Valentine Burlap {Bubble} Wreath

For the last two weeks I've been trying to think of a way to decorate my burlap bubble wreath for Valentine's day.  Nothing really got me too excited until (on a whim) I held the rosettes up to it that I made for a wreath for my new Valentine's mantel (Post coming soon!).  They fit like they were made for it and I really like the contrast with the burlap. 

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The rosettes are all hooked together in one piece so it was easy to move them from one wreath to another.

When I was trying to place the rosettes on a wispy wreath for my mantel, I was having a really tough time getting them to stay in place so I could step back and see how they looked.  I was getting pretty frustrated with it, so I decided to just glue them all onto a paper plate.  This way when I repositioned them (and there was plenty of that) then I didn't feel stressed that I was going to ruin the wreath and/or distort the flowers in the process of pulling the hot glue apart.  The plate also gave shape to the grouping.   It worked great!  In fact, I'm going to leave them permanently glued to the paper plate because it allows me to use the flower grouping over and over for different projects and my wreaths can remain a 'blank canvas' as well.  (There isn't enough storage space in my house to make a wreath for every holiday so I like to reuse what I can.)

I used straight pins to attach the rosettes to the burlap wreath.  I'll show you in my mantel post how I attached them to the wispy wreath.

Do you see in the picture below--my poinsettia is still alive--and it actually still looks healthy!  I guess it paid off this year to read the care instructions from the green house and actually follow them.   I love the color that it adds to my living room so much that I don't want to get rid of it yet.  How long do you keep your poinsettias?   Do they usually just die, do you keep them year round, or do you get tired of them and throw them out after awhile?  Just curious.

'Valentine's' Poinsettia?

You can read all about how the burlap bubble wreath came to be and how to make it here.

If you'd like to see the before and after of the door and how I made it, click here.

I learned how to make the fabric flowers at Flamingo Toes.   Beverly's tutorial is easy to follow if you want to learn how to make them.  I used 2 fat quarters from Wal-mart ($1 each), old knit shirts, and felt for the flowers.

So what do you think?  Do you like the rosettes on the burlap bubbles?  I think I'll make another set of flowers for it, my wreath seems so plain now that I moved them back to my mantel wreath and I really miss the color!

Today's Fabulous Find...{Reusable}Rolled Fabric Flowers

Linking up these parties!

Tator Tots and Jello  Pocket Full of Pink  Creation Corner  My Repurposed Life  The 36th Avenue  House of Hepworths  The Shabby Creek Cottage  It's Overflowing  Oopsey Daisy  Someday Crafts  Creations by Kara  'Lil Luna An Original Belle  Not Just A Housewife  Beneath My Heart  Today's Creative Blog  Skip to My Lou  Under the Table and Dreaming  Embellishing Live Everyday  The Girl Creative  Tator Tots and Jello

Best Homemade {Non-Chocolate} Pie

Once a week we set a night aside that we do something together as a family and it always ends with a yummy treat.   Last night we ate, as my husband called it, "the best homemade non-chocolate pie that I've ever eaten".  Yes, those are big words, but it really was that good!

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My husband gets the credit for this 'find'.  He found the recipe at Kraft.com and made it (Yep, he cooks...I know, I'm very lucky!).  He said that it wasn't even hard to make like some pies can be.   I think what made it extra special was the crust, oh, and the cream cheese.   Cream cheese is always good.

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Click here for the recipe.  Enjoy! 

Today's Fabulous Find...Coconut-Cream Cheese Pie

Girls Barbie/Valentine Fleece Scarf {Tutorial}

Hey everyone!  So can you believe that we're already sharing Valentine's Day projects?  Time's a flyin'! 

I made eight of these fleece scarves for my daughter's Barbie themed birthday party (for just over $1 each), but don't you think they would also be pretty fun to wear on Valentine's Day?   They're pretty simple to make too, just four stitching lines (two of them are even straight). ;)  

Supplies

The stretch of the fleece will need to go across the width of the scarf, not the length, so the scarf doesn't stretch out really long when it's being used.  This means you will need to buy enough fleece for the length of the scarf.  54" was a good length for a girls size scarf.

• 1 1/2 yds. of pink fleece and 1/4 yd of white fleece (This is enough to make eight scarves.)
• 3/8" Ribbon (The polka-dot ribbon is from Wal-mart.) 
• Black Thread
• Black Felt (2-3 sheets for eight scarves), Assorted Gems, Hot Glue, and Safety Pins.  (optional)

*I bought the inexpensive, thin fleece from Wal-mart for $2.88 a yard.  It worked really well for this project.  I spent around $5.50 on enough fabric to make 8 scarves.

Directions

(Sewing time is about 15 minutes for each scarf.)

