InspireMe Crafts

Gotta Make It: Photo Block Puzzle

"The art of simplicity is a puzzle of complexity"  - Doug Horton

I love coming up with new ways to display all the pictures of our family.  This project was done last year when I made my parents this photo block puzzle of their grandson.  It is a wonderful and creative way to share memories with everyone and test their puzzle skills at the same time!  Plus, instead of just getting one puzzle, you actually can get up to 6!  My mom has it on her coffee table and you'll be amazed at the people who actually give it a try.  Its an easy project, however, be prepared to give it some time. I'm going to give you the detailed how-to for the actual puzzle, not the box.  However, don't forget to give those puzzle solvers a little help by providing pictures of the different puzzles on the front. :)

This puzzle measures 6 x 6 inches.  Each block I chose was 1.5 inches on each side.  The blocks come in various sizes and you, of course, can essentially choose your own size and number of blocks for your puzzle.  I'll give you the materials for the size of puzzle I chose to do.

MATERIALS:

16 - 1.5 inch wooden blocks
Black craft paint, Sponge brush
Mod Podge, sponge brush
Spray Adhesive
Ruler
Scissors
Up to 6 pictures printed on your computer

HOW-TO:

1. Paint all 16 blocks black, on all 6 sides.  Let dry.

2.  Choose your pictures that you will use for your project.  Re-size them to 6 X 6 in.  Print your pictures and let them completely dry.  Cut the pictures out along the edges.  TIPS:  When choosing your pictures, try to choose close-ups or ones that won't be too hard to solve.  Once you print it out, imagine where it would be cut into squares and make sure their are distinguishing marks that will allow your solver to put the clues together. 

3.  Turn your picture over.  On the back, using your ruler, start to mark the measurements of where you are going to cut.  Put a mark every 1.5 inches along the top and bottom, and then every 1.5 inches along each side.  Connect the dots using a straight edge to give you your grid.  Use a scrapbook paper cutter or scissors to cut along the lines.  TIP:  I wanted to see the finished puzzle and wanted to apply them in order so I put a number from 1-16 in each box on the grid on the back of the paper to help me keep them in order when applying in case they got mixed up.  Repeat with all other pictures.  I chose to only do 4 pictures and one note with stickers that read "I luv nana and papa" and then left the last side black. 

4.  Using your spray adhesive start to apply each picture square to the wooden block.  Do all 16 squares of the picture.  After you finish one picture move on to the next.  Complete all 6 sides.  Then allow to completely dry and adhere so no bubbles will pop up when you mod podge.  Read your spray adhesives directions to find the time. 

5.  Next, using your sponge brush, mod podge over each photo square.  Be careful to not have the blocks touching when you are having them dry so that they don't stick.  Again, do all 16 of one side, let dry, and do another side.  You most likely will have to do at least 2-3 coats of mod podge.  This is the time consuming part!

6.  You're done!  While your blocks are drying you can work on your box.

I really hope you enjoyed this idea, because it really is a keeper! 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It: "I love you this much" sign

"I love you this much"

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend!  We sure did, and now its back to the grind of 'reality'.  The husband is back at work, the in-laws have hopped on their plane and headed home, the sunny weather went away, and now its just me and little man at home today with loads of laundry and some fun! 

We've started Father's Day gifts a little early so we can share them with you.  I have so many ideas so no dad is going to be short of some fun, creative, handmade gift ideas for Father's Day!

This is the first idea we are sharing and is great for younger kids to make. 

MATERIALS:

Wood base (mine was 5 x7 and found at Michaels for $1) - or you could use a canvas
Favorite paper
Construction Paper
Paint
Ribbon
Scissors
Glue
Stickers, or cricut cut letters, or print the saying on your computer.

TO DO:

1.  Paint your wood a matching color to your paper.  Let dry
2.  Have your child make his/her own hand prints on the construction paper.  Let dry.  We did several so we could pick out the best ones.  Have soapy water and paper towels right there to clean hands before he/she decorates your house :). 
3.  Cut paper to size to fit on front of wood.  If paint has dried, adhere the paper to the front of the wood.  I used a spray adhesive.
4. Use stickers, cricut letters, or print out the saying on your computer.  Use "I love you this much".  Adhere to front of wood.
5.  Once the hand prints have dried, cut out around the hand prints and leave a little 'wrist and arm' when you cut so they can attach to the wood. 
6.  Add your child's name and date with a pen on the outer edge of the hand print.
7.  Tape or glue the hand print 'wrist/arm' to the back of the wood so the hand print is facing the front.  One on each side.
8.  Glue some ribbon on the back so your child's dad can hang it up.
9.  Add some photos, or if you child is old enough have them write the "I love you this much" message themselves.

