tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13530253253527973192024-03-18T08:15:18.894-04:00Full of Great IdeasSharing inexpensive and easy decorating and craft ideas.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-18848943915817587952014-05-07T17:46:00.000-04:002014-05-07T17:46:05.374-04:00Mother's Day Quotes - Two Free PrintablesI know I just shared another Mother's Day printable for Grandmothers only hours ago, but I thought you might appreciate a frugal gift for Mothers. I have gotten so use to giving gifts from my kids, I fail to remember that I need to acknowledge Mother's Day from me to my mom.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-htVWsHhUr2o/U2qnenRjBHI/AAAAAAAAFnU/ojvCRned5ao/s1600/a+mother+is+she+who+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-htVWsHhUr2o/U2qnenRjBHI/AAAAAAAAFnU/ojvCRned5ao/s1600/a+mother+is+she+who+2.jpg" height="400" width="336" /></a></div>
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So I made these two chalkboard pieces with my two favorite quotes about moms.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uygLgGSKy90/U2qneNM_yII/AAAAAAAAFnQ/9XTyrKnOE4I/s1600/All+that+I+am+I+owe+to+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uygLgGSKy90/U2qneNM_yII/AAAAAAAAFnQ/9XTyrKnOE4I/s1600/All+that+I+am+I+owe+to+2.jpg" height="400" width="336" /></a></div>
These are designed as high resolution 8x10s. You can probably print in a larger size, I just haven't tried it yet.<br />
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To download one these 8x10 images to print:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Leave me a comment to let me know what you think</li>
<li>Right click on the image you want (below) and select open in a new window or tab</li>
<li>On the full size image, right click again and select 'save as'</li>
<li>Save it to a place on your computer where you can easily find it</li>
<li>Send it to your favorite photo developer, find a frame and you have a frugal Mother's Day gift</li>
<li>Please only use these for personal use!</li>
<li>Enjoy!! </li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2TPLHvu6204/U2qnfB7hdOI/AAAAAAAAFnY/dZCAivbxIx8/s1600/a+mother+is+she+who.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2TPLHvu6204/U2qnfB7hdOI/AAAAAAAAFnY/dZCAivbxIx8/s1600/a+mother+is+she+who.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPcjbZFnkUg/U2qnej_pBdI/AAAAAAAAFno/mSCKy20VacU/s1600/All+that+I+am+I+owe+to.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPcjbZFnkUg/U2qnej_pBdI/AAAAAAAAFno/mSCKy20VacU/s1600/All+that+I+am+I+owe+to.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
I hope this isn't too late for you to use! If it is, Pin it and come back next year :)<br />
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Again, Happy Mother's Day to everyone.<br />
StephanieStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com559tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-57153164011800613422014-05-07T10:48:00.001-04:002014-05-07T10:48:28.214-04:00I'll love you Forever- Free Mother's Day Printable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iaMGHWIQtF4/U2pGr3B5e4I/AAAAAAAAFnA/3df3Ydzh3Ao/s1600/Ill+love+you+forever+grandma+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iaMGHWIQtF4/U2pGr3B5e4I/AAAAAAAAFnA/3df3Ydzh3Ao/s1600/Ill+love+you+forever+grandma+frame.jpg" height="400" width="333" /></a></div>
Ever since I had my two amazing children, I have loved the <a href="http://robertmunsch.com/book/love-you-forever#" target="_blank">Robert Munch children's book entitled 'Love You Forever</a>.' Still to this day, after 10 years of reading it, I sit there sobbing. Not a sad cry, but a 'I can't believe how much I could love something' cry. If you have children and have not read this book, please take a minute to find it at a local book store and buy it/read it. Be prepared to shed a few tears, so turn your back to all the kids standing around you :). Every baby shower I go to, I always include this as a part of my gift for the new mom.<br />
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The main quote of the book is: <br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"> <em>“I’ll love you forever,<br />
I’ll like you for always,<br />
as long as I’m living<br />
my baby you’ll be.” </em></span></div>
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Oh, just typing that makes me tear up. <br />
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Well I decided to make the quote, with a small twist, as an 8x10 printable for my mom from my kids for Mother's Day. I know it is a little late to share with you, as Mother's Day is this weekend, but if I share it any earlier, my mom won't have the surprise of it.<br />
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I have tried to include as many names for grandma I could think of. If there is one you would really like, please leave a comment and I will try my best to make it by the weekend. Be sure to check back to see if it is there.<br />
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To download one these 8x10 images to print:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Leave me a comment to let me know what you think</li>
<li>Right click on the image you want and select open in a new window or tab</li>
<li>On the full size image, right click again and select 'save as'</li>
<li>Save it to a place on your computer where you can easily find it</li>
<li>Send it to your favorite photo developer, find a frame and you have a frugal Mother's Day gift</li>
<li>Please only use these for personal use!</li>
<li>Enjoy!! </li>
</ul>
I also have another <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/09/christmas-in-september-free-printable.html" target="_blank">free Mother's Day printable here</a> if you would like something different.There are many different versions of Grandma for this file as well.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvEaosVnze4/U2pF69lmAfI/AAAAAAAAFm4/bKXER4w1zHs/s1600/Having+you+for+an+grandma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvEaosVnze4/U2pF69lmAfI/AAAAAAAAFm4/bKXER4w1zHs/s1600/Having+you+for+an+grandma.jpg" /></a></div>
Here are all the I'll love you Forever downloads:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZlzKkTZwmg/U2o_o5PfdFI/AAAAAAAAFmU/7sqP5nsBSHY/s1600/Ill+love+you+forever+grandma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZlzKkTZwmg/U2o_o5PfdFI/AAAAAAAAFmU/7sqP5nsBSHY/s1600/Ill+love+you+forever+grandma.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EoSfLcrVRzk/U2o_Qd2Ll6I/AAAAAAAAFkQ/YFGrN0vczGo/s1600/Ill+love+you+forever+gigi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EoSfLcrVRzk/U2o_Qd2Ll6I/AAAAAAAAFkQ/YFGrN0vczGo/s1600/Ill+love+you+forever+gigi.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRj1HcfNSEw/U2o_QVlSPjI/AAAAAAAAFkU/OICwLCjaY6Q/s1600/Ill+love+you+forever+gram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xRj1HcfNSEw/U2o_QVlSPjI/AAAAAAAAFkU/OICwLCjaY6Q/s1600/Ill+love+you+forever+gram.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y2bCsQ3SeI/U2o_RHrtsPI/AAAAAAAAFlY/e0wojHQ1BWA/s1600/Ill+love+you+forever+grammy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y2bCsQ3SeI/U2o_RHrtsPI/AAAAAAAAFlY/e0wojHQ1BWA/s1600/Ill+love+you+forever+grammy.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s5S7sAzdBrw/U2o_RodLtpI/AAAAAAAAFkk/8HlEwCZNeb8/s1600/Ill+love+you+forever+meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s5S7sAzdBrw/U2o_RodLtpI/AAAAAAAAFkk/8HlEwCZNeb8/s1600/Ill+love+you+forever+meme.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hZCU8Gl560/U2o_SBMDWvI/AAAAAAAAFk0/atkb2_Ihoqw/s1600/Ill+love+you+forever+mimi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hZCU8Gl560/U2o_SBMDWvI/AAAAAAAAFk0/atkb2_Ihoqw/s1600/Ill+love+you+forever+mimi.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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Have a Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there.<br />
StephanieStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com147tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-9266977896470082532014-01-19T17:25:00.001-05:002014-01-19T17:25:24.182-05:00Coordinates and Longitude/Latitude Art - Valentines Day Gift for my HusbandLong time, no post! I know I have been absent for a long time. I would like to apologize and give you a valid reason but I can't. Life has been busy, so my blog has been ignored but not forgotten.<br />
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I have not stopped doing the things I love, I just haven't had time to share them with you. I will stop by Full of Great Ideas every once and a while to share things. I won't promise I will be consistent and I will say you will see more 'art' style of pieces, since I make loads of them for gifts. I hope you can understand and stop by every once and a while to see if there is anything new.<br />
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For those of you know have followed me for a few years, you might remember my $0 spending months (if you want to see how <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/p/0-budget-challenge-projects.html" target="_blank">previous years went, check it out here</a>) Well we are officially 19 days into our third spend free month and it has been going well. My pantry is not overflowing anymore, I have purged three rooms and we have saved loads of money. I will admit it is very difficult to do this in January when you find all Christmas stuff on clearance for 90% off, but we are staying tough and sticking to it.<br />
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Valentines day is quickly approaching, so I thought I would work on something for my husband. We don't normally buy each other gifts but I thought it would be nice to make him something using a frame I had kicking around the house.<br />
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I had seen on Etsy various coordinates art and immediately knew I had to have one and thought they wouldn't be difficult to make.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7e4hzUluZB0/UtxGzkoaUxI/AAAAAAAAFgw/2iShVesD-7Y/s1600/coordinates+art+final2-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7e4hzUluZB0/UtxGzkoaUxI/AAAAAAAAFgw/2iShVesD-7Y/s1600/coordinates+art+final2-001.jpg" height="181" width="400" /></a></div>
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I designed my version of the coordinates art using my personal favorite tool, Microsoft Publisher, but you can use almost any other program. It is really just a box in background filled with a solid color and a text box over it with the coordinates. The entire thing will only take you 10 minutes to design! Honestly, it is that simple.<br />
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Start by determining what size frame you want to use. I used an old IKEA Ribba frame I had laying around the house. I will explain how I altered the mat later in this post, but I knew my image had to be 6.5x17. Since Costco will not print that size, I designed my image as 12x18 and cut away the excess. You can see in the image below the inner box (it doesn't show when printed) is what I needed for the frame but the entire image is much larger.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ExMoHRvN7UM/UtxGzp_Y-4I/AAAAAAAAFg4/M5WsaEjCc0A/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1192014+43925+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ExMoHRvN7UM/UtxGzp_Y-4I/AAAAAAAAFg4/M5WsaEjCc0A/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1192014+43925+PM.jpg" height="242" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Important: Photo developers will only print standard size images (for example - 8x10, 12x18 etc.). What will happen is if I design my image to my frame size and it will be stretched or shrunk to fit within a standard photo size. So, I will be stuck with a image that won't fit into the frame. What you need to do is find the a standard size that is larger than the size you need and use that for your design. Therefore, if you have a frame opening that is 6x7 and you create the image as that size, when you print it, it will be stretched to 8x10. Instead if you design your image as an 8x10 and make the text fit within a 6x7 box, then when you print, you can cut off the excess and your finished product will fit in your frame. Confusing I know...but I hope you understand what I am saying :)</span><br />
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Once you get your design to be the correct size, Insert a box for the background. You can fill that box with whatever color you like.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YVM8NT6HFY/UtxNFbrmldI/AAAAAAAAFhM/xVXiLvjwsLQ/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1192014+50633+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YVM8NT6HFY/UtxNFbrmldI/AAAAAAAAFhM/xVXiLvjwsLQ/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1192014+50633+PM.jpg" height="222" width="400" /></a></div>
Then Insert a Text box to the size you want your image to be. Set the background color for this box as Transparent and make sure there is no boarder. You can center that box in the middle of the overall design size by moving the box around.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFjxM4CEFjo/UtxNFSs2yFI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/BNHJJU7vbrQ/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1192014+50643+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFjxM4CEFjo/UtxNFSs2yFI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/BNHJJU7vbrQ/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1192014+50643+PM.jpg" height="216" width="400" /></a></div>
If you have issue with wrapping, select the text box and select no wrapping and bring to front.<br />
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The fonts I used are Euphemia (coordinates) and Jayne Print (saying).<br />
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I found a website that gives you the exact coordinates location. Simply visit the <a href="http://itouchmap.com/latlong.html" target="_blank">iTouch website,</a> enter the street address and the site will automatically generate the longitude and latitude for you. If you don't have an exact address (i.e. the middle of a park, lake etc.), enter an address that is close and then move the marker on the map to get the exact coordinates.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yWDF42dDYp4/UtxDSbbo1xI/AAAAAAAAFgg/M4fofa8YnLc/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1192014+35005+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yWDF42dDYp4/UtxDSbbo1xI/AAAAAAAAFgg/M4fofa8YnLc/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1192014+35005+PM.jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></div>
For this example, I entered New York City. To get the coordinates numbers, you will use the digits on the right side of the image above. The coordinates would be 43 degrees 18' 76" N and 79 degrees 38' 04' W. If you have a negative in the first number, you would switch the N (North) to S (South) and a positive in the second number, you would switch the W (West) to E (East). In order to get the degrees symbol, you will have to select "Insert" and then "Symbol" and find it within the library of symbols.<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwRhf-IB2GI/UtxGzrRzHOI/AAAAAAAAFhA/iD57Q1niTTY/s1600/coordinates+art+final-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwRhf-IB2GI/UtxGzrRzHOI/AAAAAAAAFhA/iD57Q1niTTY/s1600/coordinates+art+final-001.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Once you are happy with the design, save the image as a high resolution
JPEG (to do this in Publisher follow theses steps: 'Save As', 'Save as
type', 'JPEG', 'Change...' (Resolution), 'High quality printing or
commercial printing (300dpi)') . </span><span style="background-color: white;">Then upload the image to your favorite photo developer and you have a beautiful but very <strike>cheap</strike> reasonable Valentine's Day gift!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7e4hzUluZB0/UtxGzkoaUxI/AAAAAAAAFg8/Yuc1aDTcyCM/s1600/coordinates+art+final2-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7e4hzUluZB0/UtxGzkoaUxI/AAAAAAAAFg8/Yuc1aDTcyCM/s1600/coordinates+art+final2-001.jpg" height="181" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">I thinks this would make a great wedding gift, anniversary gift, birth announcement...the options are really endless.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
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This image has a digital frame added to my final image since I can't print my creation until February 1st (when my spend free month is over). But you get the idea how it will look! AMAZING!<br />
<br />
<b>For how I addressed the mat issue:</b><br />
<br />
I knew the frame I had from IKEA Ribba had 3 5x7 openings in the mat but I wanted a long image. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HY55pcsDlT4/UtxC5-QDzRI/AAAAAAAAFf4/SIi3DOu7GOM/s1600/ribba-frame__11617_PE088956_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HY55pcsDlT4/UtxC5-QDzRI/AAAAAAAAFf4/SIi3DOu7GOM/s1600/ribba-frame__11617_PE088956_S4.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source Ikea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So I trimmed the mat using an exacto knife and metal ruler.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evEeKsqNNiA/UtxBSJ8IIvI/AAAAAAAAFfM/-APqzVhBnWU/s1600/IMG_0876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evEeKsqNNiA/UtxBSJ8IIvI/AAAAAAAAFfM/-APqzVhBnWU/s1600/IMG_0876.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></div>
Since the mat is cut on an angle, I scored the mat in two places (for each cut). The first score was inline with the outside of the mat angle and the other is inline with the inner side of the mat angle. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xU2vknHHXiY/UtxBW8Jz-UI/AAAAAAAAFfU/iIvE8KXqI3w/s1600/IMG_0888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xU2vknHHXiY/UtxBW8Jz-UI/AAAAAAAAFfU/iIvE8KXqI3w/s1600/IMG_0888.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
I then cut through the mat on the inner most line.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDq-IaXi6x4/UtxBW9avbGI/AAAAAAAAFfc/ncySjAk5q-8/s1600/IMG_0890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDq-IaXi6x4/UtxBW9avbGI/AAAAAAAAFfc/ncySjAk5q-8/s1600/IMG_0890.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Once the inner divider is removed, you can cut with a sharp exacto knife to follow the angle of the mat. <br />
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I will say if you look really, really close you can see where I altered the mat, but it does look good. If people want to look at anything in my house from a few inches away...well they are no friends of mine :)<br />
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Do you have any DIY Valentine's Day gifts planned?<br />
<br />
Do you think you can use this for a gift idea? Let me know what you think!<br />
StephanieStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com163tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-19618924519302917682013-10-04T12:09:00.000-04:002013-10-04T12:09:38.770-04:00Keep Calm and Bluff On - Free PrintableI really wanted to use a line from the Lady Gaga song as the title to this post, but it doesn't match my other boring free download titles. So just start singing Lady Gaga's Poker Face in your head when you read this. I have it I mine and can't get it out, so I am sharing the experience with all of you.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I made and shared the free digital download for the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1353025325352797319#editor/target=post;postID=1961892451930291768" target="_blank">Keep Calm and Love Horses</a>
piece. Today, I used the same template and made a poker themed Keep
Calm for my brother-in-law for Christmas. I always have such a difficult time making gifts for the men in my life.
