Kevin&Michelle

Milk & Cookies, Books & Babies!

2014-08-01T18:18:00.001-07:00

My most recent party clients wanted to combine two popular shower ideas to come up with a fresh and unique perspective-challenge accepted!

Vintage book themed shower, meet milk and cookies shower! For decor I relied heavily on red and aqua, but didn't hesitate to mix in an array of primary colors from the vintage decor I was using.

I hope this inspires you to "mash up" some of the other popular party ideas we so often see on our Pinterest feeds! Enjoy!

Cute as a button

2014-07-18T21:21:00.001-07:00

Some cupcakes for a "Cute as a Button" baby shower I did a while back!

Also check out these sweet decorations the party host put together for this beautiful venue!

Photos courtesy of Whitney Tenboer

Sienna is Two!

2014-07-14T18:43:00.001-07:00

Another fun party I did a dessert table for and styled, for my sweet friend Dusty! Her little love just turned 2!

Rya is one!!

2014-07-13T11:13:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity to dream up and style a first birthday party last month, and couldn't have been happier at how well everything came together! We went with a summertime theme, and incorporated pops of bright, girly colors, flowers of different sizes and mediums, and an array of vintage accents. The party went off without a hitch, and I received one of the sweetest thank you cards from the mamma! It was such a blessing to help bring this family's special day together!

A bright, cheery tissue paper flower greeted the birthday girls' guests as they arrived.

And if that wasn't greeting enough, this whimsical chalkboard easel sat in the entryway to give guests a sneak peek to what was beyond the foyer!

Making banners from paint sample cards is my go-to strategy for parties. It's cheap, and the color options are endless! I loved the idea if accenting the garlands for this party with some oversized tissue paper flowers!

Here I also incorporated some vintage milkglass bud vases, more tissue paper flowers, and DIY'd a floral monogram for sweet Rya! (Although this photo doesn't even start to do it justice!)

In keeping with the summertime feel, I used this grass centerpiece accented with a few pops of color to keep things bright and cheery!

This centerpiece boasts some great vintage appeal. A tin jug with a chalkboard heart served as a great reminder of the milestone birthday being celebrated, a tissue flower in a bright lime vase kept things whimsical, and a thrifted "flower" jar on a white paper doily was the perfect finishing touch.

And on to the food! Plates and cups in coordinating colors, brightly patterned paper straws, and a sweet vintage chalkboard made from an old silver platter starts off our tour of the dessert table.

First up we have these STUNNING daisy and butterfly cookies made by one of the mammas coworkers! They smelled out of this world!

Next up was a pink berry flavored Oreo covered in Giradelli white chocolate, with whimsical flowers doodled on top.

Here we have my favorite take on the obligatory fruit tray! Using a fruit dip as the center, these flowers were created with a variety of brightly colored fruits and accented with some silk floral scattered among the platters.

And the main attraction: the smash cake!! This petite cake featured yellowy lemon and white layers and was finished with teal rosette piping and some bright sugar flower accents!

No first birthday is complete without a fun and functional party favor!

Rya's guests all received a cute favor bag filled with lemonade mix, a perfect summer treat!

Creating these favor tags at www.picmonkey.com allowed me to coordinate the colors with our summery girly theme!

It was a pleasure being invited into this sweet family's home to dream up and bring to life this fun party idea!

Stay tuned next month where Ill style a vintage book themed baby shower in this same space!

Modern Command Center

2014-03-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

I got the change recently to help a friend update a small wall from eh to AHA!!

The wall was one of the main walkways from her front room to the kitchen, and had housed a large wine art canvas for as long as she could remember. After scoring a metal grate at a local hardware store (8.00 down from 70.00..truly. What!?), we quickly brainstormed out own version of this DIY project:

http://www.tealandlime.com/2012/04/quatrefoil-cork-board/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=quatrefoil-cork-board

We ordered an 11.00 roll of cork online to fit perfectly behind out 24x36 metal grate, and upon receipt, we tackled the project in an afternoon with some oil rubbed bronze screws, hot glue, and a quick trip to Target for some Nate.. (Berkus, that is!).

We were able to land several of our Berkus finds in the Clearance section, making this DIY easy on the eyes AND the pocket book.

The geometric design and brushed gold finish lends itself to the modern appeal that's trending right now, and picks up just the right amount of light for the space. This heavily trafficked space now serves as an area to plan meals for the week, keep track of events for quickly growing kiddos, family events, save the dates, photos, etc.

We hot glued the cork to the grate, screwed it to the wall, added screwed to hang heavier items on the grate, and push pinned the rest!

On Self Control...

