Under Construction

CAUTION: BLOG UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Welcome everyone and thank you for stopping by today.  Remember me saying I wouldn't be posting on Monday?  If not, read about it here.  I am participating in a New Year's Day BLOG HOP, so my new post will be up tomorrow morning.  In the meantime, I have been making a few changes to the layout and look of this website.  Please be patient with me while updates are made and let me know what you think of the changes- after all, it is being changed for you!

If you missed the last post, check it out here. Otherwise, browse around and enjoy yourself.  I do apologize for the text formatting.  When I made an adjustment last night, it altered (negatively) the text of every post on the blog (sorry).  It is a problem I see and plan to correct as soon as possible.

Thank you for being patient with me & for coming to visit.  You wont want to miss tomorrow's blog hop with myself and some other really talented bloggers, so don't forget to stop by!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

How to Create Treat Bags from Ordinary, Every Day Supplies (no fancy cutting machines or expensive tools required!)

Be Warned: I am feeling chatty this morning, so please excuse my wordy post!  Some of what I say is important though, so please read through it!

I know I have said this in my last several posts, but can you believe how close it is to Christmas?  Wow, it really snuck up on me this year.  I can't wait to just relax and enjoy time with my family.

But first, I wanted to show you a little something that I made for some of my husband's students at school.  For his helpers and kids that are in his work out group after school, he wanted to have a little treat to celebrate Christmas break.  He said it was perfectly fine to simply throw the puppy chow into a ziplock bag and be on his way... come on crafters, you know this is not how it went at all!  I decided to make a nice little top piece for the bag to give it just a little extra something that a clear plastic bag cannot offer.

The only problem was that I decided to do this later in the evening, away from mom's Silhouette machine (which I am always borrowing!), away from most of my scrapbook papers, fancy scissors, anything!  But after I started working on this, I thought it might be important to share how projects like this CAN be done without all those fancy scrapbooking and crafting supplies.  Many times, blogs will share their projects that are done with tools that a beginning crafter may not have (I know that I do) and that might be discouraging.  Today, I am here to show you all that no matter what level of crafter you are, you can create some really cute projects!

{But First: A few important things I need to tell you}

{1} I will NOT be posting at all next week.  That means that Monday (Dec. 24) and Thursday (Dec. 27) there will be no new updates on this blog.  I hate doing that for fear that some of you may get out of routine and forget about me, but this time is about family and I plan to use any time off as time for them.  My next post then will be on Tuesday, January 1.

{2} You might have just noticed that I said my next post would be Tuesday, January 1 and not Monday (my normal posting day).  That is because I will be participating in a BLOG HOP with Every Day is an Occasion, Ribbons & Glue, The Hunny Pot, A Mermaid's Crafts, A Piece of Life's Pie, Quick Chick Designs, Court's Craft Corner and My Paper Love!  It is going to be an awesome start to the new year with so many talented people. PLEASE stop by to not only visit me but to visit these other blogs as well.  We are each making a craft with something new we got for Christmas.  The variety is endless, so you are bound to find something that you love!

{Now onto the real reason you are here}
Sorry to take care of business first, but it had to be done. 

These treat bags are easy to make, even with the simplest of crafting tools. All I used was:

-Paper
-Regular Scissors
-Baker's Twine
-Hole Punch
-Glue
-Pen or Marker

First, cut the background paper into rectangles large enough to fold in half over the top of the ziplock bag.  Next, find a contrasting paper to use for the round piece.  Using items around your house, find a circle shape that will fit nicely on your rectangle (I traced the bottom of a toothpick holder!)

To get the designed edges on my circle, I simply drew it out on the back of the paper then {very carefully} cut it out.

    
Write your message on the small paper and glue the paper pieces together.  Then, align the paper over the bag so that it is positioned where you want it to be.  Punch 2 holes into the folded paper and the plastic bag.  I could not even find a regular hole punch so I used our 3-hole punch (hey, it worked!).

Finish it off by running some baker's twine through the holes from the back to front of the bag.  I like this look better than stapling, but it is up to you.

  {Your Turn}
What a simple way to turn a nice gesture into something extra special.  The best part is, this can be done with ordinary, every day items.  I love that because it really does mean that anyone can be creative (something I truly believe) without having to go out and buy all new supplies.

