InspireMe Crafts

Gotta Make It: Message Photo Blocks

"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One is roots; the other, wings". – Hodding Carter

Christmas is just around the corner and I'm sure you are starting to look for some ideas for personalized Christmas gifts for your loved ones. We originally made these message photo blocks for Grandparent's Day, but it would really work for any holiday!

I originally got the idea after seeing this blog post on Brassy Apple. Instead of framing the photos, I made photo blocks out of them. I did one block for each grandparent, so each block contains the picture of Lil Man with 'I', 'heart', 'U', and 'I heart U'.

MATERIALS:

1 wood block ( I chose a 4x4 inch)
4 photos (need the letters you want to take the photos). I had photos printed at store for top quality.
Mod Podge or your favorite decoupage
Black paint
2-4 Foam brushes
Scissors

HOW-TO:

1. Paint your wood block black (or your chosen accent color) on all sides. Let dry
2. Cut your pictures to size.
3. Apply thin coat of Mod Podge to back of picture. Adhere to wood block. Smooth out bubbles by using a cloth over the picture. Repeat on each side. Let dry according to directions on decoupage. Usually 20 minutes.
4. Apply coat of Mod Podge over the top of picture and block. You may have to do a couple of pictures at a time, let dry and then do the others. Make sure to get the corners and sides of the pictures as well.
Note: It helps to rest the block on a cup upside down or something similar so the Mod Podge doesn't adhere to the newspaper you may have underneath for dripping.
5. Let dry overnight.
6. Give to a loved one. J

I hope you enjoy as you prepare for the holidays!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It….With the Kids: Handmade Gift Wrap & Gift Bag

"The manner of giving is worth more than the gift".  ~Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ever get tired of going to wrap a present and having the wrapping paper at the end of its roll….just short of what you need to succesfully wrap your gift? Or how about this…you go to wrap a Birthday gift and you have 3 rolls of Christmas wrapping paper, but no birthday paper. Ahhh!!! Have no worries because after we did this handmade gift wrap for a friend, I'm not sure we'll go back to store bought wrapping paper anytime soon. This was a nice creative twist to traditional wrapping…and thoughtful J. Lil Man had a birthday party to attend and in true fashion, we devoted plenty of time to picking out just the right presents, but not enough on how we were going to wrap or bag it.

My "Ah-ha" moment came when I looked up and saw a painting by Lil Man on his painting easel that had been there for a little while. I had him add some final touches to it and voila, we had creative DIY wrapping paper. If you don't have a painting easel with a roll of white paper, but do have that leftover Christmas paper, just use the white side of the wrapping paper to paint.

Then came the next challenge. We had this large flying disc thing-a-majig and did not have a bag big enough for it and wrapping it seemed too daunting for an 8:00a.m. project. We needed a handmade gift bag…

 

To make our handmade gift bag, we took some white paper from a roll of paper, cut a piece about 6 feet long, layed it on the kitchen floor, and started coloring with markers. Lil Man drew a humpback whale (see it J), some squigles, and his favorite –circles. We folded it in half and then used a hole punch to punch holes along the sides. We grabbed some scrap ribbon and tied knots thru each hole to secure the bag. Add a couple holes at the top and a ribbon to make the gift bag handles. And once again, a creative and handmade gift bag for that special someone.

Look at Lil Man! He is so proud of his creation and ready to give it to his lil buddy. Can someone talk this kid into a haircut?!?

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It: Photo Magnet Bookmarks

When I posted my Magnet Bookmarks previously it only took a few moments for my biggest fan (my mom of course) to call and ask for one. Instead of using some pretty paper, I decided to use a photo of her favorite grandson (and only grandson). A simple request turned into a great gift for Grandparent's Day. I followed the same instructions outlined on the Magnet Bookmark post. However, I took it a step further to package the gift in a creative way. I went to the DollarTree and found a book. I then ripped out a page, displayed the magnet on the page, and just in case they didn't get it….added "A bookmark!". I then put it in a clear plastic sleeve to keep the photo safe. Of course I made a handful for all the grandparents and great grandparents…

You can do this very quickly so if you are scrambling for some Grandparent's Day gifts…you still have plenty of time!

Be inspired, get creative and have fun!

Gotta Make It: Creative Family Tree (with a beach theme twist)

"Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts. " ~Author Unknown

Christmas in our family can never be dull with the tradition of a White Elephant Gift Exchange. For the last few years there has been a new twist to the exchange....the gift has to be handmade.  That means no more pine-cones in a recycled popcorn tin (although some may argue this is handmade ).  Add a little competitiveness that runs in the blood and get ready for a no-mercy, fun-filled evening.  Unfortunately, I now Iive on the other coast from most my family, so I have not witnessed the exchange first hand in awhile.   However, on a recent trip home I snapped some pictures of an example of what comes out of these gift exchanges.  It still leaves me saying "How did you come up with that idea?". 