2014-03-30T06:27:00.001-07:00

Self-control---oh, this word. Webster’s defines self-control as (n): the ability to control oneself, in particular one’s emotions and desires or the expression of them in one’s behavior, esp. in difficult situations.

If it were only that easy. I’ve struggled for 29 years (well, I’m sure I didn’t put up too much of a fight during year one. HA!) with the ability to control myself, particularly in the arena of gluttony (the desire for excess – be it things, food, experiences, etc). The helpful advice we always hear is to exercise self-control. “So that’s the missing link”, I think. “I’ve just got to figure out how to get myself a big ‘ol dose of self-control and everything will be roses.”

However, I’m starting to realize just how doomed my quest for self-control is. I am a sinner with sinful desires and motives. I can’t control myself; I’ve proved it to myself a hundred times (this week alone!). I am doing a topical study on self-control, and the Lord is really opening my eyes to some things about the attainability of this valuable characteristic. What the Lord is teaching me is that self-control is far from what its name has always implied to me. I will always fail if I rely on my “self” to control myself. Self-control means that I am controlled – but by the grace and strength of Christ. Self-control is a GIFT. It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Verse 24 tells us “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”. POWERFUL. So this is what it means to deny myself and take up my cross daily (Luke 9:23).

Verse 26 also convicted me: Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other… Guilty! I was just discussing this with some friends yesterday. Sinful inferiority complexes leave us striving to be like the world. But God teaches us NOT to desire the things of this earth. I encourage you to read 1John 2:15-16. Then, in Luke 9:25 The Lord tells us “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self”? I need to keep mindful of this as I navigate through this journey of health. As I get closer to freedom in this area, it’s easy to run to things of the world for my happiness-however, I have to continually ask myself if my actions are God-honoring. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1Cor 10:31) RIGHT THERE is the difference between worldly self-control and godly self-control.

“…the Christian way of self-control is NOT "Just say no!" The problem is with the word "just." You don't just say no. You say no in a certain way: You say no by faith in the superior power and pleasure of Christ. It is just as ruthless. And may be just as painful (as worldly self control). But the difference between worldly self-control and godly self-control is crucial. Who will get the glory for victory? That's the issue. Will we get the glory? Or will Christ get the glory? If we exercise self-control by faith in Christ's superior power and pleasure, Christ will get the glory.” http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-fierce-fruit-of-self-control

