Underwater Basket Weaving

This one I made for my Mother for Christmas (yup, our yard in December)

Well, not really underwater.  I have taken up basket weaving.  It is a craft that I learned while here in Okinawa.  We joke that we don't usually see a Japanese woman under the age of 50 using the baskets, but those of us that have started weaving are totally hooked.  It is something different for most of us.  So far all of the bags I have made have been about the same size.  I usually figure they will be used as a church bag.  It can hold scriptures, lesson binder, I-pad, and a few other things.

One for my Mother-In-Law

One for my Sister

I am currently trying to decide on a bag for another sister and doing 5 Easter baskets for the 5 monkeys.

Jersey Fabric Headband

Twins

I saw this super cute bracelet and tutorial over at V and Co.  Vanessa is super fun and creative.  Her video tutorial is so cute, she is real and juggles it all including her daughter's potty break in the middle of it.  When she first posted her tutorial she said she thought this bracelet would be the perfect beach accessory.  You wouldn't have to care if it got wet or ruined.  They are super easy to make.

I immediately thought of a headband to keep the stragglers out of my face while I am pool side or swimming in the ocean.  I just made it longer, not enough for all the way around, I wanted it to be tight and use some stretch.  I like a little bit of tails, too.  Now I need to find some knit that matches my swimsuits.  I used old T-shirts to make mine.  The headband would be cute with a flower clipped on it.  Using a patterned knit would also be fun, I tried a stripe out for fun.

(My strips from this old shirt were too short for the 4 finger version, too many knots - but at least I have an idea for how a stripe will look)

A Tutorial - Tumbled Marble Coasters

Since the holidays are fast approaching and it has been ages since I shared something crafty, I thought I would share how to make Tumbled Marble Coasters.  These are super easy, extremely useful, and wont break the bank.

What you need:

Tumbled Marble Tile from your local hardware store (Home Depot, Lowes, etc...). 

Permanent Ink (Craft Ink, StayzOn, etc...)

Rubber Stamps
Acrylic Sealer

Cork or felt

1.  Stamp the tiles with your stamps.  Get creative here - do a collage, a simple border, a word, etc...

2.  For mine I had to use a paintbrush and fill in my stamp to get the look I was after.

3.  Rub a little ink on the edges, to help make them Pop!

4.  Let dry in the oven - bake at 200 for 2 hours (check to see if the ink is dry - don't smudge your image!).

5.  Spray the sealer in a well ventilated area, let air dry.

6.  Apply cork to bottoms or felt (you can use the felt circles).  They need something so they don't scratch up furniture.

7.  Stack and tie up in pretty ribbon, raffia or whatever you like.

Here is a picture of a coaster that I was given as a gift.

These are great for protecting your furniture from cup rings!

The Fused Plast Project I Wanted to Do!

When I first saw fused plastic projects I wanted to make a bib (see previous post for links to fusing tutorials).  There are these one style of bibs that I LOVE!!!  They work, they actually catch crumbs, drips and spills.  The bib has a snap up pocket, best design ever.  Easy to clean!  The only problem is they get holes in the corners and are not cute at all. 

I once fused vinyl on to cute fabric and had a cute waterproof bib for awhile, but the vinyl got holes in it.  So I ripped off the vinyl and still use the fabric bib today and it is still cute and works.  Except when she spill chocolate milk - then it just soaks through.

The Starburst bib was easy to make, relatively cheap - but I don't think it will hold up any better than the other versions.  Holes to come in the corners.  So I think I will stick to fabric.

Fused Plastic Projects!

This is my first "succesful" fused plastic projects.  Yes, I tried once before and fusing the plastic together can be a little trickier than it looks.  This time it went so smoothly! 

I first saw an idea for a belt HERE.  Super fun for the kids.  I have been working on my own idea, but that is the one that has not gone smoothly - we will try again next week since this worked out so great.  This SITE has a great tutorial for fusing plastic.

These bags were not my first choice of a project, but have become a necessity.  The boys needed something to put their handhelds and games in to keep it all together.  We kept hunting for games and no one could remember where they put them.  I also realized that these would come in handy for their carry ons during our long flight overseas!  They like that the outside layer is candy wrappers, start saving your plastic for your own projects.

Percy Jackson and the Last Olympians T-Shirt!

A month before Jayce's Birthday he came and asked me to make him a Camp Half-Blood T-shirt. 

Did you hear me, my little BOY asked me to MAKE him something.  I was excited and how could I say no.  I have forced my homemade creations on my boys from time to time, but never have any of them asked for anything!!

Jayce loves the Percy Jackson and the Last Olympians series.  He would be done with all 4 books, except books are our best bargaining chip.  He is already planning to re-read them!

