The Reason for the Season - Part 2

Due to the success of my first run of "Reason for the Season"

Christmas ornaments, I've decided to expand.

These names I just cut out with my vinyl cutter and placed them on glass baubles.

DIY - Bunting out of Vintage Linnens

I took a break form the serious and had some fun.

I made a bunting out of vintage, hand embroidered linnens.

Handkerchiefs, pillowcases, table runners etc.

most of which I picked up at thrift shops.

I really don't think the various grandmas whose linnens I used would mind if I take their yellowed and stained embroidery pieces and make them live anew in something fresh and fun.

This is something that has all the more character because of the uniqueness of all the pieces.

Feeling Spring

Spring is in the air!

I can feel it, even though it has snowed the past two days.

My crocus and tulips are coming up.

I always get a little bit dreamy in the spring.

As if I'm not bad enough already.

Blossoms, tulips, rain, everything coming alive and green.

*sigh* I'm full of whimsy today.

Kids Craft: Melting Beads Bowl

This was a fun quick craft I did with the kids.

It also gets rid of some of those beads in I have in that huge jar I bought from ikea.

Paper Raffia Flowers

Today to church I was wearing lots of clothes on my body and feet

because there was a snow storm this morning.

I looked over at my friend and she had on really cute wedges and manicured toenails.

Yea, I was seething with jealousy.

I came home and I was in the mood for spring.

So I got out a little project that I started last summer,

and I made a bunch of paper raffia flowers.

Valentines Boxes

Over the years we have made quite a few Valentines boxes.

The boys re-use these year after year.

We have a rubik's cube box, A pizza box, and an aquarium made out of an ice cream bucket.

Will you be mine? #3 - Valentine Bunting

I have not been on top of things with decorating my mantel for Valentines Day.

I know, I know "Gasp! Whats wrong Rachael?"

I have been trying to think of something

thats not too over the top, a little understated, but still fun.

I tend to over do it when I get to decorate with pink.

So I came up with this bunting.

Love is...

For all you wonderful people I have created for you my first printable.

To celebrate Valentines Day

I copied 1-Corinthians chapter 13 the New world translation of the Bible.

I usually prefer King James, but this is really worded beautifully. 

Will you be mine? #2

On Monday I took the kids to the dollar store to kill some time.

I told them to choose anything they wanted, and I would buy it for them.

It worked better when they were little they were in awe at such selection,

But now the older ones look at me like "Seriously mom? It's a dollar."

However, there was a pretty nice selection of valentines craft-ables

that I decorated my chandelier with.

Faux old window - for those who can't find one

It seems like everyone has a cute old window to decorate with.

Not me, I have not been lucky in finding them.

What do I do when I want something and I can't find it or it is too expensive?

Why, I make it of course.

Will you be mine? #1

I love celebrating love.

Gotta decorate!

Another Bird Project

Yesterday I gave you a tour of my bedroom.

And I promised to show you how I made this bird artwork.

Dried Oranges

Oranges. Very traditional and very festive.

I saw how to dry them on TV and I thought I would try it.

Quite lovely.

Here's what I did.

You can also tie them on a ribbon to hang, 

but I just hooked straightened out paper clips on them and inserted them in the

garland strung on my stair railing.

They add just the right touch.

Orange you glad I made these?

(I had to insert some sort of lame joke in here.)

Now you run off and pull out your oranges and glitter.

I'm off to help the elves wrap some presents.

Thanks!

Snowflakes keep falling on my head part 3

When I did the first "Snowflake" post I had no idea that I would have so many

snowflake themed projects to share with you.

But here we are at part 3 with snowflake curtains. 

Soap making, it's easy.

Thursday is my easy craft day and this seriously was, extremely easy.

It's also a great gift idea.

Snowflakes keep falling on my head - Part 2

Why do I like pillows so much?

Maybe it's because I like to take little naps, and I always need a pillow handy.

Sometimes to lay my tired head on and sometimes to put over my head to block out noise.

Pillow fights? Maybe.

Cozy comfy feeling they bring to a home? Yes.

They are an inexpensive and easy project? Definitely.

Snowflakes keep falling on my head

Sorry I've been gone lately. I have been super busy.

The things I have been busy with involve lots of paint... lots of it... gallons seriously.

Soooo posts for the next few weeks may not be super regular.

I promise that I will make it up to you.

But for now here is a quickie to get us excited.

It's getting to be that time!

When my house gets transformed into a winter wonderland.

I LOVE Christmas decorating.

I really wish it could stay up longer then a month.

I thought that a cute simple wreath to show off my aqua front door was in order.

The Reason for the Season

I have to give credit for this idea to my Aunt Susie.

She and I made some of these a few years ago and they have been one of my favorite

additions to my Christmas decor.

But, bad news. Curious little fingers have peeled off some of the letters. So I made new ones :-)

I'm not the only crafty one.

Look at what Mr. B made!

I love it, what a great idea.

I'm Thankful For....

Let me begin by stating that I am thankful that we have a holiday to celebrate being thankful.

We take so much for granted in our lives and I love being able to reflect on how truly blessed I am.

In order to teach gratitude to my children I made a "Thankful" mobile on our dining chandelier.