Therapy 4 Roses

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-31T10:12:00.003-04:00

Good morning!!!

After a long hiatus, I am back, I hope anyways! Wanted to show a little of what I have been working on!

Kayla's fall tee-shirt: Candy Cane Cupcake
Using a Just Peachy applique and font from 8 claws and a paw ~

Both stitched out beautifully!!

Sew much more to show you! Have a safe Halloween! BOO!!!

We have a winner!!

2011-06-18T22:20:00.003-04:00

Good evening!!

I am so sorry this took so long to post today! My daughter was in a wedding tonight and we have been away since 1pm. The wedding was absolutely beautiful. The theme was Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Ok... so now on to the winner:

Using random.org

jennifer said...: I am a follower of cha-cha! I'm so excite about your giveaway!; June 6, 2011 7:12 PM

Congratulations!!

But that is not all!!!!! Cha~cha has decided to give everyone else 30% off everything in her shop Cha Cha's Treasures by using the coupon code GRAND at the check out for until July 2nd.

Stop by and check out all of her lovely gifts and do not forget to take advantage of the discount!

Time for another Giveaway!!

2011-06-06T00:12:00.008-04:00

Yes, that's right!! It is time for another giveaway!

Tonight I want to reintroduce you to my friend Cha~Cha!! A few months ago I fell in love with her Bible Memory Verse Pillows. I’ve even written about her before!! These pillows are gorgeous! And guess what? I am giving one away!! Yes, that is right…giving one away!
Cha~Cha has these beautiful Bible Memory Verse Pillows for sale in her Etsy shop, ChaCha'sTreasures. Cha~Cha says, “I am so excited about these pillows, I have had the idea for about a year. I had only told very few people about this idea and have been trying to find the time and courage to get them done. My hope for the pillows is that they will be beautiful decorations for your kids (boy versions coming soon) bedrooms, with a pocket to keep Bible verses in. As a mom who is trying to instill the value of memorizing Bible verses in her children I know that it is sometimes hard for them to turn to the verses in the Bible each time they sit to work on memorization…

We write the verse on cards, but then where do you keep the cards?????

…With the pillows kids have a safe place to store their cards and a visual reminder to work on memorizing the verses.“

Great idea, Cha-Cha!!! Right now I have mine on my bed that quotes one of my favorite Bible chapters, Proverbs 31. Photos of my pillow below:

These pillows are not only good for personal use, but would be wonderful to give as special gifts!

How do you win one of these pillows? Well, Cha~Cha and I are giving you several ways to enter: (You do not have to do them all!)

1. Leave me a comment telling me your favorite design from Cha Cha's Treasure
2. Follow Cha~Cha’s blog at Sit Relax and Read
3. Be a Follower of my blog Therapy4Roses
4. Follow Sit Relax and Read on Twitter
5. Like Sit Relax and Read on Facebook
6. Favorite my Etsy shop Cha Cha's Treasure
7. Blog about the giveaway
8. Tweet about the giveaway

9. Follow me on Twitter

You will gain an entry for each of the nine possible ways to enter! Just leave me a separate comment here letting me know each way you entered!

This contest will end on Friday, June 17^th and the winner will be announced on Saturday the 18^th!

My GEmomsperience!

2011-05-21T12:47:00.006-04:00

Hey!

I want to tell you about my trip to Louisville, KY for the GE Momsperience and about the wonderful new friends I made.

Back in April, while lurking around on blogs (like I ususally do), I stumbled across a giveaway at the blog CreativeKristi.com.

I entered...and won!!

The trip began in ATL where I got to fly with my friend Traci from Beneath My Heart. We were able to meet a few months ago and now I had the privilege to fly with her and spend a few days together.

In Louiville, we were greeted at the airport by a GE representative and then we were transported to the 21C Museum Hotel. My room was breathtaking. I had 2 double beds so I slept in a different one each night. (hehe!) When I finished each day, I would return to turned down sheets, dimmed lights, chocolates on my pillow, an ipod playing soft music, and a plush bath robe at the foot of my bed.

Traci ~ Beneath My Heart ~ and me with James P. Campbell, President and CEO of GE Appliances and Lighting.

Monday began with a trip to the GE Monogram Center where we were served breakfast. After breakfast we began our sessions. We went from room to room full of every type of appliance anyone could imagine. They ranged from basic to luxurious. I don't know if you can call an appliance "luxury", but watching the Advantium cook 2 fillets in 13 minutes - well done - and it was tender to cut, that is LUXURY!!

What impressed me the most is that we were invited so they could learn from us! What do we want and need??!! WOW!! THAT is thinking about the customer, huh?!

Here are a few of my favorite things!! (Jeff put these on my wish list!)

Ben (Mr. Advantium)

Yes!! A fridge that I could put Jeff's headshots on, ELECTRONICALLY!! (www.JeffRose.tv) hehe!

A washing machine that has specific settings to remove even urine/feces (poop)!!

Memorable moments that were only made possible by GE!!!!

A Derby hat that I made (thank you ladies from Dee's), Dinner at Churchill Downs, Chef Joe Castro & Chef Brian Logsdon, Red Penguin at Hotel 21C , my name monogrammed on a GE locker, beautiful SWAG bag, and the Kentucky Museum of Arts and Crafts.

Here is a list of all the amazing folks we had the privilege to meet:

Big Thank you to: Megan Robison and Nancy Wolff and everyone that worked hard to make it possible!

GE Momsperience 2011 – GE Appliances & Lighting Speakers

Introduction:

Eddie Martin – Chief Marketing Officer

Range:

Ben Cecil – Merchandising Specialist

Susan Gregory – Product Manager, Global Products

Julie Muennich – Senior Marketing Merchandising Specialist

Shawn Stover – Product Manager, Built –in Cooking Products

Refrigeration:

Casie Banquer – Senior Marketing Merchandising Specialist

Rebecca LaRocque – Training Manager

Monogram Experience Center:

Chef Joe Castro

Chef Brian Logsdon

Entertaining made simple:

Wendy Sommers – Team Leader

Industrial Design:

Marc Hottenroth – Industrial Design Manager

Dishwashers:

John Nichols – Senior Marketing Merchandising Specialist

Paul Riley – Marketing Manager

Laundry:

Peter Pepe – Product General Manager, Clothes Care

Jennifer Schoenegge – Product Manager, Clothes Care

Raegen VanBogaert – Product Manager

Lighting:

Dawn Riedel – Brand Manager

And another special thank you to Allison at House of Hepworths ~ who supplied me with this list!

