Showing posts with label Do It. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Do It. Show all posts

Monday, November 7, 2011

Mom's Day Bouquet

Not sure why this keeps reposting itself in November (weird), but I hope you enjoy it again!

Here it is as promised!


My step-by-step instructions for the paper bouquet I gave Mom for Mother's Day!
Hope you enjoy!


Items Needed:
1. A fabulous container to contain it all. I found this adorable green, polka-dotted watering can. I felt it was perfect for the "springy" season.
2. Styrofoam. A piece of the green foam used to arrange flowers was perfect.
3. Flowers cut out of pretty, printed scrapbook paper. (Sorry, I'm spoiled and have access to a die cut that makes my life easier, but you can easily cut one free-hand or use a simple coloring page as a guide.)
4. Colored card stock
5. Double-sided foam tape
6. BBQ skewers and (OPTIONAL) other fun knick-knacks to add to your bouquet
7. Twine or thin, sheer ribbon
8. Tiny, wooden clothespins (found mine at Hobby Lobby)
9. (OPTIONAL) The AMAZING thermal laminator by Scotch. I picked mine up at Walmart for $25 and use it All. The. Time.


Beginning Steps:
1. First you'll need to trim down your piece of styrofoam to fit in your container.
2. I used a simple kitchen knife. It will be messy so do your cutting on some newspaper or a plate.
3. I sliced straight across the edge, a little at a time. Then I rounded off the corners to fit into my can.
4. Check to see if your styrofoam will fit in the can, but don't wedge it in all the way just yet.
5. Add a piece of double-sided foam tape to the bottom to hold the styrofoam steady.
6. With the foam on the bottom fit the styrofoam into the can.
7. Push the styrofoam all the way to the bottom and press firmly to attach the tape.
8. Arrange your skewers to see what you have space for and how many flowers you will need to make.


Moving on to the flowers:
1. Pull out your flower cutouts and choose colors of card stock that go well with the colors of the scrapbook prints.
2. Find a glass that is slightly smaller than the middle of the flowers. This will be your stencil.
3. Trace your glass on the card stock.
4. You can probably fit several to a page.
5. Cut out your circles and add a special message, quote, etc. if you wish.
6. Save your scraps for making the lettered flags later.
7. You will need two circles for every flower.
8. Repeat for all your flowers.



Putting the circles together:
1. Add small pieces of tape around the edge of one circle. If you will be using the laminator, you only need three or so pieces spread as pictured. If not, you'll need to use more tape or even glue to seal the edges all around, leaving a small space at the bottom to insert the skewer.


Completing the flowers:
1. After putting your circles together, laminate them.
2. Cut them out, leaving enough of an edge to keep the seal of the laminate.
3. Cut a small notch in the bottom of the circle about the width of the skewer.
4. Insert your skewer, pushing it all the way up to the top edge of the circle.
5. It should look lollipop-ish.
6. Take your flower cutout and flip it over. Add two small pieces of the foam tape to the back.
7. Attach your "lollipop" with your message facing out.
8. The front finished view.
9. Place it into your can and finish the rest of your flowers.


Flag banner:
1. Alright, flag time. If you so desire, you can cut out smaller flowers to add a little pizzazz to your flags. The die cut I used for my flowers cut out a small flower-shaped center so I just used those.
2. Remember those scraps we put aside? Time to pull them out. Cut off a small corner or draw whatever flag shape you prefer and cut it out. Use this as a guide to trace on other colors. Cut them out as well.
3. Arrange your flags in the order you wish to use them.
4. Using the tiny clothespins, attach your flags to the ribbon.
5. Adjust the spacing if needed.
6. Write that special person's name on the flags.
7. Tie your flag banner to your can.
8. Again, space adjustment may be needed.


Voila!
Admire your masterpiece!


Thanks for reading! Please let me know how yours turns out and what amazing twists and unique things you may change!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Face This

Hi Friends!

Today I want to talk about skin care, mainly for your face. What is your favorite face wash?
I'm in love with all things Neutrogena. I've recently been using their Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser. I love how it doesn't have a slew of extra chemicals in it.


I also like the Oil-Free Acne Wash. For keeping the the rest of me clear, I'm a big fan of their Body Clear Body Wash.

My dilemma lies with moisturizers. I am very much a member of the oily skin team. Add that to my bad habit of not moisturizing and my skin feels the need to double its oil production to make up for it. So I'm looking for a good oil-free moisturizer to try. I'm thinking of trying this one by Neutrogena, my go-to brand, but I'd love to hear what your favorites are and why you like them.


While writing this, I tried out this clay mask by Freeman.

I picked up a sample while shopping with a friend and I may have to back for a full tube. I love how it went on creamy, dried pretty quickly, and washed off easily. It also doubled as aromatherapy with the invigorating mint and lemon scent. Chilling out with a green face for awhile is also fun. ^_^

So tell me your skin care favorites! Go!

