Category Archives: be creative {DIY}

Mar 10 2010

diy {bib onesie v1.0}

While picking up a few groceries, I noticed Walmart had some basic onesies for $3.00. As is they were pretty simple and cute. I picked up a yellow one and decided I’d play with it a bit and try to make something a bit more unique.

My supplies:

DISCLAIMER: I do not know the ‘right’ way to sew. So this tutorial won’t be all that easy to follow…basically I just wing it and hope it doesn’t come apart.

Step 1: Make the base ruffle. I cut a strip of fabric (from this skirt) about 3 inches wide and 14 inches long. Next I folded it over and sewed the edges together. Next I put in a gathering stitch (the longest stitch your machine will make) and gathered the fabric into a ruffle.

Step 2: Sew the top of the ruffle to the top of the onesie.

Step 3: Sew the rest of the ruffle down. I actually took a pencil and drew where I wanted the ruffle to go, then sewed it down.

Step 4: Originally I was going to sew a piece of a vintage sheet on top, but I couldn’t figure out how to do it so I changed plans.

Step 5: Cut an old t-shirt into small circles. Mine were about an inch in diameter. Fold the circles in half two times, stitch onto the onesie.  I did mine in groups of about 5.

Step 6: Add more circles and buttons to the middle. I piled 5 circles off-centered on top of eachother, then added a button. I sewed all three down, starting with the middle one.

I liked it hanging up.

On Baby Sister I can’t decide if I like it or not. For a $3.00 Walmart onesie it is fun. However, I am not super crazy about it. It kind of reminds me of a clown or funny lion.

When it was finished I sat down with Oreos & milk and thought about what to change on it next time.

So this is my first attempt. I am headed back to Walmart and will try v2.0….changing the following:

1. Make the whole bib part MUCH smaller. It looks too big on her now.

2. Use my mom’s serger to make the base ruffle

3. Use colors that don’t resemble an animal

4. Something different in the very middle…the buttons and circles just aren’t quite right

.

.

Well, maybe that will give some of you some ideas for dressing up a plain onesie….

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by AshleyAnn

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Jill R - Cool post. I love that you shared your thought process. I also love the oreos and milk in a cup and saucer. The model is adorable as always, showing us her signature “face” in her first photo. So funny!

Elissa - hi! just wanted to leave a comment to tell you that i’ve just discovered your site yesterday and i can’t take my eyes off it! lion or no… you could make ANYTHING look good with your pictures. SO INSPIRING… all of it! blessings to you! i will be back for sure!

Seamingly Sarah - I love that you tried something new and just winged it (I had to think for a minute if I should write winged or wung?) It makes me feel empowered to go try something new as well! Thank you!

Jo - I agree. Your the mom that could wear the most horrible thing/ or your kids and they make it look super cute. I AGREE!!! Sister’s signature face is the best! :) i like the onsie!

Margie - I love to dress up plain onesies and make them unique, your tutorial is giving me some new ideas! Whether you like the onesie or not, one thing is for sure….your baby girl looks adorable in it :0)

Rachel Ridd - her little face is adorable.

Ange - Please share when you make the new one!

anne c - lol! I love that look she makes in the first pic! I think the onesie is cute! Kate would be trying to pull all of the ruffles off, but I might try it anyway.

Jeannette Swan - Are you kidding me! I have to get a sewing machine – I want to try so many things like this! Again – you are amazing – and baby girl is adorable!

Kari - I love the picture of Breese on the bed with that outfit!!! TOO CUTE for words! That expression is priceless!

Allison - Her expression is just super cute! I love it!!!

Robyn Farmer - Girl, you crack me up! I love the face she is making in the pic with the pillows. She looks like her mommy.

rachel denbow - I bought that onesie in brown to do a project! HOpefully next week. I loved your idea here, though, and know what you mean about needing a 2.0 version. My latest peter pan collar bib was kind of a hot mess.

amanda torres - I’m not sure what’s cuter…’that’ face or the cankles in tights. I could just squeeze her up tight!

Kara - I dont think ur daughter could look anything but ADORABLE!!!

robyn - Hi Ashley,
Love your onsie idea! I come from a long line of seamstresses and had to speak up. Give this a try for your ruffle: sew 2 rows of gathering stitches and pull the bottom threads when you gather. You can distribute your gathers easily and if a thread breaks, you still have one to work with. (Then you don’t have to borrow your mom’s serger and can jump right on the 2nd try) Love seeing your creativity evolving! This idea could go on a Mommy t-shirt too, with flowers and pearls and….. Have fun!!

ashlee - cute idea! Im thinking about doing something similar on an actual bib…they are so boring!

Amanda Weber - I wish I were half as creative as you! I would have the hardest time making anything that resembled that. Little sister is too cute… love her signature face!

Cate O’Malley - Love the shots when she crinkles up her nose – too cute for words!

meg duerksen - so unique.
i think your mind must just go go go.
never turns off. :)

i just talked to the barn sale man. hope he’s able to handle us crazy women. ha!

Abby - oh this is awesome!! you have given me a bunch of inspiration….. now back to wishing for a walmart in OZ :)

paige - I just cracked up at “use colors that don’t resemble an animal.” ha! seriously, you’re way good to even come up with and create v1.0! adorable! i can’t wait for v2.0.

Ruth - I think it’s super cute. Perhaps if you bring the first round in more elongated than semicircle, it would seem more tuxedo with all the ruffles. For more “bib,” maybe just less ruffly in the middle? I don’t know….haven’t made one myself, but have daydreamed bout it! :)

Rachel C - That’s funny. She does sort of resemble a lion. :) I wanted to comment about 2 things in your “My Lovelies” section. #1 — I love those glitter labels. Those would look cute as decorations somewhere — very colorful! Also, that 911 call was hilarious! “We’re in our jammies.” So cute.

Casey - freaking adorable!

BriBedell - I do love it although it is a big large for the scale of your little one! I would cut up the onesie and sew it onto a shirt for yourself!

Kate - So sweet! You rock!

Anna Joy - this is a very cute idea! i had thought of a different ways of changing it when i saw it on baby sister and they were exactly what you had suggested. can’t wait to see 2.0 version!

Alison R - Great idea! I just love the look on her face in the first picture. Does the wrinkled nose mean she didn’t like it? So cute!

Holly Lesue - Really, really cute shirt.

And the baby ain’t too shabby either!

Joye - This is seriously cute, cute, cute! Thanks for the tutorial!

Lisa @ ElleBows - Looks like baby sister is a little undecided too! I personally think it’s fabulous!

chrissy - it’s easy to critic our own work but, you did a great job… very cute! :) thanks for the idea!

Feb 23 2010

a beautiful idea {evie s. things of beauty}

All pictures below are by Evie S.

Let me introduce you to the talented Evie S…..for some of you I am sure she needs no introduction. Evie is fully of lovely ideas.

For instance how lovely is this collage of her first pregnancy?

On her blog you can also find lovely interviews with talented artists…full of more great ideas than my mind could ever process

It’s hard to find great boy clothes that you can make yourself…she has DIY tutorials for some of her creative designs. This shirt for her son being another great idea.

Picking up a paintbrush again…another lovely idea.

She also has a wedding business and sells the most lovely ring pillows…not the kind you find at most stores. Lovely idea.

Postcards for Christmas….lovely family, lovely idea.

She repurposed an old sweater into this gorgeous cardigan. Fashionable idea.

Beyond all that talent that oozes from her and on her blog is A Beautiful Idea.

Here is what Evie says about A Beautiful Idea, “As an artist, I have struggled with the “why” behind the creative urges I have – to be used for something more than myself or for profits. I have longed for a greater purpose. I know I am not the only artist that feels this way. That’s why I created A Beautiful Idea.”

A Beautiful Idea is a network of artist, creators, crafters, etc. that make, sell and donate profits for a greater cause. If you are interested in more information you can visit A Beautiful Idea website. If you get involved, let me know!

Thanks Evie for sharing such a beautiful idea.

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by AshleyAnn

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meg duerksen - very cool.
can’t wait to spend some time checking her out!

evie - Thank you Ashley for the sweet compliments and for letting everyone know about A Beautiful Idea!

Jamie - Evie designed my wedding invitations! She was awesome! I’m so glad to be “reacquainted” with her work bc it was a true pleasure working with her in the past. Thanks for this post!

Robyn Farmer - Love it! Love all of her re-use of old clothing. I know after having my little one nothing really fits the way it should and I would love to bring some attention to chiffon ruffles rather than….my waistline. I am on the hunt to find some clothes to cut and dice.

Lisa Johnson - beautiful indeed! I’m enjoying these introductions to other creative and inspiring blogs

Anna Joy - Thank you for sharing this!

Emily Morrice - Thanks Ashley for recommending Evie.S’s blog, like yours, I love it :) So pretty and exciting to think of all the new things I need to try!!

Sandy - I love that pregnancy calendar! I totally want to make one too.. when the time comes, which won’t be for awhile! That repurposed cardigan is very lovely as well!

Feb 15 2010

diy {notebooks & crayons…to Haiti with love}

When Chris travels the hardest part for me is being the one to stay and not the one to go. His trip to Haiti was no exception – I wanted to go. Since ‘going’ wasn’t the option I had, I wanted to make the most of the opportunity with my kids in regards to them feeling a part of the trip. We have talked daily with the oldest two about what has happened in Haiti and what continues to happen. They have seen pictures. They have heard stories. They wanted to do something too. Since Chris didn’t have much room in his bags to take anything other than medical supplies we had to keep our items small and few. The boys wanted kids in Haiti to be able to color and draw….which I think is also a wonderful way for children to cope amid devastation. So we made little notebooks with crayons attached. Here’s how we did it:

Our supplies – notebooks, crayons, scrapbooking paper, glue stick, 1/4 inch elastic

Step 1: Cover the front of the notebooks. You could leave them as is, but I wouldn’t ever do that for a gift here so I wasn’t about to do it for a gift to be sent….I wanted them to be cute!

Step 2: The boys colored and wrote notes on the first page of each notebook. Biggest Brother wrote, “I love you.” on all of his.

Step 3: Make an elastic band to wrap around the notebook. I cut 2 pieces of elastic (one shorter, one longer). On the longer piece I marked it with a pencil every 1/2 inch, on the shorter piece I marked it every 3/4 inch. Then I sewed the elastic together at the marked spots (shorter piece on top). Finally I sewed the ends of the long piece – forming a band. I know that is not very technical, but I winged it and this is about as good as my instructions can get. Just play with your’s until it fits right!

Step 4: Slide in your crayons. The boys did this and picked what colors to go with each notebook.

Since ours were going to Haiti we wrapped each one in a plastic baggie. The rainy season will soon hit Haiti, hopefully these will help the kids keep their notebooks dry.  I also chose crayons since they don’t have to be sharpened and unlike markers they won’t grow dry.

About a week before Chris left Biggest Brother came home with a 100 Day hat from school. I guess each day of school they put a sticker on their hat, then on the 100th day of school they had a big party. Biggest Brother told me not to throw it away (b/c I throw everything away) and that he wanted to keep it forever. Well the day before Chris left Biggest Brother came to me and said, “Mommy I want daddy to take my hat to Haiti to give it to a boy there. I think that would make another boy really happy.” So the hat went to Haiti….and I cried seeing this picture.

When Chris first posted it on his Twitter I called Biggest Brother to come see it. I thought he’d get real excited about it, but he just stood staring at the computer. Then after about 45 seconds he got a sheepish grin and said, “Mommy, it feels really good to give stuff away.”

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by AshleyAnn

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Melissa - Tears are in my eyes as I read this – You have a very very special little boy. Thank you for taking the time and making those notebooks for the children. Thank you for treating them the same way as you would treat a child here in the states. And thank you for teaching your children about giving.

Alba - now, I am the one who is crying. Biggest Brother is a fantastic kid!

ashlee - your kids are so amazing! you should be a proud mama:)

Samantha - Ashley, I love it. I love it all. I love how you are teaching and molding your children’s hearts to love the people and things that God loves. Amazing!

tiny twig - this post gives me goosebumps.

Lindsay Thomas - That is so sweet. What a great little man!

Jamie - oh Ashley….you seriously are creating an amazing foundation of love, giving and compassion for your children. I was incredibly moved by this post. Just a wonderful, beautiful example of what God asks of us. And for our little ones to really understand and “get it”….well, that is so amazing…..(and sometimes so hard to teach)….you are doing such Godly work, and we are all blessed by the fact that you are sharing this with us….SO INSPIRING….THANK YOU! Don’t stop! xo Jamie

annalea - well put biggest brother. (and a fun gift idea.)

Linda - I know it was last week when we were supposed to tell you our favorite post, but this is IT! BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Rachel - Wow. That is powerful. I agree with biggest brother….There is nothing better than giving something away.

