some recent projects

So I'm finally getting around to posting these projects I've had in the works for so long.  There were some problems and speedbumps along the way.  But they are mostly done except for the one the kids decided was too cute to leave alone, and essentially destroyed.  {sigh}

a valentine garland from construction paper.  As usual, I didn't finish it.  If it was a bit longer, it would hang better, but, oh well.

Some yarn hearts made with cornstarch glue.  A friend showed me the idea in the February edition of Family Fun magazine.  The kids did NOT enjoy making this, but I did.

Then, I've been working on two projects for a friend.  End results will be revealed soon.

Now for the grand finale.  I was dying to make this:

So I got all the materials from random places, and painted, and sanded, and painted, and peeled, and primed and repainted, and waited, and glued, and waited, and glued more, and tied, and filled, and adjusted, and tied, and..............

I also got a new table for the entry at TJ Maxx.  LOOOOOVE it!

But now, after three kids got hungry for some sweets, I was left with this:

Such is life.  I'll try to do better about posting ideas for projects as I find them.  You might want to try them too.  

Happy Crafting!!!!!

Hair clippie

Lots more stuff to come.  Just haven't been able to finish anything!!!!!!!  

Another giveaway!!!

I really want one of these machines!!!!!!!  I could make so much COOL stuff!!!!!

Check out 



I'm trying to win a silhouette machine.

I just entered a giveaway.  You should enter too!!!!  And if you haven't been to tatertotsandjello yet, you should!!!!!

tutu cute and soso proud

Thanks to

I got a great idea.  I said, "I must make that for the next little girl's birthday that rolls around.  Well, wouldn't you know that the invite came the very next day!!!!  So Annie is the proud recipient of my first craft gift of 2011.  (Many more to come, be assured!)

So, I painted a canvas from Hob Lob with chalkboard paint.  I used spray paint, and this is my FIRST EVER chalkboard project {gasp}, so I can't say how it compares to the stuff in the can, but I thought it was quite easy to use.

Then staple a ribbon to the bottom.

Add two ribbon "straps" and attach to a baby hanger.  I stapled too close to the edge the first time and had to try again.  Still not perfect, but hey....... ;-)

Add some tulle to the bottom, stapling again.  The original tutorial called for 2 yards.  I had 5 yards, so I just estimated.  It worked out fine.  Staple across, then fluff.  One of my staples came out during the fluffing causing some mild panic on my part, but I calmly quickly got a set of pliers (first thing I found), and whacked it back in!

Add two bows to cover the staples with some handy, dandy hot glue, add a little bday wish and VOILA!  Done!










I sure hope she likes it.  I know I do.  And now she can hang it on her door and let her 2 brothers know to "KEEP OUT!  NO BOYS ALLOWED!"





I give it

Night!

This morning

Let me preface by saying that this entire family has been struggling will illness for nearly a week.  AC had been ill, AK ran a slight fever, and then LA decided to take the cake!  Temp got up to 104. 5 on Monday night, so off to Urgent care we go.  Finally found out (after a million hours) that he has the flu.  YAY!!!!

So now I am on a preventive dose of Tamiflu to keep me from getting it {fingers crossed}, and he is on a five day course to help him kick the crud.

Last night, he was PITIFUL!!!!  SO sad!



















He just wanted to go to bed.  And he slept very fitfully, but this morning.............I see this:

(sorry for the iPhone graininess[sp?].)

I love when he wears two different shoes.  He was great!  Back to normal.  Fever down to 99.  Does that stuff really work that fast, or is he just a trooper?!

And then when he stopped to take a rest later, I got this (hat borrowed from AC from a friend's bday party, years ago) :

He's playing messing around with "Angry Birds".  LOL!!!!!!!

Ok, and lastly, my mom bought me some ribbon to make a bow.  See, I have this odd shaped, plain grapevine wreath in my living room, and I had it hanging on the front door, but the storm door kept squishing it, so I brought it in, found a bare wall, and stuck it up there.  On Christmas day, I stuck a cute bow made from a sweet Santa pattern ribbon on there, and decided that I would leave the wreath up, and make it my seasonal wreath.  I'll just change out the decorations.  So, I have now put a bow on it, and just need to get some hearts, candy, or something to add to it.  Then I'll try for some green for St. Patty's day, then Easter, maybe beach-y for summer, then July 4th.  We'll see how it goes.

Please support my brother and SIL as they embark on the adventure of adopting Nastya.  She is a gem and we can't wait for her to officially be a part of our family.  She'll be my first niece!!!!!!

Please support Ryan, Autumn and Nastya

There's a first time for everything.

So, I have finally made a blog.  Not that very many people will care, but some will, and I might just enjoy it, so........

The date is January 2, 2011.  I am all about fresh starts, new things, clearing the clutter, and new perspective.  Thus, the blog.  To keep me on track, and have a record of life (including all of the cute and clever things my kids say and do.)  Plus, I craft a bit, so this will give me a way to document and research that as well.

About me.........
I'm a mom of three beautiful children, AC, 6, AK, 2, and LA 2.  All were conceived with difficulty.  AC is a Clomid baby, and the twins were from a frozen IVF cycle after the failure of the first fresh cycle.  More about that in another post I'm sure.

I am a follower of Christ, and my ultimate goal in life is to glorify Him and advance the Kingdom.  If that sounds strange to you, send me a message and we can talk more!

I teach elementary school music in Kentucky to K-6 graders.  My degree is in vocal music, as well as education, but I like to help kids make music in many different ways.

I also enjoy reading, gardening, watching TV and spending time with my kids and family.

So, the main inspiration for starting the blog is crafting.  This includes sewing, knitting, repurposing, cooking, baking, and general DIY stuff.

Here's some pictures of things I have made in the past. (check out post 2)

Check this out!

I'm really loving this subway art thing.  And since I'm home with three sickies, I have time to hunt for cool stuff online.  Sweet boy is snuggling on my lap, and my fabulous mother just got back from the grocery where she picked up a few staples for us.

But I wanted to share this.  It's a free printable!

http://todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.com/2010/12/printable-january-subway-art.html

Oops!

Still learning how to do this!!!

don't really like crocheting, but my sister does it so I thought I'd try.  I switched to knitting very quickly!

AC's bolero(?)- still have it.  Hard and cost alot, but so sweet!

first knit soaker pants

slippers before they were felted.  I LOOOOOOVE felting.

AC's third bday extravaganza!  Dora adventure.  So much work, but SO cute!

scarf and slippers

slippers

LA's first wool shorts (?)

blankets times 2.  So soft.  You should see them now..... :-(

hat

AC's "water" costume-LOTS of tulle

LA and AK's second bday--Grammy did most of this, but I did help!

Bowser's bean bag throw for AC's 6th bday party

There are so many other projects I have done, but didn't photograph, including some hair bows, dresses, wall art, etc.  Looking forward to many more projects and sharing them all!