My Slow Return to Blogging

Hello there!  Remember me?  Boy it has been a long time since I have posted something new on this blog and let me tell you... I have missed it!  To quickly fill you in: I got a new job as a family consultant (social work) and I am figuring everything out for the first time.  I also celebrated my first year of marriage to my wonderful husband.  Oh, and did I mention that the wonderful husband of mine is building up my craft room?  Yea, it's been a good year.  The only part I am missing is this blog!

That being said, I am yearning to get back into the "swing of things."  I don't think I will be able to do my bi-weekly posts like I used to (at least until I get my schedule figured out with this new job) but I would like to start crafting and blogging again.

Okay, enough of my talking.  I wanted to share with you some pictures from our vacation this summer.  One of the stops was the home of President Eisenhower and his wife.  The property was AMAZING and so inspiring.  Allow me to share a few things that inspire me:

 

Surprise, Surprise, I love the rustic stuff!  I have never been a fan of anything "blue" but I LOVE these vibrant, funky shades of blue/green.  They have popped up in popularity the last couple of years but they can be found in real vintage items from the past! This color inspires me!  Plus... this lovely piece looks like something that would fit perfectly in my Route 66 room.

What I love about this is the stone wall/wooden door together.  It mixes two of my favorite materials into one beautiful, real surface.  I can only imagine a hard working man or woman (ladies, we can do the job just the same!) laying each stone piece by piece on the wall or swinging open that stunning door to explore the wonders that lie behind it.

Maybe that is more cheesy than realistic but I love the concepts of hard work and preserving the past that this one picture exemplifies for me.  I am inspired!

 

This was the outside of the Eisenhower home.  Most of the house had to be changed but one small end of it was able to be preserved...and it is stunning.  Look at those colors!  Pink, Green, Blue, Brown, Grey and more!  I would have never imaged mixing these colors but I love it here.  These colors inspire me.  This idea will not only transfer into my decorating scheme but even into jewelry that I make!

How much do you love this?  I will admit: I much prefer my washing machine when it comes to doing several loads of laundry.  That being said, when I look at this it means so much more than doing laundry.  It means hard work, it means time with family.  Today, I throw a load into the washer, walk away and move onto something else.  From what I understand (or maybe I am just being nostalgic) washing laundry this way involved a little more elbow grease and a lot more chatter with friends, family or anyone who was around while you washed!

Okay... maybe that is not the case but it does make me happy.  I am sticking with my washing machine but I do love what it stands for! It inspires me to get more out of my tasks than just "checking" something off of my list.

I never had any animals of my own (any that stay in stables at least) so of course, I find this endearing.  I also enjoy this because it is so simple.  I love things that were not made to be beautiful, lovely or inspiring and then... they just are!  It actually makes me want to get our metal tins out and throw together that summer BBQ that I was planning.  What is that you say?  It's fall now?  Oh well, better start planning for next year.

Last but certainly not least are these personalized equipments!  On the left is a close up of their car... yes, their CAR!  I asked my husband if we could put our names together on the side of one of our vehicles.  He said no.
On the right side is a cart found in their stables that had the "We Like Ike" slogan on it.  If I had a slogan (We're Crazy for Kelsie?) I would be putting it on everything too!

Both of these things inspire me to get more personalized with my stuff!  For example, Christmas is coming up... maybe I will make a wreath with an "S" on it.  In the meantime, I will be trying to convince my husband to add our names to the car.

See you again soon
I am so sorry to everyone that so lovingly stopped by this blog and has waited patiently for me to return.  I am grateful for you and hope that you will return and join me in all of our future crafting adventures.  Let's made a deal:  Starting next week, every Friday at 5:00 pm, expect to see a new post.  Deal?

...Now is your part of the deal.  Tell me what inspires you about the pictures from this post!  Do you love them or think they are just a bunch of old lame junk?  OR... tell me what kinds of crafts you would like to see in the upcoming weeks.  I might just pick one to do!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

Mother's Day Wreath made of Craft Supplies!

