Craft Monkey

{Craft Monkey'n Monday}

2012-02-06T00:01:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday Monkeys!

So did YOUR team win the big game?

My team wasn't even playing, so I spent my time enjoying commercials, chatting with friends and enjoying some DELICIOUS food! Our Super Bowl snacks included homemade

Hot Wings {Recipe adapted from Pioneer Woman version}

Cheese Dip {mmmm, you can never go wrong with some good old fashion velveeta & rotel!

and homemade Baklava

I know right? Baklava? For Super Bowl? I had a pack of Phyllo dough in the freezer and some nuts in the pantry and decided some Baklava would be a good addition to our snacks. And let me tell you, it was super easy to make and YUMM-O!

I'll share some recipes later this week. So, you ready to share what you've been Monkey'n around with? Link-er Up!

Follow me via Pinterest, Facebook & Twitter!

{Bananas! - Craft Monkey'n Monday Recap}

2012-02-04T00:49:00.002-06:00

Hey Y'all! Thanks so much for stopping in to visit! I didn't share any links from last weeks Craft Monkey'n Monday {how am I a slacker at this already?}

So this week is a double recap from the week before and this week! HOLLA! Make sure you stick around for the end of this post, I'm going to share how to see which of your projects have been "Pinned."

Here's what I'm BANANAS for!

Valentine Chipboard Album from BuddyMunkaDoo

Valentine Banner from Crafting Up My World

Football Cupcakes from A Pumpkin & A Princess

Magnetic Make-Up Board from CraftYay

Toddler Aprons from Amy Tried It

Love One Another Pillow from Uncommon

Thank you to everyone who linked up! You are all A-MAZING! If you were featured feel free to grab a button from my sidebar!

Did you know if you link up to Craft Monkey'n Mondays I share some of my favorite projects via Pinterest, Facebook & Twitter! That's A LOT of bang for your buck, right? Yep, just by linking up to Craft Monkey'n Monday you could be featured ALL OVER the world wide web, SWEET!

How To See Your Pinned Projects

Oh yea, do you know how to find out which of your projects have been pinned? If not, let me share. However, first you must accept my disclaimer that you WILL NOT hold be accountable when you begin checking your project pins daily! Swear? I'm holding you to that! Ok, here we go, it's super duper easy, just how we like it!

In your address bar type www.pinterest.com/source/

and your blog address

In my case I typed in www.pinterest.com/source/thecraftmonkey.blogspot.com
When you hit enter it will take you to a page that shows all the pictures that have been pinned from your web address, here's a sample of what you'll see

As you can see, The Boy is UBER famous on Pinterest! HA! That just makes my heart smile everytime I see his little mustached face pop up on Pinterest!
So there ya go! Now you have something NEW to be addicted to, checking your pins! No need to thank me! {evil snicker}
Don't forget to stop back by on Monday so you can link up to Craft Monkey'n Monday!

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

{January in Pictures}

2012-02-03T00:01:00.000-06:00

The January Photo a Day Challenge is DONE! And I'm proud to say I FINISHED! I may have "cheated" a little, by submitting several photos a day or two late, and not all of my photos were from "that day" but let's just say I interpreted the challenge "loosely" haha! I've already shared about half of the month, but today I'm going to share the entire first month of 2012 from a Monkey's perspective.

I submitted all of my photos via the Instagram and My365 phone aps. I added text to them using Fotolr PS.

The February Photo A Day Challenge has already started, are you playing along? It's never too late to catch up!

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Linking up to

{Glitter Clothes Pin}

2012-02-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

Did you happen to notice that glittery little green clothes pin in my last post? Let's refresh our memory, shall we?

Yep, that one! Wanna see a quick "tutorial" of how I made it? It's SO easy, you are going to want to make a ton, and why wouldn't you? They are fun!

First take your clothes pins apart, seriously I was worried I wouldn't be able to get them back together, but it's super easy!

Then paint them which ever color your little heart desires, once they are dry coat the tops in mod podge

Then sprinkle it with your favorite glitter, I think we all know by know what MY favorite glitter is! Ha!

Put it back together, and BAM! Ya got yourself a sparkly little clothes pin with TONS of uses!

