Do you ever feel bad when you set out to do something good? I think it’s blogger’s guilt or something…

In any event, there were so many great DIY projects linked up this week. I can’t wait to share them with you.

Show & Tell Highlights

Check out this amazing DIY drum share light fixture, from Knuckle Salad.

I have an old truck that has pretty well been beaten beyond it’s life, but I think I am going to have to try this DIY wood repair recipe from Domestic Bliss Squared.

I am absolutely loving this chevron wood box built by My DIY Habits. Such a great classic.

It seems like there’s always a little pile of shoes, dirt and water right outside the door in the summer. This fun pallet storage being featured over on Rags to Stitches would take care of those issues perfectly.

I love window boxes. They add so much character to a home. You’re in luck because this week Laughing Abi is sharing a complete tutorial (including plans) for her pretty DIY window boxes.

I mentioned last week that I have been sort of in love with all of the nautical fixtures I’ve seen…Well that love has been extended to the beach. Check out this fun weathered beach sign, from Upcycled Treasures.

If you would have asked me beach or mountain three or four years ago, I would have picked mountain hands down. Ask me know? I might be leaning a bit more toward the beach…We shall blame old age and a resistance to cold. Nevertheless, this fun DIY starfish garland, from A Little Clairification caught my eye right off. I love it!

This ticket stub memory box over at de Jong Dream House is such a fun idea (and I also love that she used Thickers – one of the products manufactured by American Crafts, my employer).

I love it when I come across a post that I adore, only to find out its been put together by a blogger that I love! Such was the case with this amazing hexagon wall treatment from Holly at My Sister’s Suitcase. You’ve got to go see the full reveal!

This “hello” wreath, from Create Craft Love, is such a great way to welcome people to your door through the summer.

Thanks for sharing your talent! Grab a feature button for your site if you’d like.

Show & Tell Linky

Ok friends, it’s time for you to show off your projects for the week. Let’s see what you’ve been up to.

• Link any sort of craft or DIY projects or recipes, but make sure you link to the specific post, rather than your home page.
• Please do not link projects that have been shared previously. Please don’t link up your own linky party.
• Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter where I will share some favorite projects.
• Everyone loves comments. Please take a moment and comment on two posts above yours and two posts below.
• Be sure to link back to SNAP! Use the button below.
  
  <img src=”http://snapcreativity.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Show-and-Tell-Button2.jpg” alt=”SNAP!” style=”border:none;” />

The post Show & Tell No. 53: 10 Great DIY Projects appeared first on SNAP!.

My middle child Logan recently turned eight and was baptized a member of our church.  We had a little get-together with our family afterwards. It wasn’t quite lunch time so I decided a light brunch would be fun. I chose a blue and aqua color scheme for the food table.

One of Logan’s favorite things is chocolate donuts so at the center of the table I created a donut cake and embellished it with a mini necktie bunting. I wanted to share how I made this cute little bunting – you could use it for a little man birthday party or any boy themed party, really.

You only need a couple of things to create this banner: patterned paper, plain cardstock, straws (or bamboo skewers), twine and small letter stickers.

First I cut mini neckties out of colored cardstock about 2 1/4 inches long by 1 1/4 inches wide using my Silhouette machine. Then I cut out the smaller, patterned ties, which were about 2″ long by 1 inch wide. I used a glue stick to attached the 2 pieces together.

Use your stickers to spell out the saying for your bunting. Attach the neckties to your twine with tiny pieces of tape. Tie the twine to your straws (or bamboo skewers) and insert into your cake or whatever else you want to embellish!

That’s it! A simple and easy way to dress up any cake or dessert for your next celebration!

I seem to have a thing for mini buntings – I think because they’re so easy to create, can be used for anything, and they give your dessert just a little personalized wow factor. I’ve made a washi tape bunting as well as a bunting made out of rainbow-colored ribbon for a fun birthday cake.

What do you think? Has the mini-bunting bug caught you? 

The post Mini Necktie Bunting appeared first on SNAP!.

This year I wanted to do something special for Derek’s birthday. I don’t know about you, but I always have a hard time picking out just the right thing. Guys seem to buy what they want when they want it and what they always really want is so expensive, right?! (Please tell me I am not alone in thinking this…)

In the end, I decided to celebrate with a unique birthday gift idea. I wanted to each year of his life with a special little gift so we had a gift-a-year birthday celebration.

I tried picking out quirky items that reminded me of specific moments or little things that I just knew he loved. Once I collected them all together, I packaged them up in some simple kraft packaging and labeled each with a number – one for each year of his life.

I had so much fun making the embossed gift tags. It gave me the perfect excuse to try out the VersaMark ink Tsukineko sent out about a month ago. Embossing was sooo much easier than I thought! Essentially all you need for the project is a Pigment ink pad (I used a clear ink so that I could swap out the embossing colors easily), stamps, embossing powders and a heat gun.

