Top 10 DIYs of 2012

With this year coming to an end, I thought I'd show you some top DIY projects from this year. . .

Vintage Photo Mobile

 

Notebooks from Vinyl Records

 

 

Tiny Tile Photo Holders

 

 

Teacher Appreciation Gifts

 

 

Buffet Makeover

 

 

Easy Card Idea

 

 

Fabric Covered Corkboards

 

 

Homemade Clorox Clean Up

 

 

Journal Made From an Old Book

 

 

Revamped Pew

 

Magnetic Plate

     I want to thank you all for stopping by this year and ask that you continue to come by. If you have any ideas that you'd like to see, please contact me. I'd also love it if you would follow me.

     Please swing by on Wednesday- we'll be talking about what to do with all those Christmas cards you received this year!

     Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Hebrews 12:8

     This post is linked to Skip to My Lou, Craft-O-Maniac, Brassy Apple, and Between Naps on the Porch.

Christmas Mobile of Memories

     I've had this project in the works for awhile and I'm finally done . . . and so excited to show it to you! I went through several years' worth of Christmas photos and chose some of my favorites. Then I made this Christmas mobile. . .

 

Isn't this fun?

I made a mobile out of vintage photos before (you can see it here) and I thought it would be nice to have one to put out each year when we decorate for Christmas.

 

I followed the directions from my Vintage Photo Mobile to make this. It's pretty easy if you'd like to try. What a unique way to display favorite holiday photos!

 

This would also work for birthday photos, anniversary photos, or wedding photos.

 

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

 

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!

How great is the sum of them!

Psalm 139:17

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     This post is linked to Glitter, Glue, and Paint,  Be Different Act Normal, Five Days Five Ways, Too Much Time On My Hands, Embracing Change, and My Repurposed Life.

Thrifty Thursday #48

     I hope you all had a nice Christmas. We sure did. It came in a rush and flew right by! I try not to get lost in all the busy-ness and enjoy the season. This year was different- it just didn't feel like Christmas. I don't know why. Maybe it was our extremely warm December or maybe it was that we didn't get to go to any Christmas programs or even a ride to look at lights (for the first year ever!).
     Anyway, it's back to usual now. I swung by the thrift stores while I was out running errands and this is what I found. . .

 

I got these three beautiful bowls for $.75 each. They're not quite big enough for cereal bowls, but they're so pretty, I couldn't not get them:)

 

I got two more dinner plates for my mismatched collection. These were a dollar each.

 

Here's a close-up view.

I used to never find plates this size, but I think I've brought one home my last three shopping trips!

 

A few weeks ago, I picked up a couple packs of these brand new Ikea gift tags. I used almost all of them on gifts, so I thought I'd pick up another pack. The lady behind the counter said it was fifty cents for one pack or a dollar for them all. Well, count me lucky!

I've got so many now that I'm going to have to come up with a project for them:)

 

Got this brand new clipboard for a quarter. I've seen different jewelry displays using clipboards, so I may try something along those lines the next time I do a craft show.

 

 

May you enjoy a little treasure hunting this week, too. Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those

who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.

Revelation 17:14

     This post is linked to Shabby Creek Cottage and Tater Tots and Jello.

Layout of the Week #38- Using Fibers

     When I first started scrapbooking, I thought I had to have every new thing that came out. One of these passing fads that I jumped aboard with both feet was fibers. I got them in every color. I still have them sitting in a drawer- nearly all of them still brand new.:)
     If you still have a few- or a bunch- of fibers, get them out and try this layout with me. If you don't have any, feel free to replace the fibers with yarn or ribbons.

 

This is the layout we'll be creating.

 (Please forgive the angle of the picture; I couldn't get a shot from directly in front of it without the flash blurring out the photos.)

 

To create a layout like this, you'll need:

one piece of 12"x12" cardstock

pattern paper measuring 11 3/4"x 8 3/4"

letter stickers for the title

journaling card (if you don't have one, you can use an index card)

fibers (or yarn or ribbons)

stapler

ink pad

scissors

paper trimmer

adhesive

 

 

Start by using two strips of fibers at the top of the layout and three at the bottom. Adhere them by applying 3-4 staples on either side of the cardstock.

I used two fibers of the same color on the top and three different colors on the bottom. I also tied a knot about 1/3 way from the left edge with the three bottom ones.

 

 

Optional: I used my scissors to rough up the edges of the cardstock and pattern paper. If you like this look, just evenly drag the open edge of the scissors along the edge of the paper.

 

Then ink the edges of the cardstock and drag the ink pad across the cardstock a few times.

 

Now adhere your pattern paper under the top row of fibers.

 

Place your photos on the pattern paper. I used five photos in two even rows and trimmed them to fit on the paper. You can use fewer photos if you like.

