Rethinking Christmas Cards

I love Christmas cards; receiving and sending them! I dropped ours in the mail this afternoon so by the weekend everyone will have received them. What fun to share the joy of the birth of Jesus with others!

But I always feel bad at the end of Christmas just getting rid of them. Besides recycling them into tags or other crafts, a friend of mine from bible study shared her Christmas card tradition.

She told me that as her and her husband receive the beautiful cards in the mail, they pray over the person who sent it. They keep the cards around during the holidays and once the holidays are over, the cards stay out and at the beginning of the year they pray for them again, one card each day.

I can't tell you how excited I am for us to start this tradition too!

"..Pray for one another" -James 5:16a

'Tis the Season

By golly, Thanksgiving is over and we are now into the Christmas season. How the times does fly! The next few weeks are going to be pretty busy with birthdays, a baby shower and of course Christmas with the family.

Picking out a tree and doing some shopping with Mom and Jerm.

Working on crafts for the shower.

I am looking forward to the start of advent this Sunday and remembering the real reason why we celebrate Christmas - to worship the One who became flesh so we could be saved. Merry Christmas indeed!

Oil Cloth Bibs {A Super Easy Tutorial}

Let me just start with this... if I can sew these bibs then I know anyone can! I like to pretend I am a sewing expert but most of the time my projects just don't quite look like the oh so perfect sample does. But alas, I am still learning ;)

I mentioned in my previous post about finding some beautiful and funky looking oil cloth fabric at a local home store in Edmonds. When I saw the fun patterns I had to pick up a 1/2 a yard of 2 of my favorites.

With freshly cut fabric in hand, I got to work on my latest project: easy clean oil cloth bibs. Did I mention how easy these are to make, because they are!

1.) Cut the bib pattern out of your fabric and velcro (click for pattern)

2.) Sew the velcro on the fabric as shown on pattern
3.) And finish the bib off with some single fold bias tape in coordinating color
4.) Put on your model and enjoy (in my case the stuffed bears will have to do!)

My next oilcloth project: receipt checkbook cover. :)

Train up a child in the way he should go...

...and when he is old he will not depart from it." -Proverbs 22:6

Last Sunday was the first AWANA club meeting of the year. I love being apart of this program and working with the kids to learn God's word. I am a helper in the T&T girls class but I have been able to teach them a few lessons each year. I already have my arsenal ready with some fun and valuable lessons for their sweet little hearts and minds to hear.

The best part of teaching is being able to share a story or principle with the girls that will hopefully stick with them in their faith walk with God. One way of helping that lesson stick is to have a craft or handout for each of them to take home and remember it by. If you have any pint sized friends of your own, here are some great lessons and resources I've used in the past along with some fun crafts to go along with them.


*God's Princess; Created for a Purpose
Don't you know? As a child of God, you are a princess in His kingdom. "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My... daughters, says the Lord Almighty." 1 Corinthians 6:18



*The Bible Time Machine; God's story comes alive

Through the use of a time machine or time capsule, you can share the stories of the heroes of the bible."For the word of God is alive and active" Hebrews 4:12


*Jesus Calls His Disciples; Spreading the Good News

Jesus wants us to follow Him and spread His Good News. "And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’" Mark 1:17



*Life in 3D; Abundant Life Through Christ

When we live life with Christ as our focus, we live a 3D life, a life abundant with Him. "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

Fresh Baked {baby onesie cupcake tutorial}

This adorable gift idea comes straight from the oven for that special mom-to-be in your life. Simply gather your ingredients and start 'baking'.

These cupcakes look good enough to eat. In fact, my cousins lil one thought they were real cupcakes for her and not her new baby sister!

les fleurs {a tutorial}

"Beauty is God's handwriting. Welcome it in every fair face, every fair day and every fair flower." -Charles Kingsley

Nothing is more fun than to get a bouquet of beautiful flowers. They just put a smile on my face. The flowers were the one detail I loved most about planning our wedding. But what could make flowers even more irresistible? A baby essentials flower bouquet, of course!