Robyn Farmer - Your blog blesses me.

Trinity - Ashley, yes I am crying too looking at that picture! Our girls have been able to give things to the shelter we got our oldest from. You inspire me to use all things to teach life lessons. And by the way…can we talk arrranged marriage? HA! On a creepy note, I had a wierd dream last night and baby sister sang opera! It was quite a sight to see such a little girl with a big voice!

Jill R - This post has totally messed up the makeup I just put on. ;) What a wonderful young man biggest brother is growing to be – good job parents!

Kirsten - Sniffle sniffle. What a wonderful idea…and wonderful pictures. Since I never comment, please let me tell you how much I love your blog…the pictures, the inspiring crafty ideas, and the way you use your gifts to bless your family and the world. Thank you!

christina larsen - Awesome, Those are a great idea!

robyn - what amazing spirit your children have… i hope i can instill the same in mine. beautiful story!

bopha - wow, i love it. you have done such a good job at making sure your boys have huge hearts for others.

Ari - Love it!!!

Kinzie Sue - What a sweet little guy! It’s great for him to have great experiences like that while he’s young, and pictures to help him remember the great feeling love and service can bring. Thanks for this sweet and inspirational post!

Rachel - Wow! So amazing!

Jodi - Totally crying from this! It is just too sweet for words. So amazing and so inspirational!

Kara P - Ashley, you are an amazing mother and your children are definitely going to/already are making a big difference in the world!!!! WAY TO GO!!

Dick - What an amazing family.God bless each of you.

amanda torres - The hat story is just awesome, awesome, awesome!

.amanda. - that really brought tears to my eyes as well! sigh. quite lovely.

Lori Danelle - I’ve got tears in my eyes. . .

I hope my own girls learn that lesson early and well.

Meagan - OH MY GOODNESS! How wonderful, Ashley! It must make you so proud that your children show such compassion and love for others! You are obviously setting a great example for them! Just precious!

Meredith - Biggest Brother is going to be a fine man! What a great story!

Susanne - You had me at the crayon notebooks… the 100 day hat pushed me over the edge… I’m officially in tears and in awe of you and your family

Margie - Amazing! What a wonderful thing to do for the children! Isn’t it heart warming as a mother when your own children show compassion for others?! Those crayons and coloring books will bring a little ray of sunshine for all of the kids who received them.

kristen - wow, thank you. i’m all teary eyed and i don’t do that!

Jill - What a wonderful post, inspiring! Thank you. :)

Abby - OH!!
This post is so inspiring you are definately kicking my butt into being a better person!!
I love the elastic on these notebooks such a great idea!!

jade - just beautiful ashley. all of it.

Stacy - Thanks for posting that! That is definetely a top 10 post. What a special little boy you have!

sharstin miller - Wow–that is amazing! what a great post–so sweet and inspirational!

julie - every single thing about this post is so beautiful. encouraging, beautiful.
thank you.

kelly - Oh my goodness. It doesn’t get sweeter, cuter, more creative or inspiring this this. Quite possibly my favorite post ever.

Shannon - Wow! What an emotional post. Seeing the excitement on that little boys face with that 100 day hat. Got me to crying that’s for sure.

candace - What a wonderful boy you have! This project is too cute – how thoughtful too. Where in PAP did your husband stay? Mine was at Sacred Heart hospital. The pictures are amazing and heart-wrenching all at the same time.

Jaimie - This is probably the sweetest post in the entire world. The entire world, seriously.

Yanet - That is a great idea. I love the way you and Chris involve the kids in all of your charity. And how lovely Chris took pics of the kids with the things your boys made so they “get it”!! Really, Ashley Ann, you inspire me to be a better mom/person.

Amber - You are an excellent mom to raise such good-hearted children. I hope to teach Avery lessons like this…lessons that really matter. :)

patti - so awesome! I’m really proud of my 5 year old who came to me the other day with a little toy purse full of coins and she said “mama, I’m saving all this money for kids in Haiti. Can you mail it to them?” I had no idea she was doing this…and I get teary every time I think about it. We told her about the devastation there and she immediately asked if we could send some of her toys to help. It warms my heart to know this is how she thinks at such a young age.

susie whyte - what a sweet little guy. i love seeing all of the pics of chris, ashley. he was such an exceptional guy in high school and to get to see from a distance the extraordinary person he has become since then is such an amazing thing. thanks!

amber fischer - What an inspiration! So cool to see God using children to do His work and bless other children. ( :

rachel denbow - I want to cry, too. Such a sweet family you have. And I love how you are teaching them to be empathetic and proactive in these small but grand ways.

Kärt - Thank you Ashley, this just made my day shine brighter (and I thought it wouldn’t happen, because the sun makes the snow sparkle here in Estonia). You have amazing children and should be very proud – I for one hope that some day I can raise such giving and thoughtful kids of my own.

valerie - First of all-how awesome of your family. What an example you are to the rest of us!! God bless your hubbie and you guys while he is serving over there.

Second- what a cute idea! I love the built in crayon organizer. So perfect for roadtrips or little hands. I am filing your fab idea at thecraftersfilebox.com.

Thank you!

emily anderson - what a sweet picture of the little boy in haiti…made my heart melt.
thanks for sharing.

Becca - Those gifts are such a cute and great idea! And the pictures of the hat and your son’s story made me cry! Love those little joys of mommy-hood! Thanks for sharing!

Jennifer Ross - This is so special. I am choked up just thinking about how giving he is. Child-like faith comes to mind. Such a special gift from God!

Jessica/littlepumpkingrace - I’m such a teary mess now :) I love the notebooks! You are doing such a fine job teaching your boys about helping others in need. I love that he gave his prized hat away – the grin on the little boy in Haiti says it all! God bless your family.

Emily - I have been looking at your blog for a few months and I love it for so many reasons. You’re creative, fun, talented…and your little girl is the same age as mine and I love to look at your pictures of her. Anyway, I usually don’t comment, but I couldn’t resist this time, this post is just incredible. I love it!

Brooke - Straight from the mouth of babes….seriously. That is the message that cant’ be taught with words. It can be taught with actions. How neat that your boy got to experience the way it feels to give sacrificially. Because for him, that was a sacrifice. It was something he loved.
So happy that you had that moment.

Michelle - Ah that is so precious about the hat! Made me cry too! I love the idea of the notebooks and how you pull your kids into doing these projects and teaching them about it. So awesome!

Jeannette Swan - This made me cry – how sweet are those kids of yours, not to mention you and your husband!! And, how amazing you guys got such an awesome pic of the hat being worn by that sweet child.

Telise Ensey - This might me the best blog post I’ve ever read (and I’ve stalked a lot)…and its my first comment ever. Had to be moved to it I guess. My boys will be better people because I have been inspired by your mothering.

Heidi - What a sweet little boy you have. He is very special. And wise beyond his years.

Vane - Loved your story! It made me cry!!!
Great spirit and great kids!!

stephanie - that is amazing. You and your family inspires us to try and do a little more for others who are less fortunate. Thank you for the inspiration.

pam - wow…speechless. an amazing story. xo

JoAnn - God bless you and your family. What a wonderful inspiration you are and your children are a true reflection of your efforts.

Lindsey - Um…. I am speechless. I stumbled upon your blog late last night and I haven’t stopped thinking about how much creativity and inspiration is out there and only a keystroke away. Your gifts you made were so thoughtful and the way you capture each moment with your camera is beautiful and uplifting. I love the 100 day hat (I must start that at our school) and the smile on that little boys face, oh my gosh (tears streaming down face). You are an amazing mother, raising some amazing kids!

Thank you for inspiring me to give back.

Ruth - Ashley, Faith Comes By Hearing–the org. that makes the Proclaimer, is located here, and my closest friends all work there. I’m going to send them the link to your pics. I’m sure they will be pleased to see the Proclaimer in action.

Meridith - This is so wonderful! I came over from the link on Balancing Everything, and I’m so glad I did. Cute project, and cute story!

emily - not sure if i am over-emotional today, but i just burst into tears reading this post.
beautiful.

Jules - Adorable and giving… your son’s 100 day hat giveaway is very touching and inspiring!

Marisa Balletti - This is my first time visiting your blog, and I am so amazed by your creativitiy. Then I came across this amazing post and am equally amazind by the wonderful hearts youa nd your family have. The project is brilliant and the look in that little boys face with the hat and the crayons is priceless. What a beautiful thing, and I agree with all the other posts, inspiring. Thank you!

Balancing Everything - [...] at these sweet crayon & notebook sets Ashley Ann made with her kids and sent to Haiti, and how adorable is her son? ← celebrate [...]

ten on tuesday » Amber Fischer Photography - [...] i think this is one of the sweetest, most inspiring posts i’ve read in awhile. (not to mention she is a wonderful photographer, so there are lots of [...]

Learning Lessons « Under Development - [...] I started on my crayon pocket notebooks for Robert that I found here.  Here are my supplies before [...]

Feb 10 2010

DIY {card book}

UPDATE: CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED Charity’s comment is the last counting one.

In the course of  500 posts, I have learned a few things from blogging. Here’s a few:

1. You truly can meet incredible people online. I now have a circle friends that I feel like I know, despite I’ve never met them in person. I know their voice, just haven’t heard it audibly. My life is more full as a result of their influence and growing friendships.

2. Everyone likes an easy craft….so I’ll share one today.

When we opened presents as a family at Christmas we talked to the kids about what gifts God had given them in 2009….then we talked about what kinds of gifts we could give God in 2010. In case you are curious, Big Brother wants to give God lots of Legos in 2010. I wrote down what everyone said and knew I wanted to make a small little notebook to record what was said this year and in the years to come. I also knew I wanted it left out so we could read what was said (I knew I’d forget mine!). It is February and I finally got around to making my book. I had a stash of 5×7 cards that didn’t have envelopes, so I used those to make the book….this is a cute idea with envelopes too (store things in the ‘pages’).

I worked on my book while Big Brother worked on his letters…the whole project took about 15 minutes.
2.10cardbook-1

Step 1: I cut one card in half to make a front and end sheet (not necessary)

Step 2: Use tape (I used pretty masking tape) to tape the cards together

Picture 3: All my ‘pages’ taped together2.10cardbook-3

Step 3: Cut paper for the cover. I used double sided cardstock scrapbooking paper. Amy Butler collection (thanks sis)

Step 4: Punch holes in the front and back sides of the cover…on the far left and far right (not top and bottom)

Step 5: Embellish your cover. I used more paper and masking tape.2.10cardbook-6

Step 6: Attach your cover to the pages to using masking tape again

Step 7: Run a ribbon through the holes to tie the book shut

Step 8: I taped tags on each ‘card’ to designate whose page it is…remember I am using my to record things over the course of years.2.10cardbook-92.10cardbook-122.10cardbook-14

3. Another thing I have learned is that there is some unreal creative talent and inspiration out there. A while back I came across the cutest little bags/wallets and have been anxiously waiting for the fabric combination that screams “This bag was made for you Ashley!”

Well while I wait….Gussy is giving one away to you!

Visit the Gussy store HERE and the Gussy blog HERE

Contest Details

One Entry per person

Contest ends on Thursday, February 11th at 7:00pm US Central

Prize is a $25.00 store credit to Gussy

In the comment section tell me 4 things (besides your wallet) you will carry in your Gussy if you win.

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by AshleyAnn

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Mandy - keys, rescue snacks, wipes, lip gloss – - covers all the bases

amanda torres - keys, coupons (love to coupon), phone, miscellaneous items that can be crammed in there that would benefit the kids and my sanity.

anne c - carmex, altoids, Lift me up/Calm me down book, ipod :)

Heather King - Keys, Diaper/Wipes, Snacks, Coupons :)

Sarah@Clover Lane - A diaper, wipes, goldfish crackers, and a Matchbox car.
For emergencies…everyday.

Jeannette Swan - keys, to-do list, lip balm, lotion. Did you just post that pic of Breese in front of her pic – I didn’t see it when I looked yesterday!

Amy - point and shoot camera, wipes, lip gloss, iphone

Rachel Ridd - I would carry …

my cell phone
lip gloss
keys
to do list

rachel

rachel.ridd@gmail.com

Allison - Can’t live without my cell phone, chapstick (its so dry out), lotion and keys!

Katie - diapers, wipes, lip gloss and cell phone

Sara - Business Cards, Peppermints, keys, and scheduling book (aka brain) :)

Lisa - keys, phone, burt’s bees chapstick, and a few strawberry shortcake band-aids for all the boo-boos that are in need of love.

Jenna - chap stick, phone, keys and ipod :)

Stephanie - Keys, phone, baggie of bunny crackers, iPod

Jo - keys, camera, cell phone, lip gloss!