The ladies are simple, bath stuff, pillows, any accessories, but the
guys are tough. I am very pleased with this gift! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4MhIR_zsA_w/Uk6e_NUkimI/AAAAAAAAFcM/POZcLNKw0Q8/s1600/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4MhIR_zsA_w/Uk6e_NUkimI/AAAAAAAAFcM/POZcLNKw0Q8/s400/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My husband informed me the
hand that I picked isn't necessarily a horrible hand, as it does have an
Ace high...but I had already made it in a slew of colors and I really
didn't want to make it over again. I personally am really bad and poker
and I would not go in with this hand...maybe that is why I am so bad at
poker :)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JMIydNmdjM/Uk6e_OpOrzI/AAAAAAAAFcI/yPJuV4BV6y0/s1600/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7JMIydNmdjM/Uk6e_OpOrzI/AAAAAAAAFcI/yPJuV4BV6y0/s400/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+brown.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i>If you have any suggestions on other Keep Calms you would like, let me know and I can try to share them with you. This only took a few minutes to change the original template.</i></span><br />
<br />
Remember, you can print these 8x10s for under $1 and if you are frugal
you can get frames for $1 too at the Dollar Store or a Thrift Shop. You
could also buy a fancy frame and make it look like a really expensive
gift. It is all up to you! These can be printed as 8x10s by simply downloading the image (below) and sending it to your favorite print shop for developing. I personally use Costco because their quality is amazing.<br />
<br />
<b>To download one these images to print:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Leave me a comment letting me know who you are going to use this
for, which color you prefer or if you would like another color, let me
know and I can see what I can do for you.</li>
<li>Right click on the image you want and select open in a new window or tab</li>
<li>On the full size image, right click again and select 'save as'</li>
<li>Save it to a place on your computer where you can easily find it</li>
<li>Send it to your favorite photo developer, find a frame and you can cross another Christmas gift off your list.</li>
<li><b>Please only use these for personal use!</b></li>
<li>Enjoy!! </li>
</ul>
<b>Here are all the colors of free digital downloads I made for 'Keep Calm and Bluff On':</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4MhIR_zsA_w/Uk6e_NUkimI/AAAAAAAAFb4/YVC53BbA4Hs/s1600/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4MhIR_zsA_w/Uk6e_NUkimI/AAAAAAAAFb4/YVC53BbA4Hs/s320/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+1.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_tAb0eL2HJ4/Uk6e_HkY3DI/AAAAAAAAFbw/hFroUOWKsd8/s1600/keep+calm+and+bluff+on++blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_tAb0eL2HJ4/Uk6e_HkY3DI/AAAAAAAAFbw/hFroUOWKsd8/s320/keep+calm+and+bluff+on++blue.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_Qo3kjmyM4/Uk6e_l_y0cI/AAAAAAAAFb8/cr-Q9Y7h0ok/s1600/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+brown2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_Qo3kjmyM4/Uk6e_l_y0cI/AAAAAAAAFb8/cr-Q9Y7h0ok/s320/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+brown2.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JMIydNmdjM/Uk6e_OpOrzI/AAAAAAAAFb0/G9FG9TJAGkU/s1600/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JMIydNmdjM/Uk6e_OpOrzI/AAAAAAAAFb0/G9FG9TJAGkU/s320/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+brown.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vFdx1C34tP8/Uk6fAATb-JI/AAAAAAAAFcc/1kZ6-fG8aGs/s1600/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+green2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vFdx1C34tP8/Uk6fAATb-JI/AAAAAAAAFcc/1kZ6-fG8aGs/s320/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+green2.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZLIjmyS09w/Uk6e_1wegvI/AAAAAAAAFcA/Mc1uHvzoEg0/s1600/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZLIjmyS09w/Uk6e_1wegvI/AAAAAAAAFcA/Mc1uHvzoEg0/s320/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+green.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZv4S7ghHMc/Uk6fAWLpjeI/AAAAAAAAFcY/K6-Yep0BcSo/s1600/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+grey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZv4S7ghHMc/Uk6fAWLpjeI/AAAAAAAAFcY/K6-Yep0BcSo/s320/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+grey.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zb377IPDVQ/Uk6fAbtkv6I/AAAAAAAAFcQ/NN0dxVDSTFE/s1600/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zb377IPDVQ/Uk6fAbtkv6I/AAAAAAAAFcQ/NN0dxVDSTFE/s320/keep+calm+and+bluff+on+red.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
Do you see this hanging in your basement? Does anyone you know love poker as much as my husband and brother-in-law?<br />
<br />
I am very happy to say that is one more person of my Christmas list!<br />
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Enjoy and have a great weekend!<br />
StephanieStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com104tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-56333498010944004152013-10-03T16:57:00.001-04:002013-10-03T17:40:16.114-04:00Keep Calm and Love Horses - Free PrintableDo any of you have daughters, sons, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc. who love horses? Well, I have a frugal gift for you! This 8x10 printable will cost you around $2 to make; it costs under $1 to print, $1 to frame (if you buy it at the Dollar or Thrift Store). You can't beat a $2 Christmas gift!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yxwrfUXzG-8/Uk3Q_l5Km6I/AAAAAAAAFYQ/H1Wb6w2oVcM/s1600/keep+calm+and+love+horses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yxwrfUXzG-8/Uk3Q_l5Km6I/AAAAAAAAFYQ/H1Wb6w2oVcM/s400/keep+calm+and+love+horses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As I have mentioned a few times, my sister lives on an old farm built in the 1890's. Ever since she moved there, her daughter has loved horses. After years of horse back riding lessons, she is now begging to get her own horse. I don't think that will be happening any time soon, so I thought I would make her a framed "Keep Calm and Love Horses" piece for Christmas. I am planning a Homemade Christmas again this year, so I had to start early. Be prepared, I will be making lots of printables, so you might see quite a few of this sort of posts. Don't worry I will offer them all for free, so hopefully you can check off a few people on your list as I am doing the same.<br />
I am not sure which color I like the best, but I think I am drawn to the teal and the Tiffanyish color.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQ3p7K6WL5Q/Uk3Q-_GPs4I/AAAAAAAAFYI/pq79HteuW-w/s1600/keep+calm+and+love+horses+tiffany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQ3p7K6WL5Q/Uk3Q-_GPs4I/AAAAAAAAFYI/pq79HteuW-w/s400/keep+calm+and+love+horses+tiffany.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I won't go through details as to how I made this, simple because I really don't think most of you care :) (I will tell you that the font is called Keep Calm and can be found on most free font websites and the horse was a free PNG image I found on the internet. PNG images have transparent backgrounds, so they are perfect for projects like this.)<br />
<br />
I will just give you the free download in a selection of colors that will hopefully match your decor.<br />
<br />
These can be printed as 8x10s by simply downloading the image and sending it to your favorite print shop.<br />
<br />
<b>To download one these images to print:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Leave me a comment letting me know who you are going to use this for, which color you prefer or if you would like another color, let me know and I can see what I can do for you.</li>
<li>Right click on the image you want and select open in a new window or tab</li>
<li>On the full size image, right click again and select 'save as'</li>
<li>Save it to a place on your computer where you can easily find it</li>
<li>Send it to your favorite photo developer, find a frame and you can cross another Christmas gift off your list.</li>
<li><b>Please only use these for personal use!</b></li>
<li>Enjoy!! </li>
</ul>
<b>Here are all the colors I have made:</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZmD7-387uI/Uk3SwYOK5jI/AAAAAAAAFYY/iMhd3qn7RWE/s1600/keep+calm+and+love+horses+pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZmD7-387uI/Uk3SwYOK5jI/AAAAAAAAFYY/iMhd3qn7RWE/s320/keep+calm+and+love+horses+pink.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjP-XLp0gOQ/Uk3Q9LO43bI/AAAAAAAAFXY/cJ67Pzsyarg/s1600/keep+calm+and+love+horses+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjP-XLp0gOQ/Uk3Q9LO43bI/AAAAAAAAFXY/cJ67Pzsyarg/s320/keep+calm+and+love+horses+blue.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cR9RQ2TwpFM/Uk3Q9POWt5I/AAAAAAAAFXc/yIVqhWIZUmY/s1600/keep+calm+and+love+horses+blues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cR9RQ2TwpFM/Uk3Q9POWt5I/AAAAAAAAFXc/yIVqhWIZUmY/s320/keep+calm+and+love+horses+blues.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uE6rxBbtEp4/Uk3Q9EjOAsI/AAAAAAAAFXk/d23EIH7IOyQ/s1600/keep+calm+and+love+horses+deep+purple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uE6rxBbtEp4/Uk3Q9EjOAsI/AAAAAAAAFXk/d23EIH7IOyQ/s320/keep+calm+and+love+horses+deep+purple.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaIZgjDcI-k/Uk3Q91FNH4I/AAAAAAAAFXs/pCpEFgwws3c/s1600/keep+calm+and+love+horses+grey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gaIZgjDcI-k/Uk3Q91FNH4I/AAAAAAAAFXs/pCpEFgwws3c/s320/keep+calm+and+love+horses+grey.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UE0iq7z5Imk/Uk3Z-fdgXUI/AAAAAAAAFYo/k9cnQNadu34/s1600/keep+calm+and+love+horses+grey2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UE0iq7z5Imk/Uk3Z-fdgXUI/AAAAAAAAFYo/k9cnQNadu34/s320/keep+calm+and+love+horses+grey2.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Is there anyone on your Christmas list you can use this for? Is there any other 'Keep Calm' you would like to me to make and offer as a free download?<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Stephanie Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com376tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-5047511041111599702013-09-19T10:32:00.004-04:002013-09-19T10:32:59.318-04:00Fixing Ceramic Tile Chips for $5<br />
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For all of you out there that have lived with builder grade ceramic
tile floors…this tip is for you. We built our first home and waiting for a
year and half for it to be finished. We selected all the materials and upgraded
many things but our tile floor was not one of them. After we sold that house and
moved into our current house, I concluded the previous owners who built this house, did the exact same thing.
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fgiA4cfzYfQ/UjsGUSjHGyI/AAAAAAAAFV8/QksZUobhuv4/s1600/IMG_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fgiA4cfzYfQ/UjsGUSjHGyI/AAAAAAAAFV8/QksZUobhuv4/s400/IMG_0004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
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We have basic creamy colored ceramic throughout our
kitchen and mud room. Unfortunately, in our situation, builder grade materials
meant cheap ceramic was used. We are pretty careful and do try to avoid dropping
things on the ceramic (obviously no one wants to drop anything on ceramic
floor!) but we have noticed over time little chips have been appearing. You
might ask how we noticed these chips...well they look like dirt spots. Since my
floors tend to be dirty on most occasions, these spots were very noticeable. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I24Bb442Nv0/UjsGUra7oaI/AAAAAAAAFWA/Rw_ST4gmyoo/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I24Bb442Nv0/UjsGUra7oaI/AAAAAAAAFWA/Rw_ST4gmyoo/s400/IMG_0006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since I am in no position to tear out all the flooring, let
alone the damaged tiles, I needed to find a solution to combat my ever growing
ceramic tile chip population. What did I come up with? Porcelain chip repair paint!!! In
Canada we have a product called Porc-A-Fix. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWBiEzAWzPk/UjsGVCmalqI/AAAAAAAAFWY/DB1zErBWcb0/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWBiEzAWzPk/UjsGVCmalqI/AAAAAAAAFWY/DB1zErBWcb0/s400/IMG_0023.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I am not sure if you all have it in
the US, but I know Rustoleum makes a very similar product. What is it is a
really small bottle of paint (similar to nail polish) that is used to touch up
appliances, sinks and bathtubs. It comes in a variety of colors, so chance are you
can find the one that is pretty close to your floor color. At under $5 per bottle, it was worth
it for me to give it a try. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gpdoYIunag/UjsGUy0UrYI/AAAAAAAAFWI/kzCb94032Ds/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gpdoYIunag/UjsGUy0UrYI/AAAAAAAAFWI/kzCb94032Ds/s320/IMG_0022.JPG" width="305" /></a></div>
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My floor color varies between cream, taupe, beige so I was went
with the bone color. I tested the color on a spare tile I had in the garage
that the builder left behind and since my floor has a variance in color, I
really was able to hide the repaired chips very well.