Here are the other bloggers who were in attendance:

Craft/Home/DIY Bloggers:
House of Hepworths
Free Stylin’
Crap I’ve Made
Beneath My Heart
Creative Kristi
Therapy for Roses
High Heels and a Hammer
Where Women Create

Mommy Bloggers:
Just Another Mom of 2
The Mommyhood
Of Such is the Kingdom
Blonde Mom Blog
Things I Can’t Say

Food Bloggers:
Love Feast Table
Broccoli Cupcake

Lifestyle Bloggers:
Loralee’s Looney Tunes
Charlene Chronicles

Photography Bloggers:
Mommy’s Camera
Bon Appetit Hon
Secret Agent Mama

Cleaning and Curator Bloggers:
I Dream of Clean
Be Different, Act Normal

Thanks for the memories!!!!

Flip Flops for the Marlins!

2011-05-02T22:44:00.003-04:00

I have always loved the colors of the Marlins baseball team. This year Brody is plays baseball for the Shetland Marlins in our city. This past Sunday, Brody's team and their family's tailgated and went to Rome, GA to watch the "Rome Braves" play. The team had to wear their jerseys so Momma had to match. This lead me to make changeable flip flops straps!

I went to Hobby Lobby and bought the black flip flops (with 40% coupon) and the ribbon (which is always 50% off). I lined the top of the flip flop with velcro and used E6000 to attach it to the shoe. (Hobby Lobby carries a flip flop glue). For the ribbon, I measured the length of the strap and and sewed the ribbon to the velcro. I made a bow and hand stitched the bow to the velcro/ribbon. I used Make It and Love It's tutorial as a guide to help me with the middle stitching.

I can not wait to use some of my other ribbons and flowers and monogrammed button to decorate my flip flops. They will be so easy to change at church camp this summer.

Lil' Chick or chic bibs for the nephews

2011-04-21T08:53:00.005-04:00

Sunday I took my kids to an Easter egg hunt. We didn't attend our regular church, but the church I grew up in as a child. With my two nephews dressed in my mom's traditional "buy her new grandchild their first Easter outfit", I decided to add my own touch!

I made Jameson and Jack Easter Bibs!

I bought the blank bibs at Babies R US and the Applique from the website Applique Planet. Using my Brother SE400, put it all together. For the chick, I used a fuzzy flannel.

Both little men were so cute!! The bottom of the egg is a little pocket. It was so easy to make!

Here they are!

Jack on the left and Jameson on the right!

Jameson

I can't wait to make their next bibs! Something for our summer campmeeting!

A bowl full of lemons.: Silhouette GIVEAWAY!!!!

2011-04-21T08:23:00.000-04:00

A bowl full of lemons.: Silhouette GIVEAWAY!!!!: "A SILHOUETTE GIVEAWAY!! I was sent a Silhouette Rhinestone Starter kit this month, to try out and giveaway along with a Silhouette SD Mac..."

We have a winner!!

2011-04-20T12:04:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to #22 who said:

Lisa Marie said...: Tweeted about your giveaway!
Thank you all so very much that enter and tweeted and FB!!

Now, got to go finish my Database project!

Time for a Giveaway!!

2011-04-12T23:32:00.005-04:00

It is time for a giveaway!!

As many of you know my husband Jeff is a professional actor. He is currently recurring on three televisions shows: Drop Dead Diva, Army Wives and Teen Wolf. To celebrate his success, I would like to offer one lucky reader a complete set of the family feature film series that resurrected his career almost 8 years ago, "The Sugar Creek Gang".
Jeff stars in each film as Theodore Collins, the father of young Bill, the leader of the "gang". These films are based on the popular faith-based books of the same name by Paul Hutchens.

Now, how do you get to be that lucky reader??

All you have to do is be a follower of this blog and leave me a comment letting me know you want to enter. It's that simple!!

Now, if you want to increase your odds...

For extra entries ~

1. "Like" my husband's fan page on Facebook ~ Jeff Rose ~ and post a comment on his wall stating you are not only a fan of his, but you are also a fan of MINE ( :

2. Follow me on twitter.

3. Tweet about this giveaway.

4. Facebook about this giveaway.

5. Blog about this giveaway.

Just leave separate comments telling me about each post.

This giveaway ends April 19 -
I will announce the winner on April 20th.

Ps.. I can get Jeff to autograph the movies or a headshot (for kicks and giggles if you want).....

:)

Happy Survivers Day Marcus

2011-04-07T10:37:00.008-04:00

30 years ago today my brother Marcus and I decided we wanted to go to church revival with my Grandparents. We lived in Cartersville at the time and the revival was at my Uncle's church in Powder Springs. The drive was a good 45 minutes - to an hour.

My brothers and I were always in church. If my parents didn't take us, my grandparents did! We lived next door to my grandparents and so, for them, taking us places was sometimes a must. Any time we heard their car crank all of us kids would rush over to see if we could go. Those days - the early 70's - are some of the best memories of my life.

(My Granddaddy and Mammy in Lakeland, FL at church camp)

My grandparents were my world. I was the first grandchild to Tom and Sarah Martha Chapman and they were my neighbors. I would sometimes sneak over to their house have my Mammy call my mom to see if I could come over. It is so funny -- now, I live ne

I would sell Avon with my Mammy. I wanted to be so much like her. She was a Saint in my eyes. She taught School, was president of the Women's Missionary Society, and a friend to everyone. She taught me how to sew on my Holly Hobbie sewing machine, how to crochet, and how to cross stitch. In the fall she would sit up all night with me when I had bronchitis and nurse me with a honey and lemon concoction and a peppermint stick. She was a prayer warrior. How many times did I hear her call my name while she was on her knees talking to God?

My Grandaddy gave me his love. He also gave me his love of collecting writing pens, coins from his collection, and his ability to carry on a conversation with anybody!

But, 30 years ago my family's lives changed dramatically.
My mom was pregnant with my youngest brother, Thomas. She was with her best friend who was home recovering from surgery when she got the call that her parents and two of her children were involved in a car accident.

Just a little over halfway to our church revival, a woman who had her three children with her in her car, reached to the backseat for her purse and ran a stop sign. She t-boned us on the driver's side.

In 1981, seatbelts were not mandatory. So none of us were wearing one. We were riding in a two-door blue pinto station wagon. It had two bucket seats, a middle row, and at flat bed in the back.

(Me at a wedding with my grandparents, me with my grandaddy and brother Robby - I was always with them.)

I was sitting in the center of the middle row and Marcus was playing with his little cars in the back. When I woke up after the accident, I remember trying to get out of the car. Someone down the road had heard the accident and came running out and gave me a sweater before I passed out again.

When the ambulances finally got to the scene they put me in the front seat beacuse I was not hurt as bad and put my Grandaddy in the back. I think that Marcus was in the back, too. I remember trying to jump out of the ambulance because I could not figure what was going on.

When we arrived at the hospital, I was able to give the doctor my home phone number and they finally got in touch with my Dad. Dad hurried to picked up my Mom and they drove to the hospital.

