Just Call Me Miss Pottery Barn!

Remember when I told you how to make a homemade bulletin board out of an old sheet and a piece of cardboard?

Well, just look at what I found in my Pottery Barn Kids magazine today:


They call it a "Pin Board". It would be so easy to make!! Grab some scrap fabric, some corrugated cardboard, and some duct tape. I like the idea of making smaller panels and putting them together to make a bigger surface.

If you try it, make sure to send me some before and after photos!

God Is An Artist: Part II

There's something about this photo of my backyard peony that just takes my breath away! I love this shot...so vibrant, yet delicate at the same time.



These flowers are actually itty, bitty, tiny little flowers. I was so thrilled to be able to get an up-close shot of them with my macro lens.



I think these pink petunias (right??) are so soft and delicate, with their thin and wispy petals fluttering in the breeze. When I look at this picture though, it almost has an aggressive look to it. It seems to me that the flowers are fighting to be at the "front" where they'll get the most sunshine. Or maybe I'm crazy and need to spend more time with people, who have actual personalities, instead of so much time with my camera and flowers!




This purple clematis is in my backyard, growing up against our yellow shed. I love these bold flowers! I was able to use a new reflector to shine some indirect sunlight at the flowers, which really got the colors to pop out of the dark shadows.

And now, for a little PhotoShop/Lightroom fun...

I took this picture of this little daisy for two reasons...the flower itself, and it's colorful background. I was thrilled to see how the background went out of focus so dramatically while the daisy came in crystal clear.

And then I wanted to see what it would look like in black & white...look! Look at that fantastic swirly background against the crisp petals of the daisy! Love it!

But I was a little disappointed with how washed out the daisy became. It just seemed to lose something. SO....PhotoShop to the rescue! I'd never done anything like this before, so I was pretty happy with the results. I grabbed the yellow center of the flower from the color version, and put it in the black and white version. How fun is this?!?

The peony is still my favorite though. Which do you like best?

I'm thinking I need to make some note cards out of these pictures :)

How To Make A Homemade Bulletin Board

I wish I could say that I came up with this clever idea, but the credit has to go to my handy hubby.

I'd been searching for reasonably priced bulletin boards for my kids for quite a while, but anything that was a good size also carried a hefty price tag ($20-$30 each). So my genius husband came up with the idea to use some carboard, an old sheet, and some duct tape...of course!

We used a king size sheet that we haven't used in years (we're flannel sheet snobs now that we're used to them). Hubby cut the cardboard, and I cut the fabric. Then I taped the edges down on the backside of the cardboard (sort of like wrapping gift wrapping), and hubby hung them in the kids' rooms.

I was a bit skeptical, but normal tacks work beautifully! It was free, simple, fun, the kids love them, and it works great. Now THAT works for me!

BTW...I'm hosting a new weekly carnival starting this week. Come see what it's about!

From here you can:
- Check out my other WFMW posts
- Come see me at my Main Page
- Go back to Rocks In My Dryer for other great WFMW posts

Oh! And don't forget to sign up with Revolution Money Exchange... they're only offering their $25 sign up bonus for another day!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Another Fun Project: Psalm 23 Bracelets

I've been busy lately! This has been my latest project. I made this Psalm 23 bracelet for my sister's birthday gift. What is a Psalm 23 bracelet, you ask? Each crystal corresponds with a section of the Psalm ("The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures (green); He leads me beside quiet waters (blue)" etc.).

These bracelets are so beautiful! I have yet to make one for myself...isn't that how it always goes? But I did make a couple to sell on Etsy. They're just so delicate and pretty and sparkly. Not to mention the fact that they have lots of colors in them...matches anything!

There are several unique features to my Psalm 23 bracelets:

1. Instead of a toggle or lobster clasp, mine have a magnetic clasp. You can just snap it on with one hand! I was thrilled to find the clasps.
2. The crystals are all Swarovski, and the beads are all sterling silver.
3. I found a new way to use my note cards! I was able to print the 23rd Psalm on a card, then I add my photo and do the embossing. It's so pretty!