My aunt made her own version of a family tree and personalized just about every detail.   I don't even know what to call this family tree....except "Creative Family Tree"...with a beach theme twist.  Any ideas?  Anyway, the beach plays a large part in our family - we all love it, vacation there, and have fond memories.  So she started by making a little oceanfront 'village'.  Each section represents a different family.  She has every single person on there and a shop/deck/church/hotel is named after what that family member does for a living, hobby, etc.  We'll start with my aunt...."Joeleen's Junk & Beach Crafts".  Obviously she is crafty so its quite fitting.  I still look at this creation in awe.  She said it took them two weeks full of afternoons cutting, painting, gluing etc. 

 

So are you feeling up to making your own family tree...with a twist?  Go for it and, of course, please share.... :)

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun! 

Gotta Make It: Juice Box Flower Vase

"Earth laughs in flowers."  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Hamatreya"

Nothing says summer like a backyard barbecue with bright colors and beautiful colors.  When we were on vacation last week (hence the lack of posts), we went to my cousin's wedding reception.  Besides the fact that my Aunt and Uncle have a yard and garden that should be featured in Sunset Magazine, they also added a few creative touches to their backyard barbecue wedding reception.  At each rectangular table were a couple of Juice Box Flower Vases full of bright flowers.  All she did was clean out a juice container, cut off the top, add some water, and add a bouquet of your favorite flowers.  So simple, so economical, and so adorable!  You could use these juice box flower vases for Baby Shower decorations, barbecue decorations, Mother's Day gift, and I'm going to use it as a little hostess gift this weekend for a barbecue we are attending. 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It: Flower Gift Boxes

"We should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers."  ~Seneca

 

I've been making a conscientious effort to avoid buying things that I don't have an immediate use for.  Luckily, I did not follow my own rules when I came across these flower gift boxes in the shape of a purse while doing some bargain hunting at the DollarTree.  Instead of saying, "Oh, those are cute" and moving my little tush forward, I stopped,knelt down to the bottom shelf and piled every color they had into my arms.  The ideas were limitless...flower girl gifts, Mother's Day brunch table settings, random gifts, birthday gifts, teacher gifts, thank you gifts....you get the point.  But you know what happened?  I liked them so much and I was so selfish that I held on to them forever because they were just too cute.  Well, I finally came to terms that a bunch of flower gift boxes sitting on a shelf were not doing any one any good.  Mother's Day was here and my son and I needed a gift box for our Snickerdoodles....the time had come to part with my beloved boxes :).  We filled them up with some scrumptious Snickerdoodles (recipe to follow shortly), personalized them with some notes and initial tags, and delivered them personally to some well deserving moms.  And my moms never cease to amaze me because they all "get me" and my quirky obsession with adorable gift giving things and truly appreciated these little special boxes...or maybe it was all about the sugar filled cookie inside....hmmm.

The moral of the story...break the rules sometimes (but know your limits)!  Although you may not be able to find these exact boxes at the DollarTree today, there may be another gem waiting for you to overstock on.  Or even better...you could even recreate these bright colored boxes. Let me know how that goes if you give it a whirl.  I'm sure my readers are always up for a challenge. 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Mother's Day Quotes & Sayings

As I post these Mother's Day Quotes & Sayings a handful of days before Mother's Day, I hope you are already ahead of me on getting out those Mother's Day cards or gifts. But for those of you like me who like to cut it a little close, you may be looking for some fun Mom Sayings to include on a card or just a little inspiration to make just the right gift.  I hope you find a saying or quote in the below list that helps you create something special for your mom.

A Mother makes a house a home.

Sh-h-h, Mom’s in Time Out!

Cordless Mom. Recharge with hugs!

Mom love hugs and kisses and help with the dishes.

Clean houses never last. Hugs and kisses do.

Both of us can’t look good. It’s either the house or me!

Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever

"If love is sweet as a flower then my Mother is that sweet flower of love." - Stevie Wonder

"A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning unnecessary."