</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a62EguXn9TY/UjsGVoGsyAI/AAAAAAAAFWU/6b6EEvtdUDU/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a62EguXn9TY/UjsGVoGsyAI/AAAAAAAAFWU/6b6EEvtdUDU/s400/IMG_0025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
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It was very easy to do since the paint comes with a little
mini brush in the bottle. Simply paint it over the chip and let it dry. This
paint tends to have a gloss to it, so I applied it a bit at a time to avoid a
really shiny spot. I also ran a fine grit sandpaper over the painted spot when
the paint dried to scuff it a bit to cut down the sheen.</div>
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Here is my after:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lkPFOCGbm98/UjsGUmHc36I/AAAAAAAAFWg/J_p7frlWSaY/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lkPFOCGbm98/UjsGUmHc36I/AAAAAAAAFWg/J_p7frlWSaY/s400/IMG_0008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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To be honest I don’t even see them anymore when I am
standing. If I get down on the floor or look very closely I can see the spots. Keep
in mind that you might not get an absolute perfect match, but in my opinion, if
you get pretty close to your floor color, it is far better than a light tile
with large black spot on it. </div>
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Here is the before and after again. <b>Before:</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I24Bb442Nv0/UjsGUra7oaI/AAAAAAAAFWA/Rw_ST4gmyoo/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I24Bb442Nv0/UjsGUra7oaI/AAAAAAAAFWA/Rw_ST4gmyoo/s400/IMG_0006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
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<b>After:</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lkPFOCGbm98/UjsGUmHc36I/AAAAAAAAFWg/J_p7frlWSaY/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lkPFOCGbm98/UjsGUmHc36I/AAAAAAAAFWg/J_p7frlWSaY/s400/IMG_0008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div>
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Much better! The best part is this is permanent and will withstand my infrequent washings :)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Do any of you have chipped ceramic tile? How have you addressed this problem?</div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com112tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-61297900786339165692013-08-22T08:28:00.004-04:002013-08-23T18:14:29.313-04:00Live, Love, Hope, Pray, Home and Bath Art - Free Printable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hmpnI-MWm0/UhVMwFEP0_I/AAAAAAAAFTU/HM_ndIDCrFY/s1600/merged+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hmpnI-MWm0/UhVMwFEP0_I/AAAAAAAAFTU/HM_ndIDCrFY/s400/merged+image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We are in the process of finishing our unfinished basement. It has been and will continue to be a long process since we are doing the majority of the work ourselves. But I am starting to get excited now that the drywall is going up. I know it is really premature but I have been working on items to hang on the walls.<br />
<br />
If you have not seen the <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2010/10/absolute-favorite-thing-i-have-made.html" target="_blank">name art </a>on Full of Great Ideas before, you should take a quick peak. It is my absolute favorite thing I have made on my blog and the easiest/most amazing gift. Ultimately it is how my blog started and how most people have come to follow me. Here is an idea of what it is.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WQnA-QiaAqg/TMBXy7PUclI/AAAAAAAAAKU/j6fP_tyPI3c/s1600/armstrong2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WQnA-QiaAqg/TMBXy7PUclI/AAAAAAAAAKU/j6fP_tyPI3c/s320/armstrong2.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
Using the same technique, I made the four Live, Love, Hope and Pray images. They print as 5x7s with empty white space that I cut them down to approximately 4.5 x 4.5 to fit in the small <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/00078051/" target="_blank">Ikea Ribba square frame</a>.<br />
<br />
The reason why they are 5x7 is that most photo developers don't print a 5x5 picture and by designing it as a 5x7, it will not stretch or crop in a funny way when you develop it. Plus printing a 5x7 costs next to nothing, if you want custom sized you pay bigger prices. That is my trick! Makes life easier.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_aEjVgyLqA/UhVM0PHYicI/AAAAAAAAFTw/ssVl8EZBXqA/s1600/LIVE+bw-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s_aEjVgyLqA/UhVM0PHYicI/AAAAAAAAFTw/ssVl8EZBXqA/s320/LIVE+bw-001.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
I had wanted all the images to be circles so that there was a contrast with the square boxes and frame.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CxCHKkjKBxI/UhVM0LsFDaI/AAAAAAAAFTo/Xxm-UvAqog0/s1600/HOPE-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CxCHKkjKBxI/UhVM0LsFDaI/AAAAAAAAFTo/Xxm-UvAqog0/s320/HOPE-001.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bIS9X7nX-us/UhVM0J3QYeI/AAAAAAAAFT0/DxZa1t7JvKk/s1600/LOVE+bw-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bIS9X7nX-us/UhVM0J3QYeI/AAAAAAAAFT0/DxZa1t7JvKk/s320/LOVE+bw-001.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Oj7Sxqjyzg/UhVM0r0hPFI/AAAAAAAAFT4/R4hR9qSPgOM/s1600/PRAY+bw-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Oj7Sxqjyzg/UhVM0r0hPFI/AAAAAAAAFT4/R4hR9qSPgOM/s320/PRAY+bw-001.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
I will make available for download both the black & white and the color 5x7 images. I prefer the black and white but you can download whatever you prefer.<br />
<br />
To download one these images to print:<br />
<ul>
<li>Leave me a comment and let me know which is your favorite and if you prefer the black & white or the color images.</li>
<li>Right click on the image you want and select open in a new window or tab</li>
<li>On the full size image, right click again and select 'save as'</li>
<li>Save it to a place on your computer where you can easily find it</li>
<li>Send it to your favorite photo developer and develop it as a 5x7, head to Ikea and grab the frames.</li>
<li>I hate saying it, but I again found someone today trying to pass off a template I created as their own...please only use these for personal use! I have always wanted to offer on Full of Great Ideas cheap gift ideas and I don't want to charge people for these, so please don't yourself make money off them.</li>
<li>Enjoy!! </li>
</ul>
Here they are all the images that you can download for free. Remember you will have to download each one individually. I don't know how to create a batch download..sorry.<br />
<br />
Update: As suggested I have added Home and Bath to the list :) <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvkrb_G2wb4/UhVRgERDmLI/AAAAAAAAFUE/BFKglO_k5Po/s1600/HOPE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvkrb_G2wb4/UhVRgERDmLI/AAAAAAAAFUE/BFKglO_k5Po/s320/HOPE.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICwSInhg98s/UhVRgAbBaCI/AAAAAAAAFUA/Md_dHKeAWxE/s1600/HOPE+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICwSInhg98s/UhVRgAbBaCI/AAAAAAAAFUA/Md_dHKeAWxE/s320/HOPE+color.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eN5H4Jbphk/UhVRgAgi1mI/AAAAAAAAFUI/upqq0HG8GcA/s1600/LIVE+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5eN5H4Jbphk/UhVRgAgi1mI/AAAAAAAAFUI/upqq0HG8GcA/s320/LIVE+bw.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBPA2wy_J1o/UhVRgtSdsZI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/EVTM5RXNxn8/s1600/LIVE+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBPA2wy_J1o/UhVRgtSdsZI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/EVTM5RXNxn8/s320/LIVE+color.jpg" width="228" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ltnL3I7mmEU/UhVRg91QGDI/AAAAAAAAFUk/g2kyLqu6TOE/s1600/LOVE+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ltnL3I7mmEU/UhVRg91QGDI/AAAAAAAAFUk/g2kyLqu6TOE/s320/LOVE+bw.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5r9OBmAn6ic/UhVRg7aPwsI/AAAAAAAAFUc/p8yRzlOcCUE/s1600/LOVE+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5r9OBmAn6ic/UhVRg7aPwsI/AAAAAAAAFUc/p8yRzlOcCUE/s320/LOVE+color.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gP5yfg12Qmg/UhVRhRG2IkI/AAAAAAAAFUo/x6Qf8rnXmtE/s1600/PRAY+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gP5yfg12Qmg/UhVRhRG2IkI/AAAAAAAAFUo/x6Qf8rnXmtE/s320/PRAY+bw.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOUS3qBnctY/UhVRh_zVSWI/AAAAAAAAFUw/0OTFg1mrC-A/s1600/PRAY+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OOUS3qBnctY/UhVRh_zVSWI/AAAAAAAAFUw/0OTFg1mrC-A/s320/PRAY+color.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqCvxLOXoro/UhfeGosPwMI/AAAAAAAAFVM/DW_QxelbwVE/s1600/BATH+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqCvxLOXoro/UhfeGosPwMI/AAAAAAAAFVM/DW_QxelbwVE/s320/BATH+bw.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pDU2aq1ZQ_k/UhfeGo0RcRI/AAAAAAAAFVI/LxO10EDqHH4/s1600/BATH+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pDU2aq1ZQ_k/UhfeGo0RcRI/AAAAAAAAFVI/LxO10EDqHH4/s320/BATH+color.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPikUTo3hE0/UhfeGuAkRGI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/w4w4RzvwkKo/s1600/HOME+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPikUTo3hE0/UhfeGuAkRGI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/w4w4RzvwkKo/s320/HOME+bw.jpg" width="228" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42xXdu8fws4/UhfeHS2KI0I/AAAAAAAAFVg/L9DMUZrLgno/s1600/HOME+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42xXdu8fws4/UhfeHS2KI0I/AAAAAAAAFVg/L9DMUZrLgno/s320/HOME+color.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />
If you can think of any other four letter words (and not the obvious one ;)), let me know and I can throw together another image.<br />
<br />
I think that you could easily give one or two of these as gifts. I like
how you could mix and match them depending on the person you are giving
them to. At Costco, 5x7 are under $0.30 to develop, so this would be a very reasonable gift.<br />
<br />
Remember I have a long list of <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/p/free-printable-and-diy-art.html" target="_blank">free printables</a> here, <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/p/frugal-gift-ideas.html" target="_blank">frugal gift ideas</a> here, and<a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/p/0-budget-challenge-projects.html" target="_blank"> $0 crafts </a>here. Be sure to take a look at them.<br />
<br />
What do you think? Do you love the circle in the squares as much as I do?<br />
<br />
Is anyone else planning for Christmas yet? My family has agreed to another homemade Christmas, so I am excited to see how we all do with the challenge.<br />
<br />
Have a great day!<br />
Stephanie<br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com116tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-54463632410728129982013-08-21T16:08:00.001-04:002013-08-21T16:08:22.983-04:00First Communion Art- Free PrintableMy son Christian was celebrating his First Communion this past spring and he had decided he wanted no gifts, instead he wanted to donate to World Vision. He created a wish list on the World Vision website and we told family that if they wanted to give something, he wanted to provide gifts to others in greater need. I was and am so proud of him. He put great thought into each item he selected.<br />
<ul>
<li>He wanted chickens because they have lots of babies and they would grow quickly.</li>
<li>He picked a fish farm, so the people receiving the gift could have a business of their own. </li>
<li>He picked school books and lunches for school aged kids because he could relate to them and he was upset to think children are hungry. </li>
<li>He asked for soccer balls and other sports equipment because he felt every child should be able to have fun. </li>
</ul>
He was 7 at the time and I was amazed at how mature he seemed. I can cry every time I think about it.<br />
<br />
Well, he decided he wanted to decorate the house with things we already had in the house. So we tried to use some of the items I made for <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/06/decorating-for-party-on-dime-first.html" target="_blank">my daughter's First Communion</a> last year but much of it had not survived being stuffed in a storage tub. So, I framed some photos of him from his
baptism, hung balloons and streamers which we had already in the house, and made him an 8x10 with a nice quote for the buffet table.<br />
<br />
I had stumbled upon <a href="http://lisamoorefield.com/chalkboard-fonts/" target="_blank">Lisa Moorefield's </a>site and found her list of favorite chalkboard fonts and chalkboard background download and I was inspired!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFCJPujK0bc/UhUYXmz2gXI/AAAAAAAAFTE/UnDzJCB7hhw/s1600/prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sFCJPujK0bc/UhUYXmz2gXI/AAAAAAAAFTE/UnDzJCB7hhw/s400/prayer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I searched online for quotes, saying, etc. and found this. Someone on a forum had suggested it as something to write in a card and I loved it.<br />
<br />
I won't share all the details how I made this. I am just going to provide you with the images that you can download and print yourself if you want to. I have included a few different colors so you can use it for a boy or a girl. <i>If there is another shade you prefer that would match your room better, let me know and I can see if I can make another one. Won't guarantee anything but I will try.</i><br />
<br />
To download one this 8x10 image:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Leave me a comment and let me know which you like the best</li>
<li>Right click on the image and select open in a new window or tab</li>
<li>On the full size image, right click again and select 'save as'</li>
<li>Save it to a place on your computer where you can easily find it</li>
<li>Send it to your favorite photo developer and find a frame </li>
<li>Please only use these for personal use!</li>
<li>Enjoy!! </li>
</ul>
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What do you think? Let me know if you would like this as a 5x7 and I can reformat it.<br />
<br />
Have a great day!<br />
StephanieStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com103tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-33036236422349126302013-08-19T08:54:00.000-04:002013-08-19T08:54:08.635-04:00The Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe! I am not going to become a food blogger, as I have stated when I shared my <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/02/delicious-rotisserie-chicken-on-my-0.html" target="_blank">rotisserie chicken recipe</a>, but I have a few recipes that I absolutely love and though you would appreciate them.<br />
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After posting my <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2013/08/glass-etched-cookie-jar-my-christmas.html" target="_blank">glassed etched cookie jar</a>, I thought I would share my recipe for the best chewy chocolate chip cookies in the world! If you are not a chewy cookie lover, just stop reading now because these are not for you. Granted if you cook them for a longer time they would not be as chewy, but still, there are plenty of crunchy chocolate chip recipes out there, go find one of those :) For all of you, who are like me, who love the chewy cookie, this will be a favorite of yours too.<br />
<br />
These cookies freeze amazingly well, taste great frozen and are a personal favorite for Christmas baking!<br />
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I am not a food blogger so I didn't photograph the process but I think you can clearly understand the instructions. <br />
<br />
I have been making these cookies since I was in University (sad to say that was almost 20 years ago~ wow I feel old) and don't recall where it originated but I have made minor changed to it from the original recipe.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened <i>(my
trick if I don't plan ahead and it is not softened, I grate it with
the large opening on a cheese grater. Works like a charm!)</i></li>
<li>1 cup lightly packed brown sugar</li>
<li>1/4 cup granulated sugar</li>
<li>1 tbsp vanilla extract <i>(2 tsp if you like less)</i></li>
<li>1 egg <i>(at room temperature)</i></li>
<li>2 cups all purpose flour <i>(I have used the unbleached before but have not tried with whole wheat flour)</i></li>
<li>2 tsp corn starch <i>(this is the important ingredient to make it chewy)</i></li>
<li>1 tsp baking soda</li>
<li>1/2 tsp salt</li>
<li>1 1/2 - 2 cups chocolate chips <i>(I tend to use 2 - but you can decide)</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Preheat the oven to 350 F</li>
<li>Cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla and the egg and mix well.</li>
<li>With
mixer off, add flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt on top of the
butter/egg mixture. Gently mix dry ingredients together with a fork and
then mix with the creamed ingredients.</li>
<li>Stir in chocolate chips</li>
<li>Drop
by spoonful onto parchment lined (or greased) baking sheet and bake for
8-12 minutes depending on the size. You will know they are done when
the edges turn brown. If you like a crunchier cookie, let the top brown.</li>
<li>Leave cookies on hot sheet for approximately 5 minutes to set before transferring to a cooling rack.</li>
</ul>
Yields 36 cookies (I make the cookies medium size) <br />
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Has anyone else ever used cornstarch in cookies to make them chewy? <br />
<br />
Enjoy and happy baking!<br />
Stephanie Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com75tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-66898263610790400872013-08-15T09:09:00.001-04:002013-08-19T09:00:39.790-04:00Glass Etched Cookie Jar - My Christmas Gift Ideas Have Officially StartedI am sorry for being away from Full of Great Ideas for so
many months, but I have struggled to balance work, life and blog. Blog
always fell to the bottom of my to do lists. After months away it
stopped being added to the to do list all together. I have not stopped
thinking about it or stopped crafting, I just didn't have the time to
share what I have done.<br />
<br />
As you know, I am a mom to two wonderful kids that are growing up too
fast and I didn't want to miss anything. I realized I was watching life
through a camera. Don't you find that? You go to a special event or on a
trip and you watch everything that is going on through the view finder!
