Peppermint Playdough

Hello friends!  How was you Christmas?  I hope it was wonderful!  I know ours was – wet, but wonderful. 
We spent it in Oregon visiting my husbands family.  It was so fun for our kids to be apart of their Christmas traditions.  Green eggs and ham for Christmas breakfast anyone?!  And who doesn’t love spending Christmas with Nana and Papa?! 
As always I am sad to see Christmas go.  So depressed in fact that Christmas has been half taken down at our house for a few days now. 
How was your first week of 2013?  (Well almost first week!)  Ours has been quite exciting!
So far in 2013 we . . .

Went sledding!

Made GIANT snowflakes.  We had sent some to Connecticut a few weeks ago, but just had to make some for ourselves too!

Jaylie and I made cake pops with the Bakerella cake pop making toy that we got in the mail because I won a give away over at Munchkin Munchies!  Thanks Sue!  We loved it, and had so much fun!  I am in love with the little pink and blue bowls that it came with, and may have used one to make eggs for dinner tonight, just because it is so cute!

I also finished reading The Help, again, which I absolutely adore.  Fished a sock out of the toilet, which no one will admit to putting there (which leads us to believe it is the only person who can’t talks . . . ). 

And started planning this cutie’s FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY! 

I also tried my hardest to update our family blog, I am usually pretty good and was only a few weeks behind!  While I was looking through our pictures, I found these and was reminded of these cute little presents I sent to preschool with our oldest. 

And yes, I said reminded, because I had totally forgotten about them.
I think my brain did it on purpose so that next time I think it is a good idea to make play dough for 17 kiddos and wait till the morning OF, and then run out of cream of tarter and have to frantically run to the only grocery store in our little podunk Idaho town, only to find it not open for another hour . . . and then have red hands for a week after because of all the red food dye. . . Whew I want to cry just thinking about it. 
But they were cute, and smelled delightful, and the kiddos were so excited (the parents maybe not so much . . . ).  So it was all worth it right?
I used this recipe from The Idea Room, but added red gel paste food coloring to it. 
I found that the little deli containers that they give you salads and stuff in where the cheapest route for packaging.  I got mine at Albertson’s for 10 cents a piece. 
Stuck it in a cellophane bag, added some tulle, and tags, and viola!

Here are some blank tags for you!

Here’s to a crafty (tear free) 2013!

Paint Stick Swords

 

I am a double dipper.  Not in the gross George kind of way (you know George from Seinfeld?).  But I think, why reinvent the wheel?  I made these wonderfully awesome easy cheap swords and shields for kiddo family and friends for Christmas.  And I whipped them out again for Valentine’s Day, but of course gave them to different people. 

I also believe in taking things nice and slow.  So today I am showing how to make the Paint Stick Swords, and tomorrow I’ll show you how to make the Pizza Tray Shields.   

 

Supplies for making your own Paint Stick Sword (in case the picture was not self explanatory enough):

• JUMBO Paint Sticks.  I get my from Lowe’s.  They give me a few for free, but when I’ve asked for more than five they charge like 25 cents a pop.
• Something to sand with.  I love me some power tools. 
• Spray Paint.  I used primer first.  Splurged on some serious metallic paint. 
• Electrical tape.  Not in the picture, but still very important. 
• 2 Jumbo Popsicle Sticks per sword.  Also not pictured, but very important if you want to make a sword, not just  a shiny paint stick. 
• Those Papa Murphy’s pizza baking trays are for next time, so ignore those for now. 

Got everything?  Ok we are ready to roll.

 

{Step One}

Sand paint sticks.  Round the corners off.  Get rid of all those pointy corners. 

 

{Step Two}

Spray paint a primer base coat.  Let dry.  Paint with your metallic paint.  Let dry.

 

{Step Three}

Attach pommel, I think this is the correct technical term, nope Googled it, it’s called a guard.  Use two Jumbo Popsicle Sticks for each sword.  Use a little bit of hot glue.  Glue one stick on the top and one on the bottom. 

 

{Step Four}

Get your Electrical Tape.  Wrap  it all around the guard/hilt/pommel (I {heart} Google).  Give it a good couple layers.  Cover it all over. 

 

{Step Five}

Have an awesome sword fight. 

Stayed tuned for the instructions on how to make the shield.  You simply cannot have a good sword fight without a sword.  “The most important piece of equipment is your shield! If you must make a choice between a sword and a shield, take the shield!”  (Name that movie!)

Glowing Snowmen

Cheap – Check

Supplies on hand – Check

Craft the kiddos can help with – Check

Fast – Check

Waaay back in October I made these ghosts out of empty milk jugs, and have been trying to think of a way to use the same idea again.  I came up with these little snowmen.  They were super simple to make, and make our porch so much cuter!

