tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65744538789662182882024-03-19T04:48:50.063-07:00Craftaphile{lover of all things crafty}Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-84672141916400022662012-03-27T21:29:00.000-07:002012-03-28T08:47:53.518-07:00Pattern Testing : Little Bow Zipper Wallet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First off, let me introduce you to one of my favorite craft blogs:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AtkLF50Xl4D308iX5YCE1qDETDFjEUoLmQ6z_TUdvsSuW5eAUzVCoQl9G18yWpneKmHuD3pfAWdQezFII6xNHAnIuy6H8tp68Kxggnn5x99I-ItvbvSHs5ED8hEmyssekvDN8QFa3LI/s1600/banner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AtkLF50Xl4D308iX5YCE1qDETDFjEUoLmQ6z_TUdvsSuW5eAUzVCoQl9G18yWpneKmHuD3pfAWdQezFII6xNHAnIuy6H8tp68Kxggnn5x99I-ItvbvSHs5ED8hEmyssekvDN8QFa3LI/s640/banner2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found <a href="http://www.michaelannmade.com/" target="_blank">Michael Ann Made</a> via Craftgawker last year. Her <a href="http://www.michaelannmade.com/2011/09/chalkboard-paint-pencil-can-tutorial.html" target="_blank">chalkboard painted cans</a> caught my eye and I have been a follower ever since. She always has something inspiring going on over there, her latest being a cute zippered wallet. I happily offered to test out this brand spankin' new tutorial/pattern, which you can now purchase! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meet The Little Bow Zipper Wallet.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6IAVK4yPnzF9FLJtu4vPv1JwF6oRUWD-W5_JGoUNzjWTHHJtqMaPsbQWgfkee8Oeax3lfAlVIHMp8LsaTyAU2ufNRyfdQs5Wub7vo9C7rWD5UPzecAawRGPoWBnqAEcjnoAu9UgpVB58/s1600/DSC_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6IAVK4yPnzF9FLJtu4vPv1JwF6oRUWD-W5_JGoUNzjWTHHJtqMaPsbQWgfkee8Oeax3lfAlVIHMp8LsaTyAU2ufNRyfdQs5Wub7vo9C7rWD5UPzecAawRGPoWBnqAEcjnoAu9UgpVB58/s640/DSC_0359.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBkKai3tK6lG9q-uSLysxlMhMyEJBaVVUnQ142Pp4yrBifOWGF1XktM4gMA7ON8SvCVDg8VoQqGz5cB6bthbKOB_Vx1Qr0GtuoxXGaHhjgTCoEHWSyF-HEAGEA4SqztW8resg5Ak-lwIx/s1600/DSC_0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBkKai3tK6lG9q-uSLysxlMhMyEJBaVVUnQ142Pp4yrBifOWGF1XktM4gMA7ON8SvCVDg8VoQqGz5cB6bthbKOB_Vx1Qr0GtuoxXGaHhjgTCoEHWSyF-HEAGEA4SqztW8resg5Ak-lwIx/s640/DSC_0360.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Isn't it just lovely!? Michael Ann emailed me the 3 PDF files (pattern, tutorial with pictures, and text instructions) and I downloaded and printed them. Although I predicted it would take me about an hour to complete, I ended up spending more like 2 1/2 hours on it. There are a few things you have to sew by hand which added a bit of time. The tutorial was clearly written and very detailed. The nice thing about this compared to a pattern you would buy at a store is that there are pictures! It is really helpful to <i>see</i> how to do something before trying it. Michael Ann also includes a few rather insightful tips! This is a great beginner's sewing project. You can purchase the pattern and tutorial <a href="http://www.michaelannmade.com/2012/03/little-bow-zipper-wallet-pdf-pattern.html" target="_blank">here</a> for just $5.50! </div>
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*You may notice mine is just a little different than hers. I decided to lay my ribbon down horizontally rather than vertically because it was not the same on both sides and it looked better this way! It is also made for a left handed person (the zipper zips from the right side). This happened by accident :)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-29964941968507121992012-03-19T15:05:00.000-07:002012-03-19T15:05:46.628-07:00Mini Dry Erase Boards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBObpNLipS_RX-9piwy7xcEc661Yr9iTRZHcSUospaRKtXE72F7oGsickFaU1k1l5CdQCWjhyphenhyphen7RTlBpna7wLKj17d_CG5UU3-XsT51Rf3u0YWy6BdoYwqh3kgwx1qckm25ONfONmD0ugpI/s1600/DSC_1320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBObpNLipS_RX-9piwy7xcEc661Yr9iTRZHcSUospaRKtXE72F7oGsickFaU1k1l5CdQCWjhyphenhyphen7RTlBpna7wLKj17d_CG5UU3-XsT51Rf3u0YWy6BdoYwqh3kgwx1qckm25ONfONmD0ugpI/s640/DSC_1320.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A few months ago, while blog surfing I discovered that I was the lucky recipient of $50.00 worth of supplies from <a href="http://craftvinyl.com/">craftvinyl.com</a>! Talk about a nice surprise! I wasn't even aware that I had entered a giveaway. I later discovered that by linking up to her party at <a href="http://www.everycreativeendeavor.com/" target="_blank">Every Creative Endeavor</a>, I had also entered Amanda's awesome giveaway! So with my credit, I ordered a few sheets of dry erase vinyl and have finally gotten around to using them. Isn't the mini dry erase board a fun alternative to the chalkboard?! It's just as easy to make too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJLrg6phY0GajNjmp4HKWj0yTbYOhXX0EVNuLY5A5pN5AVaFtMWrPafiLHO00_Yj7PgHKuLa5hfXgxDlj5RLPrsHFdKZiZFuTJd4nd8NH-K-KVSw54BBXva9yI1o1BuKciYbT6Bvl38O2/s1600/DSC_1302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJLrg6phY0GajNjmp4HKWj0yTbYOhXX0EVNuLY5A5pN5AVaFtMWrPafiLHO00_Yj7PgHKuLa5hfXgxDlj5RLPrsHFdKZiZFuTJd4nd8NH-K-KVSw54BBXva9yI1o1BuKciYbT6Bvl38O2/s640/DSC_1302.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I purchased the unfinished chalkboard at Joann's for a couple of bucks and then sanded off the rough spots. I used acrylic paint to give it some color and then cut a piece of vinyl to fit inside. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBv4x_pABJfcnyCIRqLkVBJLAAD-UBy4ZD4GccHaY8pkizeYRToHC9gog8bSxIHHwGVH7a7xWN2EBWL1vu4QgYalKMpBmWpdFQkKOSXycWhoNjpTafaCIE-bUYI5sMTEZYURgPLzjpDsIn/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBv4x_pABJfcnyCIRqLkVBJLAAD-UBy4ZD4GccHaY8pkizeYRToHC9gog8bSxIHHwGVH7a7xWN2EBWL1vu4QgYalKMpBmWpdFQkKOSXycWhoNjpTafaCIE-bUYI5sMTEZYURgPLzjpDsIn/s640/DSC_0006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And now I can't wait for Jayna to wake up from her nap and try it out!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-27727538424736866542012-03-07T14:51:00.000-08:002012-03-07T15:04:27.716-08:00Mini Envelope Bookmark and a Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohPC_EOIFaJbJSueOVkeGfy47btJZ8eHkHBJgZvBxFap8W7B2tWI8JE_svRgILF-kginobN8VwKxzqnZ7PpnC990YV8QB6fJ1Dw6b1QVi_dHtqK3LtpXzx48Ku7kYJIdi-rC0u0mfDyYv/s1600/DSC_1005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohPC_EOIFaJbJSueOVkeGfy47btJZ8eHkHBJgZvBxFap8W7B2tWI8JE_svRgILF-kginobN8VwKxzqnZ7PpnC990YV8QB6fJ1Dw6b1QVi_dHtqK3LtpXzx48Ku7kYJIdi-rC0u0mfDyYv/s640/DSC_1005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am having a lot of fun playing with and figuring out my Silhouette Cameo! Today I made this cute little bookmark out of scrapbook paper. Two sides are open and two are closed, letting it rest easy on the corner of the page. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1b4V8UgF0V69NT0Z0J2v7IhN3JxriQuVM_x8Me98-C7qEZXwGXsQhDbgeXuElJVnP2Tkk6quhtdEJr3zprt1k48B_oqUiAk5_RBNpKPvmQmuKt8GKoxTQHopQYNsKnCmbd_8QtZpoUtM/s1600/DSC_1004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1b4V8UgF0V69NT0Z0J2v7IhN3JxriQuVM_x8Me98-C7qEZXwGXsQhDbgeXuElJVnP2Tkk6quhtdEJr3zprt1k48B_oqUiAk5_RBNpKPvmQmuKt8GKoxTQHopQYNsKnCmbd_8QtZpoUtM/s640/DSC_1004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It makes finding your place even easier than a traditional bookmark does! On the back side, I added a polka dot stamp and am now thinking I need to order the sketch pens for the Silhouette so I can finish it off with an address.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjph0jcmvShlmEhtHfCl8sZiBl9SbBfcjYz451L5n838uao2gAM-DsPAtrD_NukIzT9UlgkyYZcnHu7QASRpmdQoGYtftOTWbC4RJXoU7e57SR-yGgswzNlmQtEZUj0V0-iTd7mSpMywVyj/s1600/DSC_0999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjph0jcmvShlmEhtHfCl8sZiBl9SbBfcjYz451L5n838uao2gAM-DsPAtrD_NukIzT9UlgkyYZcnHu7QASRpmdQoGYtftOTWbC4RJXoU7e57SR-yGgswzNlmQtEZUj0V0-iTd7mSpMywVyj/s640/DSC_0999.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have you read any good books lately? My latest read was <i>Diary of a Mad Fat Girl </i>by Stephanie McAfee. Although I really didn't care much for all the profanity, sex, and infidelity, I found myself turning page after page to find out what was going to happen next. I didn't enjoy the book, but I couldn't put it down either. I give it 2 stars.<br />
