Sheet Music Letters

I'm still working on completing random letters to make an alphabet wall for my living room.
In my quest to use various mediums, I've somehow forgotten to use one of my favorite things-
sheet music!

The thought came to me when I was helping to decorate for a graduation party.
Both the honorees are avid music lovers.
I thought I'd get the large paper mache letters and cover them in sheet music.

Both the kids' names begin with A.

For this one, I used scrapbook paper that has a black background with white music printed on it.

I love the reverse look of the notes.

This one has actual sheet music on it

taken from a song book that I bought at the thrift store.

These letters are about 15" high.

I couldn't go to all this work without making a letter for my collection. . . .

If you'd like to make one for yourself, get a letter.

I used this N that I found a the thirft store.

I put Mod Podge all over the front of the letter, then laid the sheet music right on top of it

making sure that it was completely flat with no air bubbles.

After giving it a few minutes to dry, I used a small bit of sandpaper to sand around the edges and get rid of the excess paper.

Just a note: if you're using a wooden letter like this, you may want to paint the edges before applying the sheet music. It will give your end product a more finished look.
On the large paper mache letters, I cut strips of the paper and glued them along the edges.

That's it! I'm a few letters away from having a complete alphabet:)

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

I fought the good fight, 

I have finished the race, 

I have kept the faith.

2 Tim. 4:7

This post is linked to I Heart Naptime, My Repurposed Life, The Crafted Sparrow,
and Ivy and Elephants.

Thrifty Thursday #168

While I was up in Canton for their monthly flea market, my friend and I happened to pass by a row of small shops on the highway. They were four resale/antique shops all owned by the same ladies.
We made a quick U-turn to check them out.
I was so glad we did!

Yep, that's a chair back.

Yep, I paid money for it.

$2 to be precise.

I think with a little sanding and a couple of hooks, it will make a darling coat rack.

While I would've loved to have gotten my hands on the vintage wagon these sides came from,

 I was content to get these two side pieces. They were marked $2 per piece, 

but the gal took $2 for both.

Score for me.

These, too, will get hooks and be turned into coat racks.

Won't they look darling hanging in somebody's front entry?

I love these little vintage price tags.
They were 4 for $1.
I plan to use them as tabs in a scrapbook.

How sweet is this old cabinet door?
It was only a dollar.
It's missing the center, but still has the rusty hinges.
I think I'll put chicken wire in the center.
Cute, huh?


That's some awesome stuff from just one stop, dontcha think?
I was walking on air when I left there.:)

If you'd like to see what else I picked up on my trip to Canton, you can go here and here.

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

Let brotherly love continue.

Hebrews 13:1

This post is linked to My Girlish Whims, Life With Lorelai, and Embracing Change.

Layout of the Week #110

Recently I was reading something to my boys- it was a quiz that I had filled out.

I told them to listen as they might learn something new about me.

They reluctantly sat down at the table with me.

As soon as I got through reading, they were anxious to answer the questions themselves.

Far be it from me to pass up an opportunity like that!

I quickly scribbled down what they were saying.

Since I had this fantastic memory, I knew I had to make a layout for it.

Here's the layout we'll be making.

Use supplies you have on hand and follow along.

In less than an hour, you'll have a completed layout!

To create it, you'll need:

one piece of 12"x 12" cardstock

one piece of muted pattern paper measuring 11 1/2"x 11 1/2"

one piece of pattern paper measuring11 1/2"x 2 3/4"

one piece of pattern paper measuring 11 1/2"x 1/2"

one piece of pattern paper measuring 5 1/2"x 6 1/2"

two pieces of pattern paper measuring 4 3/4" x 3/4"

one embellishment in your theme

letter stickers for your title

two photos measuring 3 1/2" x 4 1/2 "

paper trimmer

 adhesive

Optional: journaling card measuring 3"x 4" 

Don't be discouraged by all the cutting and measuring. Once you get that part done, the rest will just fly together:)

First, adhere your pattern paper measuring 11 1/2"x 11 1/2" centered on your cardstock.

 Now adhere your pattern paper strip measuring 11 1/2" x 2 3/4" to the bottom 

of the first pattern paper.

Place your 11 1/2"x 1/2" strip along the top of the first pattern paper.

Place the piece of pattern paper measuring 5 1/2" x 6 1/2" about 1/2" from the top strip.

Now place your two strips of pattern paper measuring 4 3/4" x 3/4" about 1/2" from the top and the bottom of the middle piece of paper.

Optional step: place your journaling card slightly behind the middle piece of pattern paper and overlapping the bottom piece of pattern paper.