Anyway...can you tell I've been working on my Etsy blurb? Sorry. Didn't mean to put the hard sell on ya there :) I'm just so excited because I think they're really special, and I wanted to share.

Hint: this is where you, as my wonderful generous reader, leaves me a comment saying "yes, Daiquiri, they're very beautiful. I'm sure that someone will buy them and you didn't waste all that time and money."

I know. I'm shameless.

Here are some more pictures:

Thomas, My Little Sewing Helper

I was sewing some personalized pillowcases the other day, and Thomas was my little helper. It was such a nice day...just my little guy and me :) He was so sweet and fun, I just had to grab a little video:

I had my camera handy because I was taking step by step pictures for the pillowcase tutorial I'm working on for you. Keep an eye out for it!

PS. Don't forget to take 5 minutes and earn an easy $25!!

Please Take My Poll

Hey everyone, I've added a poll to my right sidebar. I'd like to offer my photo note cards on Etsy soon, but am having a tough time figuring out how to price them. What do you think?

Bloggy Giveaway!!!

It's time for another Bloggy Giveaway!

Update: Comments are now closed for this giveaway, and I'm off to draw a random winner!

This is actually the first time I'm participating in this carnival...YAHOO! :)

*Here's how to enter: Simply leave a comment at THIS POST to be entered for the random drawing.

*Before you enter, PLEASE, participate in the poll in my right sidebar. I'd like to offer cards for sale on Etsy soon, and I need your help determining how I should price them. What do you think?

*I'll draw a winner at the end of the carnival (end of this week), and will link up to Bloggygiveaways.com with info on who won. If possible, I will also contact the winner directly by leaving a post on one of your blog posts.


*You do NOT need to be a blogger to participate! You'll just have to make sure and check back here (or Bloggygiveaway.com) to see if you've won since I won't be able to contact you.

*And finally, here's what I'm giving away: A Set Of 7 Notecards ~ Crocus Design. These cards are handmade by yours truly, and feature my personal photography. I hope you like them :)











*After you've commented here to enter your name for this giveaway, don't forget to head back to Bloggygiveaway.com for more carnival participants!

Looking For A Great Gift Idea?

Check out my left sidebar...I've opened an Etsy shop! For those of you who might be wondering what "Etsy" is, it is simply an online store where you can buy/sell anything and everything handmade. It's so fun to shop!

I plan to put my photography up too, but for now I just have some jewelry. I got on a kick about a year ago...I couldn't stop making little bracelets for kiddos. The more sophisticated look of adult jewelry seems to be beyond my talents...but the cute kids stuff was a lot of fun. Click on one of the pictures to see it closer, and you will be led to my "store", where you can see everything I have available.

Drumroll Please...

Congratulations, Teresa! You are the winner of my surprise Giveaway!! Contact me via email, and I'll get your mailing address. Here's what you've won:

Thank you, everyone who left sweet comments about this new design. Jen and I both really enjoyed your feedback.

I'll be participating in the Bloggy Giveaway the week of the 21st, so stay tuned for more opportunities to win. What would you like to see me give away? A photo? Some note cards? Let me know!

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Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:16
Timestamp: 2008-04-11 16:15:46 UTC

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Ooooo...I Just Made Some Really Pretty Cards!

I never should have said that the Giveaway closes on Friday. I can hardly wait to show you the cards I made! Embossing is so fun :) Don't forget to comment to my "Hey!" post to get entered in the Giveaway!

Before I Left...

This is what was popping up in my neighbor's front lawn. Aren't they beautiful? God is quite the artist. I see some more notecards in my future...

Look What I Made!!

Note Cards!

I found some pre-folded card stock at a local store, and picked them up. Then I printed off some of my recent tulip photos, did some simple embossing on the edges of the cards, and used scrapping (two sided) tape to stick the photo to the card.

