You've Been Assigned This Mountain...

I came across a beautiful quote.  It says, "You've been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved."  It really struck a chord with me.  I have had some significant struggles, and when I finally opened up rather than hiding my pain, I discovered several other women making my same journey.  I was shocked.  I think there is power when we share our trials, and I think if we share our stories we can provide hope to others.

I felt there was another person who could benefit from this idea, and decided I wanted to give a sign as a gift.  I found a wood sign at Hobby Lobby on super clearance.  I brought it home, sanded it until I had a new canvas, then created this design.  I experimented with several colors and in the end I decided I wanted to go bold.  I really love color.

I hope the message inspired that person.  And I hope that maybe it will inspire you.

Christmas Craft Party

It had been a while since I hosted a party for some very special young ladies that I adore.  (I call them my "adopted daughters" and I have been lucky enough to serve them at church for the past 4+ years.)  I found some really nice cursive Christmas words in the Target $1 section and I cleaned them out.  I also found some 3-D wooden Christmas trees with great crafting potential.  Then I pulled out paint, glitter, paper, bells, ribbon, and other embellishments.  I truly loved their Christmas masterpieces.  But note to self, have them do the glitter outside next time!  Lol!

Christmas Tree String Art

I was asked to put together a holiday craft for our monthly Relief Society meeting.  I was given a picture of a Christmas Tree and small ornaments made using string art.  I was asked to duplicate the craft exactly, to which I had to decline.  It didn't take me long to find the source of the picture and it was an item for sale on etsy.  I respect the intellectual property of other crafters, so I asked them to trust me and I would come up with my own design.

This was my first experience with string art and I am pretty happy with out it turned out.  Again, I really enjoy giving people options, so I came up with two tree designs and purchased several shades of green thread.  I also pre-painted approximately 40 wood boards.  That was a ton of work, but still enjoyable.  Based on feedback from the women, about half ended up brown and the other half ended up gray, but each board was unique.

The other fun outcome was that my crafty son got very excited about string art.  He is dreaming up ideas and I can't wait to see his creations.

Thanksgiving Craft Party

This morning I will be hosting a holiday crafting party!  I'm so excited!!  I expect about 10 friends over to make wooden Thanksgiving letters. I have even more coming to make wooden Jingle Bells.  (I have a second date also scheduled so I am not entirely sure how many we will have today.)   I have everything lined up and ready to go- wood, paint, paper, modpodge, paint brushes, vinyl, scissors, ribbon, buttons, and probably the kitchen sink!  Lol.  I love crafting with good friends!!  I have finished my Thanksgiving craft so that the women can look to it for inspiration, but I will also be crafting with them to complete a custom order. 

Enter If You Dare

Confession.  I don't always cut my own vinyl.  I found this gem while scrapbook and craft shopping in Utah.  Once upon a time there were seven scrapbooking stores in the Houston area, and now there is only one.  And it is a 90 minute drive away.  So when I am lucky enough to make it back to Utah to visit family and mountains I soak in the creativity and inspiration and probably spend a little too much.  But I digress...

I saw this vinyl in a store and immediately knew what I wanted to do with it.  I wanted to put it on glass, and frame some Halloween fabric.   I love this decor approach because it allows you to use a larger frame, not being limited to a 12 inch scrapbook paper, plus there are so many wonderful fabric choices to consider!  I landed on this vibrant green and hung it on my front door.  I think I might find a new spot to hang it next year, I was so nervous that my boys would slam the door and break the frame.

Happy Halloween!!

Love is Spelled Time

I love this!!!  This was a custom request from a girl I used to teach in church, and who is now a newlywed.  She approached me before her wedding to have this made because she wanted it hung in their new home together.  She purchased the sign and we worked together to find fonts and embellishments she was happy with.  I hope they have a long, wonderful life together!!

I've discovered wood signs!

So I learned about a business in Tomball named Junkin Gypsies that helps you create wood slat signs.  I love the look of these signs so I was glad I was able to visit with my neighbor.  We had an absolute blast!!!  I know many do not like to get dirty, but I love working with my hands.  I loved the smell of the wood as I sanded the edges.  I loved hammering the nails.   And I loved painting my creation.  They had so many adorable designs to choose from, but ultimately I opted for  this Christmas tree design.  It definitely took longer than we expected, but I am super happy with how it turned out and I am already looking forward to returning to make another sign or decoration.