LUCK PRINTABLE

I saw THIS on Tatertots and jello and decided to make it into a free printable for many of those individuals who did not have vinyl readily available:)

5 X 7 

8 X 10

Home

Well, I officially have my new camera. So, I updated the pictures of the new lights in my house. No more blurry cell phone pictures! YEAH! Check the post out again HERE.

So, I want to show you what I did above my fireplace. It has been pretty bare sense Christmas because I have been waiting for a specific picture to put there. I like things simple, clean, uncluttered when decorating and this is perfect for my taste and home!

A family friend from hubby's home town took the picture of the Idaho Falls Temple. He sells a few different ones HERE and HERE.  So beautiful.

Secretes

ssshhhh....it's a secrete! So, I was thinking the other day that I should do a post about the little secretes or tricks I use to make crafting/sewing easier. So here are a few things that I do to make my life just a little bit easier.

These are just newly released, but I have been anxiously awaiting them for a long time.
Hot Glue Gun Helpers

This is seriously a MUST have. The mat catches all the hot glue from the gun and your projects, but the glue literally just wipes off when you are done. The fingers caps have saved my fingers. I usually have 2 or 3 blisters after finishing with the hot glue gun, but not any more;)

Bias tape
When sewing with bias tape I use bobby pins to secure it in place because they hold it all down better. Plus it's easier to work with.

Sewing Machine Care
Because I sew A LOT! It is extremely important to take care of my machine. I get a yearly professional maintenance done (about $80).  And after ever major project, I oil and clean my machine (via owner's manual instructions). Also, I change my needle. You would be surprised at how big a difference a new needle has on your sewing projects. When finished, I cover my machine to prevent dust from getting onto or into it.






Magnetic Pin Cushion

So I know there are all these cute material pin cushions that look great, but they are a pain in the butt. This route is PERFECT (this is totally my opinion, but I know I am right). You don't have to worry about sticking each pin back into the pin cushion, less fuss, less time. I can pull my pin out and toss it onto the Grabbit and not have to stop sewing. It saves time. The magnets are very strong so you don't have to worry about them not sticking.






 Bobbin Container

organizing bobbins is not an easy thing. But I have found something that works great for me. This great little storage case as small individual compartments that work perfectly for bobbins. I think it is actually for jewelry. It keeps my bobbins organized and I can easily see what color is where. I just got it at Joanns










 Stain Remover


This is kind of not crafty, but more a momma thing. I have to tell you that the very best stain remover is a bar of soap. No joke. It gets out EVERYTHING! Even stains that have been set in and present for a long time.
Fels-Naptha I get mine at Winco, but you can get it at Ace Hardware and Sears (I would call your store to make sure they have it because not all stores carry it), Amazon, and other online stores. 




Spray Paint
Not all spray paint was created equal. I have to say my favorite brand is Rust-Oleum and Krylon. Ace Hardware doesn't sell it (at least not the one by me). I have tried others and not been happy with the quality. So, I just stick to what I know works and looks great.

(Heirloom White happens to be one of my favorites to work with)

Mod Podge 

I have a lot of friends who are scared to use it because of bad experiences in the past. I have learned a few things about mod podge that help prevent bubbling. Work fast, use a thin layer of mod podge. Remember less is best. If you have globs of mod podge it will bubble in that spot because the paper can't dry flat. I am addicted to Mod Podge. I have both matte and gloss finish. Also, wear work cloths or an apron and use a sheet of plastic to work on because if it drys on your table, counter top, or clothing, it will NOT come off. At least not very easily. I still haven't gotten it out of my pants.

Well that is it for now. These are just a few things I found useful in my crafty lifestyle;)

Let There Be Light

I have spent the last 2 days as an electrician. Hubby was out of town and I wanted to surprise him by switching out 3 lights and 1 ceiling fan. Here is the light tour of my home. When you first walk into the front door you were greeted by this lovely little beauty.

But now you see this little number.

If you keep walking straight you walk into this wonder.
(this was from a baby shower I had at my house so please ignore the decor hanging from the fan)

Upgraded to................

Turn to the left and you find this little duckling hanging right about my table.

It magically turned into...........

If you walk through the door to the living room, you would see this glorious vision. (This is the only light I thought to take a before picture of it actually hanging up.)

Now I am comforted by this..........(This one was a little tricky because the ceiling is really high here. I had to stand on the top of a 7 foot ladder. Kind of scary.)

So that was a light tour of my house. Hubby has no idea I did this. There was a lot of grunting, sweat, frustration, sore shoulders, direction reading, light assembling, callous building, ladder climbing fun.

