It's FUN to craft!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2012-01-19T20:59:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Rules (if you want to call 'em that)
Link up any creative post and link up to the post (NOT your main blog URL). Snag a button and get the word out about 'Look at me, I'm so Crafty!' at Fun to Craft by putting it in your post or on the side of your blog. That way people know where you are partying!

Just for fun, be sure to visit some of the other blogs that link up. You will always find new crafty blogs and some AWESOME ideas!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2012-01-12T20:59:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2012-01-05T20:59:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-12-29T20:59:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-12-22T20:59:00.002-06:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-12-15T20:59:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

And the winner is....

2011-12-14T23:09:00.002-06:00

Shabby Apple Giveaway Dress winner is:

Kara at Petals to Picots, December 8, 2011 12:28 PM

I liked Shabby Apple on Facebook! :)

Congrats!!! Email me (funtocraft@gmail.com) your name, desired dress size, shipping address and phone number so they can get your dress shipped out. What a fun Christmas surprise for yourself!!!

Thanks to everyone for entering :)

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-12-08T20:59:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Baby Blvd Tote Pattern

2011-12-07T15:07:00.004-06:00

**Don't forget to enter the Shabby Apple Giveaway HERE closes on Monday Dec 12th.

I recently tested out a pattern for Baby Blvd. Remember it here??

Super cute shop with fun patterns and even already made items if you just don't feel like sewing...or can't.

This was made from her Scripture Tote Pattern:Super cute and even has an option to leave off that darling ruffle if it just isn't your thing....hey, it might not be! It went pretty fast and was easy to follow. Diagrams galore!

If you are looking for a unique gift for Christmas or a baptism, this is a great pattern to try out! Or just make one for yourself and doll up your scriptures! I am thinking about just using it as a small bag. Love this fabric so much I don't think it should be limited to Sunday!! Maybe I will have to make a skirt to match now....

Shabby Apple Dress GIVEAWAY!!

2011-12-05T21:30:00.004-06:00

Have you heard of Shabby Apple? Yes, then you know why I am always drooling on their website. And if not, you are about to find out!!

Shabby Apple is a darling online store with women's dresses and skirts, little girl dresses, and even some accessories. You think I am kidding?? Check these out:See?? I told you they were to die for!! These are only a few of the many cute ones they have.

Do you want to know how you can win one??? This one to be exact:
Okay, back to how you win it....It is SOOOO easy.....

Fleece Ear Warmers

2011-12-05T21:07:00.003-06:00

Trying to stay warm this winter? How about trying out the Fleece Ear Warmer Pattern by Hadley Grace Designs.Its cheap and includes a TON of instructions to make your Ear Warmer unique. It also comes with sizes baby to adult so you can outfit the whole fam from one pattern. Pretty cool.

Happy Sewing!!

Looking for a holiday gift??

2011-12-05T11:19:00.004-06:00

Why not give a Hadley Grace Designs Gift Certificate?? Available in any amount...just contact me to update the listing.

Or better yet....send the link to your special someone as a very subtle HINT HINT ;)

I will send you a nice certificate you can print off and even wrap up or use as a stocking stuffer.

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-12-01T20:59:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Ruched Leggings

2011-11-29T18:03:00.004-06:00

Know a little girl that would love a pair of ruched leggings?They are fun and easy to make!
All of these styles are included in the Hadley Grace Designs Pattern. Go check it out!!

Baby Blvd

2011-11-28T17:59:00.005-06:00

I recently tested out a pattern for Baby Blvd. Have you heard of that shop? It is SO cute!! She offers some fun PDF Patterns like these:

But she also offers already made items too for those that can't sew or just don't feel like it!!

She asked me to review a few patterns for her. I reviewed the Regular Quad Scripture Cover Pattern.

I made two of them during one naptime. I think it might have taken just as long to cut them out as it did to sew them. I love projects that go fast!The pattern was really easy to follow. She has great diagrams and pictures to help you along each step of the way. They seriously flew together! If you are looking for a unique gift for Christmas or a baptism, this is a great pattern to try out! Or just make one for yourself and doll up your scriptures!

I am also going to review her Scripture Tote Pattern so stay tuned!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-11-24T20:59:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-11-17T20:59:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Got scraps??