When my parents arrived they were told that Marcus and I were going to be okay, but that my Grandaddy was in serious condition. My Mom could not find any information on my Mammy. Finally, after much asking, a woman coldly told my mom that she was dead. WOW! What compassion! Such a gentle way to learn your mom had passed away!

My Grandaddy had broken all the major bones in his body but was still alive. Marcus needed some stitches in his head because his head had gone through the side window and the metal rim had wrapped around his neck.

I stayed in the hospital for a few days. I remember crying so much and thinking how my Mammy had been making me an Easter dress. Now, I wouldn't have one for Easter Sunday. But a very sweet lady from our church bought me one and brought it to me at the hospital.

After many tests I was released to go home. Weeks later, it was found that Marcus had glass in his head and was having some bleeding. Thankfully, that issue was addressed and taken care of.

On April 14, seven days after the accident, my Grandaddy went to be with Mammy (and Jesus). My entire world changed in one week. I guess that was some big stuff for a ten year old.

My grandparents were my world.

But, because of that accident, a man that was keeping my cousins so my uncle could be at the hospital, accepted Jesus after seeing how - as a family - we were able to get through the tragedy.

Marcus is now the lead High School teacher at a Christian school, the Associate Pastor and Youth Pastor at our church -- the exact same church we headed to for that revival.

I work the multi-media at the same church.

God welcomed home two saints that week long ago, but also spared two lives...(and four lives in the other car). I even ended up in a highschool class with one of the girls in the wreck and she never knew it.

Here I am now, so much like my Mammy and talking so much like my Grandaddy!

PS... I am so proud of my mom!! She has endured so much heartache! She is the strongest woman I know and I am so blessed to be her daughter.

What a legacy they have left!! I miss them so much.

Fleur de lis Towel

2011-04-04T18:12:00.014-04:00

Hi,

Finally! I have a chance to sit down and write...

Last week was filled with homework, tests, 2 kids with strep, I had bacterial/viral sinusitis and Jeff was in

LA being "Mr. Hollywood".

It was a LONG week.

Jeff finally arrived home last night about 11 pm. He had been in Los Angeles for the 168 Film Festival, where he was an award presenter with Sarah Drew from "Grey's Anatomy".

I have so many things I need to post just to catch up, so I will start with my "Fleur de Lis" applique dishtowel.

I bought this waffle textured dish towel and black pot holder the last time I was at the Dollar tree.

I downloaded the fleur de lis embroidery pattern from DigiStitches, a

website I love to purchase appliques from.

This pattern allows for you to use two different fabrics, so I used two that I had on hand.

I hooped my towel and sewed my outline.

Next, I put down my first fabric and stitched the design. Once the design was tacked down, I trimmed the fabric and stitched the design.

I took the second fabric, laid it in the middle, and sewed the middle section. Once the middle was tacked down, I trimmed the fabric and finally sewed the

last of the trim.

Once the applique was finished, I took the potholder and the towel and folded them in half finding the middle of both. Next, I aligned the middle of the towel and potholder and laid them right sides together and sewed down the middle of the pot holder. Then I was able to attach a button to the front side of the potholder and attach it to my stove.

I love it! It stays on the oven door and will not come off! If the instructions are not clear, please let me know and I will take more photos and add. I have a cousin getting married in June and want to make a few for her.

Thank you for visiting!! I would love to have you follow therapy4roses ~ I am planning on having a giveaway and you wouldn't want to miss it!

The Pink Monogram Giveaway!!

2011-03-28T22:52:00.002-04:00

Angela from a Preppy Girl on the Farm is having an awesome

Pink Monogram Giveaway !!

Their signature product is the Monogrammed Clog. The Pink Monogram made Oprah's favorite in 2010 when their High Heel Monogrammed Clogs appreared in the July 2010 Magazine. I would love 1 of everything in her store!!!

Head on over to Angela's page and enter!! Good luck!

Sit, Relax, and Read prayer pillows ~

2011-03-26T22:04:00.002-04:00

Hi!

I want you to take a look at these pillows! Are they not gorgeous!

They are made by Cha~Cha.

"This is from her blog. Bible Memory Verse Pillows and they are for sale in my Etsy shop, ChaCha'sTreasures. I am so excited about these pillows, I have had the idea for about a year. I had only told very few people about this idea and have been trying to find the time and courage to get them done. My hope for the pillows is that they will be beautiful decoration for your kids (boy versions coming soon) bedrooms, with a pocket to keep Bible verses in. As a mom who is trying to instill the value of memorizing Bible verses in her children I know that it is sometimes hard for them to turn to the verses in the Bible each time they sit to work on memorization.

We write the verse on cards, but then where do you keep the cards?????

With the pillows kids have a safe place to store their cards and a visual reminder to work on memorizing the verses. I hope you love this idea as much as I do ( and my Hubby hopes you buy them, haha). As you all know I am a sentimental fool and I think these would make great gifts that would become wonderful keepsakes. "

Please visit her etsy store and her blog. You can't help but want to follow her!

Have a great weekend!

Chicken Vegetable Soup

2011-03-24T18:11:00.004-04:00

Even though it is looking like Spring here in the South, it is never too warm for my Chicken Vegetable Soup!

Here is the recipe:

1 can of yellow or shoepeg corn
1 can of white corn
1 can of sliced potatoes
1 can of green beans
1 large can tomatoe sauce
1 can of stewed tomatoes
1 can of butter bean
1 can of green limas
1 can of sliced carrots
2 sm packs (or 1 large) of boneless chicken breast

Here is how I mix it:

I put the chicken in the crock pot at 7 am. Set it to cook at 180 degrees. When I got home from work, I took out the chicken and strained the broth. I added the broth back to the crock pot and then added all of the cans of veggies...
(NOTE: I only use the can juice of the peas, carrots, white corn, limas, and butter beans...the rest I drain. Using the juice from the cans keeps me from having to add salt.) You can also add a small can of tomato paste to thicken the soup if needed. I turn my crock pot on high, pick the chicken apart, and add it back to the soup. You can use chicken breast with the bone to produce more stock.

I usually serve it with Jiffy cornbread, cause I like the sweet stuff.

I hope you enjoy! Leave me a note if you try it!! It is sure not to disappoint!

Tara

Tara

A Pink Monogram giveaway!!

2011-03-24T09:57:00.002-04:00

There is an awesome giveaway going on over at Domestic Diva in Training. Thanks to her friend Monica at The Pink Monogram you can enter to win a Monogrammed High Heel Peep Toe pair of Shoes, $160 value!

So hop on over and enter to win!!

Tara

Night Owl Party

2011-03-16T10:22:00.002-04:00

Good morning!!

This morning while scrolling thru my hundreds of blogs that I watch, I came upone Snowy Bliss. When I saw the page full of fun colorful owls I had to stop and gaze. Since I working at KSU and the OWL being our mascot, I usually try to find things "owly" I can add to my office decor, and when I stumbled across Anj at Snowy Bliss all I could do is drool.