Cath - I’m loving these giveaways :D In your daughter’s picture it looks like she’s doing push ups :) It’s so cute!
About the items it’d be lip balm, my phone, keys and some dried fruit :)

Jessica - Chapstick, my Canon P&S camera (I always have it with me), keys, and small sketchbook with a pen :)

Kathy - Hmmm my cell phone, keys, chap stick, and acorns (my son “collects” them and I always end up carrying them around).

Beth - my iphone, my keys, probably 2 or 3 dollars and whatever kind of thing i come across. Can’t really predict what will end up in my purse. One day it’s cheerios the next a pacifier or hair bow.

Kristin Eldridge - coupons, keys, phone, pacifier

raychel - phone, keys, chapstick, ipod

ashlee - i LOVE Gussy!! I would carry my phone, burts bees chapstick, keys, and a granola bar:) Then the gussy would go in my diaper bag because there is no way 2 different sized diapers & wipes would fit in one. It would have to be a HUGE Gussy:) like her (in)courage laptop bags…that would work:)

sarah - I’d carry my wallet, Burt’s Bees, mini Moleskine (I love those little guys), and pencil.

Meredith - phone, camera, sippy cup and diaper/wipes

annie - lip balm
pictures of my kids
id
credit card

that’s all folks…

Trinity - I am thinking phone, little money, little “incase we have extra time and the girls get restless” toys, and whatever else happens to find it’s way in there!

Melissa - Starbucks gift card, lip gloss, antibacterial gel, & phone

Sarah - 1) Chapstick!!!
2) ID
3) Change, not bills (I never seem to have bills)
4) cell phone – cant live without it.

Kari - My cell phone so I can always FIND it! lol!

Jill R - I would carry my Burt’s Bees chapstick, the Starbucks card that I hope I get for Valentine’s Day from my hubby (hint, hint), my grocery list and all of my coupons / discount cards for the week. Love the giveaways – these are really fun!

Julie B. - Keys, cell phone, a few types of lip gloss, wallet

Jessica - Definitely keys(always losing at bottom of bag), lipgloss, cell, and an emergency snack for my 2 year old. You never know when you will need some of Annie’s Cheddar bunnies for grocery store meltdowns!

Melissa Davis - 1) Chapstick
2) my phone which is the best tool at keeping me organized
3) a pen, always in need of one
4) spray hand sanitizer

Allison - Chapstick, phone, keys, and extra toy and teething ring for the boys!

Jaclyn - wipes, cell phone, cheerios, lip gloss

Evie - Cute bags! I’d carry my phone, coupons, my change purse my sister gave me for being a bridesmaid in her wedding, and probably some earings would be stuffed down in the bottome at some point as well. I’m always finding a random pair in the bottome of my purse these days.

Kim B. - Burt’s Bees lip shimmer, iPod Touch, hand sanitizer and reading glasses !

Martina - lip gloss, keys, phone, little bottle of moisturizer (can’t live without it this time of year!)

kelly - Ok so I just switched bags last night…I found a chewed bite of hamburger, a dog biscuit, extra wheels for the Automoblox and 4 crayons. What I would like to carry is my lipstick, my cellphone, my coupon book and gum. Only.

Jamie - I would carry my phone, my keys, my coupons, some lip balm. I’m so glad you “introduced” me to Gussy; so cute!

Linda - LOVE Gussy’s style!
I would carry lipgloss, lotion, cell phone, and lipgloss…yes, I am that addicted to lipgloss!:)

Debbie S - cell (of course!), coupons, lip gloss, and gum

Teresa J - Besides my wallet, I would carry my chapstick, make compact, nail file and a little bit of lotion. Everything a girl needs to stay pretty on the go deserves something pretty to go in :)

Laura - if i won a gussy, it’d hold my Nivea moisture chapstick, my travel mirror, dental floss & my tide to-go stick :]

Melissa - oooo! cute! Keys, Starbucks money, lip gloss, camera…

Rachel - After the wallet, I’ve always gotta have 1) lip gloss 2) my cell phone 3) keys and 4) a matchbox car for my boy. Great give away!

Paula - I had the thrill of MEETING Gussy at BlissDom last weekend. LOVE HER! I had already been drooling over her bags. I would definitely carry my iPhone, a little idea notebook, lip gloss, and maybe a spare pair of underwear for my kids. :) Gotta be practical!

Jaimie - my gussy would hold chapstick, snacks, a photo of my little and my iphone. i too have been waiting patiently for the right fabric combo!

Lesley - Super cute!! This is a fun week!! Mine would hold lipgloss, gift cards, keys and if my camera would fit, that too.

jill tracy - phone, lip gloss, debit card, lotion! Those are so stinkin cute by the way!!!

Suzanne - So cute! I would carry my keys, phone, Burts Bees, and crayons (for my girls).

Jacky {The Sweetest Petunia} - Burt’s Bees lip balm, keys, a little cash and gum. Always with me. :)

Kara P - To-Do list, cell phone, Make-up, and Business cards!

Kara - Keys, picture of my hubs & baby girl, chapstick and eye drops.

Cherish Stockdale - Cherry chapstick (my fave)
cell phone
Keys
planner

Elizabeth - I usually keep my wallet at home…so I will carry my bank card, phone, water bottle for little one and probably a snack for little one!!! (and maybe a lollipop for emergencies!…I know that is four..but hey, it’s my purse!!)

Jill J - Ok, I’ll play… Um, Bert’s Beeswax lip balm (I notice I’m not the only one; seriously addictive), hand sanitizer, cover up, nail clippers. These Gussy bags are so cute! I wish I had that kind of talent!

Kristi - I would carry my phone, snacks, diaper, and wipes!

Jackie - I’d like to think it will carry the perfect shade of lipstick, tickets to a great concert and a credit card with a billing address other than mine…but it will likely hold extra hair bows for my daughter, a matchbox for my son, band-aids, hand sanitizer and babywipes!!

Tess S. - cute! CUTE!

chapstick, memory cards, postage stamps, and cash!

jody - vaseline, keys, chocolate & library card

Shelby A - lip gloss, gum, “be good for a few more minutes” treats, camera

Robyn Farmer - Phone,keys,toy,and burts bees lip balm.

Margie - Great little craft book! I often write down prayers that my four year old makes up because they are so sweet and I am sure they would be forgotten if not inked somewhere!
What would I carry…mmmm….chapstick for sure, cell phone, burp cloth (my baby spits up A LOT) and some random things that little hands drop in there without my knowledge!

Sarah T - I’d put my Planner, my bible, cell phone and most likely a plethora of notes cards… oh the joys of being a college student :)

Lisa Johnson - notebook and pen for doodling, keys, and phone

Jodi - Lip gloss, keys, gum and pictures of my adorable son!

Donna - Powershot Canon
keys
chapstick
kleenex

Tracy - keys,ipod,phone, and chapstick! another great project!!

Celeste - sunglasses, keys, chapstick, and gum (:

stacey B - easy smeasy…car key, lip gloss, phone and oil absorbing sheets! HA!

Michele V. - I just found out I’m going to be a grandma.
So I would put a diaper, baby wipes, pacifier,
and burp rag for when I’m babysitting and on
the go.

Kelly - Love this idea Ashley, you have really given me the itch to do more crafting!

4 things I would carry; keys, itouch, annoyingly old flip phone, and burts bees tinted chap stick.

Lindsay - Gussy’s stuff is SO cute! I’d carry my favorite B&BW Brown Sugar lip gloss, my daughter’s “lips” aka ChapStick, daughter’s fruit snacks & my BlackBerry. :)

Liz E - Just gorgeous,

I would carry

wipes
hand sanitizer
mentha-lip (delish)
sunglasses (so important even in winter in OHIO!)
board book or 2! (my 3 and 1.5 year love reading/chewing on them)

Cool giveaway!

Liz :)

ps LOVE YOUR BLOG!

LAB - Chapstick, cell phone, gum, pen

Ivana - a pair of earrings, coins for laundry, lip gloss and my student ID :)

by the way, why doesn’t google reader pick up your rss feed? :(

allison waken - I was just looking at these the other day! They are adorable. I would have lego guys, fingerboards (tiny skateboards), 3 flavors of chapstick, and 2 flavors of gum. All must haves in my bag!

Miranda - So cute!!

Keys, debit card, chapstick and phone!

Karla - Cell phone, chapstick, small journal, keys.

Thanks!

Ali Richardson - 4 things:
Hair thing (a back-up to the one I always wear on my wrist….you never know when you need a quick pony tail)
Spare pacifier for baby sister.
Stamps (I never have one on hand when I need one).
And, gum.

Jenny - Only 4?!
I would for sure have chapstick, my cell phone, keys and admittedly a bunch of receipts that I haven’t gotten around to recycling yet. :)
Thanks so much for your lovely blog, Ashley.

TianaMarie - hmm id say.. my stack of notes i write to myself (i need to thin out my collection.. its taking over!), my keys, my cell phone, and some change thrown at the bottom because i love it when it jingles:)

AMS - only 4 things??? ok, ok… gloss, gum, Tylenol and iphone.

Megan H - keys, cell phone, lip gloss, pics of my kiddos.

becky - keys, phone, chapstick, wallet with no money :-)

Britney B - keys, iPod, cell phone, granola bar!

Selena Cate - First would be my iphone of course, 2nd would be my PDA, 3rd would be my lippy and 4th would be my business cards. Would just love to win.

Meg - Keys, ID, public transit pass, ipod.

Kirsten - gum, chapstick, motrin and a pen

Ingrid - i would carry cellphone, lipgloss, keys and the cafe receipt from a morning date with my little girl :)

Kaley - lip balm, drivers license, cell phone and money. Who needs a wallet?

Dana - So cute! I would carry my cell phone, keys, my favorite Neutrogena lip treatment, and my ear buds that do double duty as headphones and a hands-free headset. They’re always with me so I’m never tempted to drive with one hand occupied by a cell phone!

Mara - keys, iPhone, lip gloss and a snack for my toddler.

Shanalea - cell phone, Mary Kay tinted lip balm (love it), Bible (small diaper bag size), keys

Sherry - Mine would hold keys, credit cards, chapstick, and mirror.

Andy - phone, chapstick, credit card, pics

Kelley - Well, it is hard to narrow it down to four, but I would carry a matchbox car, polly pocket, notebook and pen. I could keep my kids busy for quite a while with those few items!

Lacey McKay - Oooh! Perfect timing! I am planning to make a photo book for my mom today! This is perfect!

Hmmm, for the Gussy, I guess I’d tuck in my driver’s license, a little cashola, lip gloss, and my cell phone, if I were going out on a date with my hubby! If my camera would fit, I’d put that in it too!

Hayley - Love your blog! I’d carry a pony tail holder, my cell phone, some cash, & my to do list.

Megan - Keys, ipod, chapstick, and my thinline bible

Christin - lip gloss, phone, point and shoot camera, keys

Kate - So my ideal purse is the one the Mom had in the movie One Fine Day…she had something for everything. But if I am chosing my survival kit it would include cellphone, sunglasses, lipgloss and pocket calendar.

Heather - Wish I could take photos like you…beautiful! I would carry my phone, money, lip stuff and coupons, and I am sure anything my husband asks me to carry (ie sunglasses). I love her bags and have been eyeing them forever.

Thanks.

Mindy - Yay, I love Gussy! I would carry chapstick, gum, my cell phone, and pencils!

Faith - chapstick, diaper/wipes, lightning mcqueen (the backup), cell

Stephanie - Those are really great!

The things I always have with me (other than my wallet) are:
keys
hand sanitizer
phone
lotion

Teresa - 1.Keys
2.Phone
3.Compact Mirror
4. Lip Gloss

Taryn - Keys, cell phone, lip balm, and hand lotion. Those are the necessities, I think.

Andrea - cell phone, lip gloss, pacifier, hershey kisses

Jodi - Chapstick, cash, keys, and phone!

Lindy - I would carry, keys, cell phone, chapstick, and business cards.

Denette - Cute, cute! Lipstick, cell phone, gum & hand sanitizer! =)

Jess - keys, phone, chapstick, diapers/wipes

Kizzy - keys, phone, chapstick, $20 cash (or debit card)

Callie B - Ooooo, 4 things…..lip gloss, keys, cell phone, pictures of my 4 beautiful kiddos!

Lildudesmama - 1. My Epi Pen (boo)
2. cell phone
3. Wipes
4. Victoria’s Secret Lipgloss, in Candy Apple

Nicole - Crayons
Stickers
Index Cards
Glitter glue tube

(Can you tell I have kids??)

Chrissy - chapstick, phone, keys, pen. :)

Christian T - lip gloss
money
antibacterial wipes
keys

sarah - lipgloss, keys, wallet, & tidepen of course!

Samantha P. - camera
gum
chapstick
sharpie

samantha - camera
hand sanitizer
gum
sharpie

Maggie - I would carry my Cell Phone, Chapstick, Ipod Touch, and some Hair Clip/Hair Ties!

