Singing Three Little Birds

Giveaway from Local Giving Tree

2012-02-16T09:24:00.000-05:00

Last week I introduced you to Amber of Local Giving Tree. I hope you took the opportunity to sign up to receive deals from the site. Remember if you sign up you get a free handmade glass fused pendant.

Today she is back with a fantastic giveaway worth $83!

Receive all 4 of these handmade necklaces!!!!

1) Silver plated "nest" sculpture necklace with turquoise glass seed bead on espresso waxed linen cord (value $16)

2) Birds of a feather necklace with pewter bird and branch charm, leather suede, and braided cord (value $32)

3) Large boxwood hand transferred pendant with bird image (value $19)

4) Owl charm with antique brass heart on dark brown cord (value $16)

Total package value is $83

How to Enter:

Mandatory:

Subscribe to Localgivingtree.com and confirm subscription. Must subscribe on the main page of our website and email localgivingtree.com to let us know you subscribed (1 entry)

Extra Entries:

Join Local Giving Tree on Facebook. Leave comment on wall of page.(1 entry)

Follow @localgivingtree on Twitter. Tweet us a direct message.(1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway using the text below. (1 entry)

I’m entering to receive a handmade jewelry package worth $127 at www.localgivingtree.com @localgivingtree #giveaway

Good Luck!!

Inspire Me Monday: Valentine's Day!

2012-02-12T17:39:00.000-05:00

What are you doing this Valentine's Day? How about a treat?

Skinny Brownie from Instant Mommie

Nutella Thumbprint cookies from The Little Waffleflower

Heart-shaped Cinnamon rolls from Peace, Love, 2 Sisters

Red Velvet Cookies from Simply Sweet Home

Country Momma Cooks King Bars

Brownie Bites from A Pumpkin and A Princess

Drooling yet?

Yummy, Right?

Thanks for linking! I can't wait to see what you've been making and cooking this week.

Join me on Pinterest to see my Inspire Me Monday board.

Mommy School: Valentine's Day

2012-02-10T08:50:00.000-05:00

This is a simple art project for all ages. It is sometimes a challenge to do a project that is challenging enough for my almost 5 year old and simple enough for my almost 3 year old. Annabelle loves art projects and throws herself into any painting and coloring project I give her. Her project is on the left in the picture. My son's is on the right. He and I worked together on it until he lost interest and wanted to go outside and play hockey.
This is a simple crayon resist project we've done many times. I drew hearts with white crayon onto white paper and then they painted over it with watercolors.
We've done this with snowflakes too and loved it!

Introducing Amber from Local Giving Tree

2012-02-09T09:49:00.000-05:00

I am happy to have Amber from Local Giving Tree here today.

She is here to tell you all about her wonderful new site.

My name is Amber DeBirk and I am excited that Julie invited me to tell you about myself and my company, Localgivingtree.com.

Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am married to my best friend Bill, and a mother to two sweet girls, Indy Rose (6) and Willa Grace (4), plus my old man retriever Murphy (13). I am very involved in my community and the arts. I have wrote grants and fundraised for numerous local and national nonprofits and started our town’s first community market that sells locally grown produce, arts, and crafts. I am also a fused glass and mixed-media artist that works mainly with recycled glass and scrap materials. I am obsessed with upcycling and love teaching my girls crafts that are kind to our environment.

Now where does Localgivingtree.com fit in to all of this? It’s simple. I had been approached by numerous daily deal sites to offer my fused glass creations and classes on their websites. I always declined their offers, because everything that I sell, I always donate a portion of my sales to various nonprofits that are important to me and my family. I always thought it would be great to offer my artisan creations on the other “deal” sites, but something was missing…after many conversations with my crafty friends, Localgivingtree.com was born!

Local Giving Tree is a national deal site that offers you handmade, artisan, eco-friendly, and boutique items. There are companies out there that offer these same deals, however, our company is different. We are committed to “Buying, Saving, Giving& Growing,”—and with every sale, a portion of the proceeds is donated to a nonprofit or school chosen by the artist or business making the offer, hence the name, Local Giving Tree. With a grassroots approach, Local Giving Tree’s business model plants roots and helps to sustain our local economy and communities.