Place your two photos across the center of the middle piece of pattern paper.

Place your title just below the lower right photo- if you used a journaling card, place the letters on it.

Next, place your embellishment at the lower left corner of the right photo.

Now add your journaling along the sides of the background paper.

That's it!

If you'd like to know the questions my boys answered, here they are:

2 everyday things I couldn't live without

2 of my favorite songs

2 things I worry about

2 things I want to do before I die

2 stores I shop at

2 things that scare me

2 snacks I could eat every day

2 people I'd be lost without

2 nicknames I've been given

Next 2 places I'd like to go on vacation

If you enjoyed this, stop back every other Wednesday for a new tutorial to complete a layout.

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

Do not forget to entertain strangers, 

for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

Hebrews 13:2

 This post is linked to Tip Junkie, Between Naps on the Porch, Too Much Time On My Hands,
Tatertots and Jello, and The Dedicated House.

Recipe of the Week #171- Blackberry Cobbler

Blackberry Cobbler
1 stick butter, melted
1 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp sugar
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup milk
2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries, rinsed and dried

Preheat the oven to 350. Grease 3 qt baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk 1 cup sugar with flour and milk. Add in the melted butter. Pour batter into baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the blackberries over the top of the batter. Sprinkle 1/4 cup sugar over the blackberries. Bake until golden and bubbly. When 10 minutes of baking time remain, sprinkle the remaining 2 Tbsp sugar over the top.

This cobbler is delicious! My hubby actually has blackberry bushes planted. The other day, he brought in a big bowl of blackberries and I promptly whipped up this cobbler. He and my son ate half of the pan as soon as it cooled enough for them to eat it!

I got this recipe from the Pioneer Woman.

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

When the righteous rejoice, 

there is great glory.

Proverbs 28:12

This post is linked to It's Overflowing, The Dedicated House, and Skip to My Lou.

Happy Memorial Day

Remember our fallen heroes and keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

I think I'll take a lesson from my mom- whenever she sees someone in uniform or someone wearing a military shirt or cap, she'll go up to them and thank them for their service.

I need to do more of that. . .

being thankful to those who have served our country.

I hope you all have a nice Memorial Day.

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works;

 in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.

Titus 2:7

 

 

 

Do You Journal?

So, do you journal?

Ever since I had my sons, I've kept a notebook where I write down 

the funny things they say and do.

I treasure these memories.

I also keep a notebook that, at the end of each day,  I write down what I was thankful for that day.

I have to admit I don't journal as often as I should.

But I've found something to help me.

It's an AWESOME product. . .

Gadanke journals.

You can go here to see how they work.

They are darling journals that come with prompts and room for pictures if you desire.

There are all kinds to choose from.

They would make great gifts.

I bought the mother/son journal to do with my 13 year old.

We've just begun doing it, but I am thrilled that I will have this keepsake.

Memories not just from my perspective, but from my son's as well.

Simply awesome.

Here's a page my son filled out.

Here's my version of the same journaling prompt.

There are all sorts of workshops offered by the Gadanke site if you need help getting started 

or if you need help knowing what to do with your journal.

I hope you're as excited as I am about these journals.

Once you try one, I think you'll be hooked.:)

 

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

Evil men do not understand justice,

 but those who seek the Lord understand all.

Proverbs 28:5

This post is linked to My Repurposed Life, Simple Nature Decor, and Tatertots and Jello,

Thrifty Thursday #167

Recently I was able to take a trip to Canton Trade Days in Canton, TX.
Let me tell you, if you ever have the opportunity to go, you need to!
It was a secondhand shopper's dream!!!

Last week I showed you my first round of pretties,
and today I've got more to share.

Check out this rockin' tractor seat.

I only paid $7 for it.

Isn't it cool?

The best part is I have to figure out what I'm going to attach it to.

Any ideas?

I'm thinking a cool base from a stool of some sort. 

It was love at first sight with this rusty wire basket.

It's about the size of a laundry basket.

I know just what I'm going to do with it! Wait and see:)

I got this sweet, old soda crate.

He's going to pair up with the two fruit crates I showed you last week.

I'll show you what I plan to do with them soon.

Yes, this is an old bike wheel- and yes, I actually paid money for it!

I envision some sort of chandelier. . .

I got this, the soda crate, and the wire basket for $40. My bartering skills came in handy 

with this deal. :)

I love burlap- especially burlap coffee bags.
I couldn't believe that these were only $1.
I got this one-

and this one.
These were the only prints available.
But now as I look at these photos, I'm wishing I would've picked up more. . .
shoot.

