DIY Souvenir

Last Spring Break we visited Gulf Shores AL for the first time.  We had a great time and while there the kids collected a bunch of shells.  We came home and the shells set on my window sill in a baggie for almost a year.  I didn't want to throw them out but didn't know what to do with them.  They were little souvenirs and each was special.

Then last week as I was 'window' shopping at Hobby Lobby, I came up with a great idea.  I got a small jar on sale for 50% off and the rest of the project used leftover scrapbook supplies I had on hand at home.

I filled the jar and 1/4 full of sand (no, we didn't bring sand home all the way from Gulf Shores, this sand came out of the sandbox out back....shhhhhh!).  I then put in the sea shells.  I had two large ones that didn't fit.  I glued one to the top b/c it was the perfect size!  The other is back on my window sill.  I hot glued a ribbon around the top.  With my stamp set from CTMH and scrap paper, I made a label that says Gulf Shores. 

It's the perfect little souvenir.  And it's also a great reminder of our amazing family vacation.  I can't wait to create similar 'jar of memories' for future vacations.

5 minute project for less than $5!

Happy Holidays!

While cruising pinterest.com, I came across a picture of candle holders made out of mugs.   This summer while out and about, I picked up two candles at a garage sale and two mugs at Goodwill.  Total cost came in under $2.  However, even if you bought the candles new, you could still do this project for under $5.

Take your candle and a pair of scissors and open the scissors wide and scrape the bottom of the candle till it is flat (most candles come a bit rounded on the end).  Keep the wax shavings.  Then with a lighter, slowly melt the bottom of the candle with the wax dripping onto the upside down mug.  When you have about a penny size worth of melted wax, turn your candle right side up and place in the wax and press down for a few minutes.  Take any loose wax shavings you have and put those around the base of the candle and then with the lighter, melt those as well.

Repeat with second candle.

And that's it!  You are done!
My one candle is a bit crooked.  I bought it during the summer months and kept it in the garage so it's a little warped.  Sorry about that!  I choose the mugs and candles based on a red and green Christmas/Holiday theme but you could do this with really any combination and you have a lovely centerpiece for less than a cup of Starbucks coffee!

Woo hoo!

While roaming Pinterest (pinterest.com), I came across a cute idea for storing glitter.  The person used salt and pepper shakers to store their glitter.  Easy to store and easy to use.  Loved the idea!

However, I figured it would take me some time to find affordable salt and pepper shakers, so I posted the picture to pinterest so I wouldn't forget about it and then I pretty much forgot about it until Emmy and I went out garage saling last Friday.

We got lucky and found a neighborhood garage sale, which when you are cruising garage sales with a two year old - is the mother load.  We could walk to quite a few without having to get in and out of the car seat.  One garage sale had amazing antiques (unfortunately they knew it too b/c they were all priced like antiques and not like garage sale items) so while admiring her salt and pepper collection I came across 12 small, simple shakers...with an okay price.

Vwa-la!  I have a new collection of glitter holders!  In fact, I need to go out and buy some more glitter!
If you have a chance, check out pinterest.com for ideas for storage for your craft supplies (and a whole lot more too!).  Nope - pinterest isn't paying me, I just love that site that much!  lol

Happy crafting today!

Getting Started....

Yep.  I have ANOTHER blog.  Nope.....I don't plan on adding a blog per month or every two weeks or on nationally recognized holidays (happy Dream Day by the way).  I plan on sticking to two blogs.  For now.  That didn't work with kids or dogs so we'll see!

I plan on blogging about the following:

cool product(s) that I love
craft projects I want to do
craft projects I have done
organizing your craft space
classes I'm offering
my scrapbook/craft retreats
awesome craft related websites
and....misc.