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Loud, outspoken Graciela Jones, aka Ace, is a young high school art teacher who recently left her boyfriend and returned to Bugtussle Mississippi with her chiweenie, Buster Loo. The drama begins when her best friend Lily bails out on a trip to Florida to spend time with a man she has been very secretive about. Lily is also a teacher and the next thing you know, she's being accused of sleeping with one of her students and is fired. The ridiculousness continues and escalates with the discovery that another friend's husband Richard has been cheating on her. Ace and Lily set out to document his immoral actions and are successful.<br />
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All the while, Ace struggles with her body image and won't let herself accept the love of her ex-boyfriend who appears at her doorstep to woo her back. In the end, Ace finds happiness and so do her two best friends. <br />
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BlogHer Book Club provided me with this book and I was compensated for this review. All opinions expressed are my own. To read more about <i>Diary of a Mad Fat Girl </i>and how Stephanie McAfee self published it, visit <a href="http://www.blogher.com/bookclub/now-reading-diary-mad-fat-girl" target="_blank">BlogHer</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-90984109633789288282012-02-27T12:34:00.000-08:002012-03-26T14:13:22.773-07:00Paint a Dish Towel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk3NlF_xg_akU7B1tyCdfk4MMmkG5VliWa6sKESEchZb5Z71nNl0x0NZJ41T0S_IDRl_zVF-LgzfiddJlkn4PAoctekm9tr1m9552sV3PZ7mTheV44qK5rnfdpYRJIioIkQKVl8CWF6AA/s1600/DSC_0805-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk3NlF_xg_akU7B1tyCdfk4MMmkG5VliWa6sKESEchZb5Z71nNl0x0NZJ41T0S_IDRl_zVF-LgzfiddJlkn4PAoctekm9tr1m9552sV3PZ7mTheV44qK5rnfdpYRJIioIkQKVl8CWF6AA/s640/DSC_0805-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Guess who got a Silhouette Cameo for her birthday??! Dreams do come true...I did!! It arrived a few days ago and although my birthday is not for another week, I could see no sense in waiting to try it out. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sJLog-UVoZa8IfZCfrEhZjpDq0QlesgNKWSWsPxi8sQiF0kbQNvfE3oVd8Gm7mjVW8XsPPhimvRn2-_ibX3uPlpX1TMcuWzfPPpIfjInGcwnh9TAnvi7xcKV2f622ZHS1tPcawX3cMbq/s1600/DSC_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sJLog-UVoZa8IfZCfrEhZjpDq0QlesgNKWSWsPxi8sQiF0kbQNvfE3oVd8Gm7mjVW8XsPPhimvRn2-_ibX3uPlpX1TMcuWzfPPpIfjInGcwnh9TAnvi7xcKV2f622ZHS1tPcawX3cMbq/s640/DSC_0777.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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First project on my list was a painted dish towel. I found a whisk that I liked in the online Silhouette store, sized it, and had it cut out of contact paper. I used the negative as a stencil and applied Tulip Fabric Paint like so:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4Ulei68WFFrxVe2L7RQYeYKuvkobM2ET6jPs4pUg3HLd10AbJIJjkFkhoI_48hhu14778Ae-orncTk-tqrmqvbfT79AeHK8RDiTUopO2AMUdm4sc0wstv429_Es3nPKc2htBNg1wfyW-/s1600/DSC_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4Ulei68WFFrxVe2L7RQYeYKuvkobM2ET6jPs4pUg3HLd10AbJIJjkFkhoI_48hhu14778Ae-orncTk-tqrmqvbfT79AeHK8RDiTUopO2AMUdm4sc0wstv429_Es3nPKc2htBNg1wfyW-/s640/DSC_0774.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The color is Lime Matte and you can find it JoAnn's. It dried in about 1/2 an hour and will be okay to wash after 72 hours.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdW5VqVunMBODP09KF4Y3T-KsCbyJAtYKeaLWg4dslD1txWUou2-l7SKOOk0GUJ6GLheCE0skyWuW622EdRhWh3jqeQOj8M2UDREqL2tdlNWl6usGlLa_k5FqoTNATfTHTKkfO_ZPT_DP/s1600/DSC_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdW5VqVunMBODP09KF4Y3T-KsCbyJAtYKeaLWg4dslD1txWUou2-l7SKOOk0GUJ6GLheCE0skyWuW622EdRhWh3jqeQOj8M2UDREqL2tdlNWl6usGlLa_k5FqoTNATfTHTKkfO_ZPT_DP/s640/DSC_0802.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Expect to see more Silhouette projects in the near future!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-72456026927154482492012-02-16T12:48:00.000-08:002012-02-16T12:48:49.755-08:00A Beach Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last week I made this beach bag for my sister to take on her vacation to Hawaii! What I would give for a white sandy beach and 80 degree weather right now! Definitely jealous :) After searching for the perfect beach bag pattern and not finding it, I looked to my own stash of bags for inspiration. I ended up choosing a tote bag from AE that I liked and began studying it's seams, trying to figure out how it was put together. When I couldn't quite grasp what the pattern would look like for the bottom, I decided to do a little seam ripping. It made much more sense after that! And I now understand the parts of a bag and the order in which to sew them. If there were only more hours in the day, I think I could design my own pattern!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-42351439334376180482012-01-30T18:50:00.000-08:002012-01-30T22:19:11.377-08:00Fabric Checkerboard : X's and O's Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMwJJC2RXHeAq1Qqk7Cjh9mwW8JupMNbr1ZZ6_e6Sl96j176-L5q_tUrhB5PYc_l3VUotriRXvRiVTjqRRHcA7QZjd4Ctkw8uDH_1mgJcozl0WVQcFKQewYibKNLcRKuEwIZj6sR81-Kf/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMwJJC2RXHeAq1Qqk7Cjh9mwW8JupMNbr1ZZ6_e6Sl96j176-L5q_tUrhB5PYc_l3VUotriRXvRiVTjqRRHcA7QZjd4Ctkw8uDH_1mgJcozl0WVQcFKQewYibKNLcRKuEwIZj6sR81-Kf/s640/DSC_0033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The inspiration for a Valentine version of this age old game came after I ordered some blank bottle caps from <a href="http://www.pickyourplum.com/?a=21974">Pick Your Plum</a> a few weeks ago. I purchased them thinking I would make something entirely different, but that didn't pan out. So I got to thinking and came up with the idea to use them as Checkers pieces. And my incredible husband suggested using fabric as the board! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkTB9HftlIyjIWNc89mScrxn35F8EyX0TcSjISh-xBEQKmd9mL-aOEntAj-L7GlDMYQn1XPyTHhF7zpodCvDkpH9gbCOTbQcPZ663Vltkyqpjtg2kV7TgfOzsjUH3iwTeQdlN8A0XM5gp/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkTB9HftlIyjIWNc89mScrxn35F8EyX0TcSjISh-xBEQKmd9mL-aOEntAj-L7GlDMYQn1XPyTHhF7zpodCvDkpH9gbCOTbQcPZ663Vltkyqpjtg2kV7TgfOzsjUH3iwTeQdlN8A0XM5gp/s640/DSC_0037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Everything turned out just as I had imagined! I was going for a tattered look on the board, so the edges are raw and in some spots a little turned up.</div>
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To show when a piece has been kinged, another X or O can be placed on top of it (as in the O on the third row from the bottom).</div>
