Autumn Banner

I saw the idea for a cute holiday decoration on Nannygoat and I have been wanting to make one for quite some time. Since the ladies at Nannygoat used chipboard letters I was waiting to use those. However, since I was never really able to find large chipboard letters at Michaels and it was suggested on the blog, I just pulled out my handy dandy Cricut machine and cut out my own letters.

Using my Creative Memories cutting system, I cut out the backing circles and wavy edge circles. I also cut out some fall shapes on the Cricut (leaves, apples, acorns). It was all put together with Mod Podge. With the banner being entirely made of paper, I wanted to add some stiffness to the banner and seal all the layers together well. To string the banner I used some thick twine that I had on hand and then to add some finishing touches to it I tied on some grosgrain ribbons in two different widths.

World Card Making Day! UPDATED

As a mom of three, I have learned I have to get things done well in advance. So I used World Card Making Day to get ahead. I made 5 cards for our pastors for Pastor Appreciation Day the following Sunday. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of those. The boys and I also made Thanksgiving cards for Chris's teachers and a few others. Out came the box of paints, foam brushes, cardstock, and of course, the little hands! The end result... well, honestly they aren't completely finished, but I just need to add a few embellishments (ribbons, brads, rub-on transfers, etc.).

I started by cutting some dark brown cardstock to make a 6x6 inch card. Then over that the tan cardstock would be placed with the handprint turkeys. Next, I used CB's hand (the biggest one) and did two layers of "feathers" using his handprints. Notice I only used the fingers and not the thumb for the feathers.

After two layers with the larger handprints, I did two layers of CJ's hand (smaller handprint).
Here is a picture of the completed feathers.
I then used CB's hand again, this time the entire hand including the thumb to make the body of the turkey.
Stay tuned for more pictures of the finished product!

World Card Making Day!

Tomorrow (October 3rd) is World Card Making Day. I am hoping I can find some time to get to work on some cards. Pastor Appreciation week is coming up so I need to make cards for that, a little guy has a bday party this month, and I would love to just have some cards made and ready to go for the future!

We shall see if I have time to craft. As you can tell from this blog and the lack of posts, there hasn't been much crafting time lately!

Ribbon Storage

I have been trying to think of a way to organize and store my ribbon without them being in bins.  I have seen several great ideas but just never found one I thought would work for me.  So one day I was pulling into the garage and I happened to look over at my teaching "stuff" that is taking up space against the wall.  This small video organizer caught my eye.  I instantly knew it would be perfect for my ribbon.  Now I just need to get more to fill it up!  

Mother's Day Presents

I found this tutorial for a stationary box and wanted to try it out.  After about an hour, the box was done.  Next it was time to fill it up with gift tags and note cards.  It made the perfect gift for my mom for Mother's Day.  She frequently writes notes and letters to her sisters so I knew the cards would get put to good use.  

Her Mother's Day card: I added the word MOM outside.

Stationary Box

Front Flap (folded open) the pocket holds stamps and I included Post-It notes.

Small gift tag

View of the box when open, complete with 5 notecards in the back.

More Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Here are the finished magic boxes for CB's teachers at preschool.  Inside boxes are filled with apple shaped post-it notes, tacks, paper clips, and Hershey's hugs.  A simple white gift bag with a quick tag and ribbon finish it off.  On the tag, I made sure to note that the boxes should be opened carefully so the contents doesn't spill out all over!  

Mother's Day Presents

I made these blocks for my mother in law for Mother's Day.  The whole project probably took me an hour.  A few months ago, the idea was posted on Little Birdie Secrets and I saved it knowing I would one day tackle this project.  The great thing is that these 7 blocks can make a total of 16 words.  So that my mother in law would know what words can be spelled out, I wrote them on the bottom of the blocks.  The best thing is: these are very inexpensive!  Each block at Michael's cost $1.29.  I already had the antique white paint and mod podge.  Using my Cricut and a piece of patterned black paper, the letters were cut out in no time.  Now I just have to find a way to wrap them so that the blocks can say "mothers" when the package is opened!