Two Shades of Pink

The Easiest 4th of July Cupcake Picks...Ever

2015-06-24T07:34:00.001-04:00

Aren't these little Star picks just the cutest?

I can't even...

When I started styling my little photo shoot for the Mason Jar Sippers with Darby Smart, I was trying to work with what I had around the house to make something super quick. I started grabbing red and blue fruit, some red plates, nautical 4th of July napkins, and cupcake wrappers with patriotic colors. But I didn't have anything to decorate the cupcakes.

So I came up with some crazy easy toppers that took 5 minutes to make.

All you need is some silver floral wire and star stickers.

That's it.

Cut your floral wire to different lengths and sandwich one end between two star stickers.

Using different size stars in reds and blues makes it just about perfect.

Boom. You are done.

Don't they look darling??

I'm telling you. This is the easiest diy for your 4th of July party or get together.

4th of July Sippers with Darby Smart

2015-06-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

For awhile now, I have wanted to update one of my most popular projects which was my Mason Jar Sippy Cups from a few years ago. I was excited to add some paper straws, modern paper, and put a fun twist on one of the easiest projects I have ever done. I presented it to my friends at Darby Smart and they agreed to make this great project into a kit!

I could not be more thrilled!!

Most of you who visit my blog know that I love projects that are simple but make an impact. That's what is so great about this project. Its easy, festive, and best of all...FAST!

So here is the updated version of this project with some fun little tags to add to the mix.

Here is what you need to make this project come together...

Mason jars with lids, paper straws, nautical or patriotic card stock paper, hole punch, scissors, pencil

optional: mason jar stamp, ink pad, silver or black ink pen, glue stick and twine.

Step 1: Take your flat lid and trace it on the backside of your card stock.
Step 2: Punch a hole for your straw in your circle.
Step 3: Place your card stock circle on top of the jar which is taking the place of your flat lid.
Step 4: Screw on your outer lid to tighten the card stock lid.

Tightening the outer lid makes the paper inside rigid and you can poke a straw through it creating a festive, 4th of July drink. How fun is that?

Next, you can create mason jar tags that are perfect for a 4th of July greeting, labeling the type of drink in your mason jar or even name tags for your party guests.

Step 1: Gather your tag making materials.
Step 2: Stamp your mason jar on kraft paper or card stock
Step 3: Using coordinating paper, hand tear a separate piece of paper for your label.
Step 4: Write your message, punch a hole and thread with twine.*

*Tie twine around neck of mason jar for added cuteness too!! :) '

What is so great about this project is you can buy it as a kit through Darby Smart. You can purchase whatever you need including the jars, card stock, stamp, ink pad, and calligraphy pen. It comes in their happy little blue box right to your doorstep so you can get crafting! Check out the project and supply list here at Darby Smart.

Thanks for peeking in friends!

Stay tuned for a tutorial on those adorable star cupcake picks!

Flower + Stripe Coasters

2015-05-08T23:15:00.000-04:00

I had a ton of posts to share for Mother's Day but as usual...family life has caught up with me. I have so many ideas that I jot down in the notes section of my phone that never see the light of day. But this is one that made the cut. I wanted ideas for Mother's day that could be done last minute. And I get to combine my love of stripes and flowers. Win-win.

These are made with some coasters I have held onto for a rainy day. I wanted a clustered flower look (I threw some birds in there too. It felt like the springy thing to do.) and I decided to use some amazing graphics I bought off the amazing etsy shop The Ink Nest. Obviously, these are for personal use only and I would recommend everything in her shop. Check out Sabina's complete site here. But here are some other graphics and clip art I have found that are free like this gorgeous watercolor clipart, or these awesome vintage cameras from Angie Makes. Look around her beautiful site...such a wealth of gorgeousness and so many options for flowers!

Materials you need are some coasters or tiles, scrapbook paper, scissors, images you want to decoupage, brush and modge podge.

Quick Steps:

1. Trace your coaster on the wrong side/back of some scrapbook paper and cut out.

2. Brush your glue on the coaster and place striped paper down on the coaster. Using a bone folder or credit card, smooth out your bumps.

3. Pre-arrange your flowers and birds in a layering fashion to ensure placement.

4. Glue flowers/birds and when dry seal them with another coat of mod podge on top.

I admit that all the layering feels weird for me. I did some mini hyperventilating convinced that I was going to ruin it. But then I realize I wanted to just blast the things with lots of color and flowery goodness so I went crazy and did whatever felt right. It was cathartic.

I loved how they turned out.

I even played around and made a cute mother's day tag with the same graphics.

I love me some matchy matchy.

A great last minute Mother's Day gift.

Run to the craft store, grab what you need, find some great printables and have fun with it.

Until next time sweet friends. :)

Decoupage Milk Bottles Kit with Darby Smart

2015-04-13T22:47:00.000-04:00

Have you guys heard of Darby Smart? Of course you have since this site is like a crafter's paradise. They sell craft kits created by their designers that you can purchase and make yourself at home. Its like a one stop shop.

