Growth Chart

It is not hung yet, but here is a easy growth chart that can move with us and isn't too tacky :-)  Just a 1"x6" with marks and the words "Look How I have Grown".  I think I would leave off the text in the future so I could hang simple black frames with his picture every year next to his height.  Big C just measured in at 33"...Ahhh!  Growing up too fast!

Ticket Shadow Box

I saw this idea on (of course) Pinterest and did my own spin.  Rather than "admit one", I wrote "Tickets" because our dates are for two (I typically don't go on solo dates anymore....however, it would be nice to have some alone time and catch a chick flick).  I bought a shadow box and drilled two holes in the top then cut out the rectangle with a jig saw.  It chipped a bit so I sanded it and painted the top black.  I put a piece of scrapbook paper in the back and printed out my text.  Every once and a while I catch my husband being sentimental and shaking it up to see all of the places we have been.

Giving Plate

I made this plate with a saying I found on a plate at the Christmas Tree Shop.  I used an oil based Sharppie marker and baked it at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  That actually worked!  (Regular sharpies do not, despite all the popular Pinterest posts). 

I might make a series of three of these to spread some random acts of kindness :-)

The Giving Plate

"This plate belongs to everyone, wherever it may go.  With each new sharing of its gift the love and blessings grow. So fill it up and pass it on to family and friends to start the circle one more time. Love's journey never ends."

Library Bag

All kids need a library bag!  I drew on this little canvas bag with a fabric marker.  Charlie is already toting his books from room to room!

"The more that you read, the more you will know.  The more that you learn the more places you'll go!" ~Dr. Seuss 

Melting Old Crayons

My son loves to peel crayons!  I don't mind because it is good for his fine motor skills and it does no harm (other than make a lot of little confetti paper).  We started a jar of old crayons that he peeled and put them in the sun.  It is about half way melted.  He loves checking on the progress and looking at the colors.  I think next time we might even try making it into a candle!

Wine Glasses

I love to paint glasses and made a few for myself and some friends.....this is a quirky bunch, but I love the ideas. I want to teach a wine painting glass class!  That would rock! The ideas people would come up with I am sure would be amusing!

 

You are my Sunshine

My Mom always sings "You are my sunshine" so my son, so we found this idea on Pinterest and had to give it a try.  His sun isn't to sun-like (more like a lion's mane), but it's all good.

Then and Now Pictures

I found on Pinterest a person who had taken a childhood photo and taken it now in the same location, but all grown up.  For my Mom for Mother's Day, my brother and I set out to make a Shutterfly book full of our favorite childhood memories.  Here are just a few....it was definitely a hit with my Mom and we had a blast re-creating the pictures. 

The Vintage Pearl

For Mom's and Mom's to be....this was my favorite gift when my son was born; a mother's necklace from the Vintage Pearl.  Charlie was always playing with my jewelry when he was a baby and I got this idea for a picture.  Is is still one of my favorites and I have I hope it inspires you to capture those precious memories.

The Vintage Pearl

 

Tree of Life Children's Painting

This stencil and sticker masterpiece by my two year old Charlie is based on the painting Tree of Life by Klimt.  I think it is mantle worthy!
 

Charlie's Tree of Life

Charlie's painting proudly on display on our mantle

Tree of Life by Klimt

CD Case Frame

Today's craft was a CD Case frame.  I gave Charlie some crayons, pastels, and stickers and let him go to town on the border.  When he gets older we will add ribbon and buttons and more sophisticated embellishments (but for now we will stick to the basics).  We can display it standing up or I glued a magnet on the back to stick it to the fridge. 

DIY Sensory Projects

DIY Sensory Projects

Today we made a sensory bag by filling a ziplock bag with hair gel, glitter, sequins, confetti, foam shapes, and a few cut out foam letters. I double bagged it and taped the bag to a piece of triple thick craft foam.  I mounted it on the foam so my son cannot puncture the bag by pushing through it or bite it (we have been through this game before haha). It has been worth hours of fun and I think it will be nice for in the car because it is sturdy and big enough that it will not get lost between the seats.  Wouldn't it be fun to make a giant version that kids could walk on?!?! If only my house was a mansion!

This is our homemade water table that, as you can see, has been through a lot of love already.  It is easy to move and it was so cheap!  I just bought the big tub from Target and then cut PVC to fit, added the connectors and glued them in place and walla! I have sand in the bottom because there is nothing better than the feeling of wet sand sliding between your fingers. 

Inspiration - Macklemore

I am always telling my students to run with ideas when they feel inspired, but I don't always practice what I preach.  When I heard Macklemore and Ray Lewis's Song Same Love I knew I had to do something with those fabulous lyrics.  One night I tackled it and drew the lyrics out with some simple typography.  I am happy to say that I have my sketchbook out this summer and I intend to draw out my ideas when I am feeling inspired.  You never know where you will find a muse!

Same Love by Macklemore

Yo Gabba Gabba Birthday

Here are a few of the fun things I whipped up for my son's 2nd Birthday with a Yo Gabba Gabba Theme. I hope you can find some inspiration and have as much fun as we did!

Chocolate Dipped Muno Pretzles 

 

Dancey Dance Mix

 

 

Paper Cut Out Balloons

 

Muno Head Cut Out Photo Prop