2011-11-11T15:47:00.004-06:00

Anyone have a bunch of fabric scraps? If so, this pattern is for you:
Fabric Scrap Tutu PDF Pattern Get it for $3 today only at Hadley Grace Designs!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-11-10T20:59:00.001-06:00

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'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-11-03T20:59:00.001-05:00

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'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-10-27T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Hadley Grace Designs Pattern Sale!!

2011-10-25T13:26:00.001-05:00

Hadley Grace Designs is having a THREE DAY SALE!!! In honor of my new sweet baby girl!

Sale goes through FRIDAY, OCT 28th at 1pm EST. Go check out our facebook page for baby pics too!!Go here and snatch up a great deal on a pattern!

I just love sewing patterns!!! Happy Sewing!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-10-20T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-10-13T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-10-06T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

My Memories Suite Winner

2011-10-04T07:41:00.002-05:00

The winner of My Memories Suite was selected by Random.org and it selected....lucky #1:

Southern Belle, September 21, 2011 4:55 AM: Oh I want it. It works with a Mac. I've been wanting to get something that would work with a Mac.

Email me at funtocraft@gmail.com and I will get you your prize!!!

If you didn't win:

**You can use this code: STMMMS4198 to get a $10 discount on My Memories Suite V. 2 software AND a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store...that is an extra $20 value!!

Follow me on Pinterest

2011-10-03T09:28:00.002-05:00

I absolutely love Pinterest. I don't know how many others of you are loving it like me...but I used to have tons of bookmarks on my computer and now it is SO much more organized and easily available via Pinterest. I am even going through my computer bookmarks and starting to pin each of those items to clean up the place! haha

So anyway, if any of you want to follow me...I have some fun stuff pinned. Click below:

I would love to follow you back too. I am always looking for new fun ideas. I also can send you an invite if you don't already have one.

Happy Pinning!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-09-29T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-09-22T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Giveaway!! Calling Digi Scrappers!

2011-09-20T21:29:00.006-05:00

Has everyone totally gotten into digital scrapbooking? I just love it! I don't really have a digital scrapbooking software I use.....well until now!

My Memories contacted me about checking out their Ah-mazing software and also said we could give a copy away to one of you too!! How great is that??

I tried it out and I must say it is SO easy to use. And SO quick to learn on too! I made a fun page of my little guy starting preschool this year and it took me about 2.2 seconds to make! Think of how quick a whole album would go together!

If you aren't into regular scrapbooking much or you have made the switch to digital scrapbooking, then this software is just for you!! Plus, you can make cards, birthday invites, announcements and SO much more!!

How to enter??

1. Go check out My Memories site and come back here and leave a comment to tell me what your favorite paper pack or layout is.

2. Follow their blog and leave me a comment telling me you did: http://blog.mymemories.com/

3. Follow them on facebook and leave me a comment telling me you did: http://www.facebook.com/mymemoriessuite

Giveaway will run until midnight MST Wednesday, September 28th. GOOD LUCK!!!!

**Also, you can use this code: STMMMS4198 to get $10 discount on My Memories Suite V. 2 software AND a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store...that is an extra $20 value!!

Groopdealz 1 Year Anniversary!!

2011-09-16T08:23:00.004-05:00

Go check out Groopdealz amazing 1 year anniversary sales! They have some GREAT stuff right now and even a freebie!!

They have a great teeth whitening deal I would love to get my hands on:A fun dress-up apron for a little princess to adorn:
An elegant necklace that would look so cute around your neck this Fall:A fun way to jazz up some pumpkins this Halloween:

And SOOOO many more deals. Go check Groopdealz out! You don't want to miss the sales this weekend!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-09-15T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-09-08T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Pattern SALE!!

2011-09-02T18:10:00.002-05:00

Sale going on right now at Hadley Grace Designs. Get your patterns at 20% off now until Monday.Gotta love a sale :) I know I do!!!Happy Shopping!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-09-01T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-08-25T20:59:00.001-05:00

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2011-08-18T20:59:00.002-05:00

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'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-08-11T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-08-04T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

30% OFF Sale

2011-08-04T09:10:00.003-05:00

New Pattern Showoff AND 30% off EVERY pattern for the big 3-0 Birthday today!!!! Go check it out at Hadley Grace Designs!!
Have you seen the new pattern at Hadley Grace Designs??I think it might be my new fave!