Recently, they asked me to be a designer (so excited!) and my first kit just launched a few weeks ago to make these beautiful painted and decoupaged milk bottles.

Everything to make these comes in their little blue box that is shipped to your door.

You can purchase everything on their site from the milk bottles to the paper flowers.

Check it out HERE.

A little spray paint here...

A little mod podge there...

Seal it and you are done.

Let me know what you think and check out Darby Smart for a ton of creative inspiration and other kits available to you.

Citrus Stamped Wrapping Paper

2015-03-17T22:33:00.000-04:00

I had the wonderful privilege of sharing this super fun DIY back in February for my precious friends at Eighteen25. I honestly can't say enough about those sweet girls. Its such an honor to contribute for them and I am glad I get to share some of my projects with you back here on my little old blog. So enjoy this fun tutorial for Citrus Stamped Wrapping Paper.

So. I have this thing for citrus. I have a particular affection for all things lemon. I thought it would be fun to make some happy wrapping paper since packaging is my heart. I planned on going to the craft stores to hunt down a ready made stamp but it never happened. I'm lazy. I figured I could make my own and wing it. I'm actually excited about how it turned out.

Materials: craft foam, scrap card stock, a piece of wood to create your stamp, scissors, hot glue gun, paint (orange, yellow, and lime green), paint brush, a petal paper punch (optional), and white kraft paper. I found mine at Michael's where the packaging and wrapping supplies are.

(See photo above) I cut out a circle from craft foam and then cut out the inside to make the outer edge of the stamp. You could trace a cup but I wasn't looking for perfection so I free handed the circle.

Next I used a petal shaped paper punch with scrap card stock to use as a template for the inside of my citrus slice. I wanted it to look imperfect so I cut the petals into irregular, rounded triangle shapes.

My hubby cut some scrap wood and I hot glued my shape to it creating a custom stamp for my project.

I unrolled the white kraft paper on the floor and anchored it on both ends so it would lay flat. Using a paintbrush and paint (instead of ink), I painted the stamp first and then randomly stamped all over the paper. I started with yellow, then orange, then green. I am kicking myself for not adding pink (duh!) to have pretty grapefruit in the mix. Next time.

I experimented with different shades of the colors too and gently washed the stamps in between colors. When you have filled the paper, let it dry, roll it up and you have made custom wrapping paper! My kids got into it too and I love that you could make this for any holiday or event. Letting your kids get creative would make it so special for grandparents and friend's birthday parties too.

For some extra cuteness, I painted "so sweet" over and over on a basic sheet of white paper.

(Great for tiny boxes!)

I coordinated the handmade paper with green striped paper and it looks perfect together. Add some orange twine and you have adorably coordinated packages.

Of course, I couldn't resist adding a pom pom lemon with little felt leaves as a topper. :)

Y'all know me.

Stick + Yarn Star Ornaments

2014-12-25T21:17:00.000-05:00

Typically I am a person who will decorate and stay busy through the entire Christmas season until January 1st and then I want to sleep for a week. This year, I find myself looking for the blessing in simplicity. To slow down and not make everything be about busyness and hustle. So the cookies will be easy, the decorations are easy and of course...little projects too.

Which is why I am sharing the easiest ornament in the entire universe.

Simple for the kiddos and for you.

All you need are 5 lollipop sticks. I used 12 inch and 6 inch lengths to make different sizes.

Grab some pretty yarn or twine, scissors and a hot glue gun too.

Now just glue your sticks together to form a star shape. The hot glue will go where you see a pink dot. Don't worry about making a perfect star because they look cuter not quite straight.

Now just glue the end of a length of yarn to each end of the star where you hot glued the ends together and wrap around about 6-8 times, cut and seal the tail end with a dot of hot glue.
(You could do all of this with the kiddos and just use craft glue. It will just take longer to dry.)

These stars make a sweet tree ornament...

or even a gift topper.

I want to try wrapping different colors of yarn all the way up the points or even over the whole thing.
There are many ways to make this simple craft unique.
Hope you enjoyed a craft that will make your life a bit simpler and whole lot cuter!

Merry Christmas friends.
I pray your holiday season is filled with joy and sweet moments with your families.
xoxo

Embroidery Hoop Yarn Spider Webs

2014-10-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

Well, I know I am getting this just under the wire but here is a quick and fun idea that I shared over at Eighteen25 a few weeks ago. This great project is quick, kid friendly, and REALLY versatile. I had a bunch of empty embroidery hoops of various sizes (just hanging all lonely like) in my craft room closet. And I started thinking that they would make the cutest little spider webs! I played around with the best way to do it and here's what I came up with... :)

1. First, grab some hoops, yarn, and scissors.

2. Tie a piece of yarn around the center of your hoop like a gift. *Now, you can change it up a bit here. I am giving directions to do this craft with kids but if you want to add a hot glue gun, just glue the ends of a single piece of yarn and hot glue on the outside of the hoop. It won't have this doubled string look. I just did it this way to omit hot glue.

