Lovely February Mantle

Yay, for the month of love! I have enjoyed this month, spending most of my time inside thanks to Texas' unpredictable weather. So... in celebration of the month of love, I switched up my mantle for Valentines.

Below is a close up of the canvas I created. I used my Silhouette to cutout the Velum and of course coated everything with my favorite glue... Mod Podge! What do you think???

Wedding Bells

My obsession with pinterest holds tride and true. This week, I teamed up with my sister in law to conquer a Wedding Shower Cake for my cousins shower. After collecting the materials needed, I was able to piece it all together with her.
Here is what you need:
-2 canisters (I used a Carnation instant breakfast can for the bottom tier and a roasted peanuts can for the top tier)
-towels that the couple registered for (I got 4 hand towels and 4 washclothes)
-kitchen tools that the couple registered for
-a dinner & salad plate that the couple registered for
-pearl drop push pins
-additional everyday wash clothes
-wooden letter & something to cover it with (I used scrapbook paper)
-colored ribbon
Directions
1)Using the larger can, start wrapping the handtowels around the can. Pin them down using ordinary pins. I fit in some washclothes to thicken it up a little. I reserved the sage colored towels for the last wrap around and secured them with the pearl pins.
2)Repeat this with the washclothes and the roasted peanuts can. I also thickened it up using the everyday washcloths here too. I again reserved the sage colored towels for the last wrap and secured with pearl drop pins.
3)Place the larger "cake tier" on the dinner plate. Secure if desired. I did not. Repeat by placing the smaller "cake tier" on the salad plate. I did not secure this one either so that it was easier for them to take it home.
4)Using ribbon, wrap around and secure with more pearl pins. Repeat for both tiers. Create bows as desired and stick them on with pins.
5) Add all the goodies you bought and your letter if you choose to go that route. Tadaaa, your done!

NOTE: We decided to top ours off by leaving the lid off the top tier. We got purchased a Vera Bradley apron and had it monogrammed with the brides name. We rolled it up and stuck it, along with 2 additional washclothes, in the top canister to add a little more "umph" to it.

Jingle Bells!!!

Well guys, with less than 4 days to go till Christmas break, I have been hard at work on my gift buying and gift wrapping. This year I was looking for something different for my students but still within my budget. In all I spent $21 on 21 students. Materials needed:

-2 boxes (12 ct) of clear bulbs (Hobby Lobby, in the mason jar section and they were 50% off so I technically bought 2 for the price of 1- $7.99)
-Glitter
-a colored printer and regular printer paper.
-ribbon

Directions:(note got this idea off of http://ateenytinyteacher.blogspot.com/2011/11/student-gifts-are-not-all-theyre.html)
1) Use the template from the website above.
2) Once you have set all your pictures, print on normal printer paper. I tried to do it using picture paper.... it did not work!
3)Cut christmas bulb shape out including the top square above the circular bulb. That will keep your pictures in place.
4) After writing a sweet message on the back for whomever you choose use a pen to help roll up the paper bulb so that you can fit it into the opening of the glass bulb.
5) Using the same pen, start unraveling the picture by pressing here and there on it until it unrolls.
6) Add glitter to it, and then place the cap on it.
7) Finish it up with a cute ribbon.

Its Toilet Paper Art

If you know me, you know I am obsessed with Pinterest. If you have not visited it, you gotta! Todays creation is based off something similar that I saw on pinterest.
Materials.... toilet paper rolls (paper towel rolls work well too), mod podge, scissors, a blank canvas (Hobby Lobby had this one for 2 for $7!).
Start off by flattening your toilet paper rolls and cutting them into 1/2 inch strips. I used my paper cutter because it made life so much easier. Once you have your strips, lay them out in which ever design you prefer. Glue them onto the canvas by dipping one edge into some glue that you have poured onto a plate. Allow 15 minutes to dry and TaaDaa your done!
If you want, you can spray paint before or after you have glued them on. I love the white and brown contrast so that made this project very labor-free!

Baby its getting cold outside

Well, Thanksgiving break has arrived and what else is there for a teacher to do during her break except craft it up a little. To start things off, I decided that it was time to make a new wreath. Off to Hobby Lobby... but wait, all of their red berry wreaths were $30+... are you kidding me! New plan for a teacher on a budget. Make a wreath of course!
Here's what I did. First visit the "tree filler" section (as I like to call it) and pick out your berry colors. I obviously chose red and silver (more red though). I purchased a total of 18 red berry branches and 6 silver branches. After doing a little pre assembly, I liked the fullness of my wreath so on to the 50% off ribbon! Of course I chose a fern green color! Along the way, I found this awesome magnetic wreath hanger ($7!).
No hot glue was required like I thought. All I had to do was tuck some of the berries within the branches of the wreath and TaaDaaa! I got a new wreath that I am smitten about!

Cleaning Update

Well I finally put my previously posted Shaklee products to the test. I am moving soon and the cleaning adventure begins. So here is the before (yes.. I know its gross and I have no idea how it happens).

And now the after effects of Shaklee Scour Off

Falling for Wreaths!

As most of my friends know, Fall is my favorite time of the year. Something about the crisp cool air, fall colors and fall flavored scents entrance me! In celebration of it, I have already created my Fall Wreath wtih a good friend of mine.
Start off by purchasing the necessary materials: 1 wreath, 3 spray paint colors (I did gold, bronze and copper), black spray paint, fall leaves, cardboard letter, ribbon, and any fall accessories.
Spray paint your leaves and letter. Then using a hot glue gun start gluing the pieces into the wreath. Tadaa

Dreamable Room

As most know, I love swirls so coming across this site I knew that I had to make this my future master bedroom. Lucky for me, I found this bedspread at Pottery Barn for a decent price. I think it matches the one in my inspiration:

Additionally, I love the dark woods and the mirrors. I have to have these. Well after searching, I realized it may be cheaper to make distressed mirrors by falling these steps. Sounds messy but I cant wait to try it out for a much cheaper price!

Clean House Clean Life

With the summer dwindling by I have found myself relaxing, crafting (duh!) and internet searching for healthier way to clean. I came across a website discussing exactly what I was looking for.
What did I purchase...
Basic H Cleanser

Scour

3 bottle pack

I am excited to post how it works once I get it, but wanted to spread the news in case anyone else is looking for the same thing I was looking for.

Adventures in Quilling

Quilling... What an interesting word. Basically it is the art of rolling paper to creat swirls, which by the way is my favorite shape. When I came across this site on Quilling, I knew that I had to try it.
Start off by printing a faint letter in grey ink. Consider what size of frame you want to put it into first.
Once you have it printed, you are ready to start outlining using 1/4 in strips of paper. I would suggest that you measure and fold before gluing.

After Mod Podging you are ready to start creating your swirls and Mod Podging them in. Cut slits in the outline to allow some of the spirals to curl out.
Here is my finaly product. Tadaa!