The Amelia Dress Pattern is just the right amount of frilly and fun for your little one! This is a fun pattern to coordinate fabrics and customize to your liking. The ruffled sleeves give this dress just the right amount of flair. The belt gives it a unique look and adds another splash of color for your coordinating fabrics. You can even pair with a short sleeve or long sleeve shirt and a cute pair of tights for the cooler months.Go check out the new pattern and the big Birthday SALE Today only for 30% off!!!!

I am off to eat some CAKE!!!

New Group Deal Site!!!

2011-07-29T08:38:00.003-05:00

If you haven't heard of Very Jane...you are missing out! They have great group deals to be had! And who doesn't love a good deal??!

Today, head over and check out this deal:

And as always, thanks for all your amazing link ups at the link party. I love seeing all of your creative ideas. Oh, and since Friday sort of snuck up on us......hope you have a great weekend too!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-07-28T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-07-21T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-07-14T20:59:00.001-05:00

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'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-07-07T20:59:00.002-05:00

WINNER of the Klutz Flower Book Giveaways were:
Poor Badger Creations and Owlwise Crafty

I have emailed you for your contact info but you can send it to:
funtocraft@gmail.com

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Sewing Patterns

2011-07-06T15:12:00.004-05:00

Hadley Grace Designs is a sponsor of my blog and has some adorable new patterns in the shop:

Sophia Paper Bag Skirt Sewing Pattern

Madison Pullover Dress Sewing Pattern

Reversible Vest Sewing Pattern

Tess Halter Dress and Top Sewing Pattern

Reversible Baby Sun Hat Pattern

Go check out the fun pattern shop where every pattern is sent via email and has FREE SHIPPING!

You can also like their Facebook page and stay up on new products and special sales!!

Making your own bias tape

2011-07-02T21:56:00.008-05:00

Recently I attempted to make my own bias tape. I know. Deep breaths. haha I just was not excited about any of the plain colored bias tapes out there to purchase. I knew that making my own could give me so many more coordinating fabrics and therefore a cuter finished product. So I decided I could do it. I would make my own.
So here is your fabric. The selvage edge is the edge that is more of a straight "finished" edge. The raw cut edge is where they cut your fabric at the fabric store. The bias is where you want to cut your bias tape on. It has a little more give in the grain of the fabric and can more easily be worked around curves and edges in fabric. I will show you how to cut your fabric so the strips are all cut on the bias.
I am using a 1/2 yard of fabric in my examples. Fold a right triangle at one end of your fabric and cut along that folded crease.
Here is your triangle cut. I have named each side to make it easier for you to see where to lay your fabric in the next steps to sew it together. Move your triangle to the other end of your fabric.Now put your triangle right sides together with the fabric. You are going to sew along edge B about 1/4 inch.
Iron your seam to one side or the other. Now you should have a parallelogram shape.
For 1/2 inch bias tape like we are making, you are going to start by drawing your lines parallel to the ends every 2 inches.
Here are all of your drawn lines. If you finish at the end and there is a little excess left over, just cut it off.
Now this next part looks tricky. It is all twisted but really what you are doing is taking one of your pointed ends and lining up the next lines with the lines on the opposite end. Make sure your fabric is going right sides together when you are doing this. Now you are just going to keep lining the next sets of lines up with one another. Pin as you go along.
You will end up with this weird twisted thing like I have in the picture above.
Now sew along this pinned edge 1/4 inch seam.
Here it is all straightened out after it is sewn.
Iron your seams flat now. It will be a twisted around the fabric seam that you will want to iron.
Now go back to the first pointed edge that was not lined up with the other side. This is where you will begin cutting. Just keep cutting around and around until it all of your lines are cut into one continuous strip.
Here is my VERY long strip of fabric. It makes a LOT of bias tape. I think about 9 yards compared to 3 yards of the packaging you buy at the store.Now if you have a bias tape maker (or want to buy one) they are about $7-12 on Amazon or at Joann's (maybe use a coupon). You need to buy the 1 inch version in order to get 1/2 inch double fold bias tape. Then you would just insert your strip into that handy gadget and iron as you go. It is pretty slick and very fast!
Or you can do it the old fashioned way and iron your strip in half first so you have a crease down the center of your strip.
Then iron one side into the middle, just a tiny bit less than halfway.Go ahead and iron the other side into the center just a little less than halfway as well.Once both sides are ironed into the center, you are ready to iron it in half.Here it is being ironed in half. Usually bias tape has one side that is about 1/16 inch or so wider than the other. This makes it easier to "catch" it in your sewing when you are working on a project. Go ahead and do this as well if you want.
Then once your bias tape is all ironed in half, get a piece of cardboard and have the hubby wrap it around it...or you could do it too. haha

This bias tape will last a LONG time and it is really not hard to make. Grab a Diet Pepsi or your drink of choice, put on a good sitcom or movie and get ironing!!