3. Wrap your inner hoop vertically, then horizontally to make a plus sign. You do this by just tying it off at the top.

4. Then do it diagonally to the left and then diagonally to the right to make 8 pie piece sections with your yarn. You can look it like spokes of a wheel. *Again, you can do this with single strands and hot glue.

5. Now put the outer loop back on and tighten to start weaving. Take the end of your yarn and tie a knot in the center. (You can also start on the outside and finish it in the center with a knot too)
6. Now make a tiny little ball of yarn so that you will have enough to continuously weave it around to create your web.
7. At each line of yarn you will tie it in a knot to create your web. This will bring the two strands together to look like one strand.

8. Do this until you get to the very center and cut off the extra. Pretty simple, right?

I added a black pom pom spider with yarn legs to complete the look. When you go to tie off your pom pom just use 4 strands of yarn instead of one and it will create 8 floppy legs.

You could also use a felt ball with wire legs, a tiny ball of yarn, or just buy a creepy crawly plastic spider.

I love the versatility of hanging this on your wall or window, using it in a vignette, or on a mantel. Plus your kids will be so excited that they were part of decorating for Halloween.

Happy Halloween sweet friends! xoxo

Yarn Ghost Garland with Speech Bubbles

2014-10-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends!

I am so excited to share this adorably cute ghost garland with speech bubbles! I shared this over on Eighteen25 for their Spooktacular September. I actually took this idea off of another Spooktacular project I did (these adorable Monster Cupcake Picks) but expanded on it to make this ghost garland.

Here's what you need: (5)1.5 inch Styrofoam balls, white yarn, black adhesive felt, twine or yarn, 5 toothpicks, tape, hole punch, glue gun, a book or chalkboard for wrapping yarn around and scissors. Oh and your cute little speech bubbles. (printable below)

Step 1: Wrap yarn around a chalkboard or book 35-50 times.
Step 2: Slide the yarn off and tie off the middle.
Step 3: Snip the loops and fold in half until you have your ghost shape.
Step 4: Give your ghost a little haircut to even it up a bit.

Step 5: Spread the yarn out and hot glue your Styrofoam ball right in the middle.
Step 6: Punch out eyes for your cute little ghosts to see. :) I reinforced mine with a dab of hot glue.

Step 8: Thread twine on a thick (yarn) needle. Push your needle at the top of the styrofoam ball (right where the needle is pointing in the photo). This will help it hang and not be too heavy. Thread each one onto your twine or yarn. note: yarn will probably make this much sturdier

Now your ghosts are ready to start talking!

You can print your speech bubbles here.

(go to the downward arrow with a line underneath it in the bottom right, download, and print)

I used washi tape for the tooth picks but I think the best thing is probably scotch tape for the lighter colored bubbles because the darker tape can be seen through the back. Trim your toothpick to size with scissors and slide it in the ghost head on an angle.

Now hang it somewhere so it makes you smile! I have this garland on my living room chalkboard but you could hang it on a blank wall or just about anywhere. Its a pretty quick craft which makes it great to do with the kiddos too.

Decoupage and Painted Milk Bottles

2014-09-26T11:12:00.001-04:00

Oh my sweet goodness! Pinch me I'm dreaming because I'm beyond stoked to be a Creative Team Member with the one and only Eighteen25 Girls! Whaaaaaat? These girls have been a blessing to me for years and a constant encouragement and source of inspiration. I shared this project a few months back but wanted to share it here as well.

The idea for these pretty bottles came from perusing Pinterest one day and seeing a picture of some pretty spray painted bottles that I am pretty sure were decoupaged with some cut out flowers. It was one of those times where you whiz by something while scrolling Pinterest on your phone and then poof...you can't find it again. It seemed simple enough so I decided to just try it with scrapbook paper I had on hand and some old Starbucks iced cappuccino bottles that I bought just for the bottles and not the drink. :)

I spray painted the bottles white. I did mine with three coats but you can spray them until you they are covered the way you like. You should probably seal them as well with a clear spray sealer but I am lazy and did not. Then I grabbed some floral paper that I figured would be relatively easy to cut out. This may take some patience but I find it kind of relaxing. Weird, right? For spots you cant get to with scissors, just use an X-acto knife on a cutting board.

Now just use Mod Podge to decoupage then to your bottle. Brush a little on the back of the paper and then place it on the bottle. Brush over the top with a little more glue to keep it flat. I was using card stock so I had to press it down with my finger. Let it dry overnight and that's it. A pretty and simple project with a stunning result.

P.S. You could also save the lids, spray paint them and use for storage for tiny little craft supplies or even just loose change. I only had one lid to three of these which I painted gold but forgot to take a picture. Sorry. :( I hope you enjoyed this project and there will be more to come!

xo sweet friends

cupcake liner cookie pouches

2014-07-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

Y'all.

I have wanted to try this little idea for like a year now. I have been obsessed with cupcake liners for like ever. They are so pretty but when you actually bake with them, they end up washed out and faded so the presentation falls kinda flat. I know about the ones that stay vibrant but I cant find them as easily with all the pretty designs. Soooo...I buy them and hoard them. Then I thought...

cupcake liners + cookies = ♥

I think it's a match made in baking heaven.