Back in December she threw the most awesome birthday party for her daughter: A Night Owl Party!

Look at the table she set up! She turned the table in to a bed.

She made felt hanging Owls and then made all of the girls Owl Pillows. She even made a game for the girls to find their own special pillow! She is amazing!

Visit her blog here to see all the rest of her photos. WoW!! is all I can keep saying. They say imitation is the best form of flattery ~ I hope to flatter her feathers off for my daughters birthday next month.

Tara

So Proud of Brody

2011-03-15T13:37:00.002-04:00

Over the weekend Brody had his first baseball game. He had two chances at bat. His first at bat he got on base. The second time around he struck out. He would look me and his dad and give us thumbs up. I am so proud of him!

We have wanted to put both Kayla and Brody in sports, but for one reason or another it never seemed to happen. Kayla started Daisey's when she was five and is now in Brownies. We just finished a round of girl scout cookies! I think she would give up Brownies if we put her in sports. We are going to, just trying to get her to decide on just one.

This weekend we got a call that Brody had an audition and we would need to put him on tape and send it. Anything "showbiz" related Jeff gets to handle. He knows all the ins and outs and all of the technical jargon. Brody and Jeff rehearsed his line as I watched. Brody and Kayla blow my mind on how well they can memorize. I can not! My mind goes too fast.

Brody is 6 and in just 30 min. this is what Jeff got Brody to do.

He blows my mind. I could not be prouder of him. "Break A Leg" Brody.

The tape has been submitted and now we play the waiting game to hear if there are call backs. Either way! Momma is Proud!!! Here is Daddy's Resume!!

Tara

Happy National Pi Day

2011-03-14T08:21:00.010-04:00

Good morning!

Wow! My post are few and far between. I have been been crafting, I promise, but also along with girl scouts, girl scout cookies, baseball, work, school, kids, husband, holidays, trips, 2 new nephews, etc..... and the list goes on. I wonder why I wake up with indegestion or why I don't sleep. My mind constantly going... what to do next. I feel like my house is not a home sometimes, just a place to sleep and change clothes. Thank you for sticking with me though!!

I wanted to show you what I got for my birthday/Christmas!
I love it!!! It is a Brother SE400, sewing/embroidery machine. I think it is my favorite gift yet!!

I have had so much fun with this machine. I can just download embroidery designs and make all kinds of things "in-the-hoop".

With the addition of two new nephews, I have been embroidering and sewing things for them, even thought they haven't gotten them yet! Sorry Jameson and Jack :( Tata is trying.

Anyway, I had seen these online when searching for baby things to make. I call them "Winki-Dinks" or Jeff calls them "Pup-tents".

What I did first is trace a large circle using a bowl on two coordinating fabrics . The bowl was about 8 - 9 inches round. One fabric was cotton and the other was a soft flannel. Then I folded the circles in half and pressed them to get a line and then cut them in half.

Next I embroidered Jacks initials on on the cotton fabric. Then I took the embroidered fabric and one of the flannel half circles and sewed them right sides together. Then I turned the fabrics out and again pinned the right sides together, sewing up one side making a cone. It was at this time I realized that I had monogrammed the "Winki Dink" upside down... grrrr...

But that is ok. Nicole and Robby can see the monogram while they are looking at beautiful Jack (and are kept shielded).

Here is six of them that I made. One large circle makes two covers. The flannel inside all six of them is a coordinating brown.

Once I had finished the covers, I made a cute little bag for them to be stored in so Nicole can throw them in her diaper bag and go!

Finally, I finished a crafted blog!

I am linking here:

Have a wonderful day and Happy National Pi Day! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icrjzF3zl5A&feature=player_embedded

I love Wordle!

2011-03-02T10:47:00.003-05:00

For some reason today I fell very anxious. It started more yesterday getting frustrated over a website I am working on will not cooperate.. grrrr... I just need a real coke!!

Anyway, on one of my yahoo groups today a lady asked for prayer for her husband who is having open heart surgery today. As I was praying for her, I called on our Great Healer. JEHOVAH-ROPHEKA (RAPHA).........Exodus 15:26 "The Lord our healer"

Then I thought I would love to have the names of God that I could look at all the time.

I found many of His called-upon names on the web and then copy/pasted the names in Wordle. I love how it looks. I have already put it in a frame in my office.

Tara!

Another Silhouette Giveaway!

2011-02-24T08:16:00.002-05:00

The Domestic Diva’s Silhouette SD GIVEAWAY!

The Domestic Diva is giving away a Silhouette!! Oh, I so hope it is me!!

Head over to Diva's blog and see all of the cool stuff she is making!

Tara

Shanty2Chic giveaway!

2010-11-23T10:51:00.003-05:00

Shanty2Chic is giving away a Silhouette machine to one lucky reader!! Oh, I hope it is me!!

Head over to their blog and see all of their amazing creations!

Tara

Celebrate Bird Crafts Party Blog

2010-11-06T11:00:00.000-04:00

GIVEAWAY: $360 Worth of Prizes to Celebrate Bird Crafts Party Blog 1st Blogversary!!

Read more: http://birdcrafts.blogspot.com/#ixzz14VyGpobA

Tara

Another Great Giveaway!!

2010-11-05T18:39:00.001-04:00

Hey!! Awesome giveaway over to Beneath My Heart by the beautiful Traci! Stop by for a chance to win a $50 giveaway! While you are there, take a look at all her creativity.

Tara

2010-10-15T11:47:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone!! Wow how things get crazy and then you turn around and months have passed. I am working on a few things and will hope to get it posted soon.

But I wanted to direct you to a great giveaway: Laurie over at the Tip Junkie is giving away TWO Scentsy Systems both with a Jack O’ lantern warmer and three bars of winner’s choice from Lyndsee Bates.

So head on over and register to win!! Good luck and see you soon with some cute craft stuff!

Tara

Great Giveaway!!

2010-08-22T22:18:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone!! I wanted to let you know about an awesome giveaway over at "Scrap with Stacy". She is giving away a plethora (I love that word) of Tim Holtz goodies! I am such a Tim Holtz junkie!

So head on over and sign up! Good luck!

Tara

My baby is growing up!

2010-06-17T22:49:00.005-04:00

Bittersweet is all that comes to mind. Wednesday night my 5 year old pulled ( really I pulled) his first tooth. I do not know why my babies have to lose their teeth so early. Kayla lost her first tooth right before she turned 5. We even took her to the dentist because we thougth there was no way she should be loosing a tooth so fast. The dentist showed us her x-rays and said they were ready. She is now 8 and has pulled 9 theeth.

