Thursday, March 31, 2011

It's Stinkin' Cute Craft Thursday #48

Ok, so if you haven't taken a moment to look at how busy I have been on invites this past week, go take a look and tell me what you think. I am pretty stoked that they are almost all in the process of being handed out.

I would love to feature all of you, but some how I managed to pick the three that popped out the most to me.

My sweet Ashley over at Cute as a Fox managed to make something that I already thought was adorable, even cuter. I just love her baby shower gifts. This is a cupcake made out of burp cloths and baby socks. There are many more that are cute as well. Go take a look.


Sarah over at A Little of This and A Little of That shows us how to make some AWESOME vases... I will totally have to do that, because that is just super cool! I want to do some funky colors and can't wait to experiment!


My new neighbor... well she lives so close to me it seems that way.. Jennifer over at Life, Crafts, and Whatever made a throw pillow that is a knock off that looks just a perfect if she had bought it at the store. BTW the bedding behind the pillow is adorable! I love it!


Thanks to everyone who linked and a congrats to my features (go grab your featured button off my side bar)! I loved all the projects submitted, it just makes me feel so lucky to have readers who enjoy crafts as much as I do!

Let's get to linkin'!!
Rules: 1. Please link craft projects that you have done (not advertising an Etsy site or giveaways unless they are something you have made that you are giving something away)!
2. Linky Tools will remain open until next Wednesday evening so there's plenty of time to link your projects!



TTFN~


Rules for linking:
(1) Link to specific blog post, not blog home page!
(2) Link craft projects that you have done!
(3) Make sure to visit a few of the links and leave some comment love!
(4) Linky Tools will remain open through Wednesday, April 6th so you have plenty of time to add your projects!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Dr. Seuss Party Planning - Take 4 - Invitations Part 2

This year I wanted to do the magnet because it is my signature thing, but it wasn't as cute as it had been in years past (I still did it for the reminder significance of it - shown in yesterdays post). So I was looking one day for ideas and found this AWESOME book invitation. I mean to say it was anything short of amazing would be short changing it. So I found the etsy seller who only does custom orders and inquired about her amazing design. So after about 10 proofs (she may want to charge more in the future for people who are a pain like me **I did offer to pay her for being a super pain, but she said no**) we came up with the final result I am showing you today.

Now she sent me the previous one I had seen which was for a little boy turning 2 who aparently had a sister. Me on the other hand, have no other kids, so I improvised and am using my sisters still unborn kiddo as the boy. So I had to do quite a bit of re-wording... I mean four doesn't rhyme with anything and there were parts I wanted to change. If you want more information on the etsy seller, please contact me via e-mail or leave a comment and I'll share it with you. Otherwise if you go on her site there isn't much to see.

Here goes: Sorry for the darkness in some of the photos. My light box and flash weren't happy being used at the crack of dawn this morning.

Front cover of the book:
1

2nd Page:
2

3rd Page:
3

4th Page:
4

5th Page:
5

6th Page:
6

7th Page:
7

Back Cover:
8

Now if you noticed these are actually 5x7 cards that I printed these on. So after I got them printed I was going to glue the seams of the two cards together so that it looked like a genuine book. Lets just say craft FAIL using heavy glue because it seaped out and craft FAIL using a glue stick because it wouldn't withstand being read over and over (because lets just face it... they will be cuz they are just that awesome!). Anyways, I almost was going to go get a stapler that was long enough but my brilliant mother in law made the suggestion to stitch them down the middle... I think she originally thought by hand, but forget that, I used my machine and couldn't be happier with the result. It is just PERFECT!

Seam:
Seam

So what do you think of the REAL invitation piece? Pretty stinkin' cute right!?! Do you think that mom is going to die when she sees how much work went into the invitation? Probably right?!? Ok, done tooting my own horn today, your turn... j/k, but I would like to know what you think!

TTFN~

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Dr. Seuss Party Planning - Take 3 - Invitations Part 1

Last year when doing the invitations I told you all that the invites are VERY important to me. I believe that packaging is everything and that store bought invites are (as Bobby Boucher's momma would say) "The Devil". I know curse me now... here is your chance. I told you last year to forgive me if this was your thing, so that apology continues through this year. I keep thinking of that comment (I know it shouldn't bother me), and thinking that when this mom sees the invitations **which are now completed, YEAH! Doing the party dance** that she is going to want to hurl on me. <- not pleasant I know. Sorry!

Ok, so I am breaking this down into two parts because well A, I don't have the pictures of the other part to share, and B, part two is really AWESOME! Here goes with part 1. I am going to cover the following elements. The Envelope (remember I said packaging is everything), the reminder magnet, the directions, and Laci's picture.