Seriously, barely took anytime at all and it was such a fun element!

I attached the year tags a number of different ways, but I mainly used twine and clothespins.

You can see the gifts were pretty small. I bought things like Mexican Coke, his favorite pens, gum, candy, gift cards and dark chocolate. All pretty simple! With each item I tried to pick out things that were normal and yet completely unique to him…I mean common, who only like the orange and yellow Starburst. Everyone knows that the pink are the best, right?!

I loved doing a gift a year. I think I might try doing it for other important birthdays!

What unique ways do you celebrate birthdays?

The post Unique Birthday Gift Idea: A Gift A Year appeared first on SNAP!.

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11 Sizzlin’ Summer BBQ Recipes

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Bruschetta Turkey Burger Sliders with Avocado Spread via Barbara Bakes

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Grilled Hot Dog Skewers & Creamy Avocado Dip via Family Fresh Cooking

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Grilled Garlic Naan Pizza via Sweet Basil

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Grilled Pineapple Pork Chops via Six Sisters Stuff

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Spiced Black Bean, Grilled Avocado and Goat Cheese Tacos via Naturally Ella

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Grilled Corn with Ancho Chili Butter and Fresh Lime via Virtually Homemade

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Grilled Ribeyes with Blue Cheese Butter via Southern Fairytale

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Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Glaze via Erica’s Bloggity Blog

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Seven Layer Sliders via Taste and Tell

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Caprese Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Reduction via Add a Pinch

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Gorgonzola Stuffed Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Balsamic Drizzle via Cafe Johnsonia

The post Sizzlin’ Summer BBQ Recipes appeared first on SNAP!.

The problem is that I hate having each and every get together look boring and incomplete. I’ve learned that details are the thing that tie a good event together. In the past, I have added to the plain by creating hand-stamped napkins. I considered pulling something similar together for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, but it just didn’t have enough sparkle. Flat and fireworks just don’t go together.

This was a project that called for one thing…glitter.

One of the greatest discoveries of my life has been glitter tape. It’s got all of the goodness of washi, with the added bonus of sparkle! It may well be my very favorite American Crafts product.

I decided to snatch up a couple of rolls in red, white and blue to create my own DIY patriotic partyware.

I wrapped the glitter tape around my plain white dinner napkins, lunch sacks, plastic cups and paper straws.

I plan on paring these dressed up goodies with regular old red solo plastic party plates. What do you think? Isn’t this just the perfect amount of sparkle?

The post DIY Patriotic Partyware appeared first on SNAP!.

The kids last day of school was Friday and today’s temperature reach 100 degrees, so I think it’s pretty safe to say summer has arrived around here! If last week’s linky is any indication of things in your neck of the woods, you’re in the same boat.

This week, I am featuring some of my favorite summertime posts! You’ve got to check out these super summer project ideas.

I am completely jealous of Cheryl’s (That’s What Che Said) fun pergola project. I would love to have one of these in my backyard…not sure if it would be a “weekend project” around here though.

I adore nautical decor and this sweet ship’s helm makes a great summer wreath. Go check it out at Upcycled Treasures.

This project isn’t strictly summer, but I love the beachy aqua color. Check out this antique office chair update from Ardent Hands Design.

I am not gonna lie. I absolutely love sleeping in on the weekend. I live for it. However, in the summer the sunlight streaming in my windows makes my lazy mornings near impossible. I need to delve into this tutorial on how to make blackout curtains from One Little Project.

Oh my gosh. These summer “sunnies” cases that Susan, from Sugar Beans, made for her daughter’s swim date are absolutely adorable (this is another reason I needed a girl).

Yummmm. Fruit smoothie pops? Sounds like the perfect treat for summer. Pop over to I Dig Pinterest to check this one out.

I am dying to try this delicious-looking grilled rosemary pita bread from Make Life Lovely. It looks so light and shoot, you get to cook it on the grill.

Hello delicious corn slaw. I think I like you. Pop over to A Pumpkin and A Princess for this tasty recipe!

Very few things say summer to me more than a good churro – it comes from my history as an amusement park junkie. You’ve got to pop over and check out this baked churro recipe from Burt Apples. It looks fantastic!

Dear Todd and Lindsey, we don’t know each other, but man your posts are great. Now that I know you have a cute dog to match mine too I think we should be best friends. I will definitely be making your sweet potato dog chews.

Thanks for sharing your talent! Grab a feature button for your site if you’d like.

Show & Tell Linky

Ok friends, it’s time for you to show off your projects for the week. Let’s see what you’ve been up to.

• Link any sort of craft or DIY projects or recipes, but make sure you link to the specific post, rather than your home page.
• Please do not link projects that have been shared previously. Please don’t link up your own linky party.
• Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter where I will share some favorite projects.
• Everyone loves comments. Please take a moment and comment on two posts above yours and two posts below.
• Be sure to link back to SNAP! Use the button below.
  
