Handmade Chic White Paper Rose Wreath

Handmade Chic White Paper Rose Wreath - 12" round

If you are a regular follower of this blog, you have learned by now that I have a special affinity for crafts and projects using coffee filters. And.... this post is no exception! Today I'd like to share with you this lovely little wreath I made using coffee filter paper flowers. Soon I'll be posting a tutorial on how to make them, but beware... once you start it's very hard to stop! My house is now practically covered in these flowers!

The wreath is made using an 8 inch floral foam base from the dollar store, and was sliced in two so I was able to get two wreaths for the price of one! (Check out my Classy Canvas Wreath post to see what I did with the other half of the foam wreath base.) There are six flowers on the wreath, and each flower has 10 layers. 

White Rose made from Coffee Filters!

The Trickster Rose - Is it Real or Paper???

Just think of all the ways you could use these flowers!!! Of course, they could go with any type of Decor: from Shabby Chic, to Rustic Cottage, to Crisp and Modern. Imagine the beauty of these flowers in a wedding ceremony or reception... a little girl's room or nursery... or a garden themed party. Really, the possibilities are endless!

It's hard to tell even from up close that these flowers aren't the real thing. Just check out the photo above! Would you like to see one in person? Make sure and check out my Etsy store, I just may have one available!! *wink* What type of event or decor would you use these flowers on? I love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment below!

Keep it Crafty!

Andrea
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Enjoying Life's Journey - This Mama's New Motivational Motto!

This Mama's New Motivational Motto!

My journey into blogging is very new. In fact, I started blogging only at the beginning of 2013. It hardly seems that a retrospective would be in order, but, I feel that the learning curve has been so intense that I really should take a moment to refresh my mind and reassess future goals. I won't bore you with all the gory details, but I think it would be nice to chat a little about what I would like to accomplish... Just to get it out into the universe. ;)


First of all, this Mama's New Motivational Motto is:

"She turned her can'ts into cans, and her dreams into plans"!

I first ran across this quote (where else?) on Pinterest, quite a while ago in fact. It was in the quotes section and someone had just written it out by hand on a simple piece of paper. I think I noticed it even more because it was in the simplest form possible. No frills... Only the WORDS mattered. I thought, "cool"... and I pinned it. 
Needless to say, I became a FREQUENT visitor to my new fave spot on the interwebs, and would occasionally review my pins to remember so much of the cool stuff I'd already forgotten since, oh, yesterday. I kept seeing it. And, I kept noticing it. Finally, there was no denying, it was speaking to me. 

Okay, not in a weirdo way... 
I just realized more and more how simple the phrase was and yet how all encompassing it was. I felt like it explained what I needed to do. I needed to simplify, determine what my goals were, and focus my energy on those few things. 
It has been oh so easy to descend into chaos, in all aspects of life, and I've gotta say that I'm about sick of it. But, with some struggle, I know I can prevail!

Here are 10 things that I CAN PLAN for the Blogging aspect of my life:

• Set up a regular posting schedule and stick to it. No need to kill myself posting something every day, slow and steady will win this race. Besides, I'm the only one who makes the rules, right? ;) So, 2 or 3 times a week should be a comfortable posting schedule for me.
• Get organized! Make a schedule for posting, social media, blog maintenance, Etsy orders and shipping. Organize craft room so no time is wasted looking for everything in there!
• I've spent quite a lot of time these last few months learning my way around social media, now I need to be focused and make it work for me. Also, I need to link all my social media sites to my blog.
• At least 2 times each week make time to enjoy painting, crafting, and doing fun projects with my Little One. This keeps me thriving and makes sure I never run out of material to blog about.
• Get artwork up on my blog and Etsy store. Almost no one knows that I consider myself an artist before anything else. Now that Little One is getting older, I can make sure to get those art projects in the pipeline!
• I want to TRAVEL! Oh, I have such wanderlust... I'd love to incorporate some travel posts into the blog, even for day trips close to home.
• Monetize my blog - I've been a chicken. It's only been because I'm a non-techie... I'd like to learn about getting sponsors, etc. I want to be able to eventually make a living doing the things I love.
• Learn how to add all the widgets, buttons, and other scary sounding things I haven't gotten to yet because, once again, the non-techie thing. 
• Participate in Linky Parties, eventually HOST a Linky Party
• Attend a Blog Conference or two, or three ;)