{Chalkboard Tags & Craft Monkey'n Monday}

2012-01-30T00:01:00.000-06:00

Well, I FINALLY completed a project, from start to finish! That means, have an idea, buy supplies, execute project, take pictures, edit pictures, then blog...some days I think it would just be easier to craft without all the blog fuss. But then what fun would it be to not have YOU to share my projects with?!

This is a super easy project. I purchased plain would tags and painted them with chalkboard paint!

After they dry you "cure" them by rubbing them with a piece of chalk

Ya gotta LOVE a simple project! I wanted to have chalkboard place cards, not that I host oh so many dinner parties, but I thought they'd be fun and functional. Here's a sample of a simple Valentine's Day or Anniversary setting.

How about a fun little St. Patrick's Day table

Imagine all the fun party display uses for these little chalkboard tags! You could use them on a buffet table too!

So, show me what you've been Monkey'n with! Grab a button from my sidebar if you'd like! Do you FOLLOW me on FACEBOOK? I highlight lots of projects there!

{Busy & Nothin to Show For it!}

2012-01-25T14:20:00.000-06:00

Hey Y'all! I know, I start a link party and then don't have anything creative to share...what a blog slacker! I actually HAVE been working on a few things, but {like always} I have a bunch of balls in the air and nothing to show for it. So, I thought I'd share something I have been working on that's not quite finished.

Our bedroom furniture! I've finished the 2 night stands - wait, that's a lie. I finished one night stand and 1/2 finished the other - for some reason I didn't paint the drawers in MY nightstand, so there I still need to do that. But I'm going to paint the big dresser too, so I thought I'd just wait until I haul that sucker outside to paint and then just paint them all. Are ya good and confused yet?

My husband's nightstand is completely finished, but I just need to get my act together and get some decent shots of it for you. I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint {ASCP}, cause I'm the worst painter in the world, and I'm impatient, and have a slight problem with following directions. So ASCP is my best friend. Makes me look like a furniture painting PRO! {which hopefully you'll get to see one day soon!} HOLLA!

Oh, and if you haven't linked up yet, I'd LOVE for you to head over to Craft Monkey'n Monday and link up your creations! {it's lookin a little sad over there right now}

{Craft Monkey'n Monday & Highlights}

2012-01-23T01:11:00.002-06:00

Wooohooo! It's time for the 2nd Craft Monkey'n Monday!

But FIRST! Let's share a few of the projects that were linked up that I'm just BANANAS for! {haha - button coming soon}.

Ruffle Tutu for Glamor Girls from Daydream Believers

XOXO Candle Holders from Always Expect Moore

Stenciled Bathroom from A Pumpkin & A Princess

and this "Be Awesome Today" sign from Bubblewrapp'd

Aren't they fabulous! I hope you were able to visit all the links from last week and leave some comment love. Are you ready to share what you worked on last week? I hope you are, because I didn't manage to create a darn thing last week! What the heck? I promise to try harder this week so I can share something with you!

Link up, grab a button & check out the inspiration! And I hope that you'll leave some comment love on some of the links. Newest links will appear as #1. You can grab a button from my sidebar!

{January Photo A Day Challenge}

2012-01-19T10:42:00.003-06:00

Hey Y'all! I'm so proud of myself! {HA} I've been participating in the January Photo A Day Challenge on Instagram {I'd love it if you followed me, @craftmonkey}.

Honestly, I didn't really post anything about it on the blog because I'm not very good with follow through when it comes to things like this. So I wasn't sure how I'd do. But so far so good, sure, some times I get a day behind, but I catch up! That's life, right! Here's where I'm at so far.

Day 19 {Today} is "Sweet" I haven't figured out just yet what my picture will be, but when I do, you can find it on Instagram!

Also, I'd LOVE it if you followed me on Facebook HERE and on Twitter HERE. Have a great day!

{February Sponsors}

2012-01-18T16:30:00.006-06:00

Hey Y'all! I'm currently filling Sponsor Ad Space for February! If you're interested in advertising at The Craft Monkey you can find all the details HERE! Only a few spaces available.

And a special little shout out to our January Sponsors!

{Craft Monkey'n Monday}

2012-01-16T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hey Y'all! Welcome to the very first edition of Craft Monkey'n Monday! I'm so excited to host my very own linky party! I'd love for you to share what you've been working on! Link up crafts, decor, recipes, furniture, DIY, whatever you've been "Monkey'n" with! I cannot wait to see what you've been up to and get inspired by your amazing projects!

