Spell it out! Diy Scrabble tile wall art!

I suppose the Scrabble tile fad is nothing new, jewelry, pillows, wall art, we’ve seen it all.  And if you are anything like me, you think some of the stuff is super cute and super clever but, you don’t want to spend a ton of money to get in on the trend.  I tend to look at just about anything and attempt to figure out how I can make it myself for as little green as I possibly can.

The other night I was looking around on Etsy and after seeing Scrabble wall art a million times, I decided I just had to have some.  Now I know most of you know that I am an artist and a painter, but please trust me when I say that I have put together this DIY so just about anyone can do it! Altogether this only cost me about $12 but keep in mind that some of the supplies I used are things I keep on hand so, your cost will vary depending on what you may or may not already have.

Here’s what you will need:

*4x4 wooden plaques (I found mine at Michael’s crafts for .79 cents each and the quantity will of      course depend on what you would like to spell out)

*Assorted paint brushes

*Assorted colors of craft paint

*Sand paper

*Eraser

*Ruler

*Scissors

*Mod Podge

*Pencil (Preferably a good mechanical one with a solid metal tip)

*Your choice of letters and numbers printed out in a Scrabble font (available on the internet which can be downloaded for free.) Note: Letters will need to be bigger than the numbers and the size you print out will depend on the size of plaques you choose.

Step 1:

Sand your wooden wall plaques.

Yes my nails are blue this week :)

Step 2:

Paint your plaques in whatever colors you would like.  To make it easier you can paint them one color or if you would like them to be a little more dimensional you can blend different colors as I did. Be sure to paint the sides as well. Note: The plaques I found are beveled on the front side and the backside is flat (see photos). If you would like a fancy look you can paint your letters on the beveled side however, I wanted mine to look more authentic so I used the backside. Allow plaques to dry completely.

Step 3:

Cut your paper numbers and letters out.  Place your desired letter in the center of your painted plaque. You may use a ruler to center them if you would like. Using the tip of your pencil punch small holes around the letter so that it makes small indentations into the wood.  If your pencil does not work for this, you can use any implement sharp enough to make a noticeable indentation. Repeat this in the lower right hand corner with your number. Once you have completed the indentations, trace them in pencil. Repeat with all of your plaques.

Step 4:

Fill in your letters and numbers on each plaque with black paint and allow them to dry completely.

Step 5:

Erase any remaining pencil marks on your plaque. Using a large paint brush, apply a thin coat of mod podge to the front of each plaque and allow them to dry completely.

Step 6:

Fall in love with them because they are super cute!

There are quite a few ways you can hang these. You may want to put saw tooth hangers on the back (available at any home improvement store or Walmart) or 3M picture hangers are also another great option.

I hope you enjoy this little project as much as I did. I can’t wait to hang mine up! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section and I will be happy to help. If you just want to say “hi” that’s fine too! Happy spelling!

Brighten it up! Diy-Colorful craft storage

As you may well know by now, with the severe lack of new posts to my blog, I was on hiatus for quite some time.  The family and I have gone though some major changes in the last 3 months. From my previous blog posts you may have seen that my husband began a new job and it was necessary to move so we would be closer to the Happiest Place on Earth. It has been a long and exhausting process, but little by little we are settling into our new home and getting life back on track.

When I stepped back from blogging, I was in the middle of my 5 days, 5 diy gifts series.  I have decided to put the rest of it off for a while (maybe as Mother’s day gift ideas) and post some of the great projects that have been working on amidst the moving craziness.

When you are about move and you start packing boxes, you realize that you have way more stuff than you thought you had.  When you reach your new destination and start unpacking those boxes, you realize that you need somewhere to put it all.  Such was the case with my ever growing craft “stuff” that seems to multiply when I’m not looking (must be elves.)

The other day while in the craft store, (I’m still sticking to my elf theory in hopes I can convince Mr. Practical that’s where it all comes from) I found a cute storage cube for said “stuff”.  Regular price was $40 but as always with Michael’s I was able to get a 50% off coupon. There are several different styles, some with drawers, some with shelves, etc etc. Here is the one I chosse:

They come in plain white so being the colorful person I am, I just couldn’t leave it that way.  Project time!

What you will need:

-Your choice of storage bin (It can be from anywhere, a thrift store etc. as long as it has a paintable surface and drawers.)

-Paint brush

-Mod Podge

-Scrapbook paper

-Scissors

-Xacto knife

-Ruler

-Spray Paint

Step 1-

You will be applying scrapbook paper to your drawer fronts. If you purchase a new unit, build it without assembling the drawer fronts (they will be easier to work on disassembled.)  If you are using a unit that is already assembled, remove drawer fronts.

Step 2-

Prep your drawer fronts by cleaning them off and lightly sanding the surface of each one to help the Mod Podge adhere.

Step 3-

Measure your drawer fronts so that you know the size you must cut your scrapbook paper down to in order to completely cover them.