I would love for our “tree” to grow, and there are many ways that you can help with that. Spread the word about Localgivingtree.com by following us on Twitter (@localgivingtree), tweet about us to your family and friends, like us on Facebook (facebook.com/localgivingtree), subscribe to get our deals emailed to you by clicking here http://eepurl.com/iUYXz, share our deals via Twitter, Facebook, your blog, or Pinterest. If helping your local communities “Grow” means something to you, I encourage each of you to try shopping differently and challenge your family and friends to do the same at localgivingtree.com!

Now you don’t think I would ask you to do all of this stuff just out of the goodness of your heart, do you? Although, Localgivingtree.com has been shared by many people without the incentive I am going to offer you. Here’s the “deal,” it is our goal to get as many new subscribers as we can during the month of February, so I am offering a FREE mini-fused glass pendant made out of scrap glass by myself J, just for you signing up to get our emails! It’s free to subscribe, and we want our “tree” to grow, can you help us do that? Anyone can get this offer, so Tweet it, Blog it, Facebook it, and let’s see how the power of “sharing,” which is what Localgivingtree.com is about, can grow. To get the free handmade pendant, you must sign up through this link, click here http://eepurl.com/iUYXz .

Thanks for letting me share with you what Localgivingtree.com is all about. I am truly passionate about our commitment to giving back, and promoting the work of many talented people like you as well! If you are interested in featuring your handmade product or blog on Localgivingtree.com, please feel free to shoot me an email at localgivingtree@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you!

P.S. Localgivingtree.com will be offering a stellar giveaway next week on Julie’s blog, all handmade items!

Amber

Thank you Amber! Amber is offering a free handmade fused pendant to each new subscriber. Click Here to become a subscriber today and get a free gift. Then start hearing about all the great deals and offers from Local Giving Tree!

Inspire Me Monday: Super Bowl

2012-02-05T22:48:00.000-05:00

I didn't actually watch the Super Bowl. I watch Sprout and then Pioneer Women after the kids were asleep. But, it was on and I didn't know what else to call this post.

To be honest, right now I am exhausted and should get myself to bed.

Lots and lots of great stuff linked up last week. Thanks for inspiring me!

Newlyweds on a Budget linked up a lovely frame using simple materials. Love it!

Word Up Nerd Up shared this awesome Book Page ring. I am a sucker for book page crafts. The librarian in me.

In a word...fantastic. From Moments with the Montano's.

Okay, going to bed now. Have a great Monday!

Spotlight on Brazen Design Studio

2012-02-04T08:20:00.000-05:00

Brazen Design Studio is a beautiful original watercolor paintings. Take a look.

Go visit Brazen Design Studio today and find something beautiful for your home!

Learn how to become a sponsor here.

Mommy School: Colors

2012-02-03T07:51:00.002-05:00

Good Morning! The kids and I had a busy week of colors last week. My two year old is a bit frustrating when it comes to colors. I can't tell if he is pretending he doesn't know his colors or if he really doesn't know. One of the most difficult things about teaching my kids at home is letting go of the worry and guilt of what my kids don't know or aren't learning. Don't I have enough Mommy guilt without piling more on? They are fine. I'm doing the best I can. These are the words I tell myself every day.

Anyway, sorry for that tangent. Colors. We picked a color each day and played a game. They had to find things that match the color and put it into our color box. Annabelle loved this but Dashiell got frustrated. Then I asked him to find cars and trains in the color of the day and he did it no problem. We also read a great series of color books by Sarah L. Schuette.

Annabelle spent a lot of time in the craft room painting rainbows. We had a funeral to attend and my sweet little girl wanted to make presents for the family. She painted a beautiful rainbow and put a smile on someone's face which put a smile on my face too!