  <img src=”http://snapcreativity.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Show-and-Tell-Button2.jpg” alt=”SNAP!” style=”border:none;” />

The post Show & Tell 52: Super Summer Project Ideas appeared first on SNAP!.

I don’t know why it was so hard for me to join and share with you. Everyone struggles with weight issues of some sort or another during their lives, right? Having said that, I shared with you before I even shared with my own family.

I’ve since shared, but I have been sneaking lower-fat recipes into our rotation. Guess what? No one has noticed and everything I have tried has been a pretty good success.

Today I am sharing a crowd pleaser – “skinny” jalapeño poppers.

Ingredients
12 large jalapeños
8 oz. reduced fat cream cheese
1/3 cup reduced fat shredded cheese (I used Monterey Jack)
2 tbsp chopped green onions
1 tbsp cilantro
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder

Directions
Heat grill to medium high.

Make a long vertical slice on each of the 12 peppers. Basically, you want to open these up large enough to clean out the seeds and fill the pepper. (Whatever you do, DO NOT touch your eyes…Not fun!)

Mix together cream cheese, 1/2 the shredded cheese, onions, cilantro and paprika.

Fill pepper shells with cheesy filling and sprinkle with the remaining cheese and for a bit more heat, the chili powder.

Place on well oiled grill and cook until filling is completely melted.

Derek is a huge fan of spicy. Me? Not so much. I am always trying to find a happy balance between the more tame foods I like and the heat that he is looking for. This skinny jalapeño poppers recipe provided a happy middle.

Are you a spicy food fan?

The post Skinny Jalapeno Poppers Recipe appeared first on SNAP!.

Today’s DIY all-occasion chalkboard banner fills all my needs.

On top of all that. I think it would make a cute gift too!

When you take a look at the limited supplies required for this project, you’ll realize what an easy/inexpensive project this chalkboard banner really is.

Supplies

• Wood. We used a variety of shapes bought at the craft store and handmade markets, but you could use something like this craft plywood on Amazon.
• Martha Stewart Chalkboard Paint
• Foam brush.
• Twine.
• Chalk.

We painted our wood with two-three coats of chalkboard paint and then laced the twine in and out to hang the banner.

It’s great for everyday…

A home celebrations…

It really is the perfect all-occasion banner…

I know we will be making good use of it!

The post Easy DIY Chalkboard Banner appeared first on SNAP!.

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12 Father’s Day Gift Ideas

“King of Duct Tape” Treat Crowns via Hostess with the Mostess
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Mini Tool Box for Dad via Gluesticks
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DIY Pillows Made from Daddy’s Shirts via Ducklings in a Row
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Father’s Day Golf Monogram Pallet Art via Becoming Martha
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Retro Father’s Day Printables via Delightfully Noted
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DIY Mustache Glass via No. 2 Pencil
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Candy Filled Tie Pots via Make It & Love It
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You’re an AWesome Dad! via Nothing But Country
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Father’s Day Gift Basket via Lemonade Makin’ Mama
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DIY Accordion Photo Album in Pocket Watch Shell via The Mother Huddle
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Father’s Day Photo Board via Thirty Handmade Days
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Super Hero Supply Company Gift Box via Alpha Mom

The post Father’s Day Gift Ideas appeared first on SNAP!.

I love Father’s Day. It’s such a great opportunity to honor the men in our lives – father’s, brother’s and spouses. I am used to celebrating Father’s Day with my own Dad, but having someone of my very own to cheer on is still a little bit new to me…

I fell in love with Derek because he’s a great dad…Okay. It’s not the ONLY reason, but being a father is so important to him it certainly has had a big impact on our relationship.

Even now, five years after we first met, I catch myself watching him with the boys often. Seeing them together melts my heart and makes me fall in love (with all of them) just a little bit more.

He takes the time to snuggle them.

Play with them.

And genuinely takes the time to be interested in what they’re interested in.

He’s creating memories with them. Great ones. One of my favorite things is to watched them get jazzed about attending sporting events together. They love it and it’s an activity they will remember participating in with one another forever!

To celebrate Derek’s role as Dad, this year I am participating in Cardstore’s Pin it for Papa contest.

Cardstore is a great service that allows you to create custom cards by adding personal photos, personalized messaging and your signature. The really cool thing is that they will then print, stamp and send the card for you! Easy peasy.

I am super-excited because Cardstore has invited me to share their Pin it for Papa contest with you. To sweeten the deal, one SNAP! reader will receive a gift card for $100! 

You will also be eligible for the $50 weekly prize and the $300 grand prize! 

All you have to do is participate in the pin contest. Here is more information:

To enter to win the $100 Visa gift card, follow the directions in the Rafflecopter box below. Be patient, it may take a second to load. For best results, enter via a computer. 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Happy Father’s Day with Cardstore {$100 Giveaway} appeared first on SNAP!.