Step 4-

Cut scrapbook paper to the desired size. I chose to go with a mosaic look so I cut my scrapbook paper into “tiles”. See photos below.

Step 5-

Using your paint brush, apply mod podge to your prepared drawer fronts. Place your scrapbook paper onto the mod podge.  Once the paper is in the position you would like it to be, smooth it down with your paint brush and apply more mod podge on top of the paper to seal it. Repeat with each drawer.

Note: You may find after you have applied the paper, especially if you do a mosaic like I did, that there is some excess paper along the edges. If that is the case, cut the edge with your xacto knife and seal it with more mod podge.

Step 6-

After your drawers fronts have dried completely, assemble the drawers and set them aside.

Step 7-

Spray paint the rest of the unit with your desired color and allow it to dry completely. 

Step 8-

Place the drawers in the unit, stand back, and admire how cute it is!

I just adore how this little project came out! I’m so happy to be back blogging and hope you are all happy to be back reading! As always if you have any questions (or just want to say hi :) ) feel free to ask in the comments!

Five days- 5 diy gifts- Day 1- Homemade Vanilla

Now that the holidays have come to an end, I am finally able to post a few of the projects that kept me busy in December.  I regret that I was not able to post these great DIY gifts before Christmas but had I done so, my family would have seen them and I did not want to ruin the surprise. That is ok though, these gifts are great for all sorts of occasions and I hope that you will find them useful throughout the year!

Day 1

If there is one thing in my kitchen I can never seem to have enough of, it’s Vanilla extract. Any avid baker knows that it can be quite expensive and comes in small bottles that don’t last very long. Imitation vanilla is less expensive, but I have found that nothing can replace the flavor of the real thing.

One day, as I was surfing the web, I stumbled upon a recipe for homemade vanilla extract and I just had to try it. With the help of Pinterest (for the idea) and beanilla.com (for the supplies) I made a couple bottles for my mother and grandmother.  They seemed to love them! You too can make delicious, homemade vanilla that is less expensive, more flavorful, lasts longer, and makes a great gift!

Here’s how…

You will need:

*8 oz of vodka (at least 30% alcohol)

*5 vanilla beans

*An airtight glass bottle or jar that holds at least 8.5oz

*Kitchen funnel

*Small knife

(Vanilla beans and bottle may be found on www.beanilla.com)

Step 1:

Split the vanilla beans, length wise, straight down the center.  When all the beans have been split, put them in your glass bottle or jar.

Step 2:

Using your funnel, pour 8oz of vodka into your bottle or jar.

Step 3:

Seal your jar and place it in a cool, dark place for 8 weeks.  Gently turn your bottle or jar at least once a week to stir up the liquid.

It’s as easy as that.  If you plan way in advance, you can give this vanilla with it ready to use or you can do as I did and add a cute tag with the instructions and use by date! I’m sorry I do not have a photo tutorial of this one but if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section. I will be happy to help!

Happy making and baking!

Changes

There are times in life when we get busy making changes.  Often, we find ourselves in a position that we are not necessarily happy with and start looking for greener grass.

A few weeks back I blogged about an out of state move and the uncertainty of our lives. We have struggled so much over the last few years and it has been very taxing on the entire family. The expense of living here, the constant worry about being able to stay in our home, the need to find a better paying job, and many other factors had us looking for a better life.

My husband was doing some research and found a posting for a job in Texas. Before applying we started preparing ourselves for what all of this could entail.  How much will it cost? Will the job pay enough to make the move worth it? Is this job going to work out and if not will we still move there? Where will we live? How are the schools? And the list goes on and on.  After about 3 days of serious discussion, Mr. Practical decided to go ahead and put in a resume.  In doing all of the math it seemed it would be worth it.

The next day, we felt very apprehensive about receiving a call.  After all, if they were willing to hire him, we were willing to go.  We spent the morning going over all the “what if’s” and fanaticizing about our future.  After running some errands, we had lunch with my brother where of course, there was more discussion.  It really did seem like we had made up our minds.

As we were leaving the restaurant, I turned around to see Mr. Practical on his phone and listening to a message. My heart jumped up into my throat.  Was the job in Texas calling him? Was he going to have an interview? I saw our future in those 30 seconds while I waited for him to tell me just what they had said.

Over a year ago, Mr. Practical applied for a job at Disney.  Never had I dreamed the message was from them, calling to request an interview, but it was just that. Reality is stranger than fiction. That very afternoon (an hour later to be exact) he had a phone interview. The following Wednesday he had a panel interview, and Monday, December 3^rd, he was given an offer of employment.  He will begin his new career on January 4^th, and our family will open up a new chapter that is hopefully a Disney fairytale. We will need to move about 2 hours away from where we are now and only about an hour away from the rest of my family.  We did hear from Texas the day after Disney called.  As it turned out they did want to hire him, but the opportunity was not exactly what we had been lead to believe. There are times in life when we get busy making changes, and then God decides you will be going down a different path.

