A Proverbs 31 Kind of Day

It's getting close to trick or treat time and I wanted to do something creative! Our neighborhood is not "traditional." By that, I mean it is very small and off the beaten path. If you talk to my mom, you'd think we live off the grid! But truth is, by most standards, we might be considered "in the country." But by those who really live "in the country," we are close to city-dwellers. Regardless of such, we won't have a lot of little trick or treaters running up to our door. Matter of fact, I had to tell our neighbors to come see us that night! And with that, comes the fact since we won't have too many kids I wanted to go BIG! I bought BIG candy for the kids! Who doesn't love getting full-sized candy bars when they trick or treat? I mean, really!! To make your candy mummy, you'll need: any kind of full-size candy bar strips of white cloth; muslin, cheese cloth, even crepe paper if you have it.  (I used...

My girl cherub was invited to a birthday party. I had enough time to order the gift. But, truthfully, I just never sat down to get that job done! On Friday night, before the Saturday afternoon party, we were trying to think of a gift. I had a very cute idea . . .but my cherub had already given that very gift to her friend last year. With a quick thought, we headed off to Michaels and came home with all of the goodies to make the chalkboards! While we were making this, I had 2 thoughts: I hope this works! I hope the wrapping paper doesn't stick to the frame! Supplies Needed: 1 unfinished picture frame, any size Super fine sanding paper, maybe Spray paint, any color; glossy finish Paper sacks, cut open, or newsprint to cover work area Painters tape Super fine glitter, any color Chalkboard spray paint 3M Spray adhesive Clear Protective Sealer Take the picture frame and remove the center cardboard (and glass; we used a cheap frame -- it did...

Last week, my cherub went to a birthday party. Here's what stresses me out about 10 year old girl parties:  .  . .the gift! There are so many choices . . . and kids have so much these days . . . Point is this:  I really prefer to give money. But giving "just money" isn't very fun. So, on a whim, my cherub and I came up with this money-giving idea. She decorated an egg carton! Together, we tore up 3 coordinating printed papers into pieces. Not tiny pieces -- just pieces. She then used mod podge to glue the paper on, in random patterns. Once it was glued on, she put another coat over the entire outer surface. She let it dry over night. Then we took colored plastic eggs and filled each one with money. Put a little card in it that said "Happy Birthday" and that was it! There you go! Gift is done! And it was cute! And my cherub did it by herself. This concept can be translated to other means items . . .not just egg cartons...

 Hands down up, this is an easy Christmas project to do with your kiddos! We were at a fantastic school when the cherubs were . . .little cherubs! The teachers were always creative in the gifts they had the children make for the parents! (We're at a great school now, too, but my cherubs are too old to be making cutesy Christmas gifts for me and the Mr.!  But I wish they weren't . . .because I'd still like those gifts a whole lot!) The above hand towel was from our boy cherub in 2006. I love this hand towel. Every year, I'm so excited to get it out and look at those sweet little hands! Aren't they cute? He was 8 years old. He was in the 3rd grade when he made it. The above hand towel was from our girl cherub in 2010. I love this hand towel. Every year, I'm so excited to get it out and look at those sweet little hands! Aren't they cute? She was 8 years old. She was in the 3rd grade w...

The other day we bought this lamp for a great price -- but it was kind of plain. So my cherub and I created a bow and hot-glued it to the shade with a cute lime button in the middle of it! My sweet cherub loves it! For less than $10.00 she has a new lamp that was easily decorated to fit perfectly in her room!

OK -- so 4th of July is over but this little firecracker craft is too cute not to show. It's easy to put together and your kiddos will have fun doing it . . .next year!  My youngest cherub made this during Sunday School.  That tells you 1) it's a fast craft and 2) perfection isn't necessary. Supplies : Lifesaver rolls Red, White, Blue electrical tape Sparkler picks (found at craft stores.  Now would be a good time to get these -- they'll be on sale!) Wrap the lifesaver rolls with electrical tape, alternating colors, as seen in the photo. Stick the sparkler pick in the top! Celebrate!

Do you remember when you where in elementary school and you would make your Valentine card box out of an empty tissue box?  We all had the same size box.  We could either wrap the box in red or white paper.  We could use a dolli or two and you had to cut your hearts out of construction paper.  There wasn't much "personalizing" back then.  It was done in class so that we could each stuff our little Valentine cards into the "X" opening on top. Now days there is no decorating the little tissue boxes during class!  Oh no!  It's all out "Valentine War!"  Kids are sent home with the note to make a box at home and bring to school!  You know what that means!  Mommas across the country are pulling out their hot glue guns and getting crafty!  We are no longer reduced to a small, square tissue box . . .the world is now our canvas for the coveted prized of best decorated Valentine box! The thought of this stressed me out when my little c...

You may remember reading that MadisonGrace wanted a "S'More" party and that our final plans didn't look like the beginning plans, but that's ok!  The day of the party was fun and it was all she had hoped for!  Let me tell you about one of the time-killers, I mean activities, that we did!  Marshmallow Art!  That's right -- marshmallow art!  When I told my mom, she all but said, "that's stupid!"  But let me tell you that when we did our test run -- she reluctantly gave it a try.  By the end of her "test" she was asking me for mini marshmallows and toothpicks and different markers!  Oh yeah, she thought it was a  pretty clever idea! Marshmallow Art Marshmallows (mini, regular, and now the new "campfire" size!) markers Allow the marshmallows to sit out a day or two to dry out just a bit.  They are your new canvas -- create 'til your heart is content!  

My friend, Kilie, and I enjoyed doing craft projects together.  Last year, we came up with this idea to do as a little Christmas treat; we were really planning ahead -- and so proud of ourselves . . . and then, she moved!  So!  I sat at the table today, by myself, working on this idea!  I'm not sure if it's as cute as what she did in Tennessee!  Either way, if you're needing an easy teacher gift, a party favor, or a simple "winter day" project with your cherubs, here is one that throws together in a snap and won't break the bank! Kute Koozies! 1 koozie of your choice 12" of trim (spider, fringe, pom-poms, whatever you like) Tacky glue Embellishments (if desired) Measure around the koozie and cut your trim to fit, over-lapping just a bit.  Put a little tacky glue on and inch the trim around  . . . repeating this step until you have wrapped completely around the koozie. If putting on an initial, jewels, etc . . .use a bit more tack...

This little note pad can be made super quick and is a perfect way to jazz up your to-do list or give as a back to school teacher gift or any other reason!  I have made several of these and on the first page I write a little thank-you note, get well, or have a great day!  The cost is minimal, time is even less, and the cute factor is high!  I made this one this morning in less than 10 minutes!  The great thing is you can adjust it for whatever size notebook you're using! Supplies: memo pad ribbon ruler scissors Next Cut your ribbon to about 6 inches.  Once you've finished the project, if you want to trim the ribbon down a bit, you can.  I used 3 coordinating ribbons.  My notebook had 12 spirals; I used 4 lengths of each ribbon.  You can do whatever pattern (or lack thereof) that fits you! Next You will flip the front cover so that paper is showing and then begin the hard part!  Tie the knots!  Since I had 12...