Easter Update

Easter Update

This year the Easter bunny was very creative, he spent some time putting together baskets that fit my children perfectly. Here are some pictures of their baskets.

This one belongs to my oldest son Devynn, he's 14. Devynn likes to draw. The Easter Bunny put together a great "Portfolio Basket" for him. It had a sketch book, pencils, pens, a pencil sharpener... many things related to drawing and art. He also got the traditional chocolate bunny and jelly beans. It was perfect for his likes.

This basket belongs to my Daughter Destinee, she's 10. Destinee, like most girls her age, loves Hannah Montana. The Easter bunny put together this Hannah Montana basket for her. The basket is a backpack, it's loaded with Hannah Montana stuff! Inside it was a wig, microphone, and a doll. She also got a new outfit (as did all the kids in my house- per our tradition) She's in heaven (for now!)

My youngest son, Charlie is 8. Charlie doesn't have much of a style yet, he's still trying to figure out what he likes, so I guess thats why the Easter Bunny decided to give him a basket that was fit for Summer. His basket came with a bucket, some water guns, out door toys, plenty of bubbles, and some different kinds of balls. He loves it.

Abstract Butterfly

Abstract Butterfly

Here's a project that anyone can do (by anyone, I mean ANYONE!)

You can make an abstract painting for yourself or to give as a gift.

All you need to do is take a scrap piece of wood, or cardboard, or anything you want to use. You need several little bottles of latex paint. (you can get these at any craft store). Get the colors that work for you. After the painting is done, then you will need a frame to put it in. You can either make one as we did, or you can buy one.

Think about an animal that you like, or maybe you like flowers (you don't have to know how to draw it in detail, this is an abstract painting). Then just start creating the outline by dropping the paint straight from the bottle.

My husband and I did this picture of a Butterfly for our daughters bedroom. We had a blast making it. Our daughter loves it!

Lamp Shade Makeover

Lamp Shade Makeover

Lamp shades cost a fortune these days. I don't know about any of you, but I have to spend my extra money on gas and food. For this reason, my husband and I came up with a great way to change the look of our lamp shades without spending any money at all.

We are avid crafters, so there is always crafting supplies laying around our house. However, if you're new to the art, or you only work with one medium you may need to buy some plastic sheets.

All you have to do is draw or print out a great picture onto the plastic sheet. (you can buy the plastic sheets at any office supply store- it's just like a piece of paper except it's made of clear plastic) Once you have the perfect picture, simply tape it to the inside of your lamp shade, make sure the tape you use can handle the heat from the light. When the lamp is off, you can't see the picture, but when you turn it on, the image shows through beautifully.

This project is fun and easy, so easy anyone can do it!

Wood Burning Is Fun

Wood Burning Is Fun

When you're looking for a recycling idea, you might want to give wood burning a try. Wood burning is easy and quite fun to do. Some people say that the smell of the wood burning smells like popcorn. The only thing you have to keep in mind is that the fumes can cause headaches if you breath it in for a long period of time. To avoid headaches, just do the burning outside or in a room with a fan.

This wonderful wood burning is an example of the beautiful results you can receive with just a little bit of patience and dedication (since this "sofa sized" picture took over 60 hours to burn).

Don't let trying something new intimidate you, Wood burning is just as easy as coloring a picture with crayons, except the "crayons" are 900 degrees. Get out there and BURN!

Carousel on the Round Table

Carousel on the Round Table

My Mother-in-Law gave my husband and I an old round coffee table. We used the table for a couple of years before finally getting a new one. The problem was, there was nothing wrong with the table. Sure there were scratches and it looked like it came out of a Disco Club, but structurally, there were no issues.

I have a passion for Carousel Horses (Duh...Carouselshell). I look for reasons to have them around me. It was a no brainer when it came to what I was going to do to that old table.

My Husband removed the legs, and I drew a giant Carousel Horse. We glued the picture to the table top and began to Mosaic the picture with old plates and tiles. We hung the finished product on our workshop door, that's where it remains today. I Love it.

Etched Indian Chief Mirror

Etched Indian Chief Mirror

Looking for a great gift idea? I have just the thing. This Mirror is really quite easy to create.

Finding a great gift for a man can be really difficult, and making one for him is equally as hard. I have spent many hours searching the net, books, and magazines for a great gift idea for my husband or brother. Finally I gave up.

My husband and I have been crafting for years, sometimes we come up with great ideas and sometimes we can't get rid of our failed project fast enough. This Mirror is one of our success stories.

Etching a mirror is really quite easy. I will try to talk you through it.

You need:

• A mirror
• A drawing (your choice)
• Carbon paper
• an etching tool
• Spray paint

Tape the drawing and carbon paper to the back of the mirror and trace around the image.

Once the image is drawn, use the etching tool to etch along the trace lines.

After the etching is done, spray the back of the mirror and let it dry.

The mirror can then be framed and hung with pride.

I hope this gift idea has inspired you to get out there and try something new.