Wednesday, February 22

WOYWW #6

I know it's now Thursday, but hey, better late than never, right?!?

I can't believe it's been 3 weeks since my last WOYWW post!!  I'm so happy to be doing well enough this week to be able to share my current projects with you!!

This week I'm working on some wall art for my friend's nursery.  She's decorating her daughter's room with a bird theme and I've offered to help with a lot of the decor.

I'm working on a few altered art pieces including birdhouses for the mobile, a couple shadow boxes, an altered puzzle, and a few others.  Here are six of "projects" laid out for you to see...


I know it's kind of hard to make everything out, but I'll try to explain what they are for you.  Starting in the upper left corner are the birdhouses for the moible, next to them is a "Shadow Box #1" and "Shadow Box #2".  The 3 frames in the bottom row are for a piece of name art, the framed altered puzzle, and a framed lullaby project.

Here's a close up of the project I'm most excited about right now...


It's a basic, single-cubby shadow box, but soon it'll be the home of a little bird and it's nest...and more of course!!  

Thanks for checking out my current projects!!  I'll be back next week (on time) and will probably have made some progress on these projects by then!!

Thanks for reading!!  Until next time...

Monday, February 20

Linky List #6 w/Features

This past week proved to me that you all haven't given up on my despite my bloggy absence!!  Thank you sooo much to each person that linked up last week!!

Before I get to the features and this week's party, I just want to give you all a quick personal update on my recovery from surgery...
As I said in my last update, I had a couple complications, but now I'm doing better and better each and every day!!  I can't wait to be back to my craftin' and bloggin' self again, because just laying around all day is not for me!!

There are a few other fun posts coming this week besides today's linky party!!  Here's what you can look forward to:
Wednesday
WOYWW #6: A fun peek into my crafty work space!!
Friday
Fun Fact Friday: More details about March's big giveaway!!
Saturday/Sunday
Weekend Workshop: A super fun pair of tutorials that you're going to love!!

Now, let's get to those features...

Last week's "Top Looked at Linky" was...

Craft Room Table Makeover
from Jillify It
What a super simple table makeover tutorial!!  I love it!!  Along with the rest of Jill's craft room!!  hehehe


"Lisa's Loved Linkies" from last week were...

DIY Magnet Organization Board
from AKM Designs & Delights
Such a cool idea and a great tutorial too!!  I would love to have one for my kitchen...and my craft room too!!

Double Strand Braided Ribbon Headband
from Love Bug Living
Another easy, but gorgeous project!!  I plan on making a few of these for a good friend of mine!!

Burlap Wreath
from Made in a Day
Ahh, my beloved burlap!!  This is so gorgeous that it just may be the first wreath I ever make!!



Lisa's Linky List #6

This linky party will be open until Saturday, February 25th at 11:59PM Eastern time.  Then on Monday, February 27th, I'll feature the "Top Looked at Linky" and "Lisa's 3 Loved Linkies" from this week's party!!

You don't have to, but I'd really appreciate a link back or for you to add my linky party button to your post or sidebar to help me spread the word. 


I want to keep this pretty simple so I only have 2 rules...
1. Please, only link up posts such as crafts, diy projects, recipes, cleaning/organizing ideas, decorating, etc. 
2. Do not link up shops, giveaways or any post trying to sell something. 

A few other quick things I want to mention about this linky party...
* Remember to link directly to your specific post, not your blog’s main page. 
* By linking up, you give me permission to use content from your post for the purpose of featuring you, which would include linking back to your blog and post. 
* Please visit other links and comment!!

Thursday, February 16

Big Announcements

UPCOMING EVENTS


Between March 5th and March 17th, we'll celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a big ol' party!!  I already have some great tutorials in the works that I think you're going to love!!  There's also going to be an 11-day linky party where you can link up all of your St. Patty's Day projects & recipes!!

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
For each of the events listed below there will be special tutorials, an extended linky party and more!!

Easter & Spring
This big bloggy event will celebrate all things Easter & Spring!!

Mother's Day
This will be a time to show your appreciation to the mothers and mother figures in your life!!

