Thursday, January 20, 2011

You've Framed My Heart!

I LOVE SIMPLE CRAFTS, AND THIS IS ONE OF THEM!


This was a super fun craft for me to create!
I purchased an unfinished wood frame from a local wood working company, quickly painted it black with craft acrylic paint, and drilled a small hole through the top.  
Using a little craft wire I simply made a small loop that I placed through the drilled hole, and then made a simple loop knot on the top of the frame with the wire to keep it from slipping back through.
  I hung my gorgeous heart ornament (I purchased it at Hobby Lobby) on the loop inside the frame, and then by tying some ribbon to the loop on top of the frame, everything came together perfectly!
 The cute words are simple vinyl lettering...imagine all the fun things your saying could be!

Try making these. Unbelievably easy, and use your creative imagination to make these for every holiday!
~Amber

We love linky parties, and we have linked up here:




UndertheTableandDreaming


 This valentine frame was chosen to be featured here:

UndertheTableandDreaming
Check out the other awesome things featured.

http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2011/01/framed-hanging-heart.html

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Taking care of our senior citizens

Because this blog is dedicated to my mom Sally who is a senior citizen, when I received this email it really hit home.  I decided to share it with you... It's real food for thought...and a downer, so I promise tomorrow to post something fun and happy. Still, read this...


LETS COMPARE THE CARE OF OUR SENIOR CITIZENS WITH THE LOVELY PEOPLE WE PAY TO HOUSE IN OUR JAILS & PRISONS...


Let's put our senior citizens in jail & our criminals
 in nursing homes..
This would correct two things in one motion:
  • Seniors would have access to showers, hobbies and walks.
  • They would receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment, wheel chairs, etc.
  • They would receive money instead of having to pay it out.
  • They would have constant video monitoring, so they would be helped instantly if they fell or needed assistance.
  • Bedding would be washed twice a week and all clothing would be ironed and returned to them.
  • A guard would check on them every 20 minutes.
  • All meals and snacks would be brought to them 
  • They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose. 
  • They would have access to a library, weight/fitness room, spiritual counseling, a pool and education...and free admission to in-house concerts by nationally recognized entertainment artists. 
  • Simple clothing - i.e.., shoes, slippers, pj's - and legal aid would be free, upon request. 
  • There would be private, secure rooms provided for all with an outdoor exercise yard complete with gardens. 
  • Each senior would have a computer, a  T.V., phone and radio in their room at no cost. 
  • They would receive daily phone calls. 
  • There would be a board of directors to hear any complaints and the ACLU would fight for their rights and protection. 
  • The guards would have a code of conduct to be strictly adhered to, with attorneys available, at no charge to protect the seniors and their families from abuse or neglect. 
As for the criminals : 
  • They would receive cold food. 
  • They would be left alone and unsupervised. 
  • They would receive showers once a week. 
  • They would live in tiny rooms, for which they would have to pay $5,000 per month. 
  • They would have no hope of ever getting out. 

It's so true and yet heart breaking.  Lets remember to reach out to our senior communities, remember them and honor them.  As for the criminals...

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

The forgotten Gift Idea

Even though the holidays have just ended and you have given a gift to possibly every person in your state (or so it may seem to you), I have a great idea to help you be prepared for those little surprise moments when you need a quick gift to give.  There is always the forgotten birthday, the unexpected drop in, a housewarming party, that father/mothers day and who knows what all, so I keep several of these little gifts in my pantry as a fast go-to when I am caught unprepared (happens more than I will admit).  This is very simple and just by giving this basic idea some additional thought, I know that our readers will come up with even better idea's (remember to share them with me, I always need help)!

I purchase several cans of premixed salsa seasoning, and then divide some of the cans up into 1/2 pint or 1 pint jars.  Add a little ribbon, a few embellishments and a simple tag with instructions, and that completes the project!
Easy, Peesey!



(I purchase the H and H brand 30-second salsa mix because it is the one my family likes the most, and this is in no way a solicited endorsement.  Just some info about the item I like.)
HnH Brands Seasoning
We're linking up with:
Photobucket

The Blackberry Vine

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Cookie Mix in a Jar-Cranberry Hooty's

I know I'm a little slow posting some of the crafting I did during the holidays, but my jewelry business has kept me so busy that I am lagging behind here, and I miss it!  So here is one of the projects I did... I made these during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, they are cookie mix in a jar gifts.  They were so fun and simple to create, and the friends I passed them on to seemed to really like it!


I only have a couple of photo's from the Christmas version of these cookies, but you will get the idea (also the pictures are not great quality, I just quickly took a few before my party started)...
The recipe and instructions are here: Cranberry Hooty's Cookies




Here is a copy of the instructions sheet I created.  It allows you to make 9 tags at 1 time.
The fabulous tags I purchased are part of a wonderful Christmas package from here:
When I made the jar mixes for Thanksgiving, my tags said 
you can buy this image at a fabulous price here:  CraftilyEvAfter.etsy.com

Friday, December 24, 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We want to wish all of you a 
wonderful Christmas, and a fantastic New Year!

We are so grateful for the support our friends and family give to us, and we feel blessed to have you in our lives.
As you may know, this blog is named in honor of my mom Sally.  This past year has been so difficult for her, and during the Thanksgiving holiday we nearly lost her! She is improving now and working to get her strength back, and I want to thank everyone for their good wishes and prayers.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED 
NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU!
~Love from Amber~
(update: Sally passed away on July 16th 2012)
We miss her, yet know that she is divine.

Friday, December 17, 2010

DIY Coasters


Suzy from http://joyisathome.blogspot.com has this fabulous coaster tutorial that I really want to share it with you!  What a fabulous handmade gift idea! 


DIY Coasters


I looove coasters. Maybe because I'm a freak about getting rings on our furniture. Or maybe because they're so fun to make :) When I first discovered craft blogs, I saw this idea for coasters made out of terra cotta pots over at Sweet Charli. I thought it was perfect and I had all of the stuff to make it, but I didn't get around to it until now! I thought I'd share with you my version of this project.

First, take the bottoms of terra cotta planters. Prime them with a light coat of spray primer. (They'll be really hard to spray paint if you skip this step.)
Once that dries, paint both sides with your spray paint. I used Oil Rubbed Bronze- my fav! 
Next, cut a circle of scrapbook paper to fit the inside of the coasters - around 2 inches.
Distress the edges with a distressing ink... or plain black ink if you're cheap and don't want to spend the $ on distressing ink! :) 
Put a thin layer of mod podge on the back of them, making sure not to miss anything (especially the edges!) Don't use too much or else it will all squirt out the sides and cause a huge mess.


After that layer dries, add a decent layer of mod podge to the top. Make sure to seal the edges well. After that's done, use a paper towel to clean off the massive amount of leakage.
I'm a messy crafter. What can I say. :)
Once the mod podge dries, spray the whole thing with sealer to make it waterproof.
While they're drying, cut out a strip of felt and cut 4 small circles for each coaster.
Once the coasters are dry, hot glue your dots to the bottom.
And done!! Easy peasy! Now you can use your new coasters.


IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE FINISHED COASTERS, YOU MUST CHECK OUT SUZY'S AWESOME BLOG---HERE IS THE LINK TO HER POST!
http://joyisathome.blogspot.com/2010/10/diy-coasters.html

You'll be glad you stopped by-she's brilliant!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Printing Vintage Images Tutorial

This is a brilliant tutorial!
I love how simple it is, and you will be SOOOOOO inspired by this idea! 
Vicki at the Rusty Rooster Vintage has a lot of fantastic idea's, tips, tutes, and more...but this one I fell in love with...


Tutorial - Your printer is not just for copy paper.

I'll try anything once...well at least when it comes to our printer!  I've run a long list of items through the printer with much success and a few scary "paper" jams.  The best items I've found to use are: cardstock, recycled paper bags, lightweight and flexible cardboard (like a recycled snack box), fabric, used dryer sheets and printed vintage pages (like dictionary or sheet music).  The results are one of a kind.  Let's get started!
FOLLOW THE LINK TO GET THE ENTIRE TUTORIAL, AND YOU WILL SPEND THE REST OF YOUR DAY MAKING THINGS!  TOO, TOO FUN!
Thanks Vicki!