I host a bible study every Monday at my house so I get the good luck of all the leftovers for snacks. This week I had a bunch of leftover cookies so this was the perfect time to try this idea out and style some photos.

(cupcake liners from bakers stock)

I got out my lovingly hoarded, leaning tower of cupcake liners and got to work.

It's pretty easy. First, you flatten out your liners. If you are a perfectionist you can use an iron and spritz them with a puff of steam. Using a non-toxic, Elmer's Naturals Glue Stick, I just went around the edges only halfway. Then I slid the cookie in and glued it the rest away around to close it up.

I love these glue sticks and no one is paying me to say that.

I use them for everything and I buy them in bulk whenever I see them.

*If you are still not too keen on the glue stick idea here is a great diy recipe for a food safe glue that is edible.

I made a cute label (yes, I am well aware it was a chocolate chip cookie I put in there but my aspirations to have different cookies battled it out with my efficient self to just use what I had...efficiency won) and wrapped it in twine. Now look at it all snug in it's pretty little package!

Another fun idea is to make it into an open pouch.

This is great for a larger cookie. I was able to fit two smaller ones in this pouch.

Just fold and glue it about 1/3 of the way down (instead of in half) on the wrong side of one liner. Then glue the folded one to the other flat liner, wrong sides facing each other, as shown in the picture.

This one is tied off with some twine and the label is attached with a binder clip.

You can also make a cute heart label, cut it out with a circle cutter, and use a glue stick to adhere it.

Simple and super cute presentation.

I love this idea for favors at a party, to pack as a little surprise in a lunch box, or even on a sweet treat in a picnic basket. I can picture this as diy wedding favors too.

Cookie packaging happiness. :)

Working on Opening an Etsy Shop....Someday

2014-07-15T23:31:00.000-04:00

Well it's been quite some time, hasn't it? I assume my readership has decreased drastically and I have no one but myself to blame. But honestly...blogging is just not that important to me anymore. Wait...scratch that. I actually LOVE blogging. I love creating. Taking photos of what I create. And posting them to share with wonderful YOU.

Yet...

I feel tugged in gazillion directions and something always needs to give and its usually the old blog. I seriously want the secret formula to being a great wife and mom while having a thriving blog. Is it 2 hours sleep? Do people make their kids their own personal sweatshop and teach then to use hot glue guns and photoshop like a boss? Seriously, it takes many hours for me to pour into blog projects. Too many hours.

Just today my kids were asking me about kinds of clouds. And what they are called. And the shapes they form. And I just wanted to freeze the moment knowing that their precious heart and inquisitive minds are what I need to pour into. You have heard all of this before. My lamenting about my blogging slackerness. No, you can't use it in scrabble but its totally a word. And here I am doing it again.

Sigh.

I even have this dream of opening an Etsy shop. Instagram has been so inspirational with talented people who got my rear in gear and I started cranking out stuff for a little old shop. And blogging went "poof!" Instagram became my new bestie because....HELLO...one pic + one sentence = boom....you're done. Now that's my speed as of late.

THEN...summer came. And my whole world changed. Kids are home all.the.time. We are actually tackling full time homeschool next year. I started Whole 30 (holy cow is eating like that life changing) Vacations happened. And then...all my Etsy making just stopped too.

I look into these little faces who ask me to dance to the Frozen soundtrack or bake cookies or snuggle and I'm like..."What is more important than THAT?"

So I am kind of doing things here and there. Slowly but surely. If you follow me on IG you have seen the above pictures of things I love creating for parties and packaging. Hopefully some things will be in my shop. Someday. Who knows?

Just wanted to check in. Say hi. Catch you up a bit.

Hope all of you are doing wonderful.

A Mother's Day Post: For Those Who Find Today Not So Happy

2014-05-11T10:44:00.001-04:00

I'm sitting here in tears. Just crying in the lobby of my church banging out this post on my little phone. My eyes are bloodshot and I keep spontaneously erupting in tears because my emotions just keep bubbling to the surface, threatening to ruin the makeup I frantically put on this morning to get here on time.

I wasn't sure how to start this post this year. I've done this kind of Mother's Day post for a few years now but this year is so different. My heart is raw with pain having my first Mothers Day without my mom. And I remember all to well how this day used to be painful because I longed to be a mom. To stand up in church each Sunday as they called the moms to stand. To feel the sense of pride and purpose. And each year I sat (while my sweet mom friends stood) with this gaping hole in my heart that I wanted to fill with a mother's love for a child.

And through foster care and eventually adoption...I became a mom. And while adopting our Cati, I became pregnant with Ella. Two. TWO?? I never felt more love from the Father than when he fulfilled my deep desire of a child and instead of the one I longed for...He gave me TWO.

Isn't that just like God? :) I sometimes doubt the scripture that tells us He longs to be gracious to us.

"Yet The Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up and show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him." Isaiah 30:18.

A foundation of truth I stand upon now.

