Fabric Checkerboard : X's and O's Edition

The inspiration for a Valentine version of this age old game came after I ordered some blank bottle caps from Pick Your Plum 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!  

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.

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).

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!

A Lovely Valentine's Wreath

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 Christmas, just bent them into hearts and then added a paper banner.  $.25 update!!

To make the banner, I cut a little notch at the top of each pennant, folded it over twine and hot glued it down.

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!

Birthday Gift Idea: Indoor Hop Scotch

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 giver'slog, I am sending this as a birthday present to my niece first thing tomorrow morning!  I know she will LOVE it.

Want to make one too?  Here's how I did it:

Gather Materials:  Cardboard Box, Bubble Wrap, Yarn, Scissors, Hole Punch, and Sharpies

Step 1:  Cut 10 12"X12" squares of bubble wrap and 2 slightly larger pieces of cardboard.

Step 2:  Using permanent markers, write numbers on the flat side of bubble wrap.
Be sure to write them backwards!

So they look like this when right side up!

Step 3:  Punch holes along each edge of both cardboard pieces

Step 4:  Write the rules down on one of the pieces of cardboard.  They can be found here.

Step 5:  Tape a quarter to the other side.

Step 6:  Sandwich the bubble wrap between the two pieces of cardboard and  thread yarn
 through the holes.  I put a piece of tape around the end of the yarn for easy threading.

Step 7:  Decorate the front however you want!
I'm going to mail this, so I addressed it and it's now ready to take to the post office!

Go ahead, make someone's day!

Refinished Table and Chairs

It's finished!  Aah.  You may or may not remember that I started this project back in June. I posted about it in August after I got the first chair done.  Yes, it took another 4 months 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!

First I sanded everything down.  If there is one lesson I learned through this whole process, it is to sand, sand, and then sand some more!  I preserved the intricate table top design by staining it, then painted everything else.  I really like the dual color scheme. 

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!

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!

Handmade Gift Exchange: Pretty Accessories

Yesterday I showed you what I sent my partner for The Handmade Gift Exchange.  So today I will share what Mary Katherine sent me.  First off, this ADORABLE hounds-tooth flower headband.

The perfect accessory for Baby J's winter outfit.  I love it.

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.

And lastly, a set of orange embossed thank you cards that I had been eyeing since I discovered her shop.  Check them out here.  Be sure to hop on over to MKMathews and take a look at all the pretty accessories she has for sale!

Thanks for the handmade gifts Mary Katherine!!

Handmade Gift Exchange: Embroidered Dish Towel

Have you heard of The Handmade Gift Exchange that Linda from Craftaholics Anonymous 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!

I was partnered up with Mary Katherine who blogs at Mathews Family Happenings 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!!   

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!?

I printed off the free pattern from Wild Olive 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 the backstich and these for the french knots.  

I also sent each of her kiddos a package of Reindeer Noses.  I'll be back later with pictures of what she sent me!

Using Sticker Negatives as Stencils

Merry Christmas in Hawaiian

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 Real-Life Housewife 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.

This is a great method if you don't have a cutting machine! 

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!

Hop on over to A Real-Life Housewife to learn some useful household tips as well as to get to know me a little better.  You might just be inspired to clean your shower head or shine your glassware!