InspireMe Crafts

Gotta Make It: Wooden Heart Love Notes

"We need the power of love, not the love of power"

 

My hubby and I try to focus on the little things to show our love for one another and to catch the spirit of just how much we love each other.  It might be because we can't afford the $10,000 diamond ring, the new car, the fancy surprise vacation (although all those sound fabulous), but I think its for the better.  I know you think I'm crazy right now, but hear me out.  Its easy to pull out your debit/credit card and book a vacation, but its not necessarily easy trying to figure out a new, creative, and did I mention inexpensive way to show your love for your partner.  I'm sure someday we can surprise each other with fancy vacations in some tropical weather ( which I could really use 80 degree weather right now), but for now I am going to surprise my hubby with some fancy love notes. 

The inspiration for this Valentine surprise (that is actually great to do all year long) is from the infamous Necco Sweethearts.  Its that time of year where you see those sweet candy treats EVERYWHERE!  So I made some of my own using some wooden hearts that will save our teeth from some un-needed sugar.  The idea is that on Valentine's Day I am going to hide these surprise love notes in different places that he will discover through out the day such as his toiletry bag, car, work, near his coffee cup, etc. 

I used Mod Podge to put some pretty paper on one side of the hearts and then some letter stamps to write messages on the other side.  You may notice "SHMILY" on one of the hearts and some of you may know what this is and others may not.  I didn't know until my hubby told me and we've adopted it ever since.  It means "See How Much I Love You".  We heard a story of a couple who would leave little notes and surprises with "SHMILY" on it.  Something as simple as leaving it on the mirror when it is steamy for your loved one to see later.  Or a sticky note somewhere they may not be expecting goes a long way. 

You can be as G-Rated or R-Rated as you want with the notes, in fact you could even use these to put special notes to your kids in their lunch boxes.  Everyone loves a surprise...even the little ones!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

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!

The Diaper Pirates: Creative Potty and Poopy Training

Lil Man is officially a pre-schooler, but before he could throw on his backpack and participate in show and tell, we had to overcome one obstacle standing in the way - Poopy in the Potty.  Lil Man had been potty-trained for a long time (even sleeping through the night in his underwear), but poopy in the potty was absolutely frightening to him.  So for way too long he'd say, "Mommy, I need a pull-up".  We'd slide one on, he'd go to the living room rug and the "poopy face" showing just how much he was working would takeover.  When he was done, he'd lay down and get his bottom cleaned, put on some underwear and be off on his merry way. He was happy. Me? Not so much. 

We tried everything...bribery, sugar, talking about it FOREVER, rewards, and at one point did not give him the pull-up when he needed it hoping he would go poopy in the potty.  But instead he decided to hold it for days until we decided to give in afraid he would hurt himself.  Needless to say, I'm sure we did several things completely wrong so this next time we were going to get it right. 

Lil Man was very interested in Pirates and we painted the pirate ship birdhouse one day as a project.  About a week later he was having a daddy-son day.  While they were out is when the magic took place.  The pirates had come to our house :). 

Here was the story the hubby and I were sticking with.....the Pirates came to the house and stole all his pull-ups for Poopy time.  In place of Lil Man's pull-ups in the closet, the Pirates left a note and a treasure map.  The note would say that after he went poopy in the potty he could go look for the treasure chest. 

Lil Man came home and told us he needed to go poopy.  I told him to go get his pull-up out of his room.  He went to get it and instead of finding his pull-ups there he found the ship with the note and treasure map.  I stayed in the other room until I heard , "Mommy! Mommy!  Come here.....look!".  We pulled out the pirate note:

I started with a cream piece of construction paper, ripped off the edges and used brown and tan ink pads to give it a worn, distressed and old look.  I added a few Pirate stickers just to make sure my 3 year old knew exactly who it was from :).

The note said:

*************

Ahoy, Matey!