Mother's Day is quickly approaching and I have been racking my brain trying to think of something really special to give my mom this year.  See, the problem is:  the woman doesn't like gifts.  Not to say that she doesn't appreciate them, she just doesn't need a lot and so would rather have dinner with me than the best gift in the world (although she does like her Kindle Fire that I got her!)  I would rather spend the time with her too but I also wanted to give her a little something to make this day different from every other Tuesday when we have our lunch dates.

So what do you get the woman who has everything?  More craft supplies of course!  The staple craft supplies are always in high demand, so why not get a few more?

Did I mention to put them on a wreath? 

Floral wreaths are lovely but a wreath full of craft supplies is the best!  Here's how to make it:

Step One: Buy a Styrofoam wreath at the craft store.  Paint it with acrylic paint.

Step Two:  Attach ribbon, fabric, beads, glue sticks, and more!  Yep.  That's it.  Two steps.

If you want your mother to be able to actually use the pieces, only add a dab of glue to the very ends of the ribbon.

For the fabric, simply roll it into a flower-like shape and PIN down.  This way she can unroll it and use it- glue free!

 

I chose to keep the ribbon on the spool (just for looks) and made a hanging loop from it.

 

To keep the acrylic paint from falling off, apply a line of glue down it's backside and stick to the wreath.

 

For some reason or another I haven't quite jumped aboard the "washi tape train" yet.  However, look at this beautiful print!  I thought mom would love to give this a try.

 

Each piece is glued, pinned or (in the washi tape's case) laying carefully upon the wreath but should be able to easily be taken off and used later.  Small purple jewelry beads were taken apart and glued around the wreath for decoration.  The great thing about hot glue is that it comes right off of stuff like this!

 

I'm going to try to run over to mom's house and give this to her early before she reads this post!  No amount of craft items can express my gratitude to my mother.  She's always been there for me and not only has she been a stellar mom but she has truly been my best friend.  I couldn't imagine going a day without talking to her or a season of my life without her.  I am who I am because of my mother.  I love you mom!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

Burlap Bottle Vase

This week is flying by!  I didn't even realize it was Thursday until I woke up this morning and thought "boy, it seems like a while since I've done a post."  Oops.  It is a good week though; I am almost down to my one week mark at my current job (can't WAIT to start the new one!) and this morning I am having a little girl time with some of my friends.  Coffee and cinnamon rolls anyone?

Aaaanywho, here's what I've got for you today.  An easy and quick vase made from glass bottles and burlap!  Yes, I might have a problem.

When I say it is quick and easy, I mean it! 
All you need to do is get an empty glass bottle (we like IBC Black Cherry- yum!) and a piece of burlap. 
Cut the burlap into a piece a little taller that the bottle and long enough that it can wrap around the bottle more than once. 
Next, tape (or glue or whatever you desire) the burlap edge to the bottle.  This is just to hold the burlap in place.
Finish by wrapping the burlap all the way around.  Since the bottle is shaped as it is, the angle of the burlap will not be straight.  This is good- don't try to fix it by cutting against the grain!
To keep everything in place, pull a couple long strings from your spare burlap and tie them securely around the bottle.  No need for tape, glue, or sewing- burlap helps itself!

Feel free to cut against the grain at the bottom of the bottle because likely, you will have part of it hitting the table (or bottle showing) if you don't. 

I looooooove burlap.

Put any flowers you like in the top.  I like to use the billy balls from our wedding in our home decor whenever I can.  They held up so nicely and are just so neat- don't you think?  No water needed for those!

That's it!  I have to run, I am late to my breakfast date with the girls!  Hope you have enjoyed this easy tutorial to help brighten your home for summer!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

Wood Disk Necklace Pendants- Natural Beaty in a Whole New Way!

Oh what a neat little project I have for you today and to think- it almost never was!  I had a whole different post planned until I realized I was missing a crucial piece.  Oops! Time for plan B.  Oh wait, I don't have a plan B.  This week has been a crazy one (good crazy though, I got a new job in my field of interest, that is with a christian founded company and with awesome people!  More on that another time.) so I didn't have my normal list of backup craft options.

Then suddenly it hit me!  What are two things I love more than almost anything?  Rustic outdoorsy stuff and jewelry.  And so, my friends I bring you....