Father's Day
This will not just focus on fathers, but all of those special men (and boys)!!



UPCOMING GIVEAWAY

I'm so excited about our next big giveaway and I think you will be too!!

Do you remember me mentioning my lace supplier, Crystal's Lace and More?  I'm so very happy to announce that Miss Crystal is sponsoring a new giveaway next month!!

We're going to be giving away over 3/4lb of assorted gorgeous lace and 20 assorted colors & lengths of zippers!!  Here's a sneak peek at the lace...


I must say that when I saw the prize package for this giveaway, I was in awe!!  Despite my giant collection of lace, I was even jealous of the lace being given away!!  Then there are the zippers too!!  Some of them are super long; I'll have pictures of those coming soon!!

I'll be sharing all of the details for this giveaway with you very soon!!


PERSONAL UPDATE

I know many of you have been following my progress after my surgery so I wanted to give you an update.

Although I was doing really well shortly after my surgery, I've had some complications since then.  

First I noticed a lot of pain that wasn't going away.  Some of the pain was more of a burning sensation than the typical ache you get after a surgery like this.  When my hubby removed the dressing for the first time to clean it, we found that I had 2nd degree burns from the adhesive used to cover the wound.  That was the first ER trip.

The next day I noticed some additional pain and swelling and was concerned so we went back to the ER for them to check it out.  They really couldn't do much other than prescribe a 2nd narcotic pain medication.  The day after that, I went to see a PA in my surgeon's office who prescribed a steroid for 8 days to help with the inflammation that's causing the pain.  It has made a big difference already!!  I'm very happy to say I'm on the mend...for real this time!!  hehehe  

I can't wait to get back to blogging "full time", but still need to take it kind of slow right now.  Thank you to everyone that has kept me in their thoughts and prayers and to those that have messaged me as well.  You are all such incredible people and dearly care for each and every one of you!!

Thanks for reading!!  Until next time...

Monday, February 13

Lisa's Linky List #5

This linky party will be open until Saturday, February 18th at 11:59PM Eastern time.  Then on Monday, February 20th, I'll feature the "Top Looked at Linky" and "Lisa's 3 Loved Linkies" from this week's party!!


You don't have to, but I'd really appreciate a link back or for you to add my linky party button to your post or sidebar to help me spread the word. 

I want to keep this pretty simple so I only have 2 rules...
1. Please, only link up posts such as crafts, diy projects, recipes, cleaning/organizing ideas, decorating, etc. 
2. Do not link up shops, giveaways or any post trying to sell something. 

A few other quick things I want to mention about this linky party...
* Remember to link directly to your specific post, not your blog’s main page. 
* By linking up, you give me permission to use content from your post for the purpose of featuring you, which would include linking back to your blog and post. 
* Please visit other links and comment!!

Love-Filled Linky List Features

Thanks to everyone that linked up to the Love-Filled Linky List!!  You linked up some awesome projects, tutorials, and recipes!!  Oh how I wish there was a little more time until Valentine's Day so I could make them all!!

If you'd like to check out all of the 41 Valentine links, just click here, but for now, here are the features from the party...


The Top Looked at Linky from the party was...


Origami Heart Tutorial
from Moments with the Montanos




Lisa's Loved Linkies are...

Key to My Heart Frame
from Silo Hill Farm


Valentine's Banner
from Chicken Scratch


Owl Valentine Treats
from Rook No. 17


Cupid in the Box
from I Gotta Create!


If you've been featured here today, feel free to grab a Featured button from my Buttons page!!

Thanks for reading!! Until next time...

Friday, February 10

Lisa's Life: Surgery Update

Before I give you the full update let me just say that I never thought I'd be doing this well so soon after my surgery!!  Thank you to everyone who has wished me well and kept me in their thoughts and prayers over the past few days!!  You are all so sweet and I can't tell you how much I appreciate you!!

Here's how the past few days have gone...