Diana - Ooo only four…blackberry, pen, lipstick, keys!

Christina - I would carry my iphone, keys, debit card, and DL

Olivia - chapstick
keys
hand sanitizer
and…
my to-do-list

Jesse - Chapstick and roll on parfum!

Jami Schoettler - These are too cute. I would carry my lip gloss, cell phone, gum, and a binky for the baby.

Sarah M - hmm, keys, cards, chapstick, and of course for my stage of life…graham crackers :)
Sarah M

christina larsen - keys, phone, chapstick, lotion

dena - hand sanitizer, snacks for kids, lip balm and cellphone.. I found her blog last week and loved it!

chantelle - Here is what I would put in my GUSSY wallet!
legos, pictures and treats!
The simple joys in a Mom’s life!

Amber - lip gloss, small toy car (or airplane), keys, gum

Lauren Roberts - keys, chapstick, hairclip for Peach, and mints.

mandi - where do you find such lovely tape?

ok- 4 things i’d pack in my gussy-
dr. bronner’s chapstick
a vintage hankie
3 bandaids
and a tube of arnica

meredith - lipgloss, iphone, keys and my Burt’s Bees hand salve

Kim - keys, phone, money, diapers.

Katheirine - really, only 4 things? lol Okay, well…..

1) Keys(which have super cute owls on them)
2) Lip Gloss (must have, I’m addicted)
3) Credit Card (who needs a wallet?)
4) Fabric/Craft store coupons :)

carrie - I would carry my phone, keys, cash & i.d. I <3 Gussy!

Kristina - chapstick, phone, hand sanitizer, gum

Kristi - i loooove gussy! i would carry: lip gloss, keys, iphone,& $$
thank you so much for the opportunity to win a gussy. blessings!

kat - Cellphone, Burt’s Bees Lip Balm (the best!), some sort of minty chewing gum (this one is absolutely necessary. I might possibly be addicted. uh oh!), and a pen (it is funny how often this is needed). Those Gussy’s are gorgeous!

Melanie Schall - Those bags are adorable! Never seen them before. Thanks!
What would go in my purse would be my phone (it’s the handheld lifesaver), vasaline lotion (great for soft hands), sunglasses, and some cash.

Brooke - lip gloss, ipod touch, something chocolate and of course, some sort of crazy hair accessory for any hair emergency. :)
Gussy rules!
xoxoxo

Seamingly Sarah - I’m starting to see your love for ruffles. I would carry my burt’s bees chapstick, a headband or a hair clip (I just cut my hair super short and am trying to use new hair accessories as much as possible), my keys, and quite frankly a nuk for my daughter would end up in there too!

Jenny - soft lips chapstick, celly, keys and miniature airplanes, not because I want to but because we never leave home with small miniature model airplanes!

Bernice - iPhone, pack of gum, lip balm and whatever toy car my son decides he wants to bring out that day.

Kristina H. - I would carry my phone, money, keys, and lip balm!!

robyn - as my son calls it “pink berry” (blackberry), boogie wipes- grape scented- because they smell divine! lip gloss, and gum.

Ang - Diapers, Wipes, Cell Phone, Camera

Ruthy T. - Pen, mascara, mirror, pez! Thx Gussy!

Savannah - I would carry my chapstick, cell phone, rubber band and a snack for when I get hungry!

Kaitlyn - I would keep my phone, keys, chapstick, and gum in mine… I ALWAYS have to have chapstick and gum with me :)

Caitlin - *lip balm
*ipod
*keys
*wet wipes

Julie - chapstick, gum, credit card, phone…so creative! :)

Jenn McQuate - lip gloss! keys! phone! hand sanitizer!

Alison R - Such pretty little bags! I would have to pack:

baby wipes
lip balm (burts bees and kiehls are my favorites)
phone
extra change
gum

Danielle - lists, phone, chapstick and picture of my boys :-)

Brooke - memory cards, fine point sharpie, mini striped planner, fiber one bar.
I have been so mad, both of the past two nights I have checked about 15 minutes too late to enter. So I made it tonight :)

Stacy - I’d probably carry chapstick, hand sanitizer, lotion, and oils in it! Awesome give away! Thanks!

Stephanie - phone, pictures, lip gloss, gift cards from Christmas I need to spend :)

Kara - wipes, army men (or pow-pows as my 2 year old likes to call them), chapstick, and mascara.

Courtney - flash drive~lip balm~hair ties~hand lotion

KTMerl - chapstick, lotion, eye-drops, & matches !!!!!

Amanda Mc - cell phone, teethers/toys for baby girl, diaper and wipes, rupees!

maegan - So cute! I’m loving the giveaways- it’s such fun!
My four things would be
-lip gloss
-hand lotion
-sunglasses
-phone

diane - lipgloss, phone, notepad and pen…I love these bags.

jessica hilliker - I would feel so cute carrying my little digital camera (so I never miss a thing the boys are up to!), my lipshine, my keys, and a baggie of chocolate covered raisins :) ~Jessica.H

Sara W - Oh, how cute are those ruffles!
cell phone
chapstick
gum
keys

Rachel - Lip gloss, picture of my kiddos, my never-ending to do list, i-pod shuffle…

Sarah - Keys, cellphone, $$ , and can’t forget photos of my kids!

I just love your blog. Very addicting! Can not seem to end my day without checking your new updates and everyday adventures. :) I told my husband tonight that you are my best online friend! He thinks I am weird!… :)

Jana - Oh I love their stuff! I would carry my cell phone, camera, lip gloss and my old fashioned planner because my brain doesn’t function without it :D

Brittany - I would put gum, my iPod, my student ID, and the bible verse I carry everywhere with me.

Erin Kirby - 1. candy
2. cell phone
3. keys
4. jewelry

all in order of the most important! :)

Kate - Ipod!
Blessings journal!
Pics of my beautiful children!
Carmex :)

Alex - In no particular order…
1. A picture of my warm, happy place (because I live in Michigan)
2. 3 dollars (5 is too many and 2 isn’t enough)
3. A piece of heaven (in the form of Dove chocolate)
4. Love.

Amber - chapstick, phone, ipod, keys

rachel denbow - Life has been way too fast this week and I just now got a chance to catch up on your blog since the weekend and was so happy to see all these pretty posts and exciting new photos! AND THAT RUFFLE PILLOW! I want an excuse to make one. hmmm….let’s think of one.

Making it through this week? And I know I shouldn’t complain because I only have two littles to contend with and at least Brett is home long enough for a quick kiss before he hits the hay. Glad Chris is finally home!

jade - iphone, lip balm, pacifier, kid snack

Shannon Brooke - Phone, lip gloss, change for the parking meters, keys.

Julie - keys, phone, money and chapstick

Anna H - hmm… let’s see. I would carry my phone, chap stick, gum, and a pen (and paper). Thanks!

Ashley - a diaper and a couple wipes in a sandwich ziplock, chapstick, license, debit card, military ID, cellphone, and my ongoing crocery list :)

shelly - phone, fruit snacks, diaper, lip gloss

Ashley - haha oh wait that’s way more than four. and way more than would fit hehe…:D

Ruth - iphone, gummy snacks (emergency for the kids), lipstick, pocket bible.

Julie - keys
phone
money
chapstick

Michelle - ah, i’ve had my eye out for the perfect fabric combo on Gussy too!
in mine, i’d have my keys, cell phone, lip gloss, and my iPod

tara f - cell, lipgloss, keys, quote journal(cute things my son says)

Aimee - I have band aids.. my ipod.. my meds.. chapstick.. tissues…

Sarah Marie Long - I would carry my keys, itouch, phone and credit card. So cute!

lauren b. - cell phone, rosebud salve, keys, roll of stamps (which is always crucial to have on hand–or else letters and thank you notes will never be sent) … i also wouldn’t stop at 4 things, probably, because i tend to cram as in there as possible (or necessary, i like to think). if there’s space, i might also have on hand sunglasses, gum, retractable pen and a sweet picture of my family. xo

Cassie - i would probably carry lots of the little things that normally get lost in my blackhole of a purse! a wallet-size photo from our wedding, extra guitar picks, my favorite mac lipgloss, & a little card with the scripture-i-need-the-most-this-week on it.

Alicia - keys, chapstick, ponytail holder, and lotion

Amanda - chapstick, keys, phone, and….another chapstick. :) A girl’s gotta have variety!

haley - lotion..lip gloss….face wipes and an extra tiny bare of 2t underware for my lovely

Kinzie Sue - I’d carry my keys, cherry chapstick, a diaper, and some goldfish… lifes essentials to a mom of two! Love these cute bags!

Rachel - phone, lip gloss, pacifier, anti-frizz serum

Sarah C - My cell phone, my keys (always lost somewhere in the bottom), lip gloss, and an extra diaper for my son. You just never know when you’ll desperately need one…….

Ashley Cangelosi - ipod, id, lipgloss, tictacs :)

Carol - Starbucks gift card, Gap card, pictures, keys.

Ashley SP - LUSH lip balm, LUSH lemony flutter cuticle cream, a mini bottle of hand sanitizer and safety pins. Because you never know when you might need those!

Amanda L. - I would carry my camera, my cell phone, chapstick, and hand sanitizer!

ae - 1) Point and shoot camera, 2) to-do list, 3) tissues

Mandi - Super lovely wallets. I would carry lip gloss, cell phone, keys and gum.

Cindy - GI JOE action figures, cell phone, gum!

amber - keys, money, pics, gum, candy, : ) those are so cute!

kristen - oh adorable! cell phone, chapstick, mini hand sanitizer and keys.

Crystal - Cell phone/keys/$$$/notebook

Jen - check card {i never have cash}, my phone, chapstick & my keys.

those are darling!

rachel - starbucks card, grocery list, cell phone, debit card =)

Dorothy - fish crackers, diaper, ipod and Hershey bar!

Sharee Ann - I would carry chapstick, change, calculator and emergency kid underwear:)

Karen - Awesome wallets! I would carry my phone, chapstick, keys and my to do list :O).

Charity - cell phone, keys, list of somesort, and emergency snack for child

lindsey b. - ooh ooh, is it too late to enter? i’ve been looking for a little pouch to carry my crochet hooks, a tiny pair of scissors, and a tiny project with me… for crafting on-the-go.

Jan 29 2010

my perfect outfit

In regards to your questions from last week’s questions…I know there are still some left to be answered. I’ll finish answering those next week!

Here are a few answers to yesterday’s post: I tried Snapfish & Shutterfly, but was not pleased with the quality. I have considered using a Blurb book – I like the feature of it being able to be larger than 100 pages. Ultimately I went with MyPublisher because of price. The Blurb and MyPublisher books seemed about equal in price until you factor in 50% off or a Buy One Get One Free coupon (which is a big deal when you are ordering around 400 pages total). I always wait to order my albums until I have one of those coupons. They email me one each year around this time. MyPublisher works like Blurb in that you can pull in all the pictures off your computer, but just use the ones you want. I go through and select my pics because I want to tweak the post processing on them before I pull them into the MyPublisher program. I pick the pictures I want based on what I like and what I don’t want to forget. I probably only end up using 25-50% of the pictures I take. (I’d like to use them all, but my wallet would not like that). MyPublisher does allow for different themes…including text. I choose not to add text because I like the ‘pictures only’ look and I would never get the books done if I added text! We keep journals for the kids.

Here is a link to what I do in regards to saving and backing up my pictures.

So the other day I was thinking…

I am 30. I am a mom of four. Maybe it is time to change my wardrobe to something that reflects this stage of life a bit more….

I went to the store and can you believe for $5.00 I found the PERFECT outfit?!1.10pillow-01

Perfect for two new pillows that is.1.10pillow-03

The ability to remove pillow covers is VERY important in my house. Messes happen. Messes happen a lot!

I kept the skirt slit on the houndstooth one and added a vintage button…to allow me to remove the pillow cover.

On the white one I added a flap with vintage trim…to allow me to remove the pillow cover. I like mine better than this $39.00 one.1.10pillow-05

For those wondering why I didn’t do a tutorial on this…I don’t really know how to sew. I make things up as I go and I usually make a lot of mistakes in the process. I should have done a tutorial on what not to do. For instance, when adding a flap to fold over make sure before you sew it that the flap is on the outside not the inside. Otherwise you have to remove a lot of tiny stitches and that is not fun.1.10pillow-06

Since I didn’t do a tutorial, I did think I’d share a few outtakes from my pillow making process. Looking at the chaos surrounding my projects it makes it seem worth it just to buy stuff sometimes!1.10pillow-081.10pillow-10

I know this is blurry. She was jumping so fast I couldn’t get any of her in focus. She likes to jump.1.10pillow-111.10pillow-12

And even now as I try to write this post I have a little one trying to crawl off my bed. I’m tired…1.10pillow-14

And for my Friday etsy finds….in honor of Valentine’s Day

valentinesEtsy

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Posted in be creative {DIY}

by AshleyAnn

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annie - okay so first i was afraid, because it just didn’t seem to work (the outfit that is), but then i saw the darling pillows – they’re perfect! they look great with the moulded rocker. your crafting looks like mine, lots of (ahem) helpers! love the etsy pics – esp the live what you love – might need to check that one out! happy friday!