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A competitive game - hugs and kisses style, and a bottle of Sparkling Cider sound like the perfect take-a-longs to me, for a romantic afternoon in the park!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-80738647168726052172012-01-25T11:06:00.000-08:002012-01-27T12:14:44.705-08:00A Lovely Valentine's Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-g1f10TE24WWdag_zGxS_S9UAhcvFH6174iYOl6K1snUt71S2J6zAs5o8db3RPV8KjdxaCr5UTJw9wMDYoAXj6T432k_y0R5XVW1pipVhBdjL0aiw5TkQeKnb93pr4vg_N-AsiUXECgh/s1600/DSC_1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-g1f10TE24WWdag_zGxS_S9UAhcvFH6174iYOl6K1snUt71S2J6zAs5o8db3RPV8KjdxaCr5UTJw9wMDYoAXj6T432k_y0R5XVW1pipVhBdjL0aiw5TkQeKnb93pr4vg_N-AsiUXECgh/s400/DSC_1185.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I don't normally do a lot of V-day decorating, but I thought I might get a little more into it this year. So to start off, here is a lovely little wreath. I used the same red berries it had on for <a href="http://craftaphile.blogspot.com/2011/11/holiday-wreath.html">Christmas</a>, just bent them into hearts and then added a paper banner. $.25 update!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-qnCXNDP5W-DLVplzVvHEi9M8tycqITH77tTgXzQgw851LM-7KYQYL48ZAEwhGIbfF4NW2XkG7Tf4JGmNgTlD41ty6HULTQ8oVOxMZimUwPAVQ6ByjccdxuGK1itquDyRu8L989Axlru/s1600/DSC_1181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-qnCXNDP5W-DLVplzVvHEi9M8tycqITH77tTgXzQgw851LM-7KYQYL48ZAEwhGIbfF4NW2XkG7Tf4JGmNgTlD41ty6HULTQ8oVOxMZimUwPAVQ6ByjccdxuGK1itquDyRu8L989Axlru/s640/DSC_1181.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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To make the banner, I cut a little notch at the top of each pennant, folded it over twine and hot glued it down.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1S7bA8p9fmeJyWZwKjqsjFKauhOJxczeEAjMmWdM65PBbu0x2Vhc67LI5fAwOkcQyjXeSBZo9GV83AAuNYPaNgiWsadLDmbJdj5gI8xh9VMU71by-y_zgnlTscU41eCvJWRVlvEiDvgA/s1600/DSC_1183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1S7bA8p9fmeJyWZwKjqsjFKauhOJxczeEAjMmWdM65PBbu0x2Vhc67LI5fAwOkcQyjXeSBZo9GV83AAuNYPaNgiWsadLDmbJdj5gI8xh9VMU71by-y_zgnlTscU41eCvJWRVlvEiDvgA/s640/DSC_1183.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I just found a space in between those twisted twigs, slipped the twine in and tied a little knot to hold it. Twig wreaths are such great decor because they can so easily be changed with the seasons and holidays!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WOHyr7p1LQca2O9BZoyxRSZgz-3KUjQ0eK_zVSNJcJaewhcsgKzEIT7S4-O8x4Vy0r66PrIX9Z28mDBuvMMOccVvaI-WJQQpCOZw91yxX9MyxUp2H1YR2KZnR9THqLhSSjzYWPGlByxK/s1600/DSC_1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WOHyr7p1LQca2O9BZoyxRSZgz-3KUjQ0eK_zVSNJcJaewhcsgKzEIT7S4-O8x4Vy0r66PrIX9Z28mDBuvMMOccVvaI-WJQQpCOZw91yxX9MyxUp2H1YR2KZnR9THqLhSSjzYWPGlByxK/s640/DSC_1185.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-83283357905545919412012-01-16T15:40:00.000-08:002012-01-16T15:40:37.967-08:00Birthday Gift Idea: Indoor Hop Scotch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKK2P-eL8GoKPVfzIcwlCVkMYw3D8wJT6nyV3n2OApm-uslTFw47rCF72i1ts-JmGVgfG7QX3enRamnrl821LQKSkhi8IUFzyDjWVh7MZl4S1dIQjW_n4FGW-4ngsslWO97H-SAKtdLIW/s1600/DSC_0765-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKK2P-eL8GoKPVfzIcwlCVkMYw3D8wJT6nyV3n2OApm-uslTFw47rCF72i1ts-JmGVgfG7QX3enRamnrl821LQKSkhi8IUFzyDjWVh7MZl4S1dIQjW_n4FGW-4ngsslWO97H-SAKtdLIW/s640/DSC_0765-1.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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This idea is pure genius! Bubble wrap and Hop Scotch, together?! What little girl wouldn't go crazy over this? It's a perfect indoor activity for a cold winter's day. And thanks to <a href="http://www.giverslog.com/?p=7576">giver'slog</a>, I am sending this as a birthday present to my niece first thing tomorrow morning! I know she will LOVE it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5Mty4c04h88ZU3mdlRdH7GLmxTDzhqdfHMsaVIttWDWSDOpVe5zxWVo_JMXDf8EOOqO0OaEupExTT1bOftD7NXgEm16LlPcANa7i4mvG4X24VjxKlirGcUunrMN2HGRgG76cjOrsUROM/s1600/DSC_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5Mty4c04h88ZU3mdlRdH7GLmxTDzhqdfHMsaVIttWDWSDOpVe5zxWVo_JMXDf8EOOqO0OaEupExTT1bOftD7NXgEm16LlPcANa7i4mvG4X24VjxKlirGcUunrMN2HGRgG76cjOrsUROM/s640/DSC_0782.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Want to make one too? Here's how I did it:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxdpq9S0wy0Lsh5l89JZPgRmOvRp5lAP-lCRqO9GpnK890kfIy4O1BIjQlLQtPHCUeokwAsr2HDQQelJNQrCN62KC5g5M9cOcxwuFFnyBEJmVg2o5VG1JWp4J12i6iJmuh8JfCVJwI94R/s1600/DSC_0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxdpq9S0wy0Lsh5l89JZPgRmOvRp5lAP-lCRqO9GpnK890kfIy4O1BIjQlLQtPHCUeokwAsr2HDQQelJNQrCN62KC5g5M9cOcxwuFFnyBEJmVg2o5VG1JWp4J12i6iJmuh8JfCVJwI94R/s640/DSC_0739.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gather Materials: Cardboard Box, Bubble Wrap, Yarn, Scissors, Hole Punch, and Sharpies</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhd6co28rnad9v9rlTcFCj1wzWPBPkXPt8DlpmpAhFKYuD-Gbv7U47UeQ5VkxPdEmgKpw8Rl9epMUgjteKc5mIt1ykDGHinPLmDFnJX0lKtzr3yzdqpfTG2ExniErPwB6wvGsJl1-1QSk/s1600/DSC_0740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhd6co28rnad9v9rlTcFCj1wzWPBPkXPt8DlpmpAhFKYuD-Gbv7U47UeQ5VkxPdEmgKpw8Rl9epMUgjteKc5mIt1ykDGHinPLmDFnJX0lKtzr3yzdqpfTG2ExniErPwB6wvGsJl1-1QSk/s640/DSC_0740.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 1: Cut 10 12"X12" squares of bubble wrap and 2 slightly larger pieces of cardboard.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEbmz-Ud9_jgFu1Fb7Ingoblv84STc-KOg7_swev7wcJ8Ckai2W05_AUxVOkvq1pw6pBqpCYfggexxGML_9dkQHl79pBLlqMTe9HWUkThhlFEra-Ds-FV3JddXf8lUxiLYyuzq_qmHDQe/s1600/DSC_0744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEbmz-Ud9_jgFu1Fb7Ingoblv84STc-KOg7_swev7wcJ8Ckai2W05_AUxVOkvq1pw6pBqpCYfggexxGML_9dkQHl79pBLlqMTe9HWUkThhlFEra-Ds-FV3JddXf8lUxiLYyuzq_qmHDQe/s640/DSC_0744.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 2: Using permanent markers, write numbers on the flat side of bubble wrap. <br />Be sure to write them backwards!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFRuS69FYms_yMNj6Z6gr6QJiW_tPqA2pjtqhJHp2015G9Ws2nD0APhLuTsACligDMTt0BlcsjWqIYKkgRbRcEMyJF_s-Ndkv5pmxuVvS2EcZstEbyCKFoLjXzn4CtxJjFS1tGCVC6pDz/s1600/DSC_0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFRuS69FYms_yMNj6Z6gr6QJiW_tPqA2pjtqhJHp2015G9Ws2nD0APhLuTsACligDMTt0BlcsjWqIYKkgRbRcEMyJF_s-Ndkv5pmxuVvS2EcZstEbyCKFoLjXzn4CtxJjFS1tGCVC6pDz/s640/DSC_0756.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So they look like this when right side up!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2O_Z9HoqVfoa-EqLQNyTgf-JbrwvuY0uqEifsL_NScBadxvdEQUbzeoFNBaUnkpY8KOI66J4A9tnK6d2hlD9hCcGJC8pwATc5kh9BXauiqZR5LFprRVrdWHlPfTuH6eBxuswwnqCkgSd/s1600/DSC_0741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2O_Z9HoqVfoa-EqLQNyTgf-JbrwvuY0uqEifsL_NScBadxvdEQUbzeoFNBaUnkpY8KOI66J4A9tnK6d2hlD9hCcGJC8pwATc5kh9BXauiqZR5LFprRVrdWHlPfTuH6eBxuswwnqCkgSd/s640/DSC_0741.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 3: Punch holes along each edge of both cardboard pieces</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7-VdEmp2xAV6E1pqwJ0LpG7jE4BzWD3yKP7dECzkv2mDPWShN0qkHmJdMZvxWyRtJICCB31FGBFbSW2WGv_9pgpUMcsc62_WU_BtgNp9D1ySH-AGYlCGjiLqjVeji96EFcYuDdxhYIAw/s1600/DSC_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7-VdEmp2xAV6E1pqwJ0LpG7jE4BzWD3yKP7dECzkv2mDPWShN0qkHmJdMZvxWyRtJICCB31FGBFbSW2WGv_9pgpUMcsc62_WU_BtgNp9D1ySH-AGYlCGjiLqjVeji96EFcYuDdxhYIAw/s640/DSC_0777.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 4: Write the rules down on one of the pieces of cardboard. They can be found <a href="http://www.giverslog.com/?p=7576">here</a>.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VOTIIXNaMyVCV9uP5zjlxBeVdV2dy1MK1dZM7ugd597ehUiCXKawJiqmsPH0ILhSNneT6fVNcIPFsLhPd9zVgfbLgAHIUkuUfIP8oZvtPdDh8SM_qjkF0cX3VSuj3SCyqZjbne52M7xo/s1600/DSC_0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VOTIIXNaMyVCV9uP5zjlxBeVdV2dy1MK1dZM7ugd597ehUiCXKawJiqmsPH0ILhSNneT6fVNcIPFsLhPd9zVgfbLgAHIUkuUfIP8oZvtPdDh8SM_qjkF0cX3VSuj3SCyqZjbne52M7xo/s640/DSC_0775.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 5: Tape a quarter to the other side.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 6: Sandwich the bubble wrap between the two pieces of cardboard and thread yarn<br /> through the holes. I put a piece of tape around the end of the yarn for easy threading.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 7: Decorate the front however you want! <br />I'm going to mail this, so I addressed it and it's now ready to take to the post office!</td></tr>
