FAMILY RULES CANVAS

It's DIY day over at A Soft Place to Land. I have linked up today with this fun linky party and invite y'all to go check out what some of the great bloggers have shared.

I have been inspired by some very creative people to make a family rules wall hanging. I can't decide if I should keep this or sell it in my upcoming bazaar. Anyway, I am so happy with how this turned out. I would like to give credit to Lisa for inspiring me. This is a picture of her CUTE header from her blog. Can you see why I was inspired to check out her blog? Check out her family rules.
Both of these bloggers have really set my mind to racing with all of the cute things you could include in your own personal family rules chart. Check out We are that family for a wonderful informative tutorial on how she made hers.

For my project I just took an artists canvas (purchased at JoAnn's) and painted it black with craft paint. I then chose some cute scrapbook paper and cut them into squares to frame the edges. Then I cut the vinyl letters from my cutting machine (I use a Roland Stika cutter) and applied them.

Do you ever have a project just 'come together' for you? I feel like this project came together so completely that I might just have to keep it for myself and not sell it in the bazaar. Should I?

I KNOW IT'S NOT EVEN HALLOWEEN YET...BUT

I have to get my Christmas items made for the bazaar in just over 3 weeks. Each day I try (translated to mean attempt) to get at least 6 items finished. Let's just say that is my goal for each day but it doesn't always happen. Here are a few of the finished things to add to the inventory. I have approximately 85 items done with at least another 60-70 to go. Wish me luck.

Subject: Differences between Common Cold & H1N1

Pass this on to family and friends. Especially people with children!



H1N1 flu is about to be upon us and we need to be on top of information regarding it. Here is a comparison to the normal cold symptoms.


Know the Difference between a Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms

Symptom
Cold
H1N1 Flu

Fever
Fever is rare with a cold.
Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the H1N1 flu.

Coughing
A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.
A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the H1N1 flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).

Aches
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.
Severe aches and pains are common with the H1N1 flu.

Stuffy Nose
Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.
Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.

Chills
Chills are uncommon with a cold.
60% of people who have the H1N1 flu experience chills.

Tiredness
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.
Tiredness is moderate to severe with the H1N1 flu.

Sneezing
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.
Sneezing is not common with the H1N1 flu.

Sudden Symptoms
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.
The H1N1 flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.

Headache
A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.
A headache is very common with the H1N1 flu, present in 80% of flu cases.

Sore Throat
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.
Sore throat is not commonly present with the H1N1 flu.

Chest Discomfort
Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.
Chest discomfort is often severe with the H1N1 flu.




The only way to stop the spread of the epidemic is to spread the awareness.

New Inventory...The Work Continues

I found this cute plate, (actually 4 of them) at Ross and thought they might look nice with some vinyl lettering. These are some of the words from one of my favorite songs.
I found 13 of these chargers at a garage sale last summer for $2. I knew I could find a purpose for them. One down and 12 to go. Uh oh, sorryabout the blurry picture, I am a terrible photographer.
I have been collecting old wood windows so that I could put some meaningful saying on. I just love the little cottage in this one. Sorry the photography is so bad, I tried to take pictures indoors and without good lighting. I kept getting a glare, that is why these photos are not taken straight on.

For this one I glued on some stars at the bottom and then nailed some horseshoe nails in the center.

Now I am off to make more items for my bazaar that is bearing down on me like a runaway freight train.

Rocking Chair Fall Redo

I am participating in MET MONDAY at Between Naps on the Porch. Head on over and check out the other great blogger makeovers, you won't be disappointed.

This is a rocking chair that belonged to my husband's great-grandmother. We don't usually sit in it, not because it is uncomfortable, but because we don't want to put too much wear on it.
It is fun however, because I can make simple changes with pillows and throws for each season.

Pictured here is how it sits with the every day accessories.

