What Everybody Ought to Know About Crafting

Crafting isn't easy.   It looks easy and it sounds easy, but it's really hard!    Another thing, blogging isn't easy.   Everyday, every post, I learn something that I did wrong.   Yesterday I made the mistake of declaring that I was going to decoupage this file box.  The mistake was not deciding to decoupage the box, the mistake was telling ~you~ that I was going to decoupage the box before I had even tried to do it!  Decoupaging is hard....don't children decoupage?  So before I show you my box (umm...cough)...I'm going to list the important things I learned NOT to do when decoupaging.  (editing to add; at least not as a beginner)

1. Do not use thick paper meant for scrapbook pages (no matter how much you love it)

2. Do not decoupage on curvy items with corners.

3. DO NOT decoupage on anything with a one piece hinged lid.

4. Do not let your dog have access to your paint brush.

5. Do not try to layer more thick paper over your mistakes.

I will say I am not totally hating my box, it is going to be just my box after all. I do think though that I might order some special paper and redo it at some point. I found this paper that I think is the same as the scrapbook page that I used. I think even the corners and hinged lid would have worked with thinner paper. Without further ado....my 3D index box! (yes, that's what I'm calling this project now. 3D Decoupage) It's ok to laugh....I'm laughing! :)

So you remember the before....



the beginning...(this part was fun..)



and the first few larger pieces were looking sweet....



but then I started noticing the layered look it was taking on....

I thought the layers of mod podge I was going to apply would level these out...lolololol



Anyway, don't laugh....finished project (actually, you can laugh. It's ok cause I can't hear you!)



Just kidding...but I did consider posting the pictures just like that!







All of the above pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them.   I just didn't want to freak anyone out that just happened by and I certainly didn't want to spend the time writing a badly done craft disclosure to post at the top of my blog.

As you can see  though,  all my little cards are back in place.  This is important so I don't forget to brush my teeth before I crawl in between the sheets tonight! ( that's a joke...sort of) ps...I think that's going to be my new tag line.

Speaking of sheets, it's time to go wash mine! (the little weekly card is telling me so)

Hope you're all enjoying your day! (it's one a kind)

Baby Shower Favors

My sons wife, came over yesterday to help me assemble the party favors. With the boys now occupied with one another we went to work. I purchased these sweet little favor tins and personalized labels at "flavorstudio.com".

E, was a great help with these. I originally had intended to tie the ribbon around the tins, tying a bow...which would have taken days on end as the tins are slippery. She was so clever to come up with the cute idea to place the labels lower (rather than centered) and to attach the bows with hot glue just above the labels.

I think they turned out perfect!

I then went ahead and wrapped up the towels I had made earlier in the day as attendance gifts. My plan is to get a bit done everyday this week so I'm not overwhelmed come Saturday/Sunday. I would like to reserve Saturday for food preparation and cleaning (lots of cleaning). Thanks again for all the help E! You are "oh so" clever! :)

Attendance Gifts

I undertook a homemade gift project today. I have to just laugh at myself for giving this a go. When my 4 grown children were young, I was oh so crafty and use to make all their teachers gifts as well as Christmas gifts for the family. Back then I quickly learned my strengths as WELL as weaknesses! I have to say, time has done nothing to improve my abilities with anything to do with paint! In any case...I did give this a go, stenciling on simple flour sack towels.

The first one was terrible, and you're not EVEN going to get a peek at that one! LOL! The second one was also sort of messed up....

Those butterfly's started out as one pink heart on the right side. After finishing the other towels, and with a little more experience under my belt, I came back to this and tried to fix it. It's better, but still not great, but might pass as ok.

The one thing I think I did learn, was less was better and to keep it simple. (unless you are artsy) *g*

I ended up just using a tooth pick to apply some tiny dots. I would love some feedback as to whether you think these will be ok for attendance gifts for the Shower? It won't hurt my feelings, so be honest and any advice would be most welcome! Also, I'm just noticing that these colors may not be appearing true...the one is a very pale sage green and the other is a ballet pink style of pink.

I also wanted to share with anyone that isn't aware of this place ( I wasn't and I have a local store) Party City is the name of the store, and I was able to get everything I needed as far as disposable table ware goes, for a fraction of the prices I've seen elsewhere. I did dawdle on this chore, so ended up having things shipped next day. They offer so many colors that you're bound to find what you need.