Wood Disk Necklace Pendants!

Are you as excited as I am?  They are super easy to make too.

Find a branch that is about 1 inch wide.  Cut into pieces about 1/8- 1/4 inch thick (whatever thickness you want on your necklace) and smooth if desired.  I left mine rough but I dig that rugged look.

Let your creativity run wild!  I made one with (my new favorite) color of blue and a heart negative to let the wood show through.  I used a vinyl heart and peeled it off when the paint was dry.

{That's the vinyl before I painted over it}

{I prefer the sides unpainted so that I can see the bark... I love this!}

I painted another one gold and dipped the edge in blue glitter.  My husband may not care much for glitter but he has to admit... this is pretty cute!

Have you ever tried wire wrapping?  I hadn't but took a go at it for the next two pendants.  First a green one:

{I am loving the bead in the middle.  It looks like a bug or something hanging out on a mossy tree!}

... then a bare wooden one:

{A long bead that I got years ago from the Earth Festival sits perfectly atop this bare wood piece}

Each piece was covered in Mod Podge to seal it up after the colored paint was applied.  The bare wood one was also covered in Mod Podge to give it a finished look.          

{Your Turn}
Would you sport these done-up wood disks this summer?  I love having a piece of nature so close to me and having it be so fashionable!  It's a win-win!  What are some ways that you would decorate yours?

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

Route 66 Pillows

Do you ever feel like some weeks are more than 7 days long?  It's that kind of week for me.  Not bad, just slow.  That being said, I can't believe it's almost May already!  How can a week be so slow but a month go so fast?  Must be an astrological mishap or something.  With May inching ever near I am ready for summer, yes summer to come out and play!  I think back to summers past and all the fun I have had.  This includes my BEST VACATION EVER- the summer of 2011.

That summer, my then boyfriend (now husband!) and I traveled along our beloved Historical Route 66.  We drove the whole thing, followed hand written maps and stopped at all the sites and most of the little mom and pop restaurants.  It was incredible.  If you ever have the time I highly suggest this trip (ask me for my input and I'll tell you places not to miss!).  It doesn't hurt that in the middle of this trip we stopped at the Grand Canyon (amazing), hiked the whole thing (life changing) and oh yea, Tyler asked me to marry him.  Not too shabby of a trip.

Since then I have been obsessed with everything Route 66.  It's history and nostalgia all rolled up into one amazing road.  I can't get enough of it.  Because of that, I have decided to theme our guest bedroom in the "Route 66" theme.  I have grand plans for this room but am slow to make it happen.  I did however, make the first steps towards it this week:

I made two different styles to decide which one I like better.  I still can't decide.  On the one hand I LOVE burlap, on the other- is the burlap too much?

These were easy to make, I just used a vinyl stencil and acrylic paint (just like my shirt making that I'm currently addicted to!)

My paint smeared a little on the burlap pillow because I accidentally peeled the wrong part of the vinyl off and then proceeded to ball up the rest.  Once I realized I needed all of that, I was left piecing together crumpled up pieces.  To say the least, the vinyl edges weren't a perfectly tight seal.  You live you learn.

Just make sure that you make the words and outline the "negative space"

I sort of think the orange vinyl has a rustic look to it when it is covered in brown paint.  This could have been the pillow design!

Let the paint dry, peel off the vinyl and sew up your pillow (I actually tried a no-sew technique I found on Pinterest but I didn't like it as well.  I will probably be taking these apart and sewing them back up soon).  Voila!  Route 66 pillows!

Are you wondering why I chose New Mexico and Arizona?  Well...I LOVE New Mexico.  I think it is the most beautiful state in the US and I fell in love with it on this trip.  As for Arizona, that is where Tyler proposed.  I can't leave that out!  It is in close running for beauty too.

So which pillow do you like better?  Burlap style...

or tea stained style?  (This may need to be done a few more times, I like the darker look it had before it dried even better)

{During the tea staining process.  I wish this darker color had stayed}

Cast your vote for favorite because I would love to hear what you think!  And remember- if you're looking for an awesome family trip or a life changing trip for two, consider driving Historic Route 66.  You will meet the nicest people and see the neatest things.