Yes I have some great photos, but the experience is not the same. I had
to step back and reevaluate.<br />
<br />
Well I hope to be back to blogging on somewhat of a regular basis. My posts might not have as many photos or be as complicated. But I will try my best.<br />
<br />
I thank everyone for their notes and comments wondering where I was and I am sorry for not responding. I really do appreciate them.<br />
<br />
Well on to my first post now that I am back...my glass etched cookie jar.<br />
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My close friend had her birthday last week and I wanted to make her something small to celebrate it. She is not one to bake and always appreciates when we drop by with homemade items, so my kids suggested cookies. I had been planning for our second annual Homemade Christmas (I know you all just gasped with the fact I am planning Christmas already, but that is me) and I had pinned an etched cookie jar. Sorry can't share the pin because I got smart this year and I hid my Christmas pin board. I found out the hard way last year that my family follows me on Pinterest and none of my ideas were surprises. <br />
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I knew I wanted to put their monogrammed initial on the cookie jar so it could be used for other items after the cookies were all gone. I designed three images and my children picked the easiest one, the EileenCaps font letter Z. I know most of you do not have a Cricut or Silhouette machine to cut your own letters, but this can be done with wall vinyl or stickers you can buy at the dollar store too. <br />
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It is pretty, isn't it?<br />
<br />
I bought the cookie jar for $6 at Walmart. It was an Anchor brand I believe. To be
honest with you I should have looked closer at it before I opened the packaging because it did not
have the rubber ring around the lip to seal the jar nicely. It was reasonably
priced and a perfect size, but I would have preferred to spend a few more
dollars to have it seal.<br />
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I cut the 4 inch square design out of vinyl with my Cricut and stuck it on the cookie jar. Because the jar is straight up and down, I did not have any problems with the vinyl laying flat! This was the easiest placement of the vinyl I have ever had. <br />
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There are many options for everyone to do this craft even without an electronic cutter. You could spell out words like cookies, a name, funny saying etc with stickers from the Dollar store and there are people on Etsy who sell vinyl for a few dollars if you are interested in purchasing it. <br />
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Using a foam brush, I put a thick layer of the glass etching cream all over the area to be etched. I made sure to lift the cookie jar up to look at it from the back side through light to see if I missed any spots or corners. As you can see, I lay the cookie jar on a crumpled old towel to keep it from rolling.<br />
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Now here is the hardest and longest part of this project, walk away for 25 minutes. My bottle of etching cream has warning labels covering the instructions so I don't know what the bottle suggests, but over the past while I found this to be the best amount of time.<br />
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Here is an important tip...once the time is up, use the same foam brush, and carefully scoop up the etching cream and put it back in the bottle. Someone recommended it to me in my comments and I have done it ever since. This stuff is pretty expensive if you don't use a 40% off coupon so you might as well save as much of it as you can. I have been etching gifts for years and have barely used any of the jar because of this!<br />
<br />
Once you get as much off as possible, run the entire thing under water. Work as quickly as possible because if the etching cream sits on another spot of glass it will create a shadow. Don't worry too much about this, just run it under a good stream of water and scrub it off. <br />
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So here is the etched cookie jar. It is hard to get a photo of it, but I think you can get an idea how amazing it turned out!<br />
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My kids and I baked a batch of the best chewy chocolate chips cookies in the world an filled the jar with them. We tied a bow around the lip of the jar and called it a birthday gift!<br />
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I think this is going to be my go-to gift for this year. Teachers, friends, coworkers will all be seeing cookie jars under their trees this year.<br />
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What do you think? How would you feel if you got this as a gift?<br />
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Stephanie at Full of Great Ideas.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-8122487965396986462013-02-17T16:22:00.002-05:002013-02-17T16:22:12.615-05:00My Oma is...Coasters from Grandkids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know it is <b>really </b>early for Mother's Day gift ideas, but if I don't share this now I am going to be too busy and not get it posted in time. So at least this way you have plenty of time to use this idea for yourself.<br />
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I had these marble tiles laying around from the many other coasters I have made in the past. The first was the <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2011/11/marathon-runners-bib-coasters.html" target="_blank">half-marathon bib coaster</a> I made for my husband and the second set was the<a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/08/f-ing-retirement-gift-part-2.html" target="_blank"> monogrammed coasters</a> I made for a girl friend who was retiring. I purchased these tiles at Habitat for Humanity's ReStore but you can find them for really reasonable at HomeDepot or Lowes.<br />
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My mother is lovingly called Oma by her five adoring grandchildren. As with every family, each child has his or her own special relationship with their Oma. So, I thought what better way to express that unique relationship then to ask each of them to describe their Oma with one word and make a set of 6 coasters with those words.<br />
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I love how each description was a representation of each child and my mom knew immediately which coaster was from which grandchild. <br />
<h4>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_sYgzH3hVPQ/USFBGXNWL2I/AAAAAAAAFMI/eV8eIjK3d4Q/s1600/IMG_0899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_sYgzH3hVPQ/USFBGXNWL2I/AAAAAAAAFMI/eV8eIjK3d4Q/s320/IMG_0899.JPG" width="320" /></a>Materials</h4>
<ul>
<li>Marble tiles (unsealed)</li>
<li>StazOn permanent ink stamp - This permanent stamp can be purchased at Michael's for around $7 (I
believe) and if you use a coupon you can get it for 40% less.</li>
<li>Vinyl or stickers to use as template</li>
<li>Sponge brush</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Method</h4>
There are many ways you can do this craft. I designed and cut the templates out of vinyl with my Cricut, but you can use stickers from the dollar store or even stamps to make them.<br />
<br />
I started off by cleaning the tiles with a damp cloth. When I purchased them, they seem to have a powder all over them.<br />
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Once dry, I stuck the vinyl directly to the tile. I placed the vinyl in different locations and directions on the tiles so they were more whimsical. <br />
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Using StazOn permanent stamping ink in black, I brushed the stamping ink over the vinyl with a sponge brush.<br />
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I found it worked best to wipe the brush across the template as opposed to dab it. I waited a minute and did a second coat to get a really dark black. <br />
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Here is the one tile I dabbed the sponge on; you can see how the ink bled under the vinyl and didn't give a crisp line. It did not look horrible but not as nice as the others.<br />
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Here is one where I brushed the ink across the vinyl like I was painting it on. See much crisper.<br />
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Once all the tiles are stamped and all the vinyl/stickers have been removed, you need to bake the tiles to make the stamp permanent and fade resistant.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LJn2FeiEXIs/USFBF5EzQuI/AAAAAAAAFL4/zzbnJ9nOHdI/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LJn2FeiEXIs/USFBF5EzQuI/AAAAAAAAFL4/zzbnJ9nOHdI/s400/IMG_0563.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't judge the how dirty my toaster over is...I use it for everything!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I baked my tiles in my toaster oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Once the time was up, I turned off the toaster oven and let them cool in there. They retain the heat for a long time so please be careful.<br />
<br />
Also, don't venture too far away when they are baking just in case your tiles do not like to be heated. Just be careful and aware! <br />
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I did not put a sealant over the tiles they they can absorb the sweat from cold drinks. <br />
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After they were cooled, I put rubber stoppers from the dollar store on the back. I have used the soft felt ones before but found they slid off tables really easily. So these work much better!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UqBE0w0SPiI/USFBDzXIMyI/AAAAAAAAFK0/UT29hd66mO0/s1600/DSC03719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UqBE0w0SPiI/USFBDzXIMyI/AAAAAAAAFK0/UT29hd66mO0/s320/DSC03719.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I had each of the kids write their names and date on the back of the tiles with permanent markers. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--uxYpOjNMt8/USFBDTVnJ0I/AAAAAAAAFKs/eagTqlpEG8c/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--uxYpOjNMt8/USFBDTVnJ0I/AAAAAAAAFKs/eagTqlpEG8c/s400/IMG_0012.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
My mom loves them and the kids love to use their own coasters when they visit. The kids have even noticed when Oma was using their coaster, so she now has to pay attention to not use one all the time. Share the coaster love amongst all the grand kids :)<br />
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So that is it. Simple, easy, cheap but most importantly personal gift idea!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Mn5rqUZAb4/USFBET6zZJI/AAAAAAAAFLI/Sbdn77HgY1Y/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Mn5rqUZAb4/USFBET6zZJI/AAAAAAAAFLI/Sbdn77HgY1Y/s400/IMG_0019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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What do you think..do you see the possibilities with this? Mother's day gift, father's day gift, teacher gifts...really you could give these for so many different occasions.<br />
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StephanieStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com265tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-22476585964707336612013-02-15T14:30:00.001-05:002013-02-15T18:39:11.209-05:00Free Custom Birth Announcements Template<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I designed this personalized birth announcement for a good friend of mine who was expecting her second child before Christmas. She did not know if she was having a boy or a girl, so I created one design for a girl and another for a boy. That way, when the baby was born I was quickly able to update my template and have a beautiful and personalized gift for her while she was still in the hospital.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ko5guJEfDoE/URbUCApO5wI/AAAAAAAAFHc/fvZhalIZfWg/s1600/Blog+birth+announcement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ko5guJEfDoE/URbUCApO5wI/AAAAAAAAFHc/fvZhalIZfWg/s400/Blog+birth+announcement.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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I personally favor the little girl birth announcement with the beautiful flower but what parent of a little boy wouldn't love the trains too.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTSUz180t2c/URbUB5hu1OI/AAAAAAAAFHU/GlmKDrRhKY8/s1600/Blog+birth+announcement+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTSUz180t2c/URbUB5hu1OI/AAAAAAAAFHU/GlmKDrRhKY8/s400/Blog+birth+announcement+boy.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
Each image has been designed as an 8x10 in Microsoft Publisher. I was going to share with you step by step how these were created, but it is really easier for all of us if I just provide you with a free template to start your own with.<br />
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As always, I ask that you use this only for personal use. Please do not sell these.<br />
<h3>
<b>Here is what you need to do<span style="background-color: white;"> to create your own personalized baby birth announcement:</span></b></h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Download the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B91cbdesRHx4RFI2MTVjYzkxZnc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">girl's birth announcement template here</a> and </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Download the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B91cbdesRHx4Z1o5ajZCNVdSR3M/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">boy's birth announcement template here</a>.</span></li>
<li><i><span style="background-color: white;">Note when you click on the link, Google documents will give you a note saying "</span></i><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Sorry, we are unable to generate a view of the document at this time. Please try again later." That is ok. Simple click on the arrow down button (next to the print symbol) to download the file. You will have no problem opening it in Publisher after you download it. Or it will say "click here to download original file" you can save it by clicking on the link. Be sure to download and not open with Word.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Open the file in Microsoft
Publisher. No, I do not know how to convert these to a Mac compatible program...sorry.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Download the fonts (fonts can be found on free font websites or you can use your own
favorites)</span><span style="background-color: white;">. Here are the free fonts I used: </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Name, date, time - </b>Poor Richard</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Weight and inches -</b> Fang Song</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Flower -</b> Kalocsai Flowers</span><span style="background-color: white;"></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACMqsFxWy9Y/URa0IOzKOzI/AAAAAAAAFFg/6nyY8pgSAfU/s1600/Blog+birth+announcement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACMqsFxWy9Y/URa0IOzKOzI/AAAAAAAAFFg/6nyY8pgSAfU/s320/Blog+birth+announcement.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Name, date, time - </b>Poor Richard</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Weight and inches -</b> Fang Song</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Train -</b> Miltrain</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0K7JdbdWy8/URa1Z2jdKaI/AAAAAAAAFFo/rC6GjQaP-VY/s1600/Blog+birth+announcement+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0K7JdbdWy8/URa1Z2jdKaI/AAAAAAAAFFo/rC6GjQaP-VY/s320/Blog+birth+announcement+boy.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Personalize the numbers, text, colors, and anything else you want to. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Here is a <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/08/abc-birth-announcement-how-to-make.html" target="_blank">link to a post</a> that will help you with stretching text so that it fits nicely in the space provided. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Each row is in a separate box, so you can manipulate each row independently. Remember you can always Undo, so don't be afraid to change it around.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Sounds like lots of work, but the template will help and it really isn't hard to use.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Once you are happy with the design, save the image as a high resolution
JPEG (to do this in Publisher follow theses steps: 'Save As', 'Save as
type', 'JPEG', 'Change...' (Resolution), 'High quality printing or
commercial printing (300dpi)') . </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Upload the image to your favorite photo developer and you have a beautiful but very <strike>cheap</strike> reasonable baby gift! </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Please leave me a comment to let me know whether or not you have been able to download the file and if you create your own. I would love to hear which file you like the best and I would love to see your finished products. Send them to me at fullofgreatideas(at)gmail(dot)com and I can share them with others on this post so we can all benefit from each others creativity.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">I was able to give my girlfriend a beautiful baby gift for under $10. I could have done it for even less if I reused a frame I had laying around the house or something I found at a thrift store.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Do you know anyone who you could make one of these for? What do you think?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Have a great day,</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Stephanie </span></span><br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com588tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-41999078385769317632013-02-13T14:44:00.000-05:002013-02-13T14:44:41.348-05:00A Dad is...DIY Wood Quote/Magnetic Photo Holder<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72e6hanwexc/URaqv8jnigI/AAAAAAAAFFU/M1E1F7RTNNM/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72e6hanwexc/URaqv8jnigI/AAAAAAAAFFU/M1E1F7RTNNM/s400/IMG_0868.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