"I love you as a mother. I respect you as a woman. I trust you as a friend. You mean so much to me and I'm lucky to have you." - Unknown

"To the world you might just be one person, but to one person you might just be the world." - Unknown

"Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said." - Anonymous

"Children: You spend the first 2 years of their life teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend the next 16 years telling them to sit down and shut-up." - Anonymous

My mom is a never-ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune. - Graycie Harmon

Wings
Mother,
You've given me two things
One is roots
The other's wings
- Anonymous

"The phrase "working mother" is redundant."
-- Jane Sellman

"God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers."
-- Jewish proverb

"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother."
-- Lin Yutang

"All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his."
-- Oscar Wilde

"The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother."
-- Theodore Hesburgh

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

If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden.  ~Attributed to Claudia Ghandi

“The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.” -Honore' de Balzac

“If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?” - Milton Berle

"Any child can tell you that the sole purpose of a middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble."- Dennis Fakes

“A mother understands what a child does not say.” - Jewish Proverb

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It: Personalized Flower Gift Using Plant ID Tags

"Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made, and forgot to put a soul into."  ~Henry Beecher, Life Thoughts, 1858

 

April is always a crazy month of birthdays and anniversaries and I'm usually not as organized as I would like to be when the time comes around.  I usually try to bake something, but I knew on this weekend that I just had too much on my plate to get any baking done for the special birthday girls.  However, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing because who doesn't love flowers?  I found these beautiful daisies already planted in the coordinating pots for a great price. Then I used some metal plant ID tags to write a special message to the recipient.  This was for a birthday, but it would also work well for Mother's Day or Graduations.  These Plant ID tags come with an erasable marker so I tucked the marker in the flower pot so they can re-use the tags. 

Quick, easy, beautiful, inexpensive and personalized....can't get any better than that.  :)

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It...with the Kids: Hands Down Paper Weight

"Hands Down the Best Dad Ever"

I've been trying to be better about not buying things just because I like them.  I try to make sure I have a use for it in the near future or I know exactly where I'm going to put it.  Prior to becoming a one salary family, if I liked it...I'd get it.  Pretty simple.  Its part of the shopping habits I'm trying to change to make sure we always stay within our monthly budget.  Fun stuff, huh?! 

Well, I passed the glass circle in the Michaels clearance section probably about 8 times before I decided to purchase it.  I'm not sure what it was meant for, but I knew it was a good deal.  It only took me about 4 weeks to figure out what I would do with it before I purchased it for a steal...$1. 

Lil man and I went home, dipped his hand in paint, put his paint covered hand on paper, and let it dry.  Then I placed the circle glass thing-a-ma-jigger over the paper and traced a circle.  I cut it out and inked the edges.  Then I took a gold glitter pen and wrote " 'Hands Down' the Best Dad Ever" and included the date around the outside of the hand print.  Next, I used a spray adhesive to attach the paper underneath glass.  Once it was dried, I added a couple layers of Mod Podge to protect the bottom surface. 

Now it proudly sits on daddy's desk to make sure nothing blows away :).  This gift would work for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grandparents Day, for Teachers, etc.  The ideas are limitless.  So continue to think out of the box when you see something for a great price.  I actually think it was meant for candles to sit on top of...but I'm not sure. 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Berry Trifle

Stressed spelled backwards is desserts.  Coincidence?  I think not!  ~Author Unknown

I made this trifle for 4th of July and I thought I would share this delicious and easy dessert.  If you're at all familiar with me or my blog, then you know I have a sweet tooth.  I'm not just talking once in a while I get a craving...it's ALL THE TIME.  So if this pasts my test of "...mmm, ...mmm..., yummy" then you know its worth trying.  I know what you are thinking now.."That's great that its the perfect July 4th recipe, but its July 8th now.  Does she not own a calendar".   Well, I do own a calendar...and I'm just 361 days ahead of planning for next July 4th ;).  Anyhow...now you have an idea for next July 4th and all the other occasions it would be perfect for - -baby shower, Mother's Day, Bridal shower, just because, etc.  The recipe is on marthastewart.com.  Instead of using one big bowl as they show in the recipe, I chose to make individual servings and place them in margarita glasses.  I made it first thing in the morning, but you could make it the night before - put them in the fridge and its ready to go!  Your kids can even help with all the different layering.  They'll love all the colors and they'll even get their serving of fruit:).