If you have any other questions on how to do this...feel free to ask. Here are also a few tutorials I found online that may be helpful as well:

Made
Whipstitch Fabrics
Prudent Baby
Modern Quilt Love

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-06-30T20:59:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Fab Flowers Giveaway and 'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-06-23T20:59:00.002-05:00

***Don't forget to go like Hadley Grace Designs on Facebook so everyone can get a FREE Pattern!! Help spread the word, if we get 350 followers by Sunday June 26th, everyone gets a pattern!!!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!
TWO WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:

Fabulous Flowers Book
Courtesy of Klutz

Let your creativity bloom with this book of can’t-go-wrong instructions for life-sized, dimensional, paper blossoms inspired by our favorite flowers: roses, daisies, daffodils, hibiscus, zinnias, cosmos, poppies, and larkspur. Sparkly embellishments, fresh paper colors, whimsical design variations, and a custom shaping tool give these blossoms a twist that’s pure Klutz — and quite possibly, even prettier than the real thing.

This book is packed with everything you need to get started: 20 pages of ready-to-punch-out paper petals, sparkly flower centers, wrapped wire stems, glue, and of course, the custom winding tool — enough stuff to make bunches of flowers.

Recommended for Ages 8+ which means it is a perfect summer project for your tweens!!!

$19.99 Value!!

HERE IS AN INSIDER PEEK AT THE BOOK:

Check out a video clip on the book here!

NOW HOW TO ENTER??

~Just go and "like" Klutz here on facebook.

Giveaway closes next Wednesday June 27th at 10pm EST. Winners will be announced soon after that!! Good Luck!!

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Winners!!

2011-06-23T14:40:00.004-05:00

Classic Wood Crafts Activity Kit Giveaway Winners are:

Sara who said: I would love to win so I can have fun with the kiddos!

Debzdogz who said: Would L-O-V-E to win this because my 8 year old niece spends LOTS of time with me...and i have to have LOTS of things for her to do! Artsy craftsy stuff is the BEST!

Please contact me via email so I can get your name and address to get you your fun prizes!!!

Shabby Apple Dress...OH Yeah!

2011-06-21T20:20:00.005-05:00

***Don't forget to go like Hadley Grace Designs on Facebook so you can get a FREE Pattern!!

I was uber duper excited to get to do a review on a Shabby Apple dress. Those of you who don't know what Shabby Apple is, you are missing out!! Shabby Apple has gorgeous women's dresses and maternity dresses. They have bright fun colors like mustard yellow, bright fuchsia pink, fun purples, plaids and lovely sailor blues. I just love the variety of colors they offer. Their dresses offer a sort of vintage style too which I really love.
I picked the Ahoy dress from their new Set Sail line to review. It is a gorgeous Caribbean Cool Turquoise dress. It is a nice light fabric that is so breathable for summer and so comfy! It has gorgeous pleats in the front with a V-neck for detail. I already wore it once and am SO excited to wear it to my brother's wedding this weekend. And the best part is, I am 23 weeks prego and can STILL wear it. Gotta love that!!
Go check out Shabby Apple and you will be AMAZED by the number of amazing dresses. So many must haves...it is too hard to narrow it down! You can also go to their facebook page and like it for future promotions and "can't miss out on type" deals!

Oh, and just because they are so amazing...they are even offering a discount to Fun to Craft readers!!! Yep, you can get 10% off when you use "funtocraft10off" on their website. It will be good for 3o days!! So go get shopping!!

FREE patterns....

2011-06-20T16:07:00.005-05:00

I just launched a facebook page for my shop, Hadley Grace Designs!!! I have a bunch of fun easy to follow PDF Sewing Patterns. I am SUPER excited about it and am hoping to get a good following going and get the word out on my shop.

