No Meat Fridays Never Felt So Good.

Lent is my favorite time of the liturgical year.  There is so much renewal and hope that takes place during this season--so many prayers of thanksgiving, repentance, and petition are recited during this time, or at least I'm more mindful of them.  

As the years have gone by, I continue to learn and see more meaningful ways in how Lent is a season of sacrifice.  Not only is it about about giving this and that up or doing more of this and less of that--that's just the tip of the iceberg.   It's about how these acts of sacrifice push us to make the changes in our lives that are our obstacles to becoming closer to God and deepening our relationship with him.

So this is what Lent means to me and my almost 40-year old self--a season of sacrifice where I surrender myself and my needs to God through meaningful, fervent, and daily prayer.  It is through this sacrifice of surrender (i.e., releasing what I think I know, want, or need) where faithful change occurs and I begin to see and experience what true courage in Him means.  

No meat Fridays never felt so good. ;)

Everything is Grace.

God's timing is perfect...perfect in every way.  It's the Holy Spirit whispering on our hearts,

 "Hey. Listen. This is for you."

It comes when you're not expecting it, but it's not a surprise when it does because we know that God has got this. (Matthew 6:31-34)

Life is always filled with unexpected situations (good and bad), issues, and occasions...enough to throw us off from our own day to day goings on.  

But as God is Good, His mercies are new everyday.  There are mercies in everything and everything is grace.

It's the opening of our hearts and minds to be attuned to those nudges when the Holy Spirit  whispers, "Hey. Listen. This is for you." 

(Jeremiah 29:13)

Simple & Sweet.

These little crochet heart bookmarks are a favorite of mine to crochet.  

Packaging them up all nice and pretty is even more enjoyable.

Sending them off to sweet, crafty, and fun events that make people smile is even better.

simple & sweet.  my kind of craft. 

Happy Crafting Everyone!

Sew Excited....

I've been practicing my sewing and embroidery skills since spring and I'm happy with my results.  It's "sew" (see what I did there?) exciting to hone in and fine tune a new skill.  Pincushions and hoop fun 

ready for upcoming fall and holiday shows!

Happy Crafting!

More scrappy scraps.

A fabric tape making sesh always yields a pile of happy fabric scraps.

Paint Chip Color Matching.

Wandering through Home Depot with the hubs one weekend, I got distracted by all the pretty color combos in the paint aisle.  Inspiration struck.  Color matching rut no more.  Pick up one (or three) of your favorite combos not just for home color inspiration, but also for craft color inspiration. They make for pretty pictures too. =)

spring.

 summer.

 fall.

Happy color matching!

Pincushion Love.

A cute little pincushion to hold all those cute little pins....I need to make more of these. =)

Happy Wednesday!

Bee yourself ♥

"Bee" yourself.  It's the only way to bee.

Happy Crafting!

New year faith renewal...and a little craft tutorial

I think we all could use a little spiritual motivation and faith renewal no matter what time of year, but it seems to be fairly prevalent with every coming new year.  Resolutions that motivate us to "stay strong", "be healthy", "put more happy in our life" are all very common but unique to each individual making them.  Each resolution is special and a reflection of the person's past experience and hopes for the future.  

In thinking about my resolution (and I have the hardest time keeping one), I wonder what motivation I need to keep that resolution.  What it boils down for me is faith--faith in knowing that everything will be okay because we believe God is holding our hands and guiding each of our steps.  When we fall, He picks us up and when we succeed, it's all because of Him...so we dance...like no one is watching...and sing....like we're on American Idol.  We stay HAPPY in all that we do and thankful for this life.

Now the tutorial....which is completely related.  =)

To help us keep our thoughts in place and where they should be, I wanted to put up motivational sayings in our home as a constant reminder of God's blessings to us each and every day.  Pretty Print Shop is a fabulous Etsy shop that specializes in digital prints that serve to motivate and inspire.  Hannah, the owner of the shop, designs each and every print--such a talented person and I'm blessed to have met her at the Penelope Lane Holiday Boutique last November.  She has these beautiful designs below, all printed on high quality photo paper--everything so bright and cheery.

