Gettin' Ready...

With Tyrel and Lexie's open house approaching, I had to get to work.

I made banners...

and prepared to paint my bargain finds. (4 pieces for $4!)

Little did I know that a yellow jacket nest was under the bench that I innocently set the sander down on. The yellow jackets didn't like it and started buzzing around me. I tried to shoo them away... I wasn't there to bug them. And then one BIT me! That made me mad! Now I was out to get them. When it started to get dark and they were all coming back home, I sprayed the heck out of the nest and watched them drop and die!
Ha, ha... take that! 

Amber Munt generously let me borrow these awesome crates. I sprayed them down and got them ready for the open house.

After several coats of white paint..I was closer to being ready.

Originally Lexie and I talked about using old lace curtains/tablecloths on tables, to place centerpieces on. Then I saw this on Pinterest and thought I could recreate it. I cut LOTS of different sizes circles out and then hot glued them together (after hand sewing them together was WAY too tedious).

I had this idea. I wanted to put together each area and then take a picture, so I would know how it would look, before the day of. I thought this would help, so that others would know how to help me set up.

The week of the open house I invited Mom, Candice, Karen and Amber over to help me set the scenes. They were patient with me in my scatter-brained indecisiveness.

After several hours of talking, decorating, adjusting and readjusting, we had a good idea about the set up of the open house.

Thanks ladies for putting up with me in the HOT, HOT summer evening. Your support was invaluable to me.

Birthday Prep

My cousin Melanie (& Aaron) have an adorable little girl name Lydia. Lydia just turned one. Being the "helper" (a.k.a. bossy/pushy party person I am), I offered my party services to Melanie for Lydia's 1st Birthday party.

She actually took me up on it and came over the next day to create with me.

We started by making a banner to hang from the patio and a banner for Lydia's cake, using some scrapbook paper and supplies I had around.

I forgot to take pictures of the final products, but here are some "in progress" shots. You'll have to visit Melanie's blog when she posts about the party to see how they turned out. :)

Tiny triangles (on the table)for the cake banner.
Big triangles for the patio banner.

Next, we went to Craft Warehouse and bought some cute fabric to make Lydia a "1" shirt... similar to Levi's, but girlie.

"Model for me Melanie.... nice."

I gave Melanie a bow (for a headband) that I had made and she purchased this little tu-tu to complete Lydia's birthday outfit.

Oh my goodness... she's going to look SOOOO cute!!!!!

I can't wait to see pictures of the party and the sweet little party girl.

Happy 1st Birthday Lydia!

Gift Exchange

I'm doing another on-line gift exchange through "Craftaholics Anonymous".

My exchange partner mentioned (with the exception of Christmas), 4th of July was her favorite holiday.

I hope she meant it, because that's the direction I went. My idea was to create a "party pack"... everything you need for a successful 4th of July celebration.First thing I created was a red, white and blue banner for her mantle (or where ever she wants to put it). Next, I saw this awesome flag cake on-line, so printed off the picture and directions on how to make it, along with the cream cheese frosting recipe.Because I'm kinda banner-crazy, I made a flag cake banner to top the cake. I also made these firework cupcake toppers, just in case she wanted to go in the cupcake direction instead.

I gathered several yummy summer salad recipes that could go with her 4th of July BBQ dinner. And Tootsie Rolls, just because they were so festive and cute.

I hope she enjoys it.

Can't wait to see what's coming my way. :)

SPRING!

My Easter grass project, as promised.....
Originally, I was going to make a SPRING banner for my mantle, but then I came up with this great idea.

I LOVE it!!!!!

Congratulations Banner

Our R.S. birthday banner was so cute, Keri and I were asked by a lady in our ward, to make one for her son's wedding luncheon. The colors they wanted were pink & grey...and a little black and white too.

Here's Keri stringing the letters on.... one of the hardest parts of making a banner. :)

I really liked how it turned out.

I was told the bride LOVED it and wanted to use it for the reception, open house and other upcoming events. Whew...so glad she liked it.

As part of our "banner services" we hung the sign for the luncheon. Keri came up with an ingenuous way using eyelets and shower rings.

Hanging the banner is another hard part. This time it was quick and easy, thanks to Keri's great idea.

The cute couple.

Congratulations Travis & Cindy!!!

Lucky

Having one banner under my belt, I thought I'd try another... one for St. Patrick's Day. My idea was good, but my execution wasn't great. I don't LOVE how this one turned out.

In fact, I believe less in LUCK and more in being BLESSED.

I may try another banner for Easter or Spring.
Stay tuned......

PS- My friend Keri and I were asked to make a banner for a wedding luncheon (after a lady in our ward saw our birthday banner). That will probably be the next banner I attempt.