Paper Medallion Ornaments

Today I'm happy to introduce my first ever Guest Poster! 

Please welcome Erin, from My Very Educated Mother. 
She has an easy yet elegant ornament tutorial for you today. Enjoy! - Lisa 

Hi, I’m Erin and I blog over at My Very Educated Mother.  The number one question I always get is, what’s with the name?  Well, it’s actually part of a mnemonic device used to memorize the planets in order from the sun.  When I started my blog, I was a stay-at-home mom still making payments on my student loans and therefore feeling like a ‘very educated mother,’ so the name stuck. 

This month a number of crafty bloggers, like Lisa, have been sharing ornament tutorials as a part of my No Ugly Ornament Series.  You’ll have to stop by to see how we came up with that name, but in the meantime I’d love to share with you one of the most basic yet versatile ornaments you can make at home without spending a dime!

Paper Medallions

Supplies

• any cupcake liners, we used the silver ones 
• book pages (cut into 1.5 to 3 inch squares, 4 square per medallion)
• glue
• thread or thin ribbon , we used elastic thread

Directions

Start off by flattening out two cupcake liners and then fringe their edges. Cut a piece of thread about 6 inches long, this will be your string to hang the ornament.  Sandwich the two cut ends of the thread between the liners before you glue them together.


While that dries get busy with some accordion folding!  Seriously, I’m not one big on tools but Martha has a folding one that makes this step really easy and much faster.  I’m using it in the picture below.


The number of accordion folded sheets you need depends on how you want your medallion to look, I used four sheets that were glued together with a hot glue gun.  If you use Elmer’s on these you’ll end up with more folds sticking together than you might have intended.  Trust me.


And there you have it, paper medallions…or whatever you want to call them! :)



I want to thank Lisa for letting me visit with you guys and I’d love for you to stop by and visit my blog, or you can find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Happy Holidays!

This post/project is linked-up to the following sites/link-up parties:

Tinkerbell Silvermist Costume

I'm excited to share with you today my latest sewing project, finally completed!

A Tinkerbell Silvermist costume for my granddaughter J!

I used Simplicity Pattern #2872/0805 Size A and made the size 5 for my precious Granddaughter who is 5 years old and VERY tiny!

The dress ended up being a little bit big on her, as she lives far away from me and I could not put it on her to adjust it.

I had her measurements, but I am still a relatively new seamstress and am not very good at alterations and fitting yet.

For those of you who follow my blog, you already know that I have made a Tinkerbell costume before.

The first one I made was the Rosetta costume, which I made for my granddaughter “B”.

I struggled with that project quite a bit as it was the first time I had made that type of costume.

If you would like to see how that project turned out, click here.

I had better luck this time sewing this costume, since I had some experience.

Also, this dress was a little easier because it did not have all the petals.

I also learned that I sewed the waistline elastic wrong in the first costume!

Fortunately, it didn't make a big difference since the waistline is covered with a belt.

I called simplicity to find out exactly how to sew the casing and elastic in the waist, as I knew that it didn't seem right last time.

They returned my call promptly and were very helpful in explaining it to me!

I made a video of how I thought it was supposed to be and I showed them how I did it on the last costume I made also, so they could see where I was confused.

After they explained it to me, I made another video demonstrating the correct way to sew in the casing and elastic.

Here is that video:

So, if you are making one of these outfits for the first time and are confused as I was… you can watch this video and also go to my YouTube channel and see the other videos to help clarify.

Even with all the struggles, I am pretty pleased with how both costumes came out.

I was very happy that I could get the Silvermist costume done in time for J to wear it for Halloween!

My DIL took her to the Park and did a photo shoot with her so that I could make this post about the project. (Thank you “C”! Love You!)

                             

I had been promising her for a while that I would get the costume done and I had to explain to her that Gramma is a very slow sewer.

She has been so patient, I am so proud of her!

She Skyped with me when she got the dress, and she was so happy and excited!