But I have never forgotten my journey. I can still feel that pain acutely so my compassion overflows to other women who long to be a mom too. To fill that desire of their hearts.

And to other women today...

-birth moms who gave the ultimate sacrifice of love to give up their flesh and blood in order to give them life. Who may ache today as they think about their children who are not with them. I think about Cati's birth mom a lot.

-for women like me today who are missing their moms. Who may be filled with pain, perhaps regrets, if only's and just memories because their mom's have passed on or walked away from being a mom.

-for those who are estranged from their moms or their children. Who, through trial and difficulty, feel the chasm widen today as they long for reconciliation.

-for those mothers who have lost a child in death or miscarriage. Oh, how the pain of this loss must feel all consuming today. To know that a piece of their heart is missing.

-for the orphans and foster children that long to look into the eyes of the one they will one day call mom forever. Who want to understand why their parents couldn't care for them or want them like they should.

-for single moms who courageously and diligently hold their families together working hard and giving their all. And some who are holding on by a thread, living day to day to be the best mom they can be.

It grieves me that this day can bring pain. Sometimes I wish I didn't feel this compassion and empathy. I wish I could only see the happy smiles, and flowers clutched in chubby, small hands as they hand them to their mommies. The precious hugs and well wishing to moms on their first mothers day as they proudly cradle newborns in their arms. To see all the generational photos pop up on our facebook feed of grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and granddaughters.

But today, each year, God lifts the veil for me to also see the quiet pain this day can bring to so many. The pain I feel too.

And I'm missing my mom today. More than I anticipated. I miss the woman who loved me, raised me, nurtured me and protected me. I miss her and my grandmother who I lost two years ago.

And now more than ever, I'm truly understanding the responsibility of being a mother. To pour into our children with blessing, attention, time, loving kindness, and exhortation. To be a small sample of the love God has for us. I've come face to face with the significance of our role. No matter if it is significantly good or significantly lacking...mothers leave a resonating mark on our lives. It's up to us what we do with this enormous role.

So today as we celebrate being a mothers and grandmothers, let us also honor and remember the ones in quiet anguish.

I'm praying for you, not knowing your faces or your names. But understanding your hearts since we are part of a sisterhood where we know each other's pain. I'm lovingly placing you in Jesus' hands knowing that He can bring you comfort and carry your burdens for you.

With so much love in my heart,

Jessica xoxo

DIY Confetti Tape

2014-04-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

Let's talk about the happiness of confetti for a moment, shall we? Now I know not everyone is a fan of that invitation that you rip open over that rug you just vacuumed 8 minutes prior and out comes this microscopic sized confetti with some heavy duty static cling thrown in there for good measure.

But OVERALL...confetti is a good thing. A happy thing. A party is usually happening in the presence of confetti. So why not put them on your packages? It's a simple DIY that anyone can do.

Just grab some double sided paper tape and confetti. Make sure your tape has a paper backing to it. Make some confetti out of tissue paper or buy ready made confetti from a craft or party supply store.

Pull the tape off and with the sticky side facing down, start picking up confetti like it's a lint picker-upper.

Use it to close up some cute little bags or right on your wrapped packages.

(just don't photograph them with the tape coming off of one. whoops)

A happy, little package!

All You Magazine: Confetti Cork Frame DIY

2014-04-08T21:30:00.001-04:00

So guess what? This cute frame was in All You magazine...in December. Can you believe it has taken me this long to post about it? But thankfully it was a project you can do any time of the year. I was part of their fun Take This, Make That challenge where they ask two craft bloggers to take a material (in this case it was wine corks) and make a project for under $5 and in under 5 steps.

Here is how I did mine...

Materials: Unfinished wood frame, paint, paintbrushes, hot glue, box cutter, wine corks

Step 1. Paint your unfinished frame (I did 2 coats)

Step 2: Cut your corks into slices using a really sharp box cutter knife or X-acto knife.

Step 3: Paint your cork slices different colors and let dry.

Step 4: Hot glue your painted cork slices to your frame.

Step 5: Display your pretty, colorful frame!

Click Here for a link to the this 5 x 7 size printable. :)

It was a lot of fun making this and you could use other materials to create this great, modern circle look. Try small punched circles in different colors and mod podge them to your frame. It would look just as good, if not better and take out the step of cutting and painting the corks.

Here's a quick shot from the magazine. (I cant find it online at the moment). It was super fun to be paired up with Kim from The Celebration Shoppe too. She's amazing.

Have a great week my friends!

"Shot Through The Heart" Rice Krispie Treats

2014-02-10T15:58:00.000-05:00

As Valentine's Day approaches I have been having some fun with little craft ideas specifically centered around my kiddos. My hubby and I definitely love the romantic thing but having little ones, we make Love Day a family affair. So these little treats are sure to delight any kid who receives them.

These arrow heart treats are super simple. Start off by making any basic Rice Krispie Treat recipe (its on the box). ;) As they are cooling in the pan, cut out heart shapes using a heart shaped cookie cutter. I find the metal ones make it much easier to do.