Lastly, we made play dough. I've written a lot about play dough and I think I finally got the right recipe. Here is my favorite:

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

1 cup water

1 Tablespoon Oil

2 Teaspoons Cream of Tartar

Food coloring of your choice

Mix in a pan and stir until it forms a ball. If you don't have cream of tartar go buy some. I've tried recipes that don't include it but it never works out. Also, you can use either vegetable oil or olive oil. Both worked fine.

Annabelle and I spent a whole afternoon making 6 different colors of play dough. We talked about the color wheel and primary and secondary colors.

I halved the above recipes to make smaller batches. She was thrilled. She had beautiful, colorful play dough.

Then her little brother woke up...

Then we talked about what happens when you mix all the colors together and how we use our words when we are upset.

We made more...once she calmed down.

2012 Challenge: Project Four, Week Two

2012-02-02T07:51:00.000-05:00

The piece of fabric I showed you last week that I was staring at and not doing anything with is now pressed, cut and pinned. One strip is hemmed and ruffled. Four more to go. The cutting and measuring is pretty boring and my least favorite part of sewing but it necessary.

I am hoping this project is finished by Valentine's Day!

Sponsor Spotlight on Purrdy in Pink Designs!

2012-01-31T08:20:00.001-05:00

Looking for the BEST hair accessories on Etsy! Well look no further because I found them. Purrdy in Pink Designs hair accessories are beautiful, practical and fun! Check them out!

I love Elastic Hair Ties. I have TON of hair and these hair ties are perfect and Purrdy In Pink Designs has them in awesome and unique designs I've not seen anywhere else! I also love how comfortable the feel on my wrist and these ones are super soft and comfortable. I love them!

There is a lot more at Purrdy in Pink Designs! Check out these other gorgeous products!

I could go on and on...beautiful stuff...Really!!!

Go shop Purrdy in Pin Designs now!! You won't be disappointed!

Inspire Me Monday: Lazy Sunday

2012-01-29T19:09:00.000-05:00

Well, it was gonna be. Then we decided to go ice skating. I have been ice skating a handful of times in my life. The last time was probably 10 years ago but my kids love going ice skating. Dashiell loves hockey and has been taking skating lessons. When I saw that my soon to be 3 year old was getting better at ice skating than me, I decided I should try to get on the ice. Our adventure didn't last too long. I never let go of the wall but I didn't fall. My kids must be made of tougher stuff than me because they fall tons but bounce back up and kept going.

What did you do today? I sewed today too but that's another post.

Here are some great things linked up last week.

I love salt dough and I have seen some pretty amazing stuff made with it. Great for kids too! Lady with the Red Rocker linked this great salt heart necklace. Lovely!

I've been wanting to try some printing projects and this one from Garden Therapy turned out great. Love it!

2012 Challenge: Project Three and Four

2012-01-26T11:11:00.000-05:00

I made this sweet little heart pillow. It was very easy to make. I folded my fabric and drew a half of heart like you learn to do in elementary school. I cut the fabric and cut my finger as well. I haven't seen that much blood since my son fell and bit through his lip. Wow! Those scissors are sharp! I have to remember to keep them in a safe place.

Anyway, I pinned to hearts together and sewed around it until I had about an inch left. I then stuffed it and sewed it up. I added a little rosette (of course).

This is my project for week 4.

What's that? It looks like just a piece of fabric?

Well, in fact it is just a piece of fabric. I washed it and it has been sitting on my ironing board ever since. I know what I am going to do with it. I want to make a cute ruffle skirt for my daughter but the idea of cutting and sewing all those strips of fabric seems so incredibly daunting that I just haven't started. I hope to start it soon. Like today. I will start today. Really. I will. I promise.

We'll see. I might just stare at it for another week.

Mommy School: Hibernation

2012-01-25T09:07:00.000-05:00

Last week in Mommy School, we talked about hibernation. First we read two great books about hibernation.

