Jun 27, 2012

4th of July flash back

Need a couple more 4th of July ideas? I wanted to flash back to what we did the last two years...

Last year we did a couple fun (and easy!) activities in tot school and you can check them out HERE.



Two years ago, we made yummy peanut butter rice krispie treats. They were SO good and John was a great helper! We may just have to make them again this year.




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Jun 26, 2012

Distressed Flag Sign - Tutorial

Like I said the other day, I am getting back in gear with crafting after taking about a 4 month break due to moving. So, the first project in the new house is this distressed flag sign.



Every time I walk in the living room, the mantel just pops and I love it. It may 'pop' because nothing else is hanging up in our house yet, but whatevs.



Here is how you can make one for your own home:

Supplies
-poster/print of the flag (get yours FREE below!)
-spare board cut to size
-white paint and paint brush
-sander/sand paper
-mod podge and brush

Steps:
1. Print the flag image either as a poster or photo. I printed mine at Walmart as a poster for about $13. Luckily the Walmart near me has same-day pick up available so I ordered it online and Brad picked it up for me while he was out at night. (Isn't he the sweetest assistant?!) Feel free to save and use this image. I created it using Photoshop Elements.



2. Cut your board to size. Then paint the edges and sides white and let it dry.



3. Brush a layer of mod podge on your board and then press your poster onto the board. Smooth out any bubbles and let dry.






See how shiny and neat it looks? We will fix that right now...

4. Use your sander or sand paper to distress the edges and across the flag. Distress as much as or as little as you wish!


I love how distressed and worn the the corners are!



5. Seal with another coat of mod podge on the top of your flag. Let dry. (actually, I skipped this step because I was being lazy. Usually I would seal my signs)






Now, a cute project just about doesn't get any easier than that!

The 4th of July word art was found at The Crafting Chicks where they so kindly shared the printable for free!

If you make one, be sure to let me know because I would love to see how it turns out. You can even post it to my facebook page for all to see!


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Jun 25, 2012

4th of July Tot School resource

Today the boys will be starting their 4th of July tot school activities. I am so excited because we haven't done anything in months. (I am such a bad mom, right!?). Now that we are more settled we are ready to get our butts back in gear!

I will share exactly what we did later but I wanted to tell you where I have found the BEST ideas. Have you been to Oopsey Daisy? Love that site! She has 'Mommy School' packets (she is a former teacher) and they list out the cutest little activities to do with toddlers. I found the 'U is for USA' packet yesterday when I was planning and it was perfect!



So, go over to her Mommy School page where she is so kind to share her materials with us. And be sure to say 'hi' and 'thank you' while you are there!

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Jun 23, 2012

I Am BACK...and an Announcement

Well, loyal readers, (is anyone still out there?!!?) I think I can officially say I am back! We are about 90% unpacked at the new house (which I love even when the AC broke the 2nd day we were here!). I started to set up our tot school stuff today and will have the boys started on 4th of July activities on Monday. I can't wait! Today I also unpacked my crafty stuff and put it in its own closet (YAY for more storage in the new house!). It got me all excited so I decide to start working on a 4th of July mantel. Brad is picking up some of the supplies while he is out tonight and I will finish it up tomorrow. I can't wait to show it to you (with a freebie download and tutorial!) on Monday!

So, for the annoucement...



We are super excited (and quite nervous!). I can't wait until August when we can find out the sex and start planning the nursery with my sister. Until then, maybe I will actually put together the boys' rooms...

Check back Monday for the flag sign tutorial! Have a great weekend!

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