InspireMe Crafts

Back to School Projects

"If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers" – Edgar W Howe

Little big man and I are both ready for school to start. He is so excited for Kindergarten (or is it the bus he is excited for? Or is it so he can have a break from me?). As a parent, I love the enthusiasm he has for learning and I just hope it continues to grow. In fact, I am a little jealous right now. I am one of those freaks who love school and can't wait until I can go back again. Don't get me wrong…there were the days (usually before a dreaded test) that I rather be doing other things and may even fake my temperature. The old school thermometer held up to the light bulb didn't fool the mom when it read 106 degrees. I am the perfect example that sometimes you can be book smart and not so street smart. Ooops….

Once college came and I had some choice in the subject of my classes, plus some great professors, everything changed. Here I am 30 years old and still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. Until then, I'm channeling that inner kid in me and dreaming of all the back-to-school crafts I could be making, but just can't find the time in the next week. In case you are lucky enough to find some free time check these awesome ideas out…

Back to School Wreaths…

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Teacher Gifts…

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(Umm…Rolos and Hershey Kisses in this craft, woo-hoo!)

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Yummy Treats…

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I'm still daydreaming….. but I think I am going to snap out of it and get to work on a little Back-to-School surprise for my kiddo. Of course I'll be back to share the surprise as long as the daydreaming doesn't take over again. I hope you have been inspired and that some of those sparks are going off in your own creative mind!

Be inspired, get creative and have fun!

 

First Birthday Party: One Year in a Flash

"My oh my how the time does fly!"

It was time to celebrate my little man's first birthday and even though I said I wasn't going to do much…I just kept getting ideas that I couldn't resist trying out. I am the definition of "Mamarazzi" and for those of you who haven't heard this term yet the Urban Dictionary defines me as this:

Mamarazzi: Mothers who constantly follow their children around with several cameras and video taking equipment, snapping photos at each turn and documenting each milestone or event with at least two dozen photos and a video. 

I definitely have about 2 dozen photos from every outing or milestone and figured it was time to share them instead of just filing them away until I make the end of the year photo book. Being a Mamarazzi is a good thing (someday my kids will agree) and it was time to show off what my little man had been up to all year long. So the theme started to develop based on photos and my scouring the internet for ideas began. I went to Etsy first and found this invitation. I loved the wording in it so I started playing with my own invitation. I love chevron designs right now (along with everyone else) so I started there for the background and started playing around until I came up with the above invite.

My first "big" idea was to make a collage out of the photos spelling "one" similar to the "one" in the invitation. With some white posterboard and lots of black and white photos I got to work. Are you ready to see lots of photos? Because you do know you are reading a blog from a certified Mamarazzi ;).

I had lots of photos that were not used in the collage, but I still wanted to showcase them. So I made my own version of photos drying in the dark room by hanging them on some twine with clothespins. I loved it so much I think we are going to leave them up and change the photos regularly.

I also hung pictures with twine and clothespins above the sliding glass door, but every time I tried to get pictures they looked like dark blobs.

I wanted to sum up all the major milestones and if you aren't a regular reader you might just be learning that I LOVE chalkboard paint for just about everything. I spray painted some $1 foam board and put it behind an empty frame. And, yes, doesn't that diapers number astonish you? The ear infection number isn't a good one either, but really, 2190 diapers?!?

Remember how I love chevron designs? Well , I had to incorporate it into the party since it was on the invite so I found the black and white chevron fabric at a discount store. I purchased 1 ½ yards and put it straight onto the table…no sewing J. With my large black and white "one" photo collage I knew I needed some color. I found the green lanterns at the DollarTree and hung them from the ceiling. I then took a pack of tissue paper from the DollarTree and turned them into some brightly colored rosettes. There are lots of detailed how-to's on the web to make these paper rosettes, but I just folded the tissue paper in accordion style, tied the middle with dental floss (its nice and strong), and started to spread them out and tape pieces into place. I then ruffled up ½ a piece of tissue paper and put it on the middle to hide all the "ugly" stuff. Like I said…lots of detailed directions on the web based on the type of paper and size that you want. It's definitely something to bookmark if you need an inexpensive way to add some color or decorations to a boring white wall like I needed to.

As if there were not enough pictures yet….I had to do a "1sts" wall. I used black and white photos to stay consistent and then glued them onto some white paper. I cut out the paper and placed the photos on to it to resemble Polaroid photos. After the party I am taking them down and putting them straight into a book of his 1sts.

Michaels had some frame decals on clearance for 50 cents – perfect to extend the photo theme out to our deck.

You think this kid is having a good time?

He is in awe of the big candle…

Enjoying his cupcake one star at a time!

