Almost May

which means graduation is right around the corner.  Worked on some announcements for a super cute girl.  I hope she will like the way they turned out. 

 I love when graduates pick non traditional graduation announcements.  Using favorite colors instead of the school colors is so much fun!  Katie wanted glitter paper on the front, so that's what we used!  :)  She found some cute printed paper at ETC that she also wanted to use on the front and then I just added it on the inside to help tie it all together.

I have known Katie's family since before she was born, so I was THRILLED to be able to help design her graduation announcements to help celebrate her accomplishments!  

All grown up

I have known the family of this sweet girl long before her or her older brother was born.  I am amazed that she is all grown up now.  A senior in high school.  She is so beautiful, just like her mama.

It's so much fun to see children grow up and turn into such wonderful human beings!  And this chick is nothing short of amaZing!  :)

Jackson's king...

yep, when he is here...he's king.

We miss you madly Jackson, and you barely even left.  Come back soon!  <3

Not just another weekend

This wasn't just another weekend for us.  Nope, Jenaye and Jackson were up visiting from Tucson.

Jackson is such an amazing little guy.  We love him so much!  :)  He was sporting a new haircut that he was clearly proud of!  It's always great spending time with him and his mom (aka Naye).

Jenaye and I enjoyed breakfast with my mom at Crackers early this morning and we ran to ETC later in the day to say "hi" to the crew working this afternoon.  Linda and Erika, it was great seeing you.  We also ran into Alice C and Gina Z, which was an added bonus!

Gina, as promised, here's a peek at 3 of the 5 favors we are making in the Do Me A Favor Workshop on Tuesday. This little favor has a scalloped pocket inside that is perfect to tuck a piece of chocolate in before tying closed with grosgrain ribbon.

This mini favor is the perfect size for someone to indulge minimally!  The sweet banner could be changed to the name of the bride and groom and become the perfect wedding favor.

Probably my favorite of them all.  This adorable double pouch holds 2 Ghirardelli salted carmel squares.  Super sweet little presentation and equally delicious!

Today I spent some time crafting these prize ribbons.  I am obsessed with sheet music and love incorporating it into my paper creations.  I added some vintage glitter that I found when I was out junking on Friday. 

 I glued this one onto a long piece of satin ribbon so that I could tie it onto a pewter vase that I have had in my collection for quite some time.

I bought these flowers at Trader Joe's 3 WEEKS AGO and they still look amazing!  How crazy is that? 

A walk after dinner with Jenaye and Jackson was the perfect after dinner activity.  Now it's off to bed!  :)

Whirlwind Weekend

It's hard to believe the weekend is just about over, but I sure took advantage of it.  Jenaye and Justin came home from Tucson, so we were able to spend some time with them.  The visit wouldn't have been complete without a trip to Pete's Fish & Chips and ETC.  

I also made the last projects for my upcoming DO ME A FAVOR workshop, which is a week from Tuesday.   Here's a peek at two of the four projects we will be creating.

 This little treat container is made from Bazzill cardstock and printed paper from Reminisce.  A sweet ribbon pennant is placed under a customized tag before being adhered to the front of the treat holder.  The recipient is sure to smile when they find the inside filled with Rolos.

This petite Easter basket is made from part of an empty toilet paper roll.  The sweet printed paper is from We R which coordinates so well with Bazzill cardstock.  A few punches, a Tim Holtz die {Easter Bunny}, a pom pom tail, ribbon, and a sweet little customized pennant glued to a paper straw help make this favor a perfect little treat for that "somebunny" in your life.  It also would make a cute place setting for your Easter dinner. 

We have had a house guest for the last couple of weeks...her name is Diamond.  She is pretty much convinced us she is a human and now lives here.  She is right at home and is usually on one of our laps, or at the front screen door enjoying the weather.  Here's a cute little pic I took of her this weekend.  Cute, huh?

Monday, Monday!

While the house isn't much cleaner...I did manage to sweep the floor, change the sheets, clean the kitchen, dust the family room and clean off the dining room and kitchen table, it doesn't sound impressive for being off from work for 4 days, does it?  Then again, you didn't see the tables {giggle!}.

Being a new grandma, had to make the grandkids a valentine treat.

Mailed them out last Monday and Zona got hers in time, but poor Jackson's didn't arrive until Saturday.  :/

Made some little treats for the peeps at work.

Super simple.  I cut and scored Bazzill cardstock to tuck a little snack sized bag of M&M's into and created some cute little tags to secure with baker's twine.  Super simple, super fast.  :)

I put away all my Valentine decorations and put out my Spring stuff.