I decided to decoupage these prints on canvas (those ones that artists use to paint on).  I wasn't sure how they would turn out because I didn't know if the paper type (glossy photo paper) made a difference with the Mod Podge.  Using a sponge brush, I applied more than a thin layer of Mod Podge on the canvas and then lay a print on it.  

It worked out well and I was very happy.  

I waited a few hours for the Mod Podge to dry completely and then applied another thin layer to the top of the prints to seal them and add a bit of glossy sheen to them.  I really liked how they turned out especially with the texturing of the gloss resembling the texture of the canvas.

 `

I will hang these up in a spot in our home where we will see these every day as daily reminders of God's blessings. Such an easy little craft with lots of meaning--right up my alley!

Happy Crafting!

Fall Fun: Glittered Clothespins

Fall is, hands down, my favorite time of the year.  The change in weather, start of school, Halloween, Thanksgiving....all of that...I just love it.  

I thought I'd try my hands at a craft that had some "fall-like" themes.  Enter glittered clothespins....sparkly clothespins...in sparkly fall colors of pumpkin, gold, green, and orange.   Playing around with clothespins seems to be my craft of choice these days.  I don't usually like glitter, but this little 

craft turned out pretty well and was so easy to do.  

Supplies:

adhesive tape

glitter

clothespins

I found all of these at my local Jo-Ann's Fabrics.  I didn't want to commit to a whole bottle of glitter so these little glitter sample packets were just perfect.  

First I lined the clothespins with the adhesive tape and trimmed it to fit. It isn't too sticky, but sticky enough to stay put.  

I then poured a small bit of the glitter on a piece of paper.  Peeling the adhesive backing off one of the clothespins, I dabbed the sticky side on to the glitter making sure it had an even coat and tapped off the excess. I'll probably add a thin layer of glossy mod podge to these so that the glitter lasts longer on the clothespins and so that the itty bits of glitter don't get all over the place.  

Wallah!  Easy peasy glittered clothespins ready for hanging up all that fall goodness in your home.

Now go make lots to add to the "fall-ification" of your home, work space, craft space, etc.

Happy Crafting!

Scrappy Scraps: A colorful mess.

What a beautiful messy pile of color, huh?  These scrappy scraps are the result of fabric tape making sessions.  After spending time selecting fabric, looking at color combos, and all that, it's hard to just throw them away.  So, I've kept them in a bag under my desk at home waiting to be used for some new project.

I tried making a scrap fabric garland and quickly realized that I suck at that.  My attempt at knot tying made my craft fail worst.  

So the other night, I was prepping product cards for Penelope Lane Boutique (Sept 28th in Seal Beach, CA--it's going to be fun!) and needed a cute and functional way to display my stuff.  I looked at the bag of scrappy strips and wallah!  Cute little product cards with a touch of personality.

I really liked the way these turned out.  It also gave me a way to hide the price tag--not too obvious but obvious enough if someone is looking for the price.  

So if you're looking for something more than baker's twin, jute, yarn, or ribbon to dress up your product cards, use your scrappy scraps and go wild.  It's worth it. =)

Happy Crafting!

Ephesians 4:1-3

I work in an environment where I feel blessed to have a tiny pinky of influence (sometimes a full out hand!) in how individuals navigate their education, career, and life goals.  As is always the case, these things are not done or experienced in a vacuum.  Many factors come in to decisions whether they be relatively life changing or miniscule.  One thing I know for sure is that this is where God has called me to be, to use the gifts He has given me to help others on their journey through life as they navigate their way through our education system.

You've heard that saying, "It's a two way street."  Yes, indeed it is.  There is a lot to be learned from those we meet, those we help.  Our assistance to these folks may be concrete, self-evident, obvious.  But in the same light, they also help us grow in immeasurable ways.  In my particular instance--teaching me understanding through their experiences and patience as they navigate a path that may be unfamiliar.  I value these very much to the core of my being. 

God has His way of putting us in situations to help us realize and oftentimes reaffirm that yes, this is what we're called to do, no matter how difficult or tiring some days may become. He's quick you know.  He gets me when I feel like I'm losing steam and then *boom*--He wakes me up!

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Ephesians 4:1-3 

Amen to that.  Whether it be at work, at home, at school, with friends, with family, at Michael's or Joann's navigating the sale items (had to throw in the crafty reference), this is true in all aspects of my life.  I do my best, I make my  mistakes, but I strive daily to pray with a fervor that reflects humility, gentleness, patience, love, and most of all, faith in God's calling for me and my family.  

Happy Blessed Day!

 

 

Proverbs 22:6

I have these moments of clarity that come at such opportune, though not surprising, moments when I'm feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, and just downright fatigued.  That moment occurred for me last night as I tucked our children in to bed.   

My littlest little insisted on wearing a toy hard hat on her head as she lay down to sleep.  Though only 18 months old, she has developed a knack for accessories, creative at that.  My 7-year old wanted me to place two pillows and a stuffed Nemo in his shirt.  He has been wanting a sumo suit for the past two weeks so I figured this was him practicing.  

As I stuffed his shirt with two pillows and Nemo, I thought to myself, "I'm a Mom."  

Yes, I've been a mom for the past 7 years, but this time it resonated even more so as I stuffed his shirt.  Sounds silly, I know--but for whatever reason, I felt so "grown up" as I remembered when my own mom would tuck me in to bed.  To be called to be a parent--To encourage our children in their creativity, to support them in their learning, to discipline them with love and understanding, to show them what unconditional love means....it simply made my current day worries and fatigue melt away where in that very moment it was the realization that this wondrous responsibility is what also brings us calm and peace.  

God speaks to us in the most timely of ways to help us refocus our thoughts and priorities.

"Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it."

Proverbs 22:6

Happy Blessed Day!

Pretty & Functional Adornments for Everyday

Pretty and functional: That's how I like to characterize what I create. My creative "bursts" are driven by the need for something to perform a specific task...and for it to be lovely at the same time! I love creating accessories and paper crafts that are functional and practical for everyday as well as fun and pretty to add that "special something" to an outfit, hairdo, or note to a friend. From adding a wool felt rose hair pin to your hair for your "office hairdo", wearing a brooch that doubles as a hair clip, using decoupaged clothespins to keep your mail in order, or hanging up your special photos with a floral photo garland kit, that "little bit of pretty" is sure to go a long way.

Lovely color combinations and texture assortments are inspired by fun times with my family and friends as well as moments that touch my heart. Because of this, there is a little bit of "me" and my everyday comings and goings in each piece I create. Whether it be a sweater clip to hold my cardigan in place because I am inspired by my sister's vintage style or cotton fabric tape with a whimsical design to add to sweet little love notes to my husband and children because we're so silly together, all are a reflection of my love for handmade and desire to share it with those who enrich my life.

With that, please check out new items at LoveNote Crafts.  All pretty, all functional, and all guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.  

Happy Crafting!

Five Friday Favorites

Happy Friday Everyone! It's been a productive week for me in my family world, professional world, and craft world....and I'm so glad it's Friday!  Enjoy this week's edition of my Five Friday Favorites!

 Rainbow Hearts Garland

link to therainbowroom on etsy

So pretty and summery--I love hearts!

Upcycled Dresser

 

link to upcycled dresser pin

This would be so neat to make for my little.  I think she'd love this!

HIMYM Mom Finally Revealed!

For all you "How I Met Your Mother" fans....finally, right?!  Exciting!  HIMYM is one of our (hubs and me) favorite shows to watch.  Can't wait to see what the next season brings!

Found a "Home" in the parking lot

We get critters (of the "masked bandit" variety, aka raccoons) in the early morning and early evening at work.  I found a den (I think) of one of these bandits that visits us often.  We've named him "Ralphie"--cute, huh?  Not really!

Forever Sunshine
 

link to original pin

Compassion and understanding.  Seek first to understand.  #TRUTH

Have a wonderfully blessed weekend and as always....

Happy Crafting!

  

{excited} Craft Fair Fun & Shop Update

My Hubs' company hosted a craft fair yesterday to benefit Fosterlift, a local charity devoted to providing assistance to those amazingly wonderful foster parents who care for foster children.  With such a wonderful charity,  I was more than excited to participate in the craft fair and took a day off from work to do so. =)

I still consider myself a rookie craft fair vendor, but I feel that I gain confidence after each fair I do.  There's always something new to learn, something new to try no matter how many you may have done.  Plus, you meet new people along the way who also love to craft and understand your passion for handmade.