Friday, September 30, 2011

Special people can make a difference

Thank you so much for spending the week with me! Today's final organization supports those precious people with an extra chromosome. Such beautiful and talented people they are! Please visit here to learn more.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

I will remember you, will you remember me?

Memories. Such fond things to have. True there are some we'd all like to sweep under a rug somewhere. But how privileged we should feel to be able to have any at all. Senior citizens suffering from Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia may forget loved ones or even their own name.

Take to the time to remember one of your fondest memories, then check out this organization and help support their efforts.




Please join me tomorrow for the week's end, where I highlight an organization supporting some of the world's most special people.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Be the one. Save a life.

Peer pressure. It's everywhere oppressing every age.
"Come on, do it. Everyone else is. You'll be cool if you do."
Exact wording may vary, but I'm positive this phrase has been put to you before.

Unfortunately, it's no longer just about wearing the same skirt or listening to the same music as the "cool people." Now it's doing harmful things to yourself to be like them. But you can be the one who stands up and says no or goes to the extra mile to encourage a friend to do the same.

Please visit this organization which is in memory of a young girl who died from inhaling aerosols. The website also includes several other links for further research if you want to know more.



Come back tomorrow for a highlight on supporting the loss of memory for senior citizens.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Humans are not cars

Today's post is to highlight some organizations that are battling human trafficking. It is a horrible practice and the first time I heard of it, it made me sick. When I heard it was happening right here in the U.S. I was horrified. Please take the time to check out these organizations and support their wonderful efforts. No human, U.S. or not, deserves to be treated like property for any reason.




Pearl Alliance






Please come back tomorrow to find out how resisting peer pressure can save you or a friend's life.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Children are the future...

Thank you so much for joining me this week! I hope and pray that you are successfully made aware of some of the problems and issues people are facing today and possibly even come out of this week with an organization that you would like to support.

Please understand that the organizations highlighted this week have in no way compensated me nor do I think they are any better than others. They are simply ones that I have been blessed to either personally come in contact with or have heard about from multiple settings. Feel free to let me know of any that I have not heard of. Help spread awareness in any way you can!

Today's organization is called Invisible Children. I first heard of them when they came to my college and showed us a film about child soldiers in Uganda. I was immediately broken-hearted for the young faces I saw. I cannot even imagine having a family member fighting in war, much less one under the age of 10.


Please visit their website and hear their story. Although it is much better than it once was, IC can still use any support they get.

Feel free to comment below about an organization that works against child soldiers.

Come back tomorrow to hear about some organizations that are fighting human trafficking, an issue I hold dear to my heart.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Against Bullying

I saw this on a friend's facebook status. Please repost or share it some other way. Save a life.


"The girl you just called fat? She is overdosing on diet pills. The girl you just called ugly? She spends hours putting makeup on hoping people will like her. The boy you just tripped? He is abused enough at home. That man with the ugly scars? He fought for our country. That guy you just made fun of for crying? His mother is dying. Put this on your status for an hour, if you are against bullying. ---Save a life. National Suicide Prevention Week"

Friday, September 9, 2011

One man's trash...

I got to spend the day with one of my bf's, Abbie. We are college buddies and I was pumped when her husband (Sean) got a job near my city. We were proud of ourselves as we "actually did things" which included some flea markets, a couple of our favorite stores and of course a few snacks (mmmm doughnuts and snoballs). Here are a few highlights/times that remembered I had a camera on my phone.



Some fun little plaques at Marshalls






Some hilarious signs at a flea market




We were fascinated with these old postcards we found at another flea market. It was really interesting to read them, especially the one a soldier sent to his buddy on Pearl Harbor.


What do you do on "hang-out with friend" days?


Sunday, September 4, 2011

Stop...

"The world's first telegram was sent on May 24, 1844 by inventor Samuel Morse. The message, "What hath God wrought," was transmitted from Washington to Baltimore."



Although Western Union stopped delivering telegrams in 2006, the mode of communication is not completely lost. You can still  send a telegram to your friends and family via Telegram Stop. For only $5.95,  you can send a genuine telegram, complete with "stops" instead of periods, to anyone in the U.S. and many other countries. I'm thinking perfect Christmas present for the person who has everything.

Who would you send one to?

Sunday, August 14, 2011

My Newest Addiction

From I Just Like It
Original Website
I've recently become obsessed/addictedto/insertyourownwordhere with Pinterest.

It is absolutely the easiest and most enjoyable way to waste time I have come across since Facebook. I'm sure there are more technical ways to describe it, but basically you and other people can "pin" links to cool websites in the form of pictures from said websites. For example if you find a delicious recipe for a chocolate cake, you can "pin" the picture of the cake and when other people click on it, it will take them to the website with the recipe.

Amazing right?

You can also categorize them onto "boards" such as food, clothes, etc. and personalize the names of the boards to your whim. I've decided to share a few examples from some of my boards. Hope you enjoy!


