6 years already?

I cannot believe my husband and I just celebrated our 6 yr. wedding anniversary...time really does fly when you are having fun!

I met my husband at a time in my life when I really was not looking for a serious relationship, but after our second date I knew he was the one I would marry . There was something definitely different about him, he was so kind, sincere, and honest. Above all, the one thing that really got me, was the way he treated me and especially my daughter. When I met Valmar I had a 4 year old daughter and he embraced the situation without hesitation. It takes a lot of maturity for a 26 year old, single man to commit himself to not only a woman, but a woman with a child...it really says a lot about who he is. To think that we started this journey 7 years ago and to look where we are now makes me so proud of what we have accomplished together in such a short time. It definitely has not been an easy road, marriage takes a lot of work and dedication, but so does anything in life worth having.

7 years and 3 kids later you are still my hero. I love you forever and always.

All This In One Bottle??

If you have never worked with Mod Podge before, you are in for a treat!

I love this stuff for so many reasons. It's cheap, easy to work with, and you can create the most amazing "masterpieces" with it.

You can find Mod Podge at Walmart and your local craft store.

I wanted to share with you some of the things I have used Mod Podge to create in hopes of inspiring you to get creative with it!

Have empty paint cans at home? Try covering them with scrapbook paper or fabric!

First remove the handle from the paint can using pliers, then lay your paper pattern side down on a smooth surface. Roll the can along the paper while you trace the width and length needed. Cut your paper to size. Don't forget you need to make holes where your handle will fit back in. A whole punch is great for this, but if you do not have one just cut with scissors. Once you have your paper cut to size cover a section of the can with the Mod Podge using a sponge brush. Lay the paper on the section you have covered (making sure that your holes match up with the handle) and smooth down with your hands. Repeat these steps until the can is completely covered. Be sure to smooth out any bubbles. Once the can is covered apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the outside of the can with your sponge brush, let it dry. Then apply a second layer. Two coats should be good, but you may add more if desired. Tye ribbon around the handle and there you have it!
What a great little container for matchbox cars, Barbie clothes, hair accessories, etc. They make awesome gifts and I have even used them to give gifts in...so much cuter than wrapping paper or gift bags.
It may seem a little overwhelming, but I promise they are so easy to make.Please let me know if you have any questions, I'll be glad to help.

I made these frames using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge. The wood cut-outs are from the craft store, you can buy these already painted.

You can buy the unfinshed frames at your local craft store for a very low price.

Before you get started paint your frame with an acrylic paint, using a coordinating color from your paper. Once the paint is dry, as with the paint cans, lay your paper pattern side down and trace the frame. Once traced, cut out your cover. Using your sponge brush, lighty coat the front of your frame. Lay your cover on top, be sure to smooth out any bubbles. Apply two coats of Mod Podge make sure each coat is dry before starting another. After all coats are COMPLETELY DRY, sand edges with sanding strips or sand block.

Once you have sanded the edges you can can glue on your wood cut-out..you can use any wood glue, but I use Gorilla Glue just to make sure that suckers not going anywhere :)

Other things I have made using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge.

All of the following materials were bought at my local craft store.

"Naked" letters were purchased then covered with paper using the same techniques as above projects.

Blocks for baby! This project was easy and fun. How cute for a baby shower gift!?

A stool I decoupaged for my daughter.

Clipboard frames!

All of these projects are easy and most impotantly they are INEXPENSIVE. They would all make great gifts, especially for someone on a budget.

In my earlier post I was telling you how to make inexpensive wall art. Here are more examples of that using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge.

Cover the back of each scrapbook piece with Mod Podge and lay on a canvas. Once all pieces are laid coat entire canvas with Mod Podge. Two coats should work and you have a beautiful piece of art work!

Remember the owl picture I made from pieces of scrapbook paper? This is another version of the same technique...I thought this was awesome.

This woman searched for art work for her daughter's nursey, but everything was too expensive. She made a replica of a piece of art she had fallen in love with , but could not afford. She used several pieces of canvas , painted them with acrylic paint then added leaves that she had cut from scrapbook paper. She applied the leaves using Mod Podge.

I LOVE THIS!

There really is no limit to what you can create with Mod Podge.

HAVE FUN!!

Don't Break the Bank

I know these days everyone is trying to save their pennies, so I wanted to pass along some great ideas for inexpensive wall art for your home.

Stretching fabric over a canvas is an inexpensive, beautiful way to create artwork for your home.
You can find a variety of fabrics in different themes and styles to suit your taste and to fit anywhere in your home. Most fabric stores have a remnant table with deep discounts given on the price or use SHEETS. :)

The only supplies you need to pull this off is your fabric, a canvas, scissors, and a staple gun - all found at your local craft store. Staple fabric around canvas as shown below.

I used Amy Butler's Mid West Modern fabric to make the curtains and pillows in my daughters room.

I wanted to incorporate the other patterns in this collection in her room as well, so I decided to stretch the remaining fabrics over canvas and place them over her bed.

BEFORE.....

AFTER....

\

Another fabric wall art idea...fabric and cross stitching hoops.

I made this owl using a blank canvas, scrapbook paper, and Modge Podge decoupaging glue. You can cut basic shapes and decoupage them to the canvas to create any theme or look you desire-the skys the limit!!

Born Again

I did not grow up in the church. The early years of my life I was raised by my mom, who was a single parent. She told me the only thing she regrets in regards to raising me, was that we did not go to church. Of course I went to the occassional Easter service, but as a child and young adult I never fully understood what it meant to have Christ in my life.

I knew that my husband had grown up going to church and when we married he expressed his desire to continue going with his family. We began going, but at that time I was not fully committed and we bounced around from church to church for a while. Eventually, we let our busy lives separate us from the church and we found ourselves not attending at all.

It's so easy to let life get in the way of things that are important, you begin to loose focus on what really matters...but God works in mysterious ways. Once we moved to Mt.Pleasant we began going to Seacoast Church and from there things have just fallen in to place.

The sermons are so uplifting and it feels good to be a part of something so big and spirit filled. We have become active, joining Bible Studies , meeting people- people who want to learn about and grow with the Lord as we do. We love Seacoast and our children love Seacoast...even the 12 yr. old. It's so awesome that I just had to share!

Sheet Obsession

I have to admit, when I discover a good thing I tend to go overboard at times...but this is one indulgence that is smart, cheap, and beautiful!
I don't remember how my love affair with sheets began, but I do know that while shopping for fabrics to make home decor items around my home I could never find anything that I liked or could afford. My style is very clean and contemporary and I kept finding myself being drawn toward all the neat geometric patterns I was seeing on sheets. Sheets cost a lot less than fabric and can be used for the same purpose, so why not use them around the home??
Most of the sheets I have bought and used have come from Target, LOVE that store! The majority of the time I use the sheets for curtains, but I have found other uses for them...besides of course, the conventional method.

I made these curtains in my master bedroom out of king sized flat sheets I found at Target. I cut the sheets into panels then sewed the unfinished edge along the sides. The length was perfect, so no need to hem!

These roman shades hanging in my landing were made from both flat and fitted sheets I found at Target.

These roman shades are hanging in my kitchen. Once again, I used flat and fitted sheets, but I found these at Marshall's.

Other ways I have used sheets around the house....

Close up of patterns on the sheets I have used.

Next up....

roman shades for my dining room!