InspireMe Crafts

Gotta Make It: Cereal Box Magazine Holder

"The brightest light I can hope to see is the one you give to me when you smile" - Maya Angelou

If you are like my family, you go through tons of cereal boxes and as hard as you try to stay organized, there just always seems to be another organization project to tackle.  Currently, I am trying to organize my little computer nook and its been a slow process.  But I finally stole  a few moments today to make my space a little more beautiful and functional. 

I cut these magazine holders out of cereal boxes about 2 months ago, but never got around to making them look pretty.  So today with a little paper and ribbon, you can't even tell that they use to be Honey Nut Cheerios and a Popsicle Box. 

As you can see, I've conveniently only shown you the top shelf of my computer nook.  I took a picture of my 'before', but am not going to reveal that disaster until I can show you the completed 'after' picture.  A little at a time...

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone!  Enjoy your day with your families and hopefully you have some beautiful weather like we do!

Gotta Make It: Silhouette Photo

"Grow old with me.  The best is yet to be..."

Wednesday was our 3rd Wedding Anniversary and its so hard to believe!  Life has been crazy since then living in 3 different states and having the little man who has also lived in 3 different states.  But to be honest, I don't think I would have it any other way.  Well, I actually take that back.  I would have someone unpack EVERYTHING for me next time. 

As a gift, I made this silhouette picture for my hubby out of a picture from our first dance.  Truth be told, this 'anniversary gift' was probably more for me than him...but he was a good sport and still seemed to appreciate it.  He knows I get a high off of this stuff and has never complained about my trips to the craft store or the DollarTree - unless I drag him along with me...then he complains! 

I found this adorable damask frame at Target a while ago on sale for only $2!  You can't pass that up and it was just waiting to be filled.  Here's the easy how-to and materials list...

MATERIALS

Frame
Picture
Cardstock - silhouette, accents, and background
Embellishments - sparkles, ribbon, quotes
Small scissors, spray adhesive, glue

HOW-TO

1.  Print a picture out that you want to use as your silhouette.  If the picture is not okay reversed, then remember to choose the 'Mirror Image' option on your print settings. 

2. Adhere the picture to the cardstock with glue.  I used black paper and a spray adhesive.

3.  Using small scissors cut out the picture. Flip over to see the silhouette.

4.  Add any embellishments.  I cut out a dress and veil from ivory cardstock and added some 'bling' with sparkles.

5.  Adhere the silhouette to a background piece of paper. I chose a red to go with our room and it was also one of the colors in our wedding.

6.  Then I added a quote at the bottom from a quote sticker stack I had. 

7.  Put in frame and give as the perfect homemade gift. 

Its really easy, I promise.  It just takes some time finding pictures that would make a good silhouette and a steady hand while you cut!  Enjoy.

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It: Baking Pan Wall Art

Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. - Franklin D Roosevelt

You will not believe what I used for this piece of wall art!  Well, maybe you will since I put it in the header... but its still hard to believe.  I took a pizza baking sheet, from the DOLLAR TREE, and turned it into a one of a kind inspiration board for my own little nook in the house.  I used Chalkboard paint so that around the brim I could write current quotes or thoughts that will help inspire me and then I can change it whenever I want!

But don't let your imagination stop there.  You could make this into one large statement...I just need more wall space to try it.  For instance, if you took 9 of them and created a 3 X 3 formation using different, but color coordinating patterns, you could make quite the statement for under $20!  I would recommend using the same paint color on all the pans to bring it together or better yet leave the shiny silver.  You know...I do have an empty wall in my bedroom...I might just have to try it. I'll keep you updated!

Or just create three of them and maybe use the words "Live, Love, Laugh" or "Family, Friends, Faith"...or any combination of words your family holds near and dear :). 

The other great thing about this is its magnetic so you could hang pictures or inspiration just like that!  Can you tell I'm excited about this project?  For my version, you'll need....

MATERIALS:

Round Baking Sheet (check your $1 Store)
Paper
Chipboard letters or stickers
Chalkboard Paint
Scissors, spray adhesive, glue gun

HOW-TO:

1.  Outside in a well-ventilated area, spray the outside portion of the pan with Chalkboard paint.  Let dry following the can's instructions.

2.  Cut out a circle in your favorite paper.  Apply with spray adhesive once chalkboard paint is dry.

3.  Add the chipboard letters to spell out your word or phrase. 

4. Add any quotes you would like with chalk around the edge. 

5. You might even add some ribbon if you want to hang it from.  I add a little hook on the back with glue to hang on my wall.