Today was spent crafting these precious little buds. All you need is: wire cutters (or scissors), floral tape, artificial flower stems (or wire) and an assortment of baby booties, caps and mittens.

Take the artificial flowers off of the stem. Cut any wires poking out. Insert the flower stem and roll one of the baby items up into a rose bud. Hold the bud tight and begin wrapping the floral tape. Create a few of these buds to make a cute bouquet for a new Mom or place in a galvanized bucket or vase as a centerpiece at a baby shower. These sure do make me smile!

Got Ribbons?

Is it just me or does everyone else end up with tons of extra ribbons in your craft collection? You collect them over the years from various packages and presents but you don't really know what to do with them all. Well since it is the 'Great Baby Boom of 2011' and just about every one I know it having a baby, I've got babies on the brain. I decided to put those extra ribbons I have to good use crafting adorable baby stuff.

Ever heard of a tag blanket? Neither had I, but apparently babies love them. Why, I'm not really sure, but if they like 'em, then I'll make 'em! It's really quite easy. I followed this tutorial but instead of using just 2 different type of fabric on each side I decided to use some coordinating fabric squares to make it patchwork on one side.

Baby crafts are the most fun because they are all so dang cute! And I can't wait to give it to my little niece when she arrives this fall or my BFF's baby coming next spring or my cousin's newest addition. What did I tell you about the baby boom!?! Now all my excess ribbons will be on cute little blankets for little babies' enjoyment and I will keep collecting ribbons until the next baby boom. :)

Magnalia Christi

In the early 1700's, a pastor by the name of Cotton Mather wrote a book called 'Magnalia Christi Americana' which roughly means, 'the glorious works of Christ in America' about the works of Christ in the New England area. Talk about amazing! 600+ pages and I am in the first chapter still. It's definitely one of those books where I need to read and then re-read paragraphs to understand what's going on. Good exercise for the brain for sure (and also free on google books)!

Last year my pastor suggested we write our own books, like 'Magnalia Christi Nicole; the glorious works of Christ in Nicole' to show His awesome glory and the transforming power He's had in our lives. So that's just what I did!


The way I made our magnalia christi faith books: 1.) take a 3-ring binder, 2.) cover with pretty linen quality paper and 3.) hot glue the two together. It's that easy! I think they turned out real nice. And inside the books I made some forms to get us started telling our story of faith and how He "always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him."

Faith Book Title Page
Magnalia Christi Introduction
Faith Timeline
Constructing Faith Timeline

The beauty of this type of faith scrapbook is that you can add empty 3-ring sleeves and add to this as you move along in life. It is truly amazing when you think about just what He has done in your life.

"We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done." -Psalm 78:4

Eyes on the Prize

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." - 1 Corinthians 9:24

It's that time of year again. In just a few short weeks I will be heading to the AWANA games with my girls and we'll be playing for these beauties. And also the bragging rights of being the best game players ever. :)

What are the AWANA games, you may be asking. You basically throw a bunch of little ones into a huge gym and throw in some parents and leaders cheering them on while they compete with a whole bunch of other little ones. It makes for a fun AND exhausting day!

As we gear up for the big day, our girls have been doing lots of practicing. There is the three-legged race, marathon run, some funny balloon game and of course the bean bag bonanza. Some of our little girls need practice at throwing the bean bag and hitting the cones. I decided it was time to make some more bean bags. And it's as simple as 1,2,3 (I love those kind of crafts, don't you!?)

Life Update and Random Babble

HAPPY GROUNDHOGS DAY!

I have not been posting as frequently because things they are a changin' in my world so I have been busy attending to those matters. I have a new job, new boss and new beginnings for the future. Monday was my official first day of work and it's been great! A little hectic getting used to new systems and bus routes but all in all it's been a very good move. God has blessed me so with this new opportunity!

One of my sweet new co-workers baked these adorable Groundhogs day cupcakes for everyone in the office. Definitely an idea I'll be using next year!

