Happy Valentine's Day

Don't YOU wish one of these was for YOU?  Maybe it will be ;)

Does everyone love candy as much as I do?  It is a curse really, at least on the dental front ;)

What are your Valentine's traditions?  Do they involve goodies as well or some special event?  I am trying to decide what sort of tradition to begin with my children!  I don't want this 'holiday' (because let's face it, it really isn't a holiday) to become about presents!  Let me know your ideas I would love to hear them :)

This countdown to kisses is going to be something we continue each year!  I love counting down to things.  It adds anticipation and excitement!

Waterproof swim bag!

I used vinyl to create this handy zippered swim bag for the pool.

 Obviously this is more of a 'family size' one that will fit all our wet towels/swim suits to take home after a swim! 

 The project was pretty easy but challenged me with putting a zipper in and turning the handle right-side out after it was sewn!  I have some more vinyl and zippers I will be using to make a diaper/wipes case as well as a smaller bag for Hailey to carry her toys/treats to church.  Maybe I will be able to get back to using a purse instead of a diaper bag ;)

Latest projects

I have added the kisses to my Valentine's board and it looks super cute!  I should have used a larger router bit as they aren't staying in as well as I would like.

Also made this family name board for a friend who ordered it for their anniversary!

5 months late

It only took me till this weekend to finish this fall wreath I planned to make in September!  I have had all the materials just teasing me to get it done.  I finally did it.  Now how to store it so that it stays intact until next fall?

Whipped it together

I whipped this together today (I love writing that.... because rarely can I just make something quick... but I did...really).  I had the board already cut/routered and painted.  All I had to do was a little modge podge, drill a few holes, cut some vinyl and stick it all on!  I love it, but there are so many flaws in it too because I haven't done something 'exactly' like this before and messed some things up!

found the tutorial/link for this project here

 Hershey Kisses will be put into the little number slots each day as a treat

I have never drilled little holes like this... and really wasn't comfortable doing it.  I should have waited till Ian got home because one of the holes went straight through when it was only supposed to be a partial hole.  I tried to solve the ugly/jagged hole by covering it with vinyl... which worked pretty well.  There will be hershey kisses in the holes anyways so it won't be seen (but I know it is there).

I also used the negative space on the vinyl instead of the positive so that I could have the black letters showing through the 'kisses' word. I modge podged the paper underneath a little crooked though and it went into the above space where it shouldn't have... and I can still see the other writing through the vinyl.  Guess it isn't thick enough vinyl to cover it.

Those are the worst of the flaws... which are bearable.  Maybe this will be a good Valentine's craft for our craft group to try?  I know what to do now so others look nothing but perfect!

I can't wait to get my chocolates and start the countdown!  It will also be the anniversary of Ian proposing 4 years ago (well it was actually on Feb 16th he did it... man was I ticked when Valentine's came and went that year with no ring ;)

finished?

I have finished the fall blocks.... well, as finished as they are probably going to get!  The letters should be filled entirely with beads... but I was silly and bought really small beads.  It became very tedious and boring so I opted for just an outline of the letters.  Maybe in the future I will fill it in... but for now they will remain 'as is'.

If you make this project USE LARGE BEADS!  I still like it though and think it will be cute next fall up on our mantle with some fall leaves and candles :)

Craft catch up

Since Thanksgiving I have had a lot of projects piling up.  I even have all of the supplies to make them with.  What am I waiting for then?  TIME!  I have only 2 precious hours a day while H naps to get things done (okay, after 8 pm too but I usually like to spend some time with my husband on a daily basis).  For the past 4 mths however I have needed to nap when Hailey does.  I think I am over the sleep slump and am determined to finish my fall/winter/Christmas projects before spring hits... Here is the list!

Fall Blocks

Almost complete... just gluing on the beads

Autumn Wreath

Yet to begin

Cookie Sheet Countdown Calendar

Almost done, just finishing the pieces to go on each day

Treat Jars

Need to start

Two other Christmas countdown calendars (one just needs a way to hang it and it is done, and the other has only the hanging pieces complete)

This is my motivation..... WORK JEN WORK!  I'm glad to have some crafty time to myself again.... SO FUN!  Also hoping to start the monthly craft group with friends so I can speak to adults once in a while.

In the works...

Mostly done these projects... I had a productive week, and then a not so productive week.  

My fall blocks just need the beadwork done!

My Christmas Countdown Kits are finished!

My cookie sheet advent calendar just needs some number pieces to go on it!

Having fun making things again though :)

Plans...

I am determined to make each of these before Christmas.... here is to hoping that the 'morning' sickness wears off quickly so I can get at it.

The fall crafts that got pushed aside:

A similar wreath

FALL blocks that will be like this... but not like this (you will see)

For Christmas:

 Cookie sheet advent along with at least 2 more advent calendars (something from my childhood).  I am pretty much obsessed with counting down to things... really everything, but Christmas is my favourite.

 Treat jars for friends that will include the glass etching hopefully!

hmmm... what else.  I am making my family an FHE board for Christmas.  I have name blocks to do for a few friends babies and hopefully some awesome baking. I'm pretty stoked about it all... and I think up endless ideas as I lay 'couch bound' for an indefinite amount of time!

Oh please, please let me feel good enough to craft :)

Monogram shirt

This is something I might try.... obviously with an "H" though.

Yes I Did!

I have started another blog.... This one is all about the crafty things I create!

Upcoming projects:

Monogram shirt/onesie for Hailey
Split canvas vinyl art for my kitchen
Personalized plaque for Hailey
Growth chart on board....

Don't expect too much at once ;) It may be a slow process but I need goals to work toward. I am getting a bit bored being at home. I plan to get projects done this summer before I open my Day Home in September. I figure I spend TOO much time checking out what other people are doing in their lives. Time to make a life for myself!