Sooooo to entice all of you to like my new shop and keep up on the latest sales (like the one going on right NOW!!) and pattern designs, I am trying to get to 350 followers by Sunday. If you can help me by getting the word out on your blog, your facebook page, or to your friends, I will give each of you a FREE PATTERN if we hit 350 followers by Sunday. Yep. You read that right. I will give you a FREE PATTERN just for helping me get the word out. Just like me on facebook, and send me an email with the email address you would like your free pattern sent to WHEN we hit 350 followers by JUNE 26th!!! Send it to hadleygracedesigns@gmail.com

Like Hadley Grace Designs on Facebook here.

Oh, and go check out the shop too if you want.....Hadley Grace Designs

Send me an email or leave me a comment too if you want to be a pattern tester sometime too!!
Thanks a bunch!!

Happy Day!

2011-06-19T09:51:00.004-05:00

**Don't forget to enter the giveaway for your kiddos, here. The giveaway ends on Wednesday, June 22nd at Midnight EST.

Just wanted to wish you all (or your maybe your man) a Happy Father's Day today. I know we are going to be grillin' and eatin' some yummy food!! I hope you have a great day whatever you do!!

I am so thankful for my hubby, the greatest Daddy in the world! I am also thankful for my own Dad who is a great example to me and for my step-dad who is always willing to help lend a hand. Oh, and I can't forget my Father-in-Law who is very thoughtful and raised such a great son!! I am so blessed!

AMAZING Giveaway for Kids and 'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-06-16T20:59:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

But FIRST....an AMAZING GIVEAWAY!!!!

Classic Wood Crafts Activity Kit Giveaway!
Summer is in full swing here, which means it's time to find lots of fun activities to keep these little ones busy! If you're in the same boat, you should be very excited about today's giveaway!

Creativity for Kids is generously offering TWO lucky readers each a Classic Wood Crafts Activity Kit! (A $29.99 value!)This kit is absolutely brimming with crafting goodies! When we first opened the box, I was amazed with everything included in the package:

Jumbo wood craft sticks
Flat wood shapes
Cotton storage bag
Dimensional wood shapes
Assorted wood beads spools
Craft spoons
Wooden people
Eco paints (earth friendly and kid approved!)
2 Paint brushes
Feathers
Chenille stems
Fine point black marker
Craft glue
Cotton cord
Elastic cord
Sand paper
Instructions and ideas

This kit comes complete with a storage bag to help keep things nice and tidy in between uses. Creativity for Kids truly understands kiddos and parents alike! There are enough goodies in this kit to keep you crafting all through the summer.

HOW TO ENTER????

Entry One (Mandatory)
Leave a comment letting me know why you'd love to win this set!

Entry Two
Follow Creativity for Kids on Facebook. Be sure to leave me a comment letting me know!

Additional Entries
Tweet or post about this giveaway on your Facebook page or your own blog.

The Giveaway ends on June 22nd at Midnight EST. Both winners will be announced soon after.

Now the link up party details:
Rules (if you want to call 'em that)
Link up any creative post and link up to the post (NOT your main blog URL). Snag a button and get the word out about 'Look at me, I'm so Crafty!' at Fun to Craft by putting it in your post or on the side of your blog. That way people know where you are partying!

Just for fun, be sure to visit some of the other blogs that link up. You will always find new crafty blogs and some AWESOME ideas!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-06-09T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-06-02T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-05-26T20:59:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-05-19T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-05-12T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-05-05T20:59:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-04-28T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Artist Art Smocks

2011-04-26T07:20:00.003-05:00

Once I decided to do an artist theme for my little guy's birthday party, I knew I had to have some art smocks for each of the guests. Because it would be a fun birthday favor, but it would also save me from worrying about them ruining their clothes with all the artsy things we were going to be doing. I whipped up these fun smocks with two different styles: boys and girls.
They were a HUGE hit with the kids (and the parents)!!

To purchase the art smock pattern, go to Hadley Grace Designs.
Happy Sewing!!!

Party Decor Part 4

2011-04-25T15:11:00.004-05:00

The table.
I know this can be as simple or as detailed as you want. Since our party was really just for the kiddos not really adults too, I wanted to have it be fun but not too much detail since 4 year olds aren't really used to noticing those types of things too much!
I went for some colorful cupcake toppers. I bought sucker sticks at Michael's and some colorful cardstock. I used a 2 inch scalloped punch to cut the cardstock out with. Then I used some of the designs I got from Lettering Delights along with some photoshop designs and created some cupcake toppers that say Happy Birthday Hudson around the edges and have a fun design in the middle.
I added some little table tents to showcase the food.
Plus it helped add more pizazz to the table. I got those small buckets from Target in the One spot. The perfect colors for our party!
It was so fun to create some little extras for the table. It made it all worth it when Hudson said "it was the best Christmas decorations he had ever seen". I don't know why he said Christmas but at least he liked the decor!