When your treats are completely cooled, slide a 6 inch bamboo skewer diagonally through each heart. You will create the arrows after putting the skewers through each treat.

I used two paper punches for my arrows but you can cut out the shapes with scissors just as easily. The point is a triangle shape and the fletching (yeah...I had to look that up. I would have called it the feather thingy) is a ribbon shape.

Obviously the arrow part is just a simple triangle. Cut and you are done. Put a dab of hot glue on the pointy end of your skewer and press.

For the fletching, feather thingy...Cut out your ribbon shape and fold in half with the open side facing up. Cut at an angle (like the red arrow shown). Open up and hot glue the patterned side of the paper and glue with the sides folded up a bit.

Beautiful!

Serve with some yummy milk (topped with some sprinkles) and you are all set for a love day snack!

Mini Love Notes on a String

2014-01-24T11:08:00.000-05:00

Hey friends.

(she says with her tail tucked between her legs)

Is there a way to blog and have a life? I just need to know. I am constantly lamenting this to you yet I have found no viable solution that will enable me to craft and blog while meeting the needs of my family. Who comes unequivocally first.

But this space gives me such joy...such satisfaction using gifts that only a creative God could give. I love using my hands to create things yet I see how life is literally fast forwarding and I miss it when I am staring at a bright glowing screen that draws me in and then traps me there until I can shake myself out of it. I know there are people who can do this...this balance thing. But for me....someone gets the short end of the stick and it s often at the cost of someone I love.

So here I am...telling you once again a big fat SORRY for not blogging consistently. Yet isn't that rather arrogant? Like you are hanging on your reader somewhere just waiting for a post to appear from me. Its odd...this blog pressure I feel from no one in particular. But I'm trying guys. I'm trying to stock up an etsy shop. Trying to organize my home. To work on my marriage and make it an intentional blessing for both myself and my fabulous husband. Which brings me to my little love notes up there.

I thought it would be so sweet to give my husband some sweet nothings in note form for Valentine's Day. I sometimes forget how my words can build that man up in ways that no other person's words can. So instead of mushy stuff (ok, there will be some sweet words and maybe some "for his eyes only ones too) I wanted to tell him things that will BUILD HIM UP. Tell him how proud I am of him in his job, or the loving father He is or how he can do yard work like a boss. This stuff literally makes him stand up straighter and feel respected so much. And I fail at this. Often.

So I am being intentional with this cute little craft. I just grabbed some twine, mini kraft envelopes (but any envelope will do) some washi tape and cute little heart clothes pins I picked up in the last few Valentine's days.

Just write your sweet nothings and hang them up somewhere he will be sure to see them. Across his steering wheel or above the bed. Maybe on the bathroom mirror. I don't plan on numbering it or anything but I am going to give it to him on February 1st. He can pull one off each day or read them all at once. I just want him to feel loved and appreciated this love day. I plan on doing something similar for the girls.

What do you have planned?

Here's to blessing our families like crazy. xoxo

Sparkly Pink Glasses: Perfect For New Years Eve

2013-12-29T22:20:00.001-05:00

I am declaring that the whole wide world needs clear, pink glasses with gold, sparkly bling on them. Because pink and gold sparkly things are just plain happy and everyone needs to be happy.

I specifically made these as a New Year's Eve must have outfit accessory. I adore all the embellished sunglasses I have seen out there but I love the idea of wearing a pair of embellished glasses at night and these would be perfect for a NYE celebration! Golden confetti and some glitter? I'm all in.

Want your own pair? Here's how I did it...

These fabulous pink glasses were provided to me by Sunglass Warehouse. I actually own two other pair and I will order from them again and again. They have an incredible selection of modern and trendy frames for an inexpensive price. As for these fun pink ones...I LOVE them and I wore them a lot before I did this DIY and I got a ton of compliments for their funkiness. I grabbed liquid gold leaf, fine gold glitter, some mod podge (clear nail polish works great too) some paint brushes and gold sequins.

I used a bit of mod podge before adding the gold leaf to give the gold leaf something to adhere to. I was hoping for a dipped look but I was not a fan so I changed directions. But I liked having it as a gold base coat in case any glitter showed through you would still see some gold.

After both the mod podge primer and gold leaf dried (maybe 30 minutes), I added mod podge again and sprinkled my glitter over a piece of paper. Each time, I would take the paper and slide the excess glitter back into my small bowl and do it all over again until I got the coverage I was looking for.

I brushed the excess glitter off with a dry, soft brush.

Last but not lease I added a bit more mod podge to add the sequins and then a final coat of mod podge to seal the whole thing.

I love them and I can't wait to ring in 2014 with my goldified, blingy pink glasses. :)
This full tutorial can also be seen here on the Sunglass Warehouse site.
Hope you have the most sparkly, happy new year!

