Sunday Features #2

Oh how I wish that the sewing machine didn't scare me so much, because this clutch by The Girl Creative is adorable. I love the black and yellow, and I love how it looks like a letter envelope.  

My husband loves Japan more than any person should...has he been there? No. But I would put 10 bucks on the fact that he would love these fake Cherry Blossoms by Cat on a Limb. 

I absolutely love this headband. The colors. The checkered pattern. The roses. Check out over at Made it on Monday. Also, I love the color of her camera...so awesome. 

I love this little Owl Softie Book End! You'll never guess what's inside... okay, maybe you will, but I didn't so, so give me a break! Check it out over at 2 & Through

Now I'm off to make the cookies that I forgot about before Church starts...

Let's just hope I don't burn them (a girl can dream, can't she?)

Mario Bank Tutorial

You may (or may not I guess...) know that I work for the YMCA of Awesomeness 

I work with kids....Every day. 

Coincidently, most of my craft projects resemble something you'd find in a 4th grader's desk.

Don't worry. Today is no exception. 

Also, for the record, I made this for no reason. Whatsoever.

 Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Cost: Free (ish)

Fun-ness: If you have a simple mind like me, then yeah. It's fun.

Materials:

Mod Podge

Sponge Brush

Blue and Green Tissue Paper

Container

Printed Mario Sheet

Colored Pencils

Directions

Step 1: Mod Podge

Mod Podge Blue Tissue Paper all over the container in multiple layers. Cut the green tissue paper into a wavy green line. Wrap it around the container and then Mod Podge over it. Let it dry for a few minutes while you get your "color on"

Step 2: Get your Color On

Get a copy of the coloring sheet HERE. Size it in Word, and print it out. Color that baby until your heart's content. Don't use markers though...unless you like the whole "bleeding" Mario look. Who am I to judge though? Cut them out when you're done.

Step 2: Place and Mod Podge

Your Mod Podge should be pretty dry by now...so I just started sticking them wherever. They aren't "really" glued down (since it's just kind of tacky), so you can move them around until you're happy with how it looks. Take them off one by one, and Mod Podge under, then over the characters. Once you're done, give it a final coat and let it dry for a few hours. 

And that's it! 

Just put your lid on (If you're feeling adventurous, you can even cut a hole in the top) and your son (or nerdy daughter) will have the coolest bank on the block. 

The critics are all raving about the Mario Bank!!

"Wow...that bank is....yeah" - My husband

"Is there money in there? If so, I want it" - Parking Lot guy

"What do you want me to say?" - Weird Mole Lady

"That bank is simply fabulous" - Sarah Fillbotter

okay...that was actually me.

And we're done.   

Dysfunctional Me

In case you missed my post over here,
here it is again... because I just love to humiliate myself... 


You know the women who you just hate? 

The ones who do 3 hour yoga sessions, and feed their families all organic food, who write birthday cards to the grocery store clerks, and NEVER forget a dentist appointment?

I am not this woman.

My work out sessions consist of running to the car because I am 20 minutes late, and feeding my husband cereal for dinner…because frankly, he likes it better than my cooking. My “cards” are pieces of computer paper with a quick message written in the one color of permanent marker I own – orange. And never forgetting a dentist appointment? How about NEVER remembering?

No. I am definitely not this woman.

So for those who doubt yourselves, I’ve compiled the 
Top 7 reasons you may be slightly more functional than me.
 Because all women need a little pick-me-up every now and again.

1. I haven’t drunken out of a cup the past 24 hours – Why? Because I keep forgetting to run the dishwasher. I do kind of like drinking out of a bowl…makes me feel like a gigantic cat.

2. Sometimes I put my clothes on before I go to sleep…that way I can sleep in 3 minutes longer in the morning...when do I get up? 6:05. What time do I leave? 6:10. I must look so radiant…

3. My husband cut his finger so badly, it probably required stitches. So I glued it shut with Crazy Glue, and called it “good”

4. I make hats for stuffed animals. What else am I supposed to do with no kids?

5. I found a mysterious Peanut Butter M&M under the couch yesterday. I ate it

6. I ripped a pair of pants right along the crotch. I safety pinned it shut; and continued to wear them that way for the next 5 years.

7. I don’t own eyeliner…but sometimes I use a permanent marker. It always looks terrible, but I continue to try. What can I say, I’m an optimist.

We can’t all be perfect…

But at least there are people worse than us...
Like me.
You're welcome.

