DCWV Flower and Bird Trio

Once again, The Wood Connection has helped me with some fun Spring decor! And did you know they are shipping now? Perfect if you aren't local. Love it!

I had a new mat stack from Die Cuts With A View called "Violet Leaf". It has gorgeous greens, blues, and purples in it. I thought it would be perfect for a little trio like this one.

Creating these projects is so easy. Just sand, paint, trace, cut, glue, and finish! After looking them over, I am going to add some fun ribbon to finish them off.

They make me happy just looking at them-which is good because we've had nothing but rain in our part of the world this week. It's a reminder that Spring is here, even if it still doesn't feel like it yet!

Fan-Shast-Ic Soda Can Wrap

For my Young Women (a part of the church group I help with), I wanted to have something fun to give them when they completed small challenges I give them (like the QR Code Challenge). It also needed to be budget friendly. When I was at the Dollar Store, they had a bunch of flavors of Shasta Soda out and I thought it would be perfect! So, I created this Soda Can wrap that says "You Were Fan-Shast-Ic! Way to Go!" To add a little extra fun, I added some jute, a tag with washi tape (both from Pick Your Plum), and a mini clothespin (I love these!). It's fun, easy, and the girls had a good laugh at how cheesy I was once again!

I also created a file for teachers too. It's a fun, different little teacher appreciation gift for that special teacher. You can also use these for sports teams or other team oriented things. 

Here are the files (prints on an 8.5x11 sheet of paper):

DIY Easy Washi Chalkboard Clothespins

Have you seen those cute little chalkboard clothespins around the web? There are a bunch of Etsy shops and boutique deal sites that have had them lately. And I came really close to buying some until I realized I had the stuff to make my own! And it's a little easier on the ole' budget too (more money for crafting-yea!).

These were super easy to do, easily personalized, and I'm thinking I'll be making these for all kinds of events in the future-baby showers, birthday parties, and even Young Women events. Here's what you need to make them. Two of the supplies I used came from my favorite daily deal site-Pick Your Plum! If you don't know who they are, you'll want to check them out. As sad as it is to admit, I check their website first thing when I get up in the mornings! Some of their really great deals go quick :)

DIY Easy Washi Chalkboard Clothespins

Wood Wafers (I got mine from The Wood Connection and I've seen them at hobby stores)

Washi Tape (From Pick Your Plum)

Chalkboard Vinyl(From Pick Your Plum)

Wood Clothespins (found in the Target dollar section)

The wood wafers are super thin and come in a variety of shapes. Mine are oval. They did come with small holes, for threading ribbon or twine through, but the hole was covered up by the Washi Tape. First, I traced the wafers on the back of the chalkboard vinyl. Then, I cut around the inside of the tracing, making the shape smaller (so the washi tape would show around the edge of the chalkboard vinyl). I found three of my favorite styles of Washi Tape and covered the wafers with a few rows of each, wrapping the tape around the wafer to secure.

Once that was done, I added the chalkboard vinyl.
 I then cured the chalkboard vinyl by using the side of a piece of chalk and dragging it across the vinyl. This prevents the vinyl from "ghosting" as much. Finally, I used wood glue to adhere the clothespins to the back. Don't ask my why, but I've found that wood glue adheres so much better than hot glue!

These are so cute and I can't wait to make some more in the future. Next time, I'm using squares with dry erase vinyl (also from Pick Your Plum!). 

Better Than Taco Seasoning Ground Beef Tacos

I don't know about you, but I love tacos! They are a great go-to recipe for busy/lazy days. But, I've been getting tired of using my taco seasoning mix. I think I may have overused it or something but it just doesn't taste good anymore!

I was going through my recipes the other day and found one from my Grandma for her tacos. She is an amazing cook and does her cooking from scratch. Why I didn't think to use the recipe before, I don't know. Especially because of how easy it is! And it uses things that most of us already have on hand. 

Grandma's Easy Ground Beef Tacos
1 lb ground beef
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
2 Tbs Green Taco Sauce
2 Tbs Ketchup
1/2 tsp Garlic Salt (more or less on taste)
Salt
Pepper
White Corn Tortillas
Oil

Cook ground beef with seasonings, taco sauce, and ketchup until browned. Heat oil in separate pan over medium-high heat. When heated, drop one tortilla in the oil and cook for 10 seconds (or so) on each side. Lay flat on paper towels to cool down until okay to touch. Add ground beef and other toppings. Enjoy!