Winner, Winner

2011-04-25T15:04:00.001-05:00

The winner of the autographed copy of The Magic Warble was selected randomly by random.org. The winner is:

Patsy from Heartworks!!

Email me Patsy so I can get your info to get your book sent off to you!!
Thanks so much!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-04-21T20:59:00.006-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Party Decor Part 3

2011-04-21T07:34:00.005-05:00

If you missed them, check out Party Decor Part 1 and Party Decor Part 2.

I knew I wanted something fun and whimsy hanging for Hudson's party. I decided to make some tissue paper balls. They are SO easy and SUPER inexpensive to make. Plus, I love that you can make them out of any tissue paper color/design that you can find.
What you need to make these:

8 sheets of tissue per ball
Craft wire
scissors
invisible thread/string to hang them from the ceiling
(I also used little round hooks that screwed into the ceiling to hang 2 of them because tape was not working on them.)
Stack eight 20-by-30-inch sheets of tissue. Make 1 1/2-inch-wide accordion folds, creasing with each fold. You could cut the tissue paper smaller if you wanted your ball to be smaller. Varying sized ones would be super cute!

Fold an 18-inch piece of floral wire (or craft wire if that is all you have like me!) in half, and slip over center of folded tissue; twist. With scissors, trim ends of tissue into rounded or pointy shapes.Separate layers, pulling away from center one at a time.

I recommend almost doing one ball to just play with before you do the other 'real' ones. I did not do as good of a job with my first ball as the second. You finally get the hang of pulling each layer better by the time you finish one of them. I would also recommend tying something through your wire loop at this point before all of the layers are separated that way you don't smoosh them later trying to do this.
Bend wire into a loop to fit around napkin, and twist end around loop to secure.

(Photos with pink background found on Martha Stewart's website. See here.)

Good luck making these. They are so fun! Happy party time!

Party Decor Part 2

2011-04-20T12:54:00.003-05:00

****Don't forget to enter to win the book giveaway here....going on until Sunday 4/24.*****

Remember when I was showing you some circle garlands I made, well here is what I did with them:I had originally planned to hang them above the food table but it was a little much. So the best thing I know about parties, you have to improvise!!Some of you may recognize this banner from my little guy's bday last year here. I just removed the dinosaurs and added some fun artist themed pictures. I love being able to personalize the banner to go along with the theme of the party.
This is a birthday board that I think I saw at How Does She. The other side is a little more girly and this is the 'manly' side. I love being able to display this in advance to celebrate the big day. Anything like this is SO easy to do but makes a big difference to make a special day for the birthday child. When my kiddos get older, I think I will have members of the family write what they like best about that person and display it here along with some photos. You could also display birthday cards or pictures from past parties. Stay tuned for some more fun artist party posts.

First to FTC and GIVEAWAY!!

2011-04-17T15:42:00.002-05:00

This is a first to Fun to Craft and I am excited about it....(plus there is a giveaway too so stick with me!!) I recently was contacted by a sweet gal to review one of her books. Since reading is probably second in my book to crafting, I jumped at the opportunity!

The Magic Warble was written by Victoria Simcox. If any of you are Harry Potter or Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe fans, I think you will probably enjoy this book as well. It has a quirky main character Kristina who is friendless besides her pet rat, Raymond. She is given a Christmas gift by one of her teachers, the Magic Warble. This ends up spurring the biggest adventure of Kristina's life. She is transported into this new world where she is known as the "Chosen One" who must place the Magic Warble on the top of Mount Bernovem. This will give life back to all who live in Bernovem. Of course, this journey does not come without some obstacles in her way. She befriends some fairies, dwarfs and ravens along the way that prove to be most useful in helping her to return peace to their land.

This book was fun and easy to read. Simcox has a great way of depicting characters and places so that you can imagine them as if you were there. It is definitely a must read for fantasy book fans! This would also be a great book for younger readers as well...maybe something fun for one of your children to read with you.

