Monday, December 8, 2014

{Merry Christmas banner}

Recently I've been wanting to find a hobby to keep me busy while my husband is studying for school, which is ALL the time. I'm so lucky to have such a hard working husband that loves what he is doing. I cant wait to see what the future has in store for us!

 I've come to find that I enjoy crafting. My first little project I did is a "Merry Christmas" banner. I've been needing some decorations in my house and its Christmas time, so I thought this would be perfect! I am really happy with the way it turned out, especially since I'm new to this.

 What you need-
  1. Burlap (I found mine at Wal-Mart but you can get it at any craft store)
  2. Fabric Scissors
  3. Paint (I used the brand called Folk Art and used the color Cardinal Red)
  4. Ruler
  5. Marker
  6. Stencils
  7. Sponge brush
  8. Ribbon
  9. Hot glue gun

 
Step 1- Measure your first triangle. The measurements really depend on what size your stencils are. Use your first triangle to trace 14 triangles with your marker. I found it easier to trace the same one so you don't have to keep measuring out a triangle.

Step 2- Cut out all of your triangles

Step 3- Pour your paint onto a plate then lay your stencils on top of your triangle. (I recommend putting it all on newspaper so you don't get paint on your table.) Now just dab your brush in the paint and dab it over your stencil and onto your burlap!


Step 4- After you do all your letters, lay it out to dry. It takes about 30 minutes.



Step 5- Last step, super glue the burlap triangles onto the ribbon and you're done! All you have to do now is hang it up!


Since I'm new at this, I didn't realize the burlap would fray. I've read that I should've used "Fray Stop Spray" and you can get that at Hobby Lobby, Joanns, or any craft store. 

If you want to do an easy Christmas art project, I recommend this. Its super easy and most of all, TONS of fun!! Enjoy!

Thursday, December 4, 2014

{Happiness is when...}

"Happiness is a choice. You can choose to be happy. There's going to be stress in life, but its your choice whether you let it affect you or not." -Valerie Bertinelli

I think often people focus too much on the negative things rather than the happy and positive things in their life. I know I'm guilty of it, but recently I have been choosing to be happy. To me happiness is when:

  • Hitting all green lights on the way to my next destination
  • Getting done with a good workout
  •  Sleeping on clean sheets
  • Coming home to clean house
  • Coming home to my sweet husband and ornery cat
  • The Holidays
  • Making someone smile/laugh
  • Eating Pizza Rolls
  • Watching One Tree Hill
  • Talking to my best friend on the phone
  • Finding a new book you cant put down
  • Candles
  • Having a good relationship with my parents
  • Having wonderful In-Laws
  • Monkeys
  • Good Music
  • Finding jeans that fits perfectly
  • Helping others out
  • Having a day off with my husband
That's just the start. I could go on and on about what makes me happy. I'm very grateful for the life that I have and wouldn't change it for anything. Appreciate the little things in life and be thankful for what God has given us.