I encourage you to check it out the rest of this article by John Piper on his “Desiring God” blog. He has a lot of really insightful things to say about biblical self-control.

~~~~~~~~~~~

So what happens when I stop seeking Christ? I stop seeking his grace and strength for control. I start to ignore what God’s grace teaches me: to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. (Titus 2:11-12) John Piper put it perfectly: “When we really see and believe what God is for us by grace through Jesus Christ, the power of wrong desires is broken. And that, my friends, is the freedom I am striving for: Freedom from wrong desires.”

source: http://liferearranged.com/2012/09/sunday-smiles-67/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sunday-smiles-67

Spa party chalkboard!

2014-03-22T07:22:00.001-07:00

Wine Cork Monogram

2014-03-22T07:12:00.001-07:00

No wine bottles were harmed in the making of this craft. :)

This project was easy and tedious all at the same time; I was tasked with making this wedding gift for a wine lover and am happy to report that it went off without a hitch!

Arm yourself with a ton of glue sticks, a ton of wine corks, and a sturdy base. I had thought first to use cardboard backed with felt and before I even started cutting out the cardboard letter frame I decided that it wasn't such a good idea. I ended up using an unfinished wooden letter. The bonus: it had pre-cut mounting hardware on the back!

I started the corks slightly hanging over the edge of the frame so that the exposed wood couldn't be seen from the front. It's also important to think about placement before getting all glue crazy...just sayin. I don't know from experience..

The project took about 2 hrs in total to complete, start to finish, and was a great way to deplete the stash of corks a bit!

Try making your own! Or shoot me a comment if you're interested in me making one for you!

Glitter + wood = good

2014-02-22T15:56:00.001-08:00

Got a little antsy for a DIY project today since the weather is still too cold to go outside and play with other rehab projects. I found this flat piece of firewood in our stack and felt like it was saying "I'm perfect for a sign!"

I did a gold glitter "hello" sign for inside our mantle built-in.

It was easy--I just brushed on my letters with a small paintbrush and Elmer's glue, then doused the whole thing with glitter (after sitting my wood inside a cookie sheet so I could tap off all the excess).

{sorry for the dark, grainy photos!}

Post-project follow up: when I attempted to get all the excess glitter back in the bottle, I lost my grip on the cookie sheet and, well, let's just say that it looks like Lady Gaga threw up in my kitchen...

Valentines Decor

2014-02-17T18:34:00.001-08:00

Happy Heart's Day!!

Now that Valentines Day is past, I wonder how much longer I can get away with keeping the house decorated like this before Mr. A starts to scowl. :P

Turtle Power!

2014-02-15T07:26:00.001-08:00

I made this TMNT cake for a little boy's birthday party last night. Sewer grate and ninja turtle heads are fondant. The turtles were the funnest part to make!

Sports wreaths!

2014-02-12T11:44:00.001-08:00

Get at me if you're interested!

Style 1

Style 2

My Valentine!

2014-02-12T11:41:00.001-08:00

With Valentines Day fast approaching, I found myself thinking a lot this year about my sweet, sweet husband. I thought about what life would look like without him. I thought about what kind of person he inspires me to be. I thought about how unconditional his love is. What he sacrifices for me.

Then yesterday I read a blog that talked about keeping God first, your husband second. The Lord calls us to put nothing before him; even our husbands. I often feel convicted because I don't show even close to the same time, attention, and devotion to The Lord as I do my husband. In this blog, Danielle says the following:

"Your relationships with The Lord should ALWAYS take priority in your life, and you should always be striving to seek him. When you do that, the rest of your priorities (including loving on that sweet husband of yours), are more likely to be in order...and notice who comes second. Not you (selfish). Not your parents, family, friends, kids, job, hobbies, etc. your HUSBAND is next. God wants it that way..."

As I pondered on this I wondered why I hadn't stopped to think about My Father in heaven this Valentines "season".

After all, what would life look like without HIM?!

How amazing to think about what kind of person HE inspires me to be!

How powerful and humbling is HISunconditional love for me?!

How amazing was HIS sacrifice for me--for US!!! The absolute ultimate sacrifice.

I love my husband so very dearly, and he is a sweet and precious gift to me from whom?! My God!!

This year, whether you're single or married, love Valentines Day or hate the Commercialized holiday altogether--take a moment to meditate on the LOVE The Lord has for us, as well as the amount of LOVE you're showing him! HE is our true, and eternal, valentine!

(I encourage you to read the rest of her blog post on being a Godly wife! Although not popular opinion by the "world's" standards, these are biblical truths that I pray I can improve upon to be the kind of wife The Lord desired me to be for Mr. A!).

Www.butlerpartyof3.com/2012/07/being-godly-wife.html?m=1

Bee-doo

2014-02-10T20:58:00.001-08:00

Check out this c-u-t-e minion cake I did for a little boy's birthday this weekend:

What I'm loving

2014-02-10T20:55:00.001-08:00

This new abstract chevron/aztec bangle is rocking my world today!

Try some orange with your coral--I'm loving it!

Bangle: Forever 21

A Rustic Necklace Holder

2014-02-04T13:18:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you mix some eclectic drawer pulls with an old piece of barn wood?

A necklace holder, of course!!

If your interested in one of your very own, email me at chellejo@gmail.com for details!

A First Birthday

2014-02-03T19:55:00.001-08:00

I got to help my friend Holly plan for her daughters colorful pinwheel party for her first birthday. It was SO fun using so many different colors and patterns, creating a simple, but cute smash cake, and dreaming up with her, a fun dessert tables cape!

A cute photo timeline of Emma's photos each months with the chalkboards we did for her

Emma's final, 1 yr, chalkboard!

Finally, a year in chalkboard memories:

You are the salt of the earth!

2014-01-21T13:36:00.002-08:00