As I previously mentioned, I set a goal of making most of my Christmas gifts from scratch this past Christmas; however, I really struggled with the gifts for my husband and my brothers.<br />
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I had Pinned something similar to this ages ago <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/178877416420491149/" target="_blank">(here)</a> that I liked but I didn't know how to create the exact look I wanted.<br />
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I was talking with my sister and we came up with the idea of using a piece of old barn board flooring from her barn (built over 120 years ago) to make this. My sister found a piece of wood that was approximately 12 inches wide and lightly planed it to get a smoother surface.<br />
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If you, like me, don't have access to old wood, you can buy freshly cut 12 inch wide planks from a local hardware store and distress it to get a similar look. Take a hammer to it, scratch it up, sand it a bit here and there. It is quite easy to do.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xogYUWnkjRA/URaquxIJWFI/AAAAAAAAFE4/Er36S9h0L08/s1600/IMG_6098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xogYUWnkjRA/URaquxIJWFI/AAAAAAAAFE4/Er36S9h0L08/s400/IMG_6098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We cut 12 inch squares and lightly sanded the rough edges. We loved the imperfections, so we did not sand the top and once we were happy with the look, we sealed it using the same sealant I had laying around and used for the tree stump coasters.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNnXlEL2aQI/URaquQyL4uI/AAAAAAAAFEw/EGzaSs8e2F8/s1600/IMG_6093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNnXlEL2aQI/URaquQyL4uI/AAAAAAAAFEw/EGzaSs8e2F8/s320/IMG_6093.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
Isn't the color gorgeous!? That is without staining it! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkETg8RSWnw/URaqvA1O2AI/AAAAAAAAFFA/lVr2NA7Fn78/s1600/IMG_6097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkETg8RSWnw/URaqvA1O2AI/AAAAAAAAFFA/lVr2NA7Fn78/s400/IMG_6097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I designed and cut the saying out of black vinyl on my Cricut. The metal circle was something I had laying around from the Dollar Store (it was used to hold 5 magnets that I purchased). It was originally bright silver, so I spray painted it Oil Rubbed Bronze. Once it was dry, I hot glued it to the wood.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-62wwU2pu6FU/URaqvlXUOcI/AAAAAAAAFFI/1l86YtVdo0U/s1600/IMG_0860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-62wwU2pu6FU/URaqvlXUOcI/AAAAAAAAFFI/1l86YtVdo0U/s400/IMG_0860.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I found pictures I liked of my husband with each of our children. He didn't like how I picked photos of him with his glasses on but we can always change them!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zANLaqu8yM/URaqv_HkJGI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/kIKqoVbR8Z0/s1600/IMG_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zANLaqu8yM/URaqv_HkJGI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/kIKqoVbR8Z0/s400/IMG_0863.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I put metal hangers on the back of the wood so we could hang it, but I prefer standing behind my couch on the table using a plate stand. Either way I display it, I love it!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72e6hanwexc/URaqv8jnigI/AAAAAAAAFFU/M1E1F7RTNNM/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72e6hanwexc/URaqv8jnigI/AAAAAAAAFFU/M1E1F7RTNNM/s400/IMG_0868.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Since we found all the materials for this project around the house, we were able to make these for nothing. If I didn't have all the materials, I think I could do this for around $10 each (if making a few).<br />
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What do you think? I know need to find something equally great for Father's Day!<br />
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StephanieStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-45653973151769918232013-02-10T08:21:00.000-05:002013-02-15T18:34:36.710-05:00Free 'What a Difference a Day Makes' Template<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-EfnkexTWM/UFYv76-g59I/AAAAAAAAD74/uZU-PI4U-M8/s1600/Blog+Important+Date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-EfnkexTWM/UFYv76-g59I/AAAAAAAAD74/uZU-PI4U-M8/s320/Blog+Important+Date.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
Do you remember last year where I made the <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/01/special-date-art-on-my-0-budget.html" target="_blank">Special Date Art on my $0 Budget</a>? I used some of my favorite scrapbook paper and cut out the numbers on my Cricut. I love the end result but it took too long and was too tedious to make it as gifts for Christmas this year.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DI2JKxmXUUQ/Tv-7d-wEcKI/AAAAAAAACDk/1Xt_wZRYe5g/s1600/IMG_3111-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DI2JKxmXUUQ/Tv-7d-wEcKI/AAAAAAAACDk/1Xt_wZRYe5g/s320/IMG_3111-1.JPG" width="176" /></a></div>
So, since I am becoming a wiz with Publisher, I thought I would try my hand at designing one with Publisher. It was very easy and I just love the end result. Grand total to print it was $0.89 and $8.00 to frame. I had amazing Christmas gifts for under $10.<br />
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I created two designs, one for a family of 4 plus a wedding date and the other for a family of 5 plus a wedding date.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--opl5cvLmEc/URajfwz_9wI/AAAAAAAAFDE/6NyhGH13NZM/s1600/Blog+Important+Date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--opl5cvLmEc/URajfwz_9wI/AAAAAAAAFDE/6NyhGH13NZM/s320/Blog+Important+Date.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5yQL_r0hgg/UFYv8SZVGOI/AAAAAAAAD8A/3_DJoSSOyfQ/s1600/blog+5+Important+Date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5yQL_r0hgg/UFYv8SZVGOI/AAAAAAAAD8A/3_DJoSSOyfQ/s320/blog+5+Important+Date.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">Aren't they great!?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b>NOTE: </b>I had intended this post to only be a tutorial sharing with your how you can make your own. But I really want to share with you as much as possible and I know most people aren't as experiences with Publisher as I am....so...</span><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"> I have tried to share my sample files on Google Documents. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the Download template links and instructions.</span> </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Here is how I created my own from scratch (and how you will be able to edit the template you downloaded):</b><br />
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Open a new 8x10 file<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Aeftr44KgU/UFYwBNNKWtI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/F3zM1hibSY8/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122135+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Aeftr44KgU/UFYwBNNKWtI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/F3zM1hibSY8/s320/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122135+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
To set a 0.5 inch margin around the image, select the 'page design' tab, 'Margins' and then set your margins to 'Moderate' .<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWGuUjA_vT8/UFYwBr-zSJI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/fqEGXzZ4MOI/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122155+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWGuUjA_vT8/UFYwBr-zSJI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/fqEGXzZ4MOI/s320/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122155+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Then determine how many rows of numbers you need. For example, if there are 4 people in your family (i.e. 2 parents, 2 kids) plus you want your wedding date, you will need 5 rows. To do this, I select on the 'Page Design' tab, 'Guides' and then 'Grid and Baseline'.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hwoHcIgG9y4/UFYwCNnBNVI/AAAAAAAAD8g/jcARPTbYMgs/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122208+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hwoHcIgG9y4/UFYwCNnBNVI/AAAAAAAAD8g/jcARPTbYMgs/s320/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122208+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I enter 2 columns (so the middle of the page is clearly identified) and then 5 rows (for a family of 4 with a wedding date). If you are a family of 5 plus wedding date, you will need 6 rows. I keep the spacing between the rows at 0.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrM5nbbiFIE/UFYwCjQPBOI/AAAAAAAAD8o/Cw6XOfO6lOY/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122312+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrM5nbbiFIE/UFYwCjQPBOI/AAAAAAAAD8o/Cw6XOfO6lOY/s320/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122312+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The next step is to insert a 'Text box'. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sgmlD5wngYs/UFYwDNVtHPI/AAAAAAAAD8w/wdElTipnBH8/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122323+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sgmlD5wngYs/UFYwDNVtHPI/AAAAAAAAD8w/wdElTipnBH8/s320/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122323+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I draw the text box to be the full width of the page (between the two margin lines) and almost the full size of the row. This allows me to have space underneath for the names.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NrBEBgLi6E8/UFYwDunJSsI/AAAAAAAAD84/CbT4AeRXV9g/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122333+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NrBEBgLi6E8/UFYwDunJSsI/AAAAAAAAD84/CbT4AeRXV9g/s320/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122333+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Insert the numbers and find a font you like.<br />
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<b>The fonts I used are:</b><br />
<b>'Baskerville Old Face' for the numbers</b><br />
<b>'Nymphette' for the scrolls on either side of the name</b><br />
<b>'Adobe Arabic' for the names.</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xXeKS8bJ-OM/UFYwEHGVC1I/AAAAAAAAD9A/WIe1JyZWBSo/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122403+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xXeKS8bJ-OM/UFYwEHGVC1I/AAAAAAAAD9A/WIe1JyZWBSo/s320/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122403+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Insert another text box for the name.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7s3u8YASidY/UFYwFBiDCVI/AAAAAAAAD9Q/4zSLAPjcm94/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122414+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7s3u8YASidY/UFYwFBiDCVI/AAAAAAAAD9Q/4zSLAPjcm94/s320/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122414+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Once you get the font and approximate size you like, you can play around with the spacing of the characters. This allows you to stretch the characters so they are the full width of the box (so all the numbers line up on either side along the margin). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9XFPGVH098/UFYwFi6nAtI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/bS4m4G1kfDg/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122422+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9XFPGVH098/UFYwFi6nAtI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/bS4m4G1kfDg/s320/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122422+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Open the More Spacing box and the select Show Tool Bar (bottom left corner)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRRfzVaeXXc/UFYwGd5wm3I/AAAAAAAAD9g/cWZJajX7duY/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122426+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRRfzVaeXXc/UFYwGd5wm3I/AAAAAAAAD9g/cWZJajX7duY/s320/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122426+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
With this window you can make the letters/numbers further apart, wider etc. Play around and see what you like.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1KiFc37Fd0/UFYwG10F3uI/AAAAAAAAD9o/RS76z0tk8kQ/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122440+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1KiFc37Fd0/UFYwG10F3uI/AAAAAAAAD9o/RS76z0tk8kQ/s320/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122440+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Once you are happy with the first row, I copy and pasted the text 4 more times. This will ensure you have the same font, spacing etc. Once you insert all the new numbers and text, you might need to play around with the spacing some more.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQnUdkx7faI/UFYwHeMBuiI/AAAAAAAAD9w/Qh07Tau8T6g/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122501+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQnUdkx7faI/UFYwHeMBuiI/AAAAAAAAD9w/Qh07Tau8T6g/s320/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122501+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I added a heart in the middle of the wedding date just to add some color.<br />
<br />
If you want, you can change the background by inserting a digital scrapbook page and 'send to back'.<br />
<br />
You can see how many boxes I used to design this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3W63omERrsU/UFYwAeYo9TI/AAAAAAAAD8I/YmgMF49CHss/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+942012+121136+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3W63omERrsU/UFYwAeYo9TI/AAAAAAAAD8I/YmgMF49CHss/s320/Fullscreen+capture+942012+121136+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Once you are happy with it, save the Publisher file and then save it as a JPEG image. To do this, select File, Save As.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1JzFAI7l_Ww/UFYwHigyCSI/AAAAAAAAD94/VTqBdxr2wCg/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122600+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1JzFAI7l_Ww/UFYwHigyCSI/AAAAAAAAD94/VTqBdxr2wCg/s320/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122600+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Change the Save as type, to JPEG<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vpgNwnEhrk/UFYwIEC_HZI/AAAAAAAAD-A/1w1lbDBIfp8/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122615+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vpgNwnEhrk/UFYwIEC_HZI/AAAAAAAAD-A/1w1lbDBIfp8/s320/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122615+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Then be sure to change the Resolution to High Quality Printing so that you will be able to deevelop this as a large image.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tktzwYEYGw/UFYwISuJkII/AAAAAAAAD-I/bAiVsAOQrSM/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122623+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tktzwYEYGw/UFYwISuJkII/AAAAAAAAD-I/bAiVsAOQrSM/s320/Fullscreen+capture+942012+122623+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Save it someplace you can easily find. Either print the image at home if you have a good printer or send it to your favorite photo developer (my personal favorite is Costco).<br />
<br />
I have made these for a few friends and family members and framed them in a floating frame. I love how they look and they are so much easier to create than the one I did a while ago where I cut out each number.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--opl5cvLmEc/URajfwz_9wI/AAAAAAAAFDE/6NyhGH13NZM/s1600/Blog+Important+Date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--opl5cvLmEc/URajfwz_9wI/AAAAAAAAFDE/6NyhGH13NZM/s400/Blog+Important+Date.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
Wouldn't this make a great Valentines gift for your hubby?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_T12XjJwsBw/URajf2x5CII/AAAAAAAAFDI/74x6TGqYdFA/s1600/blog+5+Important+Date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_T12XjJwsBw/URajf2x5CII/AAAAAAAAFDI/74x6TGqYdFA/s400/blog+5+Important+Date.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>DOWNLOADABLE Template: </b></span></span></h3>
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Here is the link to the <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B91cbdesRHx4bWdfYnRfYjhKeEE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">family of 4 plus wedding date </a>and here is the link for <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B91cbdesRHx4R3NST3pNUDV6U28/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">family of 5 plus wedding date</a>. Please leave me a comment below letting me know whether or not you were able to do this.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="background-color: white;">Here are the links again (I find they get lost in text) to the Publisher files:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B91cbdesRHx4bWdfYnRfYjhKeEE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">family of 4 plus wedding date</a></b></span></span><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b> </b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B91cbdesRHx4R3NST3pNUDV6U28/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">family of 5 plus wedding date</a></b></span></span></li>
</ul>
<h3>
<b>Here is what you need to do<span style="background-color: white;"> to create your own personalized baby birth announcement:</span></b></h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Download the </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B91cbdesRHx4bWdfYnRfYjhKeEE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">family of 4 plus wedding date</a></b></span></span><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b> </b></span></span>and download the </span><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B91cbdesRHx4R3NST3pNUDV6U28/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">family of 5 plus wedding date </a></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">here </span><i><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="background-color: white;">Note when you click on the link, Google documents will give you a note saying "</span></i><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Sorry,