Leave a space in the bottom row for the journaling card.

 

Place your title below the bottom right photo. Part of my title overlaps the photo.

 

Now place your journaling card in the empty space. See how the fibers give the layout texture and color?

I used fuzzy fibers which played up my theme of Fuzzy Critters, but you could use this for other themes like pets, knitting, or cuddling.

(the photo on the bottom left of the layout is too cute, isn't it- dontcha wish they could stay this little and innocent for longer? I miss those days!)

 

 

     For my Layout of the Week series, I try to come up with simple layouts using directions that are easy to follow. I usually post a tutorial every Wednesday. If you have gotten into a scrapbooking slump or simply just fallen behind, try my tutorial. You could complete one page a week!

 

     Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

 

Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

Jude 1:2

 

      This post is linked to My Girlish Whims, At the Picket Fence, and Happy Hour Projects.

 

 

 

 

Merry Christmas!

"In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today, a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.' Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all!' "

 Luke 2:8-14

Map Covered Christmas Balls

     I've mentioned a time or two how fond I am of maps. Well, I'm going to say it again. . . I love maps! Now for such a self-proclaimed map lover, one would think that I would be better with directions. Not so- I am quite geographically challenged. I like maps more for their aesthetic value.
     Recently I got out one of my maps and used it to make some ornaments. . .

 

I actually made quite a few of them as this is what I gave to my friends at our church Christmas banquet.

 

I used plastic ornaments which you can find at Wal-mart or the Dollar Tree. Then I tore up a map into quarter-size pieces and painted Mod Podge onto the backs of each piece and stuck them onto the ornament. I pressed each piece flat with the palm of my hand making sure the entire ornament was covered.

I did not apply a coat of the Mod Podge to the outside.

 

 

Once they were dry, I stamped words like Peace, Joy, Love, and Noel onto them.

 

Then I tied a red bow around the stems and tied on a piece of ribbon as a hanger.

 

Ta-da! I was tickled with the outcome. The only thing I purchased were the ornaments- I had everything else! If you'd like to make some, all you need is:

 Christmas ornaments

one roll of red ribbon 1/4" or 1/8" wide

Mod Podge

an old map

stamps and ink

Then follow the above steps. This is another great inexpensive gift idea especially when you need gifts in bulk. These are easy to make, but I'm not going to say they're quick. I would suggest that if you sit down to make a batch of these, find something good to watch on your DVR:)

 

Unfortunately I had just enough to give as gifts and didn't have any left over. I'll have to pick up some balls at an after Christmas sale and make a few of these for myself!

 

Thanks for stopping by and God bless. Please stop back by on Monday for one last Christmas craft that I think you're going to love! I can't wait to show it to you!

In this the love of God was manifested

toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son

into the world, that we might live through Him.

1 John 4:9

 

 

     This post is linked to Funky Junk, I Heart Naptime, Be Different Act Normal, Too Much Time On My Hands, and My Repurposed Life.

Thrifty Thursday #47

     Whew! I'm sure you all have been as busy as we've been around here. . .who's ready for some time off? (You can't see it, but I'm raising my hand right now:)
     Isn't it funny how much time we think we need to spend on frivolities this time of year instead of focusing on the reason for the season?
     I'm as guilty as the rest, but I did find a minute to sneak into one thrift store today and boy, was it worth it!

 

That's right- this fella was only $3. He's not as old as I'd like him to be, but at this price, I couldn't leave him there!

I'm hoping my hubby will find some typewriter ribbon for me for Christmas. Then I could use this for typing up journaling for my scrapbooking.

 

Got these four jars for a dollar. It's hard to see in the picture, but they are Atlas Mason jars. They don't have lids, but they have etched volume markings which I love.

 

Got this nice box of envelopes for fifty cents. I'm getting ready to start a group of ladies on a scrapbooking project in January, and envelopes always come into handy!

 

This dinner plate was $1. I now have three in my collection! Very soon, I'll have enough for a dinner set.

 

The thrift store was still having their book sale- 2 for twenty five cents. I spotted these and thought that they'd work for the journals that I make from books. I hope to start making some to sell here on the blog soon.

 

Couldn't pass this up at twelve in a half cents! James Patterson is always a good read. I don't know how he'd feel knowing his book was sold for less than twenty cents, though.:)

 

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

 

We love Him because He first loved us.

1 John 4:19

     This post is linked to Shabby Creek Cottage. 

 

Recipe of the Week #48- Sprite Bread

 

Sprite Bread
3 cups all purpose flour, sifted
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
1 12 oz can Sprite, beer, or Ginger Ale
1/4 cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 375. Mix dry ingredients together. Add Sprite and mix well. Pour into bread pan. Pour melted butter over top of batter. Bake 1 hour. Cool for 15 minutes, then slice.

This bread is AWESOME! It's so easy to make and good luck waiting the 15 minutes before you try it! This is a new favorite at our house.

(Once I made it with 7-up and once I made it with beer. The beer bread was way better.)

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

Though now you do not see Him, yet believing,

you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.

1 Peter 1:8

     This post is linked to Happy Hour Projects and Tater Tots and Jello.

A Platter of Christmas Cheer

     I've had this square black platter for a little while and I've been intending to turn it into a wreath for my front door. Let me start by saying that things always work out beautifully in my head:) It's a lovely place in there; unfortunately, it's not always like real life.
     So I sat down to make my platter wreath today and discovered that there is no way to hang this fella. I thought my Cropadile would be able to punch through the metal. I didn't even get to see if it would because the lip around the platter is too thick to fit in my Cropadile.
     So, onto Plan B: a pretty little plaque to sit on a shelf- or in this case, on my piano.

 

I used scrapbook paper to embellish it. It was quick and easy- and cheap. The platter only cost $1 at  the thrift store and I had everything else.

You can see what it originally looked like here.

 

     If you have any ideas of how I could hang this puppy, please let me know. I wondered about magnets, but they'd have to be pretty darn strong to hang on my front door.

 

     I don't know about you all, but I just don't feel like Christmas should be a week away. Usually by now I am full of Christmas cheer. It's not that I'm not un-cheery- I just don't feel like it should be mid-way through December yet. 

     Maybe I need to do a few more Christmas crafts?!? :)

 

     Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

 

 

But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will

sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.

 Psalm 13:5-6

     

      This post is linked to Brassy Apple, Craft-O-Maniac

A Whole Lotta Pendant Necklaces!

     This time of the year, I am on the lookout for cute, quick, cheap, and easy ideas for gifts that I can make in bulk. I have two large groups of people to which I try to give gifts, and we can't afford for me to just go out and buy them all something.
     Here is one idea I found that fit the bill. . .

 

 

pendant necklaces

 

I was able to make twenty of these for about $12 in supplies!

(Plus I still have supplies left over to make more!)

I got the idea from this bracelet tutorial and modified it to make necklaces.

 

 

I made some with a French map, some with sheet music, and some with old dictionary pages. Each necklace was different.

 

 To wrap them, I used tiny 2" x 3" plastic bags, trimmed tissue paper to fit inside the bag, then folded and stapled a piece of pattern paper over the opening of the bag. Then I printed little labels that said, "Merry Christmas! From, Laura."

 

     These were for the ladies at work. I never know if people are going to like a handmade gift, but personally, I would. They all did seem to like them.

 

     Any of you have a good idea for gifts to make in bulk?

 

     Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love another.

1 John 4:11
 

     This post is linked to Be Different Act Normal, Happy Hour Projects, Tatertots and Jello, Embracing Change, Brassy Apple, and My Girlish Whims.

Thrifty Thursday #46

     I stopped into the thrift store on a good day this week- they were having a book sale: 2 books for $.25! I so love it when I catch a book sale! Let me show you what all I got. . .

 

Dictionary pages often come in handy for crafting. I picked up two of these bad boys. Hate to pass them up at this price.

 

I also love using pages from hymnals on different projects.

 

I picked up some books for myself and my boys to read. Only paid seventy-five cents for these six books. What a bargain! I can't afford not to read at this price:)

 

 You can keep your Kindle; I'll stick with my thrift store books:)

 

 

I am a nut for maps and atlases. When I saw this one I gasped. The outside isn't too special,

 

but look at the inside! These maps are beautiful enough for framing!

And to think this guy only cost twelve and a half cents!

 

Got this heavy duty large glass platter for decorating the Christmas banquet at church. I'm not on the decorating crew this time, but I thought those who are could use this for something.

 

Got these two jars for the banquet, too. Only a quarter apiece. They don't have lids, but they'll make good candle holders or something.

 

I now have a second dinner plate to add to my set. I've mentioned before that I would love a set of mismatched glass dinner plates. I have a hard time finding them this size. This one was marked down to fifty cents!

 

This bowl was only a quarter. It now will be a cereal bowl at our house.

 

These crocheted doilies are only as big around as my palm, but I know just what I'm going to do with them. . .stay tuned!

They were only a quarter each.

 

Another item I never pass up is unopened, inexpensive bias tape. This will look pretty wrapped around a Christmas gift.

 

These quirky post cards were only a quarter, but I loved the old fashioned drawings.

 

That's it- I left the store with a box full of stuff and a big smile after paying only $5.17. Thanks for looking!

 

Hope you get to enjoy a little thrifting this week! Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

 

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God;

and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:7

     This post is linked to My Repurposed Life.