Summer Crafts

Here are a few of the craft projects I have made so far this summer.

Welcome Sign

This is a sign I bought cheap at a craft store. It started as plain white with a chain.  I decided to dress it up with some green and purple paint, jewels, and ribbon.  It already had "Welcome" stamped in the metal along with the flowers and vines.  It turned out so cute!

Candle Holders

(1, 2, 3-left to right)
1.  Came up with idea on my own after doing some similar stuff with twine.  I used Mod Podge and wrapped the twine around the class holder.  Once dry, I used sewing thread and some beads to attach beads between the two bands of twine.  I really like the color the random beads add to this one.
2.  Another use of Mod Podge! <3  To make this I used an old Mason jar. I kind of followed a tutorial off Pinterest.  I added a spoon full of Mod Podge to the jar along with 4 drops of food coloring, and mixed.  Then I used a paint brush to coat the inside of the jar.  I let it dry upside down for 30 minutes before putting it in the oven right side up to be heat fixed at 170 degrees.  I put it in for 20 minutes and then kept checking it after that time, and took it out once all the Mod Podge had turned clear.  I finished it off with some twine and bead charms.  I lit a candle in it and it held up just fine!

3.  So I got this idea off a friend's Pinterest page.  I painted Mod Podge onto the glass and then wrapped the twine tightly around the holder.  After it dried, I hot glued this pretty turquoise bead on it.  Very westerny to me!

Red Neck Wine Glass

So I'm not a wine drinker but I thought this idea was so cute and fun when I first saw one at a store for 15 bucks!  I knew I could do it for less.  I picked up an old glass candle stick holder and some bonding glue at the craft store.  Then I added 4 bullet shells from my boyfriend's gun (that I shot) into the candle holder.  Then I glued that to an old Mason Jar.  It takes about 3 days for the bonding to cure.  I'll enjoy some beverage in this classy glass!

Stay tuned for more of my craft projects...stepping stones, wood block picture holders, and an old window frame turned into an entry hall coat rack!

May Update

So I am soooo done done done with another semester of college!  It was my toughest semester yet and I am so glad to have it under my belt and done with!  I thankfully passed all my classes, which is all I care about.  Let's put it this way...I feel I know I learned a lot more and know a lot more than my report card would say.  I worked hard and studied hard but sucked at exams.  Oh well, it is sooo over with!

Now I am home for summer!  I spend time with Daisy and the other horses everyday and its so much fun!

This last weekend my family and I took Erin to State WHSET on the horse Betty she has had the privilege of riding since saying goodbye to HotRod.  Erin and Betty became such a great team over the last few months and kicked a lot of butt!  We are all very proud of Erin and Bet Bet, and so thankful for the kindness and help of Betty's owners.  Erin made it to state in all five of her individual events and in one team event.  At state, Erin did very well considering the fact she was competing against the state's best riders.  Erin placed in the top half of most of her events at state, which is something to be proud of! 

Erin and Betty and their medals from the district meets! 

I think Erin has five or six medals on in this picture!

This summer I am going to take one online summer class.  It is Human Development 403, Families in Poverty.  I am two weeks into the class and have already learned a lot!  It is interesting and should be very helpful for gaining a understanding of poverty in Royal City and surrounding communities.  I like learning!

Here's to a good summer to come!

One Little Craft...2 Check Marks!

So earlier this week I made a little craft out of the blue...

I'm sure most of you already saw it on Facebook but I thought I'd explain it a little more.

First, I've been dying to to a little something cute with a frame.

I've also been wanting to incorporate my favorite "love" quote into a cute craft.

Second, I was at a friend's place and found this in her garbage.

 (I do not go dumpster diving.  It was sitting in plain sight on top of the garbage.) 

Third, I asked her if I could have it because I knew I could use it.

Fourth, I thought less than 24 hours about what I wanted to do with it.

Fifth, I made my thoughts happen. 

I printed off my favorite "love" quote and crinkled the paper.

Then I cut a piece of a paper grocery bag to fit the frame and glued the crinkled quote to it.

Next, I threaded some buttons onto a hemp cord and layered that over some black ribbon. 

I kept these things in place with my handy dandy hot glue gun.

In the end, this cute little master piece was made!

Tada...another two craft ideas/wants off the list!

So the "love" quote is a quote I found very soon after I met and started dating Brian two Marches ago.  I happened across it one day and thought it was so perfect for describing how we met and how easily and quickly we got along.  It still applies very much to our relationship. I'm very excited to have it framed, by me, and in my room to enjoy all the time!