So I set about trying to figure out what to do on the shirt.  From the movie I don't remember any of the campers at Camp Half-Blood wearing the camp T-shirt described in the books.  I looked online for movie pics nothing.  I looked for shirts already made - I found one adult version.  ADULT!!! 

When we bought the entire series of books it came with a few collector cards, 1 showed Percy Jackson in his T-shirt and 1 showed Annabeth in hers.  I copied this shirt. 

He wore it for 3 days before I could talk him to wearing something else!!

Easter/Spring Decorations

I know this is a little slow getting posted - but I have good excuses!!

My friend Shalet introduced me to paper covered eggs and I couldn't resist making some for myself.  Since I made them I have seen even more of them in the blogging world.  There are several great tutorials out there.

I made my own Mossy Balls (hehe).  They are super easy and add great color and texture.

What you need:
A bag of Moss - I picked mine up at Michales, the dark green came in mats and the light green was bits of spongy fun.
Styrofoam balls
Hot Glue

For the dark green Mossy Balls, I put glue on the backside of the moss and pushed it around my foam ball.  If it overlapped, I tore it (if you trim it, you get a line that is noticeable).  Then I tore off pieces to fit in where needed until the entire thing was covered.

For the light green Mossy Balls, I put glue on the styrofoam ball and just added chunks of moss.  Since it was really fluffy - I really tried to press it flat.

Super easy and fun!!

More Love!

This past Sunday we were admonished once again to express our love for those we love the most.  Read this talk by David A. Bednar.  It is great. 

I don't think you can ever tell your little ones you love them often enough.  My 7 year old tells me several times every day that I don't, so I need to keep at it - until it sticks in there that I really do!!

For Family Home Evening tonight I decided to try an idea I had seen on Super Nanny a few years ago.  She made laminated hearts for the family and then every night at dinner each child was to get a heart that had a message written on it from Mom or Dad.

My only hesitation about the idea is dinner time is hectic and that is one more thing to do - but the 6-10 seconds it will take for me to write something down is truly minimal.  I think that excuse, not having time is terrible - there is always time to say I love you or to give a hug.

I grabbed a heart from my clip art files and stretched it to fill up a sheet of paper.  Then I printed it out on pretty cardstock (I cut our another heart of other paper for the back, so it would be cute).  I stamped WE LOVE YOU... one one side and their name on the other.  I added a few decorations.  Laminated it and will use a dry erase marker. 

Now I can write a quick note expressing my love to each kiddo one more time each day.

New Ornaments!

After Super Saturday I had some memory frames I needed to do something with.  I had them because when I went to order them the company I wanted to order them from did not have them in stock.  The second time in 1 month - should have been a clue.  So I ordered them from another company and I knew they where different, but when they arrived I was too emberassed at how cheap and crappy they where to let any one have them.  So I checked back with the compnay I liked and they were back in stock.  They were much better.

So - I had 14 extra frames.  What to do?  My Mom has been wanting to put photos on the tree, like Pottery Barn has for the last few years.  I realized that these frames where nice ane light weight and would work great - they are only 1.5 inches - so a little small - but I like them!!

Super Saturday!!

Super Saturday

November 21, 2009

10:00am

Yummy Waffles and Crafts!!

You can sign up here by leaving a comment and your name or you can e-mail, or call.

You will need to have signed up for the nativity, pumpkin, and pendant by November 11 to ensure things will be shipped in time.

Countdown Blocks $7/set. Use these cute blocks to bring the Christmas Spirit home and help your family countdown to the big day.

Wooden Nativity $12 monotone/$14 multicolor. This simple nativity made from MDF is rugged enough for those little hands and cute enough to display. The set includes 3 wisemen, 1 shepard, 1 sheep, 1 donkey, 1 camel, 1 Mary, 1 Joseph, and 1 baby in Jesus in the manger. (no angel or tree with star - the second picture is to show you how easy it will be to add more detail if you chooose).  Available on Etsy.  From UndermyUmbrella, available finished or unfinished.



Stuffed Pumpkin $5. This stuffed pumpkin will bring a touch of fall to your home. Use it for Halloween and Thanksgiving. (if you can bring your sewing machine please let me know). Colors may vary!!

Necklace Pendant $5. This framed pendant is easy to personalize and makes a wonderful gift. Follow these links to get a few more ideas how to personalize the pendant. JewelKade has some beautiful designs (I am not affiliated in anyway, just using her catalog to show examples - they retail for $20). Other examples pictured are from various etsy artists, prices vary on etsy from $10 on up!! We will have a temple silhouette available, letters for monograming, a crown and a few other pieces. Please feel free to bring your own supplies to further personlize your pendant.
The Pendant is 1.5" square (not rectangular)

Lament

Oh - I wish... I wish I could....