The Envelope Front: I always like to put pictures that go with the party on the envelope... turned out pretty stinkin cute! I did put our address, but since not everyone needs to know where I live I opted to leave that generic for this purpose. Also, I used Laci's name instead of a real name or address as a sample for you.
Envelope

The Envelope Back: It had to have a cute sticker to close it...
Sticker

The Reminder Magnet Front: Reminder of when and where the party is at! I cut around the black line, put the sticker on, laminate them, then cut them out again, then put the magnet on... whew... that's a lot of work, but they always look perfect!
Magnet

The Reminder Magnet Back: On the back we have the magnet for the fridge so they don't forget when and where it is and then also we have the following sticker.
Save the Date

Directions: No I am not sharing my exact directions to the casa; however, I didn't really show this to you last year and I think I should. It is a sheet that I made many moons ago that tells people exactly how to get to my house. It is awesome that I have this to include every year. Sorry for all the black outs, but I think it gives you the idea of how I did them and how useful it can be.
Directions

Picture of Laci: Last but not least, I always have a picture of my munchkin in the invitation so that everyone knows who's party they are attending. I got these printed in bulk at Walgreens. I love the photo, but was a tad disappointed that the color quality was a little darker when printed than I expected. But in short NO one will care but me, and it still looks good, so eh, whatever. Plus, when you submit them online you can get pictures printed for like 10 cents a piece... ahem... SCORE!
DSC_0203

So what do you think of invitations part one? Are you exhausted yet? Lets just say, I am, because this took a LOT of work! I will take real pictures tonight hopefully to include in another post. It is hard to shrink down actual artwork to make it look OK, but I think you know what hard work I did to put this all together. Wait for tomorrow when you see the really cute part of the invite... this is nothin.

TTFN~

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Dr. Seuss Party Planning - Take 2 - Costume

First off... I have to say eek! This weekend I hit 101 Followers. I may have to come up with a giveaway or something to celebrate this momentus occasion. I am pretty psyched.

Ok, so now I have been working like crazy to try and finish up the invitations for Laci's birthday party. There are just so many pieces to it this year. I still have to stitch part of the seam of the "book invite" and then put magnets on them and then cut the directions to the right size. I am so happy that it is coming together though!

So I have been strongly debating having a costumed character this year. Primarily the reason was because I couldn't find a costume. Then last week I found one. It was from China. Um, I wasn't super thrilled or comfortable about ordering from China. But then I found another one... the "Top Hat Cat" from Character Costume Rental. I haven't heard back from them yet, but they are VERY reasonable as far as pricing goes and I am REALLY excited about having The Cat in the Hat at the party! Please cross your fingers for me. I would love to have it as a surprise for Laci!



Isn't he cute!

TTFN~

Blogging from my iPad

Ok, so I got a wireless keyboard and this thing is really stinkin' cool! I totally want to be able to blog from my iPad completely and I am testing it out. So this morning I got to wear my Sweet Peas shirt to Laci's parade. What do you think it means when another parent says, "How do you feel that people hate you because you are so crafty and cute?" I mean I don't think that she meant it in a bad way, but really I keep thinking about it and how she said it and it bugs me. I mean this craft was only like $8.00 so it wasn't like I spent a lot of money, I just took some time to do it. Anyways, what are your thoughts about that statement?

Anyways, hope you are having a great weekend! I am looking forward to going out for my best friends birthday tonight. We are going to party down. Ok, fine party down as much as a 27-28 year olds can. We try to stay up, but we kind of get bored of some of the places we go... we actually end up playing the video game all night.

TTFN~

Thursday, March 24, 2011

It's Stinkin' Cute Craft Thursday #47

Ok, so WOW! Ya'll are incredible! I love everything that was posted, but alas, I don't have the chance to feature everyone.

So lets get this thing a rockin'!

As a quick mention, I may have to follow Sun Scholors dress tutorial, because that thing is really cute and looks fairly simple. So if you haven't seen it go check it out!!!

Laura over at none other than Laura Thoughts is brilliant! You are awww inspiring... I MUST do this for my mom and possibly my sister! Just amazing! This is a magnetic makeup board. How cool is that!


Oh wait Laura did it again... I am still on baby brain for my sister and LOVED her men's shirt blanket... although I may not do the mens shirt part and stay with the monkey fabric... I may just have to do this for baby Holden. I love this blanket!


Last but not least because I am addicted to Diet Coke... Over at Surviving the Etsy Madness they share with us this Diet Coke Cake which is AWESOME despite the traveling issues across town... sorry guys bout that, but it is the thought that counts!


Thank you to everyone who entered. I wish I could feature you all! To my two features go grab a button and to everyone else! I truly am inspired by you all! Thank you!

Let's get to linkin'!! Rules:

1. Please link craft projects that you have done (not advertising an Etsy site or giveaways unless they are something you have made that you are giving something away)!
2. Linky Tools will remain open until next Wednesday evening so there's plenty of time to link your projects!




TTFN~


Rules for linking:
(1) Link to specific blog post, not blog home page!
(2) Link craft projects that you have done!
(3) Make sure to visit a few of the links and leave some comment love!
(4) Linky Tools will remain open through Wednesday, March 30th so you have plenty of time to add your projects!


