How To: Salt Dough Ornament

Don't Laugh. We aren't the most artistic family over here.

On rainy {although I wish it was more like snowy} days, Elliana and I love to do crafts. I am always on the lookout for new things for us to do. And with the holiday season? I obsess over Christmas-related crafts. So we did this the other day. The salt dough ornament thing. Not going to lie, ours definitely didn't turn out as pretty as the picture's did. But guess what? I still think it's perfect because it is my baby's hand after all. It's super easy to do and Elliana absolutely loved it!

Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Salt
1/2 Cup Flour
1/2 Cup Water {pour a little at a time until you get desired mixture, may need more}

Mix all the ingredients until a nice dough like mixture forms. Make sure it's not watery! If it is, no worries, add more flour!

Make the Kiddos' impression and then use a knife to cut off extra dough while leaving a small border.

Poke a hole at the top with knife for hanging.

Bake at 200 degrees for 3 hours! Let cool. Paint. And hang! {I actually used permanent marker instead}

The Easiest Bathroom DIY project

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As many of you probably know {and some may not}, my husband and I purchased a fixer-upper home a little over two years ago. To say that we were in way over our heads would be an understatement. To say that we weren't extremely excited and nervous at the same time would be a total lie. Buying a home was one of the most trying times in our lives, and a process we hope to not do again anytime soon. But actually remodeling the home? That would prove to be the biggest challenge of them all. But a challenge? We like. And a challenge? We were successful at. But of course there are always two sides to remodeling a home.


You see, fixing the holes in the wall, ripping out flooring, and gutting out bathrooms and kitchens can make the home feel cleaner, more up to date, and might I add...more livable. But to make a house feel like a home is where the challenge truly lies.


I'm not an interior decorator. I'm also not made of money. So when you put the two together, I instantly think disaster. But in today's world we have resources. And we have magazines. And websites. And stores that have endless amounts of decor with appropriate prices tags.


But my favorite price tag of all? F-R-E-E.


And free usually means one of two things; 1. It was handed down to you {which is also great!}, or 2. A DIY Project. Now, not all DIY projects are free. But if you dig nice and hard in your attic or under that bed, trust me, you may find some hidden treasures.


And for today's DIY project, I wanted to show you guys a DIY bathroom project that is simple, quick {took me a total of 10 minutes}, and classy. 

Step-by-step Instructions


1. Gather your supplies. You will need a picture frame, depending on your bathroom sink size. I chose a 4x6 one, however I had many other options to pick from. Again, you can find these in your home! Or feel free to go out and buy a pretty fancy one. These sizes normally run $5-10 at the store.  You will also need a background for your frame. I chose to use a printout, which I found here {free}. You can also use scrapbook paper. Or better yet, if you are a clever little designer, design your own on the computer! And lastly, a bottle of soup and lotion. However, I will show you at the end other ways to use the frame besides for soup.

2. Take out the picture from the frame. I actually had a picture of my mom in this frame {promise mom I placed it in a new frame}.

3. Take off the back. Make sure to rip off the stand. Do this gently as to not rip a large whole in the back. But if you did? I promise no one would notice.

4. Measure and cut. Cut out your art to fit the requirements of the frame.

5. Place it in the frame.

6. Put the soap and lotion on top of the frame! And there you go! Finished project.

Now, I'm sure you are thinking that you absolutely did not need me to explain this DIY project as the pictures are self-explanatory. But I know that for me? I need explanation on everything! I'm not the most crafty individual out there!


And lastly, here is a picture of another way you can use the frame to spice up your bathroom. Hope you all have enjoyed this DIY project. Please feel free to send me pictures if you guys decide to do the same project. I'd love to see how they all turn out.

Join the 14 million people who have already joined the Clean Hands campaign by using Kleenex Hand Towels, and click here for savings and more!

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April DIY Craft of the Month; Spring Wreath

I know my last project in March was also a wreath. And I have actually made a second wreath for our back door {which I love and promise to share one of these days}, however when I was shopping at hobby lobby, I got a vision in my head and once I get something in my head I have to go for it.

