spool people and art.

I've enjoyed making things, painting things, "crafting" for as long as I can remember. My mom is an amazing painter and showed us how to use paint brushes properly, how to use acrylics, different techniques to use, and how to be creative and find a solution to get the result you want. Mom came over the other day and we were in the middle of making "spool people" as a break from all the chlorine. She laughed and said, " Wow, this brings back memories." The kiddos and some friends were all at the table, the acrylics were out, they each had a cup for washing brushes, a paper towel, and a paper plate as a paint palette, just as I did so many years ago when paint salt dough, wood shapes, and canvas with my mom. I loved the little people they came up with and honestly, they were so much fun I am ready to have a day dedicated to making spool people.

There may be a lot of things my children don't know, but they know how to take care of paint brushes, they know that you have to wash your brush between colors pretty early on.
Mess doesn't bug me, not when it's art. Spilled paint on the wood floor... I could care less. My children know that they don't get in trouble when the art table is covered in papers, paint, markers and glue. I will ask them to clean it up, but not until after I have seen the wonderful creation they have come up with. There are no rules when it comes to creating. Scissors, markers, glitter, boxes, string... I say bring it on and show me what you come up with. So if you are wondering why my children may have glitter in their hair, marker stains on their clothes, fingers covered in paint... now you know.

valentines.

here are the kids valentines this year. they were very specific on what they wanted....
{notice Taylor and Jackson did NOT want "love" written on theirs.}

click here for last year's valentines.

letter h.

today for preschool kate was in charge of bringing the snack. she was supposed to bring something that started with the letter "H" and had something to do with Thanksgiving (if possible)... here's what we made.

... they are pilgrim "H"ats, if you haven't figured it out yet:) idea from here.

patience.

i have been practicing patience... Taylor was born 2 weeks early, Jackson was born 2 1/2 weeks early, Kate was born 3 weeks early, and this beautiful baby boy I am carrying is due today with no sign of wanting to come out. I suppose I jinxed myself planning that he would be at least 2 weeks early, but now that the due date has come and almost gone my patience is wearing thin. I have been trying to breathe, relax, and tell myself he will come when he is ready. I have actually accomplished quite a bit with all of this nesting time: I have cleaned out all of the kids closets, I cleaned out the garage, I organized my office, I filed papers that have been meaning to get filed for 2 years, I am nearly completed with Kate's first year album, I opened up the etsy store I have been wanting to do for a year now, I have organized all the pictures on my computer into events, I have backed up all my files, I purchased all of the kids school supplies, and I have been trying new crafts that have been on my list. So! I thought I had this baby all planned out. I hired a doula, I wrote up a birth plan, I have prepared to have it natural (no meds) and I am really set on this plan. now, I just have to hope that the baby doesn't stay in there too long and then I would have to be induced (something I really don't want to happen). For now, I will keep being patient and enjoy these summer days with my kiddos the best I can, and keep crafting away. please.... everyone.... send your labor vibes my way.

Here is the latest craft I made for Kate (she was a little jealous about the balls I made for the baby) The pattern is from wee wonderfuls.

patrick lane.

i wanted to invite you all to the grand opening of "Patrick Lane," my new etsy shop! Patrick Lane is the street I grew up on.  It is the street where I made fun memories, lasting friendships, and where I started my first business ventures: ( lemonade stands, Rock stores, dance classes in the garage) Patrick Lane will always hold a special place in my heart, hence the name of my shop. I hope to update the shop regularly so that I can keep my creative juices flowing. If you see something you like and you live close, just email me and I can bring it by, (so you don't have to pay the shipping.) Thanks for taking a look. Enjoy your stroll down Patrick Lane...

ball making.

i decided to make the baby some toys to make him a little more anxious to come out. these little balls were a fun, easy project. i found the tutorial here. 

hmmmm... what else can i do to help the time pass... 

girl next door show.

i've been working a few things for the girl next door show tonight.... i can't wait to see what everyone has come up with! you are all invited... see you at 6:00!

sleeping children

this is one of the latest additions to my "personal" motherhood scrapbook/ art journal....
check out this blog for more inspiration on starting your own "art journal."

don't laugh.

here is my attempt at making a piece of art for kate for her birthday. .... yeah.... don't laugh.
made on canvas with acrylic paint, scrap papers, rhinestones and other random things...

kids valentines.

i remember getting so excited to pass out valentines at school. and i couldn't wait until i got home to see what everybody wrote and if someone thought i was "cute". here are tay and jackson's valentine's from this year.

here's their valentines from last year...

valentines day love.

love, love, love valentines day.... it's sweet, cute, chocolatey, yummy, and all about love. Here are some crafts and goodies I am hoping to try for one of my favorite holidays.




Felt Fortune Cookies
Valentine Flowers
Paper-cut Hearts
Recycled Egg Carton Heart (we've almost finished this one:))
Homemade Oreos
Red Velvet Cupcakes

sparkle...

After 2 years in the garage, I changed "JOY" from

Country...

To Not Country....

Another thing out of the garage... won't Chad be pleased:)

messing around...

So, I should be putting up Christmas decorations today, but I have to wait for Chad to get them out of storage.... so here is my piece of artwork. Maybe a little dorky, but it was fun.

last minute...

The show was as fun as ever, and we had a great turn out. I always look forward to the conversation with such creative, and talented women. Check out Andrea's blog for pics.
Check out one of my purchases.... so adorable.

So on a last minute whim, I took the kids to Provo to see Amy's last home volleyball game. (Chad was on another bike race... no comment:) We left at 8:30 am on Saturday, watched the game and then drove home the next morning. Even though 10 hours of driving in a 30 hour span (with three children) wasn't my idea of a great time, we we're so glad we were there to see Amy in all her glory. She played so well, and although her punk coaches probably won't give her props, she definitely deserves it. Although I am sure most of you don't understand the volleyball lingo... she had 57 assists, 18 digs, and 9 blocks... (that's considered pretty freakin' awesome!) They won the match against UNLV, and it was great to be there to see it happen!

We love you AMY Roonie!! Way to go!

Kate was so exhausted from the trip that she slept through the game.
(I'm sure Amy felt her support anyways)

Here's some things I have been working on for the show tonight..... see you there!

Girl Next Door Show

It's that time of year...

The Girl Next Door Show
is tomorrow night (Thursday) from 6 pm - 9ish.

Come see some local artists, crafters, designers showcase their items at great prices. Seriously though, don't miss it. I will have some items there, but they are nothing compared to the jewelry, stationary and cards (from Blonde Designs), artwork, and other products made by some extremely talented people. Here is the map to the show. See you there!

tick tock..

I got this clock from Target the first week we were married. (10 years ago...) It was on it's way to the trash, and then...
I got a little crazy and decided to take it apart and see what would happen...
Sprayed blue.Cut and adhere paper to fit the inside.
Adhered numbers to the inside of clock cover.Put the clock back together again, and ta da... just another random item to stick in Taylor's room....