There you go...an idea for creative wall art anyone can afford and make in no time!  I hope you enjoyed this project from the Dollar Diva and get ready for more to come in the future. 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

And the Winner is....

It's time to draw the lucky winner for the custom decorated hanging letter from the Ultimate Blog Party last week.  Did you guys have fun?  I had a blast browsing around, but I still haven't put a dent in all the blogs that participated!  I enjoyed meeting everyone and really hope I'll see you around...and if you do stop by leave a comment so I know you were here! 

Well, here are all the names from the comments....

Little man picking the lucky winner....

And the winner is...

DEBI from craftysblog.blogspot.com!!!! Yay to Debi and sorry about my horrible picture :(*. 

If you would like to get more information on a custom designed hanging letter for only $15 please contact me at inspiremecrafts.com!  They are always a popular gift with any age.  Happy St. Patty's Day!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Why should you never iron a 4-leaf clover? You don't want to press your luck. - Daryl Strouth

Happy St. Patty's Day everyone!  I'm going to have to admit between Easter and working on our taxes on Sunday....I didn't leave much time for St Patty's Day projects.  I won't even get you started with the taxes except that it wasn't the actual tax process that drove me insane, but trying to get the software to work on our computer.  I did upgrades, then the internet wouldn't work, did system restore about 4 times until I gave up. I just need a new computer...someday!  :)  But what it all comes down to is that as mothers sometimes we really can't do it all.  However, with a little creativity you can always come up with something quick and easy.  I found these mini graham crusts in the Jello-O/Pudding aisle at the grocery store and then found some green pudding.  I was hoping for a mint chocolate chip flavor, but its pistaccio.  I wasn't too sure about this, but to be honest it isn't that bad.  So now we have a festive dessert for St. Patrick's day. 

Here are some interesting facts for you to enjoy that I found at kaboose.com!

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the highest number of leaves found on a clover is 14!

One estimate suggests that there are about 10 000 regular three-leaf clovers for every lucky four-leaf clover.

Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.

Gotta Make It: Cookie Gift Bag

"Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life"

When my husband and I decided to move to the opposite coast that both of our family live, we knew we would have our work cut out for us.  But luckily, we have been blessed with some very kind hearts who have quickly opened their arms to us and helped us out with our son.  My neighbor is a sweetheart and is getting her Masters in Education.  She watches my son on Thursday's for a couple hours while I go teach some ballet classes.  And she does it for FREE!  She is always offering to help and he absolutely loves it when she comes down for their play time.  She was defending her thesis tomorrow so we decided to make her a little good luck gift.  Now..as a reminder we were stuck at home with that icky bug so I had limited options.  I'll tell you my how-to and then things I would have done differently if I could have gotten out of the house.

MATERIALS:

Cellophane bag
Paper (cardstock) or scrapbook paper
Printer - optional
Ribbon
Hole punch
Yummy cookies

HOW-TO:  (click on picture to enlarge)

Notes on things to do differently or to avoid:

1.  I used photo paper because I didn't have cardstock. Cardstock would be much better. 
2. Make sure you have ink.  As you can see my black ink was a little low.
3.  Have a heavy duty hole punch!  I used a normal hand held one and it made me work!  Then I had to take an X-Acto knife to finish it off.  I think that's about it....Have fun!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It...with the Kids: Easter Egg Magnet

"God doesn't give us what we can't handle; God helps us handle what we are given"

LOOK!  We are feeling better today.  We were actually able to get out of the house, do a project, and I actually had my 'normal' son back!  It sure was good timing, because between the both of us not feeling well, not getting sleep, little man teething, and having horrible cabin fever I was about ready to have a nervous breakdown.  But we got through it and today was a great day!  Yay!  We decided not to push it too much so we did a quick and easy Easter craft for kids any age.  This craft was perfect for my little man because he is 22 months old and we are working on shapes and colors.  I took some various colored foam (from Dollar Tree of course.  You get about 10-15 sheets for $1) and I pre-cut the egg and shapes.  Then I let him get after it.  Usually I put the glue on the shape and let him place it where he wants, but today he really proved to me that he is growing up.  He wanted to do it all on his own and he did!  When he was all done creating his masterpiece, I stuck some business card magnets on the back. These are great because you just peel the protective sheet off and stick it to the object.  You can't get any quicker and easier than that!  We then added a little note for dad, and put it on the fridge for him to see when he got home. 