The truth though is that I had another project to share with you guys. And I still will. Its finished. Its just not on the wall and no pictures have been taken of it. So once my husband decides to do the necessary measurements and put my piece of little artwork up... I will be sure to share it with everyone.

Okay, but lets not talk about what I could have shared with you guys today... lets talk about what I am going to share with you.

My spring wreath.

For cheap, again. Only costs $8.00 to make {that is if you already have the glue gun... I don't add that into the cost}.

So here are the details.

I purchased a round 18 inch floral and craft wooden ring for $3.99 from Michaels. Then I purchased 4 floral pieces from the dollar store for... one dollar a piece {no wonder they call it the dollar store}. You can buy these at any of the dollar stores, such as dollar general, deals, or the dollar tree. And of course you have a variety of colors to choose from.

I went with pink and white.

The great thing about this floral ring was that it had holes all around that were evenly spaced apart. So I chose to put the white flowers in those holes and then put the pink ones in between. Two pinks, then 1, two, then 1, and so forth.

All together it took about 30 minutes... and I am utterly IN LOVE with it!

***Not sure why,but the link up isn't working. I will continue to work at it to try to fix it!

Why yes, I DO have a craft for you. And it costs virtually NOTHING to make. MARCH LINK UP DIY

originally written 3.26.12. 

So I have to confess here. I completely forgot about my craft link-up. Like completely forgot. I didn't even have anything posted about it, and therefore if no one links up, I am totally okay with it.

In fact, I may just do away with the link-up part and just do the craft post once a month as I had planned on doing from the beginning.

I guess we will just see how many people have crafts up their sleeves this month. If they even remembered about it. 

Originally, I had planned on going to Michael's and getting a styrofoam wreath and then getting gumballs and doing the whole springy/easter wreath deal. Great idea, no?

Well then the toddler decided to sleep. And sleep. And sleep some more. I mean her nap was literally never-ending.

So here I am, with my hair up in the towel, another towel wrapped around my body and an idea just clicked in my head.

I have everything here. Why don't I try something different of a wreath.

If you asked my husband how many un-used frames we have in our home.... he would give you an insane answer. It's almost sick. And a lot of them? We will never use.

So it's almost like a hoarding problem. But you know. whatever. I love frames because I love pictures.

So I grabbed one out of the attic. Took out the glass and cardboard, and went to town.

I have lots of "fake flowers" stored in my closet... just because I like to switch them out from time to time. And at first I wasn't sure with what look I was going to go with.

I knew I wanted to incorporate the wooden S that I had purchased at Michaels a ways back for 50 cents, but I wasn't sure what colors I wanted to go with it.

Eventually, I chose colors that would match my front door. Because after-all, I am a matchy-matchy kind of girl. And the whole bright blue or pink or whatever other spring color was definitely not-me, or for my home.

And then the glue gun came out. And I just whipped it up. Just like that. Flowers all around, little green leaves, and that beautiful S. Now. The S was just "wood" so I painted it a very light brown/tan color. And for the ribbon, I used ribbon that I had in my craft box and just painted the white side the same color as my S.

And then I hung it on the door and called it a day.

Sure, it isn't perfect. And no it's not my favorite thing ever... but now? I have ten more frames and lots of ideas brewing in my head.

Best part about it? It was FREE to make.

Second best part? I didn't have to make an extra trip to get supplies.

Third best part? The toddler is STILL napping.


Last best part? I am still sitting in nothing but my towels on.

BLISS.

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February Craft of the Month; Magnetic Board

 

I think many of you have probably seen this pin going around pinterest. I was inspired when I saw it over a month ago, and when one of my favorite mama bloggers AP had done one for her Carter man, I just had to finally make it for E. No ifs or butts about it. It was necessary. 

That's a good thing, because I was more than pleased with the end result.