In the Mail

Guess what!?!?!?!?!? I have some really good news. Canon rebel t1i is officially in the mail. I ordered it a few days ago off of the Costco web page because I got free shipping and they threw in a free 4g SD card;) Whoot Whoot. So, I will be taking up photography and trying out my new camera in no time. So, no more crappy cell phone pictures for you;) See it's a win win situation for everybody. 

Update on the reward charts: 2 days in and kids are going strong. I should have done this a long time ago  because now my son is asking to do chores so he can earn more stickers. He vacuumed, dusted, cleaned all his toys up, helped unload the dishwasher, read a story to his sister, and put his clean cloths away w/OUT being told to do it. A-MAZING! My little woman worked right along side her brother and they were THRILLED to place the hard earned sticker on their charts.

Sewing For a Cause

I don't know if you remember THIS post or not, but I have been wanting to sew for a cause. I like serving people and I frequently have people come over to sew or make something.
Well, I am way out of the loop because I just heard about Craft Hope.

Here is a huge community of crafters getting together and making a difference. Right now they are trying to gather supplies for safe birthing kits. You can read more about the project at Project 11

Contents of safe birthing kit:
1 small bar of soap (updated 1/16/2011)
1 piece of clean plastic sheeting (3 feet wide by 4 feet long)
1 piece of clean string, 24 inches long
1 packet alcohol wipe
1 set of sterile latex gloves
1 packet (or travel container) Purelle
1 handmade tote bag
Optional:
receiving blanket–36 inches square
small “stuffy” toy

I am officially going to start working on this. I want to pull as many resources as available. I think I want to do a craft night where everyone brings an extra large t-shirt and we make THESE infant sacks. I just LOVE this idea and have finally found something that fits my need to serve. If you would like to join in on the fun let me know.

Reward Charts

I decided to make some reward charts for my kiddos for positive reinforcement. It's nothing spectacular, just their favorite thing in life with squares to put stickers on.  I plan to laminate it so the stickers can be removed to start over again. The end reward is a ice cream date with mommy and daddy (no siblings come unless you want them to).

My son has a little problem with staying on task/ staying focused. We frequently have to tell him something multiple times before it soaks in. If we only have to ask once he gets a sticker. If he does it without us asking, he gets 2 stickers. If we have to ask more then once he gets a check mark. 5 check marks mean he has to take a sticker off.

 

My daughter has a blanket that she INSISTS on taking everywhere. She gets a sticker if she leaves the blanket home without getting upset.

Recipe Blog

My sister just started a recipe blog and I HAD to tell you about it. She is an excellent chef:) She decided she hated when she was away from home and didn't have her recipes with her. This is her way to combat that. Anyway, you HAVE to check it out. Home Run Recipes

Another Project Done

I am finishing up more projects! Yeah! I made another changing pad bag for my other pregnant sister. Here it is in all it's glory.

Canon Rebel T1i

Hubby and I have been saving up for an SLR and next month we are FINALLY going to be getting a new camera!!!!!!!!! YIPPEE!!!!!!! I am sooooooooo excited and relieved because blogging with my cell phone camera has not been picture perfect (no pun intended). So, as of March 3rd we will be the new proud owners of this little number from Costco.

Beautiful isn't it. The Canon rebel T1i.

Getting it Done

Here is another project that I have had planned to do, but never got around to finishing it;) I got THIS pattern with the intention of making my daughter some pants because she really needed some.

 Here is the ones I made for her. She loves them because the contrasting fabric I used is pink! This pattern is probably for intermediate to advanced. BUT the instructions were easy to follow. I like how they turned out, but I made them too big. WHOOPS! guess she gets to wear them next year too! Now I just need to finish the brown and pink pair;)

Lookin' Good

So, I don't know if you are like me, but money doesn't grow on trees at my house. So, we don't have really expensive furniture. I actually got this book shelf on sale at Target for $20. BUT the problem is that is has the cheap look. You know, the holes drilled every where to adjust the shelves, laminated particle board shelf;) I was sick and tired of looking at those dumb holes.

So, I grabbed some acrylic brown paint and a small paint brush and got to work. Now my cheap furniture looks just a little bit less cheap.

La Flor Couture

I say the most A-MAZING give away on All things Thrifty. I had to spread the word because I fell madly in love with what I saw! La Flor Couture is offering a $25 gift card to her etsy shop. You could get a couple of items with that and I am crossing my fingers to win! Wait....maybe I shouldn't send you over there ;) j/k Check it out HERE.

The Polka Dot Umbrella

Polka Dot Umbrella is new to the blogging world. WELCOME! Step right in the waters fine;) When she was decorating her daughters room she creating the most adorable wall decor. The room turned out great.