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Go ahead, make someone's day!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-4941777269654558572011-12-31T10:20:00.000-08:002012-02-16T13:21:20.108-08:00Refinished Table and Chairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's finished! Aah. You may or may not remember that I started this project back in June. I <a href="http://craftaphile.blogspot.com/2011/08/in-over-my-head.html">posted about it</a> in August after I got the first chair done. Yes, it took another <i>4 months</i> to finish the other 3 chairs and the table! I really drug my feet on this one, but now it's done and there couldn't be a better way to end the year!</div>
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First I sanded everything down. If there is one lesson I learned through this whole process, it is to <b>sand, sand, and then sand some more</b>! I preserved the intricate table top design by staining it, then painted everything else. I really like the dual color scheme. </div>
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This was definitely not a beginner's project. Perhaps that is why it took me so long to finish - I am a novice when it comes to refinishing furniture. So I am proud of myself for pushing through and finally getting it done!</div>
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Needless to say, I LOVE how it turned out! But I will not be attempting any more big furniture makeovers for a very long time!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-35371696633195627862011-12-20T10:14:00.000-08:002011-12-20T10:19:53.161-08:00Handmade Gift Exchange: Pretty Accessories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-emV5i5TQcEqKzU719eDIxZaqBEifJpGzTYTxPzP3wrgpwWhGq0SUS4-fH-kUEkIRGzWtnyE1nSmJS-dZ2GlQf_W3FUvEtvsRTmrn_jV0cdhh7nOVn_Z9EhBHiMkuYXInaftMs7tyrccT/s1600/143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-emV5i5TQcEqKzU719eDIxZaqBEifJpGzTYTxPzP3wrgpwWhGq0SUS4-fH-kUEkIRGzWtnyE1nSmJS-dZ2GlQf_W3FUvEtvsRTmrn_jV0cdhh7nOVn_Z9EhBHiMkuYXInaftMs7tyrccT/s640/143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yesterday I showed you what I sent my partner for <a href="http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/2011/11/handmade-gift-exchange-winter-2011-linky-party.html">The Handmade Gift Exchange</a>. So today I will share what Mary Katherine sent me. First off, this ADORABLE hounds-tooth flower headband. <br />
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The perfect accessory for Baby J's winter outfit. I love it.</div>
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Second, this pretty tweed brooch. I was really impressed with the quality of this flower. I've made and bought lots of flowers and this one seems to be put together really well. The petals were sewn together and the pin on the back is secured with thread as well as glue. I know it is going to be super durable and am excited to wear it.<br />
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And lastly, a set of orange embossed thank you cards that I had been eyeing since I discovered her shop. Check them out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84159769/embossed-note-cards-with-thanks">here</a>. Be sure to hop on over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mkmathews?ref=seller_info">MKMathews</a> and take a look at all the pretty accessories she has for sale!<br />
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Thanks for the handmade gifts Mary Katherine!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-65071506860418567692011-12-19T10:52:00.000-08:002011-12-19T10:52:49.505-08:00Handmade Gift Exchange: Embroidered Dish Towel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you heard of <a href="http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/2011/11/handmade-gift-exchange-winter-2011-linky-party.html">The Handmade Gift Exchange</a> that Linda from <a href="http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/">Craftaholics Anonymous</a> put together? It is such a fun idea and I decided to join in the Holiday 2011 Edition. After signing up, you are paired with someone for a handmade gift exchange. Each person receives one other person's contact information and mailing address and then it is up to you to get to know that person and make something for them!</div>
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I was partnered up with Mary Katherine who blogs at <a href="http://mathewsfamilyhappenings.blogspot.com/">Mathews Family Happenings</a> about crafting, decorating/renovating her home, and her wonderful crazy life. This woman has some awesome talent! She is not only a wife and mom, but a singer, music teacher, theater director, and actress too. Plus she blogs! She has got to have some serious time management skills!! </div>
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It was fun to "meet" a new blogger and challenging to figure out what to make her. I read through her blog and stalked her on Pinterest as well as looked for ideas among her Etsy favorites. I finally decided to try my hand at embroidery and made her this dish towel. Isn't it cute!?</div>
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I printed off the free pattern from <a href="http://dmc-threads.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/mj-cupcakes.pdf">Wild Olive</a> and followed her simple directions. This cupcake requires only 2 different stitches, so it is a perfect beginner's project. Since I had never embroidered before I followed these thorough instructions for making <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Embroidery-101/step5/Backstitch/">the backstich</a> and these for <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Embroidery-101/step7/French-knots/">the french knots</a>. </div>
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I also sent each of her kiddos a package of <a href="http://craftaphile.blogspot.com/2011/11/free-printable-treat-bag-toppers-for_30.html">Reindeer Noses</a>. I'll be back later with pictures of what she sent me!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-80236497353865497692011-12-13T16:50:00.000-08:002011-12-13T16:51:48.252-08:00Using Sticker Negatives as Stencils<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Sorry for the lull in posts lately. I've been on Maui for the last week soaking up the sun and relaxing!! But I'm back now and have been busy unpacking and tidying up. The babe has been running a fever and has been very sleepy so I even managed to get some crafting in. I ran a coconut giveaway last week on my other blog: <a href="http://areal-lifehousewife.blogspot.com/">A Real-Life Housewife</a> and decided to paint a little message on it before sending it off. Instead of digging out my Cricut to cut stencils, I grabbed some stickers and used the negatives.<br />
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This is a great method if you don't have a cutting machine! </div>
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It worked great! I was debating about drawing a rainbow next to the message but realized my painting skills are not that great and decided to keep things simple. I hope the winner likes it! <br />