If you made it this far into this post, I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into my Mamarazzi files because we all know these were only a sampling of what my camera actually took! Enjoy and hopefully it sparked some ideas for your own party. Imagine doing the "One" collage for an anniversary – the numbers 50 really large with photos from 50 years of a marriage. It would be stunning and such a tribute to the couple.

I think the party planning is done for a while since both boys had their big days for 2011. Now the time has come to organize, organize, organize! I wonder what project I can accomplish tomorrow in between referring my boys game of Tom & Jerry around the house.

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

I've linked this party over at Under the Table and Dreaming

A Roarin’ Dinosaur Birthday Party

"Have a roarin' good time"

The Lil Man turned 4 last April and every time I look at his birthday party photos they make me smile - so I just had to share! He had so much fun that he has requested another dinosaur party for his 5^th birthday party, but I'm currently trying to talk him into something different. Wish me luck because whenever I suggest something he still sounds like a toddler who says 'no' to everything. This is going to require some creative parenting in order to get my 4 year old to think that an "Under the Sea" party was HIS OWN idea….am I dealing with a grown man?!? He has been obsessed with killer whales since he was 2 so I don't think it should be too difficult to sway his wants……we'll see.

I am a HUGE fan of Etsy and tell everyone about it when I have a chance. In order to make his party unique I tried to find as much as I could on Etsy. So I started off with his invites from Dimple Prints as well as the cupcake toppers.

Here he is enjoying his 4^th cupcake. Ooops….I mean 4^th frosting top. He only eats the frosting J.

A birthday boy needs his special outfit and, once again, Etsy delivered. Happy Family was a joy to work with and our family went all out with the theme....hence the cheesy matching! Although, I must say, as long as we don't wear them all at the same time we still wear the shirts (except me because it was a maternity shirt). I might have to order a new one!

Then we had table decorations. We placed buckets and shovels with the children's names on all the tables along with some dinosaur fossil replicas we found at Michaels.

Lil Man and his friends then went on a dinosaur dig. They took their buckets with them and went looking for their own designated area to dig for dinosaur fossils. Each one had a dinosaur egg and dinosaur fossil hidden in their area. I found the dinosaur eggs at Michaels and when you place them in water a dinosaur is "born". The dinosaur fossils were found at Oriental Trading. And my dinosaur diggers needed some official looking badges to enter the dig area J.

And the biggest hit of the party was the volcano. I wish I would have taken photos of it while I made it, but I was running short on time and just needed to get it done. Here's a quick summary of how I did it…..Find a disposable aluminum pan with sides on it to control the mess when the volcano erupts. To form the shape of the volcano I used some plastic bowls and cups and secured it with duct tape. Make sure the top has a shallow bowl so that it will 'erupt' and run down the sides. I used a small plastic cup that I cut in half so it wasn't so deep. I then added some paper mache to the outside to help form the shape. After it was dry I painted it with some brown paint and added sand and rocks. Each kid had a few chances to make it explode. I had a mini shot glass size cup I would fill with vinegar and a few drops of red food coloring and then the kids would pour that into the volcano that had about 1-2 tbsp of baking soda in it. Get lots of vinegar and baking soda because it will be a hit! I thought I had more than enough, but we ran out.

After some running around and opening presents the kids were off with their parents and their handy dandy gift bags.

If you are planning a dinosaur party I hope our party sparked some ideas to make it a hit!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

I've linked this party over at Under the Table and Dreaming

Craft Room Envy

" Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of our own" - Harold Coffin

In the Databazaar article done on Inspire Me Crafts, Kara Soos mentioned that "Some crafts enthusiasts dedicate an entire room to their projects, filled to the brim with all sorts of supplies and tools. Imagine how much money they spend on all those provisions!".  Well.....I have a closet.  Nothing to compare to these amazing and beautiful rooms that I came across at hgtv.com.  I'll have to admit...I felt a little envy.  Can you imagine walking into any of these rooms and getting to sit down and start creating?!?  I'd lock myself in ANY of these rooms for days with a "Do Not Disturb" sign.  But come on, its time to have a reality check.  I'm all about full disclosure so to bring most of us back to reality I thought I would give you a peek into my little craft corner.  Let's take a look at my craft closet part of a closet. 

Well, here it is.  Not much...some wire racks, some hand me down white shelves and a plastic drawer for my paper.  But I do love my inspiration board!  I used the wine cork board that I featured a while ago to pin my inspirations and ideas to.  However, I am extremely happy because I just got those hand me down white shelves about a week ago and they have made a world of a difference in keeping my closet organized.  So, although, I have a little craft closet envy this morning, I am also thankful that I do have my portion of a closet for my crafts...even if I share it with the garbage, blender, crock pot, chargers, and serving dishes!