.
.This is how it was transformed for fall. Doesn't all of the warm fall colors make you want to grab a cup of hot chocolate and a good book and relax for an afternoon reading session.

THE ULTIMATE UGLY TRAY TRANSFORMATION

I am participating in a linky party over at Poppies at Play. Come and join the fun.

I came across this sad looking wooden tray at a yard sale a couple of months ago. I'm sure someone spent quite a bit of time hand painting it but it wasn't quite my style.

These colors were really the hot thing about 10 years ago. OK, I'll admit that I decorated with these colors at one time too.

Another angle of this poor thing.
After spray painting the tray and decoupaging the scrapbook paper on it I added some pretty trim to finish off the edges. If this tray could talk it would say "I feel pretty, oh so pretty..."

A close up of some of the paper.
I haven't quite decided what to put on it. I've tried a few options.
I love hydrangeas so I thought I would try them.
I put some under a cloche, but didn't care for it. So I will keep looking for the right vignette for my new little friend.

Keeping My Crafting Fix Going

I lay awake at night thinking of what to do next. I have really been loving the look that scrapbook paper gives to things, it is limitless. Soooooo many options, soooooo many ribbons, soooooo many different fonts to use for the lettering. I have WAY more ideas than I have time to make.

Wooden letters are awesome to work with. I bought these at JoAnn's, on sale of course. By just mod podging scrapbook paper and adding some ribbon and embelishments you have a really unique one of a kind item.Buying one of a kind items is one of the most inviting reasons to shop at bazaars and craft shows. You can't buy such unique items at WalMart.

And yes, Christmas is fast aproaching. Do you know that there are just over 70 days until Christmas, I know, scarry isn't it.

Anyhoo, that is what I've been up to.

Have a great day and go get some crafting done.

Last of the Summer Flowers

So sad to see summer go. My flowers are giving one last big HOORAH. One of these mornings I will wake up to see these beauties all bent and, well you know, ...dead. When the long winter months set in I can refer back to these photos and it will give me new hope for spring. Your days are numbered, pretty flowers, but I will enjoy you for a little while more.

I'M ADDING MORE ITEMS...

Here are a few more items I have added to the bazaar inventory.

The picture on the bottom left is the "before" picture of the frames I used for two of these projects. I removed all of the backing from the frame, spray painted the frames (one black and the other brown), then I added the vinyl lettering to the glass. I then glued the glass back into the frame with E-6000 glue. Note: I purchased the original frames from Goodwill.

Building Inventory, One Item At A Time

I know you have all seen these $1 frames at Michaels before. I am trying to build up my inventory and have taken a liking to these simple wood frames.

I've been busy, hopefully I will stay that way so I can get my inventory built up for the bazaar next month. I have also been playing around with the Picasa program trying to get some variety on my blog. I have enjoyed other creative bloggers layouts and have wondered how they get these wonderful collages on their blogs. Now hopefully I can bring a little more personality to my blog too.

I have linked up with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. Take a minute to go check out some really creative ideas from fellow bloggers, I promise you will be inspired.

MY SUPER TALENTED FRIEND

My sweet friend Christine is such a talented lady. She has four young boys at home and still finds time to make the cutest crafts. Last year she made these "Too Cute For Words" witches hats and sold them at a fall bazaar. I couldn't let this opportunity pass without showcasing these adorable halloween decorations.Don't you just love the polkadots on this oneThe spanish moss and muslin ribbon makes this one scream with cuteness.Bats and a banner were a couple of other items she made. Didn't I tell you she was talented.
The good news for me is that she is going to be helping me with my bazaar this year. Can I just tell ya...so happy (doing a little happy dance here).

Isn't she just the cutest! Even more than that, she is amazing and sweet and kind and nice and spiritual and creative...oh you get the point. AMAZING, SHE IS.

To find out more about this truely amazing lady, check out her blog here.She would love to hear from you too.

Dear Duncan, You Silly Dog

Going...Going...
Gone

..