Wishing you all the best for the Christmas (or whatever you celebrate) season and the upcoming New Year.  Enjoy this time with your family and friends and I will see you again soon!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

LINK LOVE! Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion

DIY Rustic Gift Wrapping

One of my favorite things about Christmas is wrapping Christmas presents.  The shopping itself sort of stresses me out, but the wrapping is like a mini vacation where my creativity is allowed to roam free as I load up each box with ribbons, bows and other assorted goodies.  As you may have been able to guess, I am loving all the rustic themed gift bags this year.  My mama, being the creative genius that she is, came up with the idea for this adorable wrapping paper.  I made my first batch of it today and got some wrapping done for my husband:

All you need to make this wrapping paper is:
{1} Packaging paper.  This can be found at stores like Big Lots or the Dollar General.
{2} A Christmas stamp & ink.  The idea for this wrapping paper actually formed because we bought this stamp.  Michael's had a BIG sale going on and we got this huge stamp for a little over a dollar!
{3} Versa Mark, embossing powder & an embossing gun.

{How to Make it}

All you do is stamp your image all over the paper.  Make sure to leave a spot or two for your embossed image.

{stamp, stamp, stamp}

Next, emboss your image into it's spot:

 

{I LOVE embossing, it looks so neat!  For those of you who don't know how: simply stamp as you normally would but use Versa Mark instead of an ink pad.  Then cover in embossing powder, remove the excess powder & emboss with your heat gun}

To finish up, wrap your package in your new paper and complete with some fun and rustic toppers.

...Like twine and baker's twine!

{love this}

...for a little extra something, add a small bird or other adornment to the top of your gift.

{I love having this little bird on here, but my husband hates glitter (and the bird is covered in it), so I figured I should probably save it for another time}

{More of a gift bag type?}

The same tecnique can be done to make your own gift bags:

{Check out the red & green mixed embossing.  Pretty neat huh?}

{Your Turn!}

Whether you love the rustic look or know someone who does, these gift wrapping ideas are sure to be a hit!  I can't wait to make more and I can't wait to hear about any that you have made as well.

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

LINK LOVE!  Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion

Christmas Bandana for Our Furry Friends

I finally got around to making our Christmas cards.  Okay, I finally got around to taking a picture and ordering one of those cards from online that you upload your picture to.  It is less crafty than I intended but they are really cute!  Either way, I had to get our dog Ernie (remember his debut on my treat container post?  If not, go check out the big sweetie!) ready for the occasion as well.  That is why I made him a *drumroll please*....... Christmas Bandana!

I couldn't resist having him "say" that.  This bandana looks really nice going down his backside too, but for the sake of family pictures, we moved it up front.  Even though it looks kind of long on the front, I really like it (is it more "formal" that way?).  Plus, the top can be folded down to position at whatever height you desire.

Did you notice the bells at the bottom?  My favorite part about this whole project is how he sounds like Santa's sleigh as he trots around the house.  I absolutely love it!

All you need to do is:
1. Find a fabric that you like,
2. Cut it into a rectangle (make sure the long side will fit around your dogs neck!
3. Fold into a triangle.  I kept my fabric doubled over so that the bandana is extra sturdy.
4. You can sew this together quickly, or if you are trying to get this done as you are taking pictures (I know, I know, don't judge me), use some Heat n Bond along the top and middle edges.
5. Quickly sew on some bells along the bottom "V" of the bandana.  Don't go all the way up because that will just rub against your pet's neck.

That's it, you're done!

{My handsome husband and my adorable doggie}

Once the bandana was finished we were ready for our family "photo shoot"!  We took lots of pictures and had a ball listening to Ernie trot around the house with his jingle bells.

{Your Turn}

Which of your furry friends would like a Christmas bandana of their own?  Or, tell me a story of some of the fun (or wacky) things your pets have worn for the sake of a good picture.  I love all of our furry friends, so please share your stories with me!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

LINK LOVE! Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion

A Christmas Greeting Printable

Can you believe it is December 10th already?  DECEMBER TENTH!!! That means I have 15 days to get all the Christmas shopping done and wrapped, all the treats made and delivered to the neighbors and all the Christmas cards put together and sent out.  Worst thing is, I haven't really begun any of these *panic setting in*.  Oh well, for now I will just drink my coffee and take a break with you fine folks.

I would love to give you all a sneak peek of our Christmas Card that we are sending out but I am running a shade behind on it's production.  In lieu of that I will give you a Christmas "card" online!  I will even include a link to the image so that you can use it for your own season's greetings, for wrapping paper (think tiled images) or even just to print and put into a frame for some last minute decor or gift giving.  You can use it for whatever your heart desires- my gift to you!