Are you ready for a swashbuckling pirate adventure?  The Cap'n tells us its time for me hearty, Lil Man, to go Poopy in the Potty.  The shipmates have stolen your pull-ups and taken them out to sea.  Yarrr! But, Matey....a Pirate's treasure awaits you after you go Poopy in the Potty.  Cap'n says ye can open the treasure map after you go poopy in the potty.  Follow the map to "X" marks the spot for ye treasure!!

Farewell chump,

The Pirates and Cap'n Scallywag

*************

Needless to say he was super curious about where that treasure map would take him and what would await him in that treasure chest. 

The inside of the treasure map....

 

I rolled up the treasure map and used a Jolly Roger glued to a paper ring to keep the map rolled up.  Then Lil Man just slid it off to open the treasure after the big "Poopy in the Potty" event.

 

It took a hot second for Lil Man to start his treasure hunt after the big deed.  We followed the map until he came upon his mini treasure chest. I found a paper mache treasure chest at Michaels, painted it tan and added some gold glitter and pirate themed stickers. 

 

He opened it up to find a Pirate necklace, gum, killer whale stickers, and gold coins that the Pirate's had left him.  However, my killer whale obsessed son said "Look Mom!  Tickets to the Killer Whale Show (a.k.a. Sea World)".  As my son is jumping up in joy I had to break it to him that I was pretty sure they were just Killer Whale stickers...not tickets to the "Killer Whale Show".  Luckily, 3 year olds get excited over stickers as well and he seemed just as excited.  Phew! 

 

And as expected we celebrated in style. In our family we celebrate the little victories along with the large ones with a little song, a little dance, and a little silliness.  Lil Man is seen here singing his "Poopy in the Potty" song and groovin' away on our living room rug....proudly wearing his pirate necklace:). 

 

 Transferring the blame of the disappearing pull-ups to the Pirates instead of the sweet and innocent parents was key for us:).  We were on his side and helping him through something we couldn't control.  We went with the story and improvised.  Lil Man asked at one point why the Pirates needed his Pull-ups.  We told him that they tied them all together and threw it overboard to use it as an anchor and that all the killer whales in the ocean were swimming by and looking at them.  He thought that was cool.  Yay!

If you are getting ready to do the potty training thing or overcome an obstacle in the potty training process...good luck and make it fun! 

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: 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!

Custom Party Favor Magnets ...Now Available!!!!

"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention."  ~Oscar Wilde
 

As many of you know, I've got the Spring Cleaning fever and it hasn't stopped with just my "personal" life.  It has now poured into the business side of things, which includes getting some of the things I've wanted to do with the shop done instead of letting the idea or thought sit on a piece of paper. Adding the custom magnets that have been very popular for party favors to my Etsy Shop has just been waiting to get checked off.  So I will....today (that feels good!).  I have made a listing for the custom magnet party favors at MY ETSY SHOP.  It is for 30 magnets, however, I will do any amount.  You get to choose the color schemes, words, etc.  Typically 4-5 letters/numbers are the maximum that I can fit onto the magnet.  However, if you have something particular in mind, I will be more than happy to try it!  

SAMPLE WORDS:
Love
Hope
Wish
Joy
Dream
Sweet
Baby
Girl
Boy
Diva
Laugh
Fun
Play
-Initials-
-Date-
Thanks
4 Ever

These custom magnets would be adorable for baby showers, weddings, birthdays, anniversary celebrations, stocking stuffers, End of the Year student gifts from teachers, etc. 

If you would like to order and are familiar with Etsy go to My Etsy Shop to purchase or you can contact me at inspiremecrafts@yahoo.com .

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It: Mod Podge Toy Tin

"Don't agonize. Organize." - Florynce Kennedy

 

Once again, the time has elapsed since I've been able to post some of the projects and ideas that cloud that little head of mine.  But with the urge for Spring Cleaning and organizing it was time to stop making the list of "what needs to be done" and actually tackle one of the projects.  As a result, I am able to cross off my first item which was turning an old Popcorn Factory tin into a toy storage bin for my son's trains and tracks. 