From All Things Crafty
Original Website


From Accessory Addiction
Original Website


Original Website



From I'd Wear It
Original Website


Go check out Pinterest. You know you want to! ;)
And while you're there, check out the rest of my boards HERE!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

YUM!

I had the most amazing time tonight! Dad and I went to a cooking demo-type class at The Accidental Chef. It was so delicious and so much fun. Chef Carlos put on a wonderful evening and was a delight to watch! The menu consisted of bruschetta, gourmet salad, sicilian egg rolls made from eggplant and put over linguine. White and red wine complimented each course. Dessert was a simple yet delightful lemon sorbet that Chef Carlos quickly dubbed "Lemon Euphoria". If you have not had the chance to attend a cooking class or demonstration, find one in your area. It is a blast and you get to eat amazing food as well!

Cheers!

Friday, April 29, 2011

"Thumb" Awesome Art

I love art. Especially fine art. My favorite artists are Jan Vermeer and Leonardo da Vinci.

But quirky, simple art equally impresses me. Such as fingerprint art.


Yep. Fingerprints. The basis for many surprising masterpieces. Check out Ed Emberley's collection HERE.

So easy and so fun! Go ahead! You know you want to... ;)

Cheers!

P.S. Also check out this art by Kevin Van Aelst. It's fingerprint art from a different perspective.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Support & a Giveaway!


If you have never checked out The Adopt Shoppe on Etsy, you absolutely must!

They sell amazing jewelry to support their adoption and their latest additions are beautiful necklaces made by women in Uganda. The bright colors are perfect for spring and the upcoming summer!

You can also find them on Facebook. They're giving away one of those gorgeous Uganda necklaces! I'm thinking "amazing Mother's Day present!"

Opa!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

It's a GIVEAWAY!

Courtney over at Not So Homemade is having an amazing giveaway for reaching 500 followers! The prize is a set of beautiful earrings made by her mom! Go check it out HERE!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Stop Traffick!!!

So my small group and I were making bookmarks last night. Several of us have a heart for victims of human trafficking and have been looking for ways to get involved. Our group leader recently discovered an organization called Night Light. They assist victims in Bangkok, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. Check them out and support their cause!

Anyway, we decided to make bookmarks and attach them to brochures about Night Light. I love how they turned out.

(Unfortunately my computer is having trouble uploading pictures of them.)

Just imagine a black bookmark with red, yellow, and green circles on one side, and a strip of white paper on the other with typed statistics and things to pray for about human trafficking. Trust me, they're awesome.

Please help us raise awareness. Human trafficking is REAL and is NEAR you!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Simply Wrap It Up

Yay! I'm so excited to share with you my first truly crafty post. While an older post showed you my finished product of a diaper cake for my friend Amanda, it was just that, a finished product. So now I'm thrilled to take you through the steps of a simple wrapping I did on little presents for my small group. Enjoy!

The presents themselves were tiny name and scripture papers that I put on scrapbook paper and placed in little frames found at World Market. (I just LOVE that place!) I think they came out pretty cute, don't you?



To wrap them, I found a nice sized box that would be easy to wrap



pulled out some trusty tools



and began to wrap. Since they were for a Christmas party, I went with the traditional green and red in some simple patterns.



I decided to use raphia instead of ribbon because I like the "country" look it gives and it is easy to maneuver.



I wrapped the boxes



then tied them up with the raphia. I decided I just wanted to fluff out the raphia later instead of tying a bow, so I measured it out just long enough to securely double knot it.



I trimmed the edges of the raphia at an angle, so when I fluffed them out later it would have a fun look



I trimmed some marbled card stock on my handy dandy sliding trimmer and used some pretty stamps to make a custom inital tag for each gift.



I LOVE how they turned out!



I punched a hole in them and tied them to the presents.



Then I fluffed out the raphia. Notice the edges?



And that's it! Super easy to do, and the girls loved them! Thanks for reading along and a belated Merry Christmas!

Beautiful Brokenness!

Laurie over at Tip Junkie is having an amazing give-a-way of a monogram letter made out of broken Charming Charlie jewelry. Check it out!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Christmas Song Puzzle

Guess the names of the following Christmas songs. Each letter corresponds with a word in the title.

1. S C I C T T
2. I S M K S C
3. J B
4. I D O A W C
5. R T R N R
6. C R O A O F
7. D Y H W I H
8. A I A M
9. F T S
10. T F N
11. O C A Y F
12. I C U A M C
13. O L T O B
14. J T T W
15. S N H N
16. L I S
17. W C I T ?
18. T T D O C
19. G R Y M G
20. H T H A S
21. W W Y A M C
22. G T I O T M
23. W T K O O A

Giveaway! Exciting Stuff!

My amazing friend Nichole' is having a super fun giveaway on her blog Mrs. Lavespere. Jet on over and check it out!