Well, there it is... Whew! I'm worn out from thinking about all of this, and that's just the tip of the iceberg! I know some of these goals are so infantile that they prove just what a newbie I really am. But, these goals are set out for me, and they are just what I need at this point in time. And, once I cross all of these hurdles, I'll be back on here ranting about all my new goals, I suppose! I think it'll be kind of neat to see how long it takes to meet all of the goals above. But, no matter what, I'm going to enjoy the journey...

Are you a newbie blogger, or maybe you're an old pro? What kind of goals have you set for yourself? How did your goals change over time? I'd love to hear your thoughts...

Keep it Crafty!

Andrea

Retro Fridge Magnets - Cool Alternative to Your Kiddo's Clunky Alphabet

Alphabet Magnets on Recycled Book Pages

If you take a look on just about any refrigerator in America, chances are, you'll find some type of magnets. Big magnets, little magnets, funny magnets, quote magnets, Aunt Sally went to Belize and all I got was this stupid Magnet magnets... You get the idea... And, if you happen to live in a home with one or more small children, suffice to say there is an extremely large chance that you have a (partial) set of rainbow alphabet magnets. Eck. What's an urban, hip, cool parent to do? 

No worries, my friend, you have an alternative that's sure to make the kiddo's happy AND will be a perfect compliment to that industrial size coffee maker station sitting on the counter. What's even better is that they are unbelievably cheap to make, and you can have little Johnny or Susie help you out during your daily family crafting session. (Okay, so I don't have "daily crafting" sessions penciled in, either... But wouldn't that be awesome?!?)

Let's move on... Here is the cool alternative to your kiddo's clunky alphabet magnets. Make your own Retro Fridge Magnets!

All you need to make your own Retro Fridge Magnets!

There are only a few supply items needed in order to get started:

• Old Book
• Round Punch (I used a 1 inch size)
• Alphabet Stamps and Ink (or you could add the letters on with a marker)
• Clear Glass Beads w/ Flat Backing (from the Dollar Store)
• Mod Podge
• Small Button Magnets
• Adhesive Glue (I used a glue gun, but a very strong glue like E-6000 would work, too)

Take your punch and cut out as many circles as you would like from the book pages. Next, simply stamp the letter(s) of the alphabet that you want onto the cut out circles. Once the ink is dry, use Mod Podge to adhere the paper circle to the flat side of the glass bead.  Make sure to apply the Mod Podge to the back of the glass bead, then attach the paper with the stamped side facing the glass. After this dries, you need to put an additional layer of Mod Podge on the back side of the paper in order to completely seal it to the glass. Let each piece set for at least an hour to dry properly. Finally, attach the button magnet onto the back side of the glass bead with adhesive glue, and you are in business!  

My Little One just loves playing with these magnets and gets really into making "words" up. I must say, though, we still have the dilemma of misplaced letters... I haven't figured out how to fix that issue yet. My advice is to make a few pieces more than you think you'll need for just such an emergency. You know... just in case.

Happy little fridge magnets!

Cool Fridge Magnet Letters!

I enjoyed making these so much, that I kind of went on a magnet making tangent... That's just a fair warning to let you know there will be some more magnet posts in this blog's future! If you take a look at my Etsy store listings up on the right, you just may get a sneak peek at what I'm talking about...
So, what do you think? Will you be giving this project a try? I always love hearing your comments, so please make sure and leave one below!

Keep it Crafty!