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Hop on over to <a href="http://areal-lifehousewife.blogspot.com/">A Real-Life Housewife</a> to learn some useful household tips as well as to get to know me a little better. You might just be inspired to <a href="http://areal-lifehousewife.blogspot.com/2011/11/tip-4-how-to-clean-shower-head.html">clean your shower head</a> or <a href="http://areal-lifehousewife.blogspot.com/2011/11/tip-5-shining-glassware.html">shine your glassware</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-89478812924465098432011-11-30T21:13:00.001-08:002011-12-12T22:30:28.435-08:00Free Printable Treat Bag Toppers for Reindeer Noses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Are these the cutest Christmas treats you've ever seen or what? I got the idea from Zoe at <a href="http://a-personaltouch.blogspot.com/2010/12/reindeer-noses.html">A Personal Touch</a>. She used real scrap booking supplies, but I cheated and designed them in <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software">My Memories Suite</a>. I found the cute little reindeer clip art <a href="http://www.christmas-clipart.com/free_christmas_clip_art_images/cartoon_reindeer_0515-0912-1509-5556.html">here</a> and used embellishments and monograms from the software to create the rest. I am just loving this digital scrap booking stuff! It has come in handy for all sorts of things. I think I may make a Christmas themed header for the blog with it next! They just came out with Version 3 so I've been playing around with it and there are definitely some improvements! They even fixed one of the things I complained about in <a href="http://craftaphilereview.blogspot.com/2011/11/my-memories-suite-software-review-and.html">my review</a>! There is now an easier way to find your store purchases. And I really love that they made custom sizing available. You can set your paper size to just about anything you want. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57PPkEZ2WGF__CiXxXKmKmvmKrQp-tQ683DHqCjiyxAWttRxX1sBy2HJmCvgAxRurFjRxKI0eMmIPdJolR-5PlLTEuVP0PbUaa3V34-bqongvCMU1K2z1_VVzQegPow8vp-4RWcKpC3bV/s1600/Reindeer+Noses-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57PPkEZ2WGF__CiXxXKmKmvmKrQp-tQ683DHqCjiyxAWttRxX1sBy2HJmCvgAxRurFjRxKI0eMmIPdJolR-5PlLTEuVP0PbUaa3V34-bqongvCMU1K2z1_VVzQegPow8vp-4RWcKpC3bV/s400/Reindeer+Noses-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you would like to try it out for yourself, use code <strong style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">STMMMS54717</strong> for $10 off, making it only $29.97!! Plus this will give you $10.00 of in-store credit to buy some supplies! This would make a great Christmas gift!<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZjfGZBBTKmX01P9N9D-5XGAqdn1pIG10Vp_Dh9tFX9Zf-JMP10FrJkUqq906-0Tujumgc2iSa15tuLzqSgRA1ZuFC-usaOnulRfR-robUdvqQYVberQOMRPWrapkMzlV6fZDdJb48ipz/s1600/Reindeer+Noses+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZjfGZBBTKmX01P9N9D-5XGAqdn1pIG10Vp_Dh9tFX9Zf-JMP10FrJkUqq906-0Tujumgc2iSa15tuLzqSgRA1ZuFC-usaOnulRfR-robUdvqQYVberQOMRPWrapkMzlV6fZDdJb48ipz/s400/Reindeer+Noses+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I filled each bag with 8 Whoppers and 1 Sweet's Christmas Fruit Sour (can be purchased at Walmart). <a href="http://freepdfhosting.com/51bd8844f2.pdf">Click here</a> to access the free downloadable tags (via <a href="http://freepdfhosting.com/">freepdfhosting.com</a>)! I recommend printing them on some nice paper like Premium Presentation Matte. Once they are printed, simply cut them out on the dotted lines and fold in half. Staple to your treat bags and you have a fun and cute little gift or favor.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-59740457399746219362011-11-30T07:39:00.001-08:002011-11-30T07:57:59.006-08:00Buy Handmade This Season + a HUGE GiveawayToday I would like to introduce you to a new favorite blog of mine:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hzc0FBy-smk/THKXQ9pQkuI/AAAAAAAAFy8/NvSzgOAp74k/S1600-R/alel_header_01a.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hzc0FBy-smk/THKXQ9pQkuI/AAAAAAAAFy8/NvSzgOAp74k/S1600-R/alel_header_01a.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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This blog showcases Etsy shops and is always giving away something. It is easy to enter their giveaways and it is a great way to discover other handmade vendors. Right now they have a HUGE holiday giveaway in conjunction with their Holiday Gift Guide. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Over $600 worth of handmade goodies!!</span> </b>Entering is as easy as becoming a follower of their blog (don't see why anyone would not want to do this!) and leaving a comment. So head on over to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://etsyfix.blogspot.com/2011/11/announcing-2011-holiday-gift-guide-and.html">a little etsy love</a> </span>for some great handmade gift ideas as well as a chance to enter this awesome giveaway!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-68387486503197531592011-11-21T14:17:00.001-08:002012-02-16T12:55:23.118-08:00An Unconventional Christmas Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzSypQfcLTOlpumL_Q0s5sWlrTvK0hrKIgo6lDzGoOKa26LdhGdtriJijQzz0KIJzZhAbX7FbNXJeU8ao2OvH4lpHbXIXzviTWVkOYdhId_n30r3DNhTk9PiuW4338Q1bl2BqEUZtew1y/s1600/DSC_0946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzSypQfcLTOlpumL_Q0s5sWlrTvK0hrKIgo6lDzGoOKa26LdhGdtriJijQzz0KIJzZhAbX7FbNXJeU8ao2OvH4lpHbXIXzviTWVkOYdhId_n30r3DNhTk9PiuW4338Q1bl2BqEUZtew1y/s640/DSC_0946.JPG" width="369" /></a></div>
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200 + book pages rolled and glued to a heavy cardboard cone then attached to a wooden dowel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SAPkx5yNAprz0aMKKlAKHS_KJnUFFhXptNnn5157PgAT3dj3pYu_uuWNe3YsPx03AUYdi8O4m7o1-TLVyLln7E3jnoFafjdZtT1SkA1R3H6SHcvJIHByk898ZiFRm6ifhvN5wvuL-m49/s1600/DSC_0949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SAPkx5yNAprz0aMKKlAKHS_KJnUFFhXptNnn5157PgAT3dj3pYu_uuWNe3YsPx03AUYdi8O4m7o1-TLVyLln7E3jnoFafjdZtT1SkA1R3H6SHcvJIHByk898ZiFRm6ifhvN5wvuL-m49/s320/DSC_0949.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
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And a 3D star for the topper. If you missed the tutorial, click <a href="http://craftaphile.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-make-3d-paper-star.html">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUmg6pPNi9IXLiKNBnvfRrZUlJx5Pj82Clsqf75toq9f1rN6uzEOaw5BoUUVWnXb2-WhgLQugqgOAktUPAPNWEwpwILMXCsEC85Eh0DmCF7fRVFXX43EA7pEuwzLNTUSv0EOizq18bXHm/s1600/DSC_0946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUmg6pPNi9IXLiKNBnvfRrZUlJx5Pj82Clsqf75toq9f1rN6uzEOaw5BoUUVWnXb2-WhgLQugqgOAktUPAPNWEwpwILMXCsEC85Eh0DmCF7fRVFXX43EA7pEuwzLNTUSv0EOizq18bXHm/s640/DSC_0946.JPG" width="385" /></a></div>
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Although the rolling and gluing were very time consuming, the hardest part of this tree proved to be the base. My original idea of sticking the dowel in a piece of styrofoam and covering it with burlap, completely flopped. It was top heavy. So, I thought about it and experimented with different things and finally decided on some scrap wood I had laying around. And guess what? There was already a hole which was the perfect size for the dowel!! How lucky is that? I spray painted it Rust-Oleum Metallic, sanded it down a little and my tree is now finished! What do you think, good use of an old book?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-16071990588152678512011-11-12T09:53:00.000-08:002011-11-14T08:21:51.640-08:00Create Thank You Cards with My Memories Suite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYN-4PL_2iyz1jroMEhwMVlAH8N09UjqKNWB-mI33z8PEjUU_KNvTEBPUd-IRm2qFtd9kniavaFy6grbHCA5OJomEejlxQh2bTURRhBAz2go-B04N2Xhk6WjlusyjaSTC1dddFmbV8xkIq/s1600/DSC_0761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYN-4PL_2iyz1jroMEhwMVlAH8N09UjqKNWB-mI33z8PEjUU_KNvTEBPUd-IRm2qFtd9kniavaFy6grbHCA5OJomEejlxQh2bTURRhBAz2go-B04N2Xhk6WjlusyjaSTC1dddFmbV8xkIq/s640/DSC_0761.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Think to thank this holiday season with a simple card.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvWL3Qf275M4jirZz_O2y1xFhLCnmdLQYPSJPYHTQg-YCjRapKDQ9nJLCLXFxS3l3GblrmdKEO7lBQjAHgUXv8PTPn6yI8prr9kMSuIxkJaO3rpW2usQYbP_mtO-ZUOENjimYVRlXf7pD/s1600/DSC_0768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvWL3Qf275M4jirZz_O2y1xFhLCnmdLQYPSJPYHTQg-YCjRapKDQ9nJLCLXFxS3l3GblrmdKEO7lBQjAHgUXv8PTPn6yI8prr9kMSuIxkJaO3rpW2usQYbP_mtO-ZUOENjimYVRlXf7pD/s640/DSC_0768.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I designed these thoughtful gestures using <a href="https://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software">My Memories Suite</a>. This digital scrapbooking software is not only great for documenting life's most memorable moments, but you can also make a lot of other things too-like calendars, slide shows, and cards to name a few! <br />