AND GUESS WHAT??!! Victoria Simcox has been gracious enough to offer an autographed copy of her book, The Magic Warble, to one Fun to Craft reader. You have THREE ways to win:

1. Follow Victoria's Blog
(then come back here and leave a comment telling me you did)

2. Like Victoria's page on Facebook
(then come back here and leave a comment telling me you did)

3. Follow Victoria on Twitter
(then come back here and leave a comment telling me you did)

This giveaway will be open until Sunday April 24th at 6pm EST. Good luck!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-04-14T20:59:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Party Decor Part 1

2011-04-13T16:12:00.003-05:00

I wanted to have a bunch of fun decor above the food table at my son's artist party coming up. This is one of the things I am doing: circle garlands.

Take some invisible thread and some circles different sizes. Mine are about 1 inch, 1 1/4 inches and 1 1/2 inches. But it would be cute adding 2 inch or bigger too. I used my cricut to cut them out so it was SUPER fast.Then just come up with some sort of pattern or do a totally random one. I did big, small, medium, small, big, etc. I cut all of my circles of each size out in one color but you could mix and match or you could also just use 2 colors if you wanted.Then just put them lined up as you slowly sew them together. Try not to sew them over on top of one another.Here is the finished product. I love all the bright colors. I left the threads on one side longer so I could use them to attach it to the ceiling with. Soon, I will show you more pics of the finished product once they are hanging with the other decor too. Happy partying!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-04-07T20:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Party Time

2011-04-07T14:44:00.003-05:00

So you may remember my recent post about getting a KILLER DEAL on some graphics to use for my little guy's bday party here. I am going to be sharing some of the party fun with you over the next week or two. We delivered all the invites yesterday that I designed and I just thought I would share the artist's invite:

So obviously we are doing an artist theme for the party. I was out shopping for a bunch of the party goodies yesterday. I must say, I cannot wait! I might be just as excited for it as my little guy, who asks me every day if the party is today.

I have some fun cupcake toppers I have designed and a bunch of other fun birthday decor to share. Stay tuned. Have any of you ever done an artist party? Or are you planning another birthday party theme? Aren't birthdays the best??

Dollar Days at Lettering Delights!!!

2011-04-05T11:42:00.005-05:00

I don't know how many of you have heard about Lettering Delights. I have a link to them on the lower right of my blog. Why do I have this there?? Because I absolutely love their products. They have the best graphic designs! They are so cute and fresh. They have SVG files and they also have fonts, cupcake wrappers, candy wrappers....oh the list goes on and on.

I just went there today and bought this art supplies set to use for my son's upcoming art birthday party:

I cannot wait!!

Go check them out....the best part is it is DOLLAR DAYS right now. So almost everything they have on their site is only $1! Can't beat that! Especially if you are wanting to do something fun for a birthday party, spring get together or maybe even Easter.

I am not getting paid to tell you to go there :) Just thought some of you might want to get an AWESOME deal on some great graphics.

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-03-31T20:59:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-03-24T20:59:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-03-17T20:59:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-03-10T20:59:00.003-06:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-03-03T20:59:00.003-06:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Chalkboard Vinyl Decal Deal

2011-02-25T19:26:00.003-06:00

Has anyone else been trying to get more organized this year?? There is an AMAZING GroopDealz deal going on right now that can totally help!!
$4 for 4 Oval Chalkboard Vinyl Decals - Free Shipping ($9 Value) Yep. That is $4 for 4 Oval chalkboard vinyl decals with FREE SHIPPING!!! That is an amazing deal. Who couldn't use these? I was just trying to think of all the places I could use these in my house....the kitchen, the pantry, the bathroom, the kiddos rooms, my closets. Ugh...so many places! Good thing they are such a good deal!!

This deal is going on now through Sunday...DO NOT MISS THIS ONE!! It is such a great deal and how fun would those be on your cute containers?? Click here to snatch it up!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-02-24T20:59:00.003-06:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Giveaway Winner is.....

2011-02-23T08:10:00.007-06:00

Thanks to everyone who entered the Shabby Apple Giveaway. Those dresses really still do have me drooling....

But onto the fabulous winner. Random.org chose:

Audrey who said: Count me in! I "liked" them on Facebook.

This dress is the absolute most beautiful dress!!

Audrey please contact me and I will get your contact info to Shabby Apple.