Jo - Ashley,

I DON’T KNOW HOW YOU SAY YOU CAN’T SEW AND IT LOOKS PERFECT!!!! I got a sewing machine for Christmas (2009) and i’ve made curtains and pillows and i’m not really satisfied with how i do it. =\ GR! I love the sweater pillow… WOW! Much cuter than the PB one. SERIOUSLY! You did a fantastic job. Like I have said before I really enjoy your blog… it’s very bright, colorful and full of fun kiddos! Always something new!

tiny twig - dude, do you EVER sleep?! i am sooooo impressed with you “go-ness”. i feel like with 2 boys ages 3yr and 1yr i’m running around like crazy with them and even getting something creative done every once in awhile is a feat in itself. how do you keep the boys from destroying your house? mine seem completely bent on doing that. :)

karen brown - I use my MyPublisher too and it is awesome! Just do a google search for “mypublisher+coupon codes” and I can pretty much always find some sort of coupon. Also, if you are a Costco member, you can login to costco.com and then hit the photo button and you get an automatic 20% off at checkout.

I am so jealous you are done! I promised some for the g’parents as Christmas gifts and they are still in the works!

Christy - Lovin those pillows! The ruffle is so pretty

Sara - I love MyPublisher! Just finished my two books. Yes, this year took two albums worth, like 700 pictures. I dislike that after about 60some pages, the program freezes/slows way down. I talked to tech support and they said that the albums will hold 99 pages, but the slowing down was something they have regular complaints about. Thus, my needing two albums with 40 and 60 pages respectively.

Love the pillows!!! Adorable. The outfit was perfect foil to a segue to the pillows. :D

Shannon Phillips - I just almost peed myself laughing so hard at your awesome outfit. I love you girl. Thanks so much for making me smile. You have encouraged me to work on my new pillow covers. Ours too get stained much quicker than I get sick of them and want new ones. (That is very very fast.) ;)

candace - I like your version better too! That whop-doodle ruffle is fun. Have you ever used Picaboo albums or just MyPublisher?

Emily - I love the pillows! I was recently given some not so cute pillows I had no clue what to do with…I can totally cover them! Thanks for the idea!

Anna Joy - those pillows are beautiful! so creative! good find on the cheapie clothes for them!

Allison - Love the pillows. By the way, what external hard drive do you have? I have a mac and looked at the apple time machine but it had bad reviews so I feared gettting it. Thanks again!

ashlee - you scared me with the outfit:) i love that sweater pillow!! my daughter has a pink cableknit she refuses to wear to it is destined for a pillow!

Lauren Roberts - I myself was thinkin “Oh my, she is finally looking way older than she is in that outfit!” Which is really hard for you to do. I like the pillows!

Shannon - Ok, this is off subject, but where did you have that big pic over your mantle done, and can we see the full thing. It looks amazing (each of your shoes??) and I just need to see the whole thing!

Anna Joy - not old…older-er. :)
your comment on my blog made my day because, well, you’re my MOM ICON (besides from my own mother, of course). Yay for me. Have a good day and stay warm :)

jill tracy - Wowsers–those are too cute. Love them both! Yours is way cooler than than the PB one–seriously!

Jodi - Adorable. I love your style!!!

Meagan - Haha, you’re so funny! I was thinking, hmmm…that outfit…not loving it… The pillows rock! I agree, you’re way too modest about your sewing skills.

Heather - Those pillows ARE so perfect! And what a fun Etsy list this week. I’ve already found 3 thinks I want to make mine!! Have a happy weekend :)

amanda torres - I now know why you have 4 kids. With an outfit like that, how can your husband resist all that sexiness!

Serena Lowe - I must admit when I saw the outfit….I though this girl needs some help…..then when I saw the pillows, I was relieved!! They are beautiful! I so need to learn to sew!!

christina larsen - Love the pillows. I never would have thought to make pillows out of clothing. Maybe I should start shopping in my closet for new pillow fabric. :)

Marianne Strong - Love the pillows, too funny, I was not sure where it was going. Your photography is gorgeous!

Dick - You don’t look 17 in that outfit. We sure enjoy reading your blog each day

Tiffany - I absolutely ADORE all your projects and creativity…your blog has become my number one go to for project inspiration!!

Jesse - I love those Mr. & Mrs. pillows! And can totally relate to your crafting conditions.

Megan - You are so inspiring! The pillows are darling!!! I am really into re purposing things in 2010:) and I noticed that someone used plastic shopping bags to stuff their handmade pillows with. I am dying to make a pillow filled with plastic bags, so maybe I will grab an old sweater and go for it:)

Alba - thanks God the outfit is for pillows! for a moment I thougt you were serious, jejeje. Really nice pillows, anyway. I like your non-sew skills ;-)

reyanna - Looks awesome! Way to go! And that Pottery Barn pillow is $39 for the cover ONLY! That doesn’t even include the pillow! LOL. Yours are fabulous! You inspire me so much.

Thank you! :)

Jan 21 2010

kid’s craft {rainbow hearts}

A conversation with my 3 year old (when his best friend/big brother wasn’t home)
Him: “Let’s do something fun.”

Me: “What do you want to do?”

Him “Play the wii.”

Me: “No, we could make cookies.”

Him: “No, that’s boring.”

Me: “You could make a painting for your room.”

Him: “No, that is boring.”

Me: “We could make playdoh.”

Him: “No, that’s boring.”

Me: “We could melt crayons and make hearts for Valentines.”

Him: “No, that’s boring.”

Me: “Okay, what is not boring?”

Him: “Playing the wii.”

1.10crayon-01

I got out the crayons and decided to start shaving crayons and melting them anyway. This the face sitting across the table from me as I played.1.10crayon-02

He watched me shave the crayons (with an old cheese grater).

He watched me lay out a towel, then wax paper, then pour the shavings on top, and then cover it with another piece of wax paper and another towel.

He watched me iron it just until the crayons melted.1.10crayon-03

And his pout turned into a grin and my idea wasn’t so boring anymore.1.10crayon-07

This is a bit messy of a craft, but fun nonetheless (the towels I used did get stained just fyi). Several people have asked me about how I get my kids to do craft projects. Well, sometimes it is easy. Sometimes it takes me starting it out by myself before they realize how much fun my idea is. 1.10crayon-11

I will say my initial idea was cute hearts in various shades of red. Big Brother wanted to add blue. I’d like to say I agree without hesitation, but I usually hesitate. I told him, “Hearts aren’t blue.” He responded, “Mommy, hearts are whatever color you want to make them.” I could stick to my guns and have cute hearts hanging in the window or I could give in to the blue. I gave in. Encouraging his creativity and imagination are more important than picture book designs.1.10crayon-12

I cut out hearts to hang in the windows…he cut various shapes, strung them and wanted them hanging in his room.1.10crayon-13

And on a totally random note…look what I found online!

9. MargaretsHopeChest

Yep, my quilt for the Margaret’s Hope Chest Craft Hope Project. It was my first quilt ever and I am pretty proud of it…even if it looks a bit sad and ugly in this photo among all the hard core quilts! Some little guy or girl is warm today. Pretty cool. The next project is making scarves for college students that have aged out of the foster care system. I don’t know how to knit, but hopefully I can figure that out soon to get a scarf there by the Feb. 14th deadline. Check it out here!

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Shannon Phillips - I think that your quilt looks awesome. I lived in Grand Rapids for 5 years so I know that it can be a very cold place. Someone is surely snuggling up in their very beautiful work of art made with the hands of an amazing woman of God!

Jo - Hey ashley,

I have a question! I did the hearts last night! BUT! It IS suppose to be a double sided heart right? Like wax on top, melted crayons in the middle and then wax on bottom and then cut the shape of your heart? When I did it I thought um… this doesn’t look right. But maybe I did it correctly.

Thank you!

Susan - Cute idea! I’ve done it before, but never thought of cutting it into heart shapes and hanging…we just have blobs!

AshleyAnn - Jo – that is what I did. There is probably a more ‘correct’ way to do it, but I was just trying to occupy my 3 year old!

Erin - I like the convo you two had…boring

Moriah - How do you come up with these great ideas!? I love this one!

Jo - Lol! :) Great, thanks for responding!!

Jo - BTW- did you happen to make the curtains hanging in the picture above? Or just buy them? I love white curtains, but i never can find any thick enough!!

tiny twig - LOVE this project! it’s now officially on the docket for next week. :)

AshleyAnn - The curtains are a shower curtain from Target that I cut in half!

Brooke - Oh I totally understand – my 3 year old loves the Wii too. Crafts just don’t compare, well until you get them started, like you said :) I love those crayon hearts! Super cute.

Love your blog.

Kelly - We just made these this last weekend and they are hanging from from the chandelier over our kitchen table. And our’s aren’t all red and pink either. My boys added orange, green & blue :)

rachel denbow - our sons are of the same opinion these days. Trying the crayon project soon!

Michelle - My childhood best friend and I used to do a similar project–we used an electric griddle and laid wax paper on top. Then we drew on the paper using whole crayons, which melted when they touched the hot griddle. Probably more dangerous, but less messy for sure!

Jodi - you should have your own tv show.:)

Kaitlyn - Thanks for the great idea! Super simple and quick. We made ours today. They look so neat in the sunshine. Keep those ideas Rollin sista!

Jen - I think this is my new favorite project. I love the hearts against the window – such a beautiful look! Definitely going to have to break this out the next time I babysit!

stephanie - ah! i see my quilt too!!

love all the crafts that you do that involves the kids….and i think the blue heart looks pur-ty ;)

maegan - I love the melted crayon project! I used to do it when I was little. I plan on doing a VERY simple crocheting tutorial (I am no expert) on Monday if you want to stop by. Those are the plans.

Nicole - I have a question that might be considered silly: Do you take the wax paper off after you melt the crayons? I want to do this for my bedroom, lol.

AshleyAnn - Nicole – you leave the wax paper on. I suppose if you were able to make it really thick you could peel back the wax paper. Ours have wax paper on the both sides with the melted crayon in the middle.

Emily Bergquist - You have just inspired me in multiple ways and I am so thankful for your blog! And by the way, I love the blue in the hearts, it gives them a wonderful Eric Carle look!

Nicole - Awesome! Thanks so much.

linda geertsen - Hi Ashley!

I just knew it! I know we are meant to be friends. So, I was browsing the collage of thumbnails and saw that the MY quilt is to the left of YOUR quilt. Coincidence? I think not. We are meant to be friends. :)

All kidding aside. Thanks so much for the guiding me to Craft Hope. I LOVEd every second of the experience.

If you are wondering, I did “quilt” the top together–the quilt squares happen to be of the same fabric. It looks just like one piece in the photo.

Thanks again!

linda

Jan 20 2010

my studio….

So I have gotten a lot of emails asking questions about my ’studio’ space and wanting a photo tour of my craft room. I smile whenever someone asks about my craft room. If there is one thing Chris could add onto the house right now, he’d probably add on a creative studio space for me. He knows how much I’d love it and I think he’d kind of like to sit down for dinner at a table that doesn’t have paint and Mod Podge splattered all over it.

My kitchen craft room

1.10craftroom-01

A bit scary, huh? Typically I am picking up so fast that everything just gets shoved in and the curtain closed. This is actually a bookcase we bought at a garage sale for $5.00 about 6 years ago. We added molding to the top and I made a curtain out of a vintage tablecloth to hide the disaster on the shelves. I have good intentions of keeping it organized, but obviously that isn’t happening. A creative mess. Someday it will be a cutely organized creative mess. Someday as in when the boys are older.

1.10craftroom-031.10craftroom-04

So half my creative stuff is downstairs in the kitchen. The other half is upstairs in my daughter’s room my sewing room.

1.10craftroom-06

My grandpa built me a craft armoire like this one several years ago. To fit it into this space we had to remove the crown molding and take off the doors. A table pulls out for sewing, but to sew I have to move the ladder with the quilts and the crib. The sewing machine is about a foot from the crib which means I can’t sew during naps or at night when she is sleeping. Needless to say that is why I Mod Podge more than I sew! I keep everything fabric related in this area.1.10craftroom-09

Is this an ideal set up…no. Is it convenient….no. Does it work for what I have available right now…yes. I think in most areas of life we make it work for what is really important to us. I’m making it work….and dreaming of having a space like one of these someday. (I am a pretty content gal, but I have to admit there was some major coveting going on seeing these beautiful craft rooms!)