They were SO much fun to make, and I think they turned out really pretty. I have to admit, I felt so very proud signing my name on the bottom back of each card :) I think that making these will be my project for quite some time.

The most fun part though, was giving them to one of my favorite people as a "just because" gift. She loves tulips, I love her...perfect match :) Aren't good friends an incredible blessing? I think so.

I've been thinking lately that a good way to sell some of my photos would be the local "Art in the Park" or farmer's market. I could sell homemade breads, muffins...and my own prints and note cards.

What do you think of them? Any ideas for making them even prettier? I'd love to hear them, so leave me a comment if you have any suggestions!

A Great Craft: Homemade Pillowcase

I just had to show you pictures of my latest craft project!

My mom makes homemade pillowcases for my kids, and they just LOVE them. She uses really cozy flannel material, and she customizes it with their names. Their "Grandma pillows" are such a special thing for them.

I decided to give it a try. I didn't want to make them for my own kids though, since it's my mom's special thing to make for them. So I made one for my friend's daughter. It was so much fun to make! And Karissa really loves it (so I'm told).

The hardest part was choosing fabrics. I really lucked out with the puppy fabric...she's a fanatic about puppies! But it didn't seem like a very "pretty" pattern, so I prettied it up with the flowered fabric for the hem. I'm happy with how it turned out.

Isn't it cute?! :)
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Breast Feeding Tip: Nursing Bracelet...It Works For Me!

My advance apology to any of my male readers out there...might want to skip this one!

Any nursing moms out there?

It's especially important when you first start nursing to be sure and nurse equally from each breast to help develop a good milk supply on each side.

Whether you're a nurse-on-both-sides-for-each-feeding mom, or a nurse-on-one-side-per-feeding mom...it helps to keep track of which breast you're supposed to start with at a given feeding.

I'm on my 4th breast-fed baby, and this system works the best for me.

I made myself a simple bracelet, which I wear on the wrist that corresponds with the side I'm supposed to start with at the next feeding. When I sit down to nurse, I have the same routine each time: note the side, position baby, switch bracelet to other wrist, and ready...set...latch!

It is especially handy for those bleary-eyed middle of the night feedings. Thinking clearly is just not on my agenda for a 3 AM feeding!

Some tips for making a bracelet:
1. Use a variety of colors or a single color that matches anything...you'll be wearing the thing every day (or you could make more than one...that's an idea!)
2. Use small beads or stones. Since you'll be sleeping with it on, you'll want something that's not very bulky.
3. Use an elastic material - no clasps needed (clear elastic band type material found in the beading section at craft stores).
4. Tie it off with a square knot to ensure that it will not come loose.
5. Keep an eye on it. If it seems that part of the elastic is getting thin over time, re-string the beads on new elastic.

Give it a try...it works for me! And swing by Rocks In My Dryer for more great ideas.

Homemade Valentines

I read this post recently, and thought it was a great idea!

I was thrilled to find a great deal on some cute pencils at Target this morning: 10 for .50 (yes, 50 cents!). I bought three packages, and had enough for both my kids' classes.

That's all I had to buy. I had the rest of the supplies I needed in my scrapping stuff...fun scissors, 2 sided tape, and fun paper. Clara got a kick out of helping. Ben was irritated that I didn't do it his way (which would have required a trip to the store for approximately 2 miles of tape, some special buttons, and rubber bands).

I'm happy with how they turned out...and I finished them a whole 3 DAYS before Valentine's Day!!

The Joy Of Green Play Dough

It turns out that making play dough is really therapeutic! We had lots of fun making it just the right shade of minty green and kneading the flour in at the end. I was really wanting to use my new Kitchen Aid stand mixer...but letting the kids help won out. Oh well. I just love dough...bread dough...pizza dough...play dough...it's so soft and squishy!