My husband's aunt sends us some yummy popcorn every Christmas from the Popcorn Factory...and every year the tin seems to get bigger (along with our waistline).  The tins are just too nice to throw away, but having Snow Men strutting their stuff around our house all year was just not going to fly. 

A quick trip to Wal-Mart solved that problem with some Thomas the Train fabric.  There is so much organizing to do, but it can get spendy to organize and buy storage containers for all the toys.  So my first mission is to look around the house and re-use and re-invent what we already have.  This project cost less than $10 and may even be cheaper if you use fabric and ribbon that you already have. 

MATERIALS:

Tin
Mod Podge & Foam Brushes
1 yard of fabric (s) - Add or subtract some depending on the size of your tin
Ribbon
Scissors
Glue Gun

TO DO:

1.  Measure the fabric to fit accordingly on the tin.  Leave enough excess on the bottom and top so it can be glued down underneath and on the top inside. 
2.  Use the glue gun to secure down one end of your fabric.  I drew a line with the glue gun from the bottom of the tin to the top and laid the end of the fabric there.  This secures it in place to help with the Mod Podge.
3.  Once one end of the fabric is glued, it will now stay in place while you add the Mod Podge.  Using the foam brushes, generously apply the Mod Podge to the tin.  Then lay the fabric over.  Smooth out bubbles.  Do one section at  time and repeat all the way around.  Follow the directions on the Mod Podge container for using it as a glue.
4.  Once the Mod Podge has dried underneath, apply a coat to the top of the fabric for the finish and protectant.  Let Dry.  Refer to directions on container. 
5.  I used the glue gun to attach the excess underneath the tin and on the inside of the tin for the top. 
6.  Add ribbon with glue gun if you desire.  You can also use different prints, etc. 

Enjoy rummaging through your house for old items to "makeover"!  And please do share :).

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Wall Letters - Made to Match for Butterfly Meadow by Kidsline

 

Here are photos of one of my latest "Made-to-Match" designs for the Butterfly Meadow by Kidsline collection.  If you would like a personalized wall letter for your child's room please fill out the ORDER FORM or visit MY ETSY SHOP.  They are $22 plus shipping and take about 4-7 days before they are ready to be mailed. If you have any questions please ask! 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

PLEASE NOTE:  Since this design, the butterfly has been discontinued so a different butterfly will be in its place.  Sorry :(

Gotta Make It: Photo Pillow

"I love you more today than yesterday...('cause yesterday you really ticked me off)"

 

Can you believe we've survived the holiday madness of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years? It was a busy household here and as a result I didn't have much time to start projects and share them with you.  But now that the Christmas tree is down and the string of visitors is over I've had the chance to look ahead to Valentine's Day instead of waiting until the last second :).  I'm trying to get Lil Man ready for Valentine's Day hoping that it will end the pre-nap and pre-bedtime question of "Santa not coming tonight?  Christmas all done?".   Lil Man seemed interested in the finished product of this project, however not as a decorative pillow, but as a football. And it didn't stop the Santa question tonight. Luckily, it wasn't for him and it was for the hubby who still seems amazed that I sewed the pillow.  The sewing skills are finally improving :).

I've had some June Tailor Quick Fuse Iron-On Inkjet Fabric Sheets (say that 10 times fast!) for awhile and I finally had the chance to use them!  Its really simple and if you have great graphic design skills you could have a blast.  My graphic design skills are a 3 out of 10 so we stuck with the basics.  A picture with one of my favorite love sayings "I love you more today than yesterday....cause yesterday you really ticked me off".  I couldn't sum up marriages and relationships any better. 

After you design it, print the design out and iron it on.  You are done!  They had tons of ideas for these  such as pillows (you don't have to sew one yourself, just go buy an inexpensive one from Wal-Mart/Target and start from there), aprons, scrapbook covers, t-shirts, computer mouse pads, backpacks, CD covers, Banners, etc. Its definitely an easy way to get a photo or design on to your favorite accessory. 