She tried the dress on and modeled it for me:

Thank-you for stopping by today and checking out my latest project!

If you like what you see, I'd love it if you'd follow me!

Thanks!

This post/project is linked to the following sites/link parties:

Pinterest Scavenger Hunt and Giveaway - Day 6 Clue

Hey There Pinterest Fanatics!

So happy your here to join in the fun for Day 6 of the Pinterest Scavenger Hunt!

Let me introduce myself to those of you who are here for the fist time.

My name is Lisa and I am a Stay-at-Home, Crafty Grandma who loves to blog about all my crafty Adventures!

I am so excited to be part of the Pinterest Scavenger Hunt, as Pinterest is one of my favorite pastimes!

I'd like to give a special thanks to this week’s sponsor, Cherished Bliss. 

Cherished Bliss is a shop for crochet hats and headbands that are great for photography props or even everyday use.

 Ashley writes, “I love making custom orders so if you are looking for something specific, just talk to me and I will try and make your vision a reality!”

Cherished Bliss is offering to this week’s winner a $20 Gift Certificate to Cherished Bliss {Etsy Shop}. 

You can find Crochet Patterns, hats, and photo props and much more. 

Custom orders are accepted!

(Disclaimer/Disclosure: This blog is not responsible for prize redemption, and was not compensated for participating in this sweepstakes.)

Pinterest Scavenger Hunt Clue For Day #6: 
Autumn Fun with Poppy and Gigi!

Pin Photo from this post: Grandchildren Autumn Layouts

Enter using the Rafflecopter Form Below or visiting one of the Host Blogs:

All Done Monkey

ArahBellas

Just a Little Creativity

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

<center> <a href="http://www.justalittlecreativity.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h425/myartsybaby/th_PinterestScavengerHuntButton.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" ></a></center>
Thanks for joining in on our Pinterest Scavenger Hunt!

Michael's and Scrapbook Steals Craft Haul

Today I have a craft haul to share with you!

I actually bought these items a couple months ago, and made the video back then but am just now getting around to editing and uploading the video.

The items in this craft haul are from Scrapbook Steals and Michaels.

Scrapbooks Steals is a website I go to quite frequently which offers really good deals on name brand crafting items.

They offer two steals a day and you can sign up for daily e-mail where you will be notified of each steal as is becomes available.

I hope you will enjoy seeing all the cool items that I purchased! now if I can just get busy, and start using those supplies to craft something beautiful!

Thanks for stopping by today, and if you enjoyed my video, I would love it if you became a follower of my YouTube channel and my blog!

Pinterest Scavenger Hunt

Welcome to the Fall Pinterest Scavenger Hunt and Giveaway!
Pin to Win one of five prize packages 
with a total value over $275!

Hosted by ArahBellas, All Done Monkey, and Just a Little Creativity


Here's how to Play-

• Create a new Pinterest board specifically for this Scavenger Hunt
• Each day, a new clue will be revealed on the Host blogs as well as the Rafflecopter entry form. With the clue, a link will be provided to the blog with the photo to be pinned.
• To be eligible to win, you must pin a photo from each clue provided
• There are also many additional ways to earn extra entries, so be sure to give them a try!

You Could Win One of These Five Prizes-

One Grand Prize- 

$40 Target Gift Card courtesy of MyArtsyBaby

Artistry Essentials hydrating skincare system or an 
Artistry balancing skincare system from Chris & Niki's Online Store (ARV $50.45)

$50 Gift Certificate to Bowdabra 

{Total Grand Prize Value $140.40}  

One Week 1 Sponsor Prize Package-
$20 Gift Certificate to Cherished Bliss 

One Week 2 Sponsor Prize Package-
Coilbound Documenting Book from Paper Coterie (Up to $32 value)

One Week 3 Sponsor Prize Package-
Blog Header Redesign from Simply Klassic Blog Design 
Ad Space on CherishedBliss.com
{Total prize value $56}

