Letters of LOVE

Hope you are settling in to this winter weather we have been having. Since it's cold and snowy outside, why not find yourself an easy craft project to tackle? I have the perfect one for you, and it's very versatile. These are super easy to make, decoupaged letters. 

Here are the supplies that you will need.

*Cardboard letters (I found mine at Hobby Lobby)

*Decoupage

*Scissors

*Pencil

*Paint brush

*Craft paper (I purchased mine at Lulubelles Boutique it's from Rifle Paper Company)

The first step, after you have gathered your supplies, is to trace your letters on the craft paper.

Once the letter is traced, simply cut the letter out of the paper.

Next you will apply a thick layer of the decoupage on the actual cardboard letter. Make sure that you apply liberally.

I work in sections, applying the decoupage and the paper on the top portion first. Then I work my way down. Next you will seal the craft paper with the decoupage.

Be sure to smooth out any bubbles before the decoupage starts to dry, and remember that when your craft paper is wet, it may tear easily, so be extra careful

Continue on with the next letters. You can even cut out extra shapes and flowers, then add them for some extra interest like I did with the & sign.

Here is the finished product, along with another set of letters that I made just in time for Valentines Day next month. 

We have these beautiful Rifle Paper Company papers available at our Lulubelles Boutique located in Norton Commons in Prospect, KY. You could certainly create lots of beautiful decoupage craft projects with them.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you found some inspiration to create some lovely letters for yourself. :)

XO~Gretchen

Thanksgiving Table Setting

So when you think of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner table setting, what do you think of? Maybe pumpkins, mums, plates with turkeys on them, maybe some burlap? Well I wanted to design a table setting with a different twist on those themes. So I set out to design a table with eclectic elements that I already had, with the theme, "You mean the world to me." Thanksgiving is about getting together with those you love. It shouldn't be a stressful time spent looking everywhere for the perfect plates, or table cloth, how about instead you look around and use what you have, and make it special. I admit, I do have an issue collecting plates, but I generally choose ones that can be used any time of the year. I buy them in groups of six or eight. I can't always find more than six, and that's ok because I don't mind mixing from time to time. Here is my table setting, all I need are my guest. Hope you feel inspired to create an eclectic table setting, and have family and friends over to celebrate during this holiday season. Details throughout the post.

 I found the table runner fabric at Hobby Lobby. I love the wood grain design on the fabric. I think it's perfect for this time of the year, because it makes me think of stacks of wood and our fireplace. I simply glued the pom poms on the end of the table runner, and it finished it off. You can create your own table runner by simply measuring the length of your table, then getting that amount of fabric. I folded the fabric in half, long ways, sewed it up the side, then added the trim on each end. Super easy and cost effective. This is a great way to really customize your table setting.

I found the place cards in the Holiday section at Target. They are meant to be chalkboard place cards, so you can use chalk to customize them, but I chose to use a pretty gold pen instead, since I have a reoccurring gold them throughout.

The bird dishes were found at Homegoods, I was bummed that I could only find four of them. The bee dishes and tea cups are from Anthropologie. They both have a great selection of dishes and cups, and check the sale room, sometimes you can get a great deal.

The napkins were made from fabric I picked up from Hobby Lobby. I loved the design and the mustard color. I feel like they also help to make the table setting feel more autumnal. 

My cousin Natalie painted on the globe, and I love that it says "You are my whole world." I think that phrase sets the tone for your dinner. I added vintage vases, tins, and books to add a little fun and whimsy to the table. 

 You can find paper straws just about anywhere now. These gold and white ones are from Target.

There you have it. I hope you feel inspired to host a gathering at your nest for the ones that mean the most in your life. Look inside those cabinets, think outside of the box, and know that what is most important is spending time with loved ones. 

Back to School Mantel

BACK TO SCHOOL

It's back to school time at our house. All my boys start back next week. I can't believe summer break is nearing an end. :( I really enjoy having my boys home for the summer. We have enjoyed lots of family time together. Since it's the start of a new school year I decided to create a mantel to celebrate my boys and encourage them to have a wonderful school year. I created this design using some things I had, and a few things that I purchased.

First I created the banner using my cutting machine. I then found this adorable ruler ribbon for $.99 at Hobby Lobby. You get six feet on the roll, which is a great deal. I picked up the tiny clips a while back, and think they worked out perfect to hold the cards. 

Close up of the details. I love the polka dot paper. I found this paper at Michaels Craft Store.

I found the writing tab slips from Michaels, they were 50% off and ended up being $.50 They came in a pack. I wrote each of my boys names on them for a personal touch.

I made this large "B" out of a cardboard B that I found at Joann Crafts. I covered it with some material that I had, and then outlined the letter with twine.

The large globe is a vintage find, I love it! I found this other metal globe at Target. I stacked the smaller globe on vintage books that I've had for a while.

This is an old frame that I painted aqua, shocking I know ;). I made these little banners to hang on it. I used some apple print scrapbook paper for the triangle banner. The other one is made out of alphabet stickers I found for cheap at Michaels Craft Store. I also found the grade stickers there. Those are the grades that my boys will be in this year. Just another way to add a personal touch. 

I found these addition cards in the dollar section at Target. I had these letter stickers and used them to spell out A,B,C. I also used this vintage frame that I painted aqua.

I am not a chalkboard artist by any means, but this is the special message I wanted to share with my boys. I hope you feel inspired to create a back to school mantel. Best wishes for a wonderful school year, and if you are a teacher then thank you in advance for all your hard work and dedication! 

XO~Gretchen