 

{Supplies}

Empty milk jugs
Black and orange paper
Hot glue gun
Yarn
Fun Foam
Red paint
Paint brush
Knife
Scissors
Christmas lights

 

{To Make}

Once you’ve collected all the milk jugs that you want, make sure they are cleaned and dried really well, you’re ready to get started!

Cut out eyes and mouth pieces out of black cardstock. 

Cut out carrot nose from orange cardstock.  When I made the ghosts, I used a permanent marker to draw the faces on, you could do the same with black and orange markers, but I wanted the noses to stick out from their faces. 

Attach pieces on milk jugs using hot glue gun.  I tried my old friend Mr. Modge Podge, but it was a slippery mess!  Holt glue was soo much faster and easier, although I realize not the most kid friendly.

I added some rosy cheeks with a tiny bit of red tole paint.  The paint was having a hard time sticking to the jug, so once it dried I sprayed it with a little bit of hair spray. 

You could stop here and your snowman would be perfectly fine.  But I was not going for fine, so I added some earmuffs.  Using yarn and some fun foam.  I made some pom poms out of yarn, cut a strip of fun foam.  Attached the yarn to the fun foam and then put the earmuffs on the snowman. 

To insert lights cut a flap in the back of the milk jug.  When I made my ghosts, I found the lights stayed in better if you cut a flap, not a whole.  So I went with a little back flap.

 

Stuff lights inside, arrange as desired, plug in lights and whal-la!

 

 

I’m linking up to these parties this week!

Winter Wreath

Easiest thing I ever made.  Well, almost.

Found some wintery ornaments after Christmas on super clearance.  Decided that since I had missed out making a Christmas ornament wreath, that I could still use these wintry colors to make a January/Winter Wreath!
Followed this tutorial from Eddie Ross.  Well, I thought I was following it, but missed a few steps.  Like bending your hanger into a circle before you pack on the ornaments.  And  I remembered the step about hot gluing the little metal part.  Mine were already kind of glued when I bought them so I thought it would be ok.  WRONG!  I had ornaments popping off all over the place when I tried to bend and reshape my hanger. 
So eventually I finished it.  But it still looked wonky so I messed with it some more.  More blubs fell off so I messed some more.   At one point I thought of just hiding it in an unpacked box downstairs, who would know.  I just didn’t want to ever have to see it again.  Eventually we (the wreath and I) made up.  I decided it would be ok.  Put it up on the shelf and was done with it.  I like it alright, but the more I look at it the more I see all these little/big things that just bug me. . .
Some other Winter décor:

Stuffed snowman, my husband had this (and a matching Santa) when we got married.  I kid you not.  The frame was $3 on clearance from Michael’s, it had a Christmasy picture but I covered it up with a snowflake and some paper.  The mat came with it, isn’t it cute!

Ruffle Flower Purses Take 2 and 3

These were two Christmas gifts I made and gave to my cute little (who is now really the big 2-1 so I should call her younger, but I like to reminder her who’s boss!) and my favorite Sister-In-Law!  (Don’t tell the my other SIL’s, I don’t think they are aware of my secret crafty blogging identity, so hopefully they won’t read this!) 

I am getting to be a purse pro, well at least this style of purses.  I posted about my first purse I made for a friend’s B-Day, HERE.  Since I had a TON of leftover grey vinyl from that project, I decided these two purse loving gals would like one for Christmas.  (Oh, and I could still make ANOTHER purse!  I have that much leftover!) 

Two things that made process a little smoother the second (and third) time around:

• I used a piece of fabric and a piece of vinyl for the strap, it turned out much better than my first attempt where I used two pieces of vinyl.  Sorry first attempt!
• Second, I used two pieces of cotton fabric to make the pocket, instead of a piece of vinyl and a piece of cotton.  Again much better, and still super cute!!

I must give credit where credit is due, I was not clever enough to come up with this pattern on my own.  I found this great tutorial by Tam from Sew Dang Cute, who was guest posting on Ucreate.

I should add, my cute sister is the one in the bottom picture with the black and white purse!  She came down last Sunday and I told her I needed a picture of her purse for my blog.  I also told her I would crop her head out, but she’s just to cute to crop out! 

Next Year's Christmas Cards

I really liked this year’s cards that we ordered for FREE from Shutterfly.  The were super easy to put together and I got tons of comments from friends and family about how much the liked them (I may or may not have left out the part that I didn’t really design them and basically plopped the pictures in!)

But next year, I am using one or both of these ideas:

MERRY Everything! from Craft Goodies

We just have three of us right now in our whole entire family, we might have to borrow some children to make this really work!  (Friends and family, please hold your comments – WE KNOW, IT’S TIME TO HAVE ANOTHER!  Other blog readers I apologize if that was TMI!)

 

Wall of Frames from Sassy Sanctuary 

Love the mistletoe in the parent’s frame and the cutie in reindeer antlers!  She also shares great instructions for building your own “wall” of frames.  

 

Could someone please remind me that I love these cards?  Next year around November-ish?  They’re bookmarked, I just might need a little help remembering.  Thanks in advance!