Oh, and I took note of a few recipe tips that I didn't write in my original play dough post. First of all, vegetable oil works very well if you don't have olive oil (I didn't have olive oil today). This is good to know since vegetable oil is SO much cheaper. Also, I usually use MUCH more flour than the recipe calls for. Keep this in mind if you're going to try the recipe.

Benjamin cracked me up today. He was helping with play dough for a while, but the decided to work on his little kindergarten workbook. When daddy asked him if he was going to help with play dough anymore, Ben said, "No daddy. I am not. Making play dough is fun, but it's not as important as getting into cowwege." (college, for those of you who don't know Ben-ese) Ha! Sometimes I just don't know where he gets that stuff!

Here are some pics from our fun project:

Homemade Italian Play Dough

This is the best homemade play dough ever! Very soft and squishy. The kids play for hours with this stuff (especially when they've helped to make it). I got this recipe from my kids' preschool teacher...thanks Heather!

3 Cups Flour
1/2 Cup Salt
1 Tablespoon Alum
2 Cups Boiling Water
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Optional food coloring, flavor extracts, and glitter

Put water in large glass bowl and bring to a boil (the micro works well for this).
Dissolve Alum in boiling water.
Combine salt with 2 cups of flour and add to bowl.
Add oil and food coloring to desired intensity.
Add flavor extract and/or glitter.
Stir well.
Add remaining cup of flour.
Stir well again.
Put dough on floured counter top and knead a few minutes, adding more flour if necessary until dough is of pliable consistency.
Store in airtight container.

* I usually add a bit more oil and flour than the recipe calls for. I also typically double the recipe.
**One of the nice things about this recipe is that it's not done on the stove top, so it's easy to let the kids help. They can do almost all of the measuring, dumping, stirring, and kneading. My oldest son and daughter LOVE this project!

Edited to read: See THIS post for recipe tips

The Best Ornament

I just had to share this...one of my most proud and precious moments as a mom just happened. Clara pulled out the new art supplies she got from Grandma and Grandpa, and she selected a simple white paper and pencil. She studied that paper for a long time, and finally said, "Mommy, how do you spell 'Happy Birthday Jesus'?" She had a good start on it, then asked me to write it once she realized how many letters there would be ;) So we wrote it together.

Then, all on her own, she went to my drawer and cut a piece of string. She threaded it through the hole in her paper and asked Daddy to tie a knot for her. Then she simply and quietly placed it on our tree.

That little white paper and pencil note nearly brought me to tears! I hope Jesus takes as much joy in it as I do.

Clara is such a gift...

My New Best Friend!

My glue gun and I have become best buds lately! I've had so much fun decorating my house for Christmas using cuttings from our tree along with ribbon and used floral stuff I had in my craft room.

My first project was in our small bathroom - the bathroom that gets the most use when we have guests. I already have a wreath hanging in there - just small white flowers. I took it down and stuck pine branches and acorns in it. I didn't glue anything here because I want to be able to take it down after the holiday. I did glue together a little arrangement to spruce up the towels though. I was just hoping to make it look nice without spending any money...an added perk was how fresh it smells in that room with all the pine. Now, to just figure out how to help it survive with 3 little ones (not including their friends) using that bathroom every day!


(Sorry for the dark photos...light was just bad. I'll figure out PhotoShop one of these days!)

My second project was to make plain gift bags a little more special. I love pretty packages, and I was especially proud of these. Again...just clippings from our tree, a little ribbon, an occasional pine cone from my floral bin...and of course, glue!

My Baby Boy Turns 6!!

It's hard to believe that just 6 years ago, the picture looked like this:

We had NO idea what we were in for! That the little babe I couldn't stop kissing would so quickly evolve into a wild, smart, considerate, thoughtful little boy...whose favorite thing in the whole world is the noises created by the human body!

We threw him a great "jungle" party today - complete with a safari, monkey cake, zebra pinata, and "pin the banana on the gorilla". It was a blast. I am so proud of our little man. Enjoy the pictures...