we are unable to generate a view of the document at this time. Please
try again later." That is ok. Simple click on the arrow down button
(next to the print symbol) to download the file. You will have no
problem opening it in Publisher after you download it.</i> </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Open the file in Microsoft
Publisher. No I do not know how to convert these to a Mac compatible program...sorry.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Download the fonts (fonts can be found on free font websites or you can use your own
favorites)</span><span style="background-color: white;">. Here are the free fonts I used: </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Baskerville Old Face' <b>for the numbers</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Nymphette' <b>for the scrolls on either side of the name</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Adobe Arabic' <b>for the names.</b></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Personalize the numbers, text, colors, and anything else you want to. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">See below on how I made the design to help you with stretching text so that it fits nicely in the space provided. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Each row is in a separate box, so you can manipulate each row independently. Remember you can always Undo, so get creative.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Sounds like lots of work, but the template will help you alot.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: white;">Please
leave me a comment to let me know whether or not you have been able to
create your own. </span></span><br />
<br />
I hope you are able to use the downloadable files. Please let me know if you were able to do this yourself and/or if you have any issues.<br />
<br />
What do you think? Can you make your own or will you try the template?<br />
StephanieStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-31066336430948714342013-02-09T13:55:00.000-05:002013-02-09T21:33:02.155-05:00Free Printable - Pregnancy Belly StickersHave you seen those adorable belly stickers that people have been using while photographing their pregnancies?<br />
<br />
If you haven't seen them, they are 4 inch circle stickers that identify the week of the pregnancy. You stick on your belly or (if you are more modest like me) your shirt and photograph your growing belly. The idea is really cute and I wish I had thought of it when I was pregnant. I don't know where the original idea came from but you can find them on Etsy, private sites, specialty stores, etc. and they run between $10-15.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sgIV-xAYa6k/URaU2SHkpVI/AAAAAAAAFA0/62NotvQgAKI/s1600/final+baby+belly+stickers+black+and+white+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sgIV-xAYa6k/URaU2SHkpVI/AAAAAAAAFA0/62NotvQgAKI/s400/final+baby+belly+stickers+black+and+white+1.JPG" width="308" /></a></div>
Well now that my sister-in-law's pregnancy has been officially announced, I thought I would share this small gift I made for her for Christmas. I made two different sets of the stickers since I didn't know which she would like the best. One with flowers and the other black and white damask style.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fyaI0_eYPPs/URaUzsl1CdI/AAAAAAAAFAM/WkmF9ThNCOI/s1600/final+baby+belly+stickers+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fyaI0_eYPPs/URaUzsl1CdI/AAAAAAAAFAM/WkmF9ThNCOI/s400/final+baby+belly+stickers+1.JPG" width="308" /></a></div>
<br />
I designed the images on Publisher and saved them as JPEG images. I then printed them on full page label stickers and cut the circles with my Cricut. If you don't have a Cricut or Silhouette that will cut a perfect circle for you, you can use a paper punch or old school it with a pair of scissors.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-crloGK9dGVI/URaUzlPPNTI/AAAAAAAAFAI/FLgJ0Tzhcw4/s1600/IMG_0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-crloGK9dGVI/URaUzlPPNTI/AAAAAAAAFAI/FLgJ0Tzhcw4/s400/IMG_0568.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I was going to give you a step by step tutorial on how I made
these, then thought I would save everyone some time and just give
you the printables for free.<br />
<br />
What you will need to create these are access to a laser or inkjet color printer and full page sticker labels. Be sure to buy the labels that are right for your type of printer as some are designed specifically for laser and others for ink jet. The labels can be found at Walmart or Staples and cost less than $0.40 per sheet. It will cost you about $10 to buy a package but you can make 5-6 sets of these stickers with one package. <br />
<br />
I created one extra sheet with 4 extra stickers that I thought would be cute that aren't weeks of the pregnancy. I added Over due (since no on in my family ever seems to go into labor naturally), In labor, It's a Boy and It's a Girl.<br />
<br />
To download these images to print:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Leave me a comment and tell me which version you like the best or just that you are downloading it ...please :)</li>
<li>Right click on the image you want and select open in a new window or tab</li>
<li>On the full size image, right click again and select 'save as'</li>
<li>Save it to a place on your computer where you can easily find it</li>
<li>You will need to do this for each of the images. </li>
<li>Print them on a color laser or inkjet printer. </li>
<li><i>Tip: When I first printed on labels, I had to print a few test pages before I managed to get it to
print properly. The oddest thing happened every time I printed the
sheets, the ink would smudge. I was stumped. How can a laser print
smudge? Then I realized there is an option in your printer setup for
paper type of LABELS. This somehow prints differently and they came out
perfectly! So look for the paper type option and see if label is in
there before you waste a few sheets of labels.</i></li>
<li>Please only use these for personal use! </li>
<li>Enjoy!! </li>
</ul>
Here is the flowery version:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fyaI0_eYPPs/URaUzsl1CdI/AAAAAAAAFAM/WkmF9ThNCOI/s1600/final+baby+belly+stickers+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fyaI0_eYPPs/URaUzsl1CdI/AAAAAAAAFAM/WkmF9ThNCOI/s320/final+baby+belly+stickers+1.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fdJHLAxoE_I/URaU09jlXTI/AAAAAAAAFAc/GLTrqy9SJqI/s1600/final+baby+belly+stickers+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fdJHLAxoE_I/URaU09jlXTI/AAAAAAAAFAc/GLTrqy9SJqI/s320/final+baby+belly+stickers+2.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12lCHnCHj7g/URaU2MN5GYI/AAAAAAAAFAs/sf7iic07tio/s1600/final+baby+belly+stickers+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12lCHnCHj7g/URaU2MN5GYI/AAAAAAAAFAs/sf7iic07tio/s320/final+baby+belly+stickers+3.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTLAyX-TXk8/URaU5t1rpjI/AAAAAAAAFBU/PV3Xq_7mVhI/s1600/final+baby+belly+stickers+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RTLAyX-TXk8/URaU5t1rpjI/AAAAAAAAFBU/PV3Xq_7mVhI/s320/final+baby+belly+stickers+4.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is the black and white damask set: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sgIV-xAYa6k/URaU2SHkpVI/AAAAAAAAFA0/62NotvQgAKI/s1600/final+baby+belly+stickers+black+and+white+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sgIV-xAYa6k/URaU2SHkpVI/AAAAAAAAFA0/62NotvQgAKI/s320/final+baby+belly+stickers+black+and+white+1.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AsP8W8-bHA8/URaU3QRX6fI/AAAAAAAAFA8/BuZBGKIeIbI/s1600/final+baby+belly+stickers+black+and+white+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AsP8W8-bHA8/URaU3QRX6fI/AAAAAAAAFA8/BuZBGKIeIbI/s320/final+baby+belly+stickers+black+and+white+2.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-URM700Od0jw/URaU3oEkndI/AAAAAAAAFBA/_60N3aKw_Ug/s1600/final+baby+belly+stickers+black+and+white+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-URM700Od0jw/URaU3oEkndI/AAAAAAAAFBA/_60N3aKw_Ug/s320/final+baby+belly+stickers+black+and+white+3.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvjZ_0PoKBA/URaU5IpgxBI/AAAAAAAAFBM/o6qNpCvzxMU/s1600/final+baby+belly+stickers+black+and+white+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvjZ_0PoKBA/URaU5IpgxBI/AAAAAAAAFBM/o6qNpCvzxMU/s320/final+baby+belly+stickers+black+and+white+4.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
What do you think? Do you know anyone you could use these for? Which is your favorite?<br />
<br />
We are snowed in today, so I hope to get a few more posts done!<br />
<br />
Let me know what you think,<br />
Stephanie<br />
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</div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-90706235605166597152013-01-17T12:32:00.003-05:002013-01-17T12:33:23.050-05:00DIY Tree Stump CoastersI know this is a little late but I have to say it...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dBhNaWVPu6Y/UPgz112RKYI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/xqb079m9uqA/s1600/IMG_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dBhNaWVPu6Y/UPgz112RKYI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/xqb079m9uqA/s400/IMG_0153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
It has been a month since I have managed to find time to share with you any new ideas I have had. I have a long list of things I made for Christmas gifts, that I never got around to posting. So, I thought I would just continue to share the homemade gifts and if it is something you like or think you could make as gifts, you can always remember the instructions are here or simply 'Pin It" and come back.<br />
<br />
I had set a goal of an almost all homemade Christmas and I have to say I did pretty well. Female homemade items are pretty easy to find and make but I really struggled for ideas for the males in my family.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-leZ3c8EzLBE/UPgz2ashvPI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/Rp22WPH9_fA/s1600/IMG_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-leZ3c8EzLBE/UPgz2ashvPI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/Rp22WPH9_fA/s400/IMG_0157.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
As I have previously mentioned, my sister lives on a farm so they keep all the wood they cut down in the field to burn in their wood stove. I had the idea of making tree stump ornaments for the men, so I asked if she had any old Christmas tree stumps in her piles. She found a cedar stump that was a nice width that had been in the pile for over a year allowing it to fully dry.<br />
<br />
When I went to make the ornaments, they weren't turning out to be exactly what I wanted. After leaving one of the circles sitting on my kitchen counter for a week (does anyone else do that, you don't have a home for something so it sits on the counter?) I realized that it was the perfect size for a coaster. So my gift for the men was found! I ended up making these simple and free tree stump coasters for my husband, brother, brother-in-law and uncle.<br />
<br />
They were very well received by all the men! <br />
<h4>
Materials:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Miter saw</li>
<li>Tree stump (approximately 4 inches in diameter)</li>
<li>Polyurethane (or another sealant)</li>
<li>Foam brush </li>
<li>Sand paper</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Method:</h4>
I plugged in my miter saw, shoed my kids into the house, put on my gorgeous safety goggles (they really are horrible things, but I would be in serious trouble if I was caught not wearing them) and placed my 3 foot stump on the miter saw.<br />
<br />
I held my breath, made sure my fingers were very far away from any moving parts, and cut a 1/3 -1/2 inch slice of the wood off the stump. I continued to do this until I had enough disks. I planned to give each person 4 coasters.<br />
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I tried my best to keep the oddly shaped disks together so that they could be stacked nicely when I give them as gifts. The imperfect ones, where a branch came out, were by far the most interesting coasters in the end. So don't worry if they are oddly shaped.<br />
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<br />
Once all the coasters were cut, I quickly sanded them with some fine sandpaper. If I was smart, I would have pulled out my mouse sander, but I didn't. So each was sanded by hand.<br />
<br />
I pulled out my scrap cardboard, laid out all the coasters and gave the tops and sides a few coats of polyurethane I had laying around with those cheap foam brushes. Once dried, I flipped them over and did the same on the opposite side.<br />
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<br />
After they were completely dry (follow the instructions on your sealant) I stacked the stump coasters, aligning any imperfections and wrapped them with raffia.<br />
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I love the idea of making one coaster (or ornament) every year with your fresh Christmas tree. We personally are in the artificial tree camp, but if I were to have real trees, I would make on slice a year, write the date and a special note on it to remember that Christmas. Most tree cutting places would probably cut off a piece for you when you purchase the tree, so you really don't even need power tools to do this!<br />
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<br />
What do you do with your old trees?<br />
<br />
What do you think of this? Not bad for a spur of the moment, first idea failed, gift!<br />
<br />
I hope everyone had a great holiday season!<br />
StephanieStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-80866953952894584142012-12-09T19:23:00.003-05:002012-12-09T19:23:47.435-05:00Free Printable - Only an Aunt QuoteI made this printable quote for my closest aunt for Christmas this year. She is truly is like a second mother to us; so much so she is the Godmother to my son.<br />
I won't put too many words in this post but I did want to mention I created a new tab (page) with all the free printable pieces I made. Be sure to <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/p/free-printable-and-diy-art.html" target="_blank">check it out here. </a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GqVxeUMjPbw/UMJAcTy83uI/AAAAAAAAE4g/LZ16ngPZAIQ/s1600/only+an+aunt+can.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GqVxeUMjPbw/UMJAcTy83uI/AAAAAAAAE4g/LZ16ngPZAIQ/s400/only+an+aunt+can.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
I produced this as a 5x7 image in many different colors. I had a
really hard time deciding which I liked the best, so I just kept going
with the colors. Please feel free to download, print and use this piece
for personal use. I love offering
free ideas and cheap gifts to everyone but hate when I stumble upon
someone making money off it.<br />
<br />
To download the image:<br />
<ul>
<li>leave me a comment :) (not required but I really do love to know what you think)</li>
<li>right click on the color image you want and select open in a new window or tab</li>
<li>on the full size image, right click again and select save as</li>
<li>save it to a place on your computer where you can easily find it</li>
<li>send it to your favorite photo developer, find a frame and you can cross another Christmas gift off your list.</li>
</ul>
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Which is your favorite? I still have not picked the one I will be printing for my aunt. Any suggestions?<br />
<br />
Stephanie<br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com79tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-90964453179431087872012-12-08T08:19:00.002-05:002012-12-08T08:19:24.933-05:00DIY Eucalyptus Yoga Mat Cleaner/Freshener - Easy Gifts Ideas on a Budget (Part 6)I decided, at the last minute, to add this Eucalyptus yoga mash freshener for my sister and sister-in-law's spa basket. I know it isn't a perfect fit with bath salts etc., but if you have ever had a smelly yoga mat before, you might appreciate this. Both my sister's love yoga and I thought this might be well liked. Plus, it took no effort and I had all the ingredients on hand... both are great things when making gifts!<br />
<br />
In case you are new to
this series, here is my running list of spa related items I making (and
sharing with you):
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/11/diy-lavender-bath-salt-easy-gifts-on.html?showComment=1353418267640#c2144023793636640236" target="_blank">Lavender bath salt ($2) </a>DONE</li>
<li><a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/11/diy-sugar-scrub-easy-gifts-on-budget.html" target="_blank">Lavender sugar scrub ($2.50)</a> DONE</li>
<li><a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/11/diy-scented-wax-cubes-easy-gifts-on.html" target="_blank">Lavender scented wax cubes ($0.50)</a> DONE</li>
<li>Spa towel ($7)</li>
<li><a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/11/diy-scented-effusion-oil-easy-gifts-on.html" target="_blank">Lavender scented Catalytic Lamp oil (you know like Lampe Berger oil) ($2.50) DONE</a></li>
<li><a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/12/diy-lavender-linen-water-easy-gifts-on.html" target="_blank">Lavender linen water ($1.50) DONE</a></li>
<li>Eucalyptus Yoga Mat spray/cleaner ($0.50) DONE</li>
</ul>
If you have not heard of Yoga Mat cleaners/fresheners, well all they really are is a spray that has antibacterial qualities(since eucalyptus
is antibacterial) that freshen and clean your yoga mat. You simple give you mat a spritz and wipe it down. You can use other essential oils that are also antibacterial for this recipe; I have hear
lavender is antibacterial as well, but I really wanted to use eucalyptus for this
one. <br />
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<br />
<br />
I have seen these little spray bottle being sold for around $10 at a local yoga studio. I am not sure the ingredients in those ones, but mine cost my around $0.50 to make and I know they don't have any chemicals. Perfect!<br />
<br />
<h4>
Materials Needed:</h4>
<ul>
<li>6 tablespoons Vinegar</li>
<li>2 tablespoon Distilled Water</li>
<li>20-30 drops Eucalyptus essential oil (or lavender) </li>
<li>Small spray bottle (My bottle was in a travel pack of 3 from the Dollar store)</li>
</ul>
<i>Note: If you want to do a large batch of this, you can use the recipe as 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water and add essential oil to your personal preference.</i><br />