Wednesday: I had my surgery at 7:30am and everything went as planned, although the surgery itself took a little longer than planned.  I woke up in a lot of pain, but the hospital staff gave me medication to dull the pain a bit.  Once I was awake enough, they brought me to another room where I got to see my hubby and my mum.  Within a short time I was headed home.  I slept most of the afternoon and evening.

Thursday: I still slept a lot, but not as much as Wednesday.  It was a very long day filled with a lot of pain and boredom.

Friday: Today is the exact opposite of Thursday...thank goodness!!  I'm still in a bit of pain, but doing much better!!  As you can see I'm able to sit up and use my laptop and even do a few small crafty fun things!!

Thank you all for being so patient with my absence and for being so understanding and supportive too!!
~Lisa

Sunday, February 5

Lisa's Life: A Super Short Bloggy Break

As most of you know, I have a big surgery coming up this Wednesday.  The expected recovery time for the surgery is at least 2 weeks, but I should be able to use my laptop much sooner than that.

I had originally planned on writing a bunch of posts in advance and scheduling them to be published while I was recovering.  Unfortunately, my other medical issues are flaring up causing me a lot of pain so I haven't been able to stick to my plan.

After much thought and many conversations with my hubby and my mum, we've decided that it would be best for me to simply take a short break from blogging starting today.  As soon as I'm able to sit up and use my laptop I will start posting again, which should be in about 7-10 days.

I do have a guest post or two that will be posted during my break, so be sure to watch for it!!

Thanks to everyone for understanding and for being so patient!!  I care so much for each of you and hope that you know just how much you mean to me!!

Thanks for reading!!  Until next time...

Friday, February 3

Friday's {Valentine} Features #1

This week's Friday's Features will be a collection of Valentine's Day tutorials from around the web.  Enjoy!!

That little heart can come out of the little pocket too!!  So darn cute!!

You gotta love handmade paper so these valentines are so cool!!

It took quite awhile to find a large mailbox template!!  This one rocks!!

I adore burlap and word tags so this is right up my alley!!

This is such an easy and inexpensive project!!  I gotta try it!!

I think the little bunting banners are adorable!!  Love this!!

Thanks for reading!!  Until next time...

Thursday, February 2

Guest Post: Bleak2Unique (Valentine Tree)

Today we have a guest post by Lori from Bleak2Unique!!  She's going to share a wonderful tutorial on how to decorate a Valentine Tree...for cheap!!  Gotta love affordable projects, especially ones as pretty as this!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hi Ya'll! I'm so excited to be here at Lisa's Craft Blog. To tell you the truth, this is my first guest post, and I'm a little nervous, but what the heck...I'm among friends, right? 

 So, what can I tell you about me...I'm Lori from over at Bleak2Unique where I blog about life, trash to treasure projects, and my adventures as a DIY addict. I'm a southern girl living on the west coast, a new blogger, and I absolutely love meeting new blog friends, so come on by anytime...

 

To keep us all in the spirit for Lisa's "A Love-Filled Valentine's Event" I am going to share our new holiday tradition...A Valentine's tree. 

We are big Christmas decorators, so we have 5 trees (should I really admit that!), and one of the small trees just happens to be pink...perfect for Valentine's Day. After climbing in the attic and retrieving the pink tree (the very last box, in the back, past the spider webs...ugh), I headed to my favorite craft store....the Dollar Tree! Here is what I got... 

Valentine's garland and heart boxes...so cute 

 
Foam heats and "sweetheart" boxes 

I brought my goodies home, put the tree together, fluffed the branches and got out some of my crystals...these are leftovers from lamp and chandelier makeovers like my Revamp the Lamps tutorial...I love lamps! 

Gotta love some bling! 

Teardrops make me happy 

I put it all together and here is what I got....A Valentine's tree! 

Love is in the air 

We have lights! 

Love tinsel... 

...and lights 

Night view 

I love it so much...maybe next year I'll drag down the 8 foot white tree...probably not! This only took about an hour, so get inspired and put up your own tree....and have a Happy Valentine's Day. 

 If you want to see more of my ideas hop on over and check out some of my follower faves like... 