I'll be sharing some of my favorite link ups on The Craft Monkey Facebook page, Twitter and later this week in a highlight post! I'd love if you'd add my party button to your post.

{Craft Monkey'n Mondays - Link Party & Winner}

2012-01-15T13:52:00.001-06:00

Hey Y'all! I'm SUPER excited to announce the launch of my very own link party, Craft Monkey'n Mondays!

I hope you'll come by tomorrow and link up your latest creations, right here at The Craft Monkey! I'm really excited about this new link party, and really nervous too! What if nobody links up? Eeeek! You won't let me down will you?

And now, the Winner of the Thirty-One Utility Tote Bag is lucky number

Congrats Cristy, I'll be sending you an email shortly!

{Thirty-One Utility Tote Giveaway - Closed}

2012-01-10T18:36:00.000-06:00

***Giveaway Closed***
Hey Y'all! I want to introduce you to The Craft Monkey's newest Sponsor, Sara, a Thirty-One Independent Director!

If you aren't familiar with Thirty-One, they are an awesome faith-based company specializing in customized purses, bags, totes and much more.

Check out just a few of the fun bags from Thirty-One

Love that fun personalization, and did you see those pink ruffles? The polka dots? Oh My! LOVE! You can see more in the online catalog, or email Sara to host your very own Thirty-One Party and earn free product!

Sara has generously offered this beautiful Thirty-One Utility Tote {a $25 value} to one lucky Craft Monkey!

The Utility Tote is great for storage, to use as a mobile office, toting all your craft supplies to a friends house and so much more! I would LOVE one of these utility totes, I can just imagine all the ~~junk~~ supplies I could keep in here!

So how can you be the lucky winner of this fun utility tote? Simple! Just leave a comment below!

For extra entries

Visit Sara's Thirty-One site & come back & tell me your favorite item or pattern

Be a Craft Monkey Follower

Tweet about the giveaway, "Win a 31 Utility Tote @thecraftmonkey http://thecraftmonkey.blogspot.com/2012/01/thirty-one-utility-tote-giveaway.html"

{leave a comment for each}

Good Luck! Winner will be announced on Sunday, January 15th.

{Blinged Out Valentine's Wreath!}

2012-01-08T15:16:00.000-06:00

I made THE Most Awesome Valentine's Wreath, Oh Yes I Did! It's so sparkly and purdy, I just LOVE it! The light reflects off of the sparkles and the satin roses are all pink and girlie, oh here, let me just show you!

See, I told you! Most Awesome Valentine's Wreath, yes? It's got the whole "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" thing going on, doesn't it.

I found this super cool plastic {YES, PLASTIC} "ribbon" stuff that is just silver plastic cut to look like shiny sparkly diamonds, I'd say it succeeds in that!

I wrapped a wreath form with it and then covered part of the bottom in satin roses that I made.

So, what do you think?

Linking up

{I Saw, I Pinned, I Made! Chicken Enchilada Soup}

2012-01-08T00:01:00.000-06:00

Mmmmmmm, doesn't this Chicken Enchilada Soup from my "Yum-O" Pinterest board just look warm & delicious! That's exactly why I wanted to make this easy chicken enchilada crock pot recipe.

Homemade by Holman

I went to the market and gathered all the necessary ingredients and came home and made this, I made it on the stove, but it would be just as quick and easy in the crock pot.

Mmmmm, just as freakin tasty as it looks! Think I'll go have another bowl!

{Mustache Valentine Tutorial}

2012-01-05T16:14:00.001-06:00

By far my most "pinned" project on Pinterest is the Mustache Valentine card I made last year for my son. It makes my heart happy every time I see his little mustached face pop up as I'm browsing Pinterest!

I've started receiving quite a few emails asking how I made them, or which fonts I used, etc., so I thought I'd save us both some time and share a step by step tutorial on how I made these, using Picnik.com. {By the way, those emails TOTALLY make my day!}

First, I have to say, there is probably a MUCH easier way to do this, especially if you have another editing program. When I made these, the only editing program I used was picnic.com, so this is how I made them.

