DIY Taggy Blanket

Here is a simple project...very simple.  I am a novice on the sewing machine, at best.  So, truly, if I can do this, ANYONE can! 

A sweet taggy blanket for my sweet little girl.

First of all I should say that my husband is from Pittsburgh.  Enough said?  Here's a little text exchange that got this whole project started:

Yup--he's got me trained.  If I see Steelers stuff, I buy it.  And since our little girl didn't have anything Steelers yet (3 months and no Steelers stuff yet!?!) I got it and decided to make her a taggy blanket!

Supplies:
Fleece (a half yard is good)
Sewing Machine
Ribbon
Stick Pins

• First of all, cut two pieces of fleece, about 2'x2'.
• Then, pin folded pieces of ribbon along the edge of one of the pieces of fleece, all the way around.  Pin to the top of the fleece.  The edges of the ribbon should be on the outside.
• Next, sew around the edge of the piece of fleece, securing the ribbon in place.
• Then, take the other piece of fleece, and with right sides in, pin the two pieces together and sew around the outside, leaving a small opening to flip it.
• Trim the excess seam and flip so the right sides are out.
• Stitch the opening shut by hand with a matching thread.

And done!  Finally, give to a sweet little girl who, whether she likes it our not, will be a Steeler's fan!

Thanks, as always, so being here!

Monogram Wreath

 

This is another project that grew and changed as I created it.

To be honest I set out with this project to create something green.  I recently bought a huge picture frame for our family room that is really green.  My husband pointed out that it was silly to buy something green...when there isn't anything in our family room that is green.  So, I created something!  (that will show him!)

Supplies:

Canvas (8x8)

Paint--white, green and light gold

Modge Podge

Felt

Buttons

Hot Glue Gun

Scarp Fabric

How to:

First, paint your canvas as you desire.  I gave mine a coat of white paint and then added the green boarder using painter's tape to make straight lines.  Finally, I gave the entire canvas a slight coat of gold paint because it looked a little too white.
Next, add felt leaves with hot glue.  I made these by putting one long stitch in two pieces of green, leaf-shaped felt.
Then, add buttons.
Finally, cut out a monogram by printing the letter and then taping it to the fabric with clear packing tape.  Cut out and modge podge into the center of the wreath.

I'm happy with it...now I just need to finish my green picture frame project!

 

Thanks, as always, for being here,



Milk Buddies: Wordless Wednesday {and linky}

Oh...if only I hadn't given up chocolate for Lent!

Thanks for sharing your Wednesdays with me!

Blogging Relfection and Mentoring Program at One Artsy Mama

I never could have known how much blogging would change (or complicate) my life. 

Truth be told, I used to look down my nose at mommy bloggers, before I became one.  I didn't really understand blogging, why anyone would read a blog, let alone write one.

And then I found pinterest...and through that the world of creative blogging.  In a matter of minutes of I totally hooked.  I started jumping from blog to blog, digging through archives, writing comments, becoming a follower...

And we all know what the next step is...becoming a blogger!

So, that's exactly what I did.  By that point I was a stay at home mom anxious to establish a new creative outlet.  The first projects I posted on this blog are still some of my favorite.  I wrote witty blog posts, took beautiful pictures, and yet, the only people reading my blog were my husband and my mother.

I'm not sure why we all NEED to have more people clamoring over our blogs, but I certainly felt the need.  So, I discovered link parties.  That helped a little.  And then I posted more often.  I started making "bloggy friends."  That helped too.  And then I started in on this Mentoring Program with One Artsy Mama.

Through all of this I grew as a blogger, and the traffic on my blog increased...but I started to fall deeper and deeper into the blogging pit.  Because that's the thing, isn't it, blogging can really just take over your life if you let it.

Through this mentoring program I have really learned so much, and hopefully you've noticed some changes around here.  The most helpful piece so far has been the goal setting for me.  By setting goals I have given myself something to strive for.

However, by setting goals I have also set markers that I have little control over achieving.  How exactly do I get people to come here every day?  How do I hook new people that I've never met or seen?  Blogging has opened up a larger world to me, and yet it continues to feel isolating sometimes.  Here I am, sitting alone at my kitchen table while the kids nap, typing away.  Will people read this?  Maybe. Hopefully.

I know I am getting a little loopy here, but I spend a lot of my time thinking about blogging--the what and how's of blogging.  Sometimes I need to stop and think about the why's. 

Clearly I'm not going to get rich and famous from blogging.  So, that's not why I do it.

The truth is that I really love creative blogging.  I love dreaming up projects, I love meeting people through comments and exploring their blogs, I love sharing about my faith with other mothers on Saturdays and I love the support I feel in this mentoring program.

So, I'm sorry that this post turned into a lot of drivel today. 