This idea will work for many occasions of course.  Have fun with it and if you want to share you finished project with everyone email it to me and we'll share!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It: Just Married Sign

"...happily ever after"

Here's my latest project that I did for our friend.  She wanted a "Just Married" sign to hold in their getaway car for a photograph.  She gave me her color scheme and I went from there.  As a special 'thank you' for everything she does for us I also made her the "...happily ever after" sign.  I can't wait to get the photos from her photographer to share with you.  I really think they are going to turn out adorable. 

If you are getting ready to tie the knot and would like a customized "Just Married" sign to match your theme and colors email me at inspiremecrafts@yahoo.com for a quote.  In general, they run between $22 - $40 depending on the details and embellishments you would like. 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It: Terra Cotta Pot Bird Feeder

"The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese".  ~Author Unknown
Spring is here and has enlightened us to new discoveries for my son to explore with all his senses.  He stops to smell every single flower, listens to the birds chirp, and looks and talks to the ants...among many other things.  To bring some of the birds to us, we created these terra cotta pot bird feeders.  The decorated bird feeder craft project fits right into our lifestyle...easy, cute, and fun for the whole family.  Here's what you'll need (to make 1 bird feeder):

MATERIALS:

large terra cotta pot bottom
medium terra cotta pot
paint
2 medium sized wooden balls with holes
wire
paint brush
strong adhesive, glue gun
OPTIONAL:  beads, paper, decoupage

HOW-TO:

1.  Start by painting your terra cotta pots and the wooden balls.  Allow to dry.

2.  If you are a talented painter, or would like your children to do it, you can decorate your pots with designs.  If you are like me and can't draw or paint, you may choose to decoupage some paper onto it.  If you decide to take this route, I suggest cutting the paper into triangles or squares and overlapping them.  Put the decoupage on both sides and keep overlapping until you have your desired look.  Allow to dry.

3.  Take your wire ( I used about 1 yard and cut off the excess after I was done with the whole process) and stick one end through the wooden ball.  String the wooden ball all the way to the middle of the wire.  Then take both ends of the wire and insert them into the large opening of the pot and through the little hole on the bottom of the terra cotta pot until the ball is up against the pot.   (see picture for clarification).  Then take the two wires and insert into the second ball.  Bring ball down until it is at the bottom of the terra cotta pot.  There should now be one ball in the inside of the pot and one on the other side all connected with the same wire. 

4. Take your extra strong adhesive, or glue gun, and apply to the large open rim of the terra cotta pot. Quickly stick it to the center of the large terra cotta pot bottom.  Let dry. 

When I started the project I thought bright colors for our bird feeder would be fun, but once I started it I realized it looked more like a sombrero!

5. If you choose, add some beads to the wire and tie a knot at the top.

Look at how hard my son is concentrating while trying to get the bead on the wire!  I was actually impressed that he got some.

6.  Add some bird seed and hang!  Let the birds enjoy and start your bird watching. 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Cream Cheese & Strawberry Crepes

"Happy Mother's Day!"

Happy Mother's Day to all those fabulous & groovy moms!  I love today because it is my ONE day of the year where everything is about me.  Oh wait...my husband says I claim my birthday as that day also.  So please forgive me...I get TWO days a year where I get to do anything I want and most importantly choose what I am NOT going to do.  This entails...cooking, cleaning, diaper changing, errands, and whatever else I decide to claim immunity to.  Now, don't get my wrong...my husband is such a huge help around the house on a day to day basis, but we all know where most of the weight falls - on us!

