Ornament-a-Day

   Seems like all my inspiration and creativity these days starts with something found through Pinterest. And this is no exception! I came across a neat idea of sharing a photo a day of a special Christmas ornament, with an explanation or special memory. So, that is my plan. I'm obviously very behind so I will do 2 a day until I catch up. ;) 

   

   If you would like more info to join in, the original idea came from here: http://www.enchantedhomeschoolingmom.net/2012/11/christmas-ornament-day-picture-on.html. As an added bonus, I found a cool homeschooling blog to follow. 

  
  Two of my first Christmas ornaments. Doesn't get much better than that! I actually had 2 "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments. The other one was a cute yellow plastic rattle, with a nursery scene inside. My parents gave me that, and several other childhood favorites, when I got married. Unfortunately, we had an apartment fire 3 years ago and lost most of them. Thankfully, these were still at my parents and I acquired them last year. Makes me cherish them even more!

   Do you have a favorite ornament? Maybe from your first Christmas? Or one you, or your child, made? A precious family ornament handed down from a grandparent? I'd love to hear about them!

Oh Baby! pt 4

This will be the final Oh Baby! posting. The last element added to the "Sweets" gift basket, was a travel wipes holder.

Carts. used: Storybook, Home Decor, Wall Decor and More

Oh My Vinyl: Hot Pink, Bubblegum, Lemon Drop, Ebony

One of my first vinyl projects was a wipes holder for Lily. It is still one of my favorite creations.

Carts. used: Plantin
Oh My Vinyl: Bubblegum, Walnut

Happy Crafting! :)

Oh Baby! pt 3

In addition to all the "sweets" in the baby shower gift basket, I added these wooden letters of the baby's initials. They were made to match the baby's bedroom, done in pink, red, green and ladybugs.

I decoupaged patterned paper onto the letters with ModPodge. It leaves a very shiny finish, which I liked for a little girl. However, I am experimenting with other types of adhesive for a more matte finish. If anyone has a suggestion...I'd love to know what has worked for you!

Even with the shine from the ModPodge, I added Martha Stewart fine glitter (color: Crystal) to the mix before coating the tops of the letters. A little ribbon, Stickles, and ladybug embellishments...and Ta-Da! It's complete.

Just as a side note: I LOVE my MS fine glitter in Crystal. I find a use for it in many of my projects. If you are looking for a good multi-use glitter, I highly suggest it. It is super-fine which provides a great overall glimmer without being over-bearing. And I love the fact that you can't see each individual flake of glitter like so many others. It isn't the cheapest glitter out there, but don't let the price scare you off. A little goes a LONG way.

Enough about that. Thanks for stopping by! Tomorrow: the 4th and final Oh Baby! posting. On today's agenda: making hairbows!

Oh Baby! pt 2

Last posting, I showed you a "Sweets" gift basket I made for a baby shower. Here is a close-up of the baby cupcakes that made the centerpiece of the gift.

The cupcakes were made with 4 pairs of socks, 4 diapers and 4 washcloths. They were tied with ribbon and served up in a cupcake bakery box.

As a first attempt, I was pretty excited at the way they turned out. However, I did learned lots of tips and tricks to make them even better the next time!

Stay tuned for Part 3 of the baby gift, tomorrow!

Happy Crafting! :)

Oh Baby! pt 1

I've had a busy and fun week of crafting! My mom's co-worker is expecting a baby girl in a few weeks and Mom asked me to make something extra special for her. This is what we came up with...

This gift basket includes:



2 large, receiving blanket lollipops



3 small washcloth lollipops & attached spoon



2 receiving blanket jelly rolls



washcloth peppermints



and lots of washcloth candies!

 A standard "sweets" gift basket includes: 16 washcloths, 4 receiving blankets, 4 pair of socks, 4 diapers and 3 baby spoons made into lollipops, candies and cupcakes. My Mom added on a diaper wipes holder, letters for name initials, and a pair of sunglasses.

Be sure to check in later this week for more information & pictures of the wall letters, diaper wipes holder and "babycakes".

Jacob's New Room

When we decided on an alligator theme for Jacob's nursery, little did I know how difficult it would be to find alligator room decor. Thankfully, I'm crafty enough to at least re-create things I see. I spent countless hours searching the internet for ideas. This design is not original by me, I first saw it on this website: http://lunabellboutique.com/item_1254/SM--Personalized-Kids-Lunch-Box--Alligator-Boy.htm

A little paint, vinyl and a fun afternoon with my Cricut created this hand-made name canvas for my baby boy.

Here are a few pictures of his room:

Wall hanging handmade by my
incredibly talented "Aunt" Mary

Close up of the bedding



I have several more craft projects planned for his room. Stay tuned for the finished product!

Tomorrow, I will post pictures of a few projects I worked on this weekend.

Happy Crafting!