So now Brody has lost a tooth. He is so cute. But being "all boy", he has carried his tooth around all day. I was so afraid he was going to lose it so I asked him if we could make something to put it in! This is what we came up with:

I will admit that teeth, that are not in the persons mouth, is gross. This gives him a way to carry it around and not gross me out. I do plan on putting it up for good right along Kayla's first tooth. Right now he wants to show everyone.

How I made his tooth necklace. Well, a few weeks ago I was browsing Archiver's when I spotted these Memory Capsules.

They are incredible. There are so many things I want to use these for. I used scrap paper for the backing and glued (thank you Mod Podge Amy) the paper on to a Tim Holtz fragment. Then I inserted the fragment, tooth and capsule into the memory frame.

Then I took a charm and stamped a B for Brody on it. I plan on putting it on a chain for now so he can show all of his aunts, uncles and cousins. Cute but gross, I know.

Tara

Drop Dead Diva Sunday Nite @ 9

2010-06-11T10:40:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to give a shout out to my Mr.Hollywood! This month we will celebrate our 10th anniversary! Wow... how the time has flown by and we have two beautiful children to show for it!

This Sunday night Jeff will debut this week on Drop Dead Diva Sunday night, June 13th at 9pm on Lifetime. This will be his first episode of three that he has filmed. He will be playing the role of Doug Resnick, an opposing lawyer to the main character Jane Bingum. You gotta watch!

You can see more information on Mr. Hollywood at:

htt...p://www.imdb.com/name/nm0741461/

http://www.jeffrose.tv/
Did I say I was proud!!

I will be back later with a beautiful ring I made with buttons!

Tara

Disney Family Fun Magazine

2010-06-01T21:27:00.006-04:00

I have to be a proud mommy and boast about my baby! I was so super-excited to find the ad he shot for Dixie Products back in March in the Disney magazine I got in the mail. This is the only magazine I have seen him in so far. I am so proud of him. I spent about 2 hours under that table tickling him to get him to laugh.

Also, don't forget to set your DVR to Lifetime T.V. on Sunday June 13, when my Mr. Hollywood makes his premiere on Drop Dead Diva as lawyer Doug Resnick. He will be in 3 episodes this season (s0 far!). You can also check out a PSA (public service announcement) Mr. Hollywood did on lung cancer awareness. Did you know that 1 out 0f 17 women who do not smoke will be diagnosed with lung cancer.

Again, Mr. Hollywood playing a lawyer.

Tara

Stamped Charms

2010-06-01T09:52:00.003-04:00

I really think it is a Southern "thing" to wear monograms. I remember as far back as elementary school wearing sweaters that were monogrammed. I even have a matching silver ring, bracelet, and pendant set my mother bought me with my initials engraved in it.

This weekend my SIL Jennifer found out that we had a Harbor Freight Tool store that was not even 20 min. from our house and that they sell metal stamps. We rushed over and I think we were drooling as we walked in and bought 2 size stamps.

We left there and of course went to Hobby Lobby, Joann's, and Michael's with coupons in hand and bought pendants to experiment with.

I bought a charm bracelet for my daughter and stamped a K on it.

I don't know if you can see it really well, but Kayla loved it. She refused to take it off last night. It made a momma happy.

Tara

Tears of Joy!

2010-04-29T15:31:00.009-04:00

Favors for the guest.

For those that attended the rehearsal dinner, we gave out these tears of joy tissues. I found a template that I liked from Little Miss Wedding Planner. I was able to download the template in MS Word and then change the colors to match the wedding. I used my Xyron to run the labels through and wrapped the tissues. I bought the tissues at the Dollar Tree. They come in an 8 pack for a dollar.

You can design these tissues to what ever occasion you are celebrating.

I am so happy for my brother and Nicole. Nicole, welcome to the family!!

I am linking up to Somewhat Simple, Finding Fabulous, It's FUN to craft!, Made By You Monday and The Shabby Chic Cottage.

Tara

The Head Table

2010-04-29T15:13:00.008-04:00

Jennifer and I set up a head table for the Bride and Groom! Nicole (my new SIL) had bought these Love name place holders. They came with name place cards and we decided to make our own.

The black and white damask background for these cards were cut out of note cards bought from Michaels. Jennifer took green scrapbook paper and printed out everyone's name. Then, with the cricut and center key, we cut out the shapes around the names and then distressed the edges and glued them on the cards. Click here for the link to Jennifer's page with more instructions for the name place cards.

For the Bride and Groom, I made these paper cut-outs of a wedding dress and a tux. I found some templates online, printeded them out and put them together.

For the dress, I put the cut out through my Sizzix - Texture Boutique and then I ran the white for the tux shirt through as well. I tied ribbon around the waist of the dress and added beads and a cute decoration to the tux.

This banner was made with the cricut and so were a bunch of letter "B" for candles that lined the windows.

One more and I promise to quit!

Tara

Another Wedding Post

2010-04-29T15:02:00.005-04:00

At the rehearsal dinner for my brother, Jennifer and I set up a photo table. This is one of the photos we set up. I bought this frame at the Dollar Tree and the glass had black printed text on it that was smeared. They gave me a discount for the frame and when I got home, cleaned the glass and it was perfect. With the cricut I use the Storybook cartridge and cut out the " A wish came true" font and glued it to the mat.

Here is a wider view of the table. We had two photo tables set up, unfortunately the table with more photos is not on my camera. I hope my little one didnt delete it.

The ferns were purchased at Lowes and we put them in galvanized tins that came from Ikea. In this bottom picture, the wooden placque that says family was made by Jennifer. You can click here to see how she made it!

On to more photos!

Tara

How can I go so long and not post!

2010-04-29T14:28:00.004-04:00

My classes end this week and my brother is now married so maybe I will start having a little more free time to create!

On April 24th, my brother Robby, the last of the 5 kids, married his campmeeting sweetheart. You know that feeling when you JUST KNOW something is right. Well, Robby and Nicole are just right. They are so made for each other.

Many of you know that most of the time, when I have time to craft, I love to craft with my Sister (in love) Jennifer. So Together we teamed up to decorate for the rehearsal dinner.

One of the first things we did is set up a table for all of the children. Jennifer lined the table with butcher block paper so that the kids could color and draw. The galvanized pails were purchased at Ikea. We bought the pink and blue cups from Michaels. With the cricut and SCAL we cut out the names of all the children with contact paper. Im not sure how long the paper will last, but the kids loved having their own names on the cups.

From the dollar store, we purchased fun pads and pencils and put them in the pencil boxes. I really scored last year with these boxes, I got 180 of them at .10 at Office Depot. They have really come in handy to use with kids crafts. The names on the pails were printed out on white card stock paper and then using the center key on the cricut we cut them out. We inked the edges and ran the names through the xyron sticker maker and attached them to the pail. The kids were very pleased and kept them all together at the table.

This turned out to be such a wonderful treat for the kids!

Tara

It's Me Again!

2010-03-14T23:07:00.001-04:00

I wanted to show you something I made for a neighbor/co-worker.