1.  Cut off the selvage edges.  Cut the pink fleece 7" wide, using the length of the fleece (54") for the length of the scarf.  The stretch needs to go across the width of the scarf, not the length, so the scarf doesn't stretch out when worn.  I have a rotary cutter, ruler, and mat that I use to get a nice clean straight edge. 

2.  Cut a piece of white fleece that is 4 1/2" tall by 7" wide.  Again, the stretch of the fleece goes from side to side on the scarf.

3.  Overlap the white fleece over the pink fleece by 1 1/4".  Stitch across the top using a zig-zag stitch.  (Practice on a scrap piece of fleece first to decide on the stitch length and width of the zig-zag.)  Stitch across the bottom using a zig-zag stitch.  If the stitch isn't perfectly straight, don't worry about it, just trim the white fleece down a bit so it appears that it is.  No one will ever know. ;)

4.  Sew the ribbon on in the center of the zig-zag stitches, turning under each end first. 

TIP:  When you are sewing ribbon on, it's best to start on one end and sew down both sides of the ribbon in the same direction.  This helps to prevent puckering. It also helps to pin it first and gently pull it taut as you sew.

5.  Cut the fringe about 1/2" wide.  Each cut doesn't need to be measured exactly, just make them pretty close to the same size.

To Add an Embellished Initial

Find a chunky font that you like and print out the letter in the size that you want.  This letter is 4" tall.  I used WordArt in Microsoft Publisher to make the pattern.  Choose a color for the line and no fill color to save on ink.  Roughly cut around the paper pattern, pin it to the felt, and then cut through the paper and felt layers at the same time on the line. (You can do this when cutting out clothes patterns too, it saves a lot of time.)

The girls embellished the felt letters with sparkly gems and I hot glued them to the felt for them while they were doing another activity.  They LOVED this.  In fact, when I took the lid off of the tin with the gems in it, there was an audible gasp (all in unison) when they saw them, it was sooo cute!  

In the interest of time, I safety-pinned the letters (from the back) to each of their scarves with those teeny little gold safety pins.  This way they can take them off to launder the scarf.  I chose hot glue for the sole reason that it dries quickly, there are other glues you can use that are washable.

The girls (ages 5-8) all loved the scarves and were so thrilled that they got to 'design' them themselves.   Before they left the party they all made plans to wear them to school the next day, how adorable is that!  :)

Of course with different color choices this scarf could be made for other holidays and party themes as well.  Let me know if you think of any fun ones! :)
 
Have a great weekend!

Today's Fabulous Find...Girl's Fleece Scarf

Linking up to:

Oopsey Daisy  Lil' Luna  Not Just a Housewife  Today's Creative Blog  Home Stories A to Z  Sugar Bee Crafts  Skip to My Lou  Pocket Full of Pink    I Heart Naptime  Tator Tots and Jello   Serenity Now

Five Fabulous Finds: Valentine Ideas

#1  Tissue Rosette Kissing Balls:  The Idea Room

It's hard to believe these are made with crepe paper streamers--such a great idea and so pretty! 
(There is a link to a tutorial on how to make the tray too.)

#2  Valentines Day Countdown Printable:  If I Could 

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This printable is for the boys and there is a pink one for the girls. 

Just add some Kisses and/or Hugs.  Lots of fun without a lot of work!

#3  Alligator Candy Filled Valentine:  Skip To My Lou 

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Isn't he so fun!?   FREE printable template.

#4  Heart-Shaped Cinnamon Rolls:  Pinch My Salt

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Take a plate to a friend or dazzle your family!

#5  Love Juice:  At Second Street

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Pour a single serving drink mix into the water and you have instant "Love Juice".  

Genius idea and perfect for a class Valentine party!  FREE printables included.

Did you see something here that you find fabulous?  Let's make their day and let them know. :)

Today's Fabulous Finds:  Five Fun Valentine Ideas

{Before and After} Framed Tile and Cutting Edge Stencil Winner

I've got a small, inexpensive project to share with you today.  The whole picture only cost me a whopping 50 cents+tax!

I started with a .50 frame from the thrift store, spray painted it black, and distressed it. 

This is how it looked when I bought it.

The tile around the edge was leftover from our bathroom remodel.  It's only taped to scrapbook paper so if we ever need to use it it's still in good shape.  I dried a flower from my yard and glued two very small pieces of cardboard to the center back of the daisy so it 'floats' in the frame and then taped it to the scrapbook paper. 

Tip:  One summer I took a bunch of flowers from my yard and placed them in-between the pages of a large telephone book.  I just keep them there so whenever I need a dried flower for something I know where to find them.