We are only half-way through our mentoring program.  I really hope that I can glean some insights into authentic connections through social media in the next part of the mentoring program because if we aren't here to support each other, then why are we here?

Hummm...still more to think about, but I'd better stop.

The baby is waking up.

An Oldie but a Goodie Link Party {and features}

Welcome back to another Oldie's Party! 

I am thrilled to once again, have a wonderful co-host, Angela from Juggling Act Mama.  Go check out her blog--the recipes alone will be your reward!

 

And--we are trying something new this week at the Oldies's party.  I'm adding a Pinterest Blog Hop! I was thinking, where do great projects go and live forever--Pinterest!  So, let's build our pinterest following (and who we follow)!  Join if you choose, this is totally optional!  I will happily be you newest follower if you join!

I am excited to get on to this week's party--but before that, I have some wonderful features to share!

PInk Polkadot Creation's Photo Block Tutorial

A crocheting pattern for a very hungry caterpillar from Hollywood Cerise

Roasted Veggies and Sausage and Pasta from My Turn for Us

Creative Khadija's DIY Stud Ear Ring

How the Sun Rose's Story Dice

Great stuff!  If you were featured, please feel free to grab a button from the tab above!  Thanks again to all those that linked up last week!

And now, onto the party!  As always, just a few requests:

• You can link up anything, NEW or OLD, just make sure it is new to this party.
• Please link back to this party, by posting either the button or a text link on your blog.
• If you'd like, I've love to have you follow along here.
• Please, visit other's that have linked up and leave some nice comments!

Thanks--are you ready to party?

Embroidered Pendants

If you have been around here for any amount of time you've probably picked up on the fact that I love felt.  I have made just about everything from felt: finger puppets, mug cozies, children' books, electronics cases and ornaments.  But, I had never made jewelry...until now!

Last week I made three felt, embroidered pendants.  Aren't they pretty?  These are easy, they just take a little time.  Here's the how to:

Supplies:
Felt (the good wool stuff is best)
Embroidery Thread,
Ornate Buttons
Washers
Needle Nosed Pillars
Ring Finding
Chain

Since this could be done in a lot of ways, I'm not going to go into a ton of detail here.

1. Cut out three different sized circles from different colors of felt.  I used a pattern for this step just because I don't naturally cut perfect circles.
2. Embroider the top.  For one pendant I used a back stitch with a cross stich over it.  From another I used various pedal stitched on top of each other.  And for the red pendant I did various backstitches around the circle.  I worked from the center out while embroidering.
3. Once the front is done, stitch a washer to the back.  This will give it weight so it will hang like a necklace should.
4.  Then cut out a back piece, the same size was your biggest circle.  Attach to the back (so the washer is sandwiched inside) with a back stitch, or whatever you choose.
5.  Finally, using the end of a needle nosed pillars, poke a hole through the top of the completed pendant.  Insert a ring finding and close with the pillars.

I'm really excited about these.  They are statement jewelry...without being too much of a statement!  Which one do you like best?

This might actually get me to start wearing jewelry!

As always, I'm so touched you stopped by!

Mom, Woman of Faith: Finding Time for Prayer

Welcome back to "Mom: Woman of Faith".  Each Saturday a group of moms respond to a question essential to our lives as Christians and Mothers.  I am excited to have two new mom's contributing this week--please welcome them!  It is our hope that this series will spark reflection and growth for all those involved.  Please feel free to add your thoughts here or on facebook. 

This week's Question:

How do you find time for daily prayer?

Nancy

Small Things

I hesitate to respond to this question--because I fail at this so often.  As a single person I did a much better job making time for prayer.  I meet Christ in silent prayer daily, and I used my long commute to a difficult job (I taught at an inner-city school) as a time for prayer that proved very fruitful.  Now that I am a stay-at-home mom, where my schedule is governed largely by a 21 month old and a 3 month old, I really miss the consistency of prayer I had as a single person.  What's ironic is that I spent much of my time as a single person begging God for a spouse and a family--The Lord must get a kick out of us silly humans!

 

This Lent I have decided to focus on creating a time for prayer, and I have yet to really figure it out.  Here's what I'm trying--I have realized that the only time I can depend on having silent time alone is in the morning--the early morning.  I am working on getting up, grabbing a cup of coffee and digging into the scriptures and spiritual reflection at this time.  I also an working on adding consistent exercise to my life.  Either in the morning, or if I can get the kids to nap at the same time, I head down to the basement and jump on the treadmill.  I find that this is a great time for prayer for me.  I can't get distracted with housework and I don't need to be listening to music or watching TV.  I can talk to the Lord (sometimes out loud).  My husband and I also work to make time to pray as a family after supper and together before bed.