Washi Tape Cabinet Organizer Upcycle

I seriously love finding old things at the DI. It's starting to become an obsession! A few weeks ago, I found this little old spice cabinet there. It was seriously falling apart and had an old, ugly wood finish to it. But, I knew I could give it a coat of paint and it would be perfect in my office/craft space for some of the little things I have laying around. 

All I needed to do was clean it up, get some new nails, and then give it a few good coats of spray paint. I love using Valspar Spray Paint because it has the paint and primer in one! The yellow works with the colors I am doing to makeover my room. 

Once it was painted and I had gone over it again with some sandpaper, to age it a little, I wanted to add some fun to the back of the cabinet. I found this beautiful duct tape by Die Cuts With A View. It has a ton of uses, including using it on furniture. Love!!!! This pattern is a gray damask and matched well. It was easy to measure, the back of the trim has a grid, and they went on easily. The trim is also removable if I ever change my mind about it. 

For the knobs, which were missing when I picked this up, I used some of my Grandma's old costume jewelry. I found this pair of wooden earrings. It makes this project even more meaningful to use something of hers. 

Then, it was time to add my washi tape and glitter. The little shelves hold the Washi Tape perfectly and the little bottles of glitter. Now, I don't have to worry about losing them! And maybe it will keep me from buying more!

Baby Girl Owl Shower & Printables

I'll be honest-I really love being in charge of showers and parties! It gives me a fun and creative outlet, even if I end up stressed out to the max the week of a party. Sometimes my ideas are bigger than the the time I have to implement them. For this shower, I successfully accomplished most of what I wanted. There were still a few details I wish I'd had time to do, but no one would know that but me.

My cute sister-in-law had their first, a baby girl, and I couldn't resist doing an owl theme for her shower. Owls are too cute and there was a lot that I could do with it. We had a great time and the shower was a success! Here are all of the fun details. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom for the free shower package, including the banner, mini banner, straw flags, owl, and print. The invitation is available in my Etsy shop.

I also apologize for the picture quality; by the time I got around to taking pictures, it was already dark outside and we don't have great lighting in our house. But you'll get the idea. I also found a lot of amazing ideas via Pinterest that I didn't have time to do. You can see those ideas on my Party Ideas board.

Here's a look at the spread. I used pine cones I had left over from Christmas and some twigs and branches.

Large Banner

Another cousin made this cute diaper cake too. 

This cute owl diaper cake was made by a very talented Etsy seller. See her shop here. Isn't it darling?

Cupcake Stand with Flag

Mini Banner

The cake was made by amazingly talented cousin! I showed her a picture I found on Pinterest and she did her thing. 

I had everyone there sign their names on this print. It's 11x14 and I thought it would be cute to hang in the nursery.

And here's the invitation. It's available in my Etsy shop. 

As promised, here are the printable party supplies! I didn't take pictures because I got busy with the details. It includes the large banner, small banner, large flags, straw flags, 11x14 print, owl, and owl treat bag toppers. I hope it helps! Enjoy :)

 These pieces are the large banner. 

Large Flag pieces

 Treat Bag Toppers

Straw Flags

Mini Banner

Owl Print

Owl (to print and hang around)

Homemade Butterfingers

A friend of ours gave us this recipe and they taste just like the real thing! My hubby kept picking at them before I had even got them dipped. And they are seriously so easy to make!

Homemade Butterfingers

1 14 oz package candy corn (yep, candy corn!)

1 1/3 cup (or so) Peanut Butter

Milk Chocolate or White Chocolate for dipping

Melt the candy corn in the microwave. Immediately add the peanut butter (should be about the same amount as candy corn or to your own taste). Spray an 8x8 pan with non-stick spray. Spread the candy corn/peanut butter mixture in the pan. Let set. Then, dip in chocolate. Our friend dipped hers in white chocolate and it was really good too! I didn't have the time to dip the individual pieces so I actually melted the chocolate and just spread it over the top. Voila!!! Yum, yum, yummy!