In 2006 (into 2007) I was fortunate enough to work for Disney and I really did love my job.  We were at another crossroad then.  Torn between my career and having children, we had some hard decisions to make.  We almost moved to be closer to my job.  We had looked for places to live that were nearby and Mr. Practical started seeking other employment. And then, I found out I was having my little Sweet Pea and everything changed. I decided to quit my job, and we stayed where we were until we found our home in 2009 where we have been since.

It’s strange isn’t it? For 6 years we have been living the other life, the life we chose, only to find ourselves right back there where we almost were?

As I contemplate the changes down this road, I am apprehensive and yet assured.  I have full faith that this is where we are meant to go.  I’m very certain that all that has come to pass is not coincidence.  The future is looking much different than I had dreamed but the reality is a different path.

“Times and conditions change so rapidly that we must keep our aim constantly focused on the future.”- Walt Disney

Under the Sea

This past weekend was my Sweet Pea’s birthday party and I am happy to report that we all survived! She had a ton of fun with her friends making crafts, blowing bubbles, playing games, and eating lots of cake.  I believe it was a success and executed on a very small budget. Here are some photos of the fun! Enjoy!

Now that we are done in the Ocean, it's time to go to the North Pole! Christmas blogs coming soon!

Five

Tomorrow my sweet baby girl will be turning 5. I must have my math wrong because it just couldn’t have been that long ago. Yet, I cannot remember what my life was like without her in it.

Often times, before I was a parent, I tried to imagine just what it would be like when I became one. I thought my kids would be babies for such a long time.  The prospect of raising children into adulthood frightened me so much.  My own childhood seemed so long and it felt like it would be a million years before I grew up.  Now that I am an adult, I’m watching the years fly by and my children are growing far quicker than I could have even dared to dream.  Now, rather then being frightened about how long childhood will be, I am terrified knowing that it will never be long enough.

As I sit here, I am reminded of just what it felt like on this night 5 years ago.  It really was the most painful thing I have ever experienced and complication after complication made it the most difficult thing I have ever done.  But then, at 1:42 am she was there and none of that mattered.  She was so tiny and soft.  I smelled her sweet little head and couldn’t stop giving her kisses.  I can still feel her there in my arms. I had never felt so complete. I suppose time is something you can always count on.  It will keep passing faster with each day.

My baby, my sweet baby, is turning 5.  I will always be thankful to God for choosing me to be her mommy.  She is a beautiful, smart, amazing little girl who was born to shine.

Happy 5^th birthday my little darling! I love you infinity!

Lone Star State of mind

I am a California Girl, born and raised. I have never lived anywhere else and I have no idea what it would be like to live outside of this state. 

Over the years, living in California has become more and more difficult.  The expense of living in this state has gotten out of control and it has become a place where few people live the good life and more often than not, struggle just to get by. Cost of living is very high, homes and rent (even is this terrible economy) have stayed unaffordable on most wages.  Taxes are high, car registration is astronomical, and each year strange fees suddenly appear (such as $175 bill sent out in 2012 if you live in a high fire area).  In Los Angeles county alone sales tax is 10%. Gas prices have been $4 or more per gallon for over a year now and property taxes are expensive because of the higher property values.  Many professionals who have paid for a very expensive education, have a hard time finding employment and end up taking minimum wage jobs.  It is that way everywhere right now, but with a cost of living triple what it is in most places, it is next to impossible to get by.

Many people, including my family, have started to look for other living options outside of the Golden State.  I have always loved living here and I feel such sadness at the thought of leaving. But even with all of the things I love being considered, I am so tired of struggling each and everyday just to get by. My parents have always made a decent living, but being here in California I have watched them constantly fight to keep what they have attained, struggle to give us the good life, and they have never had a break. I look into my future and wonder what awaits us if we stay here?  Will we ever be comfortable? Will we ever be able to put money away, send our kids to college, take family vacations, or live for more then just what each payday brings?

Mr. Practical and I have worked in the theme park business for many years.  While searching for other places in the country we might be able to find work, we stumbled upon an array of options in Texas, particularly San Antonio. I’ve heard wonderful things about living in the state, housing seems very affordable, there is no state income tax, and I have read good things about the school system.  There are so many things to consider before making a decision like this and we most certainly want to go there as a family and see how we feel about it before making any sudden movement.  Never the less, Mr. Practical has begun to apply for jobs in the area to see what there is to offer.  If we visit and like it there, and if there is a good position for him to move into, we might just be moving in a very short time.

So much to think about, so much to worry about, so much to be overwhelmed about. With the holidays around the corner, it is very difficult to imagine moving away from my family and friends but we must consider what is best.  For now, we will be taking it one day and one step at a time.  You never know what the future may hold.