The Chalkboard Wall

So back to this monster chalkboard wall.  I must share this awesome work from these two budding artists - This is exactly why I thought painting them a huge chalkboard in their playroom would be better than any toy I could buy them at Wal-Mart! 

These two are so gifted and our family has encouraged them in every way with music, art, and their schoolwork.  (You may recall Joe's Elvis impersonations...he's sort of famous for it locally). We are very proud of them and are enjoying watching them blossom into wonderful little dudes!

I hate to admit this but I erased this entire wall so I could set up my Week 23 shot. They were cool with it though.  This mural has been up for many months, so once my little project was over and erased, I'm sure they started a new masterpiece. 

 

I love the little details they have included.  Joe (the older one in white) has his stuff on the left and Jake's is on the right.  They are so clever, they traced the shape of the guitar from a real guitar!

The only part of the wall that I was not allowed to erase was "Crazy Man" which is Jake's piece.  He said he really liked "Crazy Man" and really didn't want to lose him.  (obviously, Cousin Kim obliged!)  

Excuse the quality of this one, it was a quick phone shot.  

I totally recommend the chalkboard wall - I would however use a wall that doesn't have as much texture as their sheetrock.  I purchased my paint at Home Depot and went through almost 2 quarts after a good primer (there was a painted mural on the wall). 

I gave them each a box of white chalk and colored chalk and I think it has really inspired their creativity on a large scale. 

Clever Tutorial

I don't know why I'm so fascinated by this bow tutorial!

The weird thing about it is that I don't even like this style of bows - you know the ones you buy in a big plastic bag and end up all smashed up.

I guess I just think it's cool that this is a total recycle project and something you can put together in a crunch if you find yourself with a naked gift!  (I hate to have naked gifts laying around - they have no modesty) 

I digress, sorry.

(source: How About Orange)

Those that know me know that I save the most random things....those who don't know me but also scrapbook or do other paper crafts can probably relate to my obsession with saving stuff.  I mean you should overlook my ever growing stash of security envelopes for goodness sake.

I like the inside design.

I am a junk mail connessieur of sorts!

Anyway, I shared this link on twitter/facebook, but I thought it worth posting on the old blog as well!

BTW,  I found this via my Scrapscene email today. Well worth signing up for if you are a scrapper/paper crafter.

AREtsy Team Member

So my first Etsy sale was perfect.
The prints reached my buyer, *who is also a seller BTW*
She left me awesome feedback,
I left her awesome feedback.
All is good for that - my first transaction.

Now, I've taken the next step and joined an Etsy team.
Team ARETsy = Etsy sellers from Arkansas.

Seems there are quite a few sellers in the group.
I have posted the typical "Hi, I'm a newbie" to the group message board set up through Yahoo.

They even have a blog, AREtsy.blogspot.com.

I'm all about buying local and supporting artists.
I encourage any of my readers to do the same.
Check out the many Etsy stores.
I'm talking some awesome Christmas gifts,
no driving, no lines, and better quality.
Love CurlyRed's jewelry
And this nice lady at Arts of the Ozarks who just moved from my neck of the woods.
Her notecards which feature beautiful photos=Stunning!
(they are all taken in Arkansas too!)
Of course these pictures are supercalafragilistically unique and would make really nice gifts for your friends and loved ones and while you're at it, pick one up for yourself.
You DEFINITELY should check that one out. (insert cheesy grin here)

Seriously, if you have not looked around Etsy
you are missing out on something truly unique and special.
From vintage, like one of my fave bloggers Mandi
and her shop: HalfCaf,
to cool handmade bags and paper supplies like Madame Cupcake.
There is really something for everyone.

Now back to your regularly scheduled program....

***EDIT****

How cool is it that those tulips from the prior post were mine and my mil's Mother's Day gift from Cody and Amy last Mother's Day!?!? I had transplanted them in the fall and forgotten where I had gotten them. (old age...sorry)

So, thanks C&A for the beauty you added to my flowerbed and my blog! :D

creating and remembering

In the spirit of Memorial Day i have done a lot of reflecting this weekend. Along with the abundance of time I have spent at my little crafting table, and the barbeque slash graduation slash memorial day get together at slick rock, and the cookout at C&A's, I have enjoyed being able to reflect on my loved ones who have gone on. I am so thankful for each of them!

We had a tragedy in our community this weekend and that family who lost a child who is a year younger than Alex has been heavy on my heart and mind. I have prayed for comfort for them and feel really sad for them for losing a precious child.

On a brighter note, i have spent a lot of time creating and have thoroughly enjoyed it!!! These "whatnotclutches" as I have named them have been so much fun to make. I had brainstormed and sketched some ideas for bags and purses i have been wanting to make, but decided to use these leftover pieces of felt from a poster project of Alex's to craft these clutches. Not sure what I'm going to do with them. probably give them away - aren't they adorable though??? I've had more fun putting these quickies together.

I also finished Tiffany's grad gift and Leif's grad gift. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures of Leif's before giving it. Here is the beginning stages of Tiffany's album. I originally thought this would be very "cowboyish" and western, and it does hint to that, I like how it is girly too. I hope she likes it.

Another fun project that had hit me one night quite some time ago, I decided to complete yesterday evening and am so excited in how it turned out. The idea was to make a little chipboard book for a bride to jot down her "bridal" memories. I wanted it to be very feminine and lacy. I'm thinking this one will go on eBay, but I'm not sure yet.

Here is a taste of this one.

Off to finish laundry and savor my last few hours of the long weekend. {maybe i'll even choose to get out of my p.j.s! ;) }