And on a final note, I stumbled upon this book that has some amazing ideas for weddings and all the parties associated with them. These ladies make party planning look way, WAY too easy. I wish it was this way when I did it :)

Inspired

The last few weeks or so I have been getting inspired for all the crafts and goodies I will be making these holidays. I'm gearing up to start working on them this weekend. I have not had a weekend at home in a long time, I'm either running about shopping, visiting family and friends or going to some event. I have marked this weekend out with my Mom to get groceries at Costco and then go home to bake and craft. What a joyous day it will be! :)



What about you? What holiday crafts are you working on?

Our Daily Bread {a tutorial & recipe}

"And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water" -Exodus 23:25a

God has blessed us and placed us into a great church with an amazing church family. Our pastor, Pastor Paul, is very knowledgeable and one of those teachers who will tell you about biblical concept over and over again in church. Although at the time you wonder why he keeps explaining the same things, you finally get it when it sticks with you and you can see it in your daily life. That's what he is trying to do; get His word into our hearts so that we can be fed by His word each and every day.

"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." -John 6:35

October is pastor appreciation month and in honor of that, Jeremy and I gave our pastor some yummy pumpkin bread along with a 5 minute pillowcase bread bag (inspired by this 5 minute bag). It is just a small token of our appreciation for him and how he speaks the Lord's truth into our hearts each week!

{Tutorial Time:}


Find a cute pillow case to use for your bread bag and cut 18 inches down the length of the pillow case.


Then cut 11 inches along the width of the pillow case. Turn the pillow case inside with the right sides facing each other.


Finally, sew along the side and bottom (I used a zig-zag stitch) and then place the wrapped loaf of bread into the bag and close with a ribbon. Enjoy!

Open if you Dare! a halloween giveaway

I can hardly believe it is October already! Is it just me or did it come quickly!? This month I have a wedding, my hubby's birthday and my Mom's 50th birthday on Halloween. Lots to plan and celebrate!

I'm sending out the invites for my Mom's bday today and they turned out really cute. I LOVE Picnik! I have been using that program in conjunction with the paint app to make the invites, food labels, etc. I'm addicted to it!

The theme for my Mom's bday party is 'A Haunted Mansion' based off of the ride at Disneyland. She wanted to go there for her birthday but our funds are not allowing that so we'll bring Disneyland to her!

While looking for decorations for the party I stumbled upon these adorable cupcake holders and toppers from Meri Meri. I love their little party packs. They make throwing a party easy, extra cute AND it all comes in a handy little box ready to go. I picked up an extra "Open if you Dare" party packs and I am giving it away to one special person who shares their favorite Halloween memory or any tips/tricks they've learned while using picnik.com. The deadline ends on Friday, October 8th at 9:00am. I can't wait to see your answers; see you on Friday!

P.S. On a side note, although I know Halloween originated in pagans worshipping the god of the dead, and is actually a pretty scary glamorization of evil (think murderers, severed heads, and all those super revealing women's halloween costumes) I am taking a break from my halloween hating to celebrate my Mom's special day. Our party will only be PG rated I promise! ;)

Preparations & Plans

As we come closer and closer to my bff's big day, so do the other wedding festivities, i.e. bridal showers and bachelorette party. Because of this I am in preparation mode collecting all the materials, prizes and decor for the pre-nuptial parties. The kitchen & recipe shower is coming up and the invites are going out tomorrow. I am so excited to see it all come together. Here is a sneak peak for you.



Don't you just LOVE weddings!?

'Christmas in July' Week: Freebie Gift Tags

What kind of a 'Christmas in July' blogger would I be if I didn't leave you with any presents?

Now I'm not that talented, but the good people at Eat Drink Chic are, and they have some awesome Christmas gift tag and goodie bag downloads that you can easily print and add to the presents you give to others. And your friends and family will think you are so talented when they see their nicely wrapped gift. Nice trade off, huh!?

Holiday Jumbo Gift Tag

Holiday Mail Stripes Gift Tag

Holiday Reindeer Gift Tag

Holiday Treat Bag

Get to printing because Christmas will be here before you know it!