The back is still in poor shape, but this picture hangs in my bathroom, so there wasn't any need to fix it up. 

The little plant was another great find.  It was on clearance for $2 because the greenery was falling out--I just pushed it back in and it was as good as new.  It was such a lucky find!

I like to keep this picture up all year round because it reminds me that my yard will green up again and Winter won't last forever, although some days it seems as if it might. :)  Hope this gives you some ideas!

Also, the winner of the Cutting Edge Stencil Giveaway
(winning one stencil of her choice up to a $50 value) is Lisa Summerhays. 

Congratulations Lisa!!! 

A big thank you to Cutting Edge Stencils for giving away such a generous prize and to all of you who entered! 

 It was fun to read about all of your projects. :)

Today's Fabulous Find...Framed Tile

Linking up to:  The 36th Avenue  Home Stories A to Z  Today's Creative Blog   I {Heart} Naptime   Funky Junk Interiors  Tator Tots and Jello   Serenity Now   Design Dazzle   The Shabby Nest    My Repurposed Life

Cutting Edge Stencil Giveaway Ends Tonight!--Giveaway has Closed

***Giveaway has closed***

Just a quick reminder that the Cutting Edge Stencil Giveaway ends tonight.  Enter for a chance to win a stencil of your choice, up to a $50 value!  Plus the shipping is free. 

Enter the giveaway here.

Miniature Craft Stick Chair (Gift Card Idea)

Have you ever loved something so much, that you literally loved it to pieces?   Sometimes it's not easy to find replacements for items that we love so we try to make them last just a little...bit...longer until there is really nothing left of it to love.

My mom bought some folding lawn chairs years ago that she has loved.  We've sat in them so many times out in my parents backyard while visiting and watching the grandkids play.  This last summer though, her favorite chairs were showing some serious wear and tear and weren't feelin' so comfy anymore, especially when the seat of the chair sank so low you felt that you might actually fall through the 2/3 of the seat that was actually still there!  It was at that point (when I thought I might actually fall through) that I declared to my mom that I was buying her new lawn chairs for Christmas!  I was 99% sure that she wouldn't remember that I told her I was buying her new chairs by the time Christmas came around. (turns out I was right.)

Well, Summer came to an end and guess who also forgot my mom was getting new chairs for Christmas...me!   That's right, I totally forgot to buy them when they were in season.   I wanted to at least give her the money to buy her favorite chairs this summer (in case she actually did remember she was getting new chairs), but didn't want to just give her a card with money in it.  Two of my sisters both suggested making a small lawn chair as sort of a gift card and money keeper to hold the cash until summer rolls around again, which sounded like a great idea to me, so that's what I did.

I think that you can probably find just about everything on the internet because I actually found a tutorial on how to make a lawn chair out of craft sticks.  No kidding!  I was so happy!  I made up my own variation, using the tutorial as a guide.

It's made of craft sticks and held together with hot glue.  The stain color is dark walnut.  When I was done making the chair it was missing something though, it needed a cushion, so I made one with a very thin layer of batting.  The final touch was a tiny 1 1/2" pillow, hand sewn I might add (only the best for my mom), that says: We {Heart} Grandma.  I put the money in a small clear bag and tucked it in the underside of the chair.

I forgot to take pictures of it until we were en route to my Parents house so I made up a little photo studio on the dash of our truck using Christmas cards for the background.  I was so proud of my husband, he didn't even roll his eyes at me once! :) 

I don't suppose you have a use for a miniature chair, unless you make doll furniture, but I just wanted to show you how it turned out and pass on a fun alternative to just giving cash.

If you have something that you've literally 'loved to pieces' and are having a hard time finding a replacement for it, I'd love to hear about it!

Today's Fabulous Find...Miniature Lawn Chair Tutorial

I love to link to:  Someday Crafts   Oopsey Daisy  Today's Creative Blog

Five Fabulous Finds and December Thank You's

December is always such a busy month and I love it, but by the end of the month I'm always ready for the calm days of January.   It's been awhile since I've posted any features, so I have five to share with you today!

#1 Decorative Wall Mirrors at Shanty 2 Chic

I didn't even know that I like mirrors in Dining Rooms until I saw the Decorative Wall Mirrors that Whitney made at Shanty 2 Chic.  They're gorgeous!  If you don't already follow Shanty 2 Chic you're missing out on some really fantastic DIY decor projects.

#2 16 Ideas for Organized Kids Closets at Serenity Now

Amanda put together a feature post with photos of 16 different organized kids closets.  This post has a bunch of good ideas.  In fact, I think I had her post roll through my Google Reader 4 or 5 times, just so I could keep looking it. :)

#3 Growing Your Blog Series at Centsational Girl

Did you read the 'Growing Your Blog' Series that Kate at Centsational Girl organized?  It was fun to read about the experiences of five well-known Bloggers on five different topics of Blogging. 

#4 Favorite Recipes of 2011 at The Girl Who Ate Everything

I made Christy's Bloomin' Onion Bread last year, it's on the readers favorites list, and my family really likes it (the ones who were willing to try it anyway).  We like it on french bread too.  I just slice the loaf in half lengthwise and put the toppings on top, so yummy!  Christy put a list together of her favorites of 2011 as well.

#5  Aged Inside Door at Down to Earth Style 

I just saw this photo on Pinterest and was so intrigued.  It's an inside door that leads down to the basement.  I'll be looking around this blog some more, Holly has many creative ideas for the home.

December Thank you's

I didn't ever post thank you's to the Bloggers who featured one of my projects in December.  (This will probably be my last month putting this list together.)  As always, the links go directly to the home page of the blog and I know they'd love a visit!

Marshmallow Wonderland Vignette

Creations by Kara
Beneath My Heart

Funky Junk Interiors-Facebook Feature

Pocket Full of Pink

A Mommy's Life with a Touch of Yellow

Printable Christmas Countdown Block

House of Hepworths

Creative Busy Hands

Game Night in a Bag

Crayon Wishes and Popsicle Dreams

 

Christmas and Winter Mantels

Serenity Now

 

Printable Paint Stick Ornaments

Craft Gossip

Mod Podge Rocks-Facebook Feature

Interchangeable Holiday Frame-Snowman OrnamentsCrafts by Amanda

15 Gift Ideas Under $2
Simply Rebekah

Children's Nativity Set

Under the Table and Dreaming
Fun Family Crafts
#1 Project at The CSI Projects Kid's Holiday Crafts Challenge

2x4 Snowmen
Lynn Spin

Father/Dad Subway Art Print
Tip Junkie

 Today's Fabulous Finds...

DIY Wall Mirror
16 Organized Kids Closets
Growing Your Blog Series
Favorite Recipes of 2011
Aged Inside Door

 

$50 Cutting Edge Stencil Giveaway and Review--Closed

This Giveaway has closed.

Happy New Year! 

What better way to start out the new year than with a giveaway, right?  Right! 

How does a free Cutting Edge Stencil of your choice (up to a $50 value, w/free shipping) sound to you?  Pretty good?

Cutting Edge Stencils has a large selection of stencils to choose from including a new line of craft size stencils that are the perfect size for smaller projects like pillows as well as larger size stencils for walls and furniture. 

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I've wanted to try stenciling on fabric for awhile now, so when Cutting Edge Stencils contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in reviewing one of their stencils and hosting a giveaway I was ready to dive right in and give it a try!

I thought a pillow cover would be a great first-time fabric stenciling project and it was, I actually had a lot of fun with it and it was so easy.  I still need some practice with stenciling on fabric (you might notice that the paint is a little blotchy, but I will go back and touch it up and am confident my skills will improve for my next project. )  The lines however are all crisp and clean, I was pretty amazed with how well the stencil worked and know I'll use it again on a larger project at some point.



The stencil I used is called the Rabat craft stencil.  I started with some fabric that I bought on clearance, it's a heavy weight two-sided woven fabric, a natural color on one side, dark brown on the other.  The pillows have envelope backs made with osnaburg fabric (same as the ruffle).

I used regular acrylic craft paint and bought a fabric medium to mix in with it.  It was 2 parts paint (1 bottle), 1 part fabric medium (1/2 bottle).  Just follow the directions on the fabric medium bottle, it's quite simple to do.  My paint may have been too thick, next time I might thin it out just a little. 

I was impressed with the quality of the stencil and glad that they included a free smaller stencil so I could practice with it first.



The stencil was easy to line up when I needed to move it and cleaned up really well when I was done.

For a great tutorial on how to stencil, if you've never tried it before, you can watch the video below to learn all about the tips and tricks to using stencils.






To enter to win a Cutting Edge Stencil of your choice
(up to a $50 value): 
Leave me a comment and tell me what you would like to stencil if you win...a wall, your pantry, a kids room, furniture, whatever, I want to hear about it. :)  For an additional entry: 
Like Cutting Edge Stencils on Facebook and then leave a comment on this post saying that you did.
*This giveaway is open until Wednesday, January 11th at 10pm MST when I will randomly select a winner.  The winner will have two days to contact me to claim their prize or I will select a new winner. (Sorry, you must have a U.S. postal address to enter.) Good Luck! 

 Linking up to Someday Crafts Giveaway Directory 
 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned in this post for free in the hope that I would mention it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe my readers will enjoy. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”