Another Necklace

I picked up this cute family circle charm in the scrapbook section of my craft store, added a few beads and it's ready to wear. What types of jewelry do you like?

Kid's Art Necklace

I'm sure you have seen the cute necklaces that are made with scrabble tiles. Well, this is a slightly different version using your child's art (my talented niece Regan drew the above pendant). Have your child draw you a picture. Then scan it into your computer and reduce it's size and crop as needed.


Next use those precut wooden pieces that are three dollars a bag in the wood section of your local craft store. You can get any shape, circles, squares, etc. Paint the piece of wood with the color of your choice.


Then cut your picture to fit the wooden shape.


Mod Podge the picture to the wood.



Let that dry completely. Then add dimensional glaze. I've heard many people say that they LOVE diamond glaze, but I didn't have that so I used my scrap booking glaze. After that dries for 24 hours use a tiny drill bit, also in the wood section of your craft store, and just gently twist the bit with your hands to drill a tiny hole. Put a jump ring through that tiny hole and your art work pendant is complete.

To make a necklace add the art work pendant and one or two charms to a pretty chain and you're ready to wrap it up for mom or grandma!

4/20/10   I've added a two more posts about similar ideas  making charms and keychains here and here.

Free Wheat Grinder

If you would like a chance at winning a wondermill wheat grinder (we really like ours) click here and follow the info. Good Luck!

Hand outs

I had a meeting to train some church members in their callings this past week. My daughter Clarissa helped make these little gifts for those that attended. Inside were some homemade chocolates, called Chocolate Billionaires, that are delicious. The owl was to symbolize our theme of being wise. I wanted to use the owl stamp and circles, she helped choose the paper and did the chalking and assembly.

Crocheted Baby Blanket

I decided to branch out and make a baby blanket that wasn't pastel. This little baby afghan is made with red sugar 'n cream yarn. It is 100% cotton. This is a free pattern from off of the Michaels website. The pattern is for a full sized afghan, but I was getting bored and so it became a baby afghan and I'm on to a new project.

Make a Room Diffuser

I love how some of these room diffusers smell. I decided to try making my own. The essential oils are initially quite expensive. However, they last a long time... so, if you make diffusers for gifts or put them all through your house you would end up saving money.

Mine is a simple blend of orange and grapefruit oils. I just mixed six drops of each in some canola oil and placed in this little jar I had left over from a Target diffuser.

I searched a bit to find the reed diffusers and found them at Pier One Imports for only $2 for a box of 12. Tip: the oils last longer if they are in a dark bottle. I don't think you are really supposed to use Canola Oil as the base, but it is working ok.

Here is a site with some ideas for making your own. They have a Christmas recipe that would be fun to make and give as gifts-you could start shopping now for cute bottles and tiny vases at yard sales and thrift stores, etc. Some more recipes are here.

Update 4/26/09: The Canola Oil didn't work for very long. I'm looking for a good recipe for diffuser base oil if anyone finds one let me know- thanks!

Thursday Thrifting

Today was an incredible thrifting day. I snatched up the above fan- now the price on this wasn't great- but I new I'd love how it fits into this room. It has a such a nice vintage feel to it. So for $20 I bought it home (I used a photo filter to accent my new fan love).


I also found this $3 nice wooden lamp base. I REALLY like the color (the real life version- wish I was better at photography) but if I can't find a spot for it as is I'll spray paint it and put it on my night stand.

I also snagged a little tykes dollhouse in perfect condition for less than $8, a seal-a-meal for $2, an old fashioned nut chopper for 99cents (I've been looking for one of those) and a cheese set to paint and use as room decor-

I also came home with a bag full of clothes for $5. Mostly cute stuff for my little girl and a few things to make over... if they turn out I'll show you.

Since I was having so much fun I swung by Target for their 75% off Easter stuff. I bought some candy- yeah, I know- not good for me... but when chocolate is 50 cents a bag how can you resist?! There was a cute little toy I bought to use as a birthday gift. I also found this cute candle holder, 55 cents, that matches my daughters room perfectly.

I usually go a VERY long time before finding anything fun so today was extra nice! Have you found any fun thrifting treasures?