And if you didn't win....don't despair! You can still use that 10% off discount code: "funtocraft10off"

Hope you all have a fantastic crafty day!
I am off to teach preschool to a bunch of 3 and 4 year olds! Wish me luck!!

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-02-17T20:59:00.006-06:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Shabby Apple DRESS Giveaway!!!

2011-02-13T16:05:00.016-06:00

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Have you heard of Shabby Apple? Yes, then you know why I am always drooling on their website. And if not, you are about to find out!!

Shabby Apple is a darling online store with some of the women's dresses, little girl dresses, and even some accessories. You think I am kidding?? Check these out:See?? I told you they were to die for!! These are only a few of the many cute ones they have.

Do you want to know how you can win one??? This one to be exact:
Okay, back to how you win it....It is SOOOO easy.....

Just click here on the Shabby Apple Facebook page and like it. Then don't forget to head back here and leave a comment telling me you did.

Yep. That is it.
And seriously, go to Shabby Apple and start drooling. Just make sure you have like an hour because you won't be able to tear yourself away!!

(If you do not have a facebook account, go to their site and find your fave dress and come back here and let me know what it is.)

By the way, this would be a fantastic Valentine's Gift for yourself...you know, just in case the man in your life doesn't come through. Or even if he does, how hot would you look wearing that??!

Winner will be chosen at random. The giveaway is open until Feb 20th at 9pm EST.

GOOD LUCK!!

I have not personally tried out any of their dresses yet but man, are they super cute!! Oh, and if you don't win, they are offering all of my readers 10% off using the coupon code "funtocraft10off"

'Look at Me' Party!!!

2011-02-10T20:59:00.005-06:00

Welcome to the PaRtY!!!

Update on the Party:
So some of you may have noticed that a lot of the link lists are now charging for thumbnail services. I would love to be able to keep doing those for this link party but for right now, I just can't afford to do that. You know, hubby in school and student loans piling up. Blah Blah, everyone is struggling right now with the economy so I am sure you all get it. I apologize the link parties are not as fun to look at just with text links, but I hope you will still join in. I love to see everything you all have made and just look at it this way, if people don't see the project right away, it might drive even more traffic to your blog. Thanks for understanding and still participating!!! I love having these parties and seeing all of your creativity.

Rules (if you want to call 'em that)
Link up any creative post and link up to the post (NOT your main blog URL). Snag a button and get the word out about 'Look at me, I'm so Crafty!' at Fun to Craft by putting it in your post or on the side of your blog. That way people know where you are partying!

Just for fun, be sure to visit some of the other blogs that link up. You will always find new crafty blogs and some AWESOME ideas!!

Potty Talk

2011-02-09T12:53:00.004-06:00

This might be a bit TMI and it is SO not about crafting...but I always love to hear what works for other people.

image: Tribe of Dad

So my 18 month old girl decided yesterday to pee on the potty. No worries...this is not my doing. This is all her. She begged for me to help her on there. She wants to be a big girl SO bad. Her brother who is 3 1/2 was potty trained when he was 2. They both have worn cloth diapers though which I have heard helps kids feel the wetness and pick up the potty training faster.

I am not sure I am ready for this yet, but I definitely wouldn't mind having her start potty training sometime in the next 6 months. So I know what worked with my little guy, but it seems like everyone has their own tricks. I would love if you would share what worked for you??

What did you do when you were potty training your little ones? That way, when I am ready to start, I will be armed with some more methods to try out.

Thanks in advance!

-Sick of Diapers

PS If any new bloggers want me to highlight some of your cool projects, I would love to do a post about you! Email me a description about you, your project and your blog. Oh and a picture or two. Those always make things more exciting!

Decor for the Office

2011-02-09T12:45:00.001-06:00

I think I have been dreaming of home decor in my sleep. I cannot wait to be in a "real" home that I can decorate for a more permanent time period. Some day soon. I can feel it. The hubs finishes up school in May so I am hoping it is soon after that.

One thing I cannot wait to outfit is a home office. I have been checking out office furniture. Can I just say I cannot believe how many options there are out there? Do you get a huge plump black office chair? Or something a little less "Trump-ish?" What about color schemes? I am so trying to lighten up our house by infusing some lighter, airier colors. I think the winter/fall has lasted a bit too long and I am ready for things to be springy and cheerful.

Anyone have any great office ideas? Link up your blog posts in the comments so I can check them out!!