I have enjoyed sharing with all of you today! Thanks so much Lisa for having me over!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Wasn't that great?!?  I love that she went to Dollar Tree for some of the ornaments and those cute boxes!!  Now I just gotta find an inexpensive, small pink tree!! hehehe

Lori has great tutorials over at her blog so please take a moment to visit Bleak2Unique and become a follower too!!

Thanks for reading!!  Until next time...

Tutorial: "52 Reasons I Love You" Book

I wanted the first tutorial for the "Love-Filled Valentine's Event" to be a biggie and I think this one is perfect!!

The time has come for the tutorial you have been waiting for...


Let me start by saying...
I DID NOT COME UP WITH THIS IDEA!!
These "52 Reasons..." books have been posted all over the internet recently and I thought it was such a great idea that I wanted to make one for my husband this year.  As with any and all crafts that I make, I'm sharing the tutorial with you!!

Other people that have made these books have said that the hardest part was coming up with the 52 reasons.  However, after spending the last 12 years of my life with my husband, it was super easy to come up with my 52 reasons!!  I actually struggled with the embellishing step the most!!

I know you're all just dying to see this tutorial, so here it is...

"52 Reasons I Love You"
Deck of Cards Book Tutorial

SUPPLIES
Deck of cards
Scrap paper
Pencil
Scissors
Ruler
Hole punch
Eyelets & eyelet setter
Paper & cardstock variety
Glue
Embellishments
Permanent markers
1/8" Ribbon

Step 1: ADDING THE HOLES
Adding the 3 holes to the edge of the cards first was really helpful because it allowed me to keep the deck of cards together without needed a rubber band or other closure.  Plus, when it came time to bind the book, the holes were already there!
*MAKE A TEMPLATE*
Trace one of the cards onto a scrap piece of paper and cut it out.
Experiment with the hole placement until you get it just right.
*HOLES IN COVERS*
Place the 2 Joker cards so that the Jokers are facing each other.
Put your template on top of the 2 cards and mark where the holes will go.
Punch out holes in the locations you marked.
I added eyelets to each of the covers to strengthen them a bit.
*HOLES IN PLAYING CARDS*
Take your stack of 52 playing cards and place them face up.
Place your template on top so that the holes are towards the left side of the cards.
Mark were the holes are onto the top card.
Punch the 3 holes though the top 3-5 cards.
Repeat this process until you've punched 3 holes in all 52 playing cards.

Step 2: CUT WRITING AREA SHAPES
When designing the format of my cards, I wanted to incorporate a heart into the writing area.  I decided that I would write the reason number on a large heart that would go at the top of each card.  The actual reason would be written on a rectangle underneath the heart. 
*DETERMINE SIZES*
Find a heart template or punch that will make hearts that will fit to the right of your punched holes and still be centered on the card. (See the photo above).
Measure the size of the center of your card; this will be the same size as the King, Queen, and Jack images on the face cards.
*CUT OUT SHAPES*
Using the templates, punches, or measurements described above, cut out at least 52 of each shape from various papers.
Note: I made sure that the rectangles were all solid colors because I wanted the reasons to be very visible. As for the hearts, I used some mildly patterned papers that I could still write on.

Step 3: ATTACH WRITING AREAS TO CARDS
I learned the sanding "trick" the hard way.  I glued half of my writing areas to half of the cards only to find out they would peal right off!!  Do not skip sanding the cards!!
*SAND CARDS*
Note: Do not skip this step and don't sand the entire card unless you want a rough, worn look.
Determine what portion of your card your writing area shapes will be covering.
Sand down this part of the card in order to remove the glossy finish; this will allow the paper to adhere to the card. 
*COVER PLAYING CARDS*
First glue the rectangle towards the bottom center of the card - approximately 1/8" from the bottom.
Next glue the heart at the top of the card in the center so it overlaps the rectangle. (See photo above.)
 Repeat this process for all 52 playing cards.
*COVER JOKERS*
Trace the cards onto cardstock and cut out.
Using your template mark where the holes should go and punch them out.
Sand the enter Joker side of both covers.
Glue the cardstock pieces over the Joker images.