I made sure to wake up bright and early this morning {Saturday February 25th} at 5:30 am. Got ready. And headed out to wally-world. If you are looking to go to wal-mart, I highly suggest going around this hour. You get a prime parking spot, and there aren't any crazies out {unless you include moms like myself who wake up when its still dark out to run errands. Ahem}.

There, I picked up my supplies. The oil drip pan. The magnetic stickers. And the wooden animals. I then went to Meijer to pick up the fabric, because this particular Wal-mart did not have it. And what made me think Meijer would? No idea. But they too did not have fabric.

So I compromised. I purchased a twin sheet set. Ha. Yes, I did. And off I went!

Now, I soon realized when I came home {of course after the fact}, that I could have very well just used a twin sheet, or any sheet for that matter, for this craft. But I didn't. Which is O-K because I loved the pattern that I had picked out.

So. This is what you would need:

1. ATP oil drip pan {can be found at wal-mart in automotive section for $9.98} 2. Hot glue gun 3. Fabric {or I used a twin sheet} 4. Magnetic stickers {1.98 at wal-mart for 18 pieces, or you can get a large roll for 3.99}  4. Wooden pieces, letters, or whatever you would like to make magnetic {The wooden pieces I purchased were 50 cents each at wal-mart}

1. Take the oil pan {image #1} and the fabric that you have chosen {or in my case, sheet, image #3}, and place the pan on top of the fabric, and cut accordingly so that it is completely covered, but so that there isn't too much fabric left over. I did it kind of like wrapping a present.

2. Then use your hot glue gun to glue down all the edges. Believe me, a child can do this.

3. Lastly, take your magnetic stickers and place them on the backs of the wooden pieces.

And it's literally just that easy. You are done. Cover your kiddos eyes and then reveal the big surprise! They will, i'm sure, squeal with joy and go at it.

That or they may just use it to bang bang bang stuff on it.

In that case, don't come knockin' on my door. That is the only risk factor of this project. 

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Show us your craft of the month. Something green. I cheated and my "green" was the fabric had "leaves" on it, and the letters/ wooden pieces with green in it. And actually, it's not cheating because it does have something green. But, great news, next month... no theme! Any craft goes! 

And I am really happy about this link-up, because it really forces me to get all the crafts that I have in mind done! Hopefully by the end of the year, I will be a crafting pro.

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Top 5 DIY "love" crafts

In no particular order, these are the 5 crafts that I picked out from the DIY craft link-up.

1.Tiffanie: What a creative little way to dress up the mantle for v-day. And it is truly simple! Go check out her craft and some other v-day details around her home.

2.  Aliya: made another wreath which she makes look so easy. She has a great tutorial on her blog. Go here to visit the craft and see further instructions.
3. Rachel: made the most elegant looking heart wreath that has inspired me to make one of my own! Now to decide whether to make it in pink or red?! Decisions. Go here to see her craft.

4. Nicole: is miss crafty over here. This is so simple but so chic and I need to make this for my home. She even suggested to take this wood peace and maybe use your last name. Wouldn't that be a fabulous idea? I think so. Go see the details!
5. Lauren: made such a creative and thoughtful craft for her honey.She used an old window frame and put letters in them for every year they were together... want to know what she puts in the letters? go find out!

Thanks EVERYONE that participated. It was so fun to look through all of your creative little minds.

Click here to go visit all the crafts that had been completed through the link-up.

I cannot wait to see what everyone comes up with this month.

 Tuesday February 28th will be the next craft link-up.

The theme: Something Green. 

Can be anything that makes you think of "green." Can be St. Patrick's day related. Can be "environment" related. Household products {going green}. Or it can be any craft with the color green in it. Even if it has just a little tiny part of green... it applies. Take it how you will, and get to crafting :)

Craft of the month; LOVE.

It's here! The first ever link up of DIY craft of the month series. I cannot express to you guys how excited I am about this. How excited I am to be motivated to try new crafts, get inspired, and think outside of the box. 2011 was the year for cooking for me {still an on-going learning process}. And I have a feeling 2012 will be the year of crafting.