One Week 4 Sponsor Prize Package-
Partridge and Pear Stained Glass Kit from Suzy's Sitcom Store
Cotton Whale Toy Sewing Kit from DIYFluffies
  

a Rafflecopter giveaway   More about our Grand Prize Sponsors-

MyArtsyBaby 

Quality, hand painted art for your little one.
Specializing in custom wooden and canvas growth charts and canvas wall art. Each piece is affordable, and 100% handmade and original, no prints or giclee reproductions. Made to order to your exact specifications. Any design you imagine can be painted on either wood or canvas charts, as well as gallery wrapped canvases.

Chris and Nikki's Online Store

 If you enjoy finding new products that fit your lifestyle, you’ll love what’s “in store!”  Chris and Nikki started their online store with a belief in their products and potential of their business. With the flexibility they have as entrepreneurs, they are able to spend more time with their two amazing kids.

 Bowdabra

Bowdabra bow and craft tools... are unleashing creativity all over the world, from beautiful bows for gifts to elegant bridal accessories and home decor, the crafting possibilities are practically endless with Bowdabra.

With its simple-to-use "goof proof" design, Bowdabra is for people of all ages; even children. Families seeking fun and affordable activities can spend some quality time together using Bowdabra products to create unique crafts and wonderful memories.

Bowdabra products come with a VIP Pass to our membership site, containing craft articles and videos presented in an easy to follow style.  

 

 

<center> <a href="http://www.justalittlecreativity.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h425/myartsybaby/th_PinterestScavengerHuntButton.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" ></a></center>

This blog is not responsible for prize redemption, and was not compensated for participating in this sweepstakes.
Thank-you for stopping by...happy pinning!

The Lil Journal Project - Inspiring Creativity One Day at a Time!

I'm always looking for new ways to get inspired and recently one of my favorite blogs "Lil Blue Boo" began a series on journaling called "The Lil Journal Project". 

I used to keep a journal as a young girl, so I was immediately intrigued and was excited to get started after reading her post! 

Ashley provides daily prompts to help you along in your journaling adventure.

This is something I need desperately.

I've always wanted to start keeping a journal again and in the past have attempted to.
Mostly these journals were very boring and certainly not fun for anyone to read or look at!

The type of journal featured on Ashley's blog is a more creative type journal, in the sense that it not only contains writings and musings, but artistic things as well...such as drawing, painting, epherma, photos etc.

The thing I love most about it is...ANYTHING GOES!

It's your journal, your way.

I haven't been great about keeping up with every prompt every day, but I've done as much as I can and am enjoying it thoroughly!

It's such a great idea to get your creativity flowing especially if you're like me and you have trouble in that area.

Here is a peek inside my journal so far:

I am a very embarrassed to show you some of my artwork...for example...this big FAIL from yesterday's prompt:

I debated heavily with myself on whether to even include it in this post...but decided I should, since it is the point of the whole thing...just be yourself and let your creativity flow, even if it's not perfect (or even NEAR it! LOL!)

Here is another drawing "fail" that was from the prompt on day #7 "My Life in Cars":

I did this drawing on my iPad using an app called "Doodle Buddy".
I LOVE using that app and "pretending" I can draw! 

Obviously, I did not "complete" the "My Life in Cars" section yet...I've had WAY more than 3 cars in my 50+ years of life, but since it's such a struggle for me to draw...It might take me awhile to get to all of them. 

As you can see...I certainly am not very good at drawing or painting but as the first journal prompt and entry shows, I am imperfect and perfect at the same time...just as my journal is!

I need to let go of the idea of perfection...it is something that has held me back for years, especially when it comes to being creative.  

So many times I have begun a project just to be disillusioned because I feel like it's not good and no one will like it. 

I am my own worst critic! 

I know what everyone says about negativity and I have fought my whole life with it but it's always been part of me as I was raised with a father who demanded perfection of those around him. 