So go make a batch, invite some friends over, sit on the deck and enjoy the summer evening.  It can't get much better than that. 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It: Decorated Tin Candle

"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared" - Buddha

My baby sister graduated from high school on Friday and it still hasn't quite sunk in.  When my hubby and I met she was only 11 and most of the time that's how I continue to visualize my sis. That is until I got her senior picture in the mail.  Holy Moly!  She looked like she was 27.  I was mixed with emotions.  I know she has to grow up, but I'm always going to remember that once shy little girl.  Maybe its just hard because it makes me realize that I too am growing up.  I've gotten married, had a son, moved to 3 different states, yet I still see myself as being 23.  I'm not sure when it will sink in that I'm just not quite that young anymore. :) 

I'm very proud of her and I know that there are many more adventures to come, but at the same time I remember some of the not so fun adventures and the hard times.  The big sis comes out in me and just wants to be there to protect her from all that junk.  But part of growing up is overcoming all that junk.  If someone had protected me from all the hardships and road bumps and provided me a free ticket, I would not be the woman I am today - far from perfect, but certainly trying to be the best I can be. I give props to my parents for that.  So many 'kids' are being coddled these days and they are not allowing their children to figure it out and learn to work hard to get what they want.  (I could go on in a whole new post about that and the effect on the work force, but I'll try to stay focused for you!).  So I guess I am just going to have to let go, let her enjoy, and just standby for when she reaches out for a helping hand or a listening ear.

I couldn't make her graduation so I sent a little "Care Package" to start college off.  I included this personalized tin candle that I made.  I found a plain tin candle at the DollarTree and used my favorite papers to decorate it. As simple as that!  No "How-To's" needed.  I loved this idea so much that I am thinking stocking stuffers for Christmas!  They could also easily be made into wedding favors, bridal shower favors and even baby shower thank you gifts!  The ideas are limitless...so let that creative side start flowing and go stock up on these tin candles!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun! 

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!

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!

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!

Gotta Make It: Easter Topiary

"Live in such a way that those who know you, but don't know God, will come to know God because they know you...."

I've had some requests to post some Easter ideas, and to be honest I just haven't had any 'aha'! moments. I'm going through one of those creative dry spells for this holiday (I'm sure I'll snap out of it soon).  Plus, it just snuck up on me!  I always think of Easter as being in April.

This weekend I started on one project and I really like half it, but I am still trying to figure out something for the other half.  So until I finish that project (hopefully tonight), I thought I would share this quick, inexpensive idea that would be a great Easter gift for teachers, Sunday school teachers, babysitters, neighbors, etc.  You could easily make a handful of these for under $10 if you buy a lot of the materials at the DollarTree.  Even if purchased at your craft store, its still an inexpensive and darling gift. 

MATERIALS:

Terra Cotta Pot ( I used a 2 in tall one sold in a pack of 5 for $1 at the DollarTree)
Floral Styrofoam (sold in a pack of 5 squares at the DollarTree for $1)
Wood Skewer
Artificial Flowers
Large wood bead  or circle Styrofoam (I used a 1.5 in wooden bead.  Sold in a pack of 6 for $3)
Flowers
Ribbon
Paper
Glue

HOW-TO:

1.  Take your wood bead (or circle Styrofoam) and start gluing the flowers to the bead starting at the top and filling them in where needed.  If using the large wooden bead be careful not to glue over the hole. NOTE:  Depending on the type of arificial flowers you buy, you may need to cut off the wire stem.
2.  Stick wooden skewer through the wooden bead (or insert into Styrofoam). Add a couple more flowers if needed.
3.  Decorate pot.  I used ribbon and cut out a simple "Happy Easter" square.  You could paint or decoupage the pot as well. 
4.  Cut floral Styrofoam to size to put in Terra cotta pot.  Insert into pot.  Insert other end of wooden skewer into styrofoam in pot.  NOTE:  You may need to shorten wooden skewer depending on the size of pot and bead/circle styrofoam you use.  I was able to break mine just using my hands.  Superwoman!
5.  Tie a knot with the ribbon right underneath where the topiary and skewer meet.
6.  Add some sort of material to cover the styrofoam in the pot.  I used some Easter shreddings found at the DollarTree.  You could also use glass beads, jelly beans, etc.

There you go!  I chose to use smaller materials for this project.  Mine stands about 6 inches tall which makes it perfect for gifts, but you could also make this on a larger scale to make quite the statement in your home. They would also look great grouped together in three on a mantle or shelf!  This project is great for Easter, but you could also use it for weddings, baby showers, Mother's Day, Grandparent's Day, home decor, etc.  Have fun and stay tuned for some more Easter projects...I know my creative mind will have that 'aha' moment soon!  If you have any ideas or materials that you would like me to try and use for the projects please leave a comment or email me at inspiremecrafts@yahoo.com!

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 Make It: Inspiration Frame

" Passion, Joy, Hope, Courage, Honor, Family, Loyalty, Unity, Kindness, Humor, Love, Trust, Truth, Charity..." 