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To make these cards, I used the following two Designer Packs, which I got for free because I liked the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/MyMemories/140359372717593?sk=app_111917138820507">My Memories FB page</a> (get a $5.00 credit just for liking them!)<br />
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After downloading the embellishments to my computer, I opened up the software and came up with this design. I saved it as a JPEG and inserted into Microsoft Office where I decreased the size and arranged it so that when printed it could be folded into a card.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBd7LFt2d4JPGa-w8cJsCA6Qy5U-ALF46_cy6W5NoadcjTgODBTwtniJxew0Ydej5n9OD11DTPnfAJUyto-mlL69WZurueqnpc3kddDyYbigzekG6RmTnNOrwe0YLtZgj5uyMoGACdmjH/s1600/Thank+You+Cards-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBd7LFt2d4JPGa-w8cJsCA6Qy5U-ALF46_cy6W5NoadcjTgODBTwtniJxew0Ydej5n9OD11DTPnfAJUyto-mlL69WZurueqnpc3kddDyYbigzekG6RmTnNOrwe0YLtZgj5uyMoGACdmjH/s320/Thank+You+Cards-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWc6BEj39HRPV3vxFdtAsqUp4r-nz2rd82BuJd630Bsd4xiS0FwMjCukHyx23jMFSUqFyB_S3nl04nqr6KLVoMk_HiRraKhCNSXN4x7R07YdEMJObBXBbvsH2njiry0oJ6xzX_TUWduTG/s1600/DSC_0764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWc6BEj39HRPV3vxFdtAsqUp4r-nz2rd82BuJd630Bsd4xiS0FwMjCukHyx23jMFSUqFyB_S3nl04nqr6KLVoMk_HiRraKhCNSXN4x7R07YdEMJObBXBbvsH2njiry0oJ6xzX_TUWduTG/s640/DSC_0764.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Turned out cute, don't ya think?! I thought the printing quality was excellent and will be designing up some more.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Use the code on my sidebar for an awesome discount! ($10.00 off purchase of software + $10.00 credit to store)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-44579235047239487622011-11-10T10:34:00.001-08:002011-11-10T11:07:38.979-08:00How to Make a 3d Paper Star<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6TWb7pgkcznA__FqzEWow4mvruhWA1l3NO4HgDVPGsFLWgBTwMKSXtX4dPwT0-Y7URgDcSH2FNCnrpA2yr6uzbKBJ_RX_CP_6m2q4gpAGv57Gz4pQf11ZLKkeQMdcvG3VCgmepWvEGOU/s1600/DSC_0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6TWb7pgkcznA__FqzEWow4mvruhWA1l3NO4HgDVPGsFLWgBTwMKSXtX4dPwT0-Y7URgDcSH2FNCnrpA2yr6uzbKBJ_RX_CP_6m2q4gpAGv57Gz4pQf11ZLKkeQMdcvG3VCgmepWvEGOU/s400/DSC_0739.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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I was in need of a star to top a rolled paper Christmas tree I am working on, so to be all matchy matchy, I made it out of paper. Book pages to be specific! Are you excited to see it? Well, it should be finished soon - just working on a few little details. And boy will I be glad when it is done! My fingers can't take any more rolling. Luckily this star only involves folding, giving them a break! </div>
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All you need are a couple of paper stars and some glue. I used Mod Podge.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DBemWOpYFBiyQCFmdLc7_kV_ur-WAgNMXk98fIhUC0fqAvGlV-nGRNcQyY_bsbCrdstRS6_CAEX2pP2_Ax-_wHQvQFvyoks1bYqWfxbxG4wkMWAwIS9ntr_FgsJHOZz0JsQIMD_CqiR3/s1600/Collages1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DBemWOpYFBiyQCFmdLc7_kV_ur-WAgNMXk98fIhUC0fqAvGlV-nGRNcQyY_bsbCrdstRS6_CAEX2pP2_Ax-_wHQvQFvyoks1bYqWfxbxG4wkMWAwIS9ntr_FgsJHOZz0JsQIMD_CqiR3/s640/Collages1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like the pictures show, start with one star and fold it in half at each point. This will give you 5 creases. Then fold the star in between the points in the opposite direction you folded the points. Do this to both stars and then glue them together. Use them for tree toppers, ornaments, shelf decor, or whatever your heart desires.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGkrpM5kAtT0Wvikuc32pBYitZpcLAcQLxxsCVxWIYP_JQpWHvwUKWEqr-D-WzDuMRxj7M1Ya_KdxLI4-LAHsUq9TIJNtPxb5Y5hyphenhyphenCtQaAaHmDge7-J3wbErXoJsL-TWrScvDHwODkV4n/s1600/DSC_0738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGkrpM5kAtT0Wvikuc32pBYitZpcLAcQLxxsCVxWIYP_JQpWHvwUKWEqr-D-WzDuMRxj7M1Ya_KdxLI4-LAHsUq9TIJNtPxb5Y5hyphenhyphenCtQaAaHmDge7-J3wbErXoJsL-TWrScvDHwODkV4n/s400/DSC_0738.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-88890544674139749302011-11-08T12:29:00.000-08:002011-11-08T12:37:55.853-08:00Printable Birthday Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4kuvzjHKH2oc_YYrvu36oZcU_A-a7cAtb6qcsj1xG_1SbgSTym9fCFytfyh47BrSdJD-aT7W-SuY1RtwcAKSlcFRJHN7e5xKoCQMdJJwI9T5nah-de5LceEdCrIxiEmhUVd7izIc0aL1/s1600/DSC_0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4kuvzjHKH2oc_YYrvu36oZcU_A-a7cAtb6qcsj1xG_1SbgSTym9fCFytfyh47BrSdJD-aT7W-SuY1RtwcAKSlcFRJHN7e5xKoCQMdJJwI9T5nah-de5LceEdCrIxiEmhUVd7izIc0aL1/s640/DSC_0613.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Keeping track of birthdays can be difficult, especially when you come from a sizable family and then marry into an even more sizable family. Between my parents, my siblings and their kids, there are 21 of us. Combine that with 35 people on my husbands side and I have 56 birthdays to remember. Plus 3 Grandparents and a handful of friends. So I started searching for a system that would aid my memory, and I pleasantly stumbled upon this free printable Birthday Calendar at <a href="http://sharonrowanphotodesign.blogspot.com/">Lemon Squeezy</a>. I really like that everyone's birthdays are displayed on one page. With a single glance I can see who's birthday is this month and how many cards I will need to get for next month. It will make planning ahead a cinch and hopefully I won't miss any more birthdays!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://sharonrowanphotodesign.blogspot.com/2011/07/colors-revisited.html">Click here to print yourself one!</a></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-13498656608124526302011-11-03T13:38:00.000-07:002011-11-03T13:38:23.383-07:00A Holiday Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've started my holiday decorating with a simple wreath for my front door. </div>
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Every time I go to the craft store I longingly gaze at all the pretty wreaths. Then I stroll on, because I can't get myself to spend $20+ dollars on one. When I saw how inexpensive this unfinished twig wreath was (something like $3.00 or $4.00) I decided to try making one from scratch. I found some berries for a buck a piece and a couple of star ornaments for not much more.</div>