Have fun with these!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Wall Letters - New Designs

 

Instead of posting all the new designs separately I thought I'd make it simple and create a little collage.  These letters are whats been keeping me busy:).  New specialty designs include butterflies, Tinker Bell, music notes, Thomas the train, farmer themes and several beautiful designs in various color schemes.  There are larger pictures in my Hanging Letters Photo Album on the right sidebar if you'd like to see more pictures. 

You can purchase my letters through MY ETSY SHOP or you can also fill out the ORDER FORM on the left sidebar. 

I love custom orders so please let me know if you have a specific design you would like it to match and we can go from there. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

New Decorated Letter Design - "Kaylin" Purple and green flowers

 

This new "Kaylin" collection is now available on my Etsy account.  This adorable purple and pink flower design was specifically made to match the NoJo Razzle Dazzle Bedding.  You can check out my designs and place custom orders at MY SHOP.  In addition, you can always email me at inspiremecrafts@yahoo.com to get started! 

I hope your holiday shopping is almost done!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Pink & Brown Bedroom Decorated Letters

 

Here are photos of an order from an ABC Baby Boutique customer.  They are surprising their daughters with this new room for Christmas.  Are you jealous?...I am!  Remember the letters are on sale until the end of November for $18 at my Etsy Shop.  I love doing custom orders to match your room or you can choose from some of the designs I've already done!  I think its now time for me to figure out Thanksgiving dinner since we're only a couple days away!  AHHHHH.....

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Cranberry & Pink Floral Letter

 

Here is picture of my latest custom hanging letter.  This design is now available at My Etsy Shop or you can always contact me via email with any questions!  They will remain on sale for $18 until the end of November.

I've given up on Thanksgiving, besides the meal of course, because I just have been too busy.  So now I'm focusing on Christmas to bring you some new and fun craft ideas for the holidays.  So stay tuned...

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

****UPDATE****  My last pink & cranberry floral design has been sold.  However, I have a dark red/light red version available and I'm always to willing to work with you individually to find the perfect match for your room just email me at inspiremecrafts@yahoo.com.

 

Custom Decorated Letter - "Kenlee" Purple & Teal Stripes

 

Here is a photo of the first order through ABC Baby Boutique! They sent me a picture of the bedding and then I created the letter to match.  I think its going to be adorable in the room and add that special touch.  Take a look at other designs at My Etsy Shop, ABC Baby Boutique, or you can browse around my online photo gallery to the right.

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Baby Blue & Brown Custom Decorated Letter

 

Here is the newest design to add to the collection.  A very simple baby blue and brown combination that can obviously be done with any color scheme to match your your room or nursery.  Please check out the other designs at my online shop at http://inspiremecrafts.etsy.com and in the photo album to the right of the website. 

I love custom orders so please let me know your color scheme or theme and we can go from there!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Dollar Diva: Children's Art on Canvas

"There is no abstract art.  You must always start with something.  Afterward you can remove all traces of reality." - Pablo Picasso

 

I'm trying to find more and more creative ways to showcase Lil Man's artwork besides throwing them into a memory book.  I hit the jackpot when I went to the DollarTree and found canvases there for $1.  The size I used for these were 3 in a pack for $1  You cannot beat that and needless to say I stocked up so you'll be sure to see more canvas projects.  :)

He painted these pictures a while ago and they were sitting in the pantry waiting for a home.  Since they were 11 X 17 pieces of paper I was able to get two canvases out of one piece of paper.  I used spray adhesive to attach the art to the canvas and then used glue on the back side to fold over the edges.  I attached a photo hanger and voila!  You have instant art that could really be showcased in any room!  If you don't already have art waiting to be showcased skip the step of painting the paper and go straight to the canvas.  Your little one will feel like a true artist with his/her own blank canvas to begin with.  In fact, maybe you'll want to find your creative artist inside as well.  :)

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

NEW Hanging Letter Design - Red & Blue Polka Dots

I completed another new design this weekend and its now available in my Etsy shop.  This blue and red polka dot hanging letter is personalized just for you.  This design can be done for any name and any letter.  You purchase this design from my SHOP and then in the message during checkout you let me know the letter and name.  3-4 days later its in the mail to you!  Gift certificates are available..just email me at inspiremecrafts@yahoo.com. 