Picture a Christmas

Picture a Christmas, is one of my FAVORITE Christmas songs!  When I saw this cute little finger play and gorgeous pictures over at Sassy Sites, I couldn’t help but share it with you here. 

 

Picture a stable in Judea.

(put hands together and make like a roof with arms)

Picture a sacred, silent night.

(fold arms and then put a finger to your lips like shhhing people)

And can you hear

(cup your hand to your ear)

The angels near
(sign language for angel which is making like a wing motion)

And see the star so bright?
(shade your eyes with your hands)

Picture the little baby Jesus.

(cradle your arms and then sign for Jesus...pointing
to palms where the nails were with your middle finger)
Think of His life and words so dear.

(point at head then point Heavenward)

Sing praise to Him;

(pretend to direct music and point Heavenward)

Remember Him,

(Point at Head and Heavenward)

As you picture Christmas this year.

(draw Christmas Tree in air with hands and then spread them out for all)

Picture the kind and gentle Joseph.

(pretend to hold a Shepard's crook)
Picture the mother, Mary, fair.

(cradle your arms)

And can you see

(hands to eyes)

So rev’rently

(fold arms and bow heads)

The shepherds kneeling there?
(bend down at knees)

Picture the little baby Jesus.

(cradle your arms and then sign for Jesus...pointing
to palms where the nails were with your middle finger)

Think of His life and words so dear.

(point at head then point Heavenward)

  Sing praise to Him;

(pretend to direct music and point Heavenward)

Remember Him,

(Point at Head and Heavenward)

As you picture Christmas this year.

(draw Christmas Tree in air with hands and then spread them out for all)

.......listen to the song here.......

Reindeer Family

I am up to my elbows in wrapping paper.  I went out of the house with several pieces of tape stuck to my clothing.  I told Amanda in the toy section at Walmart that she was my hero for finding a toy I really needed wanted to get my daughter.  My Google Reader has spiraled out of control.  I don’t remember the last time my counter wasn’t covered in some sort of project.  I have gone through more hot glue gun sticks than I can count.  I’ve never sewed so much in my life.  I can’t believe Christmas has snuck on us so quickly.  I remember laughing at bloggers for posting/making Christmas stuff in October.  Lesson learned.  I promise I have some fun stuff to post, at least I think it’s fun, I hope you will too!  Just give me a sec ok? 

 

But here’s a quickie.  

 

I’ve seen these lots of different places. 

Made using paint HERE at Oopsey Daisy.

Using paper HERE at Homemaking Fun. 

Nothing original.  But we had lots of fun making our Reindeer Family together as a family.  Even the Hubby helped.  (Yes, my feet and hands really are that small, freakishly small!)

 

{Materials Used}

Cardstock (Light brown for antelers, dark brown for head, white and black for eyes, red for noses)

Ribbon (hanging and girl bows)

Raffia (for hair)

Glitter (for noses)

Wire (hard to see in the picture, but Daddy is wearing glasses)

Markers, scissors, glue

 

{To Make}

Trace foot for head.

Trace hands for antelers.

Cut out eyes, noses, antlers, heads, glue together. 

Add embellishments, bows for girls, glasses, hair.  I busted out the hot glue gun for the raffia, and ribbon. 

Mommy

 

Baby

 

Daddy

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things!

Quick name that tune!  Question (non-craft related, totally off topic, of course), is My Favorite Things, from the Sound of Music really considered a Christmas song?

Back on topic.  Some of my favorite Christmas stuff from Blogland:

 

Ruffled Christmas Tree Shirt @ Stuff by Ash

Yes, I am including myself and my own project.  It really is on of my favorites!

 

Gift Card Snow Globes @ One Charming Party {via Gordon Gossip}

To answer the question I know you are asking, “*We tested these gift cards after a week and they still worked. However, we don’t recommend leaving the gift cards in the water longer than a week.”

 

Hands OFF Santa! @ Brandy's Crafts

Such a clever idea!  I finally ordered some vinyl to cut with my Cricut.  I’m so excited!

 

Holiday Photo Booth Props @ Paper and Cake

So simple and soo cute!  I wish my two year-old was more cooperative. 

 

Christmas Scripture Word Tree Printable @ The Fickle Pickle

Finally got mine printed.  Our Sam’s membership expired in Novemember, so I printed it at Walmart.  Holy cow!  Never again.  There was such a huge line.  Everyone was waiting to get their Christmas cards. 

 

Snowman Kit @ The Fickle Pickle

This is not a picture of the whole kit, but it was my favorite!  I love the bright colors and the details on the hats. 

Aren’t the tags adorable!  I will not repost every picture here, you must hop on over to The Fickle Pickle and see the adorable “carrot” noses and all the other cuties that come in the kit.  If she was selling these, I would totally buy one!

 

 

I’m am sharing this post at:

Head on over and link up your favorite things too!