 

Finally, throughout my journey through motherhood I have worked to make my entire life a prayer.  In the silent hours at night when I am up rocking a baby, I try to mediate on a mystery of the faith.  When I am cleaning up a really poopy diaper I try to look at my child and say, "God made you, and you are good."  As a mother I have never felt closer to God...and I have never felt more distracted!  It is a wonderful, frustrating vocation! 

Elizabeth

Yes, They're All Ours

I used to think that my prayer time had to be first thing in the morning when the house was quiet and still – or last thing at night before I fell asleep, exhausted from a busy day.  The problem with both of those times is that as soon as I am quiet and still, more often than not, I start dozing off and find myself praying the craziest things in my half-asleep, half-awake state!!  Sad, but true!  I have found that praying while actively engaged in some type of activity works better for me.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 says simply, “Pray without ceasing.”

I think the best way to revolutionize our prayer lives as mothers is to begin our days praising God and then be in an attitude of prayer throughout the day.  Sometimes that I have found especially conducive to praying are: while walking, exercising, driving, ironing, washing dishes, nursing a baby (haven’t tried that one in about 7 years!), and my personal favorite – while in the shower! These are all excellent times to seek the Lord while our hands or bodies are busy with the task at hand.

Another excellent time to pray is while reading the Word. Find some way to pray each verse back to the Lord. This works especially well in the Psalms, where we can easily turn most verses into a praise or a supplication.

A common problem with prayer is that our minds wander. I find that short targeted prayers throughout the day make it easier to stay focused. For longer periods of time, I follow a piece of advice that was given to me years ago. I keep a notebook and pen beside me ready to write down all the things that pop into my head that I really “must do” that day! That way I won’t forget them, but I’m able to clear my mind of those distractions.

Another common problem is promising to pray for a need and feeling terrible when you forget to do so! I have two helpful remedies for that problem. First of all, pray for a need as soon as you hear about it from a friend or in an email or on Facebook. Secondly, set a reminder on your phone or add a sticky note to your computer screen to remind you to pray for the need. I recently discovered the Prayer Notebook App, which is very helpful (if you have an iPhone) for recording prayer needs as soon as you hear of them, keeping requests and answers organized, and setting reminders to pray for people or events at specific times.   
These strategies have helped me strengthen my prayer life even as the busy mom of ten!

Melody

Blossoming Joy



The ugly truth is that when I try to “find” time for prayer in my days, I end up in the confessional talking about my prayer failures. The time simply will not be found and so I have a two-fold approach to daily prayer. I call it “Make It or Take It.”

Make It
In a family of 8 (with one more on the way), there’s always something demanding my attention. If I want to ensure focused time with the Lord, I have to make the time. Schedule it. For example, I have a goal of morning prayer before I leave my room. There are some days when I can more easily sit and stare at the wall for ten minutes than commit my focus to the Lord. Regardless, I make it a point to do battle with my weak will to get it done. If I must tend to something else first, I go right back. Not always a pretty picture of my soul… but it is my tiny fiat.

Take It
If I can’t make the time and am literally running from one moment to the next, I have to take those moments and use them in whatever way I can. They are all moments of grace. Just as I interact with others throughout the day, so am I called to keep close to God. Please, Lord… Thank you, Jesus… Help me, Father… Bless us… Cover us… Have mercy on us… Blessed Mother, intercede for us.  It’s about taking each moment and using it for the greater glory and love of God.

Ultimately, it’s not about whether I get to have the quiet, focused time that I prefer. It’s really about whether I have offered my will and my love in every gifted moment.

Laura

Storybook Reality

I chose to answer this question because I don't really have a good answer.   I struggle in this area.  I struggle to make time for important things.  I struggle to put down whatever it is I am doing to listen, watch and just be silent before the Lord.  I struggle because I am selfish.  A quick fix would be to stop blogging, or reading, or watching TV or doing anything that could potentially distract me from what is important.  But honestly I think getting a handle on your prayer life all boils down to one word.

 

Discipline.

Ugh.  That's the D-word at my house.  It's a bad word.  But I'm working on making it a good word.  Here are some of the steps I am taking and things I am learning.

1. I have to remember that today is always a new day.  Who cares if I've missed 5 days in a row.  That doesn't mean I give up.  I pick my Bible back up and spend time in the Word and in prayer.

2. God hears me whenever and wherever I pray.  Sometimes as I nurse the baby I pray over him.  Sometimes while we are driving in the car I thank him quietly for my blessings.  Sometimes I simply call out to him to help me through the day.  These are all ways to communicate with Him.  I don't think this means I should only pray this way but I do think these forms of prayer are legitimate and important.

3. I need accountability.  I need someone to ask me how I am doing.  My husband does this as well as a couple of good friends.  They aren't there to make me feel bad if I am struggling but there to lift me up!

Here is what I strive for in my prayer life and my devotional life.  