Ms. Imani lives across the street from me. She is the sweetest lady. About 2 years ago she was talking with my mom about looking for a new job and I had told my mom that I had an opening in my department at work. My sweet mom hooked us up on the phone and we have worked together ever since.

Last week was Ms. Imani's birthday and I wanted to make her something. A work we are all about being crafty and frugal.

I took items I had on hand and made her this:

The frame came from the Dollar Tree. I love it! I had some gold metallic striped paper that I lined the back of the frame. With card stock, i cut the butterfly out with the cricut. I put the butterfly on the mat with foam dots.

I have more of these frames that I plan on using in my bathroom when we finish putting up the molding. I have two frames with both of my children silhouettes in them.

Tara

Easter Baskets

2010-03-14T22:48:00.008-04:00

So sorry not to be blogging much. Getting closer to the end of the semester it seems that the professors try to stuff as much in as possible! Say prayers for me tonight, I am so stuffy and Mr. Hollywood has a big "Diva" job this week and I do not want to get him sick.

Looking forward to Easter, I wanted to have baskets for the kids that they could use all year long. I found these ice buckets at Target in the dollar bins (they were actually 2.50), perfect!

Then with my cricut (the greatest gift ever - last year : ) ~ I cut out my babies names. I wanted to see just how contact paper would work instead of using the vinyl sold in the cricut dept. and it seems so far to do well!

I used white contact paper bought at Wal-Mart.

I think they turned out pretty well!

Only time will tell how well these letters will hold on. Brody decided he wanted an owl on his and I put a butterfly on Kayla's.

I do hope to get more posted this week!

Tara

The DIYDish

2010-03-08T21:31:00.003-05:00

Hey! Sorry I have been MIA. Between mid-terms, sick children, and on going work related projects, I hope to have some homemade goodies to post this week.

I have been trying to clean out my google reader tonight and I found these sisters that have a wonderful blog. Their website is called TheDIYDish. They are having a giveaway for two lucky winners (and I so need this!) of the Janome 350e Embroidery Machine and the Janome DC4030 Sewing Machine.

You should check out their video! I cant wait to make the felt flowers.

Tara

Something Pretty for My Desk!

2010-02-18T22:34:00.005-05:00

I like pretty things. I cant help it. I am the only girl (first born) with four brothers. I had being girly all to myself.

Two weeks ago, I went with a co-worker to our campus surplus. This is an area that houses all the furniture and unwanted nick knacks go from other offices. You basically walk in and shop around. If it is large furniture items, the guys will deliver it to you, but if it is basic desk items you can take them yourself.

I work on the computer all day. My main function is working on websites. I like to print out changes and check off items on my list as I go through them. So on this trip I was in search of a copy holder. A copy holder is a stand, metal or plastic, that will hold the document you are working on at about eye level so that you can glance at your documents rather than looking up and down. I'm sure I have one somewhere, but It never hurts to look.

Well, I found one and it was in perfect condition. It was a creamy beige color. Now to make it pretty!

This is the copyholder. See how dull.

First I took some paper out of this stack called: the Mariposa stack. Some of the most beautiful paper I have ever seen. I measured the width of the copy holder and used a paper slicer to cut to size.

Next, I ran the paper through the Xyron. I love this baby!! It puts a sticky back on the paper and you do not have to mess with Modge Podge to adhere the paper.

I fit the paper over the front of the copyholder. I took some coordinating paper and used a punch to create the scallops and ran the strips of paper through my small xyron.

Once the paper was attached I made some brads. I took my newest toy, the ITOP Brad maker and used the same butterfly coordinating paper and made some brads. I have not found the brads with the magnetic backs so I used my e6000 glue to add magnets to the back.

Last, I took a round plastic fragment from the Tim Holtz collection and glued it to the butterfly paper. There was a hole already pre-drilled in the fragment so I added two flowers and attached them with a gold brad. I glued the fragment to a bow that I attached to a magnet that came with the copy holder.

I am linking up to http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/,
Make it for Monday @ Cottage Instincts

There you have it! Something pretty that will be sitting on my desk tomorrow!

Tara

Chalkboard paint and picture frame

2010-02-15T21:46:00.008-05:00

Not long after Jeff and I were married I bought this picture frame. I loved it. The photo was of a distressed vase of roses. The frame was a light wood. It never really matched anything we have, but I hung it in our guest room. The guest room eventually became a nursery, and now my 5 yr -old's room. I recently found the frame in the garage and gave it a face lift.

I love this frame. I love the little ledge on the front. First I spray painted the frame with an heirloom white. While I had the back and glass out, I painted the back board with Chalkboard paint. I really didn't want to throw away the glass. I remembered I had bought some window markers on clearance with all the back to school clearance. I ended up putting the glass back in the frame and just write on the glass. The markers stand out against the black chalkboard.

The star hanging beside the frame was a 70% Halloween star from Joann's. I used some black spray paint and tied an Harlequin ribbon around it. Hanging on the hook is a tassel I bought at Hobby Lobby for 7$. It was during a 50% sale and I knew I couldn't buy the ribbon and finial for that price. I am going to start adding to the ledge. I have some 1$ picture frames that are drying from being painted that I am going to add along with some other Dollar Tree finds.

I have linked to Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch, Make Your Monday@ Twice Remembered, It's So Very Cheri : It is so Renovated, Make it for Monday: @ cottage instincts! , Making the World Cuter and Made it Mondays @ The Persimmon Perch
Tara

Its So Very Cheri Give-a-way week 2!

2010-02-09T12:03:00.004-05:00

Hey! If you haven't already checked out Cheri at Its So Very Cheri, then all I can say is you are missing out!

Go check her out!

Tara

End of another long week

2010-02-07T21:44:00.020-05:00

It is quiet in my house. I have got to focus and start studying for my classes. I can not help that all I want to do is craft!! It also does not help that my SIL is an enabler. : )

Here are some of this weeks accomplishments:

Thursday Night Jennifer and I had a craft night at her house.

Here we are with our fabulous .50 find from Michael's.

I used my cricut and Jennifer's StoryBook cartridge to cut out letters. I wanted to make a plaque for my kitchen. Here I had cut out scraps of letters to find the right fit before I cut with the vinyl.

Next, I spray painted the plaque heirloom white and once it dried I painted on some cracking paint. I did not like the color and I could not tell if I had applied the cracking paint on right so I repainted it white again and let it dry.

I took my dremel sander and went over the board scuffing it up and finished up with distressing ink. Lastly, I took my vinyl letters and added to the plaque. Here is the finished product. I love it!!!!
When I hang it up, I will post the pictures.

This week I also accomplished making:

I took a $1 picture frame from Michael's and a 1 inch punch and took another page out of my hymnl. The paper insert that was in the frame was perfect for the back ground. I just can not get enough of the Hymns.