It is pink-a-lishes. My daughter's favorite color is pink too! Now if we could only get her to do a tutorial on that amazing quilt on her daughters bed!?!?!  Hint hint:)
So, run over to The Polka Dot Umbrella and check out the girl who's new in town.

Sewing In No Mans Land

Well, I have to say that Kelly from Sewing in No Mans Land is one of my favorite bloggers. She is inspiring, creative talented, and generous. She offers many patterns for free on her blog and has AMAZING tutorials. Here are a few of my favorites.
Frosted Pane bolero

Frosted Pane Skirt

San Marino Dress

Couture Dress

Merry and Bright Dress

those are just a few of the work Kelly has on her blog. Her hubby is a Foreign Service Officer in Dili East Timor. So, go visit Kelly and her amazing blog!

Still Loosing

I have been having a lot of success with loosing weight. I have been really motivated and excited about the changes I have seen. It's easier to see measure my success when I have a before picture, base weight, and waste size to compare to.

Here is a picture of me at Halloween.

Here is a picture of my today 13 lbs lighter. The biggest difference I have seen is in my waste. BUT comparing pictures made me see it in my face. I still have a long ways to go, but I have been seeing the scale steadily go down.















I did a lot of work on myself emotionally and it was time to work on myself physically.  Things I have learned, I can't deprive myself of sweets. I get them once and week and it makes it so I can look forward to Monday, but I can stay on track knowing I get to eat something sweet once a week. I have tried to go without eating any sweets and I do good for a while, but then I binge. So, I found something that works for me. 1 serving size once a week and I can control my urge the rest of the week.
Also, I really enjoy cycling class. I wish there were more at my gym because I can push myself harder, but it isn't hard on my body.
If you would like to read more about my weight loss strategy, goals, and anything else, you can read about it HERE.

Painting

For my mom's Christmas present this year, I finished a painting I had been working on for a long time. See THIS post if you want more info about how long it really took me. She had it framed and hung it up! It looks great:) FYI: That's my dad. He's quite the handy man.

Reversible Carseat Blanket Cover

My sister is having a little girl in June. So excited because I love all things ruffly. So, I got to work and made her an adorable car seat cover. AND because I am that nice, I did a little tutorial for you. Believe me when I say this is not your normal car seat  cover. It has been blinged up and reversible!

You need:
1 yard each of 2 coordinating fabrics
1 yard 6 inches for the ruffle and handle
some Velcro
matching thread
anything you want to add some blitz the cover:) EX: silk flowers, appliques, ribbon, etc.








From the 2 coordinating fabrics cut out a square that is 30 X 38
From the ruffle fabric cut 7 strips that are 5 X 42  AND cut four pieces that are 4 X 12 inches (if you are NOT making it reversible, just cut 2 strips).

Round the corners on your 30 X 38 squares. I traced a CD cover case.

Add any appliques or embellishments you want to the panel. I put mine in the lower right corner.

For the ruffle, sew your strips end to end until you have one long strip 5 X 294. With wrong sides together, fold in half horizontally and iron flat.

So here is the fun part. Sew the remaining 2 ends of the ruffle strip together so you have a big circle. Make sure the fabric is not twisted. Ruffle/ gather the fabric. remember if you are gathering it by hand, to keep your threads long. Turn your tension up on your machine as high as it will go. Increase your stitch length to the longest length. Start sewing on the open edge of the ruffle strip. At every seam, stop, cut the threads long, and start again where you left off.

Once you have gathered the ruffle, sandwich the ruffle between the 2 fabric rectangles. Making sure the ruffle fold goes toward the middle of the fabric. Sew closed, leaving a hole for turning. I recommend making sure the hole is on a straight edge not  the curve. It will be a lot easier to make it uniform.

Turn right side out and sew opening closed. (you can hand stitch it, but I am lazy and just used my machine. It's hard to see but if you look closely, you can see my straight stitch to close the hole;)

For the handle take your 4X12 strips. With right sides together, fold in half length wise. Leave one end open.
Turn right side out. Flip the open end inside and top stitch around the entire piece. Making sure to stitch closed the open end.

Sew Velcro onto the end. Making sure each piece is on the opposite side.

Fold the blanket in half and measure 4 1/2 inches up from middle and 8 1/2 inches in from the sides. Place middle of strap at the 4 1/2 inch mark. Match the straps for the opposite side by measuring and using the pins as a guide:)

Sew a big square with an X in the middle to secure the straps. How big your square is depends one how tight you want the straps on the car seat handle.

Add some bling to the top of the strap to cover the Velcro marks and to make it a little extra special!

Step back and admire your handy work. All things girly! LOVE IT!