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

Paper Flowers to Show You Care {+ Giveaway Winner}

It's Monday (boo) but I'm awake and my husband is home from his weekend away (yay!).  My mother-in-law won a very big award this weekend and although I was unable to go, the rest of the family went to Colorado to attend the ceremony.  The only other person who had to miss was my grandmother-in-law (is that a word?) because she had rotator cuff surgery a few days prior.  From what I hear that is pretty serious business.  Even though she's a toughie, I wanted to send her a simple card saying "recover quickly and know that we're thinking of you".

If you haven't noticed, I'm pretty excited for spring/summer and all the flower-ey goodness that comes from it.  This card is super easy to make and takes no time at all.

First  you will want to add a stamp to the corner of the card.  Yes, you want to do this first because (if you're like me) you just might get some extra ink to the side that needs to be covered by flowers!

For the flowers, simply punch out paper pieces from a standard paper punch.  Then with your hands, push up the corners of the petals.  They will stay popped up without any glue or spray.

I found that thinner paper (like the pink) works better than the heavier cardstock (the yellow and green) because it leaves less of a crease on the paper.  However, once it is all together it is hard to notice the details.

They can be attached any way you choose.  I used E-6000 because it's strong and I could use a tiny dab of it.

Don't you love these dainty flowers?  I just kept adding more and more- loving that "full field of flowers" look!

{That's It!}
If you've been following for long, you know that I dabble in cardmaking but have trouble with it more than most other crafts. I do like this technique however, because it's easy to do and makes such a bold statement. I hope she liked it too!

Speaking of flowers and summertime, ready to hear who the winner of our Summer Love Giveaway was? Just to recap: the winner will be receiving flower seeds to plant at home, free shipping coupons to both Handmade Creations by Julie and Origami Owl, a set of red and white paper straws for summertime BBQ's, blank wooded clothespins with rub-ons and a few fun summer shades of DMC thread.


And the winner is......

#3 MARGIE!

You'll be getting a message soon about receiving your package.

Thanks again to everyone who played along! You're all the best, really. Especially GENY who is the only one to do an entry all 5 ways! We may have to think up an extra prize for you just for being such a good sport.


Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

Summer Love Giveaway

I love summer.  Okay, I know it's only spring, but seeing the rain fall and flowers start to pop up from the ground (and being able to wear an actual short sleeved tee!) gets me all excited for summertime.  We all know that time flies by quickly, so we better start thinking about summer, right?

I promised you all a GIVEAWAY and since I am getting so excited for summertime, I thought I would make this blog post Summer Giveaway themed!  What do you think?  Allow me to share a few of my favorite things about summer and then give you a pack of goodies that has to do with each thing, deal?

{Flowers & Gardens}
Of course we have to start off with this one. We've already got some flowers popping up outside our house and it makes me so happy. My husband and I also plant a HUGE garden and although we have yet to perfect it (we waste a lot of food), it is neat to see something grow from a little seed into actual food! Whether you plan a giant garden or a small one, have blooming flowers surrounding your house or just a few on your kitchen table, there is something about flowers that makes summer... summer!

For this portion of the prize, I'll be sending some seeds for you to grow yourself! P.S. If you've got kids, this is a GREAT summer project for them!

 {I LOVE seeds- we even made these seed favors for our wedding last year.  See the post HERE}

{Dresses!}

I had to start off with flowers but let's be fair... I might love dresses the most! I am a big dress fan anyways but breezy summer dresses might be the best of the best. I don't know about you but it makes me feel so dainty and free to run around in a flowey summer dress.

The only thing cuter than all of us in a summer dress (yes, you're beautiful!) would have to be little girls in summer dresses! Because of that, I wanted to share with you a handmade dress maker, Julie from Handmade Creations by Julie. Not only does she made ADORABLE dressess (she makes boy stuff too!) but she's agreed to sponsor this giveaway too!

If you win, this portion of the prize will include FREE SHIPPING for any order, wherever you might be. She just finished up her own dress giveaway, so make sure to keep watching her for more.