'Christmas in July' Week: Ball of yarn ornaments

I know, so random, huh!? Our local christian radio station had an add for the Michael W. Smith Christmas show coming here in December so it got me thinking. Then I started humming some festive Christmas tunes (who doesn't love doing that, even in July!?)

Some time ago while blog surfing I stumbled upon these adorable yarn ball ornaments. So while on the topic of the most wonderful time of the year, I made this little tutorial. You can never be too prepared so why not get a jump start on the holidays? :)



Funny side note; since it is July and not December and we don't have a Christmas tree in our house right now, I had to go outside to take pictures on one of the evergreens at the local park. No wonder the other park goers looked at me funny!

Banner Day: A Tutorial

My first tutorial to be exact! *Disclaimer alert* I am no Martha Stewart, but I enjoy crafting and creating pretty things, even if they don't turn out exactly 'as pictured'. They are made with a whole lotta love.


A banner day, indeed!

Crafting for a Cause

My heart has been stirred by some much needed ministries within the church: stopping human trafficking, encouraging adoption of the 147 million orphans in the world and ending all forms of abortion. For now my efforts are focused on a very saddening reality; abortion.

Our church supports a local pregnancy resource center that provides medical, educational and support services to those in need to help make a choice for life and to insure a successful pregnancy and parenting experience. Their ministry focuses on: prevention, intervention and education & support. I am a part of their newest campaign "Change for Life" and would love any support, financial support or prayer support.

Every client is given resources that match her specific situation, showing her the love of Christ at every opportunity. To accomplish this the PRC provides in-center meetings with case managers to obtain medical coupons, a pregnancy support group, free maternity clothing, birth and baby preparation classes, baby clothing/supplies and new mom support groups. In addition to the fundraiser I am apart of, I am going to be using my love of crafting to make some baby toys, clothes and maternity clothes for the center. What a better way to use my hobby? A smart lady once said "Talent is God's gift to you, what you do with it is your gift to God."


Again, I ask that you pray for these efforts and take a look at the fundraiser page. Thank you for taking a stand for

So excited!!

I know I am a major dork for getting so excited about this but I just received my first comment from someone other than my best friend, my husband and my Mother-in-law. Not that I don't love and cherish that they read my blog because I DO! :)

But getting back to my excitement, the person who commented was none other than Julie of Joy's Hope. Hers was the first crafting blog I read and I instantly fell in love. Not only does she offer beautiful inspiration, tutorials and recipes (I've tried them all and they are AWESOME!) but she offers hope and the love of Christ. I can't tell you how I've been inspired by her and I don't even know her (It does sound weird saying it out loud).

Something else I've been reflecting on this morning is the body of Christ. I LOVE finding out that so and so is a christian or driving down the road and seeing the Jesus fish on the back of someones bumper because that means we are sisters and brothers. Jeremy and I are so blessed to be a part of a wonderful church with some awesome people. They are not perfect, but they love Jesus and strive to be like Him each day. I guess it just gives me hope seeing all the different kinds of people out there and knowing they too are on fire for Christ. Praise God for His church, may we share His gospel with humility and love. And praise God for the inspiration His church is to fellow believers. You are a real blessing to this world!

Sewing Kit in a Mason Jar

How come mason jars are so cute? I think it is the old fashioned charm they give off. Whatever it is, I love them. I am so tempted to buy the mason jar mugs from Pottery Barn. Our wedding had a 'country chic' theme and we filled some jars with white sand and candles to light the way into the reception hall. Too cute!

When I saw this on Martha's page, I had to make one! But I recently found a full tutorial with pictures to walk you through each step. With just a small list of supplies: fabric scrap, jar with lid and band, cotton balls or fiberfill, card stock and glue gun, it's so easy and definitely a nice addition to your crafting room (or in my case, just a desk but someday :P). I think this would also make a great gift for friends, Mom or beginner sewers. Who wouldn't love to get one of these charming little jars?!