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before. . . .Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty. . ."
~Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Sometimes, I just feel ready to burst with something. I feel like there is something original inside of me, that I can make and share... but - it is stuck. So, I copy..

Love that quote.

Free Crafts!!!!

We hope you enjoy this cute craft. These candy canes will add that finishing touch to a gift, your tree, a shelf, a table, (the possibilities are endless)! No need to sign up. These cute candy canes and tag have been antiqued for a vintage look. Please check them out on Sunday. Also, if you would like to make more, we will have extras, the cost is $1 for any sets more than the free one.



Come and assemble a gift for the sisters you visit teach. You can help spread some Christmas cheer! The tag reads: Blot out your troubles; absorb the Christmas Spirit!! This is tied to a roll of paper towels (so useful!!).

Craft #1 - Wood Pumpkins $4/Christmas Gifts $9 OR $3

Bring the colors of fall into your home with this set of Wood Pumpkins.
Please be on time to make this craft. The plaid fabric will differ from what is shown, a sample will be available to view at church.

Add these unwrappable gifts to your Christmas decor. The kiddos can't pick the paper off these.If I provide the ribbon and embellishments it is $9, if you provide your own ribbon and embellishments it is $3.

Sign up through comments!

Craft #2 - Primitive Christmas Decorations: Santa $6/Candy Cane $4.50

This adorable candy cane and Santa will be sure to make the season brighter!!
Teacher - Katie Lindner (unless baby Lindner decides to keep mommy to herself!)

Candy Cane - $4.50

Santa- $6.00

Post a comment to sign up, specify which craft and the number you would like!!

Craft #3 - Exploding Box - Scrapbook Project $8.00

Here is another fun and inventive way to display your pictures. When it is folded up as a box you have a delightful addition to your decoration, when opened it is a darling scrapbook. You can choose any theme for your box. I will provide the materials for a Christmas Theme and a Gender Neutral Theme (colors will work for boy, girl, family, etc..). Go here or here (click on the word here to be taken to a page with lots of ideas) for more ideas.
Sign up by posting a comment, list theme and number you want.
NEED TO BRING: Paper Cutter, bone folder

Craft #4 - Jewelry

Amaze all the women on your Christmas list with jewelry made just for them - or make something just for you. You will learn a new skill, yeah!! Please post a comment and specify which piece you would like to make and how many.

Teacher Janalee Thorpe
Chose from the following: Please note - all metal used is hypoallergenic (if you want sterling silver contact Janalee Thorpe directly janalee76@yahoo.com

Baby Bracelets: $4.00


There will be a variety of beads available to make a bracelet to match that special outfit in any of the versions shown - or create your own look.

Adult Bracelets: $9.00

Choose large glass beads or metal beads. All smaller beads provided will coordinate with the glass beads.

Necklace: $7.00

The large stone will vary and smaller beads will be provided to coordinate with the stone.

Earrings: $4.00

Craft #5: No-Knit Scarf $6.50 (as seen on marthastewart.com)

Here's a cozy yet speedy project. Wow everyone with a handmade scarf this Christmas.
Provided for you: Cream Heavy Weight Yarn

You Will Need to Bring: If you want a different color - Bulky Weight Yarn.

Sign up through comments!!

Craft #6: Framed Quote $3

What an uplifting addition to your homes decor. Choose Black or Brown and I will provide coordinating paper and ribbon. Choose your own colors and you will need to provide paper and ribbon. Click on quote to enlarge. You Will Need to Bring an 8X10 Frame. Please select a quote and color through comments, the version in the picture is also available. picture from http://just-because-i-am-me.blogspot.com/

Craft #7: Glass Etching $1

Never loose a casserole dish again or make a wonderful gift for someone. You can also fill the casserole dish with a recipe and ingredients for an even better gift!! You Will Need to Bring a Casserole Dish (specify size) and gloves (check with med and dental students). Warning - the Etch Cream states that some Pyrex is not etchable - I etched mine fine, but just so you know. Please select a font in your comment and type the name you want etched (and remember you will be cutting your name out with an exacto knife, simpler might be best).Picture from http://happyvalleyquilter.blogspot.com/

Wire Whisks and Safety Goggles

Love the Safety Goggles! Today I taught our Craft group how to make soap. It was lots of fun getting to hang out with the girls and share something I enjoy. All of the soap turned out and they scented them all differently. The most unique scent was lavender and cinnamon!

Don't forget you can buy my soap on Etsy here