Treasures...

Growing up my siblings had one thing in common. Our awesome treasures brought home from school. It began in preschool with our awesome artistic skills and well never seemed to end. Where does mamma display all these treasures? You guessed it...the refrigerator. My Nana has the most awesome refrigerator. I find myself looking at all her treasures from my Aunts, Uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends. 

Here is an awesome craft to keep all those special treasures displayed with little magnets made with Love.

Supplies needed:

•  Mod Podge (matte finish)
• Glass Gems
• Decorative Paper
• 1 Sheet Plain White Paper
• 1" Paper Cutter
• E6000 Glue 

Choose Decorative Paper and cut out 1" circles using mini paper cutter.

Cut out 1" circles using plain white paper.

Using a Q-tip coat Mod Podge on the front of the cut out.

Place the glue side down on the flat side (bottom) of the Glass Gem.

 Allow it to dry approximately 3-5 minutes.

Using E6000 glue coat one side of the plain white paper cut out.

Place the glue side of the white paper cutout on top of the backside of the Decorative paper and allow it to dry for 3-5 minutes.

You will need Magnets and E6000 Glue to complete the project.

Place E6000 glue on the back of the Magnet.

 Place the magnet on the back of the white paper cut out.

 Allow your magnet to dry for 5-10 minutes.

 Enjoy your magnet creations!Wishing you a magnetic Saturday filled with a refrigerator full of treasures!

Imagination...

Happy Saturday! I made it back in one piece from my school sponsored trip. Are you sensing a theme here? I always seem to be away for my Birthday. The trip was awesome...unfortunately, it was not free of GIRL DRAMA! I did manage to steer clear of all the icebergs that seemed to be walking around on the ship. I'm happy to report Baby Puppy did an awesome job guarding the home front!

While taking in the beauty of the ocean I was inspired to make something special for a good friend's birthday present. I love when I'm inspired with simplicity that can only be found in nature. It sparks my Imagination! What better to capture a memory then making your very own picture frame. It's not just any picture frame...it has no glass because it's magnetic.

Here is everything you'll need to display your favorite memories:

• Picture frame 5x7 opening with 12x17cm backing (Dollar Store)
• Fabric (I used cotton fabric from Walmart)
• Spray Adhesive (Walmart)
• Hot Glue Gun
• Magnets 19mm (Home Depot)
• Small Magnetic White Board (Home Depot)
• Charms to make magnets (Walmart)
• Black Felt

Directions:

• Remove the border around the magnetic board.
• Remove the back of the picture frame.

Spray the front of the magnetic board with the spray adhesive. Place the fabric on the adhesive and smooth it out. The adhesive dries quickly so make sure to smooth out the fabric out quickly. Flip the back of the board, spray adhesive on the back, and fold the fabric over the back of the board. It will leave about a 1" border on the back of the board. Place a heavy book on top of the fabric for approximately 20 minutes to make sure fabric sticks (I used my Dad's Westwood High School Yearbook- Go WARRIORS!).

 

Next take magnets, charms, and hot glue gun to make magnet charms.

Choose a charm, magnet, and cut a piece a felt for the back of the magnet.

Place a bead of glue on the back of the charm and place the magnet on the back of the charm. Hold in place 10 seconds. Place a bead of glue on the back of the magnet and place the felt on the back of the magnet. Hold for 10 seconds

I made 8 charm magnets. Last step hot glue the back of the picture frame to the back of the cloth magnetic board (make sure to center it).

Finished frame with a picture of the Carnival Imagination Cruise Ship! May your Saturday be filled with simplicity and a lot of imagination!

On Guard...

Mommy is away celebrating her 16th birthday on a cruise to Mexico. I think she told me Chihuahuas were from there...not sure what those are but it sounds like a fun game. Mommy knows how serious I take my guard dog duties so...she left me in charge. I'm qualified because I've seen all of Mommy's Forensic Files. It's a tough job guarding the home front!

I don't think these humans have any idea how many times I've saved them from the evils of the outside world. Evil CUJO eyes...check...attack mode...check check.

Squirrel... no seriously, a squirrel! Mommy named the squirrel "Mickey"...I keep telling her Mickey's a cat but she doesn't believe me. Bark...Bark...Bark!

Oh, here comes a man with the small dog walking in front of the house. How dare that dog lift it's leg in MY YARD! Growl...He must be related to my cousin Nixon.

Growl...RUFF....RUFF...RUFF...walk by murderer scoping out the house. I chased away that man with the big bag. He's always sticking suspicious packages in that box on a stick.

Alert...Alert...Bark...Bark...Whoaa that was close! Another murderer...That lady was walking by real slow checking out the house. That contraption she was walking with was a skillfully designed weapon disguised as a stroller. The hit man was riding in the contraption wailing, "let me out...this is the house"! Wow, I don't think "Get off the Couch" realizes how close she was to getting whacked!

What's that?!? Oh no, bark...bark...bark...Grandpa's queued 70's music! Air guitar is out and he's a dancing fool. "Get off the Couch" to the rescue, she's yelling, "What the "Bark" is going on here"? Grandpa has some pretty good moves...definitely keeps me on my paws.

Play time with Grandpa. Wing-chun moves. I let him win every time. 

What a day! Baby Puppy to the rescue...can't wait for Mommy to return home! Wishing you a bark of Saturday with no mailmen, drive by strollers, and certainly no 70s music!

Bookmark It...

I love to READ! I have yet to make the leap to Kindle or Nook reading programs. I'm old fashion in that I'd rather have the book in my hands. My issue is keeping my place in the book. I have tortured my books by folding the corner of the pages. Folding no more! I've found a creative and inexpensive way to keep my place.  Homemade Bookmarks!

Materials Needed:

• Buttons
• Multicolored  large paperclips
• Hot glue gun
• Black felt
• Mini Sacks

 Choose a paperclip and a button.

Drop of bead of hot glue on the back of the button.

 

 Place the button on the back of the paperclip and hold for 10 seconds.

 Cut a small piece of the black felt.

Drop a bead of hot glue on the back of the button and paperclip.

Place the small piece of black felt on the bead of glue.

 

The black felt seals the button and back of paperclip.

Never lose your place again!

Use the mini bags to gift your friends & family.

Wishing you a peaceful Saturday curled up with your favorite novel and bookmark!

Spring Break...

Spring break this week was in my backyard, ARIZONA style! No need for a passport...as I toured Northern Arizona.

Our first stop is Great Falls also known as "Chocolate Milk Falls" located 30 miles NE of Flagstaff. It's aka "Chocolate Milk Falls" was coined because of its muddy flow. These falls are considered the Niagara Falls of Arizona. These falls are taller than Niagara Falls. Unfortunately, snow fall less than optimal this past year which affected water levels.

Next stop Walnut Canyon with its remarkable rock formation and cliff dwellings. It's located 10 miles SE of downtown Flagstaff. If you've never seen windows in mountains...this is the place to add to your bucket list. I had the pleasure of hiking this trail.I counted 420 steps to get back to the top!

 Next stop is Wupatki National Monument located near Sunset Crater. Wupatki has one of many pueblos which housed ancient people. There are over 800 ruins scattered within the Monument. The ruins have a vibrant red color which unfortunately no photo could do it justice.

Last stop one of the 7 wonders of the world...The Grand Canyon. As I attempt to process the beauty before me the following words come to mind...Majestic, Fierce, Humbling, Peaceful, and EXTRAORDINARY!

I have such an appreciation for the beauty in Arizona. Amazing weather..beautiful sunsets...and celebration of all 4 seasons.

 Wishing you a Saturday filled with amazing sights filled with wonder and beauty!