This isn' t any extremely creative idea, but it just shows that for the little ones almost anything is fun for them. For only $1 we had an absolute blast, put a smile on his daddy's face, and practiced our shapes and colors....just priceless :). 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Popsicle Anyone?

This is us....not just yesterday, but the day before too!  No showers and stuck to the couch.  My poor son has been hit with that nasty bug going around and as a result Popsicles are staying in business because of us!  This is how we are partying this week for the Ultimate Blog Party...Popsicles,  Kleenex, and Motrin.  Let's weigh the positives and negatives of this whole situation....

POSITIVE:

1.  I get to cuddle with my little man all day.
2.  We watched Lion King
3.  I didn't have to do any housework.
4.  My husband can wait on us. :)
5.  Lots of time to think about craft ideas. 

NEGATIVE:

1.  We watched Lion King 4 times...and never saw the end!
2.  Watched a very disturbing ABC Sing-a-long movie.  WARNING TO PARENTS:  If it is on sale for $1...STAY AWAY!
3.  My house looks like a tornado came through and there are no clean clothes.
4.  Little man is not his outgoing self :(
5.  Can't work on any craft projects.

Hopefully we can get rid of this thing quickly!  Supposedly it lasts for two weeks....I'm not having that!  I'm already going crazy being in the house for 2 days.  This afternoon its just going to be dad and the little man so I can get out and reclaim my sanity.

But don't worry...I will find some time for a couple new ideas I want to try.  Take care and STAY HEALTHY!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!   

The Ultimate Blog Party

"Let's get this party started...."

In case you haven't heard, 5minutesformom.com is hosting the 2008 Ultimate Blog Party and you've officially started the party hopping (and hopefully you'll stay and mingle for awhile)!  I would like to personally welcome you to your new source of creative inspiration for everyday living! Grab a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and start exploring and learning along with me!  Below are some of the most popular posts and projects you won't want to miss.

Terra Cotta Pot Easter Bunny

Cookie Pan Chalkboard

Crayola Crayon Costume

Paper Pinwheel

Paper Christmas Tree

Hanging Letters

Paper Wreath

Nuts 4 You Valentine Gift

Hangover Helper Party Favor (you might need this after your late-night blog hopping)

Photo Gift Tags

Photo Magnets

I hope you have enjoyed what you've seen so far and I don't want you to miss out on the next two opportunities.

1.  Leave a comment and automatically be entered to WIN a custom made Hanging Letter (see my photo album on the right for examples).  The letter can be custom made for anyone you like and the shipping is taken care of!  The winner will be chosen and announced on March 17th so be sure to check back to see if you are the lucky winner. 

2.  Want to be showcased on my blog?  Simply send a picture and brief description of your project to inspiremecrafts@yahoo.com and your project and website (if you have one) will be showcased.  Please visit Showcase YOUR Project & Talents for more detailed info. 

Before you go, check out the NEW, but very popular, Dollar Diva section as well as the beginnings of a collection of Quotes, Poems, and Sayings you can use for your projects and everyday living. This will continue to grow as I come across the ones I like. 

There you have it....  I've enjoyed having you as a guest, and I hope you'll come back and become a friend.  Leave comments and send emails...there is a real and social person behind the site!  Did you like the site?  I sure hope you did and would appreciate the help in spreading the word.  I'm still learning the world of blogging and the basics of photoshop and new crafts all the time!  I hope you will continue the journey of learning with me. 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun! 

Gotta Make It: "Some Bunny Loves You" Card

"The best thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother" - Abraham Lincoln

So if you are a return reader, you know that I am not much of a card maker and scrapbooker...I just envy the ones who do. I just like to use scrapbook paper and embellishments for other projects. But my husband suggested an idea and I just had to do it and make it nice and cheesy!  If you like to be cheesy every once in awhile (or all the time), then take the concept of this post and run with it!

It all started with the bunny.  My husband said we should put our son's picture as the face of a bunny.  I set off by finding a picture of a bunny that I could use to freehand the drawing.  Not really thinking this project through the whole way, I chose the pink and white polka dot paper because bunnies to me are always pink or white -  slight problem when your bunny is a boy. :)  But too late.  It might have been better to branch out and do a pale green or yellow bunny.  Lesson learned....think a little further ahead on my next project.  Next I cut out our son' s picture and glued it to the bunny.  To make it nice and cheesy I had the bunny holding an Easter egg that says "Some Bunny Loves you very much".  The grandparents will LOVE this! 

Use that as your basis and make a festive Easter card for your loved ones!  In fact, this is a great Easter craft for kids.  Have them transform a picture of themselves into a bunny! 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!