Andrea

Classy Canvas Wreath with Chunky Chocolate Paper Roses

In your crafting adventures, do you ever find it hard to come up with cool ideas for using your scraps? Today I'd like to share this cute mini wreath I completed from scrap pieces of cloth and paper...




The 8 inch floral foam wreath base is actually from the dollar store, and was sliced in two so I was able to get two wreaths for the price of one! Then I took a small piece of canvas cloth (about 14 inches square) and cut it in a spiral shape so that the piece became one long curly strip. After wrapping the cloth around mummy style, I simply hot glued it along the back side. Finally, I added two large paper roses that I made from left over pieces of scrapbook paper. I'm so happy with how this wreath turned out, and since it was made using scrap pieces I already had, it's one of the cheapest, too!




Do you like this lovely little wreath? Check out my Etsy store on the right side of this Blog, I may just have it (or one like it!) in stock...

What projects have you completed using crafting scraps? Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!


Keep it Crafty!
Andrea

Enjoying Life’s Journey: 5 Year Old + Unsupervised + iPad = Hilarious!

I hadn’t planned on this particular post, but I hope you will indulge me. I think you just may enjoy it...

My lovely Little One is in love with our iPad. Just about every time I turn around, it seems she has absconded with it again! Really, what 5 year old can resist? It is completely beyond her understanding that I would have any use for it, considering that it has such FUN games to play! Well, apparently the camera app must be a game, too. Right?... I found out the answer to that question a few days ago when I began scrolling through our pictures...

Needless to say, I got a pretty great laugh out of this! Every time I look at these pictures, I end up having a new favorite. Right now I'm partial to the two on the top right with the GIANT eyes. She kind of has an Alieny/Megamind thing going on! Oh, and did I mention that this is only a tiny grouping of the pictures we found? Yeah, we're talking somewhere between 75 - 100 of the little treasures! I took the liberty of assuming you wouldn't feel the need to scroll through them all, so I picked out a random spattering for you...

I hope you got just a little bit of enjoyment to brighten your day! I venture to say I’m not alone in finding little gems like these from the kiddos. Have you had a similar experience? I’d love to hear your story, so please feel free to share in the comments section below...

Keep it Crafty!

Andrea

Scrap Paper + Oats Box = Super Cute & Cheap Storage!

Super Cute & Cheap Storage Solutions

In the quest to organize my craft room, I have been on the lookout for cute storage options. I quickly found out, there are apparently endless cute options, however, cheap cute options... not so much. As I’ve previously mentioned, my default setting is looking for the cheapest most affordable way to accomplish things. *ahem* So, what’s more affordable than using items you already have? That leads us to today’s post... 

From Trash to Treasure! Oat Box Storage

 First things first, don’t throw away your used oatmeal containers anymore! That is, if you use the old timey round kind, which I do. The transformation from trash to treasure couldn’t be more simple. All you will need is pictured above: 

• Cute Scrapbook Paper - 2 sheets 
• Empty Oats Box (round) 
• Scissors 
• Glue Stick 
• Stickers (optional) 

 Remove the paper label on the Oats box, then cut your scrap paper to fit. If you are using the large size box, you will need 2 sheets of paper to go all the way around. Once you are happy with the fit, simply attach the paper using the glue stick. To complete the look, you can add a sticker to the lid. (I used a cute flower sticker from the Dollar Store) Another great option would be to use a label on the lid so you know what’s inside! 

 I’m so happy with how this little project turned out, that I’m definitely going to make lots and lots of these containers for the craft room! Good thing I REALLY like oatmeal, huh? :) What are some creative ideas you have for storage? Do you think you might use this one? I’d love to hear from you, so please leave a comment below!


Keep it Crafty!

Andrea

Delightful Dainty Doily Jar

I have a confession to make... I'm addicted to buying doilies! I don't know what compels me, but during my weekly (or sometimes daily) visits to local antique booths, if I see a doily, it MUST be looked at. Maybe it's because my Grandmother had them all over her house, or because they remind me of snowflakes - with so many unique designs. Could it be because the ability to make them is pretty much a lost art, and they soon won't be found anymore? I don't know... What I do know is this: My house is now drowning in doilies!!