 

1. A set time each day to pray and meditate on God's word

2. A prayer journal (so I can see the prayers God has answered)

3. A desire to meet with God

 

Ultimately I think making time for prayer and devotion is a battle of wills.  If I truly want to find time to spend in the World I will.  My prayer is that God will continue to give me that desire!!

 

 

And now it's your turn.  Tell us your thoughts, or comment on what we've shared. 

For next week's question click here.

Post Mardi Gras Headband

Have some mardi gras beads hanging around just begging to be transformed into something fun, something that you will actually wear?

Well, search no further!  It's time to make a super simple, comfy headband!

I love headbands--they are mom friendly--meaning they get my hair out of my face and they add a little glamor to my look--without any hassle. 

Supplies:

Mardi Gras Beads

Ribbon/t-shirt yarn

Ponytail Holder

E-6000 super glue

 After you've gathered your supplies, cut your mardi gras beads, ribbon and (in this case) t-shirt yarn so it is about 3x the length it takes to wrap around your head.  Go big, you can always trim later!
Then, fold the three pieces of material in half, and string through the pony-tail holder.
Braid
When you get to the end of the materials, measure on your head to see if you need to trim.  When trimmed, tie the ribbon and t-shirt material around the pony-tail holder.  Don't include the beads in the knot because it will just create a huge uncomfortable knot.  Instead, apply a dab of E-600 to where the beads pass through the knot.
When dry, trim if needed--and you're done!

I made three and I love them.  I wear them all the time (like right now!!!)

Thanks, as always for stopping by!

Lenten Nail and String Art

So, it's Lent.  I have a love/hate relationship with Lent.  I love that it is a special time, set apart for self-denial, reflection, prayer and renewal.  Unfortunately I also struggle with Lent for the same reasons.  I love the thought of simplifying my life and meeting God in the quiet--I just continually fall short.

I read somewhere that the best way to keep your Lenten resolutions is to put a visual reminder in your home.  This can be as simple as moving a chair.  Then, each time you see that chair is a strange place you think "why is that there...oh, that's right, it's Lent and I promised I'd do this..."  

I wanted a visual reminder in my own home, so I came up with this little project.  It's easy, takes just a few supplies and some patience.

Supplies:

Board (mine is scrap from my sister's remodeling project)

Hammer and small nails

Spray Paint

Thread--white and red

Step 1: Mark the design on your board.  A cross was easy, just two lines.  Mark along the edges of the cross every 1/2 inch so you know where to place the nails.  Then, hammer nails into the wood.  As you can see, mine are not perfect--far from it--but this won't be so noticeable when it is completed.

Step 2: place paper heart pattern in the center of the cross and pound nails in all around it.  My nails were much closer together around the heart so that the thread would "fill" it in more completely.

Step 3: Once all of your nails are in place, spray paint the entire thing, making sure to also spray paint the nails.

Step 4: When dry, pull out your thread and start wrapping!  I did the body of the cross first.  To start, tie the end of the thread to a nail.  Then, trim the end so it wouldn't be noticed.  There is no specific process for doing this.  Just make sure that each nail is wrapped around, the outline of the cross is clear and the space within the cross is relatively filled.  When done, tie the end of the thread to a nail and trim short.

Step 5: Now it's time to wrap the heart.  I wrapped this much more completely.  I really wanted the red of the heart to pop--a reminder of how Christ loves us, something especially clear during Lent.  As you can see I wrapped the nails of the heart with both colors of thread, red on the inside and white on the outside.  When done, tie off.

And there you have it.

As an added element, it is powerful to reflect on the crucifixion of our Lord while completing this project, especially while pounding the nails.

May you have a blessed Lent,

Winter Fun: Wordless Wednesday with linky

If you are looking for The Oldie's Party, click here.

Minnesota ain't so bad after all!

Thanks for sharing your Wednesdays with me!

An Oldie but a Goodie #6 {and features}

Welcome back to another Oldie's Party! 

I'm thrilled to have another co-host this week, Megan from Crafty Meggy.  She as a great little craft blog, and I have enjoyed being in a blog mentoring program with her.  Make sure you stop by her blog and welcome her!

And now, for some wonderful features from last week's party:

Quirky Cork Key Chains from Urbane Jane

Sock Bunnies from Re-Love

Origami Boxes from Kids Art from The Crafty Journal

Felt Quiet Book from Cutesy Crafts

Family Meal Planning from the Posh Pink Giraffe

Great stuff!  If you were featured, please feel free to grab a button from the tab above!  Thanks again to all those that linked up last week!

And now, onto the party!  As always, just a few requests:

• You can link up anything, NEW or OLD, just make sure it is new to this party.
• Please link back to this party, by posting either the button or a text link on your blog.
• If you'd like, I've love to have you follow along here.
• Please, visit other's that have linked up and leave some nice comments!

Thanks--are you ready to party?