I also added this burlap wreath to my front door. I made it today.

I added a wooden heart I bought at Joann's . I think I will just change the middle piece to change
with the seasons/holidays.

I have linked to Make Your Monday at Twice Remembered, Make it for Monday at Cottage Instincts, Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch, Made it Monday at The Persimmon Peach, Mom's the Word, and Making the World Cuter.

I have a few more, but I really need to go study! Take care!

Tara

Its So Very Cheri Giveaway!!

2010-02-06T10:11:00.002-05:00

Hey!! If you have not already entered yet you must go and do so now! The very talented Cheri at Its So Very Cheri is having an incredible week full of giveaways. Drawings will be tomorrow! You must hurry and go now, and don't just enter the giveaway look through all the amazing decor and crafts she makes.

Tara

I see blue.

2010-02-05T22:48:00.010-05:00

I know that looking at blogs everyday overwhelms me. I see awesome decor, accessories, and crafts that you talented women make and I get so excited and ready to make things. Being that I am very impatient, I seem to start 2 or 3 things at a time and end up having 2 or 3 things unfinished for days. Life happens and the next thing I know almost a week has gone bye.

Well, this week I was supposed to go with Mr. Hollywood to Charleston while he was on set of Army Wives. I was soooooo excited. This was the first opportunity for me to be able to go. I had my Mom keeping the kids and I had taken some days off of work. Then on Saturday we found out that he would be needed for an extra day and that caused me to cancel my plans. OH well.... maybe next time (I say that every time).

Here he is with Wendy Davis (Joan Burton) and Veronika Dominczyk (Brenda Foster) on the set.

While he was gone, I did manage to get Kayla's bookshelf finished.

I had first seen the bookshelves here by Traci at Beneath My Heart.

Then I found the plans by Ana at Knock Off Wood . I took her measurements and sent Mr. Hollywood to HomeDepot to get the wood. I was able to use my jig saw having so much fun.

I let Kayla pick out the color for the shelf. This was so easy and so much fun. I bought the letter K at Joanns (with a coupon) and took some paper I had and glued it to the front. Tomorrow I am going to add cup hooks to the bottom for Kayla to hang her book bag and coat. I will add new pictures once the shelf is on the wall.

I will be linking this up to others posts shortly. Going to go spend what is left of the night with my family!

I have linked to My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday and Saturday Night Special at Funky Junk Interior.

Congratulations to my SIL Jennifer at All things pink and crafty for winning the Just Simply Southern giveaway over at Beneath my heart

Tara

Hymns

2010-01-31T22:32:00.007-05:00

To me, there is nothing more beautiful than the sound of old hymns. I have attended church all of my life and every summer I still go to church camp. When some classic hymns begin to play, I can close my eyes and hear my Mammy (my grandmother) and Granddaddy singing them with joy. When I hear other hymns, I listen and cry because as a baby my Dad would rock me to sleep singing and humming them. That makes me miss him so much. My dad had such a beautiful voice. He sang like an angel.

My Mammy used to sing me those hymns while I sat beside her at her piano. I still own that piano. Since my SIL and I have been working to beautify my Mom's entrance-way, we recently moved my Mammy's piano to that very spot. After seeing the Living with Lindsay's tutorial, I made a wreath to hang by the piano. I used the pages of an old hymnal that my brother gave me. I distressed the edges and attached the pages to the wreath, bringing back floods of great memories every time we come through Mom's door.

I'll add photos soon!

This week my SIL at All Things Pink and Crafty made my Mom decorative blocks that spell the word T-R-U-S-T using more hymn pages. My Mom's favorite scripture is "Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart". Right now Mom is leaning on HIM as she watches her best friend of 44 years battle pancreatic cancer. Please keep Judy in your prayers.

I hope my Mom doesn't read this yet, but I made her these coasters to go along with the wreath and blocks. She hasn't received these yet. I am waiting for the sealant to dry.

I used some of my favorite hymns ("How Firm a Foundation", "Rock of Ages"...one my dad would hum me to sleep with..."Victory in Jesus", and "Wonderful Grace of Jesus"). I applied the pages to tile with Mod Podge and used a roller to get rid of any bubbles. I distressed the edges with black distressing ink. I applied two more coats of Mod Podge and let dry. I hope she loves them. I want to make more for her cabin at church camp.

I plan on posting more projects this week. I built a bookshelf and the paint is drying in the garage. I still need to put the finishing touches on my bathroom.

Mr. Hollywood and I are driving to Charleston this week. He is shooting yet another episode of "Army Wives". Stay tuned to find out what happened to Major Ogden and Colonel Burton at the end of season 3. (I know...but I can't tell!) Hehehehe ;o)

I am linking up to The Twice Remembered Cottage for Make it Your Monday, Between Naps on the Porch, and Funky Junk Interiors.

Tara

The one time I stopped to read directions, still didn't turn out!

2010-01-27T22:00:00.002-05:00

I know I am the only one that jumps into projects with out reading the directions. I cant help it. I figure the directions are there if I can't figure it out first. :)

I am so proud of myself, I went out and bought a Jig Saw. I have been wanting to build something, ignoring the fact I have 2 quizzes and a project due Sunday, I still wanted to build ~ it's in my blood. I saw these incredible shelves at Knock Off Wood and at Beneath My Heart and I assumed I could do that, It looked kinda easy, but I need a saw to make "Curves".

I did my Home Depot and Lowe's homework and found a saw that would work for me. I brought it home admired it and got charged. I had to go back to home depot because I wanted to do this right and needed to get Curve cutting blade. I brought the blade home and started reading the directions. Since I work on a computer all day I need to keep my fingers so I wanted to make sure I inserted the blade and knew how to work the machine. Not having my dad around to help me I try to be a little more careful.... So anyway, I go out to the garage, clamp down my pre-cut wood and make the cutest little curves. I was so proud. I hammered those little guys to the side and I could feel life's frustrations pound away -- until, I realized the HD guy cut the slats too short for the front of the book shelf.

GRRR....., my now frustration had turned to anger as I pulled the planks apart. I don't want to go back to HD. Maybe tomorrow night I can cut the shelf a little shorter. By then I should have some pictures to post!

Tara

I'm back with a finished product!!

2010-01-24T22:29:00.009-05:00

I have the babies in bed, and asleep. I have had my shower and finished my quiz, 100%. Now I am in the bed, my office :( , and ready to post.

Almost everyday one of my two babies either draws me something at school, at Sunday School, children's church or just doodling at home. My fridge is covered in drawings, that eventually fall on the floor and usually end in the trash. I have no place for stuff!!

While looking around on a blog I have in my reader I stumbled upon another blog called Brown Paper Packages . Being curious, I did some looking around and found these art clip boards. How cool and easy do these look like to make, so I did.

I bought a piece of 1x2x36 from Joann's, with a coupon, and also some small clothes pins.