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Put them all together and my door is dressed for the upcoming months.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-34799037788070498962011-11-02T10:33:00.000-07:002011-11-03T15:39:57.811-07:00My Memories Suite Review & Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCf2f5m8VIW6qXe2VXrk6KwS3X8JoK5vumKey6-Q1xsgtJpyA3rXwzas7fK9u09ASwebFsubO-zqXUPn_nfCLVm3g_pI1q4k4X5Y1ft84iUkNTx5tgh5eexYzJQgVC8qU-LVuIvFMIA-xs/s1600/Wedding-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCf2f5m8VIW6qXe2VXrk6KwS3X8JoK5vumKey6-Q1xsgtJpyA3rXwzas7fK9u09ASwebFsubO-zqXUPn_nfCLVm3g_pI1q4k4X5Y1ft84iUkNTx5tgh5eexYzJQgVC8qU-LVuIvFMIA-xs/s400/Wedding-003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The digital age has revolutionized so many things, and scrapbooking is definitely among them. Say goodbye to stacks of paper, rolls of ribbon and pairs of scissors and welcome My Memories Suite into your life. It will save you time and money. Plus, it's totally fun! Check out my <a href="http://craftaphilereview.blogspot.com/2011/11/my-memories-suite-software-review-and.html">Reviews Blog</a> to learn more and enter to win this digital scrapbooking software! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://craftaphilereview.blogspot.com/2011/11/my-memories-suite-software-review-and.html">CLICK HERE</a>.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-15461504485597273332011-10-31T12:15:00.000-07:002011-11-13T20:13:49.447-08:00A Treat Bag for My Ladybug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Halloween everybody!! We have been celebrating all weekend. Festivities began for us on Friday with a Halloween celebration at Aaron's office. Kids were invited to trick or treat the cubicles and about an hour before it began I realized I didn't have anything for this cute ladybug to gather treats in. So I rummaged through my supplies and found some felt that matched her costume perfectly and I whipped up a simple treat bag.<br />
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I sewed 2 rectangles together for the bag and then attached a handle on each side with a few stitches. The letters were traced, cut out, then adhered to the bag by needle felting. Felt is a fun material to work with and one I want to explore. Get inspired too by checking out my <a href="http://pinterest.com/kimawhim/felt/">Felt Pinterest Board</a>!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-6675161998749868512011-10-26T11:38:00.000-07:002011-10-26T11:38:43.570-07:00Apple Bites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't know about you, but at our house we are already on a sugar high and it's not even Halloween yet. I bought one of those BIG bags of mini candy bars, like the $10.00 ones, and we have been snacking on them all week. So when I saw these at <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/halloween/halloween-recipes/halloween-snacks/apple-bites-688193/">Disney Family Fun</a>, I thought, "What a healthy, fun snack!" and I made some.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzcIIqL3-ppk4sb0Mu3ymcImwwhxY5Xg_S47DVyRy1gwmvVOAiM8E6wNSgnYlzzxZ3WX0BoiuK_fUrZSCS5G-KUBRk-db81jMUqdA0KOJvqIPhJUDXPxWWLndWg81KFNuU_nEEB6wdCWP/s1600/120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzcIIqL3-ppk4sb0Mu3ymcImwwhxY5Xg_S47DVyRy1gwmvVOAiM8E6wNSgnYlzzxZ3WX0BoiuK_fUrZSCS5G-KUBRk-db81jMUqdA0KOJvqIPhJUDXPxWWLndWg81KFNuU_nEEB6wdCWP/s640/120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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All you need is an apple, a paring knife, and some almond slivers.</div>
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Slice the apple into fourths.</div>
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Cut a wedge out of the skin side, slit holes in the flesh and stick "teeth" in! If you're not serving them right away, moisten with orange juice to keep them from browning.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-62907668276215985372011-10-25T12:17:00.000-07:002012-02-16T13:19:46.017-08:00A Monogrammed Book Band<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I mentioned a couple of months ago, I joined a book club! We met for the first time a few weeks ago and discussed <i>Saving Cee Cee Honeycut</i> by Beth Hoffman.<i> </i>It was so much fun to get out of the house and meet up with a bunch of women who also love to read! We enjoyed stimulating conversation and laughed a lot as we recounted the story of Cee Cee living through the death of her crazy mom and then getting rescued by her generous Aunt Tootie and all her female friends. While it wasn't my favorite book (not even close!), I did come to appreciate it more and even like it a little bit more as we talked about it. <br />
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So what does all this have to do with a book band for my polka dot notebook? Well, as I read books I like to slap a sticky note on passages and quotes that I really like. After I finish a book, I flip back through the book and type them up. Problem was that they weren't organized. Scattered in different folders and what not, they weren't accessible. So I decided I would transfer them to a notebook and record new ones as I read.<br />
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That way, they are all in one place. And I can go back and read through them with a flip of the page. I have quite enjoyed writing them all down and it has made me want to reread some of the books. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So here's the how to and used what?</span><br />
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I dug through my stash of fold over elastic and found a piece that matched, wrapped it around my book and cut it an inch smaller than that, sewed it together and hot glued a chip board letter over the seam. All in one breath. That quickly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn808D9jWWHCwSllleTX9rKPo6yQDs74-R_mqY40rUJnBRHAwZlc97TgglL1cZS2U6UBiEGiv47-9Qy1AeHom_j3qNJ-e0LZlSHPGfEW4bQdUqtWrIQKVwQ3tz2sBTEOJgIXcH-3XQoSC7/s1600/IMG_0478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn808D9jWWHCwSllleTX9rKPo6yQDs74-R_mqY40rUJnBRHAwZlc97TgglL1cZS2U6UBiEGiv47-9Qy1AeHom_j3qNJ-e0LZlSHPGfEW4bQdUqtWrIQKVwQ3tz2sBTEOJgIXcH-3XQoSC7/s640/IMG_0478.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like it because it is thin and it won't fall off! I can keep it securely attached while I am jotting down notes. And if I want to slip a piece of paper in between the cover and first page, it won't fall out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02FhNmfNpt2ySRub5slBurVVbC32KFS8hc7zRaKgcWTpSXmXWe8LdIXnvDwMvKGM0fyJa8fmnDoeBFpWc_A_R3I0RIf8yhlHpfv0UIzoTpITLakYjLCAwi0M2K3fic4s8WAZh2usaOrsB/s1600/IMG_0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02FhNmfNpt2ySRub5slBurVVbC32KFS8hc7zRaKgcWTpSXmXWe8LdIXnvDwMvKGM0fyJa8fmnDoeBFpWc_A_R3I0RIf8yhlHpfv0UIzoTpITLakYjLCAwi0M2K3fic4s8WAZh2usaOrsB/s640/IMG_0481.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And I decided to write it all in cursive. For fun. I almost always write in manuscript, so this is a nice change. Plus there is something really lovely about flowing, connected letters and it reminds me of my mom.<i> </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-75637543693854677812011-10-18T08:54:00.000-07:002011-10-18T15:13:20.028-07:00Dancing Skeletons + Free Halloween Printables<div style="text-align: center;">
I am in love.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4N2sc62Ud6UAwNiiOGZ43WJwqh_k1Es_kXkb8YBfuaFPvjTZuNV_kM6Ht4wtfup8XAGiMep7DRBcAZK4WjmpOB1eNs7OpYMt-rq1oq43xeBp96KTEPT6eABGEHhfao_Rv6OSLxGsc11c/s1600/Alphabet+Printable+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4N2sc62Ud6UAwNiiOGZ43WJwqh_k1Es_kXkb8YBfuaFPvjTZuNV_kM6Ht4wtfup8XAGiMep7DRBcAZK4WjmpOB1eNs7OpYMt-rq1oq43xeBp96KTEPT6eABGEHhfao_Rv6OSLxGsc11c/s640/Alphabet+Printable+3.png" width="512" /></a></div>
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Isn't this font clever? I have had so much fun playing with it,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCFaxIaUG2dfXlMraU3hjcRlK_81d67GzDHnyEoPwQrdihnOCydJZCm53_35WrSTi7aaApLgGkMcbgXTv68uFz8DdkB6lZIISG4eWGvgIPv1QJJw_Ygf3x1x7ibPxVtzdy8-kHjEt6TjP/s1600/Slide1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCFaxIaUG2dfXlMraU3hjcRlK_81d67GzDHnyEoPwQrdihnOCydJZCm53_35WrSTi7aaApLgGkMcbgXTv68uFz8DdkB6lZIISG4eWGvgIPv1QJJw_Ygf3x1x7ibPxVtzdy8-kHjEt6TjP/s640/Slide1.PNG" width="512" /></a></div>
