Old Crafty Hen Tuesday

I must confess my reason for not posting many crafty endeavors lately. The reason is that I am in the throws of making my own crafting space. A room just for me. Well, kinda. Unless we have company or one of the kids needs to have some space of their own. Then, I have to share. For the most part, the room will be my craft studio. I like studio much better than room. Doesn't it sound more professional?

In my studio, I will create more ricepuddin' originals button rings and cards. That's when it's done. For now, I'm painting. I'm decorating. I'm organizing. While these are some of my favorite things, I'll be glad when I've completed these steps and can move on to creating.

I'd love to post a Before and After photo comparison. But, alas, I did not take the Before photo. And, since I'm still in the throws, there is not an After yet. Question is, do I dare post a Thus Far photo? Everything is moved to the center of the room and looks like a complete mess. Wonder if there's a way to angle my camera and get decent photos of the room...minus the mess.

Here's a mental picture: The room started out as 4 walls. Painted a soft green. It was the Princess' room before she moved into the larger room left empty when Man-cub and Not-to-big-to-say-he-loves-me moved into the bonus room. The color, although perfect for the Princess, was not so perfect for me. Too soothing. I needed something to ignite my creativity. I went with Turquoise. A color that always makes me smile. We had built-in cabinets constructed across the back wall of the room. There's a cut out for the twin bed that will be for those occasional guests. One side of the bed has a desk, the other has two very large drawers. All across the top are open shelves which I hope to neatly organize with my supplies. I chose to paint the built-in turquoise, as well, but two shades lighter than the walls. Everything else in the room will be black and white.

I cannot wait to complete this project. For no other reason than I'm tired of painting. Well, that and I want to tell the world I have a Studio.

Friday Finds

This week, I came across an adorable clock. Lucky for me, I need some clocks. Now, truth be told, I gave up wearing a watch about 5 years ago. I've tried to go back but just can't get used to having a timepiece on my wrist. It's not that they're too heavy, I just don't like to be bothered with the idea that I may be running late for something. Although I hate to be late, I've come to realize, the world does not stop if I am late. Yep. That's right! The world does not revolve around me or my ability to show up. But, like I said, I hate to be late. I don't like to inconvenience people. That's why I need clocks. They get me out the door. So, without further adieu, here is one of the cutest clocks I've seen in a while...

From tatertots and jello

This is a Washi Tape Clock and you can get the tute right here. Well, what are you doing? Don't waste time, go get it!

Cheers!
Kit

Friday Finds

This week, I have found a fabulous idea for that entertainment center you no longer need now that you have that flat screen TV.

Photo from My insanity

Isn't this the best idea??? You can read the entire blog post here. Now, I've gotta do some roadside shopping for entertainment centers. Wish me luck!

Cheers!
Kit

Old Crafty Hen Tuesday!

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What a relief! It was questionable but I was able to squeeze in a craft today! That  means, another round of Old Crafty Hen Tuesday!

Several weeks ago, I came across this kit for an Advent Calendar on Sugar Bee. It was a mere $6 so I ordered it. I thought, at the time, it came with everything I needed. Because, apparently, I was so excited with the cuteness of the finished product that I read right over that part. That, or, I just hadn't had enough coffee that morning. However, when it arrived (very soon after I ordered it), I discovered, it was paperless. There was no paper. I had to supply my own. No big deal. I love to peruse scrapbook stores and scrapbook aisles at the craft store. It just meant I couldn't get started as soon as I wanted. Again, no big deal. As long as I got it done before December 1st, I'd be happy.
Yep, I'm happy! It was super easy. You can follow her tutorial. I think it turned out great. And, it's November 30! Just in the Nick of time! ;)

What do ya think?

Old Crafty Hen Tuesday!

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Another round of my Crafty Tuesday...

I am so excited to finally be starting this craft! I found it waaaaay back in August and knew I had to make lots and lots of these. Of course I'd want one (or several) for myself but I couldn't stop thinking about what a great gift these would make!

Button Rings!

I found the tutorial at Rubies and Pearls and I must say, I love the one she made. That flower button is just the cutest! In my search for buttons, I think I found some really rad ones. Most were bought as sets of three that coordinate. I did buy one honking burgundy button all by itself. Didn't know what I'd put with it but I couldn't pass it up. All of my buttons came from Hancock Fabrics.

So, I started with these buttons...

Of course, you know me, I made a change or two to the tutorial. Instead of a glue gun, I used E6000 adhesive. I find it holds better; and, since some of these are going to be gifts, I didn't want them to fall apart while being worn. So, after my one little change, this is what I ended up with...

The first 5. All buttons.

The second 5. I got a little crazy and added some beads I had.

Now the big decision...which do I allow myself to keep and which will I give away???

Old Crafty HenTuesday!

Happy to start posting my version of Crafty Tuesday! : )

Image via Wikipedia

Couldn't find anything about A Middle-Aged Crafty Hen (LOL)

Tuesday and Thursday are my days off. Every Tuesday, I craft. Nothing extravagant. Nothing that takes all day. Just one craft. Something. Anything. Creative. Today, I made a Thankful Tree. I found the idea on Coupons Are Great! I opted to make one slight change. Instead of hot gluing the leaves on the branches, I punched a small hole in each leaf (using my Crop-A-Dile II) and used a piece of string tied in a knot to attach them. I thought it would be easier to use the tree this way. Don't want any burnt fingers! I was also worried about Trouble Makers 1.0 and 2.0 eating the leaves before I was able to get them glued on. This way, after the Princess, Not-Too-Big-To- Say-He-Loves-Me, Man-cub, Hubby, and I record our thankfulness, we can simply slide the stringed leaves directly on the branches. The excess leaves lie waiting on a tray beside the tree.

Leaves-in-waiting

Here's how mine turned out. I kinda like it!

Happy 4th of July!

Marshmallows are dipped and sugared!

These are the ones Singing With Birds did.
Although I love love love hers, I only did one end of the marshmallows, didn't have the festive skewers, and used one marshmallow per skewer. I chose to put them in a vase with a frog to separate them from each other. I then entwined star garland loosely around the skewers.
 

Patriotic Fans are Complete!

Kawaii Crafter at zakka life made these. I thought they were so cute and would be perfect for our annual 4th of July celebration. I used patriotic themed paper and star garland instead of thread and beads.

Fireworks are Purchased!

Obviously, ours won't be this spectacular. But aren't these pretty?

May you have a wonderful 4th of July. Remember those who put their lives on the line each day to protect our freedom. If you'd like to do something to thank them, visit Soldier's Angels. Thank you.

8 days a week

Today at 5:30 AM, my husband and oldest son (Man-cub) left for California. A trip from east to west coast was Man-cub's Christmas present. Hubby makes this trip every year for business. Charleston, SC to Monterrey, CA. This year, since Man-cub is with him, they will venture into San Fransisco and then to Yosemite for some camping. I know they will have a great time and make memories to last a lifetime. Unfortunately for me, they took our camera. So no photos of my stuff on the blog this week!
So, what to do with myself for the next 8 days...hummm...

DAY 1

(Cue Music)
Well, I woke up this mornin, and you were on my mind:

Pom Pom Flowers!
Kristin at Domsetifluff has a great tutorial on these. The Princess and I made 6 of them in various sizes. We plan to send some to our adopted soldier in a care package. I think they'll brighten her day!

I also tackled my coupon drawer. (Groan) You know that drawer that is jammed packed with coupons. It barely opens (if at all) so it's understandable if you forgot it was there. There were so many booklets of coupons in there. Most expired. I'm pretty sure I threw away enough money to fund Man-cub's first year in college. Considering that's only in 3 years, I'm really kicking myself. Money Saving Mom would shutter. So I need a system. Anyone have a good one? Please tell me about how you organize your coupons so that you actually use them.

After that, the Princess got to work making food for our weekly bentos. We hard boiled some eggs and made them star and heart shaped. We used these awesome egg molds that I got from I Love Obento!


I also cut some marbled cheddar cheese into cute flower shapes. I've put it all away in the fridge to pull out this week as I need them.

Later, I will make this yummy looking bread posted by Shannon at What's for lunch at our house. Yummmm...just take a look at it:

Blueberry Banana Bread!
With Man-cub out of town, this will be a hit. For some strange reason, he doesn't like bananas. Who's ever heard of such a thing?

Once all that is done, I believe it what's left of Day 1 will be filled with R and R. At least until it's time to start some dinner. I plan to make this Vegetable Fried Rice posted by Michelle at All home Cooking. All Year Long.:


See you tomorrow!

Time to Renew

It has been so long since I last blogged here. I've spent a lot of time reading blogs. There are a lot of them out there. Some really good ones. Ideas are everywhere. Crafts nearly make themselves in this blogosphere. There are enough Weekly Menus posted to feed the world. And, yet, here I am, adding my own crafts, menus and ideas to the mix.

After watching Food, Inc. on PBS, I have totally changed how I feed my family. No more regular food for us. I was shocked at what I'd been giving them to eat! Now, I go out of my way to buy local, organic food. We also eat a heart-healthy diet. Those are not the same. Just because something is organic or purchased at Whole Foods or Earth Fare, does not mean it is healthy. So I read a lot of labels. They are very tiny. So tiny, in fact, I had to visit the eye doctor. I now wear contacts.
Now that I can see, I've begun to seriously green things up. I gave my husband a compost bin for his birthday. (You're welcome sweetie!) We use it and use it and use it. And, I recycle everything I can. If it can't be recycled, I try to re-purpose it. This drives my husband crazy but I like the challenge. Not of driving him crazy but the challenge of figuring out a new use for something I'd otherwise send to the dump.

So, wondering where I keep all this stuff? Well, I'm an organization addict. I love to organize everything:

my kitchen drawers;

my daughter's hair accessories;

my pantry (prior to viewing Food, Inc.);

EVERYTHING!

So all of these (hopefully) soon-to-be re-purposed items have a home. Probably in a re-purposed container.

Finally, the last thing I hope I have improved on is my promptness in posting. For that, stay tuned...