Start by uploading the photos you will use to picnik.com, also include an extra picture that you don't plan to use, you'll use that photo as your background.

Start by editing that picture that you don't need.

Select "stickers" and add a rectangle "sticker" to the photo

Stretch the rectangle to cover the entire photo

Next, add a frame to the picture {You can skip this step if you prefer no frame}

Then drag the photo you want to use from the photo basket to the background you just created

Size your photo to fit, I added a long thin rectangle to make a border next to my picture

Then just add your text, I used the fonts Monbijoux & Birth of a Hero

Lastly, just save your photo and you are all set. I uploaded mine to a local pharmacy and had them printed 4x6.

I attached sticky backed felt mustaches using a scrapbooking glue dot, so the kids could pull the mustache off and wear them {leave the backing on when you attach them to the photo}

Click HERE for the Mustache Template I made, I just ran the felt through my printer and printed the template on the paper backing, then cut them out with scissors.

Hope this tutorial helps you make some Mustache Valentine's of your own! And if you do make some, I would LOVE to see them! Send me a link or a email a picture, I'd love to share them here on The Craft Monkey!

Linking up

{My Little Man}

2012-01-03T02:01:00.000-06:00

Today I want to wish my handsome little man a

Happy 4th Birthday!

FOUR!

Where in the world has the time gone?

I cannot believe that when you wake up this morning, "your number will have changed from three to four".

When you were three, you learned to use the potty like a big boy, you decided you wanted to dress yourself,

you rode your bike all over the place, you moved to California, to your "new home", you made new friends and said goodbye for the first time to your first friends.

But have easily made new friends

You love all things lego, spiderman and transformers.

Your favorite meal/snack is noodles and you still love lots of fruits and veggies.

You are incredibly smart, funny, sassy and loving.

You keep us on our toes,

and we always look forward to what you'll say/do next!

I SO adore the young man you are becoming!

I look forward to all that the number four holds for us!

Happy 4th Birthday Boo Bear!

{I Saw, I Pinned, I Made! Penguin Olive Snacks}

2011-12-26T00:01:00.000-06:00

Are your kids big fans of Mr. Popper's Penguins? Or Happy Feet? My kid LOVES both and is now a HUGE fan of penguins. He says they are his favorite animal.

So when I saw those penguin olive snacks on Pinterest, I just KNEW the boy would FLIP for these!

once upon a plate

Yep, he did! But he liked them SO much he didn't want to eat them! ha! He wanted to keep them to play with...

Step ball chain, step ball chain, WORD!

Linking Up

{Merry Christmas}

2011-12-25T00:01:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses!

{Reindeer Thumbprint Ornaments}

2011-12-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

We made our annual ornament!

This year I used clay and formed a circle. When it dried I painted it green, the boy's favorite color - this year, and he put his thumbprint on it and we turned it into a reindeer.

Now we'll always have a great reminder of just how little he "used" to be. Last year we he painted salt dough ornaments. I'm hoping to continue the tradition of having him make an ornament every year.

{Stenciled Lampshade Make Over}

2011-12-20T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hey Y'all! I gave a plain old boring lampshade a fun glittery make over! And I LOVE it {because I love all things Glitter}.

I started with this lamp that I love, but it's always had a plain white boring lampshade. Using my Martha Stewart Stencils & paint I was able to give it new life!

I used a fun flowery & circle shaped stencil and some aqua satin & glitter paint to add a some pizazz.

This project was super quick and easy, just how I like em!

I started with a large flowery stencil shape in an aqua satin paint, I let it dry then went back over it with a different stencil and some glittery aqua paint.

When it was all dry I popped the shade back on my lamp.

Ta-Daaa! Much better now, don't ya think?

{I Saw, I Pinned, I Made! Ooey Gooey Caramel Sauce}

2011-12-18T00:01:00.000-06:00

I'm sure you've seen that AMAZING recipe on Pinterest for making your own Caramel Sauce, in a can, in your crock pot. You know the one!

Buttercream Barbie

Yea, I did too, so I made some!

Basically you buy a can of sweetened condensed milk, and cook it in a water bath in your crock pot for 8 hours and you have yourself some yummy ooey gooey delicious caramel sauce. So I HAD to try it out for myself! Guess what?