I love when words literally take shape!  As I was thinking of what to write in here, I just kept thinking "mittens on kittens" which is what my husband says when referring to the "My Favorite Things" song.  Isn't that funny?  I guess that is one of those personal jokes that only we think is funny... so I left it out.

Interested in having this?  HERE is the link to print or save it!

{Your Turn}
I hope that you all are farther on your Christmas to-do list than I am and have enjoyed today's post. I should probably get myself around and get working on that other Christmas card... you know, the one I actually need to send out in 2 days! See you on Thursday!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

Burlap and Berry Christmas Wreath

'Tis the season for Christmas villages, decorated cookies, beautiful lights and festive Christmas decorations.  Well, up until yesterday you would never have guessed it was Christmastime around my house.  Let's just say we are running a little behind on all things Christmas this year.  Nonetheless, we finally have some decorations up (yay)!  One of my favorite new additions is this wreath that I just threw together.  It is really easy to make and only takes TWO materials.  Want to see it?

It is rustic and festive, it is a win-win!  I had bought the red and green stems a few months back from the floral section at Hobby Lobby.  I was not sure how many it took to make a wreath so I just bought six of them.  When I put it together however it looked a little... bare.  So, I figured why not add one of my favorite materials- burlap?!  I love how this turned out and I am so glad that I didn't "get enough" of the stems in the first place.

{How to Make it}
Gather your materials.  All you need is some burlap and roughly six floral stems of your choice.


{Burlap}
For the burlap, you will need to cut strips wide enough to show underneath the berry stems.  This is really all personal preference and depends on your stem size, but if you want to know how wide mine are, I cut them roughly 4 1/2 inches wide.

Just make sure that you do not pull the thread all the way out or the burlap will lie flat again.  I find it best to pull from both sides and let the extra thread hang.

Easy peasy! Now onto the stems...


{Floral Stems}
Like I said before, I bought six of these but depending on the size and fullness of the stems you chose, you may have to get more or less.  All you need to do for this step is to attach (I used tape) the stems together to form a circle.

 
I love those red and green "berries", so pretty!

{Attaching the Burlap}
Now that you have the pieces ready, it is time to attach the burlap.  Simply lay the burlap where it belongs around the wreath.  Here is the best part: to attach the burlap you can tie a loop around the stems using spare burlap threads!  This is a craft that supplies it's own materials- how neat is that?  You wont need a needle or anything, just stretch out a "waffle hole" big enough to slide the thread through.  When you are done, knot it together on the backside & cut the extra thread away.

{That's it!}
Finish attaching the burlap around the wreath and you are all done!  I love how easy this wreath is and how cute it turned out.  I have a feeling this wreath will be a new staple in our Christmas decor.

 
{Your Turn!}
What do you think about using burlap in Christmas decor?  Do you love the rustic look or do you think it looks like it belongs on a barn (get my joke? The pictures above were taken on a barn door!)  Okay, I am laughing at my own jokes now, I should probably stop while I am ahead.  I hope everyone enjoyed this post and is excited to make your very own Christmas wreath.  Hey- there are still people out there like me who aren't finished decorating, right?

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

LINK LOVE!  Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion and Chick-n-Scrap

My Winter Gift Exchange Experience

Have any of you ever participated in an online gift exchange before?  Well, Linda from Craftaholics Anonymous plans out two of them every year!  I wanted to participate in the last one but because it was so close to our wedding, I figured I better not try to cram one more thing in!  That being said, I was really excited to participate in my first one this winter.  Linda used Elfster.com to help organize and match people together.  This website can also be used to post your holiday, birthday, anytime wishlists for friends and family.

Even though I went into this entirely clueless, I was really happy with the way things turned out.  The woman I got paired up with is really sweet and seems like such a nice person.  Although I still wasn't sure what I was doing by the time I mailed her gift, I have learned a lot about what to expect and how to go about doing the exchange in the future.

I wanted to show my exchange partner off a little bit because oh my goodness she is crafty!  Here is what she made for me (keep scrolling, there are several things!)

How darling is this bag?  I LOVE the big bow on the front and see the picture on the left?  Those are matching pockets on the inside of the bag!  I was so impressed with her craftsmanship on this, it was so well done.  I immediately switched out the contents from my previous bag to this one.