 {That's her adorable daughter modeling an adorable dress via}

{BBQ Parties}

Summer is all about grilling, being outside and spending time with friends. Yea, my friends tease me about my veggie burgers (I've been a vegetarian for 10 years) but it's all part of the fun! I am a huge fan of glass bottles, mason jars and those striped paper straws! Combine those three with a perfectly grilled burger and you may have entered heaven.

Because of that, I wanted to give you some striped paper straws to get your started on your summer BBQ plans. Add some whimsy to your event and toss them into old glass bottles. You are going to love it!

{Clothesline}

This one sounds cheesy but I think it stems from my near obsession with anything classic, vintage or old. I love clotheslines. I know that most people don't dry their clothes on the line anymore (although we did sometime when I was very young!) but I love the idea of it. I even took this idea and used it in my wedding- having guests write messages and hang them on the "line"!

Whether you actually hang clothes, add a magnet to pin things to the fridge or use them for crafting, decorative clothespins add a personal touch that brings out the beautiful "old" in your life. That's right, I'm sending you some blank wooden clothespins AND a set of rub-ons to decorate them with! If you are skeptical, just try it!

   {Each design you see there is made from rub-ons.  Isn't that neat?!  Check out the post here}

{Bare Feet}

No, I'm not sending you bare feet but it is something I love about summer. Unless I'm in a public place you will find me barefoot and running in the grass! It is so relaxing and it gives you such direct contact to the earth around you. I love it. My husband is anti-bare feet and always wears his work boots! Funny isn't it?

Remember when you were a kid and made those friendship bracelets from DMC thread? You can do that twist knot (what is that called?) or braid them... whatever you choose. Well, I say we bring those back as adults. They are the perfect ankle bracelet and you don't need to worry about taking them off because DMC thread seems to last through anything. When you see me sporting my bare feet all summer you can guarantee that you will find me with a toe ring and a DMC anklet on.

Trust me... I'm a summer fun professional. This portion of the prize includes a few really fun bright summer colors of DMC thread.

 

 {Jewelry}

Okay this is year round. If you follow this blog you have probably noticed my jewelry obsession. However, summer is the perfect time for big bracelets, dangly earrings or long necklaces. I have recently stumbled across Origami Owl personalized necklaces and I immediately fell in love! This company creates personalized jewelry to help you share your story with interchangable charms. I actually sent in my application to join the team and am now proud to say that I sell these awesome necklaces!

For this portion of the prize, I will also be offering free shipping on any order- just make sure that if you win you order through me personally and not through the online page. Online ordering is a great option for anyone else, but I want to make sure the winner doesn't get charged shipping.

{That's me and my mom on vacation.  I'm wearing my living locket with my favorite long chain}

{Boating & Camping}

One of my very favorite things about summer is camping, hiking, boating... you get the gist. However, I couldn't think of a prize to send that didn't involve s'mores ingredients! If you have a crafty suggestion for this theme, I would love to hear it and I just may throw a little extra something into the winner's prize package!

{How To Win}

First, let's go over the prizes:

1. Flower Seeds to grow at home

2. Free Shipping on your order at Handmade Creations by Julie  

3. Set of striped paper straws

4. Blank wooden clothespins and a set of Rub-Ons

5. Three bright colors or DMC thread

6.  Free Shipping on any Origami Owl order

7. SURPRISE CAMPING PRIZE.  Give me suggestions!

Now let's tell you how to enter.  You may earn 1 entry for each of the following:

1. Follow this blog and comment below. Let me know what your favorite prize is.


2. "LIKE" Cut, Craft, Create on facebook and let me know what your favorite prize is. Don't forget to comment or you won't be counted.


3. SHARE the giveaway post on the Cut, Craft, Create facebook page on your own wall. You'll find it there on the facebook page.


4. "LIKE" Handmade Creations by Julie on facebook and let her know what your favorite dress is. Don't forget to mention this giveaway in your comment!


5. "LIKE" my Origami Owl page on facebook and let me know what you might put in your own living locket. Don't forget to mention this giveaway in your comment!

       

GOOD LUCK!  The contest will end Sunday at 12:00 noon EST.  Winners will be announced Monday at 9 am EST.

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann