Sunday, January 31, 2010

Coaster Memo Boards

Maybe it's the teacher in me, but I can't get enough post-it holders and memo holders! I was at Michael's down the dollar aisle the other day, and I spotted a set of 6 cardboard coasters for $1.00. I knew exactly what I could use them for. I grabbed them and some mini clips.




I used scrapbook paper and cut it a bit bigger than the coaster.




I then wrapped the coaster in the scrapbook paper.




I glued down the edges.




I also cut a piece of white paper to serve as a backing- just to cover up any messy edges.





I clipped on some post-it notes and added some buttons to the bottom because, well, I just kind of like buttons.





It can be displayed anywhere. Hanging on a post, or on the fridge!




Write this down: This would make a nice gift for your child's teacher, or anyone you know who jots down little notes here and there!

Metamorphosis Monday
Made It Monday at the Persimmon Perch
Make Your Monday at Twice Remembered
It's So Very Cheri
Making the World Cuter Mondays at Making the World Cuter
Sumo's Sweet Stuff

DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land
Toot Your Horn Tuesday at The Silly Little Sparrow
Get Your Craft On with Today's Creative Blog
Talented Tuesday at My Frugal Family
Trash to Treasure Tuesday at Reinvented



Winner, Winner, Spray Paint Spinner!


The winner of the Spray Grip giveaway is... GAIL at My Repurposed Life!!! This is what she said:

Friday, January 29, 2010

My Husband, the crafter?

Attention Ladies and Gentlemen, sound the trumpets, make some noise, raise the flags...Presenting the newest crafter at Red Heads Craft More Fun--- My HUSBAND!

So get this, I was driving home from work today when I received his phone call telling me I needed to check my Red Head's email. Since when did he become telepathic? How strange that he seemed to know I would have mail from a reader...

When I got home, there it was in my inbox: a request to feature a "craft" that a reader had made. His name was Robert, pronounced (and signed) "Robear." That's funny, my hubby's Spanish name in high school was "Robear," and here was his craft he had worked on all day:

It's a guitar pedal board to hold and organize all of his guitar pedals!! I am so shocked proud!

Number one: My husband crafted!

Number two: My husband organized!

Wowie!!!


I know it might not look like much to the non-guitar player, but he even used recycled material. The backing is a part of a slat wall. He used velcro to attach each pedal to the slat wall. He even tucked all of the cords into the slats, plugged them into a common power strip, and now there is only one thing to plug in.


And, he even cut it all to fit into a zippered, handled carrying case, so that he can bring it to and from church on Sunday mornings. (He plays music in the church band.)


Way to go, Sweetie Robear! Keep up the great organizing crafting! :o)

Monday, January 25, 2010

White Mantel "Pawn"

Decorating my mantel can be like playing a challenging game of chess. First I try one thing, then I move it over, then I add something, then I take it out. It's big. I kind of don't like the color (definitely debating painting it this summer). It is in-between seasons, so except for a few Valentine's Day decorations, it is bare naked! So, I went on a mission this past weekend, to find something inexpensive to use to fill up some space.

To Hobby Lobby I went! Hello Clearance Aisle! Tons of stuff. Then I spotted this:


It's very pretty as-is, but not my color-scheme. It just needed something else. I got to thinking... then I got to painting...


...and more painting.


...and some glazing...




There is still time to enter my Spray Grip Giveaway! Go here to find out the details!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

L O V E Blocks X O X O

Love is in the air, so I decided to make some love blocks. It was a simple, quick craft. You will need 4 wood blocks (mine are cut to a 4x4 size), and some craft paints.




I sanded my blocks to make them smooth.





Then painted them white and pink.




Then stenciled the letters on in the opposite color of the block.










Wait, there's nothing "evil" about these cute blocks...







On the other side, I decided to put "X O X O" so that I can switch them around if I want to.


Lookin' cute on my mantel. I love these blocks!


There's still time to sign up for the Spray Grip giveaway! Go here to see how.


Metamorphosis Monday
Made It Monday at the Persimmon Perch
Make Your Monday at Twice Remembered
It's So Very Cheri
Make it for Monday at Cottage Instincts
Making the World Cuter Mondays at Making the World Cuter





Valentine's Party at Craftaholics Anonymous
Crafts in Bloom Crafting Club Party


Creative Cats at Poppies at Play
Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors

Saturday, January 23, 2010

A Thank You and a Giveaway!

I am seriously in awe that there are 150 awesome, wonderful, amazing people that read Red Heads Craft More Fun! I simply cannot believe it. I wish I could say "thank you" to each and every one of you, so instead, I will give something away! And truly from the bottom (and top, and side...) of my heart, THANK YOU for reading and encouraging me with your comments.

Now for the giveaway! As one of my favorite toys tools, I am going to give one lucky reader a Rustoleum Spray Grip. It is SO helpful when spray painting.


Do one or all of the following to increase your chances at winning:

1. Leave a comment on this post. It can be about anything!
2. Become a follower of Red Heads Craft More Fun (Leave me a comment telling me you are). Already a follower? (Bless your heart) Just leave me a separate comment saying you are!
3. Become a fan on Facebook. Look on my sidebar for the information. Then leave me a comment, saying you are a fan.

The winner will be chosen by a random number generator and will be announced on Sunday, January 31.

Good luck and thanks again for reading!!

Friday, January 22, 2010

7 Things About Me

Karin over at A Window Into Whimsy, who I proudly stalk follow, tagged me in a fun blog entry. I have been challenged to write about seven things people most likely don't know about me. Since I am fairly new to the blogging community, maybe this will be a good way to formally introduce myself.

1. I am a high school Spanish teacher. I love my job, I love my co-workers, and ask me on the right day, and I will tell you that I really like love my students. I do!

2. I am learning how to sew. My Aunt is letting me use her old Kenmore machine (thanks, Sue Sue!). The first time we set it up, I thought I was being all suave because of the internet research I had done on sewing machines, I asked her how it "automatically threads the needles," imagine the hearty chuckle she gave me when she said it's old school, and doesn't do it automatically. I am still having fun learning and sometimes the older machines just do it better!

Here is a picture of Tulah helping me sew:

3. I am a dancer at heart. I danced ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and modern since the age of 4, up through college. I also taught dance for quite a few years throughout high school, college and even after. I spent so much time with my dance teacher, she was like a third grandmother to me. I don't take dance lessons anymore, but I still love to bust a move whenever I get the chance and for no reason at all! PS: Zumba is a fun way to dance exercise!

4. I cannot explain things in a concise way. Point made: I could have simply wrote that I am "long-winded," but I decided to phrase things differently. This is something I am aware of, and working on. I am sure it drives my students and husband crazy, but oh well! :o)

5. I want to learn how to work power tools. Then I want to own a set of power tools, my OWN set of power tools, preferably in the color purple, because that would be cool. I am woman, hear me (circular) saw!

6. I had seven, yes SEVEN friends stand up for me in my wedding. Some people think it's ridiculous, but I couldn't help it. In fact, there is a group of 6 of us who email each other on an almost daily basis. It is easier and cheaper than talking on the phone and we all span the U.S. continent from California (hi Jamie!) to Nashville (hi Liz, Carmen and Sara!) to New York City (hi Anne!). We have been emailing like this for almost 10 years!


7. My favorite people to craft with are my Mom, my Aunt, my cousin (best friend/matron of honor) Andi, my grandma Toto, and my little doggie Tulah. We have a blast no matter what we do.

Hopefully you learned a little something about me, and now I think I am supposed to tag someone else next. Since I can't stalk tag Karin back, I would really like to get to know Kim at NewlyWoodwards! I like her blog.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Pedestal Vases

Looking for a five minute craft? Want to add some lift to your vases? I ventured to the Dollar Tree and $4.00 later, was on my way to a quick, but cute craft.


I started out with two vases and two candle sticks.




I used Gorilla Glue Epoxy to glue them together.



I waited 24 hours to play with them and came up with a cute V-day decoration. Add some candles and some candy hearts leftover from this craft and there you have it!




It's hard to photograph glass! Maybe I should have cleaned them first? Hehehe...


I can't wait to switch out what I use them for each season!


I will be partying with:
Creative Cats at Poppies at Play
Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous
Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Be Mine, Conversation Heart Picture

When I saw Living With Lindsay's post about this, it inspired me to spread the sugary love. I didn't use buttons, oh no, in honor of Valentine's Day, I used conversation hearts.

I went to the Dollar Store and bought a few bags of "be mine, I'm yours, marry me, and text me". I also picked up a picture frame.


I used a piece of 12x12 scrapbook paper as the background, so I traced and then cut out the insert from the picture frame.


I used my Cricut to cut out the shape of the heart that I would then use to trace onto the scrapbook paper. You could freehand this or use tracing paper as well (I just look for any excuse to use my Cricut. :o)


Get that glue gun ready and start to glue...


...and glue, Sweet Pea...


...and glue, Puppy Love!

I followed one heart that said "dream big," and put a second layer of convo hearts on top.


I used clear nair polish to shine up the little love messages! And then put it in the frame. FYI: I put mine in without the glass in front because it wouldn't fit!


Here it is before I put the red bow on it. I can't decide which way I like it better.


And here it is after, with a cute little red bow.




This would make a wonderful craft to do with children. It is easy, simple and fun! For this little project and me, it is "True Love"!
I love a great party at:

Sunday, January 3, 2010

A *Safe* New Year

This was a monumental New Year for us! You see, when we moved into the house two years ago, it came with a safe. It is lodged deep down in our basement and has been facing the wall. It is the thickest piece of metal I have ever seen.

Thick = heavy.
Heavy = not movable.
Not movable = never been opened since we bought the house.

What if there is a million dollars, or precious gems, or diamond necklaces or tons of crafting materials in it?? How could we not have attempted to open it until now? How dare us!

Actually, I was a little afraid of what we would find. You see, a few days ago, I was working down in my craft room and I smelled a stinky smell. Like an animal had died or something. Gross, I know. So I immediately blamed the safe because what else do I have to blame? My husband was no where near the room.

Anyhow, you know how when it is the last day of the year and you are partaking in festivities, it is a time for reflection and idea making? Well, it was my husband and his friend's idea to go turn the safe. My friend and I stayed upstairs, but soon we heard some grunting... and some pounding... and some loud noises, we had to take a look. This is what we found:


Yup, that's my husband in the white with his ear to a glass "listening" for the combination. By the way, can you see how when I painted the basement wall, I painted only up to the safe because we couldn't move it out of the way? Yikes.

Maybe their muscles were a little tired from moving it, but upon further reflection, the safe was not actually locked. They just had to pull really hard and the safe opened to reveal...

Another door!!!!


But that door had a key!


And this is what we found inside...


It is really dirty, but definitely doesn't have anything dead inside! Oh, it also didn't have any money, diamonds, or gems either. I am thinking that we will check into the story of our safe. So far we know it survived a fire in a jewelry store and fell a story or two into the basement. THEN I am thinking it would make a super cool storage chest for something special (crafting supplies? a mini-bar?) I will keep you posted when we decide to do something with it. Any ideas??

Hope you all had a *safe* New Year!

Architectural Letter Photography

You may have read about all of my favorite gifts I received this past Christmas, but I wanted to share with you the one that was the most fun to give. I think it was so fun to give because my husband and I made it and we knew his parents were going to love it. It was so easy to make and it really could be used as a gift for all occasions. I already plan to give these to a few people using their last name.



All I did was spend an afternoon with my camera to take pictures of things that look like letters (fences, scroll work, ladders, etc), then my husband used Photoshop to crop them and make them all black and white. I cut them out and put them in a frame from Ikea. You can also use individual frames (standby for future pictures).

It was simple and thoughtful. Here is the one we made for my in-laws all wrapped up and waiting for them! I stubbed my toe on it about 3-4 times while fluttering around the house getting ready for Christmas, but all I could do was laugh (it hurt really bad too).






Making

Made-it-Monday



DIY Day @ ASPTL

Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design
Penny Pinching Party at The Thrifty Home
The Boardwalk Bragfest at Bobbypins Boardwalk
Transformation Thursday
The DIY Showoff
Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple
http://decormamma.blogspot.com/2010/01/frugalicious-fridaythrifty-mudroom.html
http://poppiesatplay.blogspot.com/