Christmas Packaging Ideas

2013-12-12T13:06:00.000-05:00

So are any of you like DOWN TO THE WIRE on getting all your Christmas stuff done? Whew...I still have loads to do. But I wanted to take a quick sec to pop in and show you some fun packaging ideas for the holidays and even for the everyday. I shared some of these over at According to Kelly a few weeks back but wanted to give you a peek here too. Some of these are archived from a few years back but the one above is new. :) Those pom poms will also be goodies that will be available in my shop if I ever get it open.

I am big time crushing on the Felt and Yarn for the colorful packaging above. I will pretty much pom pom anything so putting a bunch of jumbo ones on a box and throwing some washi tape on there for a little something extra (and perfect for a sweet, merry message) was a must. :) I had such fun making these colorful and cozy packages using simple techniques like tying off a box with yarn and making a felt flower garland with a little flag taped on with washi tape.

The above packaging is a Red and Aqua theme I did a few years ago. I created whimsical elements here like a lollipop using twine and a lollipop stick. I also glued flattened cupcake liners to make giant polka dots, made a pocket package with extra paper and lined the edge with ribbon. I played around making loopy yarn flowers with a pretty button and created cracker styled packages with shredded paper filler and pom poms for embellishment.

Pom Pom Washi Tags

Glue a lollipop stick to a pom pom and add some washi tape to make whimsical tags for your packages. Here, I used coordinating colored paint chips to create pockets for the gifts.

Red and White Peppermint Elements

Here I used wrapping and tissue paper to decoupage a button, a wood bead and to wrap around a wooden spool. I also made the cute little gift bag with silver grommets and put paper doilies as the filler. Or add a little lace flag to a toothpicks with a little bead glued on top. Probably some of my favorite packaging. :)

Hope you enjoyed these packaging ideas and came away a little bit inspired today.

Fast and Simple Photo Advent Calendar

2013-11-30T16:47:00.000-05:00

OK. So I know it is the last day of November. I am getting this in by the skin of my teeth because I am literally creating an advent calendar at the last minute. GAH! But I figured some of you are still in a turkey fog (like me) and need a quick last minute advent idea to kick off December tomorrow (again, like me). And technically...you have all day tomorrow too. See? I enable the procrastination further. That's a true DIY friend.
Anyway. Here is what you need to get...

25 Kraft Paper envelopes
printable number tags (I got mine here)
black and white photos from past family Christmases
clips and /or twine for hanging
washi tape or glue stick to attach numbers

Punch out your numbers and use a glue stick to attach to your envelopes. Or use them as hanging tags or whatever your crafty brain comes up with. I was going for fast today!

Now the hardest part is the photos. If you are organized with yours (unlike me) and can get them printed in no time...then you are just plain awesome. I just picked out some favorites over the years, edited them to black and white and sent them off to Walgreen's to get them developed in an hour.

It was hard to choose which ones I liked best.

Looking at these photos made my heart swell 4 sizes bigger. Time flies by SO QUICKLY. Seeing my girls as itty bitty babies or my husband and I with younger faces...oh my. But this is so fun because each day the girls will be able to pull out a new photo and delight in a past Christmas memory. And obviously, you don't have to use just Christmas pictures. Simply use nostalgic ones to make this a special advent for you and your family.

Some of the photos can be funny or sweet...

...or your favorite moment or memory. You can do family shots from different years of Christmas cards, or just the kids, or whatever your heart desires.

I decided to pop my photos in my envelope with the seal facing outward.

I sealed each one with gold and silver washi tape which matches my Christmas decor.

I decided not to use the twine at the last minute and instead hung each one with a small clothespin on a white frame backed with chicken wire. Each time we remove a photo, we will hang it in place of the envelope.

Because we are traveling this year, I am excited that I can easily take the remaining envelopes with me on our trip and still enjoy the rest of the photos.

I am so excited that this is my advent calendar for this year. Do you think of you might like to try this? Drop me a quick note and tell me what you think or let me know what kind of advent you and your family do at home. I would love some new ideas for inspiration. Can' t wait to hear from you!

xo,
Jessica

Advent Calendar Kit (In a suitcase)

2013-11-22T12:37:00.003-05:00

Hey there friends! Just wanted to give you a heads up that I am over at I Heart Nap Time today with a quick and easy idea to make an Advent Calendar Kit to give as a gift. It's a perfect idea for a hostess gift on Thanksgiving. I knew I couldn't post it here for another few weeks so I wanted to be sure you saw it before December 1st. So head on over there and let me know what you think!

xo, Jessica

Yarn Tassel Christmas Trees

2013-11-21T14:48:00.004-05:00

Happy Holidays my awesome friends! Yep...It's official. The Christmas boxes are down and ready to decorate for this weekend. I am all in...Christmas is HERE.

So clearly...you will see it looking like Christmas around here for awhile.

I am giddy with excitement. :)

I absolutely love how many variations of Christmas trees there are during the holidays. And I have this complete love with working with yarn as many of you know. So I came up with these pretty yarn trees that look fabulous because instead of wrapping them with the yarn, I used yarn tassels to create the look of layers of branches. I love them so much!

You can use hot glue but I decided to use straight pins to pin each tassel to a the Styrofoam cone starting at the bottom and working my way up. Just push the pin through the knot to attach.