Step 4: DESIGN COVERS
Find a creative way to decorate the cover of your book.
Consider adding a personal message to the inside of the covers.
Note: For my book, I wrote a short note to my husband on the inside front cover.  On the top of the inside back cover, I wrote, "...and we will live happily ever after."  Towards the bottom I just added that it was made for my husband with love for Valentine's Day 2012.

Step 5: EMBELLISH CARDS
Decorate the 52 playing cards, but make sure to leave enough room to write on your hearts and rectangles!!
Here are some embellishing ideas...
Glue ribbon, lace, and trim to the edges.
Add stickers.
Glue on gems, die cuts, etc.
Doodle on the cards.
Punch holes on the wrong side of the cards and weave ribbon through them.
Add brads & eyelets.
Just let your imagination run wild!!
Once all of your cards are embellished, mix them up so that no two similar cards are together.

Step 6: ADD REASONS
NOTE: You can find my list of 52 reasons at the end of this tutorial along with a link to another list of 52 reasons!!
Write the reason numbers (1-52) in the hearts on each card using permanent marker.
Add the actual reasons on the rectangles of each card.
Here are some examples from my cards...

Step 7: BINDING THE BOOK
I wanted this book to look like a book, not a round address book - if you know what I mean.  I cam up with a way to "bind" the book so it has a spine, while keeping the "chunkiness" of the book that I love so much.
*THREAD RIBBON THROUGH HOLES*
Thread 8" lengths of 1/8" wide ribbon through the holes in the cards as shown above.
*TIE & MEASURE*
While tightly squeezing the book closed, tie the ends of the ribbons together.
Measure how thick the book is when it's being squeezed shut.
Untie the ribbons and gently set the book aside.
*MAKE BOOK SPINE*
Cut a piece of chipboard that is 3.5" long and is as wide as your book is thick.
Punch holes in the chipboard as shown above, making sure the distance between the holes is the same as on the cards.
*ATTACH SPINE*
Using the ribbons coming out of the back cover, thread them through the chipboard piece going towards the front of the book. (See photo above).
Tie the ribbons very tightly into a bow; then tie a knot using the loops of the bow to secure them.
Squeeze the book closed if it opened while tying the ribbons.

FINISHED!!





52 REASONS LISTS
In addition to my list of reasons below, you can find another list of 52 reasons HERE.
Some of my reasons were personal, so I've simply left them out.

  • You make me laugh...alot
  • You've sacrificed so much for me
  • You love me for me
  • You know how to handle me when I'm angry
  • You make me proud to be your wife
  • You give me a reason to wake up every morning
  • You always know what I need (and want)
  • You'll make an amazing father
  • You're a "hopeless romantic"
  • You are my strength
  • Your hugs make me feel secure
  • You know all of my favorite things
  • You have the perfect kiss
  • You appreciate my arts & crafts
  • You've never given up on me
  • We share the same hopes & dreams
  • You hold & comfort me when I cry
  • You make me feel important
  • I never know what to expect from you
  • You are patient with me
  • You leave love notes on the mirror
  • Our love for one another constantly grows
  • We have silly pet names for each other
  • You know what to do when I go crazy
  • You're my dream man
  • You are willing to grow & change
  • We like the same things
  • You're so sappy & mushy
  • You always know what's best for me
  • You don't mind girly stuff like this
  • You're not afraid to be yourself
  • We make great memories together
  • You inspire me
  • You stand up for me
  • You love me despite my bad habits
  • You never give up
  • You don't pick on me...much
  • You support my craft addiction...err...hobby
  • You say you're not perfect, but to me you are
  • We communicate with one another
  • You tolerate my odd sleep patterns
  • When I'm with you everything is perfect


I really hope you enjoyed my tutorial for my version of this super fun project!!  I must say that I can't wait to give this to my hubby on Valentine's Day.  I'm so lucky to have a husband that is not only interested in my crafts, but appreciates and compliments everything I make.  I just know he'll treasure this book!!

Thanks for reading!! Until next time...

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