics and things you love about your momma...

Learn to make this garland here.

• Check out this ADORABLE, simple gift for mom: The Dish Towel Apron

Learn to make this apron here.

• Why not personalize a dish for mom? What's not to love about that?

Learn how to etch your own glass dishes here.

• Do you have a mom that sews? How stinking cute would this be for a Mother's Day gift?

Learn to make these Mason Jar Pincushions here. 

• One of the most important parts of a gift (in my opinion) is the presentation or the gift package. This DIY bag is perfect. 

Learn how to personalize a canvas bag here. 

• Here is a super creative "happy" for any stressed out momma. Love it!

Learn how to make your own Tin Can Treats here. 

• Sometimes just getting creative on the presentation can make for a wonderfully personal gift. Here's a sweet gift idea for mom without too much effort. 

Learn to make a custom kitchen towel & paper flowers for mom here. 

So there you go, kids. Some wonderful gift ideas for mom and some fun DIY craft time for you.

OK, I now need to brag on my sweet hubby for a moment. I received an early "Soon-to-Be-Mother" Mother's Day Gift from my man to help celebrate the upcoming arrival of our baby boy. Check out this beautiful ring he got me. It is Fisher's birthstone and I couldn't be more excited to wear it! 

Yeah, he's awesome. It is such a wonderful way to remember this amazing new adventure we're starting. Every time I look at it, I'll think of the two men in my life. 

Until next time...

Momma Got Skills

My mom, with her killer new craft skills, made me a wreath to put on our hospital door when our little man decides to make an appearance. I absolutely love how it turned out!

Adorable, right? I can't wait til it's time to put it to use. Only 9 weeks to go!

Until next time...

Memphis in March

This past weekend, the hubby and I went to Memphis for my first baby shower. It was hosted by a group of wonderful ladies from my parent's church and they completely spoiled me. 

We received TONS of adorable clothes, burp clothes, bibs, blankets, some feeding items and we even got our crib bedding, our boppy pillow (totally needed) and our diaper pail. It was wonderful to say the least.  

Here are a few pictures from the gathering:

After the brunch shower, mom and I enjoyed some craft-time at the house (and a mini photo shoot.) After spotting an inspirational image on pinterest, mom and I decided to make a wreath for each of our homes as well as one for Heather. We had fun and the final products turned out great.

Oh, and here are some creepy killer pregnancy photos that made it in the mix...

We only spent $40 total for all 3 wreaths. My mom already had the paint so we just purchased the 3 wreath forms, all the wooden numbers and the gerber daisies. Not bad, right?

Until next time...