Please let me know if you have ANY questions!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Custom Decorated Letter - "Kaelyn" Design : Pink & Green Flowers

I couldn't wait to share this new design for the Hanging Letters with you!  This was chosen as a custom order through my Etsy shop.  She sent me an email with a picture of her daughter's crib bedding and I sent her about 6 different options to choose from.  This is the one she chose and I was ecstatic.  I had been looking at this paper every day wanting to use it and I finally had my opportunity.  This pink and green flower design is modern, yet whimsical and although it is pink and green still...they are bolder colors than the typical pastel combination.  I love it, love it, love it and hope you do too! 

To see some of my other designs head on over to http://inspiremecrafts.etsy.com and take a look around. You can also check out my photo album of hanging letters located on the right side of my website.  This is a collection of most of the letters I have done.  And of course, you can always email for a custom order and you just might get a true gem like this one. Kaelyn is one lucky girl (and what a beautiful name!).

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!   

Personalized Hanging Letter - Olivia in Pink & Brown Stripes

Here is my latest personalized letter.  They chose the very popular pink & brown stripe design for their daughter's room.  The custom decorated letters truly make the most wonderful gifts.  They ALWAYS get the 'wow' reaction from the recipient.  If the couple has already decided on a name you could have a custom hanging letter made for a baby shower or you could give them a gift certificate for one. Of course, you can also wait until the baby is born and surprise them with a gorgeous letter gleaming with the child's name.  :)  Did I mention these are popular for birthday's, christmas, christenings, etc? This is how the process works:

1.  Go to my shop at http://inspiremecrafts.etsy.com.  Browse around.
2.  If you see a design you like you purchase it through Etsy and then in the notes give me the name and other information that may be needed.  If you are new to Etsy you'll set up a quick account. Its simple and secure and everything on their is handmade.  True originals...
2a.  If you browsed around and liked what you saw, but didn't see the exact design you need...no problem!  Email me at inspiremecrafts @ yahoo.com (no spaces) or start a Conversation through Etsy and let me know your color scheme or even better...send a picture! I'll then email you back with options that I think would work well for you.
3.  Then, I get to work on creating it. It usually takes about 3-5 days to be completed and off in the mail to you.  Rarely, it may take a little longer, but I will definitely let you know.
4.  You receive the letter in the mail and proudly hang it in his/her room or you give the gift knowing you hit the jackpot. 
5.  Enjoy! 

Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Personalized Hanging Letter - NEW "Reagan" Design - Pink & Green Stripes

I just listed the new "Reagan" Design in my Etsy Shop at http://inspiremecrafts.etsy.com .  This adorable pink and green striped design will not let any girl down!  Slowly, but surely, I keep trying to add new designs to my shop whenever my 2 year old gives me a break :). 

But if you want a custom designed hanging letter and don't see the design that will work for you...just let me know!  Email me at inspiremecrafts@yahoo.com with your color scheme and I'll let you know what I can do for you! 

Is this a last minute gift?  No problem!  As long as I have the letter you need in stock its about a 3 day turnaround.  You can't beat that for a personalized gift :). 

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Custom Decorated Hanging Letters - Hope & Avery

Here are pictures of my latest order.  My customer ordered the Pink & Green Paisley Hanging Letter for her niece and the Polka Dot Hanging Letter for her nephew.  What a nice Aunt!  If you would like to see other designs I offer jump on over to http://inspiremecrafts.etsy.com and take a look around.  I can always change orders slightly if you want something done differently and if you want to start from scratch we can do that also.  Just let me know your color scheme, I'll email samples for you to choose from and then we'll get started. 