<ul>
</ul>
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Mix the vinegar and essential oil together in the little spray bottle. Add the distilled water and you are done!<br />
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To clean your mat:<br />
<ol>
<li>Spray the cleaner liberally over the surface of your mat.</li>
<li>Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge.</li>
<li>When the cleaner has been removed, 'buff' the mat with a soft dry cloth.</li>
<li>Repeat on the other side.</li>
<li>Allow your mat to air dry.</li>
</ol>
<br />
Has anyone ever used a yoga mat spray like this before? Have you ever made your own?<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas everyone.<br />
StephanieStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-75324315740759810212012-12-07T13:54:00.000-05:002012-12-07T13:54:04.946-05:00DIY Lavender Linen Water - Easy Gifts on a Budget (Part 5)Sorry for the delay in posting this recipe. I have been kind of frazzled the past week or so. I thought I was completely under control with my 80% home made gift goal until I realized we are in December.<br />
<br />
I knew what I was making everyone but had I finished them, no! So that is where I have been. So, my posts might come a few at a time or there might be days in between. But I will get everything posted!<br />
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<br />
Here is where I am with my spa DIY gift. In case you are new to
this series, here is my running list of spa related items I making (and
sharing with you):
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/11/diy-lavender-bath-salt-easy-gifts-on.html?showComment=1353418267640#c2144023793636640236" target="_blank">Lavender bath salt ($2) </a>DONE</li>
<li><a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/11/diy-sugar-scrub-easy-gifts-on-budget.html" target="_blank">Lavender sugar scrub ($2.50)</a> DONE</li>
<li><a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/11/diy-scented-wax-cubes-easy-gifts-on.html" target="_blank">Lavender scented wax cubes ($0.50)</a> DONE</li>
<li>Spa towel ($7)</li>
<li><a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/11/diy-scented-effusion-oil-easy-gifts-on.html" target="_blank">Lavender scented Catalytic Lamp oil (you know like Lampe Berger oil) ($2.50) DONE</a></li>
<li>Lavender linen water ($1.50) DONE</li>
<li>Eucalyptus Yoga Mat spray/cleaner ($0.50)</li>
<li><strike>Lavender reed diffuser (Not done yet so I don't have an approximate cost) </strike>I decided not to make this.. sorry<strike><br /></strike></li>
</ul>
I love Lavender linen water. I have used it in my iron, sprayed it on my sheets and towels to freshen them, added it to laundry and used it as air freshener. This is the first time I have made it myself and I am a little shocked at how stores charge what they do for this. <br />
<h4>
Materials Needed:</h4>
<ul>
<li>2 cups Distilled water (I read this prevents mold from growing)</li>
<li>20-30 drops of Lavender essential oil (or what ever scent you want)</li>
<li>3 tablespoons of Vodka (I know you all let out a little scream for using vodka but it helps the oil mix with water. Just use your cheapest vodka for this)</li>
<li>Spray bottle or jar </li>
</ul>
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<i>I don't really drink, so, I had to send my husband a note while he was at work to ask which bottle to use. I had his really pricey one out about to use it when he responded. I made 5 of these so 3 tablespoons times 5 would have added up :) Good thing he checked his email. </i><br />
<br />
This recipe for Lavender scented linen water was really easy. Some sites will say to mix it all together and you are done.<br />
<br />
Here is what one trick I learned that you need to know when making this yourself...mix the vodka and essential oil together before you add the distilled water! This will prevent oil bubbles floating throughout your linen water. So add the vodka to your spray bottle, add your essential oil, swish it around and add your water.<br />
<br />
It is really that easy! I didn't even feel it was necessary to share the making of photos.<br />
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The grand total is hard to estimate. The bottle cost me $1 at the Dollar store, a huge bottle of distilled water cost $1 and the oil was around $20 but I have used it for all my spa items and still have over half left. So I think $1.50 is a reasonable guesstimate (shockingly, that word did not come up as spelled incorrectly..it is now a word :) ). <br />
<br />
How are you Christmas gifts coming along?<br />
<br />
StephanieStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-83865079578873547692012-11-22T14:20:00.000-05:002012-11-22T14:20:10.461-05:00DIY Scented Effusion Oil - Easy Gifts on a Budget (Part 4)I have had and loved my Lampe Berger for many years(although I always spell it wrong and put a 't' at the end..even on my label). In fact, I love it so much I have two of them. One is pretty and sits on my shelf as decoration (I do use it) and the other is plain but get used very frequently. Both have different scents in them so I don't have to change the scents.<br />
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If you have not heard of a Lampe Berger, perhaps you know it as a fragrance lamp, effusion lamp or catalytic lamp. It doesn't matter what yours is called, if you have used one you know it is the best way to clean smells out of your house. In fact the reason I purchased my first one was that someone burnt something in my previous house so badly it was filled with smoke. We were about to put our house on the market to sell it, so I had to find a way to remove the smell and fast. After a lot of research and glowing reviews for them, I purchased my first Lampe Berger.<br />
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<br />
Well now everyone in my family now has one and I thought I might be able to add this to my Christmas spa baskets. In case you are new to this series, here is my running list of spa related items I making (and sharing with you):
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/11/diy-lavender-bath-salt-easy-gifts-on.html?showComment=1353418267640#c2144023793636640236" target="_blank">Lavender bath salt ($2) </a>DONE</li>
<li><a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/11/diy-sugar-scrub-easy-gifts-on-budget.html" target="_blank">Lavender sugar scrub ($2.50)</a> DONE</li>
<li><a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/11/diy-scented-wax-cubes-easy-gifts-on.html" target="_blank">Lavender scented wax cubes ($0.50)</a> DONE</li>
<li>Spa towel ($7)</li>
<li>Lavender scented Catalytic Lamp oil (you know like Lampe Berger oil) ($2.50) DONE</li>
<li>Lavender linen water ($1.50)</li>
<li>Lavender reed diffuser (Not done yet so I don't have an approximate cost)</li>
</ul>
I found a few different recipes to make your own oils for a very reasonable price and ended up using this one from <a href="http://christys-thriftydecorating.blogspot.ca/2007/11/effusion-lamps.html" target="_blank">Christy's Thrifty Decorating.</a> Lampe Berger oils are very pricey and a small bottle will run around $25. <i>Note that Lampe Berger states you should only use their oils within their candles. Similar to my wax cubes I posted, it is up to you if you are willing to void a warranty to save money by making your own scents. </i><br />
<br />
So to go along with my spa basket, I made a few different scents for the oils. I made a Lavender (of course), a Fir scent to burn during Christmas time and an Orange scent. I am a huge fan of anything scented orange but I don't find it really strong enough in this recipe. I did love the Fir version. <br />
<h4>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9mUWj7yeG4/UK1N1ADsavI/AAAAAAAAEzk/fHQuyMxvv-Y/s1600/IMG_6083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9mUWj7yeG4/UK1N1ADsavI/AAAAAAAAEzk/fHQuyMxvv-Y/s320/IMG_6083.JPG" width="235" /></a>
Materials:</h4>
<ul>
<li>16 oz or 473ml of Isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher)</li>
<li>1 tablespoon Essential oil</li>
<li>1 tablespoon distilled water</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Method:</h4>
Remove 2 tablespoons of alcohol from the jar.You can purchase this from Walmart, drug stores, etc for usually under $2.<br />
<br />
If you are making a few of these, save the alcohol and you can make a small batch with all the 2tbsp. This is to make room in the bottle for the 2 tablespoons of liquid you will be adding. So if there is a lot of room at the top of the bottle, you don't have to do this.<br />
<br />
Add 1 tablespoon of distilled water and 1 tablespoon of the essential oil scent you want the the bottle of Isopropyl alcohol.<br />
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That is it! It really is that easy.<br />
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If you want to decorate the bottle, remember to be careful about covering over the warning labels. I decided to cover mine but I did not secure it so it can easily be removed after it is given as a gift.<br />
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I added this to my growing stash of home made spa items.<br />
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The spa gift items are starting to really look nice. I worried it would not be enough, do you know what I mean...I just hoped it wouldn't look like a few items thrown into a basket. But I am really feeling happy with this theme and loving the cost!<br />
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Up next, Lavender linen water! <br />
<br />
StephanieStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com89tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-17918063609654410612012-11-21T14:10:00.002-05:002012-11-21T15:00:32.202-05:00DIY Scented Wax Cubes - Easy Gifts on a Budget (Part 3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have had two posts discussing my wickless candle heater over the past few months. The first was how I <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/05/out-damned-spot-out-i-say-removing.html" target="_blank">removed the bright green wax from my carpet</a> when it spilled and second was how to <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/09/make-scented-wax-cubes-for-warmer-with.html" target="_blank">make wax cubes from my favorite candle</a>. I don't have a true Scentsy but I love it none the less.<br />
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As you know I am making lavender themed spa baskets for all the women in my life and I thought I would try to make lavender scented wax cubes to go along with it. Here is my running list of spa related items I making (and sharing with you):
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/11/diy-lavender-bath-salt-easy-gifts-on.html?showComment=1353418267640#c2144023793636640236" target="_blank">Lavender bath salt ($2) </a>DONE</li>
<li><a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/11/diy-sugar-scrub-easy-gifts-on-budget.html" target="_blank">Lavender sugar scrub ($2.50)</a> DONE</li>
<li>Lavender scented wickless candle pucks ($0.50) </li>
<li>Spa towel ($7)</li>
<li>Lavender scented Catalytic Lamp oil (you know like Lampe Berget oil) ($2.50)</li>
<li>Lavender linen water ($1.50)</li>
<li>Lavender reed diffuser (Not done yet so I don't have an approximate cost)</li>
</ul>
I knew I could make scented wax cubes from old candles, so I though I could probably make them from unscented, white candles along with some essential oils. I was pleasantly surprised at how well this worked and how cheap it was! Plus, I have read that most of the scented candles out there are pretty bad for you (with the exception of Scentsy products) and these are scented with only essential oils.<br />
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<h4>
Materials:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Candle in a glass jar</li>
<li>Essential oil (I used lavender but you can use what ever scent you like)</li>
<li>Ice cube tray or old wax cube container</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Method:</h4>
<i>I will start off by saying you need to be very cautious when doing this. I do not know if these candles are meant to be put into boiling water...so just be careful and use safety precautions. I did not have any problems with cracking glass, but just keep a close eye on it.</i><br />
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I boiled a pot of water and carefully placed my prayer candle into the water, being careful not to get water into the wax. To be honest with you, I think a fatter shorter candle in a glass container would work a million times better than this tall skinny version. But this is what I had on hand so it is what I used. <br />
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Once the wax starts to melt it turned opaque.<br />
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Carefully pour the wax into either an ice cube tray or into an old scented wax cube container.<br />
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Then add approximately 6 drops of essential oil to each section of the container. You can use what ever scent you like and as many drops as you like. I found this to be enough for my nose...but it is all up to you.<br />
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You will see in the photo below that the essential oil sits in the middle of the wax when it is dropped in. I used a toothpick to stir it around so it was distributed within each wax cube. This is not critical because once you melt the wax in the warmer, it will all mix together.<br />
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Let it harden for a few hours or overnight in the container. Once hardened, pop the wax cubes out of the container and wrap the cubes as you would like. I wanted mine to match my bath salts and sugar scrub, so I wrapped them in clear cellophane and tied them up with raffia along with a brown paper tag and some lavender. <br />
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Cute huh!<br />
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The wax would have cost me $0.50 since I was able to get over 2 sets with the one candle.<br />
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See how my basket is starting to come together? <br />
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I had to test it out on my own before I gave it away, so I melted two cubes and they worked great! the smell traveled really nicely throughout my house.<br />
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The possibilities are endless with this! If you have a favorite scent, go out and buy a small 50ml jar of essential oil, and you can make so much with it. I have a 100ml jar of lavender and I have made gifts for four people (and lots of items for each) and I have barely put a dent in the jar!<br />
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<i>Please note that I have read that using non-Scentsy wax in a Scentsy burner will void its warranty. </i><br />
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Up next, the oil for my Lampe Berger! I was at a store yesterday and they wanted $24 for a refill where mine cost me $2.50 to make! So excited to share this one.<br />
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Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving for many of you, I though I would share this one more time because I love it so much. (<a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/10/christmas-in-october-free-pintable-i-am.html" target="_blank">see here for the original post and instructions to download it</a>) I am Thankful for...<br />
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For all my friends and family in the United States, have a great Thanksgiving and eat a little turkey for me!<br />
<br />
Stephanie<br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-21898376547821685872012-11-20T09:19:00.002-05:002012-11-20T09:19:25.119-05:00DIY Sugar Scrub - Easy Gifts on a Budget (Part 2)As I mentioned in the last post, I am working towards making 80% of all my Christmas gifts this year. I am well on my way and enjoying every second of it!<br />
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<br />
Here is my list of spa related items I making (and sharing with you):
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/11/diy-lavender-bath-salt-easy-gifts-on.html?showComment=1353418267640#c2144023793636640236" target="_blank">Lavender bath salt ($2) </a>DONE</li>
<li>Lavender sugar scrub ($2.50) </li>
<li>Lavender scented wickless candle pucks ($0.50) </li>
<li>Spa towel ($7)</li>
<li>Lavender scented Catalytic Lamp oil (you know like Lampe Berget oil) ($2.50)</li>
<li>Lavender linen water ($1.50)</li>
<li>Lavender reed diffuser (Not done yet do I don't have an approximate cost)</li>
</ul>
To continue with the spa basket gift idea, I made a wonderful Lavender scented sugar scrub. It was a little more work (took maybe 1 minute more) and cost a smidge more than the bath salts, but this stuff is amazing! I have always purchased the sugar scrub from Bath and Body Works but have you looked at the ingredients on those things? It has more chemicals in it than I am happy to admit I put on my body. So for all of you looking for a great DIY frugal gift or for those of you avoiding artificial bath and body products, this will be a great post for you!<br />
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<h4>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tYwpmdbzCeA/UKuKDX46EnI/AAAAAAAAErU/5pmPMjvN1mg/s1600/IMG_6075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tYwpmdbzCeA/UKuKDX46EnI/AAAAAAAAErU/5pmPMjvN1mg/s320/IMG_6075.JPG" width="236" /></a>Materials:</h4>
<ul>
<li>
<b>3 cups sugar</b></li>
<li><b>1 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil</b></li>
<li><b>10-20 drops essential oil</b> (or however many you feel gives you a nice scent) I used Lavender Essential Oil but you can use any essential oil scent you like</li>
<li>Dried lavender liberated from your mother's garden ( this is completely optional)</li>
<li><b>Jar with a tight fitting lid</b></li>
</ul>
<h4>
Method:</h4>
Add the 3 cups of sugar into a mixing bowl. I used plain old white sugar but if you want to use coarse or brown sugar, both would work great too. <br />