It totally works! And is probably the most delicious caramel sauce I've EVER had! Mmmmmmmm, I served mine with some sliced apples. YUM!

Linking Up

{Pretty Potted Plants}

2011-12-13T00:01:00.000-06:00

I LOVE planting Paper Whites this time of year! You can find the kits {bulbs, pot and dirt pod} super cheap at just about any store. Usually I'll just plant them in a clear vase or festive christmas pot or something. But this year I decided to use the pot they gave me. The BORING plain pot that came in the kit.

But I added some paint, glitter, burlap & ribbon and gave that boring old pot a punch of festiveness!

Holy Gorgeousness Batman! I LOVE it!

This was another really quick, easy and inexpensive project! I think they would make great gifts!

If I remember I'll post another picture when the flower bloom!

Linking up here

{I Saw, I Pinned, I Made! Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake cups}

2011-12-11T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hey Y'all! I've decided to share a few of the things that I've pinned on Pinterest and ACTUALLY made/tried. Yep, I'm actually DOING something with all those beautiful things and amazing recipes I keep pinning!

On Thanksgiving I was inspired by two pins, so I combined them, cause that's how I roll! I made chocolate strawberry cups filled with sugar free cheesecake, topped with graham crackers! And they were seriously delicious!

Here's my "Pinspiration" I took this idea for chocolate covered strawberry shot glasses

Sweet Tooth

and this idea for cheesecake stuffed strawberries

Sugar Derby

If I had planned ahead better I could have used sugar free chocolate and made this a completely sugar free dessert, but I used what I had on hand, dark chocolate. So it's still a low sugar DELICIOUS dessert. They are so pretty and they were a huge hit! They look like a lot of work but really they are super easy.

Linking up here

{Posies Make Perfect Presents}

2011-12-09T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hey Y'all! I've got a GREAT gift idea for you! Have you heard of Nest of Posies? If not, you are in for a treat! Kellie at Nest of Posies is selling her scalloped Posie Pins for ONLY $5! I LOVE these! They are so cute and add the perfect pop of color to any outfit! I especially love that you can combine them and since they are pins you can change them up. Wear some on a hat today and a few on your coat tomorrow, you know, whatever makes you happy! She offers a great variety of colors too! And for only $5 these would make fantastic teacher gifts or gifts for your girlfriends, your book club members, your mom's group friends, your hair stylist, the mail lady, the list is endless!

Because we all know that accessories make the outfit. And 'tis the season for all things merry & bright. Why not give the gift of handmade to your friends, family or yourself?

Delicious wool felt made into Scallop Posie Pins to coordinate with any outfit.

15 yummy options.

You pick your colors.

Just $5.00 each.

Use 1, 2 or 3 to embellish anything. A perfect accessory to add to your coat, scarf, cardy, purse, hair & ________.

Hurry! Last day to place an order for all wool felt products is Dec 12th.

Visit Nest of Posies Shop to see the entire collection & buy handmade for the holidays.

{Holiday Yummies}

2011-12-08T00:01:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Duncan Hines for sponsoring my writing. There's no limit to the baking possibilities, so grab your favorite Duncan Hines mix and Comstock or Wilderness fruit fillings and Bake On! www.duncanhines.com

Nut Cracker Cupcakes

It's my favorite time of year, Christmas! I love it for SO many reasons, because it celebrates the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, because of the extra time spent with family and friends, the parties, the decorations, the gift giving {and receiving} and all of the yummy goodies you get to eat and so many more reasons!

Especially at this time of year we are invited to lots of gatherings, the one I look forward to most is our Girls Night Out Ornament Exchange. Basically it's just hanging out with my favorite girlfriends and celebrating the holidays together with yummy food and LOTS of wine. Since I'm a HORRIBLE baker {I have a hard time following directions} Duncan Hines is a great way for me to still make a beautiful and delicious dessert to bring to our Girls Night Out.

Wouldn't this Chocolate Cherry Torte be awesome to show up with!

Mmmmmm, or how about these Red Velvet Cake Balls! I LOVE Red Velvet Cake {must be the southerner in me!}

Alright, I better get busy baking something, I don't think my girlfriends would appreciate it if I just showed up with a picture of something yummy! HA!

Remember to check out Duncan Hines' website www.duncanhines.com to find some great recipes for your holiday get-together! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective