Center Piece for Christmas

I've been given the job for creating a centerpiece for a table at my church's Christmas banquet. The theme is "we are busy busy busy and broke broke broke." We are going with shabby chic/rustic/cheap bling styles.

I went the the thrift store today and bought a silver platter, pretty white plate, crackled glass thing, and a plant stand. I got $6 worth of silver ornaments at Target. Here is where I am with it so far...not sure I'll use everything. (Squirrel the cat thinks it is interesting).

Bling-y Frame

This frame can be made with different picture sizes, ribbon colors, frame colors, and bling styles.

$15-$25, depending on size.

Frame for the mantel

I saw some frames similar to this at Christmas Village and made my own. I like it! I think I'll add them to my "for sale" blog!

What this is about...

I have always enjoyed creating things, even as a child.  AS a teacher, my creativity has been focused on the classroom.  Every holiday and summer break, I have found crafts to focus my creativity on.  I've jumped in with both feet this time.  I'm selling my creations.
Each thing I create has its own personality...it is hard to let go of them sometimes!  I hope you find something here that you like.  If you don't see a price, just ask or offer!
My family loves to be involved in mission work.  Please check back here often for things that will help promote those missions!

Thanks for stopping by!

Mandee

Photography Challenge!

I'm using my iPhone, but Kristi at Life Through the Lens is a real photographer! I love her challenges, so I decided to try it. 2 of the challenges were shape and something you can't live with out. I combined the 2 into this...

I cant' live without the other half of my heart. And I really like the heart shape that 2 hands make. Challenge complete!

And here is a quote I love...sums it up for me!

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, educations, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before." -Deiter F. Uchtdorf

Happy Friday!

Ideas!

I went to Christmas Village and took pictures of things I love and I might be able to make! Now, if only I could find an endless supply of time and money. And I need a silhouette machine!

I think this one was a mirror, but it looks see-through in the picture. I love it!

This one is beautiful! I almost bought it. It was very reasonable and I'm not sure I can make i

t for less, but I may try. I might tweak the idea a little. I can't wait to get started!

This is one of those "Duh" things. Hand sanitizer bottles with cute vinyl stickers. Saw the soap pumps done this way too.

Cute! What else can I do this with?

Jewelry holder! I need one of these!

I WANT TO MAKE STUFF!!!!!

I Made My Wreath

I'm excited about this project...trendy burlap, fun rosettes, and my multi-purpose chalkboard M!

I plan to use the M for several holidays. Can't wait!

This was my inspiration...

Crafty food

I like making cute food! I just wish it was better for me.

Little Batty Cheese Balls

Theses are supposed to be Monster Eyes...oops!

Carved a Pumpkin

I'm doing a pumpkin project with my class this week. Today we measured the height and circumference of our pumpkin. We counted the lines and estimated how many seeds were in him. Then we gutted him! We are going to count our seeds when they dry. While the kids were gone, I carved the pumpkin. I tried to make an owl, but part of his head fell off...I tried to put him back together with a paperclip and this is what I got...

And I really love his stem!

I made this...

Golden milk chocolate cake balls for Halloween! I was proud of my creative display. I poke the sticks into a small wreath form and wrapped a big bow around it. It was fun!

I'm so ready to start the crafting! This time of year always gets the creative/homemaker juices flowing. I played with the mantel today. I like the hodge-podge look, but I'm not sure I keep it from being too hodgey or podgey!

Here are some other ideas I'd like to get started on soon...

I've already practiced making the cute rosettes!

Crafty

I want to be crafty. The beginning of the holiday season and fall festivities bring out the crafting geek in me. I want to make stuff!

OK...now that I've let that out. I'm making a Hobby Lobby list as week speak :)

I hope to have some fun things to share soon!

The New Mandee

I haven't written in a long time. Not here, not in my journal, not anywhere. I've been so busy with so many good things, but I'm afraid my busy-ness is eliminating some other very good things from my life.
Since 2006, I earned my masters degree, got an amazing teaching job, and gained a husband and a few daughters along with him! I'm happier than I've ever been with my life right now. I love my job. I love my husband. I love my girls. But I'm too busy!
I want to be the best I can be at all of the roles I now have, but I'm afraid I'm not so good at any of them. I'm worn out! My goal for my blog this year is to learn to focus on what is most important and that is my relationship with God. Without Him, I am nothing. He loves my husband and children through me. He teaches and nurtures my students through me. He takes care of my parents through me.
Lord, emerse me in Your Holy Spirit. Break my heart and make it Yours. Create in me a clean heart and help me to be the best woman I can be FOR YOU!