I think we can also learn a lot from each other, and part of the reason I am so excited about this series is that I get to see what you guys are doing over there in all your craftness!!


This month is the LOVE month in preparation for February! Anything goes that makes you think of love. Anything red, pink, hearts, whatever. Anything "v-day" related. Anything/anyone that you "love." A gift for a loved one. Basically anything goes.

My Craft: {Our 14 numbers}

Supplies used {all found in my home}: Blank 5x8 hardback white book. Pictures. White cardstock. 

 For my craft, I wanted to make something for my hubby, Andrew. I sat on pinterest for hours upon hours looking at crafts. I have a whole board pinned full of love crafts.

And I had come down to 5 of my favorite choices. I actually had something pretty much picked out. And then? I decided that I wanted something unique. Something that was special just for him. I kind of combined some of the ideas that I had seen and made it my own.

 This idea? Came to me at around midnight one night. And I kind of went with it. I didn't really have this book in mind right away. I saw the blank book in my craft box.

I saw pictures. And I thought I would put the two together... but wasn't sure what I would do.

I started out by painting the front of the book. Then, I had put this big wooden A on top.. and painted it pink.

 Yes, I said pink. Now, what was I thinking? I have no idea. I soon realized, that was a bad idea, and I ripped it off. And started over. Picture Becky, think Picture.

Then I sat on the computer. For hours. Thinking of our "14 numbers." I wanted something that had 14 because this was going to be a combined gift for Valentine's day and our 6 year "dating" anniversary. 

At first, I was going to do 14 reasons why I love you... but again, decided against it, as I wanted something more unique. So then I began. 14 numbers that are unique to us.

   Dear Husband, 

May you never forget the memories and moments that have built us together, kept us together, made us stronger, made us better parents and husband and wife, and most importantly made us a family. 

Made with love, Your wife.

February 14th we made the decision to have a baby.

13 reasons why I love you.....You're...funny, handsome, caring, giving, loving, sincere. My soulmate. My best friend. Selfless. Devoted. Intelligent. Best father to our daughter. Devoted husband to your wife. And most of all you love me for me.

12 places that have meaning: Maui, Vegas, Hilton Head Island, West Lafayette, Indianapolis, Noblesville, Louisville, New Smyrna Beach, Sedona, Orlando, Lawrenceburg, Belarus.

1+1= Elliana

10.08.10 First time parents

9 {times a million} is how many times I'd marry you over and over again.

 8 stands for August {the month we got married}.

7 of my favorite memories: our trip to vegas, date nights downtown, spring break 2006, our engagement, maui, the day we got our keys to our first home, our daughter's birth

6 letters { P U R D U E} where our story began.

5 a.m. {is how late we stayed up at my dorm the night we met talking nonstop. Later, I find out that when you left that night you told your best friend "she's going to be mine."

4 b's {baby, burby, bee bop, baby cakes}

You made all my dreams come true on our 3 year anniversary {you popped the question}

2 ways I say it. I love you. Ya tebya lublu.

1 You are the only ONE for me. My ONE love. My ONE true best friend. My heart. My soulmate. The one I can't wait to grow old with.

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So now it's your turn! Show us your craft or crafts that you worked on this month. You can show one picture, or 20. You can include directions, supplies, cost. The more the better!

Enter by Saturday. Sunday, I will sit down and choose my favorites, and will feature those top 5 crafts and blogs on Monday. I may even have the voting left up to you guys in the future... we shall see!

So grab a button, write up your post, come back and link up, and hop around!

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"LOVE" Crafts. You Choose.

So, with the DIY craft link-up coming up, I am trying to decide which craft to do. I have also compiled list of crafts to give you guys ideas of some projects that you can take on.

If there is something that you like in this list that you want to do... here is a link to my craft board and you can visit the specific sites to get instructions/ideas. 

So, NOW... I need your help.. what is your favorite?

What is your favorite numbered craft?

Or, you can even give me your top favorites.