When you get to the top of the tree, trim the top loops of the tassels so they stick straight up.

That's it.

Enjoy your pretty yarn tassel trees.

You can use different variations of green yarn to create interest in a pretty vignette.

If you make some, I would love to see yours.

xoxo to each of you precious friends!

linking to: the party bunch on the 36th avenue

Holiday Mason Jar Linky Party

2013-11-15T07:52:00.002-05:00

Yay!

Today is the day for you to feature YOUR fabulous mason jar creations.

Link up to the party below and we will feature some of our favorites.
Thank you so much for joining the party!

1. Free Pretty Things For You 2. The Cottage Market 3. The Shabby Creek Cottage 4. The Country Chic Cottage 5. The Gunny Sack 6. The New York Melrose Family 7. Cupcakes and Crinoline 8. It All Started with Paint 9. Mason Jar Crafts Love 10. Yesterday on Tuesday 11. Two Shades of Pink 12. A Pumpkin and a Princess 13. Crafts with Jars 14. Lolly Jane

Build an Ice Cream Snowman From A Jar

2013-11-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hey Y'all! Did you catch the first half of mason jar crafts yesterday by some incredible bloggers? Well today we have the second half of us revealing our projects. I decided to do a fun jar for kids to make a "Build An Ice Cream Snowman Kit." How fun is that?

I think he is a cutie.

And I know what you might be thinking.

But sometimes it's ok to eat yellow snow. (giggle)

These guys are super easy to make and are perfect for the kids (or grown ups) to have a night of fun. Just fill them up with ice cream, add some candy faces and you have a fun activity and dessert all rolled in one!

To make the cute little snowman heads, I first made a pom pom from white yarn. I used a hole punch on black, sparkly, stiffened felt for the eyes and mouth and cut a little bit of orange felt for the nose.

I glued their cute little noggins onto card stock circles that I traced and cut out using the jar lids as a template.

The red gingham scarves are wire ribbon and blue scarves are felt ribbon. I just tied them around the neck of the jar and tied them off to the side. Now he's dressed!

I used red ~~twine~~ (OK I cheated and used yarn that looks like twine) to tie off the happy little tag. The taggy snowmen got some scarves too. I created these tags for you to print but for some reason they are coming out fuzzy. If you still want to try you can print them HERE.

In the back of the snowman are these cute little snowman part bags all ready to decorate your little man. Or snow woman. Snow person? You get me. They are filled with mini chocolate chips for eyes and mouth, a candy corn nose, two mini candy canes (arms), and m&m's for buttons. (And I love my label maker more than is healthy). Just hole punch the top of the mini ziplock bags and you are good to go.

My kids had a blast decorating and then eating their creations. Blogger kids have the best life getting to "try out" our creations, right? Now go get your supplies and make some of these cuties for the holidays this year. :)

Looking for more great jar ideas?
Just check out yesterday's crafts and the second half of bloggers who are posting today...

And don't forget the linky party starts TOMORROW so you can showcase your fabulous mason jar creations.

Can't wait to be inspired by YOU!

Holiday Mason Jar Ideas

2013-11-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends! Well today is the first day of our Mason Jar Extravaganza! Half of us will be showcasing our jar crafts today and the other half will be tomorrow (including mine) and then on Thursday we will have our linky party so YOU can showcase all your fabulous holiday jar crafts too!

So in the meantime check out the links below to all these wonderful blogs and stay tuned for tomorrow where I will reveal MY jar craft and the other talented bloggers and links to their jar crafts too.

1. Free Pretty Things For You 2. The Cottage Market 3. The Shabby Creek Cottage 4. The Country Chic Cottage 5. The Gunny Sack 6. The New York Melrose Family 7. Cupcakes and Crinoline

Holiday Mason Jar Extravaganza

2013-10-27T23:59:00.000-04:00

The holidays are fast approaching and the blog world is getting in the spirit of the season! And you are invited to be part of an upcoming event hosted by 12 bloggers to make some holiday mason jar crafts!

I am so excited to be participating with these incredible bloggers for this event. Here's how it works.
On November 13th and 14th, these 12 bloggers will be sharing with you a holiday themed Mason Jar Craft that they have created. (I can't wait to share with you what I have up my sleeve) and then on the 15th we will have a multi-blog linky party where you can link up all your fabulous mason jar creations that YOU have made. We will all pick our favorties and feature them on our blog the following week. Doesn't it sound like such fun?

Don't forget to check out these fabulous ladies in the mean time:

Keren at Free Pretty Things

Andrea at The Cottage Market

Linda at Mason Jar Crafts Love

Malia at Yesterday on Tuesday

Kristi and Kelli at Lolly Jane

Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage

Angie at The Country Chic Cottage (and Crafts with Jars)

Tonia at The Gunny Sack

Jenny at The NY Melrose Family

Crystal at A Pumpkin and a Princess

Marybeth at Cupcakes and Crinoline

I am so excited to see what beautiful mason jars you will create!
Hugs to each of you. You all are amazing!