So, what is a crafty girl to do? Why not get creative and use a few doilies in an unusual way? This post shows just one way to enjoy your doilies in a whole new light. Make a Delightful Dainty Doily Jar!
Once again, this project is extremely simple to complete and costs next to nothing! (This seems to be a recurring theme for me...)





You will need:
A glass jar (I used an old pickle jar, but a mason jar would look great)
1 medium doily
Mod Podge
Paint brush

Simply brush some Mod Podge on the jar, then place the doily on the front of it. You will most likely have to rearrange the doily in order to shape it the way you would like. Once you are happy with the result, apply more Mod Podge over the doily in order to seal it onto the glass permanently. Allow the piece to dry, and enjoy! Use it to hold a lovely flower arrangement, or to keep craft supplies in. Drop in a candle for an amazing little lantern, really, the sky's the limit!




So, what will you use your Delightful Dainty Doily Jar for? Drop me a line and let me know in your comments below...


Keep it Crafty!
Andrea

So Inspired By... Vintage

" Without inspiration the best powers of the mind remain dormant, there is a fuel in us which needs to be ignited with sparks."
~ Johann Gottfried Von Herder

What brings you inspiration? What is it that gets your creative juices flowing? For me, there are many things... Vintage finds, lace and burlap, birdcages and dainty fabrics, and the list could go on and on! I'd like to share some images with you that inspire me greatly, they were taken at a local Vintage & Collectibles shop. Hopefully you'll find inspiration in them as well.
















Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear from you!

Keep it Crafty!
Andrea

Quick Sketch: Timeless Beauty

Quick Sketch: Timeless Beauty

Ahhh! One of my favorite subjects to draw - lovely faces... This face is especially lovely to me considering that the model is my own Little One! I'm very pleased with how it turned out, especially since we know how hard it is for kiddos to keep still. ;) Its a very loose interpretation, but that's what I like most about it...

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I recently decided to step out of my comfort zone and create some art using nib pens and India ink. Initially I played around to get the feel of the medium and came up with some fun doodles. For today's post, I thought I'd share with you one of the first sketches I completed using the same materials. 

I've always been something of a strict perfectionist with myself regarding art, and have finally come to the realization that I held myself back from completing (or sometimes even starting) projects that could have been immensely enjoyable. In my "old age" I'm hoping to tackle that paralyzing block and allow myself to create freely, flowingly, and imperfectly!

I'm planning to make "Quick Sketch" a regular subject for art posts in hopes that it spurs me on creatively and may inspire you to do the same. 

What methods do you employ to overcome the creative "wall"? I'd love to hear from you, please leave a comment below.

Keep it Crafty!

Andrea

Artsy Doodles on Canvas Bags

I have always been a great fan of doodling, in fact, I spent many school days trying to perfect my craft when I should have been *ahem* listening to my teachers... I don't feel that doodling should ever be viewed as only child's play, it helps to keep your mind elastic no matter your age.




The examples I've included in this posting were actually drawn as one piece of art. I had recently decided to try a medium that was out if my comfort zone, so I bought some India ink and nib pens. I had no idea what would I would draw, but over the course of a couple of evenings, this is what came of it.




The final part if this journey happened as a result of the local craft fair I took part in last fall. I was trying to think of a neat design to apply to some plain canvas tote bags, and I remembered this doodle piece. So, long story short, I copied the designs onto iron-on transfer paper and added them to the bags. Afterward, I used some fabric markers for a touch of color to spice it up.

I'm very happy with how these bags turned out, and no two are alike! I'll probably make more of these in the future, because the possibilities are endless!

What do you like to draw when you doodle? I'd love to see your thoughts!

Keep it Crafty!
Andrea