Though I had a month or so to prepare, that still didn't stop me from doing things last minute (boo).  From crocheting the last few flowers to packaging a more than a dozen items, I was up pretty late the night before. Unfortunately, I was not too pleased with my display.  I liked the individual parts of the display, but I felt the display as a whole didn't flow.  It was okay, but I wanted it to be GREAT.  That's the OCD in me, but I know there will be more opportunity to work on and build up this skill of marketing.  

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I used a french memory board to display these crochet blossoms.  {Find my tutorial here}  It worked pretty well as a display, but I think next time I want to fill it up with blooms so that it looks more like an art display. Not sure if that will work, but I think it would be pretty and even more eye catching.

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I used a bird bath type of jewelry holder to display my rose hair pins.  I love the bird bath, but I definitely will want to add more to it if I continue to use it at the next craft fair.

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These were my favorites to make--mini clothespin photo and note garlands.  Since the craft fair was sponsored by a company (vs. a craft organization or group), I thought marketing these as a way to "bring some character to your office work space" would be a great idea since many of the folks were just stepping out of their office buildings for lunch.  It worked! 

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And finally, my beloved and most favorite spring accessory--sweater clips {or collar guards}.  I really liked how I set up this display.  I had done up the display previously {see my tutorial here} but I attached mini clothespins last minute to hold the cards.  I used a lacey punch to add detail to the accessory card and wallah!  Super cute display.

I had a great time--met new people, had a convo with a fella who said my crochet blooms reminded him of "Penny Blossoms" (Big Bang Theory reference to all you bazinga fans out there--very appropriate comment coming from a programmer person), and simply enjoyed being outdoors.  

At the end of the day, I was also able to add more cute items to my Etsy shop, something I've been itching to do but haven't had a good uninterrupted 2 hours to do so.  But, I was finally able to do it and so here you go:

I really do appreciate all the support I receive from my family and friends (and from my super awesome customers).  Having this little creative part of my life to share with others really brings joy to my heart and quite simply, my entire being.  

I hope you find some room for Lovenotes in your day!

Happy Crafting!

Five Friday Favorites

Wonderfully inspired by my creative friend, April, over at The Quirky Craftyneer, I've also decided to do a weekly "something" to help me keep up with blogging.  She has "Throwback Thursday" where she brings back oldies but goodies to share with her blog readers.  (Check out her blog--she''s awesomely creative with her Project Life layouts!)

My weekly "something" will be "Five Friday Favorites", stuff I've seen, pinned, tried, etc. that made my week all the more interesting and fun. :)  Here we go!

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{ Favorite Etsy Item:  WhatParty }

Link to Picky Ducks

Hilarious!  I came across this item doing a search for embroidery hoop decorations and busted out in laughter just imagining two ducks talking and complaining.  I'm thinking about it now and it's still making me laugh.  Sometimes I wonder what animals would be thinking when they come across humans....

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{ Favorite Pin: Ruffled Pillows }

Link to ruffled pillows pin

I can only pretty much sew straight lines and a zig zag here and there, but how awesome would it be to make a ruffled pillow or pillow with a pretty bow?  {swoon}  I'd totally love to do that, but for now, I'll just gaze as ideas of pretty pillows dance in my head.

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{ Favorite Fact: Dothraki Language and UC San Diego }

Photo credit: www.popcults.com / www.libraries.ucsd.edu

I haven't seen HBO's "Game of Thrones" before, but I have heard of this "Dothraki" language that is spoken in the series.  The person, David J. Peterson, who created that language was a linguistics graduate from UC San Diego, my alma mater.  Reading about how he creates these fictional languages is fascinating to me.  Plus, he is a UCSD grad--Go Tritons!  Woot!

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{ Favorite Photo: My littlest little on this hot May day}

Yes, Ms. C is ready for the warm summer days.  But for now, she's concentrating on the blueberry waffle she left on her brother's booster seat.

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{ Favorite Quote: God's Plans }

#TRUTH

Have a wonderfully blessed weekend and as always....

Happy Crafting!