I saw a chalkboard graphic on Pinterest and decided it would be the perfect recreation for my dining room chalkboard. “You are the salt of the earth”----“What did that mean,” I thought to myself. “When I blog about this, I should look up the scripture reference and talk about it.” Well, I kept feeling God’s slight urging today to really meditate on this, and to share my thoughts. I started back at the beginning of Matthew Chapter 5, The Sermon on the Mount, a phrase I had heard before, but was not even close to familiar with. I unpacked this sermon in “The Message” translation first because I was having a little trouble just truly grasping its power and application in my life (I included the HCSB version below it).

The Message Translation:

5 ^1-2When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:³“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.⁴“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.⁵“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.⁶“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.⁷“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.⁸“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.⁹“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.¹⁰“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.^11-12“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.¹³“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.^14-16“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Holman Translation:

5 When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 Then[

a] He began to teach them, saying:3 “The poor in spirit are blessed,
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.4 Those who mourn are blessed,
for they will be comforted.5 The gentle are blessed,
for they will inherit the earth.6 Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed,
for they will be filled.7 The merciful are blessed,
for they will be shown mercy.8 The pure in heart are blessed,
for they will see God.9 The peacemakers are blessed,
for they will be called sons of God.10 Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed,
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.11 “You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.

And oh, how this spoke to me: in verse 1 and 2, the whole thing started by those committed to him following him. Sure it wasn’t easy; they had to climb a mountain for crying out loud! But the beautiful instruction they received as their reward is priceless, timeless, and a good reminder for me as Im focusing on a deeper relationship with the Lord. I need to stay committed to The Lord, even when the journey feels tough, because he has such sweet, helpful words for me, in efforts to deepen the relationship I have with him. I always catch myself thinking “I want a deeper relationship with the Lord”, and I know that means I need to be in the word, but to break it down even further, verse 1 tells me to: Be committed. Follow him. All the way up that mountain! J

Verse 3 (You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule

) comforts me when I feel like I’m just at my lowest of lows. God tells me that during these times I am being blessed! What awesome comfort is that!? It is also a great piece of practical advice for me when thinking about how I can share The Lord with others. When there is less of me, there is more of God. I remove the distraction (me & my prideful heart) and just let God work. And others see that. And that’s the overall purpose, here, right!?

Verse 5 (You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought

) speaks about contentment. In a season of my life where I’m doing a lot in the way of “making changes”, I feel that I need to be mindful of this verse even now, so that I am content with who I am at ALL times; after all, every day, I wake up exactly where and how The Lord meant me to be. And that’s just beautiful, no matter how my own sin and Satan want to spin it.

Another one is verse 6 (You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat

)– transforming my life to think of food as fuel, rather than my filler for every emotion begging for attention, is no easy feat at times. Have you ever taken a bite of something SO delicious that you were just confident that you wouldn’t be able to get enough, that you’d have to just eat the entire thing, and even then, you might still be sad it was gone? God tells us that when we have an appetite for HIM, he’ll be the best meal we’ll ever eat. And I’ve had a pretty good cupcake or three in my day – I am so craving a time where The Lord and the food and drink he provides my soul is better than any other food here on this earth has ever tasted.

Verse 8 (You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world

) was HUGE for me, and I’m starting to see the truth in this more and more clearly. When I have my heart and mind in the right place (set on things above *Col 3:2*), THEN I can see God in the outside world. I feel like when I have those days where I’ve let myself be drawn very near to God, I see his blessings all around me-all his gifts, answered prayers, blessings raining down... I don’t take those things for granted, and it leaves me with a grateful, full heart. I’d say that’s a much better feeling than any cupcake ever gave me.

Verse 10 (You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom

)--yeah. Who loves to be persecuted? Not this girl. But you know what God says? That same persecution that I dislike so much is what is driving me deeper into God’s kingdom (and by “driving me deeper”, I believe this is meaning “getting me closer to God relationally, growing me more in wisdom and knowledge of his will, etc”, not “bettering the chances I have of going to Heaven”. He’s already finished that battle FOR me)…Hey, Amen, and I’ll take it! Like I said, I really struggled with the intensity I felt to put my thoughts about this passage on the blog – territory I’ve never ventured into before. I was worried about judgment, persecution, loss of readers, etc. But the truth is, what is the point of this blog if it’s not God honoring? A waste of time, that’s what. And after reading this verse, it was like God smiling down on me telling me that I needed to just do it.

And finally, the verse that started it all, talking about how as believers we are the salt of the earth: Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.” (HCSB)

The Message translation REALLLY breaks this down (although it reads a little silly, in my opinion; but hey, it makes sense now, at least!): You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

