Monday, November 11, 2013

Honor Your Veterans With This Banner

Happy Veteran's Day to all who served.
I appreciate every moment you dedicated to our country.
I have several family members who have served, so I came up with a way to honor them on this day.

A veteran's banner.
I used the word "Honor" and displayed photos of loved ones who were in the military.


If you like this and want to make one, here's what you need to do.
Cut out five pieces of pattern paper measuring 2 3/4"x 4".
Cut out five pieces of coordinating cardstock measuring 3"x 4 1/4"


Adhere the pattern paper to the cardstock mats.


Apply the letters to the pattern paper.
If you have a Cricut, you can cut out your letters. If you don't, you can use large stickers or foam stamps and paint like I did.

You don't have to use the word "Honor."
You could go with "Serve" or "Service" or whatever you like.

Punch holes in the top corners of the letter cards. String them onto a piece of twine leaving space in between each letter.


Hang photos in between the letters.
I used 1" clothespins.
You could also punch holes in the photos and hang them like the letter cards.


Tie red and blue ribbons at each end of the banner.


Such a nice way to honor our veterans, isn't it?

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

The Lord is your keeper
Psalm 121:5

This post is linked to Craft-O-Maniac, I Heart Naptime, and The Dedicated House

Friday, November 8, 2013

Veteran's Day Patriotic Candle DIY

Veteran's Day is up and coming, and I've been feeling a little patriotic, so I thought it would be fun to do a red, white, and blue project.


Hence these patriotic candles.
I thought they'd be nice to set out when we eat dinner on Monday night.
My hubby and I will tell our kids about all our family members who have served our country.


If you'd like to make some, here's what you'll need:
one piece of 12"x 12" patriotic scrapbook paper
three short pillar candles (mine are about 2 3/4" tall)
Mod Podge
foam brush
paper trimmer
ruler


First measure the height of the candle. Then trim a strip of paper to that height.


Next, wrap the paper around the candle and make a mark where you want to cut it.
Allow a little bit of room for it to overlap.
After cutting it to the correct length, use the foam brush to paint the back of the paper with Mod Podge. Moving quickly before the glue dries, adhere the paper to the candle.
I started at one end, then carefully pressed the paper to the candle as I spun it around.
Roll it around in your hands a few times to make sure the paper adheres.
Repeat with the rest of your candles.


Easy-peasy!
If you'd like another Veteran's Day project idea, stop back by on Monday.

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory.
Proverbs 28:12

This post is linked to Funky Junk, Cheerios and Lattes, Today's Creative Blog and My Repurposed Life.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Thrifty Thursday #92

Today I've got both yard sale scores and thrift store treasures to share.
 
I stopped at a yard sale last weekend at the sweetest little old lady's house. I got something uberly manly and something delicately feminine.
 
 
The first item is this beautiful teacup and saucer set.
I'm used to thrift store prices, so when the lady told me she wanted $2, I thought it was too much and almost declined. Then I took another look at this set. It's so pretty and delicate, I just had to get it.

 
The only other thing I found that I wanted was this wheelbarrow.
I got it for $2 for my hubby.
It does need a new tire, but I figured it that cost too much, he could plant something in it.
He was pleased with his inexpensive surprise.
 
 
Then I made a quick trip to my favorite two thrift stores.
I got this letter Z for my collection. It was only fifty cents.
I cannot wait to have the whole alphabet.
I know just where I'm going to hang it in my living room!

 
I got two sets of this pretty beaded garland- one for fifty cents the other for $1.25.
I can use these in almost any holiday decorating.
I think I'll take them to church when I help decorate for the annual Christmas banquet. 
 
 
Look at this- it was a hand mirror.
Soon it will be a picture frame.
It was only fifty cents. Won't it look so cute with a vintage photo in it?

 
You know me and old patterns- if they're old and cheap, I'm going to buy them.
 Got this one for ten cents. It's from 1968.

 
I have a Christmas project in mind that requires old book covers. I've been on the lookout for books that have titles that will work- I got these three for a quarter each.

 
The last thing I picked up was this hardcover book. I love the clockwork on the cover. This will become the cover of an old scrapbook soon.
 
That's all folks! I wish you luck with your secondhand shopping endeavors!
 
Thanks for stopping by and God bless.
 
Happy is the man who is always reverent,
but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
Proverbs 28:14
 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Layout of the Week #75- Using Large Arrows On Your Layout

     As I was preparing for today's post, I knew which photos I planned to use, but I wasn't sure about the topic that I wanted to focus on. I started going through my pattern papers looking for some that would work, and I spotted a sheet full of large pre-cut arrows. Right then the theme dawned on me. . . arrows!
     Don't fret if you don't have any pre-cut arrows: I'll show you how you can quickly and easily make one out of pattern paper.

 
Here's the layout we'll be creating.
See the large arrow at the left and the smaller one above the right photo?

 
To make this layout, you'll need:
one piece of 12"x 12" pattern paper
one piece of 6" x 12" pattern paper
two pattern paper strips measuring 1/4" x 12" and 1" x 12"
two pre-cut arrows or scrap paper to make some
letter stickers for the title
journaling card (an index card will work)
four embellishments (I used one sticker and three tickets)
paper trimmer
adhesive
 
 
Adhere the 6" x 12" pattern paper about 3" from the top of the background paper.
Then place the two pattern paper strips along the top and bottom of that piece.

 
Place a large arrow at the left side of the strips of paper. If your arrow is straight, cut it in half to make it look like this.
If you don't have a pre-cut arrow, follow these next steps to make one.
If you're doing a digital layout, you should be able to find an arrow similar to this.

 
To make your own large arrow, trim a strip of pattern paper to 1" x 8 1/2".