This gift was actually a perfect gift and she didn't even know it.  Since I've been working in retail, I have seen a lot of people using coin purses and I have been thinking "I should get one of those".  Little did I know, that I was being made one!  What I especially love is how the inside has a different pattern.  So cute!

This is awesome.  It's soft but sturdy and is the perfect size for holding a variety of small crafting goods.  Did you notice that it is made from the same pretty fabric as the bag?  I have been trying to figure out how she made this and I am sure it's easier than it looks but I am impressed to boot!

This one might be my favorite of them all.  I saw that my partner had made a ton of cute pin cushions that she posted online and I almost asked if she could make me one- even if I just bought it from her!  I have been needing one but had not decided what pattern to have put on it.  She made this so perfectly fit for me (I don't know how she did it!)  My favorite colors are green and yellow, I love summertime and I love daisies (which is what that flower looks like, don't you think?)  I am still so tickled impressed by this and by her.


{I would recommend it!}
It's a little tricky your first time into the exchange world, but now that I have experienced it I can't wait to participate in my next one! I am so grateful to my partner for her hard work and brilliant crafting and I hope that she enjoyed her gifts from me as well.

Please note that although these pictures belong to me, the items pictured were not my creation and I do not take credit for them. I am going to talk to my partner and see if she wants her name/info mentioned to link ownership to them. However, I have included this blog name on the pictures so that her work is not floating around the internet without having a source. If she says yes to posting her links, you all should check out her work- she is very creative!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

Glitter Jars for the Holidays

Hello friends.  I cannot express how happy I am to be here sharing this post with you today; not because of the post itself (although I think you're going to like it) but because I am finally over this terrible flu that I had.  Unless I could have crafted and typed curled up in the fetal position it wasn't going to happen.  Anyways, enough of that- onto the good stuff: today's craft.

Whether hosting a holiday party (this works for Christmas, New Years, anything) or giving gifts to the neighbors (a first for us this year), this craft will surely fit your schedule, budget and plans:

All you do to make these is cover a mason jar in paint (I used white) and then cover in glitter, tapping off the excess.  That's it!  If your glitter is still really loose, cover it with a sealer so that it does not get everywhere (and boy, does glitter get EVERYWHERE).

As you can see from the picture on the left, this would make a totally cute holiday drinking cup; just add a festive straw and you are good to go!

As for the picture on the right, fill the jar with baked goodies like candy, chocolate covered pretzels or cookies, add a lid, gift tag and bow (love that contrasting red) and head on over to your friend or neighbor's house for a gift they wont be forgetting.

{Your Turn}
Do you have any other uses for these glittered jars? What colors would you make them in?

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

LINK LOVE!  Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion and Chick-n-Scrap

Set of Reindeer Ornaments

I have said it before and I will say it again:  I love Christmastime.  I love all the classic Christmas movies, all the classic Christmas songs and my goodness how I love Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  Today I want to share with you all a fun little Christmas craft that is sure to please any Rudolph fan out there... or just anyone who loves the season as much as I do.

It is a set of NINE ornaments.  Eight have regular little deer on them (aren't they precious when they still look young?) and one is Rudolph.  What a fun game it could be to place these all on the tree and then have others try to find Rudolph!

All you need are 9 blank ceramic ornaments, some blue paint and vinyl cutouts!  Just let the paint dry and attach the vinyl- simple as that.

For the reindeer shape I used "patterned baby deer" from the Silhouette store made by Alaa' K.  I love this shape.  If you want to see it being used on a pair of winter gloves, check out this post.  For the red nose, I just punched a circle out of red vinyl.

{Your Turn}
Do you think you would make these ornaments? Any other design that you would rather have on them? Share your thoughts & comments... I would love to hear them!


Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann 

LINK LOVE!  Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion and Chick-n-Scrap

Easy DIY Sign

Hello!  I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  We went to my husband's side of the family yesterday and today we are heading to mine.  That being said, I will make the chit-chat brief!  I made this sign to hang up during the holidays.  Right now it is sitting on a stand, but as soon as I figure out where to hang it, I will drill two holes in the top and attach a cute Christmas ribbon.

It's easy to do and can be completed in less than 20 minutes (including drying time!)

{Materials}

You only need a few things. 
{1} An unfinished wood sign.  These can be found at most any craft store or online.
{2} The vinyl design on your choice.  The kissing couple in the middle is from the Silhouette store.  The man in the picture is kissing her on the forehead.  I just found this so sweet that I had to have it!
{3} Paint

{How to Make it}
{1} Paint the wood, let it dry.
{2} Cut on design in vinyl, attach to wood.