Tuesday, March 22, 2011

iPad 2 - I got one!!! Yippie!

I have tried multiple times to get one at a store and this morning my efforts netted me the exact model I wanted! I got a white - 64gb - 3G - ATT model! Yeah!!! Now I can't play with it until I get home, but that's ok. I am REALLY hoping that I can find an acceptable blogging program so that I can blog from it. If anyone knows of any let me know because I will be on the look out.

Anyways, my MIL comes in town today, so there will be three of us with the iPads in the house. I am so excited! Now I need to find a better cover and the blogging program. I have tasks... if anyone knows of any other cool iPad apps let me know as I am sure I will be a downloading machine at first.

TTFN~

Monday, March 21, 2011

Laci's 4th Birthday Shoot

As always we are sending a picture of Laci with her birthday invitation. I did a shoot of her this past weekend and lets just say that the pictures turned out pretty stinkin' cute!

I can't really pick a favorite because I wish I could see the entire dress in the close up shot, but I wish her smile was better in others that have the full dress. But over all she is absolutly adorable!

***Update*** I forgot to mention the beautiful dress and who made it. I probably could have made it; however, it is something that I would rather not worry about, and this thing was just so adorable I had to buy it. This was made by Connie who I found on Etsy. Her shop is called Hot Tots Cool Kids 2. All of her stuff is absolutly adorable! I will have to order from her again if I don't convince myself to learn how to sew clothing. You would think I would have started there and then gone to some of the bags and embroidery... but no I choose to make what should be easy very intimidating. Anyways, if you are looking for a custom dress, Connie does beautiful work and it fits PERFECTLY!

Close Up:
DSC_0203

Front:
DSC_0187
DSC_0171

Back:
DSC_0240

What do you think?

TTFN~

Friday, March 18, 2011

Happy Birthday Laci

Happy 4th Birthday to my beautiful little lady Laci! We love you and hope you have had a wonderful day!

DSC_0620

TTFN~

Thursday, March 17, 2011

It's Stinkin' Cute Craft Thursday #46

Where are these weeks going lately? It seems like one big blur. More than anything I just want to slow down... My baby will be 4 tomorrow. Right now 4 years ago I kid you not that I was waking up from an exhausting night of going to the hospital at midnight only to be sent home at 2 am with them saying "We know you will be back later today, but your contractions stopped so we have to send you home." Not what a pregnant lady wants to hear. So about now I was probably waking up and decided that I didn't care what else happened that day, but some how I was going into labor! So... I did...

Anyways, on to the linky party stuff! So after so many features last week, I am going to go a little lighter this week...

I wish I had time to do these cute little Ice Cream Leprechauns that Sun Scholars made because they are so super stinkin cute!!!


Mom's of All Trades made me wish I was at her house for breakfast this morning. What an awesome idea for making decorative pancakes or as she calls them Patty Cakes hehehe!


Speaking of food, do you need a "Green" idea for food for lunch? Check out The Polka Dot Umbrella and their Leprechauan lunch!


Lastly, who would not want to play with this beautiful rainbow rice that Rockabye Butterfly made. I LOVE IT!


Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! Thank you to everyone who linked up. The are all beautiful ideas! To all my features make sure to grab a feautred button. For anyone that participates next week.... Did your kids do something fun at school for Dr. Seuss's birthday? I would love to see that if you have anything and want to do an additional entry on ISCCT.

Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with! Have a great day and stay safe!


Let's get to linkin'!! Rules:

1. Please link craft projects that you have done (not advertising an Etsy site or giveaways unless they are something you have made that you are giving away)!
2. Linky Tools will remain open until next Wednesday evening so there's plenty of time to link your projects!




TTFN~


Rules for linking:
(1) Link to specific blog post, not blog home page!
(2) Link craft projects that you have done!
(3) Make sure to visit a few of the links and leave some comment love!
(4) Linky Tools will remain open through Wednesday, March 23rd so you have plenty of time to add your projects!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

St. Patrick's Day Shirt Idea

If you haven't noticed lately, I am a bit addicted to my Cricut and SCAL software? Particularly for freezer paper stencils for shirts... yeah, I'll admit it! It is the BOMB! Got questions about how awesome it really is? Just ask me or Ashley over at Cute as a Fox who is an authorized seller of the SCAL software.
So for St. Patrick's Day I wanted to do a cute shirt for Laci. Honestly it didn't turn out quite as flashy cute as I was hoping, but it is still simple cute.

Decorations are only on the front at the top and bottom...

Here is the whole shirt:
DSC_0590

Top zoomed in:
DSC_0591

Bottom zoomed in:
DSC_0593

What do you think? It is still cute, but if you can think of anything else I could add to jazz it up, I still have tonight to do so... On this note... any ideas for a quick birthday shirt I can put together tonight or tomorrow night for Friday? Why? My baby turns 4 on Friday... tear.

TTFN~