I never quite felt like I measured up to his standards but that's a post for a whole other blog!

(I just thought it might help to give a bit of the background on my history and why I'm so negative sometimes about my own creative abilities.)

In addition to that almost impossible standard...my Grandmother (my Father's Mother) was a very accomplished artist and I sometimes felt like I fell so short of her talents, even though I admired her and always hoped that I had inherited some of her artistic abilities.

She was mostly a painter and her favorite mediums were watercolor and oils.

Here are a few examples of her artwork:

I'm hoping by doing this journal, I will be more open to just "create" and not worry if it's wrong or right or if anyone will like it. 

I think it will help me a lot...it's great therapy!

If your like me and struggle to know where to start or what to journal about, then Ashley's "The Lil Journal Project" would be perfect for you to follow!

Check it out and join me on a new creative journey!

Veteran’s Day Card

I've been away for awhile… summertime is so busy for me and hubby that it's hard to stay on track with my blog!

In between our summer trips and my latest sewing project I decided to make a card and even though Veterans Day is several months away I decided to go with that theme for this card.

This card can also be used as an Operation Write Home “Any Hero” card.

If you haven't heard of Operation Write Home you can learn more about it here. 

It is an awesome organization that supports our troops by sending blank handmade greeting cards to them in the field, where they often do not have access to these items.

I come from a military family and currently have a son who is in the Army guard and a son-in-law who is in the Air Force so these type organizations are near and dear to my heart!

In addition Veterans Day is an especially important holiday for our family as we have a long legacy of relatives who have served this country proudly and we are most grateful to them and all the troops past and present who have served this wonderful country!

For this card I wanted a special message of thanks, so I searched the Internet for famous military quotes and came up with one by John F. Kennedy one of the most famous ones no doubt!

I felt it was really appropriate for this card.

I typed the quote into a Microsoft Word document and then printed it out on my laser printer.

I decided that I wanted to give the quote a bit of an aged and distressed look, so I wrinkled up the paper and stained it using brown ink and then dyed it further using coffee.

After that, I used a wood burning tool to burn around the edges of the quote.

I used Mod Podge to glue down and seal the quote on the cardstock.

On the inside I stamped a sentiment from the Pink By Design Stamp Set: “Our Troops”.

I stamped the back of my card with an "OWH" stamp and my custom stamp from PSA Essentials.

Here is a photo showing all the tools and supplies I used to create this card:

List of Tools & Supplies Used For This Project:

Lexmark X4975 Ink Jet Printer

Fiskars Paper Trimmer

Xyron Mega Runner

DuraSharp Pointed Scissors

Scribe/Awl

Plaid Wood Burning Tool

3M Superfine Sanding Pad

Foam Paint Brush

White Ink Jet Paper

White Card Stock

DCWV The Mariposa Cardstock Matstack (6.5"x4.5")

Camo Print Paper (From Stock-on-Hand)

PSA Essentials Custom Stamp

OWH Clear Polymer Stamp

Pink By Design Clear Polymer Stamp from "Our Troops" Set

Clear Acrylic Block for Stamping

EK Success Brands,Inkadinkado Dye Ink Pad, Black

Studio G Pigment Ink Pad, Tan Brown

Studio G Pigment Ink Pad, Dark Brown

Eyelet Outlet, Pearl Brads, Lt. Olive Green, 8mm

Offray Grosgrain Ribbon, Brown with Green Stitch, 3/8"

Berwick Offray Spool O' Ribbon - Poly/Satin Ribbon, Olive Green, 1/4"

Mod Podge, Gloss-Lustre

Glue Dots Mini, 3/16"

Glue Dots, Glue Lines, 1"

Therm O Web SuperStik Glue Stick

Elmer's Craft Bond Precision Tip Glue Pen

Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac 

Thanks for stopping by!

This post/project is linked to the following sites/link parties: