Chicken Wire Frame

After I finished the picture wall, I could not just leave the frame that was previously on the wall alone. In fact I was able to make two functional things out of a picture that would have otherwise just sat in our basement. 

I will show you soon what I did with the outer frame, but today I would like to show off the inner frame.

 First I spray painted the frame a teal color that I am currently obsessed with. Once it was dry I hot glued some chicken wire to the back. The chicken wire was my only purchase for this project, and at $3, I think that is a good deal! After the chicken wire was on, I hot glued some felt scraps on so that the chicken wire was not coming off, and there were no more sharp edges. 

I am using this frame as part of my Jamberry set up. I use this frame on an easel at parties to display the nail shield styles I currently have in stock. So far it is working out well, easy to see the designs, and everyone likes the chicken wire. 

I think this is a great idea to use for memos and pictures also. 

Here is my typical Jamberry Party set up. 

 Just in case you have not heard about Jamberry nail shields, they are an awesome alternative to nail polish. They do not chip, and come in awesome intricate designs you can't get with nail polish. 

 In this picture, my nail shields had been on my toes for about 4 weeks, and still looking pretty great! 

 My nails grow out before my nail shields come off! 

 Aren't my sweet niece's fingers the cutest? 

 She loves them! 

Let me know if you would like some free samples and a catalog. We have a buy three, get one free special right now! And a ton of new fall, and holiday styles! I love them, and I know you will too!

Picture Wall

I have wanted to change up the style in our house for a while. I am starting slowly, like one thing each month, slowly. By the time that I am finished and satisfied I will probably want to change it up again!  Way back in July I decided to start one of my first changes, a picture wall.

I forgot to take a picture of the large picture in our living room, but the is the picture that was in our living room, just a little deconstructed. More on that another day.

It was fine, but it meant nothing to us. I want things in our home that are meaningful, and really add something to our lives. So while we were on our summer vacation in Southfork, Colorado we had my sister-in-law and her boyfriend take some fantastic family pictures.
I made pieces of paper the same size of some of my picture frames that I already had. I used the IKEA online site to find the additional frame sizes that I needed, and then we did not have to measure frames in the store while children where having meltdowns. I ordered the size prints I needed online from Costco, they were surprisingly inexpensive. 
After we had all the frames, I could spray paint the ones that were other colors, so that they were all a nice white. By using frames that I already had, I saved a ton of money. IKEA frames are really inexpensive, but not free!

Some of the pictures are on ledges (from IKEA), and some are actually hung on the wall.  I love that all of the frames are different.
In addition to the pictures in frames, I made a few things that are unique for us. First is this picture.

It is our birthdays and the day we were married. Our important dates. (Thanks for the idea pintrest)

Next is maps cut into hearts of a few special places. Where we met, where we were married, and where we live.

I am trying to add teal accents to the decor, so there is our Y, and this heart wreath.

Although, because it is fall, out currently, is our fall wreath.

So there it is, I love it. It makes me happy to look at my beautiful family, and be reminded how truly blessed I am. Much better than a random flower picture.

Crochet Baby Props

After Bryson was born my sweet friend Kersandra took some newborn photos for us. They turned out so cute, and I am so grateful that we have these great pictures to look back on. If you are in the Colorado area and need a photographer give her a call.

I did not have time after Bryson was born, but I wanted to make a few things that Kersandra could use for her future photo shoots. I made a baby cocoon and a long elf hat. They turned out really cute, even though my model is no longer a newborn.

I can't believe this baby wore a 6 month sized outfit yesterday. So sad how fast they grow.

He is still very cute, even if he can't fit into a baby cocoon.

I did not even try the hat on him, I knew it would be too small.

I got to see the hat on my friends newborn, and I assure you it is just precious on a little baby head.

I need to get to work on a cute winter hat for Bryson's little head. Maybe big brother needs a matching one. Too bad I have to actually care for them instead of making cute things for them all the time. ; ) Hope everyone is having a great week. We have family in town, but I hope to stop by to show off some things I have been working on. See you soon!

Flower pom pom necklace

I saw a tutorial via pintrest for a pom pom necklace. I was wanting to make something similar, so the tutorial gave me some inspiration.

Because I am in my no fabric buying, make it work phase, I cut up an old yellow tshirt I never wore and used that. I also used an old cheapy chain I have not worn in years.

I think it is really cute.

I had a specific outfit in mind for this necklace.

Our family pictures.

I love them and cannot wait to get them all hung up and framed.

My whole life right there! <3

Camera Strap Cover

Second thought after getting my camera, "I can make a camera strap cover!" First thought was "Yay, a nice camera!"
I have known that once I got my nice camera, I would make a camera strap cover. I am surprised I waited the three whole days that I did.

 It is a little different than most camera straps because it is much thinner.

My favorite part about it is the pocket for the lens cap. 

Jeremy's least favorite part, it is girly and ruffled, and he feels silly taking pictures with it. 

 There are a ton of camera strap tutorials online you can search for. I kinda winged mine, but I think it turned out great. Sorry for the short post, it is way past my bedtime. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Photo Challenge

I am having fun with my new camera, but I still have so much to learn! So, I am entering a picture of Bryson into a photo challenge. I am hoping everyone will think my sweet boy is as adorable as I think he is! Oh, and also, I just want to have tips and tricks for taking some great photos!

The challenge is to have a picture of your child, in black and white.

He melts my heart. Hope you all have a great weekend!

Shutterfly Cards

I also wrote about this on my family blog, but I wanted to make sure that I included readers here too!
I have read on several blogs about how shutterfly is giving away 50 free Christmas cards to bloggers if you write a blog post about it. Ummm yeah, I will take free Christmas cards!

I love shutterfly! I have ordered quite a few photo books and calendars from shutterfly and I love them. They provide a great way to preserve memories, and they turn out so nice. All of the loved ones that I have given photobooks or calendars to have loved the sentimental gift. They have great service and with promo codes you can get some awesome deals.

I already have my cards all picked out, but there are so many beautiful options. Here is a sneak of our possible card this year. There is a possibility I may always change my mind. It is hard there are too many choices.

And here are some of the others I really love!

 How neat would these be with a wonderful message inside?

If you are interested in getting in on this deal, make sure you blog all about it, and get your free cards!

Free ABC book

This is not really a craft, but I made it, so it is blog worthy. I learned about a site called hot prints from this cute blog.

I have been wanting to make Brady an ABC book, with pictures of him for the letters. For example, A is for apple, and there would be a picture of Brady with an apple. I was just going to make a scrapbook, or do a picture album, but this is such a cute idea, I had to steal it.

It is kinda flimsy, definitely not shutterfly quality, but for free it is awesome. And free shipping too! Brady really likes it. I should have waited for his birthday, but he has had a hard week, and I love to spoil him.

Here is a page from his book


It also has all of his family in it, so he can pick out his favorites. (Always cousin Zack)

Daddy was so nice to read Brady's new book to him

See those bags under his eyes? Check out our family blog to see why.

Next month I think I will do a 2009 book. The month after, maybe a 2008 book. My options are endless! If you like making photo books, then try these out for free!