Apartment Therapy’s motherload list of Creative Craft Rooms

Apartment Therapy’s second motherload list of Creative Craft Rooms

Soule Mama’s Studio v.2

Heather Bailey’s Studio

Karen Russell’s Scrapbook Room/Office

Meg’s Craft Room

There are so many more, but I am trying to stay on task with some projects this week, so I better stop. Do a google image search for “craft room” and just look at all the beautiful spaces that come up.

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christina larsen - I’m not even that “crafty”, but I would love to have an organized space to do fun projects. Wow, those were amazing.

ashlee - this is how my stuff is spread most of the time! right now i share a room with mercy:) thanks for sharing…i personally want a room like meg with all those amazing windows!

Lisa Johnson - I confess to occasionally picturing the sunny corner bedroom in my house transformed into a dream craft room with a place-for-everything-and-everything-in-its-place. But, for now, it is occupied by 2 lovely daughters and filled with polly pockets, dress-up clothes, doll-house decor, and their huge collection of crafty things, and atleast for the next several years, I wouldn’t want it any other way. Thanks for sharing your real-life solutions. I think the bookcase curtain is brilliant!

Tess S. - wait a second… didn’t you meet Meg from whatever?! i was expecting a post filled with glorious pictures of your 2 sweet faces!

jessica ast - I always thougt, I was the only person having the kitchen table problem. now, I feel in good company ;-) . on the other hand, one of my best excuses for not being creative does not work anymore – as you do an awful lot of wonderful projects without having a craft room. thanks for sharing.

Shanalea - I feel your pain. I am in the process of rearranging my house because of one more child and have no idea where to put all the things that are coming out. A family of 6 takes up a lot of space.

the inadvertent farmer - As much as Heather Bailey’s makes me swoon…Meg’s is more my style!

I love that you have some of your supplies in your kitchen so they are close at hand when inspiration strikes! Kim

Susan - I love when you post pictures of your home! It is warm and whimsical. Anyway, I will be back several times to look at these pictures for lovely inspiration. :)

tiny twig - i love that you work with what you have! i can’t imagine having a whole room dedicated to crafting…but maybe someday. i really do prefer just sitting on the ground and sprawling out anyway, though. :)

Jessica - It is sooo refreshing to see someone as creative as you using your kitchen table and random storage! It gives a mother of 2 like me hope that using my kitchen table can still CREATE beautiful things. :)

Jamie - Ha! That’s pretty much what my crafting space looks like. Wherever it will fit!

Mandy B - So should we be expecting a “save the date” four pack of treats sometime soon? Or is this a big “hint, hint” for Chris for Valentine’s Day?

Alba - as long as these works for you… and you are a lucky girl ;-) but craftroom is a box lol jajajaja

Nikki - I LOVED this post! My craft room is all over the house too–my sewing table is in a corner of my living room, my fabric and supplies are in a dresser in our only basement room (where my youngest son also sleeps,) my sewing/craft books are in the cupboard of our entertainment center and my scrapbooking stuff is in our closet. HA! It’s nice to know there are other women who are happy to “make do” too :)

candace - i love how practical and creative you are!

indiana - What are those cute orange and pink pompoms up in the room? I would love to do something like that for my babies room. Do you have a post on making these?

Jan 14 2010

my first TtV attempts

I don’t know about you, but sometimes there are just too many creative things I want to try. I’ve wanted to try TtV photography for a long time, but just never got around to it. Mainly I would see it online somewhere, love it…then I’d forget about it. Well this week Rachel posted her first experience and it was just the little shove I needed. There are lots of great online tutorials, Rachel shared this one on Hula Seventy. If you don’t have an old camera to use, you can fake TtV using Photoshop. Just Google instructions and there are tons out there.  Looking at other sites, I am obviously doing something wrong because everyone else’s does not have the square corners in their shots…just perfect little black trim on the edges.  I also didn’t clean my old camera AT ALL – so I am going to do that too. Finally I noticed the little strap on top of my Brownie Hawkeye kept getting in my shots – one more thing to remedy. I’ll have to figure all that out and post more next week. Feel free to give me pointers if you are experienced with TtV! Until then, here is my very first attempts at TtV…it was fun!
1.10ttv-011.10ttv-02
1.10ttv-031.10ttv-041.10ttv-05

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Jeannette Swan - I don’t even understand what you are doing!

Michele V. - I’m right there with you Jeannette…. what are you doing?

Allison - I’ve been meaning to try since I bought the perfect camera to do it with. I always seem to forget and then run out of light! I’m going to try and do it this week though. I love how yours turned out! Are the square corners specific to the type of camera you used maybe?

Stephanie - Ok. This is a really silly question, so please don’t judge me on it, but I’m interested in testing out TtV photography…does the old/vintage camera need to be in working condition? or are you just utilizing the viewfinder?

Sandy - I too had to go look up what Ttv was, guess I am not alone. I have to say, it’s really pretty cool. I really like the last one of the window. The shadow effects around it and the black boarder makes the pic look old. I like it.

Anna Marie - Stephanie your old camera does not have to work. You just need it to have the lenses. I bought a Kodak Duaflex at a local antique store to try it out but once I got it home and tried it the first time I realized that the top corner of the lens was cracked so I couldn’t get the four perfectly rounded corners :( I am on the look out for another. I am wondering if those square corner things in your picture is because those are on your brownie lens??? I have heard that the Duaflex is the best way to go for the TtV shots. But I could be wrong. There are some awesome TtV Flickr groups out there.

susie whyte - i saw this on rachel’s blog, too!! i love it!!

Asha - I’ve seen Ruby from Cakies and Rachael from Smile and Wave do this and I think it’s great but did you know you could just use a simple mask in photoshop without the complicated contraption menthod? There are a ton of them on flickr.

Jan 13 2010

diy {paper bird painting}

After yesterday’s comments on how unique you thought my craft ideas are, I was a bit hesitant to post this! Not so unique, but easy enough for anyone to do!

Last week I gave you a glimpse of a little craft project I had in the works. I wasn’t going to post pictures because this is part of a surprise for a dear friend, but she needs a little pick me up right now. If you have read this blog for very long you know that adoption and orphan care are very important to me. My sweet friend (and her 3 young kids) are in Africa diligently trying to adopt an older sibling set of 3. She has been there since Nov. and had hoped to return home to her husband this week. Plans have changed and we are still all waiting for a super sweet homecoming. While she is away some of us are working on a few surprises. She knows we are decorating the kid’s rooms, but she doesn’t know what all we have up our sleeves. So, sweet friend, here is a peek at some artwork for the girl’s room!

I was inspired by this DwellStudio painting (thanks Bryn!)

Step 1: Draw the basic design on the canvas (I messed with this picture in Photoshop to make the pencil marks show up…it isn’t really a big gray bubble)

Step 2: Cut out random scrapbooking papers for leaves and the bird (I used Amy Butler paper)

Step 3: Glue down the paper. I applied Mod Podge to the back of the paper and then stuck them on the canvas. Just do a thin layer of glue to prevent bubbling. I also did a thin layer of Mod Podge on top of the paper and around the edges.

1.10painting-02

Step 4: When gluing the paper down some of my paper bled, so I lightly went over the white areas of the canvas with white craft paint.

Step 5: Paint on your branches

Step 6: Seal the canvas. I just used Mod Podge since it was already on hand.1.10painting-05

In the girls’ room these will not be hanging this close together….1.10painting-07

While I was working on these, Littlest Brother joined me in the kitchen. At one point he tried to quietly push the chair over to the countertops. He returned, with the chair and turned it where it was facing the opposite direction of where I was. He thought he was being sneaky, but I knew what was on those countertops.1.10painting-081.10painting-09

Handful. Can I say it again? HANDFUL!!!!

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Alba - jajajajajaja smart guy! life is tough mum, but to have to older brothers helps ;-)

Megan H - I love this and I can do it, I know I can. This is my mission, thanks for the idea!

christina larsen - “But I’m cute, Momma!”

Cute bird pics, I hope she enjoys them.

Jodi - Adorable. I want to steal every single one of your craft ideas for our new playspace, 3rd birthday party, and shared big girls’ room space. I haven’t finalized any of them yet, but I am sure they will feature one of your many DIY projects. This one looks like it might make the list! Keep em’ coming!

Jeannette Swan - Love them!!! It is simple, but still unique – I’m already trying to think of what I can mod podge onto a canvas (I’ve done fabric and painted, but hadn’t thought of paper). I’m still trying to make a tray like you showed at Christmas Gathering – painting and mod podging – not wood burning! I’m so not creative that I bought the same Martha Stewart flowers from Michael’s that you had. I noticed the little silver birds on your mantle – I knew you could use those!!

Marie - I love it! Perfect for a girls room. What do you mean by seal the canvas? Do you paint over the entire thing with modge podge?

Rachel - Those are perfect!! M and the girls will absolutely love them!

laura - love it! and i love your blog. i’ve been checking everyday for months and it brings me a lot of joy…especially as a young, Christian, crafty mom of two. i do have one request…i just had a baby BOY and am having trouble w/ boyish cute crafty ideas for his room. if you have anything to share sometime, i would LOVE it.

ashlee - so very cute!

Heather - I love these! They are so pretty, and so easy to make I can hardly believe it!! I definitely need to make myself one. Thanks for the tutorial!!

amanda torres - Very cute! And, I LOVED the onesie from yesterday. So unique and funny.

melanie - Thanks for the sneak peek!! it is beautiful and I can’t wait to see it and also for the girls to see it! S has never even had her own bed, so I’m so excited that you girls are helping me give her a beautiful room!!

Katie - LOVE it!! Gosh, you never cease to amaze me with your adorable ideas! Thank you!

Jaimie - I was just about to say how GOOD your kids were until I read that they were a handful. It seems like they are really good!!! I love this and I have been thinking of something very similar. Simply Modern Mom also did some canvases that are really similar: http://www.simplymodernmom.com/2010/01/tree-canvases/

Meagan - Those are super cute, Ashley! Very similar to the paper nursery art I will have in my new etsy shop! The onesie is adorable too, BTW! I can just picture that whole Hobby Lobby thing! When I have bought felt from them and told them it was for baby headbands, they looked at me weird too! They just aren’t very hip! ;)

meg duerksen - but being that adorable…it is impossible to be frustrated with him i bet. at least not for very long!

Rachel - So cute…I think I am going to have to do this one for my daughter’s room!!!

Andy - love the pics
i’m pregnant and if it’s a girl then i may have to make some for the room

Christy - Love, Love the birdie pictures!! Such a cute cookie stealer..

Beatrice Killam - What a wonderful idea! I’m sure your friend – and the girls – will love these!!

I was just wondering where you bought that awesome Amy Butler paper…

Rachel Ridd - please please please email or post and tell me how you did the logs in your fireplace. Is it real wood or painted on?

Jessica Mad About Pink - Simple tutorial for a great effect.
Thanks for sharing it.

katherinemarie - tweet tweet— these are BEYOND SWEET!!! Isn’t modge podge the greatest thing?? You’ve got to stop with all these sensational projects!!! Too much amazing stuff girl!

dori - Precious! I just started reading your blog and haven fallen in love with birds. I never really cared for them until I saw how you’ve incorporated them into your crafts and decor. Love it!

Andrea - that is adorable! love your pictures and DIY articles!!

chantelle - you are brilliant-the bird art is great I can’t wait to try it! You do all that with 3 kids…….you must be brilliant!

susie whyte - and i just caught myself speaking outloud, saying, “aww, those are really cute!” figured i should say it to you, too! :) i love his hair!! such a stud. i always tell my friends that they should just name their boys “stopit” with the middle name of “now”. that’s all you say to them. :)

Jesse - Super cute DIY! And so is Mr. Ornery!

Tiffany - Adorable little birds and adorable chocolate chip face!

Erica - Thanks for the inspiration! I’ve been trying to think of some art to put in the bathroom that the kids share with the guest room, fun but not too childish, and I think this is it!

Ashley C. - I was so inspired by your birdies, I made my own. I linked back to your blog so everyone can be inspired by yours, as I was. Here’s the link to what I did. http://ashleycrenshaw.blogspot.com/2010/01/fly-away-with-me.html
Thanks for the daily inspiration! I love it!

Diana - Stunning, absolutely stunning

courtney - I loved this one so much I went right to work, they look perfect in my little girls room.

indiana - I had to post your blog on thebump.com! This project and so many others are brilliant!

http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/30290170/ShowThread.aspx#30290170

Our Canvas Trees « - [...] Canvas Trees Jump to Comments So tonight Justine and I made these. Justine was successful with the project and finished hers. I think they’re lovely, even [...]