This little "table runner" was a scarf from H&M {thanks Naye!}.  It's perfect!

I love when things intended for one purpose can be used for another.

Did some shopping this weekend...

And used some of it to create this...

I already have the perfect spot for it in my house.

Off to do a load of laundry {work clothes} to get me through the week!
Kelli
:)

Random Sunday

I love shopping at ETC and being part of that community!  EVERY time I go in I see people I know.  Love chit chatting and catching up.  Recently it was Arlene, Shelly, Connie & Kim that I saw.  And then of course, the staff is great.  Last nite when I was there Angie, Lindsey and Sandee were working.  I love exchanging ideas, recipes and what-not with customers, friends and the staff.  It's certainly a center for inspiration and creativity.

I promised Miss Shelly that I would post a picture of my latest chalk paint project.  I painted this {five dollar} Goodwill find about a month ago.  I used Annie Sloan chalk paint on the first chair I posted a while back, but this time, I made my own.  I loved being able to go down to the local hardware store and select my own color of paint!  So MANY more options than using a premixed brand {such as Annie Sloan or CeCe Caldwell}.

Here's the chair with the homemade chalk paint

I am not going to lie...I am not that good of a distresser.  While I love the look I lack the skill!  This little guy was a dark brown with MANY scratches.  A few coats of paint, a little sanding and a coat of wax and I was done.  From start to finish a couple days.  I like to let my paint dry overnite before distressing and waxing.

Compare this to the Annie Sloan paint I used on this chair {which I love} 

I can see me using both the premixed and the home made version.  I think the premixed is ideal for bigger projects such as a buffet or a coffee table.

The neat thing about all chalk paint {premixed or home mixed} is that you don't have to do any prep work and it can be used on anything...wood, plastic, glass, ceramic, etc.  Think of all the things in your home or the gems sitting at a second hand store that could use a splash of color to bring them back to life!  The possibilities are truly endless.

Heidi Lynn Schreiber is teaching a chalk paint class at Etc on February 28th...the As Seen On Pinterest class.  I am not sure what recipe she will be using...there are several out there, but if you are wanting to learn more about making your own chalk paint, you can sign up here http://shop.scrapbooks-etc.com/collections/classes

I am busily creating valentines to gift to my co-workers.  If you are wanting to do the same, or need ideas for your little one's valentine exchange, here are a few ideas to inspire you. 

This little tall white cup holds shred from an old dictionary and a peppermint patty that is shaped in a heart.  Simply unwrap the candy and place it in a crinkle bag and tie closed with a piece of lace.  A silver tinsel handle, seam binding, dyed paper flower, small striped pole {1/2 of a paper straw}, Pink Paislee Chipboard heart and sentiment printed on Bazzill cardstock were added to complete the project.

For something with less pieces this little fold over treat would be perfect!  Cut your cardstock or printed paper so that once your treat is taped inside, it cannot be seen.  Score and fold over the top and punch a hole through both layers of paper at the bottom middle to secure closed.  Punch a hole in your sentiment and tie it into the bow.

For something even quicker, fill a crinkle bag with this sweet candy corn and tie closed with red seam binding.  Print sentiment onto Bazzill cardstock and hole punch to run thin twine through and attach.

This little crinkle bag is filled with valentine corn, a cute honeycomb heart is placed down into the center before tying closed with gray seam binding.  This would make a cute seating place card set down in old tins as pictured here.

This little sewn doiley brown sack pocket is filled with three miniature Hershey bars.  Adorned with a Fiskar's heart punched shape, washi tape, ribbon and an "xoxo" sentiment. 

This mini "cupid's vial" is filled with heart shaped red hots and the cap is sealed with a piece of red washi tape.  Two holes are punched in the little "me + you = chemistry" printwork and the ribbon is fed from the back to the front, securing the vial and then tied into a bow.  The little felt heart is attached to the ribbon using a miniature black safety pin.

All supplies used to create these little valentines are available for purchase at ETC http://scrapbooks-etc.com/ 

It's time to start kitting for my Do Me A Favor Class on Tuesday, February 5th.  There are still a few spots left if you want to join me just jingle ETC at 480.854.2303 and they will sign you up over the phone. or use the link above I listed for Heidi's upcoming class.  The workshop is 2 hours long, but we always finish early because everything is precut and scored.  It gives you time to sit and relax, shop or both!  :)