Sunday Feature

This week, I am featuring projects that show that 

I NEED POWER TOOLS

I want a table saw so badly, I called my mom to ask if I could have her's when she dies. 

Daughter of the Year award, right there

I know many of you have probably seen this on Crafting with the Stars, but I LOVE it. That is one Epic Pantry. Mandi from Tidbits from the Tremaynes made this little beauty. Can I also add that she is hilarious? You should definitely stop by.

I love this beautiful Mason Jar Storage by Liz Marie! Seeing as all my crap is thrown in random bathroom drawers/counter/floor, I definitely want one. 

And lastly the teacher in me squealed with joy at these Front Facing Bookshelves by Polly at Helping Little Hands! Uhhhh can she make me a set? Or 10? 

Somehow I don't think my downstairs neighbors will appreciate me using a table saw on our balcony...

Double Dream Hands

So my husband is on a Scouting Camp out 

They are sleeping in igloos...uhhh....no thank you.

So I made a video

a dance video. 

the BEST dance video ever. 

Based on THIS awesome video

Because I am soooooo bored. 

I hope you love it...or at least I hope you don't think I am a total nerd after watching...okay...I may be just a tad nerdy. Only a tad though.

(If you don't want to listen to my ramblings...just jump to minute 1:28 that's where the real dancing starts)
Enjoy.

Sorry about my recent (as in today...) hiatus from crafting. I'll get back to tomorrow...or maybe Monday. Just depends on my boredom levels. I really need kids...

Random Jobs of the Working Woman

The other day, I was talking to a coworker about random work experience

Please tell me that I'm not the only one here who has worked random jobs!

Oh how random?

You be the judge...

in no particular order-

Vending machine Re-stocker

Paper Delivery Girl

Activities Leader at an Alzheimer's home

Concessions Hawker

Balloon Animal Maker

ATV tour guide 

Shot Gun Instructor

Catering Staff

Housekeeping Supervisor

Summer Camp Supervisor

4th Grade Teacher

and now

YMCA Before and After School Supervisor / Professional Crafter

(I wish)

I know it's hard to picture me with a shot gun... 

Maybe that's why I like the glue gun so much!

Tell me, what is the most random jobs you've ever had?

Rainbow Fish Luminary Tutorial

In case you missed it over on ucreatekids, here it is again, for your viewing pleasure (please...hold your applause...or don't)

The Rainbow Fish Luminary Tutorial 

Time Needed: At least an hour

Difficulty: Easy

Cost: $ 1-5 dollars

Materials Needed

Glass Gar

Blue Tissue Paper

Coffee Filter

Mod Podge

Water Color Paints/Brush

Sponge Brush

Black Permanent Marker

Scissors

Light Source

Directions

Step 1: Painting Your Filter

This is the perfect step for any child to participate in! There is no right way to decorate a filter...just get out your watercolors, and go. Just make sure you put something underneath, as the paint WILL bleed through the filter. Allow to completely dry before next step (you may want to get out your blow dryer...)

Step 2: Drawing and Cutting your Fishes

You have a couple of options on this step. When I made my fish, I just freehanded the shapes onto my colored coffee filter. You can make stencils for your child, or allow them to freehand the fish (which I think would be so cute!) Once you've drawn all of your fish, cut out, and place aside

Step 3: Mod Podge your Tissue Paper

Mod Podging tissue paper can be tricky, so this step may require a little more adult help. Cut your tissue paper into large squares (This makes it easier to work around corners, etc). Spread an even layer of Mod Podge onto the jar using your sponge brush. Once you've covered a good portion of the jar, place a tissue paper square on top. Using a good amount of Mod Podge on your brush (if your brush gets too dry, it will rip the tissue...), cover the top of the tissue paper as well. Continue this process until you've covered the entire jar. Once finished, one more coat to really seal in the tissue paper.

Step 4: Mod Podge your Fish

Because your jar should be wet, simply place all of your fish where you'd like them to go! Once you have all of the fish set in place, seal them in with a layer of Mod Podge! 

Step 5: Finishing it all off

Trim any top edges, and Mod Podge Down. After this step, let the jar dry completely. If you use a hair dryer, make sure you use a NON HEAT setting (or your Mod Podge will bubble). Once your jar is COMPLETELY dry (believe me...I've ruined many a permanent marker because of my impatience...), You can go back and trace around the fish using a permanent marker! This helps them to pop out when you put your candle inside!

And there you go! Just pop a candle inside that baby, and watch it glow!