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Monday, May 13, 2013

Teacher Appreciation 2

Last week was Teacher Appreciation week. I posted the gift I made for B's teacher here, and said I would get around to E's teacher's gift soon. (I'd do gifts for K's teacher as well, but he is "too old for that kind of thing." Especially being a 6th grade boy, you know.)

So here it is a week later, and I finally figured out and finished the gift for E's teacher. What momma of a little boy wouldn't love this?

As a young girl, when I read the book "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein, it left me just with a "meh" feeling. I didn't really "get" it. When I read it now, as a momma of a little boy, oh my. OH MY. I get it. Tears.......

So here is the gift, I hope she likes it! :)



Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Woo Pig Sooie!

For those of you visiting the blog from the other 49 states (or countries! Woo! I'm international, baby!).... there is a saying down here in Arkansas.....that is ingrained in every Arkansan, natural or transfer. They stop you at the state border and teach you how to call the Hogs, you know? ;-) Anyway, this famous saying is how to root for the Razorbacks. "Wooooooooo.....PIG SOOIE! Woooooooo......PIG SOOIE! Wooooooooooo......PIG SOOIE! RAZORBACKS!" That's how it's done. While I've only lived in the Natural State for 5 years, I've quickly picked up on the hype that is the Razorbacks. Those frightening hogs are displayed all over this state! I've started crafting Razorback stuff, and will be venturing into some painting of the spiked hogs soon.



These were all client orders or gifts that I gave. I am not a graduate of the University of Arkansas, or any (Arkansas) state college for that matter..... I'm a proud graduate of (now) Missouri State University (then Southwest Missouri State University) and then Webster University for my master's. Although with my master's, I didn't attend any sporting events. Just did my work, attended class, made my As, and got outta there! I will say however, those Razorback fans are something special... they make everyone feel welcome! WPS!

Monday, May 6, 2013

Teacher Appreciation

Have you seen the e-card going around on facebook.... the one where it says "no, son.... your teacher doesn't want a letter made out of crayons for Teacher Appreciation week.... she wants a gift card to......(it goes on but I will stop...). Anyway, I had to laugh at that one. I haven't made one of those initial crayon art things, (yet!!!!) but I do make my own stuff for people. Being a teacher, I know and understand how important those handmade gifts are. Sure, gift cards are nice, but something made from the heart is even better. This year I let the kids pick out gifts for their teachers, and then I am making a crafty something and a yummy something for them. These crafty things aren't "teacher-y" but they will match their personalities. My kids have been extremely fortunate to get GREAT teachers, I am so thankful for them. I just want them to know how much they are appreciated....not just this week.... but forever.

So here is what I made for B's preschool teacher. This fits in with her backyard pool and decor. :)
This is the LARGEST wreath I've ever made. That is a 36" door, and the wreath is 46" at it's widest point. Good thing it's "smooshable" if it doesn't fit her door! :)

E's first grade teacher's gift will be posted later. I haven't started it yet. LOL!

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Inner Beauty

Our church is having a Ladies' Tea and Brunch this coming Saturday as a fundraiser for the youth's trip to Guatemala. They've asked for "crafty" people to make donations for a silent auction, and I knew instantly I'd make something. I knew what I wanted to make by that evening, just didn't know how I'd do it. A couple of days later, I had the vision. I knew what I was going to paint. Here it is!
Now, I had some inner conflict going on while creating this. Do I leave it plain, or do I jazz it up a bit? Add some flowers and sparkle? Even though the verse talks about inner beauty being worth so much to God, I chose to add the bling. Creatively, it pulled the whole painting together. I probably should have left it plain. But I know deep down it was beautiful without the bling as well. ;-)

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Christmas Ornaments

Last Christmas I found an ornament on Pinterest that I fell in love with. So I made my own. Then I got inspired to venture out and try new ornaments, and I made these little cuties:






I ended up making quite a few of these... personalized with everything from gymnastics to weather! Of course lots of little ballerinas wanted one... it was fun! I wonder what I'll find to make this year?!?!

Friday, May 3, 2013

Clipboards

Many moons ago, my crafty St. Louis friend Kim (is she ever going to notice I'm mentioning her in my blog?) told me about decorating clipboards. It was a cool idea, but not on my radar at the time. Just a couple weeks ago I remembered what she had told me, and set out to get some ideas on Pinterest. I found what I was looking for, combining a few examples that I found. So here is what a little paint, scrapbook paper, Modge Podge and ribbon can do for you! (These are regular 9x12 sized clipboards. Please pardon the flash mark.) Front and back views.




Thursday, May 2, 2013

Happy 1st Birthday Kase!

I was recently contacted by a woman here in town and asked if I'd create the decorations for her son's first birthday party. I was given a couple different blogs to look at for ideas, but she told me the exact colors she wanted, which differed from the items in these blogs. The theme? Sock Monkey. But none of those "grey-blue" colored sock monkeys. LOL! So while these actual sign sayings aren't my originals, the actual products are. I created and hand-painted everything here! :)













The party has come and gone. I can't wait to see the pictures and how the decorations complemented the party! Happy Birthday Kase!

Door Signs

Signs. All kinds of signs. Big signs, little signs, name signs, mascot signs, cheer signs, you name it! I've been pumping these door decorations out fairly frequently, but often forget to take pictures of my creations. (Must remember to do that!) I have made signs for babies rooms that match their bedding, signs with tons o' glitter, tweenager signs, little girl signs, little boy signs... I think you get the drift. These are all created on canvas, sometimes wrapped, sometimes board. Just whichever the client prefers. :-) I hand paint ALL of them, so no two are ever alike. EVER. Even when I try to re-create one someone saw a picture of.... I do my best, but often the 2nd, 3rd, 4th etc. are even better than the first!











These are just a few of the signs. I'm certainly glad I *did* take pictures of some of them, because I'd already forgotten about a few of these beauties!