WOW…no WONDER The Lord was prompting me to write down my thoughts on this in blog-world. It goes right along with what Matthew 5:13 is instructing of me. By opening up to others, it prompts others to open up to The Lord.

Now that it's almost February

2014-01-21T11:04:00.000-08:00

I decided to leave the Christmas decorations up until I was ready to start decorating for Valentines Day this year, and I do admit, I liked it. It has made these last few nasty winter weeks more bearable.

We did not put up a Christmas tree this year, which was actually kind've awesome, but I did score a sweet pre-lit flocked tree for next year. Mr. A and I are strictly artificial tree folk. I have personally never had a real tree. Maybe Im blissfully ignorant, but I think I could take it or leave it as far as the real vs. fake tree debate goes. I do know this: once the hubs and I start having little hooligans, its real tree all.the.way. No exceptions. :)

This year, it was nice to just decorate every OTHER surface in our house - and I went quite a bit more vintage than even last years decorations. I used what I already had and the rest, I just DIY'ed things here and there that I already had.

Here are 2013's Christmas decorations:

This year for Christmas Presents, I used brown kraft paper, washi tape, and sharpie'd my own decorations! Each gift felt a lot more personal and fun that way, I thought:

and last, these cute Christmas cupcakes we made for Christmas at Grandma and Grandpas: fudgy chocolate with white chocolate peppermint buttercream.

Winter Wreaths!

2014-01-15T16:44:00.001-08:00

Sometimes, life just happens! I had 19 winter wreath orders and was feeling excited. Then, the day before Thanksgiving, I got 9 stitches in my hand, crushing any chance of finishing the wreaths in my expected timeframe. BUT, Wreath-fest 2.0 (<--ha!) was not a complete bust. I was able to get all but 2 wreaths finished before the holidays were over, and the grace and patience of those who were waiting for their creations was a huge blessing to me!

Here is a sample of some of the different styles I came up with:

2 minute DIY

2014-01-14T18:53:00.001-08:00

After getting a Kuerig for Christmas this year (score) I decided on a whim to sharpie decorate a cup to sit under the spout for decoration. I didn't bake this on as I reserve the right to wipe this off and start over again!

A Mermaid Party

2013-12-21T19:29:00.001-08:00

I recently decorated and catered a special 3 yr old's Mermaid themed birthday party. Check out the details below:

Tissue paper tassle garlands are my new favorite go-to for cheap, DIY party decor!

This isn't the first time Ive used gold fish in party decor, and the Mermaid theme was the perfect opportunity to incorporate it again.

Clam shell cookies! Made by your's truly!

These mermaid tail cupcake toppers are edible and handmade!

Cake by yours truly! It's been a while since Ive had the chance to to a cake, and this one was SO fun to create. The cake itself is a 3-layer blue ombre.

Favor table: there are hand-made sea shell shaped crayons in each burlap pouch for the kiddos to take home with them!

No party is complete without a custom chalkboard :)

and last but not least: a hand drawn, two-sided photo board for the kiddos:

Thanksgiving decor and other random fun

2013-12-13T20:36:00.001-08:00

Well, this thanksgiving was certainly a memorable one. It's thanksgiving eve and there I am in my kitchen putting fancy chalkboard label vinyls on new Rubbermaid containers that will be used as leftover holders for the fam the next day. I finish and decide to get out my big glass beverage dispenser to make some apple spa water, all fancy like, and bam---a four hour emergency room stay and 9 stitches later, Mr. A and I return home to clean up my murder scene of a kitchen where said beverage holder shattered in my hand. Sister-in-law to the rescue! Mom and dad to the rescue! Mom and dad inlaws to the rescue! Husband to the rescue!

Thanksgiving was a hit despite the fact that I was high on Vicodin and couldn't do I thing. And my 22 year old sister in law made her first turkey, and we sat around WELL into the night talking and laughing!

Here are a few pics I managed to snap to capture the

A Fun Felted Banner!

2013-11-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a cheap and quick embellishment to holiday or party decorations, PLEASE consider this fun felt banner. It took no time at all to make, and cost next to nothing.

Supplies: You will need felt (.25 cents at Joann), a small spool of yarn (1.29), a yarn needle (.99 cents for the plastic ones), and a Sharpie.

Simply make a template to cut out your "flags" from your felt. I used scissors to cut my felt, but a rotary cutter also works great and speeds things up quite a bit.

After cutting out your flags, simply string them together with your yarn and yarn needle. I am NO sewer (sorry Mom, still trying), but this was crazy easy. I didn't measure anything, and didn't always sew in a straight line, but Im from the thinking that eye-balling it makes it look more playful/natural. swear.

Last, get to work with that Sharpie marker, writing out a message if you wish. You could also leave these bare to just use as decorative garland.

Happy ~~Bday~~ Banner'ing!

Wreath {Love}

2013-11-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

Well, it all started with a fall wreath for my front door. I decided to tackle the tedious process of cutting out a million little burlap squares and hoping they made something that resembled a wreath when I was done.

Behold: Our fall wreath!

I loved the wreath but was left with the crazy urge to make more wreaths! I had so much fun cutting and pinning, cutting and pinning, choosing cute embellishments, etc, I just needed to do more. So, I posted on my Facebook wall to see if anyone was interested in me making a wreath for them. What did I have to lose? I was blown away by how many people reached out to me. Over the next 3 weeks, I wreath-made my little heart out, and what fun it was. Check out some of the wreaths I was able to snap photos of, below:

Bonus: The friend I made this for sent me a picture of the wreath on HER door. It looks great!

bonus 2.0: another wreath at it's new home!

Now that we're into November, and winter is fast approaching, I made my first Christmas wreath. Husbands take note, this one is going to be a gift for a friend's wife. What a great idea!!