That's it for this week- isn't it all so lovely?!?
I'll show you more next week. Be sure to swing by!

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

Pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those 

who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2 Tim. 2:22

This post is linked to Ivy and Elephants, Too Much Time, and  Embracing Change.

Lovelies That I Love

School is going to be out in just a few weeks.

If you're thinking of getting your child's teacher a gift and don't have the time to make something,

take a look at these ideas that you can buy. . . 

This shirt is darling, don't you think?

It says, "Live, Love, Teach."

I don't think you could go wrong with a personalized necklace.

I love that this one has a ruler charm, an apple charm, plus two stamped charms.

I love these personalized name plates!

This is something she could use year after year.

I think these tumblers are awesome.

I keep a cup of ice water with me at all times, and I love it when I get a cute cup.

These can be personalized as well.

Even though this isn't necessarily a teacher-specific gift, I had to share it because 

what teacher wouldn't love a globe necklace?

I know I would if I were a teacher:)

(I love anything having to do with maps.)

I appreciate all teachers- I know it's a hard job.

Brighten your child's teacher day and get her a nice thank you.

I'm not affiliated with any of these companies, I just like their stuff.

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

But shun profane and idle babblings, 

for they will increase to more ungodliness.

2 Tim. 2:16

This post is linked to Plucky's Second Thought, The Cottage Market,
I Heart Naptime, and My Girlish Whims.

Recipe of the Week #170- Crock Pot BBQ Ribs

Crock Pot BBQ Ribs
1-3 lbs ribs
1 can Coke or Dr. Pepper
1 bottle of BBQ sauce (18 oz)
salt and pepper

Place ribs in a circular way to fill the Crock Pot. Pour soda over the ribs. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours. Empty liquid from Crock Pot. Pour BBQ sauce over ribs. Cook on high for one more hour.

Who doesn't love BBQ ribs? They're a definite hit at our house.
I actually prefer this recipe over my usual rib recipe, so I'll be using this one from here on out.

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

Psalm 118:8

This post is linked to Between Naps on the Porch, What's on the List?, and The Dedicated House.

Mini Album Monday #54- Album Made From Gift Bag

I don't know what the weather is like where you're at, but it's a stormy day here

which is great weather for crafting. :)

I have a cute and quick album tutorial to share today.

This album is made with a gift bag.

Since it's made with a gift bag, I think it would make a great gift

for birthdays, teachers, or even Mother's Day and Father's Day.

If you'd like to make one, it's really easy.

You need:
 a gift bag

various papers- I used scrapbook papers, notebook paper, a map, handwriting paper,

 kraft cardstock, and graph paper

one shipping tag

one round tag

two strips of decorative tape or two small strips of pattern paper

two office rings

hole punch

paper trimmer

To start, you need to cut your gift bag in half.

I left my handle on because I thought it looked cute, but you can cut yours off if you rather.

Then trim all your papers to fit.

Measure the size of your bag halves, then all your papers need to be trimmed
 1/4" smaller than that.

Once I cut my bag in half, the two pieces measured 4 1/4"x 5 1/4",

so I trimmed all my pieces to  4"x 5".

Once all the papers are cut, you need to punch holes in them.

I lined all mine up and placed a clamp around them to hold them still.

Place your tag sideways- your holes should include both corners of the tag.

Then I punched holes with my Cropadile (it will go through quite a bit of thickness).

If you're using a regular hole punch, you will probably want to divide up your pages in half or thirds before punching holes.

Then bind your pages with the office rings.

Note: I always add page reinforcers on the backs of all my pages to make sure the holes will not tear.

For the cover, place two strips of decorative tape or pattern paper at a slight angle on the tag,

then adhere a small round tag on top of the tape.

This is where the title will go.

Here are what my inside pages look like:
 

The pages are pretty simple, but you can decide whether to add embellishments.
You can make it as fancy or simple as you'd like.

You could make one of these for your child's teacher.
Then take a picture of every student and have them write a note to the teacher.
On each page, you'd place a student's photo and note.

You could do this for a birthday.
Take photos of the guests and have them write a note to the guest of honor.
Then adhere both a photo and note to each page.

That would be great for a baby shower,

or a bridal shower.

The opportunities are vast:)

What do you think?
Simple, huh?

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

Your faithfulness endures to all generations

Psalm 119:90


This post is linked to It's Overflowing, Tip Junkie, Today's Creative Life, and Skip to My Lou.