Is anyone else tired of all the Valentine's Day commercials telling you to go buy some diamonds?  Now, don't get me wrong, I am a romantic and I love diamonds...but I'm tired of all the focus being on material things to show someone you care.  With TV and the rat race to get to the top its sometimes hard to make sure you live everyday by your own personal principles, such as not focusing so much on material things.  Luckily, while browsing through my craft store I came across this pendant that lists most of the principles my family tries to live by.  It was in the jewelry section, but I couldn't see myself wearing it so I decided to get creative and showcase it in a frame instead.  I found the wooden frame at the Craft store for a $1 (can't beat that!) and then went through my collection of paper and ribbon to make it just right for me.  I finally am doing a project just for me. Yay!  It's going to look great in my little office nook (I just need to clean the nook so you will be able to see it ....hmmm). 

It's pretty simple to do...

1.  Trace frame onto paper.  Cut paper.  Ink edges with inkpad.
2.  Adhere to frame. 
3.  Cut out center piece of paper. 
4.  Run ribbon through pendant. 
5.  Glue pendant to center piece of paper and secure paper in place.
6.  Glue ribbon along the edges of frame. 

I have some more of these pendants that I found and can't wait to try some other projects with them.  I was thinking a key chain.  Any ideas you would like to share would be great!

Be inspired, get creative, and have FUN!

Gotta Make It: Paper Pinwheel

"The world would be so lonely, In sunny hours or gray, Without the gift of friendship, To help us every day."  - Hilda Brett Farr

This morning was one of those where you look out your window, the sun was shining, and you immediately begin your day on the right foot.  Then you step outside and the wind just about blows you over and slams the door on you...but we'll just try and forget that part!  Then the power goes out...but we'll forget about that too.  We'll just remember the bright sun.  The beautiful weather (minus the wind) we had today just reminded me of how much I am looking forward to Spring and the end of the cold season.   With Spring on my mind, I decided to try a bright and cheery project today.  On top of this being a project where we get to use some of our favorite papers, we also get to categorize it in our Dollar Diva section...and that's always bright and cheery on your wallet. 

A while back, I saw this idea for a paper pinwheel in a PaperCrafts Magazine and I've been meaning to try it to see if it was easy or a little more difficult.  Luckily it was quick and easy so I had to share.  Then I went a step further and made a little Paper Pinwheel Bouquet with most of the supplies from the DollarTree.  Let's get started...

MATERIALS:

Favorite papers (I used scrapbook paper that had patterns or colors on both sides)
Wooden Skewers
Brads/Beads
Glass Vase
Ribbon
Styrofoam square
Embellishments
Ink pad
Scissors, glue (strong and quick finishing like Krazy Glue)

HOW-TO:
Pinwheel-
1.  Cut patterned paper to 4.5" square
2.  Using a ruler measure to find the exact center of your paper square.
3.  From corner cut 2.5" towards middle point.  Repeat on all the corners (see figure diagram below)
4.  Ink all the edges with inkpad
5.  Fold corners one at a time to the middle and attach using fast drying glue (see diagram)
6.  Once all 4 corners are adhered add embellishments.  For center piece I used brad, glass marble, and jewelery bead.
7.  Attach the wooden skewer (DollarTree) to back of pinwheel with glue.  I used the glue gun for this one.
8.  Let Dry

Vase-
1. Cut patterned paper to size.  Insert on the inside of vase (DollarTree).
2.  Cut styrofoam (DollarTree) to size and insert into the vase.
3.  Decorate outside of vase with ribbon and embellishments if you desire.
4.  Insert pinwheels and arrange
5.  Add glass decorative marbles (DollarTree) to the top to hide styrofoam.
6.  Voila!  All done.

There are so many uses for this project I don't even know where to begin.  They are cute enough just to add some spring decor to your house, they would be cute at a baby shower or kid's party, a baby announcement, a party favor, and the ideas could just keep going.  So get creative with what you could use this project for!  Enjoy the sun...if you are lucky enough to have some right now!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It: Decorated Door Hanger

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

Need some "mommy time" but can't find that peace and quiet in your house?  Does peace and quiet really exist anymore? With this decorated door hanger it sure will!  Let your kids (and husband) know its mommy's turn to have a "time-out" by decorating your own door hanger.  Even better..start hinting to the kids and husband that you want one and they can make you this adorable gift for Mother's Day! 

Once again, this idea is pretty self-explanatory.  You just need the wood door hanger (around $1 from your craft store), some paper, ribbon, stickers, and glue!  And Voila!...a stylish way to tell your family you love them, but to leave you alone! 

Start getting ready to share any Valentine ideas you have !  Starting Monday we will begin to share Valentine ideas.  If you would like to share one of yours please email it to me at inspiremecrafts@yahoo.com and we might just showcase your craft!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!