Jan 06 2010

DIY {Wii minutes board}

So I’ve mentioned recently that we now own a Wii. I fought it as long as I could and finally caved into the big boys and Chris. I am viewing it as our “winter sport”. It became obvious to me pretty quickly that the boys needed something visual to understand how much time they are allowed to play. So I made a Wii minute board. Really I was just looking for an excuse to use some of the Amy Butler paper my sister got me for Christmas.
1.10wiiboard-01

I made each of the older boys “Wii minute” cards. I also made myself 4. Once the boys use up their minutes for the week, that is it until the next week. However, I have 4 cards to give out at my discretion for whatever reason I want (like a desperate need to be alone with coffee and the sewing machine). Chris asked if he got any minutes to pass out…nope. The whole point is to limit Wii time! To make the cards, I cut out strips of paper, rounded the edges, tied a ribbon to the top, and stamped the initials on the front.1.10wiiboard-02

Then I took a clipboard (that I had previously painted in chalkboard paint) and glued paper to it using Mod Podge.1.10wiiboard-03

Then I glued 3 envelopes to the clipboard. 1 for each boy and 1 that is “Mom’s” that the used minutes go in. The 4 discretionary minutes are clipped to the top. I also used chalk at the bottom to write the days of the week and check them off…there is no such thing as “wii rollover minutes”. Granted, this is quite girly looking, but the boys could care less. They are more concerned about how many little cards they have left than they are over what paper the cards are made of. I could have done some boyish paper – like balls or transportation – but I want to enjoy looking at it!1.10wiiboard-04

As I was making this project I thought of a comment that was recently left on this blog. I deleted it because it was very mean spirited and it is my blog, so I can delete comments if I want! The comment said, “You have GOT to be kidding. Next time you get these urges drink something alcoholic until they pass. That wire basket ceiling fixture is indescribably ugly, and the backsplash should effectively get you laughed off the web, which considering all the other ‘loving hands at home’ projects around, is no small feat. Please don’t ‘craft’ anymore, unless you want to see such comments as mine.”

So here’s to you – mean, grumpy man…another craft by Ashley Ann….next time you get the urge to visit my blog drink some prune juice and wait for the urge to pass.

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pamela - eeeeeewwwwwwww! what a jerk! although, i’ve read on other popular blogs that you know you’ve made it big when people start disliking your blog. not that that makes it better. i mean if people really don’t like your stuff, then why even bother wasting your time reading it!? so weird. in any case i love the Wii board and all of the other stuff you make! you’re inspirational : )

Katie L. - I visit your blog every day and have only left one comment. I’m more of a stalker than a participant! :) However, I simply had to let you know that I think your craft ideas are fabulous! I made more than one Christmas present (as did several of my close friends) based on ideas from this lovely blog. Keep crafting, keep blogging and please, please, please, keep taking those gorgeous photographs!

amanda torres - I cannot even imagine someone going to the lengths to make a comment like that. Obviously he had to be into the blog to read the whole post and check out all those pictures associated with that post. That poor guy must really hate many aspects of life if he felt it necessary to take his precious time to leave a comment. Crazy!

Lindsay - people can be so mean! i love love love your blog and look at it everyday – even though google reader can’t figure out how to work itself. i don’t have a wii or kids, but i want to make the stinking wii board! i love it! keep on crafting and blogging about it my friend. you have plenty of people reading who love your stuff and that outweighs the bad a million times over.

Jenny - What a meanie. I LOVE that remodel. In fact, that is how I found your blog and now I visit every day. I really enjoy the pictures of your beautiful children. Especially the oldest one. The girls are really gonna like him when he gets to dating age. Keep up the good work and try to ignore comments like that.

Rachel Ridd - oh my! I can’t believe someone would even write that. People are crazy haha. I LOVE you kitchen. Well really every picture of the house that I see. I actually bought a wire basket at Home Goods the other day because your blog inspired me to make my own basket fixture. Thanks for all your creative ideas and inspiration.

Rachel
stellabellaboutique.etsy.com

Jeannette Swan - You Rock!!! God has given you a talent that a lot of us try not to be envious of…I can’t imagine not having your amazing blog with amazing ideas and pictures to inspire me to at least try to be crafty!! We love you!!

Ryan - Mean people stink. Keep on keepin’ on – that’s the best way to handle these sort of things.

Lauren Roberts - Obviously this person has no better talents than to put rude comments out there. Ashley, we love all YOUR craftineess. Keep on crafting girl!

Aunt Sandy - Love your site, love your crafts, Love your family, Love your comments, Love, love your spunk (not just saying that because you are my niece). So with all that said, I have one last thing to say: YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!

raychel - NEVER let a comment like that ever get you down!! I come on here daily just to see what you’re crafting!!! As for this one – I wish i had little kidlets just to make one! You think my husband would mind if I just gave him minutes?! :) All God’s Blessings! Keep using your AMAZING talents!

jenni - oh my. that’s horrible! i can’t believe someone would say that to you. or to anyone! if you can’t say something nice, then dont say anything at all. i personally loved your basket fixture and the kitchen backsplash. if i owned my own house, i would definetly copy your backsplash idea! keep up the cute crafts!

Andrea Jett - Oh my, I am positive that he must have mis-spoke! ;) Here is what I think he meant: “You have GOT to be kidding me. Why have I not seen this blog before?? Next time (if ever) you get an urge to NOT post something, drink some coffee and recuperate until the feeling passes! That wire basket thing is so indescribably creative, and the backsplash, along with your hilarious and endearing commentary, should effectively get you laughed right off the web and ONTO YOUR OWN TV SHOW. Which considering all the other ‘loving hands at home’ projects around, it is no small feat to be such an inspirational and admired leader. Please don’t ever stop! Unless you want to be inundated with comments begging your return.”

Yes yes. I am sure that is what he meant to say, but the prune juice had clouded his vision and he missed some keys on the keyboard. Mr. Prune Juice, don’t mess with Ashley! She is a God-given gift to many.

kelly - Holy Mean Comment! I come here every morning to see what you have done next and I steal I mean use your ideas all the time! This is agreat one! I have one two year old and I want a Wii for myself to excercise and I have debated about it and the headache that comes from limiting the game time. This is a GREAT suggestion!! I am also thinking I could turn this idea into some sort of potty training/rewards chart – because really who want to look at a Thomas the Train potty chart everytime they go to the bathroom!

Leanne - maybe the guy that left that comment was the same one that stole your little one’s hat in hobby lobby. love the idea…will be passing it along to my friends that got a wii from santa this year and deal with the same issues. ;)

Mique - Ashley! Oh my gosh- I can’t believe someone wrote that!?! The nerve. AND so not true- it’d be one thing if it were true. But not at all.
I love this project! LOVE! And I laughed when you put you wanted an excuse to use your AB paper- that’s my kind of girl. ;)
I will be linking on 30days! So cute. Thanks.

Trinity - I love the idea of the wii time cards. We are always looking for good ideas for things like that. Here is my question. How much time do they get for each card, or is that specified?

Mary - I visit your blog everyday. I seldom leave messages because I’m at work and if I left a message on every blog I visited I would get fired. But I love to take a break from work throughout the day to read some of my favorite blogs, and you’re definately at the top of my list. I love your house and all your cool ideas. I don’t have a crafty bone in my body. If I did, I would copy your ideas. Thanks for sharing your fun home with everyone.

Jo - People are so rude and so blunt these days its UNREAL! :) Keep on makin’ your stuffies!!! They are awesome! So awesome they make me want to leave work and go home to craft! ;)

Rachel - Oh no he did-n’t. Picture me saying that while snapping my fingers with a very sassy look on my face. I LOVE the Wii minutes idea. I can’t wait until my guy is old enough for those!

Emily - Ashley, I LOVE your projects – keep ‘em coming!!! :)

Anna Joy - Ashley, your crafts are incredible! Don’t listen to a man who probably does not have an ounce of creativity in his body. Keep creating, PLEASE!!!

Patti Robertson - I read your blog everyday and look forward to it. God Bless you for being able to just hit the delete button. You have been very blessed with you talents and this person is just jealous.

courtney - SOMETHING good came out of that ridiculous & meanspirited (not to mention WRONG) comment — it’s forcing ME to comment. I’m very bad about lurking and silently enjoying the blogs that I love so much and never even saying thank you. So…thank you! I really enjoy your projects and lovely photos.

ashlee - mean people stink! I love love love your blog! your crafts are awesome…like this one. we just got a wii for christmas and i too needed a way to regulate their time. I will be making this today! thanks:)

dena - I LOVE your crafts.. I copy them… ALOT. :)
How long is a WII card session? Trying to figure out how to let my boys play without it taking over their entire day!

Lisa - I think this is an awesome idea I should do something like this, I happen to like your blog and your crafts. Some people just don’t have any taste and to much time on their hands so they have to fill their day being miserable. Idle hands are the devil playground as they say. keep up the good work and ignore the grumpy people. Hugs.

Carol - The man is obviously suffering some type of mental problems.

Jamie - How mean!!! If you don’t have anything nice to say,…well, you know. Well, it got me to comment anyway. I’ve just recently found your blog & I love it! And funny, I’ve been showing all my friends & family that light. I think it’s genious!

The Wii minutes is a great idea & you made it cute too!

Valerie - I, too, want to know how much time each card represents. I’m thinking I’m going to need to copy this idea for TV time at our house! :)

Elizabeth - Okay..I love it…but do you need another envelope for the “used” minutes??? Where do they go???????

AshleyAnn - You all are cracking me up with some of your comments today! Thanks for all the sweet ones too. To answer some questions: The “used” minutes go in the “m” envelope. Each card represents 30 minutes. They get 7 total…so if they want to play with dad on the weekend, they have to save a few up. I also reserve the right to say “no” to the wii anytime I want.

Kara - It might have been funny if you had left the comment up…your faithful readers would have jumped all over that! :D (like we have today!)

christina larsen - I think it is a wonderful idea. BTW, hasn’t Mr. Grumpy man ever heard the saying, “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Really, how rude could you be. Don’t listen to him, you are amazing.

lorae - I agree 100% with Ms. Jett’s comment about said grouch. More importantly, AMY BUTLER HAS PAPER!!?? I’m trying to limit craft consumption and now I am tempted with this. I promised to use what I already have(and it is a lot!) for upcoming crafts. I’ll be fine no really I’ll somehow make it without those wonderful, beautiful papers in my life. Who am I kiddin I’ll have that goodness in my hands by nightfall:).

the inadvertent farmer - ROFL…yes prune juice is in order, as they say ‘mean people suck’. I hope you never quite crafting because I so enjoy your projects.

Good luck on the video game thing…have three now college age sons and I will hold my tongue on the subject! No video games during finals week are NOT a good idea!

Great clipboard project, Kim

Jill R - The anonymity of the internet makes people unafraid to be themselves. In some people this is jealousy and downright ugliness, and in others, like you, it is a bright ray of sunshine in the middle of this horrible winter! Thanks for sharing your light with us every day.

Kristi - I cant believe someone would say that to you! I love reading your blog and dont find anything distasteful about any of it. I could seriously look at your pictures forever!

Ayesha - Ashley..you are fantastic and i am glad you posted the diy project….jerks like that are too full of themseves xxx

Megan H - Ha ha…well said. For the record, I LOVED your back splash. The kitchen in my new house is in desperate need of a makeover. Reading your blog and seeing the creative things you come up is one of the highlights of my day!

ElleBows - oh my gosh. ewww, what a yucky comment! so far from the truth too!!! Weirdo alert!

I love this idea! You are too clever!

tiny twig - LOVE your response to mr. grinchy pants! and i actually love your little light fixture. too bad those people are often even more miserable in real life than they are online. booooo grinchy pants.

Rachel - i know i am just one of the many to add my horror at such a comment but i just felt it was needed! i love your blog and the inspiration that i pull from it each day, thank you for taking time from your very very busy life to share with all of us! and for the record i am a professional graphic designer working for an architecture firm, and for what it’s worth from a “professional” standpoint, your remodel and projects are both elegant, timely, inventive and beautiful!

Jill J - Well, your wii board is MUCH cuter than mine. Our “wii tickets” (as we call them) are contained in 3 envelopes on the refrigerator. Oh well. Maybe when I grow up and become as crafty as you are, I’ll make a cute one too! (sticking tongue out at grumpy man troll.)

Cheree - Wow. Whatever happened to “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Especially if the comment is completely WRONG and UNCALLED for. You have a lovely blog and awesome ideas for crafts. Keep it up!

Ingrid - what a miserable person to go out their way to be so mean! your blog is my favorite – i love your photos and most of all your craft ideas! you are an inspiration!! thanks for blogging and sharing your ideas with us!!

Melissa - Wow.. The nerve of some people.. Why would they even bother reading your blog then?? I think you are super creative and look forward to reader your blog often.. I love being inspired by you as a woman, crafter and mostly a mom! Keep up the greatness!

