Super Hero Wall Art

Here are the panels that were created for our friend Shannon's baby shower. We decided to use decor for the shower that she could use in her nursery.

To create the panels I picked up 2' x 4' MDF panels that were about a 1/4" thick and 1" x 2" x 8' pieces of wood to nail to the back.

I cut the panel in half so that it was square.

Nailed the 1x2"s to the back. This gave me something to nail the hooks into.

Then they were primed. If I did them again I would not use a spray paint primer. I did not like the coverage. Also, be prepared to sand after priming as it can raise the wood grain.

At this point I passed them off to my super talented friend Samara. She found some inspiration on Pinterest and got to work.

Love these panels!

Clear Labels

I love labels. And I've used clear labels for address/return address labels before. But it wasn't until I read a post on FB on Ali Edward's page that I thought about using them for scrapbooking. I am in love!

After watching a music video for the youth in my church, I decided I needed to include the graphic from the video into their journals they would receive at New Beginnings. First I text a friend(thank you Julie) who quickly whipped together the graphic for me and then all I had to do was print and stick.

Love the results.

It looks as thought I printed the graphic straight on to the page. I also printed out a few quotes and randomly placed them throughout their "Shining Moments" journal(a place they can write down fun/great/happy/uplifting moments they have experienced).

Not quite right

I put up curtains in our bedroom since my husband had to work a few graveyard shifts. I made sure I checked the packages carefully so that I got home with the correct size. I live 35 minutes from the store so I can't just run quickly and grab a new set.

I guess someone switched out the 95 inch panel for an 84 inch panel. Bummer. I have since exchanged the panel for the correct size.

I put these shelves up and then decided I wanted them hung a little lower. So I headed back to the Depot for a few more supplies and then rehung them. Sometimes it is a bummer when things don't go as originally planned but it all works out in the end and sometimes even better than originally planned.

A doll bed for Christmas

Using the plans from Ana-White.com, Cliff and I made Julia a new bed for her dolls. I cut all the pieces and then Cliff assembled them together for me. A fresh coat of paint and it was ready to go for Christmas.

But the bed also needed a mattress. I picked up foam from JoAnn's and cut it down to size.

Then dug through my fabric stash and found this quilted cream cotton. I thought it would make the mattress look a little more like a real mattress.

She loved it! The best part was that it only cost about 12 bucks to make!

Small Bathroom Update

Besides not being fond of the honey oak throughout our house, these mirrors have been a thorn in my side.

At the Depot one day I ran across I deal I could not pass up. Mirrors for only 29 bucks each!

They were on clearance so I snatched up two. There was the chance that they would be too big. I think they are perfect.

Just look at the difference. We can actually see ourselves and not just our noses in these new mirrors.

And I think I did a mighty fine job of hanging them level and at the same exact height. (pat on back)

I'll still need to paint. I have the paint. I just haven't carved out the time to paint.

On a side note, I figured out that I can fit two gallons of milk and the Costco size Hershey's syrup in my fridge door. Chocolate milk heaven!

Scrap: Gift Card Holder

I had some scrap fabric laying around and have had a gift card holder in the "someday pile" for years now. I want to give Julia's kindergarten teachers and her bus driver a small thank you before Thanksgiving break and thought this was the perfect opportunity to get ride of scrap and be creative at the same time.

My finished product

My inspiration

I think this might have been purchased at a Starbucks many years ago.

It held a gift card from one of my former students.

Step 1: Gather supplies

(2) pieces of coordinating fabric 6 1/4" x 2 3/4"

(2) pieces of coordinating fabric 2 1/2" x 2 3/4"

(2) buttons

Cotton thread

I used pinking shears around the edges of the fabric just like the inspiration piece.

Step 2: Sew your buttons to one large piece and 1 small piece of the same fabric.

Notice the placement of the buttons. You want them fairly close to the 2 3/4" wide edge of fabric. Your sewing machine foot will need to be able to get around the buttons so be careful to not put them too close to the edge. Leave a long tail after sewing on the button to the large piece. This will be your fastener. I I tied this thread around the button after sewing it on to secure the string.

The difference between sewing your buttons on first or after. If you sew them after you will see your thread. Not a big deal but it looks a little nice hidden.

Step 3: Sew your small pieces together, wrong sides together, along the 2 3/4" wide edge opposite of your button. I hope that makes sense.

Again, if you sew your button on before hand you threads will be hidden.

Step 4: Place wrong sides together of large fabric pieces. I used a pin to secure my long tail so I did not accidentally sew it to an edge.

Step 5: Pin small fabric to large fabric.

Step 6: Double check correct placement of small fabric piece on the large fabric piece by folding over the top of the large piece. Unfold before sewing small piece to large piece.

Step 7: Sew small piece to large piece fairly close around the edges.

You will sew the entire large rectangle.

Step 8: Insert gift card of your choice and then fasten in a "figure-8" fashion.

Cut off any excess string.

The inspiration piece had a loop attached for hanging in a Christmas tree. This can easily be added by using grosgrain ribbon. The fabric I chose for this project was in a fall palette. I can't wait to go through my scrap pile and look for cute combos for birthdays, showers, or other gifts. I might even try to add a little embroidery to the front like the inspiration piece.

Julia's First Blanket

My daughter is usually creating up some sort of mess in the craft room while I'm creating my own mess. While browsing Jo-Ann's together we spotted some cute bone and paw print fabric that would be perfect for a blanket for our new puppy.

I cut the fabric out for her and then set her on my lap. My machine, a Babylock Sophia, has a speed control and a start/stop button. You do not always have to use the foot pedal. This is perfect for teaching my 5 year old the basics of sewing a straight line.

Of course, part way through she starts saying "This is taking hours!" Well, it seems like it when you have your speed on the lowest setting. She already wants to speed through things just like her mama did. I know I drove my mother crazy with wanting to cut corners.

Her blanket is cotton on one side and fleece on the other.

Charlie seems to like his new blanket.