Oh the places you'll go...

when you get crafting ideas from blogland!

Below is a compilation (is that even a word??) of some recent

crafts I have done in the last couple of months.  As I stated 

previously, I have never been a crafty type of gal.

 But, that all changed when I got addicted to blog stalking...

 I have come across so many amazing diy projects; 

mainly from Ashley (who I absolutely adore!) as well as Traci.  

1.  First off::

What to do with a picture frame...

a.  CHALKBOARD FRAME

(tutorial)

Supplies:  Clearance 8x10 frame from Target [$4]

Chalkboard paint from Michaels with coupon [$3]

Chalkboard markers from Hobby Lobby with coupon [$4]

Wood from Home Depot [$4]

Result:  I am not entirely happy with this project, but since

I have plenty of left over chalkboard I will probably attempt

to redo it.  Mainly, I foresee using it for photography shoots...

b. 18X20 FRAME

Supplies:  frame from local resale shop [$1]

white spray paint [$2]

Result:  I really wish I had taken a before shot of this frame...

it was gold metallic and quite ugly!  I got this idea from a photographer

I saw doing a shoot at a local Garden.  I absolutely love this $3 investment!

c.  CHICKEN WIRE FRAME

(tutorial)

Supplies:  Wood frame from resale shop [$1]

Spray paint [$3]

Chicken wire [$3]

Sm. clothespins [$2]

Result:  Presently I am using it as a display board,

but it can also be used to hang earrings on!

2.  JEWELRY

Not from a blog, but I do spend a lot of time beading so

I thought I would include my most recent pieces for a friend's wedding...

3.  PERPETUAL CALENDAR/JOURNAL

(tutorial)

My mom actually crafted this for one of her friends...

Love this idea!

Supplies:  4x6 cards cut in half (equaling 365)

vintage/antique postcards (12; 1 for each month)

basket/small crate

Result:  a daily journal to be used year to year and document

special daily happenings!

4.  DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

(tutorial)

I made something very similar at Christmas; and so I
basically copied this idea for a devotional journal...
the only thing I added was velcro to keep it shut!

5.  POST-IT NOTE HOLDER
(tutorial)

My little sister, Lauren actually made a few of these

for my mom to give away to her coworkers at Christmas.

Being somewhat addicted to post-its, I totally love this idea, and 

need to get Lauren to make me one. :)

6.  TILE COASTERS
(tutorial)

I have previously blogged about this, so I won't go into detail.
These coasters I made for my parent's bed-stands...

7.  CAMERA STRAP
(tutorial)

I have also already blogged about this diy, but since

I recently made a new one I had to put in one here! :)

8.  CRICUT EXPRESSION

One of my favorite Christmas presents by far...

The possibilities are endless!

a.  MONOGRAMMED PLATTERS

Supplies:  vinyl from Hobby Lobby [$6]

Cricut Expression

Letter cartridge

Results:  a very pleased mother, happy to see me using

my Christmas gift to beautify her home...:)

b.  GAMES FOR CHURCH MINISTRIES

And that concludes the crafting experiences from a non-crafty gal!

Now, go get started on some great diy.  :)

An empty canvas

Well, we are now into the third week of 2011!

I cannot believe how quickly the last year went.  I looked into the archives of my blog and found this in my New Years post from last year:

2010 is sure to have its good times as well as its bad; but, I can rest assured for MY God is in control, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.

{ But the land, whither ye go to possess it,

is a land of hills and valleys, and

drinketh water of the rain of heaven:

A land which the Lord thy God careth for:

the eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it,

from the beginning of the year

even unto the end of the year. }

(Deut. 11:11-12)

Little did I know when I wrote that post how true of a statement it was going to be...

In 2010, my family and I did go through a land of both hills and valleys.  A year with changes; for the better.  God knew what was best.  He knew it in the year 2010 and I can rest assured that He does in the year that lies before me.

So much of my life is undetermined right now; my life is a canvas awaiting the Master's paint strokes. 

What will 2011 bring? 

There used to be a time that I wanted to plan my life out; to be in control.  I did not cope well with the unexpected and I wanted things done my way.  

I am glad to say that God has changed me.  No longer do I HAVE to know what tomorrow brings.  I have no way  of knowing what 2011 will bring, despite all the planning and checklists I may do.  But, I do know that I serve an omniscient Creator who takes care for my future and it is because of that that I can be still and know that 2011 will be great!

Wedding Favorites

Nielsen-Hughes Wedding

The Groom with his sister

& parents

The Groomsmen.

[My Father is the one cheesin' on the far left :)]

Reception Hall and Cake

All of the bridesmaids were sisters of the bride

AND...

{They}

lived

happily

ever after!

Smile :)

It's the simple things in life that make me smile...

Like this little boy who never ceases to make me double

over in laughter on a daily basis.

This dramatic bundle of a three year old makes

my job so much more enjoyable,

and so today I am thankful for the simpler things:::

December in Review

There was the baking::

And the annual Christmas Banquet::

The reunion of college friends who
were home for the holidays::

And the traditional Christmas morn spent at home with the family::

{Sharing my mosaics with Mary for Mosaic Monday!}

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Twas the day before Christmas...

We had nothing to do, so my sisters and I 

went outside and had some fun in the snow!

Being blessed with sisters is such a wonderful thing!

We may not always get along, but one thing I always can count on is that my 

sisters have my back!

Through the good times and bad,

my sisters are the ones I can always rely on.

 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you..."

This holiday season, I am taking advantage of the extra time with my siblings...

for truly it is the most wonderful time of the year!

Merry Christmas, God bless us everyone!

Wedding Preview

I had the amazing opportunity to do my first wedding shoot for my family's best friends.
 My family and the Hughes have been friends ever since I can remember.
Almost all of my childhood memories, include their two children - Tabitha and Josh.
This past Tuesday, Joshua married a lovely young lady, and I was able to share a part in their happiness