(optional) {3} Apply Mod Podge to the edges and sprinkle with Diamond Dust. (This WAS done on mine. I think it looks really pretty but it's up to you.)
(optional) {4} Cut holes in the top and string some ribbon through it to hang.

{Your Turn!}
Isn't that easy? You can make these for any occasion or design. I just LOVE that red color (it's called "Santa Red"- perfect huh?) and the sweet mistletoe message. Perfect for my Christmas decor!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann  

LINK LOVE! Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion and Chick-n-Scrap

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Because I respect family time, there will be no post today.  But- it will be up tomorrow (Friday).  Now please, log off the computer and spend some time with those who mean the most to you... and don't forget to tell them how grateful you are for them.  Oh, and don't forget to watch the Macy's Day Parade (love it).  Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving.

God Bless you all.
Kelsie Ann

"Silver & Gold" Easy DIY Glitter Sticks

(You hear music playing and the sound of a familiar song...) "...silver and gold, silver and gold, means so much more when I see, silver and gold decorations, on every Christmas tree."  I don't know about you but I absolutely love this song.  It has such a beautiful melody and hearing it just makes me full of Christmas spirit.

Okay, I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet and I swear I am holding off on the Christmas stuff but this song has been in my head lately.  I figured that I might as well put this Christmas spirit to good use and show you all how to make really easy and really quick Christmas decorations.

Everyone has seen how to add glitter to those plastic animals (adorable, right?) or those glass Christmas ball ornaments, so I didn't go that route.  Instead, I wanted to show you a cheap and easy way to make glittered sticks which you can use for table decoration, place settings or (my favorite) gift wrapping!  I didn't have any gifts wrapped around here so I left that picture out, but I can only imagine the possibilities!

These look just as cute as the glittered sticks at the store, but are much cheaper!  Plus, you can make them any size you choose.

{How to Make it}
Grab an old newspaper and cut it into strips about 2 inches wide. Then, cut each strip into smaller pieces in whatever size you so choose. I made mini-sticks but you could do large ones for vases too.

 
Next, take a toothpick or other small stick and roll up each piece.  Make sure to let the toothpick stick out one end a little bit or you wont be able to get it out when it is rolled up.  If the toothpick stays in there, it wont hurt anything.  It will actually make it more heavy duty!

Tape the ends so that they don't unravel.

Lastly, dip the sticks into Mod Podge and cover in glitter.  If the bottom side sticks to the newspaper, it is no big deal, just re-cover it with Mod Podge once the top side is dry and glitter away!

{Your Turn}
How would you decorate with these?  Would you stick with Silver & Gold or throw in some other colors?

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

LINK LOVE!  Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion and  Chick-n-Scrap 

Make Your Own Charm Bracelet (Using Buttons!)

Happy Thursday!  I don't know about you, but I love jewelry.  Not so much the expensive, wear all the time kind of jewelry (except my wedding rings of course)  but all of the fun jewelry that can be swapped out daily for different looks.  I have everything from vintage beads to a 3 inch roadrunner necklace (really).  I even have a replica of the "Heart of the Ocean" from Titanic, which I actually do wear out sometimes.

Although there is something to be said about running across a piece of jewelry that you love and never would have dreamed of making (i.e. roadrunner necklace), making your own jewelry can be a quick and easy way to create the exact piece that you desire.  So, today I will show you how to make a charm bracelet.  The best part?  You can use BUTTONS; no need to buy a slew of expensive charms from the store.

It is so easy, we wont need a full tutorial.  Let me just tell you a few things:

{Materials}

{1} Variety of charms, buttons, beads, etc.  I had a package of small charms (the ones hanging in the picture) that I used in between the bigger pieces.  Buying a pack of these might come in handy.  All the other pieces are vintage looking buttons that I already owned.

{2} Jump Rings.  A pack of these from the store will last you through several bracelets.

{3} Cable Chain.  I think that is what it is called.  Any chain that fits around your wrist and can be hooked to the jump rings will work.


{How to Make it}
Simply attach each charm piece to the bracelet by using the jump ring. I laid out the order I wanted the charms to be in before I began.

Wow... I feel like I should say more, but it is really that easy.  Open the jump rings using pliers or any similar tool, or if you're a toughie- open them with your fingers.

That is really all there is to it.  Now go off and make your own!