Next, we made polar bear caves with the bottom of a paper bag and cotton balls. This is one of those great open-ended crafts that is great for all ages. My 4 year old had a different take on it than my 2 year old. Annabelle created a whole family of polar bears all huddled up with the cotton balls and Dashiell enjoyed playing with the glue and cotton balls.

Sponsor Spotlight on Crafty Colleen & Cohort

2012-01-23T15:05:00.000-05:00

Visit Crafty Colleen for Washi paper and Comics notebooks and pencils. Lots of great stuff to chose from.

I love the idea of changing all of my lightswitches with fun ones from awesome Etsy shops like Crafty Colleen and Cohort. Go visit today!

Find out how to be a sponsor here.

Inspire Me Monday: Good Morning?

2012-01-23T09:29:00.000-05:00

Ugh. I need more coffee.

I have been meaning to feature this blogger for a long time. She is a long time linker and I can always expect a sweet comment from her every Monday! Go visit Nifty Thrifty Things and check out her amazing photography.

We just bought the kids bean bags and I wish I saw this post from Walnut Acre before I bought them. What a great idea to fill them up with plastic bags! Great way to reuse!

That's all I have time for today! Got to get the kids to gymnastics! Have a great day. I hope you know how much I appreciate you stopping by and linking up and that I do visit ALL of your blogs every week even if I don't leave a comment. I really am going to try to comment more! I love you all!!!

Crayon Hearts

2012-01-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

My daughter woke up the other morning and declined the invitation to visit the Science Center. She wanted to stay home and make crafts! She is definitely my daughter! I have wanted to make these crayon hearts for awhile. Inspired by Martha Stewart, they were a bit more complicated than they appear. (Isn't that always the way with Martha Stewart crafts?) I did love how they turned out. Not loving the crayon wax on my ironing board though! I might do this again. I think Annabelle enjoyed it and the effect really is stunning!

Sponsor Spotlight on Ideology

2012-01-18T06:00:00.002-05:00

Visit Ideology for beautiful handcrafted jewelry.

I love these Evil Eye earrings! My grandmother gave me an evil eye necklace a long time ago and I actually believe it keeps evil away. And they look really cool too!

Go visit Ideology today!

Find out how to become a sponsor here.

New at Belle Rose Designs: Valentine's Day!!

2012-01-16T12:59:00.000-05:00

I've added a few new items in the shop for Valentine's Day!

Inspire Me Monday! Good Morning!

2012-01-16T08:42:00.000-05:00

Welcome all! Let's get right to the features!

Love this art from the Crafty Scientist! Great idea to use paint chips!

Squeezing a Minute shared a tutorial for a Fabric storage container. I need a bunch of these for all the junk in my house!

Lovely dress from Organized Living Solutions. Check it out!

Thanks for sharing! Also, I have a giveaway going on this week here. Go enter! Thanks!

2012 Challenge: Project Two

2012-01-14T14:43:00.001-05:00

2012 Challenge: Sew something every week

I have challenge myself to sew something every week. For my second project I decided we needed some Valentine's decorations. I whipped a felt heart garland in a little under an hour.

I wanted a variety of colors and sizes for a fun look. I suppose I could have cut them using a heart pattern but I decided to do it free hand. I liked how they aren't perfect and a little rough.

Then too the sewing machine. Just feed the hearts through so there is one long straight line of stitches through all the hearts.

That's it! Pretty easy!

Now, it's hanging above the mirror on our mantle.

Giveaway Time!

2012-01-12T17:16:00.000-05:00

I was contacted by the lovely Marsha from JeanPatch by MK to host a giveaway of her new line of products. Marsha creates darling items from vintage handkerchiefs, books, fabrics and more. I love her altered books.

These books have been altered into Weekly Planners! How clever!

She has created a line of note cards using vintage handkerchiefs. You can read more about her design process here.

Marsha has graciously offered a giveaway of this vintage hankie tissue holder/vintage hankie pinkep for your purse and a gluten free recipe!

How to enter:

Open to US Residents only!

