My new Router

My parents gave me money for Christmas. So, what do you know, I bought myself a router! Most women would buy clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc.... I buy a router. It's a woodworking tool that I have always wanted. This past week I finally got around to doing something with it. Awhile back I saw these photo blocks over at Little Birdie Secrets. I just had to make some of my own!

I basically followed their tutorial... but I have to tell you... I struggle with Mod Podge. For some reason I always get bubbles and wrinkles. I thought I had them smoothed out perfectly... and I had them displayed on my desk. Then about 5 days later, I noticed that they had started to bubble and ripple. I think that the problem with the pictures was that they were photo paper and not actual prints... but anyway, I was able to peel the paper off the block and start all over. What I ended up doing was using an actual glue to glue the picture on. I used this glue that my sister in law got at Joann's. I have to say, that I love this glue. It is almost like hot glue in that it dries so quickly and it sticks really well. The picture stayed on great and so far hasn't bubbled up or peeled off. If anyone has any great tips on Mod Podge, I'd love to hear them!!! Please leave a comment.
As you can see, the routed edge is just that extra something that makes the blocks more than just a block of wood. And it made the distressing show up a lot more.
I plan on trying this again with the concept of glueing the picture and paper on and then using the mod podge over the top and seeing how that works. Sometimes crafting is just trial and error. -Anisa

March Snow Showers bring Fabric Flowers

It snowed this weekend. But I was in the mood for flowers. So, I used Cami's Sizzix and some super cool wool fabric that I got from my mom's stash and I made some fabric flowers. I met a girl in my neighborhood a few months ago that was wearing a fabric flower similar to these. I asked her how she made them and she kind of explained it to me. So, I thought I would do my version and see how it turned out.

For these flowers you will need 6 flowers. We cheated and cut the flowers out on the Sizzix with a flower die. You could trace and hand cut the flowers if you want. I am using different colors in my sample flower so that you can see the layering easier.
Step 1: Take your first two flowers and off set them. Using a needle and thread, just pull the need through from the back.
Step 2: Fold the other 4 flowers in half (I ironed mine for the picture, but don't do that. You want them to fluff up).
Step 3: Layer the flowers like you would fold closed the top of a box... turning a quarter turn for every flower.

Step 4: Put your layered flowers on top of your other two flowers and pull that needle through the flowers again. Sew a couple of stitches through to make sure you get every layer.
Step 5: With that threaded needle still in your flower, sew a button in the middle.

Now, my multi-colored flower is a little wonky... but kind of cute. But let me show you some of my cuter flowers.
Gotta love my mom's stash of fabric!!!
-Anisa

My vintage mom

I love my mom. She is a funny person. She saves everything... and I mean everything. She's not that old (she'll be 60 this year). But she loves old stuff.... like antiques and always has. This past weekend we went to see my mom and I was telling my boys that she has boxes of my old halloween costumes (yes, they are already starting to plan what they want to be for Halloween). So, we immediately starting getting out the Halloween boxes. We found an old bug costume, dracula cape, jack-o-lantern, etc. But then we found a box with shoes in it!!! It's a good thing my mom and I wear the same size. Now I have 3 new (old) pair of shoes that I get to wear and I love them!

I also raided her fabric and have plans for fabric flowers, zipper flowers, etc. Stay tuned....