{Your Turn}
What sort of charms would you put on your bracelet? I went with a sort of vintage look, using mostly gold, silver, and bronze tones. See the little elephant at the bottom? That was my special touch (it is my favorite animal). You could make these for yourself, friends, even children. There are buttons and beads in a variety of themes that are bound to fit any request. Enjoy picking out your own charms and creating a unique and beautiful piece of jewelry.

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

LINK LOVE!  Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion
  

Glitter & Frost Snowman Decor {Tutorial}

I love wintertime.  I hate the cold- but I love wintertime.  It is all the magic in the air and the snow falling gently to the ground.  It is being snuggled up in warm scarves and cozy blankets.  It is building snowmen.  In the spirit of this beautiful season, I wanted to get an early start on that whole "building snowmen" part of it.  So, here is what I came up with:

I actually came up with this idea after we had frost one night.  Our patio furniture was still out and the glass top table was covered in frost.  As I walked past it, I drew a picture with my nail (we're really all children inside, aren't we?) cutting away the frost on top.  What I found was so neat:  the sparkling frost that covered the bottom of the table was showing through my design, creating this dimensional look that you see here.  That look was just beautiful and easy to recreate too; let me show you how:


{What You Will Need}

Gather the materials listed above as well your vinyl pieces (3 circles to fit these blocks).  For the wood/glass pieces, I used the sizing as follows:
(Bottom) 3.5 inches wide x 2.5 inches tall
(Middle) 3.5 inches wide x 2 inches tall
(Top) 3.5 inches wide x 1.6 inches tall

If you will be cutting the wood and glass yourself, you will also need a saw and a glass cutter.  If not, your local glass store would be happy to make a few small pieces for you OR check your local craft store for pre-made sizes.


{Step One: Paint & Etch}

Paint each block with a couple coats of white paint.  Since it takes a few minutes to dry, paint one side and move onto the etching.

For the etching, place your vinyl in the center of each matching piece of glass.  Make sure that the edges form a tight seal.  Then, apply a generous amount of etching creme to the rest of the surface.  Follow instructions on your bottle.  {Hint:  I always keep the etching creme on much longer than it says.  15 minutes or so wont hurt it!}

Finish this step by painting the remaining sides of the blocks and (after the proper time has elapsed) cleaning off the etching creme.


{Step Two:  Applying the Glitter}
Add one more thin coat of paint to the front of the wood blocks. While the paint is still wet, sprinkle diamond dust over the top. While it dries, lightly press them in once or twice.


{Step Three:  Face Details}
Use whatever you desire to create the snowman's face.  I was going to use seed beads, but was having trouble getting them to stay on the glass.  I am happy with the paint though, because I could make the black parts look more misshapen like rocks or coal.


{Step Four:  Attach the Pieces Together}
Using the glue gun, make four blobs of glue on each corner of the glass. Quickly attach to the wood, pressing lightly. This will allow the pieces to attach together as well as create a spacer between the two (which gives it that dimensional look). Continue this process with all three pieces.

{Your Turn}
Any other designs you would make using this technique?  Have you made any winter crafts using etching creme before?  It seems like the perfect "frost" to me!  As always, I would love to hear your feedback or any input on future crafts you would like to see.

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

P.S. As I was writing this post, it started snowing here!  Too perfect!

LINK LOVE!  Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion and Chick-n-Scrap

5 Christmas Crafts using Fabric (most no-sew!)

Great news ladies and gentlemen: I finally have a job!  Well, a job outside of doggie trainer/housekeeper/cook/blogger that is.  Yes, I added blogging into that- it takes more time than you would think (unless you blog, then you probably WOULD think so)!  To make things even better, I work at the happiest place on earth.  No, no- not the one in Florida, the one for sewers.  Yep, I now work at JoAnn Fabrics.  Now if only I could figure out a way to spend all my time at Hobby Lobby and Michaels too (and get paid for it!)  Now I am just dreaming...

That being said, I have now spent my first day of work surrounded by CUTE fabrics and crafts.  So instead of shopping, I logged onto pinterest to "ooh" and "ahh" all of the neat Christmas ideas.  I figure this way, I am not just buying up fabric for no reason (hey, we've all got bills to pay, right?)... even if I really want to.

Here are a few really cute projects that I found:
*All projects and photographs are NOT my own*

  

{1}

"Embroidered Fabric Christmas Tree" by Better Homes and Gardens

I just LOVE this tree. The colors, the shapes, the buttons; it is beautiful. I bet the same idea could even be
made with fabric glue if you didn't know how (or didn't want to) sew.