Jen - this person OBVIOUSLY reads your blog everyday (like the rest of us!) and gets inspired. apparently, they are just not as talented as you so they are taking it out on you. it’s just sad. but WE all love your blog! what an inspiration to us all :) thank you for blogging!! XO

Rachel - Well I *love* this idea! We need one of these in my house! Thanks so much for yet another wonderful and BEAUTIFUL project. I’ll be linking.

Casey - that’s a really good idea, such a pretty way to keep track of time spent on the Wii! and I can’t believe the comment you received, if you have nothing nice to say or type, don’t do it, sorry you had to ever read it :(

Dee - I have never commented…also would be classified as a “blog stalker”…but I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!!! Your crafts, your humor, your photography…it’s the BEST!!! Keep it up!!

Allison - Yep, you know you’ve made it when the poor, sorry, lonlies come out and waste time. You should take it as a compliment! Cute idea, gets my wheels turning about a chore chart…

Bonnie P - very impressed with how you handled that grumpy man. and dont ever think for a second that you should quit crafting…you’re AMAZINGLY TALENTED!!

Brooke - Oh my goodness. I am obsessed with Amy Butler! I keep taping paper down on everything in my classroom. My second graders don’t love it…but if I have to look at it all day….

Seriously, I cannot believe someone would be so mean to write something like that! I’m glad you didn’t leave it up. People like that shouldn’t have the right to computers. Dramatic? I don’t think so.

Keep up the adorable crafts. No need to drink. :)

beth - I think sometimes people forget that design is personal. What appeals to you may not appeal to me, and vice versa. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong or ugly or anything. “Mean Guy” needs to remember he’s not the measuring stick (that’s my nod to your kitchen) for everyone.

Meagan - Okay first of all, awesome idea! My 4 y/o likes to go down to my Mom’s and play her WII.. He gets really obsessed with playing; He screams and fusses when we tell him it’s time to leave. (In fact, he’s begging to go down there right now…) Maybe if he had a visual que…

That comment makes me mad and laugh at the same time. Obviously someone with major mental problems… You HAVE to know that you’re awesome; an awesome mom; an awesome crafter; an AWESOME photographer. Enough said.

Katie - I just discovered your blog recently, but have devoured all your DIY posts in the archives and just can’t get enough! I think your crafts are fantastic and you do a great job explaining so that even a not-so-crafty momma can figure them out. Thank you for sharing your talent and beautiful family!

Renita - I really enjoy your blog..keep up the great work…

Rachel - We just got a Wii too..it is so fun, but my kids are still young enough that they would rather be doing something else than playing Wii all day…I’m the one who needs the Wii minute board….I could play Lego Rockband forever!!! Anyways, I love your blog so much…it is one of the few things that I look forward to everyday..you are amazing in so many ways and do it all with 4 kiddos to take care of too…you go girl!! xoxo

Valerie - Just wanted to add a big congrats for being featured on Apartment Therapy Nusery again! Saw the adorable chalkboard on there!

Donna - Mean people suck! I love, love, love your blog and your crafts. Pretty sure that person has other issues that have nothing to do with you (except they chose you to take it out on.)Please make more crafts, please, please, please! (And keep deleting those nasty comments.)
PS I making the pirate patches for my kiddos for Valentine’s Day!

Natasha Perryman - Well geez… that is awful. I must say the only thing I don’t like is that I cannot steal your pics to put in my “Natasha Loves” folder. I put all cute stuff I find in there for future inspiration. I have always loved all your things and like everyone else whose a reader, tries not to be jealous! See you…

Kristin S - What a great idea! And that person is a total, rude dork.

Bren - I love your blog– it is one of the few that I make sure to check every day. I LOVE your photography, stories, and all your DIY projects and have found lots of inspiration here. The minute cards is such a great idea. Please keep crafting, making, and sharing! You are so talented.:)

betsy - I, as many others have written, love your blog. I haven’t left a comment until now but it wont be the last time. I love your crafts and every photo. I have already made the pirate eye patches and the bandanna aprons. Keep up the wonderful work.

maegan - Way to implement a great idea in a totally cute way! I have used that same exact paper on several projects lately- love it! I love all your crafts and photographs and DIY tutorials. Keep them up!

angie - I agree – kudos to you for deleting it. I love your blog, but have to admit – a little jealous of all you get down with 4 kids…..

Jen - SOOOOOOO Super CUTE!

meg duerksen - we’ll have to talk about deleting comments sometime. :) it is bold but necessary. it is 100% ok to guard your heart.
he sounds like a nut!

Amanda Mc - Maybe somewhere along the way he got rejected by a really hot crafty girl… He’s been bitter ever since! Love your blog Ashley!!

Kate A - Hi Ashley – Like my mother always said: if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. Apparently not everyone abides by that phrase! Just wanted to let you know yours is the first blog I check every day. I am so inspired by your fun, creative, loving home and aspire to create the same environment for my own baby girl. Keep on being exactly who you are making exactly what you make – there are so many of us that love what you do! Thanks for all the ideas and the motivation to be the best mom I can be! Kate

rachel denbow - I like to consider the rude comments a mark that you’ve done something well enough for long enough to get you the kind of attention that gets you noticed by those outside the crafting/family circles. An achievement and a curse, huh. He did exert a good amount of energy on that comment. Someone must’ve told him he wasn’t good at something before and he’s not quite over it.

Anyways, you handled that well, Ashley! You’re classy. I’m sure I would’ve tweeted something angry about it if it had happened to me. I’ve got a wire basket lamp, too!

Theresa - I came across your blog from the photography aspect and when I discovered all the other FUN stuff you post I was hooked! I check your blog everyday and I think it is FABULOUS… just like you!! Don’t let some ignorant fuddy duddy bring you down!!!

ellen - I haven’t ever commented before (AND I’m a day late), but I’m going to join everyone else and say that I am loving your blog. I’m a newish reader. One of my favorite things about your kitchen remodel was the light fixture. It seems like you value making personal and unique design decisions. Those are the kind I love! I want to see the person in their house, not something cookie cutter.

katherinemarie - I totally agree with Rachel D.

You are out-of-this world wonderful!!! AND I’m glad you didn’t let that ridiculous comment get to you. The fantastic thing about YOUR blog is that it’s 100% b e a u t i f u l you!

Keep up the crazy wondeful work you do! :) :):)

kassondra - i just wanted to say i love your blog the snow in the bathtub was a perfect idea!!! i -like you- hate the cold!!!! so when i found that i was soooo excited to try it out my daughter would love it sooo much and i get to stay warm! and you house is sooo pretty! i just wish i could actually find the time to do something like that

Shannon Staker - Ashley—
I have got mean comments like that too… People really have a nerve… I think your projects are darling…so craft away girl!!!

Linda - I think you should just ignore these people and do what makes you happy. No one is forcing them to read blogs! I got a rude comment in person about my blog (that I was a mean blogger!) I was so upset I took my blog off and restarted one by invitation only…but I feel like that gave the mean person too much power over me…
Anywy, your crafts are great and I love the Wii idea, I might make it Webkinz time for my daughter. Keep it up! And don’t be afraid to ask for bloggy love- it makes me stop lurking!

kt - … i just wanted to you know that i only recently stumbled across your blog. stumbled across it because i LOVED the picture of your kitchen, yard stick back splash included! i’ve continued to enjoy reading your blog and love your pictures and posts. thanks for sharing with us all!

Shelley - What a super idea! I’m trying really hard to not be difficult about the Wii boundries. We’ve limited it to weekends only but then thats ALL the boys want to do. They run for a book to “earn” more minutes but I love the idea of when your minutes are up, they’re up. Do you mind me asking how many minutes each ticket’s worth?
As for the mean comment…really some people just need to try and make others feel bad to feel better themselves~just like Junior High. They were wrong and we know it. Thanks for a super great idea!

Sarah - Ashley, you’re famous! You’re going to be the next Julie and Julia – just look at all these comments. Impressed. Well, I’m a day late posting a comment, but it goes without saying that even though I’m NOT a crafter (not a talented bone in my body), I LOVE your blog. Aside from my daily latte, I look forward to reading your blog and catching up on your family… and it always makes me laugh. Half the time I drag Travis in to show him the funny new thing one of your kids said or did. Keep up the good work girl! I’m proud of you!

Kelly W - If One Pretty Thing features you then you must be something special. You must be pretty awesome to have a troll on your blog. They don’t bother with the little guys but please do delete their comments because the rest of us don’t really want to read that trash. Now I am going to check out the rest of your blog and see what other great things you have.

Emily - Just wanted to de-lurk myself & say I think your projects are great! Mean, mean, mean. Glad to see your other blog readers have set that person straight!

Jennifer - Love this idea!!! My 4 year old is obsessed and really has no concept of how much time he really spendsing playing. This is such an effecitive, visual tool for kids of all ages. Hmmmm, maybe I need to include my husband on there too.

Sorry that someone posted such an awful comment on your blog. I just stumbled across it and already love your ideas!
Jennifer

Elizabeth B - That person who left that ugly comment doesn’t know what is good or bad obviously! I love your blog and your creations! Keep it up!!

-xoxo
E

heidi jo - i love your reaction to grumpy man as much as i like your CUTE crafts. some people are hurting for attention. grumps like that ruin a lot of creativity for a lot of people… i’m SO glad it didn’t hurt you. guess that guy uses his ‘creativity’ to find new cruel and unusual ways to harass people. don’t you feel just a tiny bit sorry for him? he must be a sad sad man… pitiful really… puny, tiny, small… just a sad small mess of a person.

there, don’t you feel better? ha! :) keep crafting – it’s good for the soul. that’s more important than whether or not people like our ideas or not.

Kelli - Please tell me that each of those tags represents more than one minute. . . I need help on the timing issue.

Katie - I am so sorry someone would say that!!! Don’t be disheartened, keep up the crafting!! Keep expressing your creativity in ways that you think are beautiful, we are greatly enjoying it!!!

emmylou - I just found your blog via 30days. Such a wonderful idea! I will have to do this! Right now I limit mine to 30 min on school nights & 1 hour on weekends, but only if their room & the family room is clean. When I’m sewing I tend to lose track of time & they end up playing way too much!! It looks like you are like me 3 boys & a girl! I just wish I could take beautiful pictures like you to document their lives. Oh & hat beanie was too cute, so I ordered a couple for my daughter.

Ashley - The reason I come onto your blog, (and has, in turn, become my very favorite) is because your loving and caring presence exudes out of these words and pictures of your daily life. Your values in God, family and church reflect in everything you do whether it is pleasure or business and I find myself drawn to this aspiring to balance my own new and growing family the same way. I don’t normally post comments a whole lot because I am browsing while breastfeeding and that usually takes most of my mobility away from typing, lol, but I wanted to say: THANK YOU FOR YOUR BLOG. It’s an inspiration to a new mom :D

Heather - Why do people have to be so nasty?? For the record, your light fixture is amazing, your backsplash is completely inspiring, and your crafts are something I look forward to each time I check your blog. Boo to you Mr. Nasty! Didn’t your mama ever teach you- “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all!”

P.S. I don’t have a Wii, but I love that board and I think I might make one up to control tv time. thanks for the inspiration!!

Becka - I just wanted to say that I adored the backsplash. I love seeing something different and with your cute kids and fits so perfectly. And the lamp…. I am addicted to Anthro and have actually stood in the store with those open Edison lamps in my hands multiple times and want one so bad but they are expensive. I got so excited to see the one you made and now I’m thinking that I might actually be able to make my own as well. It was so exciting. So screw the mean commenter. They have nothing better to do with their time than be mean? You’re so much better, (and busier) than them anyway. ;)

sarah - Oh man, what a cranky person, and if I do say, very incorrect. I find your crafts and ideas very inspiring. I do believe it’s very easy to sit and judge from behind our glowing screens in the comfort of our own homes. I’d like to think it’s this comfort that allows people to be so hurtful. That they may actually never say this if we really knew them.

I’m sure those words are still hurtful, but please know that you are very much adored for the work you do. Many of us out here wish we were as resourceful or as creative as you. Keep doing what you do!

Laurel - I just made them today! We’re calling them technology tickets and am trying to include TV with it! I’ll get it up on my blog soon. Thanks – keep these ideas coming, despite what grouchy people might comment!

Maggie - B Intrepidatious…:D….

Sheri - Mean people suck. And you have cute ideas.

Jennifer - I LOVE that you replied to the loser who left that comment. I love that you deleted it and I LOVE THIS IDEA. I deal with the same struggle with my kids and a reward system really helps. Makem earn it!

Karla - THIS is genius! Seriously…genius. I will be making this. My boys will hate it. But I will love it :)

Thanks for posting it!!

~Karla @ It’s The Little Things…

karen - your blog rocks! you are so amazing!

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