If you want to create...don't make excuses because you don't have the new and improved tools or the fancy room.  A nice kitchen table will do the trick :)

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Check It Out: Capture the Moment

I'm finally able to do the Thursday Showcase again!  For awhile I just didn't have any time to find other blogs that I truly loved....the lil man was just running me around like crazy!  I came across some blogs that were ok, but I wanted one that I was truly impressed with.  Finally I found one that I just couldn't leave before I clicked every link! I actually found this one through Stacy's Paper Crafts (my first Thursday Showcase)...she's got great taste!

Without further ado... I would like to introduce you to Nichole Heady of Capture the Moment.  She is the designer and co-owner of Papertrey Inc.  which specializes in clear stamps and their own line of paper crafting embellishments and accessories.  And let me tell you they are delicious!  Go check out her blog and use her Categories and Tutorials section on the left to help you explore!  I went down every single one because I didn't want to miss out.  As you know, I'm not much of a card maker and scrapbooker, yet, but boy does she give me the inspiration.  If only she could fill up my wallet too!  Enjoy the exploration....

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun! 

Gotta Check It Out: Avery FREE Clipart

"I smile because you are my sister, I laugh because there is nothing you can do about it!"

I had to share some FREE Clipart that I found on the Avery website.  They have about 200 free backgrounds and images to use. They also have scrapbook paper and tags you can print at home now.  But back to the free clipart...  I got the background and the flower used on my Sister memory page from the free images that they provide.  There are some really cute clipart for babies, weddings, vacations, and just because. It was such a relief to find some modern designs and not that cheesy clipart that's available. Go check it out and have fun!  If you use some of the clipart to make cards or a memory page like I did... please share! 

Take care...

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Have It: Cath Kidston Products

"Love is a fabric which never fades, no matter how often it is washed in the water of adversity and grief"

I came across this website and I just had to share.   Cath Kidston uses vintage inspired prints to make beautiful everyday things from aprons and wallpaper to children's backpacks.  I made a collection of some of my favorite things from her website, cathkidston.co.uk, but there are so many more!  You really have to go check it out.  There are perfect gifts for weddings, baby gifts, mother's day, and just to show someone you care.  I'm not sure if her products are sold in US stores, but I requested a catalog and she does sell everything online.  Yay! Trust me, if you like the items in the collage then you will have a hayday browsing her site!  Enjoy....

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Check it Out: Paper Source

Yesterday is history.  Tomorrow is a mystery.  And today?  Today is a gift.  That's why we call it the present.  ~Babatunde Olatunji 

These are a few of my most recent "Gotta Have's" and they are from one of my favorite websites, papersource.com. You will find a perfect gift, package, and card all at this website for Valentine's day or any other gift giving holiday.  Can it get any better than one stop shopping from your computer?

As a busy mom, I live off of coffee and one of my favorite new hobbies is finding super cute coffee/tea mugs.  I LOVE these two mugs that simply say "Wake Up" and "Create".  There are several others that say things like "Bliss", "Think", "I'm Awake", etc. 

Want to get some flowers for your loved one, but with a twist?  Paper Source has flower kits to make bouquets out of paper!  Genius.  I'm going to try creating this one day on my own and I'll let you know how this goes. 

They also have adorable gift packaging.  They have the red/white polka-dot box and the red/white striped pillow box, but I think my favorite is the mini-suitcase.  This would be adorable to fill up with some sweet little gifts and to give them to you child for Valentine's day. 

Get creative this month and go check out papersource.com...you won't be dissappointed.  In fact, I just found out there is a store within a couple hours from us and they have workshops you can go to....don't tell my husband!  :)

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Check It Out: Stacy's Paper Crafts

"I love you to the moon and back"

I'm getting organized. It's not a New Year's resolution or anything, it's just long overdue.  I'm organizing everything from my craft closet, to my son's toys, to how I blog...which brings me to this post.  As many of you know, I started this blog with hardly any knowledge of exactly what a blog was, let alone how it worked.  Well, I'm slowly learning and in order to start keeping up with all the positive feedback I'm getting I decided it was time to organize what I post and when.  So now I'm going to have showcase Thursday's where I recommend a blog or website that you just "gotta check out".  This allows me to share so many other talented crafters and paper ideas with you, and more importantly gives me a break from having to create all my own projects.  I wish I could create one each of the 365 days of the year(at least), but I just can't create them that fast with the lil bugger running around!  You understand, right?! 

So lets get started!  Last night I was surfing the net.  Its amazing how you can click on one site, it will take you to another, and then another, and before you know it you have no clue how you ended up on this particular site.  That's exactly what happened when I came across this one!  Stacy's Paper Crafts makes beautiful cards, pre-made scrabooks, and cute Valentine tags which are all available to purchase on her Etsy store.  I love this site because everything is so beautiful and classy that she creates.  I'm not much of a scrapbooker or card maker yet (I just love to create things with all the supplies and paper created for those crafts ) so her ideas are such an inspiration.  So go check her out and enjoy!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!