 
Then trim a square that is 2".
Cut that square in half diagonally.

 
Place one of the triangles on the end of your strip and attach it.

 
Now cut your strip so you have 2 1/2" next to the triangle. Spin the six inch portion around and adhere it perpendicular to the first piece. It should now look like this.
Ta-da! You made your own arrow!
Adhere it to the left side of the layout.
 
 
Now add your photos. I alternated mine so I could make them all fit.
If you'd rather, you can use 2 or 3 photos and place them in a straight line.

 
Place two embellishments in the lower left corner of the layout.
I staggered two tickets and hung them over the edge. Then I trimmed off the excess. . .

 
and placed the rest of it in the upper right corner.
Make another arrow using the same method as above, only make it with a 1/4" strip and a 1" square.
Place it at the top of the farthest right photo.
Place the title in the lower right corner.
 
 
Finally, place your journaling card in the upper left corner slightly overlapping the left photo. Group two embellishments at the edge of the journaling card.
That's it!
 
Thanks for stopping by and God bless.
 
I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.
Psalm 119:162
 
 This post is linked to Be Different Act Normal, I Heart Naptime and 52 Mantles.
 

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Recipe of the Week #92- Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Chocolate Sugar Cookies
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups plus 2 Tbsp flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
14 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 3/4 cups dark brown sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg and 1 egg yolk

Preheat oven to 350. Place sugar in shallow dish and set aside.
Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and powder in a bowl. Set aside.
Microwave 10 Tbsp butter until melted, then stir in remaining 4 Tbsp of butter until melted. Allow to cool for about five minutes.
Mix brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and melted butter. Add in the egg and yolk and mix until smooth. Add flour mixture and mix just until combined.
Roll dough into balls and roll in sugar. Place on cookie sheet. Flatten balls before baking.

Note: I used margarine instead of butter without any problems. Also, I had to refrigerate my dough for awhile before being able to roll it into balls.

Usually I'm not a chocolate cookie/cake fan, but this recipe had me at Sugar Cookie!
I thought these cookies were extremely good! My hubby and boys couldn't get enough of them.

I found this recipe here.

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory.
Proverbs 28:12

This post is linked to My Girlish Whims, The Dedicated House and Craft-O-Maniac.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Mini Album Monday #18- Gratitude Journal DIY

     It's the time of year that we celebrate all our blessings. Here is an easy way to get your family to think about all the things they are thankful for. They will literally be counting their blessings :)

 
We'll be making this simple gratitude journal.

 
There's a page for every day of November with room for you to write something down each day.
Now, it's only November 4, so don't think you're too late to start. You can either come up with something for the first three days or just start the album on today's date.

 
You will need three pieces of 12"x 12" pattern paper.
I chose papers with fall colors. One of my sheets has the pre-printed journaling cards which worked great for this album. I didn't use them all, but I did use most of them.

 
You need to start by cutting thirty one pieces that measure 3"x 4".
The pattern paper that I chose was double sided which gave me lots of different prints.

 
Choose which piece you want for your title page.
Then add your title using stamps, stickers, handwriting, or a combo of these that say,
"Today we give thanks for. . ." or "30 Days of Gratitude."

 
Next go through the cut pieces and alternate all the different prints.
Number the cards from 1 through 30 (for each day of November).
I stamped the date on each page.
You could use stickers, stamps, rub-ons, or your own handwriting for this step.
 
If you want to keep the project simple, stop right here. With your title card and the dated cards, you have enough for your album. Just punch holes in the upper left corner and bind them all together with an office ring. Voila! A treasured keepsake.

 
If you want to jazz it up a bit, you can stamp some of the cards.
I went through my stamps and found some that I could use.I had several that said thankful and blessing, etc, but I also used some that weren't gratitude-related like "Take Note," "A Day to Treasure," and "Sign Here."

 
On some of the busier patterns, you can even stamp ledger paper, then attach it to the background.
 
 
To finish it off, punch holes in the upper left corners and bind the cards with an office ring.
Optional: Tie two or three pieces of harvest colored ribbon to the ring.
 
My final touch was adding part of a ticket that says, "30 Days of Gratitude."

 
Once your book is made, you just have to add the sentiments each day.
Here are the first three days that I have already filled in.
 
 
Staying simple, I just used handwriting. 
 
 
I just have to remember everyday to ask my hubby and boys what they're thankful for
and write it on the corresponding card.
 
That's it! I think it will be fun to read through everybody's responses on Thanksgiving- this year and in years to come. It makes me wish I had done this when my boys were younger. Who knows what they would've said back then!
 
I am grateful for all of you who came by to read this post!
 
Thanks for stopping by and God bless.
 
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.
Lam. 3:25
 

Friday, November 1, 2013

Vintage Block Photo Holders

Today I have a cute and unique idea for displaying baby pictures. . .

 
turning vintage blocks into photo holders.

 
These are super easy to make.
All you need are a few blocks (mine are old ones that I've found at the thrift store, but this project would work with new ones, too),
small clothespins (mine are 1"- you can find small clothespins in the wood section at Hobby Lobby),
and a glue gun

 
Just glue the clothespins to the backs of the blocks.
As soon as they cool, they're ready to go!

 
These could be used for so many things:
displaying photos in a nursery
labeling food dishes at a baby shower
photo display at a toddler's birthday party
a gift for a preschool or daycare teacher 
a new baby gift

 
Cute and easy!
 
I've got a fun project coming up on Monday. Please stop back by and make sure you jot down something you're thankful for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as we'll be needing that on Monday:)
 
Have a lovely weekend. Thanks for stopping by and God bless.
 

You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words.
Psalm 119:57