Today ended up being another perfect Mother's Day for me. It started with the little man waking up just a little too early, but letting me lay there for just a few minutes longer. Then the hubby made me these delicious crepes...my absolute favorite (recipe at the end of post). Then the little man went on to say "Appy Otter's Day!" all day long followed by pointing out my zits. Yep....he likes to point out my zits and even tries to pick them. Now what mom does not like being told by their two year old that they have a crater face on the day where they are suppose to be pampered and feel beautiful? I can handle the reality, but I cringe at the thought of being in public with the little man and him pointing at some insecure teenager saying "zit, zit, zit, zit". I would be mortified!

But back to my perfect Mother's Day. While the kitchen was being cleaned after a delicious breakfast, the little man was watching Dirty Dancing with me. It was the part where Baby and Patrick Swayze perform at the other club and attempt the infamous lift. I hear "pease" (aka please) as my son jumps off the couch and anxiously says "pease....dance" as he pulls my arm to lift me up to the middle of the living room floor. My 2 year old wanted to dance with me just like they were on Dirty Dancing! My heart dropped. We twirled, hopped, tried to salsa, and we even did the lift - roles reversed of course! It was so wonderful I can't even explain. And then it was followed by the little man peeing all over me. Hmmm..

The day was filled with yummy treats and lots of laughs and thats all I can ask for. If I was so lucky to have something so delish I thought I better share the recipe for these elegant cream cheese crepes.

INGREDIENTS

4 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup flour
1 tbsp butter, melted - no substitutes
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp sugar

CREAM CHEESE FILLING
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp almond or vanilla extract
2 cups sour cream

Beat eggs and milk with a whisk in a bowl. Add flour, salt, and sugar until texture is smooth. Add melted butter and vanilla. Blend well. Place mixture in refrigerator for 30 minutes to help batter thicken.

For each crepe, put two to three tblspns batter into skillet over low to medium heat. Tilt to spread batter evenly, creating a thin crepe. When crepe is light brown, turn and cook second side for about 15 seconds more. Slide crepe onto wax paper or foil to cool. Continue making crepes until all the batter is gone.

To begin the filling, use a food processor or electric mixer to blend the cream cheese, sugar, and extract. Mix in the sour cream and blend well. Fill crepes and serve with a fresh fruit garnish. You can't go wrong with strawberries! Now enjoy!

***Recipe is from Monica Johnson in the May 2008 Albemarle Family Magazine***

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Little Man's 2nd Birthday

Our little man is growing up and is now officially in his 2's.  So far...so good!  Here are some pics from his UVA celebration.  Most 2 year olds want Thomas the Train, Elmo, Mickey Mouse, or Curious George.  Not our son...he's obsessed with orange and blue, "Paah- Vaaah" (aka. the mascot, Cavman), and anything with the 'V' Saber.  In a college town, its EVERYWHERE, and as a result we currently have the world's biggest University of Virginia fan. We still have his room decked out in Cougs stuff so he'll remember that he'll always be a Coug. 

The frosting and sprinkles on the cupcakes did not stand a chance with the birthday boy.  However, the actual cupcakes weren't touched by the little man....the adults definitely took care of that part. 

We made the birthday a whole day event for the little man.  He loves to help me bake so in the morning we made the cupcakes and then he decorated his with sprinkles.  After his nap, we decorated his "Birthday Boy" crown from the DollarTree with his favorite stickers, markers and glitter glue.  And finally, Nana and mom made the adorable banners.  We just used construction paper and some ribbon.  I LOVE this idea because it really can give a "WOW" factor for oh so little money.  Imagine if you had some adorable papers and did this...it would be perfect for a baby shower. 

It's so weird to think the little man is 2 already.  He has been such a joy and is just cracking us up every day.  Who knew a 2 year old could be so funny? 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It: Photo Puzzle #2

"Insanity is hereditary; you get it from your children." - Sam Levenson

If you liked yesterday's photo puzzle, then check out this alternative idea - The Photo Puzzle Collage Book (that's a long name!).  This version is a little more my style....let me explain.  If you aren't quite the perfectionist you wish you were, then make this version. Since I made this with the traced puzzle pieces it was doomed to not fit together perfectly.  Doing it this way is quicker and you don't have to worry about cutting and tracing everything just perfectly like idea #1.  Both are cute ideas so it just depends on your time and whether or not you are a complete perfectionist.  If you are a perfectionist...please come clean my house!