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making fun Halloween printables. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EIRMmKQNSGFClcovLmumsshZsRk41e4_ENRkyNj8DL3CGNJ78hMSMb9zfCd0lKmqZO05ty5Gih78TeAmua8Nh_xjaTkV7uoWlVR16OTA6HMnJNCsmmQBEK7473QNa7GMc09yYT3F7lqk/s1600/Skeleton+Monogram.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EIRMmKQNSGFClcovLmumsshZsRk41e4_ENRkyNj8DL3CGNJ78hMSMb9zfCd0lKmqZO05ty5Gih78TeAmua8Nh_xjaTkV7uoWlVR16OTA6HMnJNCsmmQBEK7473QNa7GMc09yYT3F7lqk/s640/Skeleton+Monogram.png" width="512" /></a></div>
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And the collection wouldn't be complete without some Speci<b>man</b> Art:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsynRZNE_4H9hR3fbQHzZv_qsatloBy1y_DqdY21m_XHGvfUQUfX5o1a7P0ge2mVhEWnToVzCodNyYq-77SlOigvcfD6Pm_qFKhtjWrA-B6PN7AO2YquFzwcqONL4dqidKLd4DAKkNVZvC/s1600/Speciman+Art+Printable.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsynRZNE_4H9hR3fbQHzZv_qsatloBy1y_DqdY21m_XHGvfUQUfX5o1a7P0ge2mVhEWnToVzCodNyYq-77SlOigvcfD6Pm_qFKhtjWrA-B6PN7AO2YquFzwcqONL4dqidKLd4DAKkNVZvC/s640/Speciman+Art+Printable.png" width="512" /></a></div>
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This has got to be one of my favorite fonts ever. Fittingly named Tango Macabre, you can download it for free <a href="http://www.dafont.com/tango-macabre.font">here</a>.<br />
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I have made the alphabet and eye exam posters available to print as PDF's for the next 30 days (via freepdfhosting.com). Click <a href="http://freepdfhosting.com/3c6fd8ffae.pdf">here</a> and <a href="http://freepdfhosting.com/d166ef4e75.pdf">here</a>. <br />
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Enjoy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6574453878966218288.post-78538652734493138312011-10-13T16:02:00.000-07:002011-10-19T06:28:10.467-07:00A Symbol of Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_GVWNF8Tve0TQobDw94VXekyFaF0a1xVaGm4isEk8Trc30sucqyaWnucRVI9DeZ22nD-ztHILwwJBG7aLoUZuSiuNJSDh4BDWqcOXGb11u6OJiG92rvCHOYNIMxVpUm-eD0TFaKm6_ct/s1600/IMG_0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_GVWNF8Tve0TQobDw94VXekyFaF0a1xVaGm4isEk8Trc30sucqyaWnucRVI9DeZ22nD-ztHILwwJBG7aLoUZuSiuNJSDh4BDWqcOXGb11u6OJiG92rvCHOYNIMxVpUm-eD0TFaKm6_ct/s400/IMG_0331.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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A couple of Christmas's ago we gave some money to a young couple to help with medical expenses associated with the treatment of the wife's breast cancer. It went into remission not long after. Last night I learned that it is back and the cancer has spread. I personally don't know this woman, but my heart breaks for her. She is young-in her 20's. She is a mom to 2 little ones. I can't even begin to imagine what she must be going through. </div>
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Since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought I would help spread the word. I have been following <a href="http://projectqueen.org/">The Project Queen</a> for the past few weeks as she has posted something pink as well as a breast cancer fact every single day. Did you know that on average, 112 women die from breast cancer every day?! EVERY DAY! That is an alarming number! Early detection is key to fighting and beating this malicious disease. If you are a woman, (no matter your age) check your breasts regularly! And if you are 40 or over, it is recommended that you get a mammogram every 1-2 years. The most common signs of breast cancer are: a lump in the breast; abnormal thickening of the breast; or a change in the shape or color of the breast. Check them often, ladies!</div>
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In lieu of this special month, I made a little something. And it's pink: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rX8BjYLAl3wsWv5wMdjRAKkFEwaaqgXq6zT68NIj4efRj5e_MO2jI-e98O2AcOMWYYospDxQoh9ORzDWvZBxqp7jhWl-W08licEKY5l_flyqwmAXp93g5ihVK6NXiJHnzPTiiZjRp8a1/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rX8BjYLAl3wsWv5wMdjRAKkFEwaaqgXq6zT68NIj4efRj5e_MO2jI-e98O2AcOMWYYospDxQoh9ORzDWvZBxqp7jhWl-W08licEKY5l_flyqwmAXp93g5ihVK6NXiJHnzPTiiZjRp8a1/s640/IMG_0324.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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In hopes that women everywhere will make breast exams a part of their preventative healthcare.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LHASNV9cmQxNicheEeVYG4SL_J1KcabETx-hFYNgVt6pwYgO3_oRAu4J9RJHFCZg5gE3XT2YzwQisrOOpoCw3pB918yrpEqAmIYMUJBrcX6QYcdfhy6SnjyW7VOWHzoU9NVsuzCHVT4V/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LHASNV9cmQxNicheEeVYG4SL_J1KcabETx-hFYNgVt6pwYgO3_oRAu4J9RJHFCZg5gE3XT2YzwQisrOOpoCw3pB918yrpEqAmIYMUJBrcX6QYcdfhy6SnjyW7VOWHzoU9NVsuzCHVT4V/s400/IMG_0326.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And that someday a cure will be found!</div>
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The Hope Scarf is such a simple design. The most beginner of beginning sewers can pull it off easily. I encourage you to make one and spread the word!</div>
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<b>Materials:</b></div>
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-1/2 Yd Pink Jersey Knit Fabric</div>
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-Scissors</div>
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-Thread</div>
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-Sewing Machine</div>
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<b>Step 1: Cut It</b></div>
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Cut your fabric in half lengthwise.</div>
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<b>Step 2: Sew the 2 Pieces Together</b></div>
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With right sides together, pin 2 of the short ends to each other. Sew with 5/8" seam allowance.</div>
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<b>Step 3: Adjust the Length</b></div>
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Try it on. Adjust the length to your liking with a few snips. I cut about 12 inches off mine. No need for finishing the raw edges because they won't fray! </div>
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If you don't sew, no sweat! You can still "make" one. Simply go the fabric store and get a 1/2 yard of jersey knit fabric and drape it stylishly around your neck. Same thing, but a little chunkier and just as cute! </div>
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Hugs to all you women out there fighting breast cancer. My hope and prayers are with you!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>*update:</b></span></div>
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<b>The Hope Scarf could be YOURS! I have whipped up another one and will be participating in One Artsy Momma's "Un-giveaway for the Cure", which is basically a silent auction. The scarf will be given to the commentor who bids the highest amount. All proceeds will go directly to The Susan G. Komen Foundation. Come back <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wed, Oct. 19</span> for your chance at The Hope Scarf!</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://craftaphile.blogspot.com/2011/10/un-giveaway-for-cure-bid-on-hope-scarf.html">CLICK HERE TO MAKE A BID</a></span><br />
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<center><a href="http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc86/dancers4life/ungiveaway1.png" /></a></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4