If the letter you need is in stock it usually takes 3-5 days before it is ready to be shipped.  If the letter is not in stock it may vary.  You can always check with me before the purchase to see if the letter is in stock and the estimated time for shipment. 

If you have any questions let me know.... inspiremecrafts@yahoo.com.

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

Gotta Make It: Grandparent's Day Gift Box

"The reason grandchildren and grandparents get along so well is that they have a common enemy" - Sam Levenson

Last year, I completely had a brain fart around Grandparent's Day and as a result they received nothing in the mail from their lil grandson.  And we all know who's fault that really is.  It certainly is the child's fault :).  So this year I circled, highlighted, and added arrows to Sept 7th on my calendar.  If I missed it this year, with all those reminders, then there is no hope for me.  But I am proud to say lil man and me got the gifts in the mail this morning and they are currently en route from from Virginia to Washington State. 

I could do flowers or spa days but we're on a budget and to be honest they would probably be surprised if I didn't send something corny and cheesy in the mail.  I would never want to let anyone down so we'll keep with the cheesy theme.

I started with these white boxes from the craft store. You get 3 in a pack and they are only around $2...can't beat that.  Then on the bottom of their own box of treats, I put these cute Grandmother and Grandfather stickers that list the ingredients, cautions and directions of grandparents.  If you are a total freak you could decorate these boxes so adorably...but I went with the bare minimums, which I think still turned out ok.  Do what you can.

Now, let's take a look inside of our grandparent box of treats and see what cheesiness lies ahead for them.

Here are the contents:

1.  PHOTO MAGNET:  Found a picture we liked, cut it to the size of a square piece of chipboard, adhered the picture to the chipboard with spray adhesive, added stars (lil man's idea!) for some bling, and then glued strong magnets to the back of the chipboard.  I then placed it on the top of everything else in the box so that the picture of us is visible through the clear portion of the gift box.

2.  LIPS:  I found some candy lips and we attached a piece of paper with ribbon that read "A Kiss from Me to You".

3.  DUM-DUM SUCKERS:  My son picked out these suckers when we were at the store so I decided to throw some in.  We attached a piece of paper with ribbon to the sucker that said "I'm no 'Dum-Dum', I know I have the best Nana ever".  See, cheesy...and I love it!

4.  MINI RULER:  Again, my son actually started playing with these in the store when I realized that I could come up with another cheesy saying to add.  We wrote on the back of the ruler, "No one measures up to my Nana".

5.  FIRST PLACE TROPHY:  At the DollarTree you can get four mini trophies in a pack.  Each grandparent got one that said "#1 Nana" , "#1 Papa", etc.

6.   WERTHER'S ORIGINAL:  Everytime I see or have a Werther's I think grandparents...so we threw them in.

7.  LOVE MARBLES:  At the DollarTree we came across these pretty marbles that each have different words on them like "Love", "Faith", "Hope", etc.  You get 4 in a pack.  We threw a couple into each box making sure they each got one that said love.

8.  CARD:  Included with the box was a one-of-a-kind designed card by their grandson..signed and everything! 

I wish their grandson could be with them on Grandparent's Day, but I hope a box full of cheesy treats will bring a smile to their face instead!

Be inspired, get creative, and have fun!

"Jayden" Baseball Themed Hanging Letter

"Jayden" is one of my latest letters I've done.  This baseball themed letter with red and blue accents would add the perfect touch to any young boy's room!  I also have football,soccer, and basketball themed paper if you have a little man, or girl, who just can't get enough of one of those sports.

I have some designs already listed in my Etsy shop or you can request a custom one any time! I love finding the beautiful designs that will go with your color scheme.  They are currently on sale for $18 each so dont' wait too long! 

If you ever have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!