Pals

My mother has just headed to Germany to spend some time with my Grandmother, who has been having some health issues. I so wish I could go with her but unfortunately I can't. As a gift for her though, I had a little photo session with the kids. After at least 75 pictures I finally got two that I really liked. We had some silly ones as well, to break things up a bit, but these two really caught my eye.

My daughter looks so much older than 5 years old in this picture...a glimpse of the beautiful woman she will become. My son is the gentle big brother, always there for his sister.

But this is the one I sent to my Grandmother. It might have a few flaws ( little blurriness, mussed hair), but captures the two of them at this time of their lives. Genuine smiles, a twinkle of mischief in their eyes (my son is about to give her Bunny Ears - lol), but they really do love each other. I hope she likes it.

Pinhole Card

Today I wanted to share a simple card. It's called a "Pinhole Card" and creates a pattern by poking holes into the cardstock. For this card, I decided to use a heart pattern, inspired by some images I saw on Pinterest and Google. Once I created the base card using Gina K white cardstock, I lightly sketched a small heart and a larger heart on the inside of the card as my guidelines. Then, using a simple sewing pin, I outlined the smaller heart with closely spaced pin holes and gradually extended the spacing so the heart faded out at the edges. Because I poked my holes from the inside the of card, it created a raised surface on the front of the card - I really love the look!

On the front I simply wrote "i love you" with a black pen. I am trying to practise more hand lettering and would like to incorporate it more into my cards. My basic handwriting isn't very impressive, more function than form to be honest, but I've always wanted to be good at calligraphy. Some days my handwriting is better than others, do you notice that as well?

Well, I hope you enjoyed the card! It was such a treat to have some real crafting time, even for a card as simple as this. Having my supplies spread around me on the table and just working was great. Things have been so busy lately that my crafting time has been really limited. I'm sure so many others can easily relate! lol

Have a wonderful day! We're expecting close to 90 degrees today, so I've been coaxing the last of the cool morning air inside before I button everything up to keep the house cool. It's on days like these that I long for central air...but I do love my radiators in the winter (when they work properly). Maybe I will be able to get a few other cards done...forget housework! lol

This card has been submitted for the CAS-ual Friday challenge: Using Polka Dots. I'm a first timer! lol



And for the Black & White Challenge at Stamp N Plus! I'm a first timer here too! :)

Polka Dot love

I don't know what it is, but I am loving Polka Dots right now. There is something so timeless and whimsical about them.

I love these paper lanterns:



(via Polka Dot Market)

And would totally wear these Converse every day!

And use this 1940's covered jar in my kitchen

And would love an excuse to put my son in this orange polka dot tie

And just treated myself to this vintage handbag
(Can't wait for it to arrive!)

Is there a pattern/color that's catching your eye at the moment?

Seven!

Turning seven is AWESOME!!! 

Happy birthday Davin!!!

DIY Metal Chalkboard

I'm a bit late to the Chalkboard party, but I had to share the project!

Supplies needed:

Metal sheet, tray, etc. I'm using an oil drip pan from the auto supply store.

Chalkboard Paint (Mine is by Plaid, bought at Joanns)

Brush

Start with a clean sheet of metal or tray. I had this stored away for quite a while, planning to make a magnetic calendar with tape lines (You can still see the markings left by the tape I removed on the left side). It just never happened. It has the company logo stamped into the metal, but I'm hoping it won't cause too much of an issue. If worse comes to worse, it's magnetic so I could always cover it with one of the kids drawings or other piece of paper! :)

Use your chalkboard paint to put on a layer. I am trying to go in one direction and keep my coat thin and even.

Let the first coat dry for one hour.

Add another layer, going in the opposite direction. Let dry for one hour. Repeat until you have the tray covered evenly.

This the tray after 4 layers. Following the directions on the paint, I let the tray cure for 24 hours.

Then went over it with a light covering of chalk to "condition" the board. Then, wipe it off and you're ready to go! I can't wait to use this for menus, lists, messages to the family and lots of other things.