Please visit JeanPatch by MK's blog and become a follower come back here and leave me a comment telling me you did!

Good Luck!

2012 Challenge: Project One

2012-01-09T14:40:00.000-05:00

2012 Challenge

Sew something every week!

The beginning of a new year always makes me introspective. I start to make lists. Think about things I need to work on. This year my list was getting longer and longer. I decided I wanted to be MORE at everything. More organized. More healthy. More creative. More of everything. But this left me feeling totally uninspired. I started thinking back to when I began this blog two years ago. I began this blog to share my experiences as a new sewer and I can't remember the last time I really sewed something!

So for 2012 I gave myself a challenge.

Sew something (anything) once a week.

Here is my first project. Annabelle got a guitar for Christmas and was having a hard time holding it properly. I set to work!

I love being able to solve a problem with my sewing machine.

I even made it adjustable so the little guy can strap it on too!

I also sewed a little bit of elastic on the ends so it would attach the guitar.

I finished it in an afternoon and I have to say I am pretty impressed with it! Who knew I could sew an adjustable strap!? It was actually pretty easy!

Inspire Me Monday Linky Party: Pinterest!!!!!

2012-01-09T09:28:00.000-05:00

Pinterest has taken over my life!!!

Anyone else completely addicted? Every time I log on to my computer to blog or work I just hop on Pinterest to "check". The next thing I know a half hour has past and I have done nothing. NOTHING. But Pin! Oh my I have a problem! So sorry I have been scarce. I really have a lot to blog about but I have been so distracted with pinning that I haven't done any of it!!!! AAAAHHHH!!!

Anyway, thanks for linking up. Here are a few that caught my eye. A ton of great "best of" posts that I had a lot of fun browsing! Thanks for inspiring me.

Domestic Imperfection linked up her Top posts of 2011 and this was #1. It's fantastic!

I love decorating for Valentine's Day almost as much as Christmas or Halloween! These Love Birds from Marvelously Messy are darling.

I love wine cork projects! This bracelet from A Creative Princess is fantastic. I think I remember pinning it on Pinterest. :)

Mommy School: The Human Body

2012-01-05T13:35:00.000-05:00

Since I quit my job in August, my kids and I have been learning at what we call "Mommy School." My daughter loved learning at her preschool but we made the decision to take her out and I would teach her and my son at home.

This week we have been learning about The Human Body. You can find a lot of the activities I did with them on my Pinterest board, Mommy School.

One of them was this activity. We spent most of the morning tracing our bodies, coloring and labeling body parts. We read several books about the Human Body as well.

Inspire Me Monday! Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T15:42:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday. I had a great time spending time with my family and relaxing. Now back to work

I am so glad you are all here! You all made my 2011 blogging journey wonderful. I look forward to spending all of 2012 with you.

Here are the features from a few weeks back!

I wanted to feature this in the 25 Days of Christmas ornaments but I just got too busy. Remind me next year not to plan a blogging event the 25 days before Christmas. I saw these on Artsy-Fartsy Mama's blog and loved them.

I actually ended up making one of my own from buttons I found in my Grandma's sewing stash! Thanks for inspiring me!

While you are taking down your tree, take a look at these tree creations that will inspire you for next year! Never too soon to start creating for next, Christmas right?

Christmas tree button headband from Loopy Loop Creations.

This is a great idea for the kids from Babblings and More for next year! Ice cream cones and frosting! Yummy!

Feel free to link up your FAVORITE craft or post you made this year! Or if you have an inspiring New Year's post I would love to see it too!

25 Days of Christmas Ornaments Days 20 & 21

2011-12-21T08:51:00.000-05:00

Are you still crafting? My daughter asked me if I was getting her something for Christmas. I told her I would make her something so I have two presents to make. I can't make her something and not my son! Anyway, I still have a few ornaments I wanted to make too and some decorating. Probably won't get it all done but I love crafting this time of year. So much inspiration. Here are two great ornaments linked up! Thanks for sharing!