{2}

"Ruffle Tree Skirt" by Done Over Decor

Here is another example of a fabric craft than can be made without sewing...(really!) I can't get over how lovely this is and how easy it looks to make. I especially love that she used burlap- so pretty. I will definetly be making this one soon!

{3}

Sparkly Sparkles {Embroidery Hoop Decor} by Whatever

I like this not only because it looks crazy easy and can be in any design you desire, but because they look like ornaments! I might even add a little something to the top to make it look even more like that. I love how simple yet stunning these embroidery hoops are. Plus, what a good use for any scrap fabric!

{4}

"Winter Wonderland Pillow" by Better Homes and Gardens

This craft calls for basic knitting, crocheting and embroidering knowledge to complete- most which I do not possess. However, I thought the type of look could be achieved by using punch embroidery techniques. Not that I know how to do that either, but my mom is getting into it lately, so I bet she would help me! Or, simply make the trees from fabric. I don't think it would be quite as nice, but still probably pretty cute. Anything with buttons on it seems to grab my attention.

{5}

 "How to Make a Fabric Bow {tutorial}" by WhipperBerry

I think this is just fantastic. I LOVE gift wrapping and am always looking for ways to make packaging more unique and personal. Can you believe that bow is made from fabric? Besides the fact that you can make these however you want, they probably look a lot better than those cheap bows from the store. I am really excited to make these- what an awesome idea WhipperBerry!


{Your Turn}
Which fabric idea was your favorite? Do you have a winter craft that you would like to share? I would love to hear what you are up to and what you think of these ideas. Don't forget to check out these bloggers for even more ADORABLE craft ideas!

Did you see my post on how to make Personalized Dollar Store Gloves? If not, check it out. I show you how to make three different styles, which you can then turn around to make hundreds (if you want hundreds of gloves!) It's a fabric craft of my own that I just made and would love to share with you.

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

A Message For All Girls (and Women)

Good Morning my friends.  My plan today was to bring you a new cold-weather craft.  However, I have been noticing lately that there is an issue that needs to be addressed.  No, this is not political.  It has nothing to do with social security, taxes or war.  It has to do with the way people (women especially) are viewing themselves in the world today.  With social media being so easy and accessible, girls are making their feelings more and more known.  Wouldn't you agree?  A status update or a new "tweet" only take a moment to make.  Similarly, it is easier than ever to bring people down.  It seems that people think of virtual words as less harmful than face-to-face words.  Just to clear things up:  They are NOT less harmful.

It breaks my heart to see these girls (of all ages) feeling insecure with who they are.  I know that my blog isn't the most popular one out there, but if my message gets across to just one person, I will feel that it was worth my time.  I want each and every woman to know that they are truly special, that they are loved and that they do have a purpose that nobody else can fulfill.

That being said, I wanted to also make a few printables on this subject that I am happy to share with you.  If you or somebody you know would benefit from seeing these words, please do not hesitate to print them out, hang them up, or make them your computer wallpaper.  Use them in any way that will encourage you or those you love.

{Please enjoy & share these free printables}
Image of God 
Keep Being You 
You Are Beautiful 
You are NOT insignificant 
You Are... {You} 

Girls, Women, Everyone listening:
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.  Inside and Out.  YOU ARE NEEDED.  Even when you think that no one notices you.  YOU HAVE A PURPOSE.  God has a plan and I promise you, that in time you will see it too.

I know that it is hard sometimes to see yourself as special.  I know that sometimes life is really really hard and it seems that nothing is going your way.  I know that people are mean and that words really do hurt.  I know that sometimes it is not so easy to figure out who you are.  Yet, I know that you (yes YOU) are so capable and wonderful and specially made to be exactly who you are.  Please don't ever give up on yourself, because I promise you:  There are people out there who have never even met you, who love you and can't wait to see you succeed.  Really.  It sounds crazy but it's true.

Similarly, girls be nice to each other.  Love yourself and don't try to make yourself feel better by bringing others down.  There is enough room in this world for everyone to be happy.  Being mean wont make you happier anyways, not in the long run.  You might be surprised who you can find a friend in, so give them a chance.

Now that I've got that all off my chest, I hope it has made a difference for someone- anyone.  I will see you all again on Thursday.  You are beautiful and you are loved.

Kelsie Ann