I measured the board and cut it in half with my dremel. Next, I spray painted both pieces of board and 6 clothes pins, front and back in black. After they had all dried, i measured the boards again and drilled small holes.

I took some burlap like ribbon I bought off the target Christmas clearence and threadded it through the holes and knotted the ends.

To decorate the clothes pins I cut small strips of paper and fed the pieces through my xyron sticker maker and attached them to the front of the clothe pins. So easy!

I attached the clothes pins to the boards with E6000 glue. When the glue dried, i took some small embellishments i printed off of the cricut, threaded them through the xyron sticker maker and added them for decoration.

Here are the finished products!

Don't know if I like the ribbon??
What do you think??

I am linking this post to Power of Paint Party at Domestically Speaking on Wednesday,
Make Your Monday at Twice Remembered , Make it for Monday at Cottage Instincts, Just Something I Whipped Up every Monday at the Girl Creative, Its So Very Cheri and Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the porch !

Tara!

Don't Give Up on Me Yet

2010-01-20T21:22:00.004-05:00

Sorry I have not posted in a few days. I was so gung-ho when I started this blog. I missed work today because I had a migrane last night and this morning I was useless. Mr. Hollywood (aka Husband) got the kids up and off to school. I got up just to make sure they had everthing. Now, usually when I get up I am up, but I told myself I would lay back down for a few more minutes. The next thing I knew it was 12:00 pm.

I had planned to put on a roast and do homework, now the morning was gone. I guess the Lord knew I need the rest.

Supper is finished, and the kids are in bed while being told stories of the Hobbit. I am back to homework.... blah! I have some projects drying in the garage and will promise to post something soon. Just dont give up on me. Im tring to find balance : )

Oh, by the way, I did get quite a large of free 90's scrap fabric from some nice lady over the weekend. Gotta love the freecycle.

Tara

Coasters

2010-01-15T23:22:00.022-05:00

During this last Christmas, a group of ladies from work decided to exchange homemade/handmade gifts. I had seen several blogs of handmade coasters and gave it a try.

I had seen Traci @ Beneath My Heart use decorative napkins and made beautiful coasters. I encourage anyone that has not visited her blog to do so. She is so talented and beautiful. She has no idea how much she has inspired me.

I started with white tiles bought at Lowe's, 2 matching scrapbook papers cut to tile size, modpodge, a brush, roller, acrylic sealer and felt.

I began by coating each tile with modpodge and then covered the tile with the paper. I cut the paper to fit just on top of the tile. I did not cover the sides. I ended up trimming some of the sides.

Once a little dry, I took my roller and pressed the paper to get rid of any bubbles. The roller I bought at Lowe's.

After the tiles dried, I gave them a second coat of modpodge.

After they had completely dried, I took a nail file and sanded around the edges. This helps the coasters from not looking like I just slapped paper on it.

Then I took my distressing ink and coated the edges of the paper and sides of the coasters. I would put the ink on really wet and then wipe it off with a paper towel.

The ink gave the tile almost a wood look to it.

After the ink had dried, I took the tiles out into the garage and sprayed them with an acrylic sealer. I applied about three coats of sealer, letting them dry in between coats.

I wrapped a pretty bow around them and was finished. They turned out so beautiful. I cant wait to make more.

I have linked up with Funky Junk Interiors, Between Nap on the Porch, Twice Remembered and the DIY showoff

Check out the site for more great ideas!

Tara

Can I just say "I LOVE FREECYCLE"

2010-01-13T12:43:00.005-05:00

Yes, I really do.

Two days ago I went online to freecycle.org to create a "wanted" post. I hate asking for anything, but I did it anyway. I posted that I was looking for pieces of pegboard to hang on the wall in my garage. Of course I got this idea from my SIL. She already has pegboard installed in her garage.

Anyway..... today I got an email from someone who had 2 pieces of 2' x 4' pegboard and it was mine if I wanteded. I called my soon-to-be married brother to go with me, just in case, and in 20 min. I had my board. YEAH!!!

Of course, I promised my brother lunch and realized at the drive through window all means of money were in my jeans at home :( So now I owe him 2 lunches! Thank you Berta!

About my new dishes.....

2010-01-12T09:07:00.007-05:00

I have been wanting a new set of dishes for a while, but a new set of dishes is just not in our budget. Well leave it to me ..... have you heard of a site called Freecycle?

Freecycle is a network of people grouped by area that give "stuff away". When you first go to the website you will want to search in the area that you live. Next, create an account and start browsing. You can post items you want to get rid of or you can post items you need. It just has to be free.

Over Christmas break a lady posted that she had about 8 - 10 pieces each of dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, and saucers of the Mikasa French Countryside dinnerware. I googled to see the set and sent her an email.

You have to be quick answering the posts, it is first come first serve on the items. Within ten minutes she emailed me back and said they were mine. All I had to do is go to her porch and pick them up. She only lived 2 miles from my house. How awesome is FREE!!

She has since emailed me and said if she finds any more pieces she will let me know.

Tara

The Dish Mat

2010-01-11T21:58:00.010-05:00

Back in November I was visiting blog after blog to see if I could come up with some DIY Christmas projects. In my search, I saw Edie over @ Life in Grace was hosting 12 days of handmade Christmas. She featured 12 creative and talented guest posters showing homemade/handmade goodies.

Day 1 was presented by Darby from Fly through Our Window. She gave step by step directions on sewing together a Dish Mat. Now I always have a towel on my counter for unloading the dishwasher, but how cute was this. I could not wait to get started. Unfortunately it took me longer to get started than I wanted, but I finally did it.

I had planned on piecing different fabrics together, but I ended up using a damask printed fabric I bought at Hobby Lobby with a 40% coupon. The white towel on the under side is one I bought at Ross.

With the wrong sides together I sewed the two together. Then turned it in side out and closed the end. That was all there was to it! So easy!!

I know I will be making more of these sooner rather than later. I have some wedding showers to plan/attend in the coming weeks. These will make excellent shower gifts, hostess gifts and just to have around the kitchen.

Here are more photos of the finished mat:

Front and Back

And here with dishes...... and I have a story about these dishes!!!

I am linking up to DIY day over at ASPTL.

Tara

My first Post!!!

2010-01-11T15:55:00.000-05:00

Ok, I am very nervous about this post. I am not a writer and will probably have many gramatical and spelling errors. I am more the computer/math/science geeky kinda girl. For months I have been following tons of crafting blogs and my head and notebook are filled with things to do. I am going to start checking them off.

For Christmas/Birthday this year (09), I received a Cricut and two dremels (different kinds) so I am ready to get my craft on.

I believe in giving credit to those things I have seen and made and will link to the posts of where I got my faboulous ideas! Jennifer (my wonderful SIL) i will need your constant encouragement!! LUM

Tara