MATERIALS

Scrapbook puzzle or regular puzzle
Paper
Pictures
Glue, Scissor
Ribbon
Hole Punch
Brad

HOW-TO

1.  Print out photos to size.
2.  Trace puzzle pieces onto various photos.
3.  Cut out photos.
4.  Adhere photo to puzzle piece.
5.  Decorate front 'page'.
6.  Punch hole in approximately the same spot on every puzzle piece. 
7.  Stick brad through all the pieces.  Close brad on back.
8.  Voila!  An adorable photo puzzle collage for mother's day. 

I hope you are starting to get ideas for Mother's Day!  It's just around the corner and I really hope you are able to create something beautiful for her. 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It: Photo Puzzle #1

"A suburban mother's role is to deliver children obstetrically once, and by car forever after."  - Peter De Vries

I've had some puzzle pieces for awhile just waiting for the right project.  Luckily it came just in time for Mother's Day. I made two versions of this - one is an actual puzzle you can put together (today's project) and the other is more of a photo collage book (tomorrow's project). 

Before you start, be sure to trace the puzzle pieces.  I purchased mine at a craft store.  If you trace them, then you can use them over and over without purchasing them every time.  Use the back of a notepad for a heavier paper/cardboard.  Can't find the scrapbook puzzle pieces at the craft store? Go to the DollarTree and find a puzzle from there that you can use. 

MATERIALS:
Scrapbook puzzle or regular puzzle
Paper
Pictures
Glue, Scissor
Mod Podge

HOW-TO:

1.  I simply started with a piece of scrapbook paper. 
2.  Adhere photos and a message. 
3.  Turn over the scrapbook paper and trace the puzzle pieces onto the back.
4.  Cut out paper puzzle pieces. 
5.  Adhere paper pieces to puzzle.  Cut off any excess paper. 
6.  Finish with Mod Podge. Be careful it doesn't drip onto sides because it will make it harder to put the puzzle together.
7.  I then packaged mine together with all the pieces on top of each other, wrapped in ribbon, with a "Happy Mother's Day" note. 

Stay tuned for tomorrow's second puzzle idea!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It: Refrigerator Quotes

"Who are all these children and why are they calling me mom?"

Everyone needs a little inspiration.  Whether its to get us through the day between poopy diapers and screaming children, or just something to remind us to make the most of our life, a few words of inspiration are good for all of us. 

This refrigerator quote project was made for another mother I know for Mother's Day.  I simply decorated a CD tin with paper, printed some quotes, and then made my marble magnets.  Package it all together and you have an adorable gift perfect for any occasion.  Create themes with the quotes and it can be a gift for a newly married couple, new parents, for graduation, or just to get through a rough time or to enjoy a good laugh. 

Be inspired, get creative and have fun!

Mother's Day

Mother's day is just around the corner (May 11th, 2008 for those of you a little behind) and its time to start thinking about what special handmade gifts you can make for the most important woman in the world. So welcome to your one stop resource for Mother's Day quotes and Mother's Day craft ideas. I've created a page dedicated to helping you figure out the perfect gift.  Go to my Mother's Day page by clicking here to spark your creative imagination. 

I will be adding more and more quotes and ideas daily so be sure to check back regularly and don' forget to check back soon for Father's Day ideas.

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

More Custom Hanging Letters

"I hate four letter words:  Wash, Cook, Dust, Iron"

I may hate washing, cooking, dusting, and ironing, but I do love creating beautiful things.  Remember when I was having a great week and received some new custom orders for my hanging letters?  Well, here are some pictures of the finished products.  The customer gave me the colors of the room and then I emailed her some pictures of different options.  She chose her favorite pattern and then I created these letters for her daugthers' room. 

She emailed me the following once she saw a picture of them:

"All that I can say is WOW!!! they are the most precious things i have ever seen!!! i ADORE them...i will check in the am to see if they are listed on your etsy shop and purchase them then!!!again, i LOVE them....you are extremely talented with this!! my boss is having a baby in July, once i know what "it" is and the name, I will definitely get one for them!!!
thank you"

I was so happy that she loved them as much as I did that it was really a motivation to try and get more organized in how I approach selling these.  Now that my parents are gone from their week visit, I am really going to concentrate on getting more of these up on my Etsy Shop.  Until then, you can always email me at inspiremecrafts@yahoo.com to order a custom one.  I currently charge $15 for each letter. 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!