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Slowly add the 1 cup plus 2 tbsp of olive oil to the sugar. Carefully mix with a spoon until well blended. I used the cheapest olive oil I could find, so we got a light yellow ting to the scrub. If you prefer a more neutral color you can spend more and get a coconut oil or a lighter colored olive oil. I was being frugal and decided to go this way. Some people add a drop of food coloring but to be honest with you I wouldn't do it. I see how food coloring stains my counters and hands when I use it so why add it to something you are putting on your body. Your call though.<br />
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Slowly add the essential oils. I used approximately 20 drops but my olive oil had a stronger smell. So start with 10 drops and see if you like the scent. If you want a stronger smell, add a few more drops of essential oil at a time.<br />
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Since I am doing a lavender themed spa basket, I added some dried lavender petals/flowers to the mix.<br />
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I then transferred the mixture to a tight sealing container.<br />
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<i><b>NOTE: If you would like your mix to be a little coarser for tougher skin or the men in your life, you can add some Epson salt. However, if you want it a little softer for more sensitive skin, you can add a bit more oil. </b></i><br />
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To decorate the container, I added a band of brown paper secured with double sided tape.<br />
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I made a label with a paper punch I had, added a few sprigs of lavender and tied it all together with some raffia.<br />
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It was really that simple! Since I made extra for myself, I have been using this for the past week and my hands and legs have never felt so nice. My mother in law was over when I made my last batch, so I gave her some and she has been using it on her face. Not sure I am willing to try that but she loves it!<br />
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Have any of you ever made your own sugar scrub? Have you tried it on your face?<br />
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What do you think? Anyone else thinking of making a spa gift package now that you have one place to get easy and frugal methods of making them?<br />
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Have a great week!<br />
StephanieStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-76243875106953836282012-11-18T15:48:00.004-05:002012-11-19T10:45:05.303-05:00DIY Lavender Bath Salt - Easy Gifts on a BudgetSo I am officially into my Christmas countdown! I realize most of you are getting ready for Thanksgiving, but I have been working on reaching my goal of an 80% homemade Christmas for some time.<br />
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I apologize for the minimal posts lately, but I have been trying to get most of my gifts finished before I start posting.<br />
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I have decided for all the women I give gifts for, I was going to create a spa themed basket. I plan to make the following for each person:<br />
<ul>
<li>Lavender bath salt ($2)</li>
<li>Lavender sugar scrub ($2.50)</li>
<li>Spa towel ($7)</li>
<li>Lavender scented Catalytic Lamp oil (you know like Lampe Berget oil) ($2.50)</li>
<li>Lavender linen water ($1.50)</li>
<li>Lavender reed diffuser (Not done yet do I don't have an approximate cost)</li>
</ul>
<br />
I have made almost all of these items and provided the approximate costs to create them. Obviously you can make them for less or more depending on the products you buy. If you reuse jars you have on hand, you will save $1 on all the costs. It adds up!<br />
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I plan to purchase a few accessories (i.e. cozy socks, sponges, etc) to add to all the baskets. <br />
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I will start by sharing the easiest gift to make, Lavender Bath Salts. This smells amazing! I have always used Epson Salts for my bath but never thought that it was this easy to make them scented. I will never buy full price bath salts again!<br />
<h4>
Materials:</h4>
<ul>
<li>1 1/8 cup Epson Salt</li>
<li>24 drops of Lavender Essential Oils (you can use any essential oil scent you like)</li>
<li>Dried lavender liberated from your mother's garden (Shhh don't tell her)</li>
<li>Container that seals tight</li>
</ul>
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This is the essential oil that I used and loved!<br />
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<h4>
Method: </h4>
Start by adding 1 1/8 cup of Epson salt to a bowl. If you are wondering why my salt looks like more than 1 1/8 cup, it is because I quadrupled the recipe.<br />
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Add 24 drops of essential oil to the Epson Salt<br />
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Stir, stir, stir. Once the oil was mixed into the Epson Salt, I added a handful of dried lavender flowers. You don't have to do this, I just thought it was a nice touch. <br />
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Transfer the scented salt to your container. I thought it was funny that for the first container I actually used a funnel. You can easily just spoon it into the container without having to use a funnel.<br />
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Seal the containers and decorate them as you like.<br />
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I used a strip of brown paper, raffia and a few lavender sprigs to dress my containers up.<br />
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Using double sided tape, I stuck the brown paper to the container.<br />
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Wrapped some raffia around it. It would also look nice with some Christmas ribbon or twine.<br />
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I added a tag identifying what was in the jar and a little extra lavender and I was finished.<br />
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I figure this probably cost $2 total to make. I think the most expensive item for this was the container which I got at the Dollar Store for $1. The huge jug of Epson salt was $7 at Costco and the large bottle Lavender oil was $20 but I have used next to nothing from either of them so I think I used probably $0.50 of these materials.<br />
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I will share the Lavender Sugar Scrub very soon.<br />
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Remember, you can use any scent you like. I have done this with orange (my favorite scent) and also have a great recipe for all those athletes out there. I will share the runner's scrub and soak soon.<br />
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Wouldn't this make an amazing gift for everyone attending a wedding? The hall would smell great and you have a reasonably priced but beautiful gift for everyone. You could easily make hundreds of these in an afternoon!<br />
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What do you think? Anyone else working towards making almost all their Christmas gifts this year?<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
StephanieStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-14623108854063904432012-10-21T08:42:00.001-04:002012-10-21T11:18:27.826-04:00Christmas in October- Your Dog's Paw Print Ornament<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I mention my kids all the time on my blog, but have not talked much about the fact we have a dog. Oscar, our little old man of a dog, is the best pet anyone could ever ask for. He loved us and the kids beyond belief and it truly a member of our family. Here is our little old man.<br />
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I have looked for years for a way to make an ornament with his paw print and have not found anything that I thought would work well. Oscar is getting old, he turned 10 this year, so I was
determined this was the year I would get his paw print so we could have
it forever. <br />
<br />
Well, when I made the corn starch and baking soda ornaments ( <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/09/christmas-in-september-corn-starch-and.html" target="_blank">see post with full instructions here </a>) I had really hoped I could use the same technique to create a paw ornament. I am absolutely overjoyed to share with you that it worked! It worked far better than I had expected.<br />
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For the full instructions on how to make the dough, check out the <a href="http://fullofgreatideas.blogspot.ca/2012/09/christmas-in-september-corn-starch-and.html" target="_blank">original post here</a>.<br />
<br />
There recipe I used for this was:<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="ingredient">2 cups baking soda</span></li>
<li><span class="ingredient">1 cup cornstarch</span></li>
<li><span class="ingredient">1 1/4 cups cool water</span></li>
</ul>
Once the dough cooled, I rolled out a large circle to be approximately 1/4 inch thick. With the help of my husband, we carefully placed Oscars paw on the dough. Be sure to put the paw down from the top (not coming in from an angle) and press down on all 'toes' gently. Then lift the paw straight back up again.<br />
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Oscar has longer hair and I found that this left no residue on his paws. My mistake was I did this paw print right after he came in from running around outside and it appears he had some dirt on his paw. It adds to it :) I then used a scalloped cookie cutter to make the ornament shape and a straw to make the hole to hang the ornament. I made 3 just in case.<br />
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I carefully transfer the ornament to a flat plat (be sure it is flat otherwise the ornament will have a curve). I let them dry for 24 hours, carefully flipping them every once and a while. <br />
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Once dry, I took the ornaments outside to my spray paint area and carefully sealed them with a clear flat spray finish. I am sure you can use Mod Podge to seal the ornament too, perhaps even glitter Mod Podge.<br />
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Do 3 or 4 really light coats to prevent the ornament from getting too wet. If you are a little heavy with the spray and it appears the ornament is damp, don't worry it will dry again over the next day or so. <br />
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You can write the name and date on the back before or after you seal the ornament. I just used a black Sharpie permanent marker.<br />
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Once sealed and dry, add some ribbon or raffia and call it a day!<br />
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Isn't it great?!<br />
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I am so excited about this. I just keep on thinking of all the uses for this recipe. Obviously a baby hand print ornament would work great but I will be making an amazing idea very soon for all you new parents out there that isn't an ornament!<br />
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Do any of you out there love their dog as much as we do? Anyone else as excited as I am by this ornament idea?<br />
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P.S. This is a great gift idea too. I managed to get my mom's dog (Oscar's sibling) and make a couple for her too. If you have the dough ready, you can keep it in the fridge in a sealed bag. Once the pet visits, it only takes a few minutes to make the ornament!<br />
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Let me know what you think,<br />
StephanieStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353025325352797319.post-50385676442309930032012-10-07T13:06:00.000-04:002012-10-07T13:06:08.909-04:00Christmas in October - Capture a Photo of Santa in front of your Tree for FREE<b>WARNING: If you have little ones looking over your shoulder or in the near vicinity, come back and read this post later. Be sure to come back because this is AMAZING!!! But be warned there is a potential spoiler that I do not want to be responsible for sharing. </b><br />
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<b>I am going to leave some space here just in case :)</b><br />
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<b></b><br />
Just in case my little ones somehow manage to read this: Guys... I will admit it is next to impossible to capture a real photo of Santa in front of our tree because, as we talked about, Santa moves so fast you can't see him. How else does he get all over the world in one evening? So this is just something to make little ones out there smile.<br />
<br />
Last year I was lured to a blog by the idea of creating a photo of Santa
standing in front of our Christmas tree. I thought it would be amazing
to set up a camera with the kids before they went to bed on Christmas
Eve to see if we can catch a glimpse of Santa. Well, when I got to the
site, all they were doing was providing a link to a site that sells
those photos (a digital download) for $10.<br />
<br />
I knew it was something I could make myself...but I did not have the time last year before Christmas. So, since I have a couple of months until I need this, I thought I would take a crack at getting Santa in front of out tree. Well 5 minutes later, with very little effort, this is what I produced. Might not hold up the scrutiny of my curios kids as a professionally printed 8x10, but when printed as a 4x6 or viewed on a camera and it is amazing!<br />
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This is not my tree. I used a free wallpaper download to make this... I was too lazy to try to find the photos on our other computer.<br />
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If my kids do not see this, I plan to take the 'final photo' of our tree on Christmas Eve so that everything will be exactly the same (i.e. mess on the floor :) ) and insert Santa. I will then save the image back onto our digital camera so when the kids come down Christmas morning and look at the images on the camera they will find the one of Santa! The would be so excited...I am so excited right now. How amazing will this be? That is why I am sharing this in October because I just had to get the idea out there for all of you as soon as possible.<br />
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<b>Here is exactly how to do this! I do recommend practicing this in advance of when you need it so you won't be disappointed!</b><br />
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Go on the internet and find a <b>free PNG image of Santa</b>. I found a site that offers one image that works perfectly, so here is <a href="http://www.photoshop-bg.net/main/418-santa-claus.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the link</a> but I can't guarantee it is a virus free site. Nothing came up with my million virus blockers but just be cautious. This is the image I found by searching for 'santa photo png' , you will find other images too that might fit better. When you find the image you like, right click and select 'save image as'.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4e44Ah9Mgtc/UHFjPlsQA1I/AAAAAAAAEcE/U7mc5g49HNY/s1600/santa+png+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4e44Ah9Mgtc/UHFjPlsQA1I/AAAAAAAAEcE/U7mc5g49HNY/s320/santa+png+2.png" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.photoshop-bg.net/main/418-santa-claus.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The PNG image has a transparent background so you can overlay it on top of your tree image. It is hard to tell which images are transparent when looking at them on the internet (they usually have all white around them), but once you save them, you can see that the background is transparent. See how the Santa png 2 file has no white around it below when I save it on my Desktop? That means it is transparent. <br />
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Using Publisher, I created a new image 8x10 image but size doesn't really matter. That is what she said... sorry couldn't help myself I love The Office.<br />
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Select 'insert' 'Picture'. Find the background image you want i.e. the photo of your Christmas tree. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oiDbwdEk6jw/UHGiDCfR-vI/AAAAAAAAEdo/1itJmZ5iUck/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1072012+74703+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oiDbwdEk6jw/UHGiDCfR-vI/AAAAAAAAEdo/1itJmZ5iUck/s320/Fullscreen+capture+1072012+74703+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Enlarge the photo to be the size of the background so you don't see any white. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T1jyt0izxfI/UHGiDotDnII/AAAAAAAAEdw/C8Q0ssPojQ4/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1072012+74746+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T1jyt0izxfI/UHGiDotDnII/AAAAAAAAEdw/C8Q0ssPojQ4/s320/Fullscreen+capture+1072012+74746+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Then insert picture again and insert your Santa png. If Santa appears behind your background image, click on the background and select 'Send Backwards'.<br />
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This is how mine looked. Santa looked like he was floating in the air, so I moved him down, cropped off the bottom of his feet and enlarged him a bit to fit the proportions of the background.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DikSQ-s0noE/UHGiE6TC2ZI/AAAAAAAAEeA/YEmMKROqwjs/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1072012+74901+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DikSQ-s0noE/UHGiE6TC2ZI/AAAAAAAAEeA/YEmMKROqwjs/s320/Fullscreen+capture+1072012+74901+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UEfroAnBo2M/UHGiFskSBoI/AAAAAAAAEeI/uINKSOP02pA/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1072012+74909+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UEfroAnBo2M/UHGiFskSBoI/AAAAAAAAEeI/uINKSOP02pA/s320/Fullscreen+capture+1072012+74909+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The save the image as a JPEG by selecting 'Save As' andthen select 'JPEG' fro the pull down list.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KGsrSUcm-F0/UHGiGD4SJeI/AAAAAAAAEeM/TJtTS_1taEg/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1072012+74935+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KGsrSUcm-F0/UHGiGD4SJeI/AAAAAAAAEeM/TJtTS_1taEg/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1072012+74935+AM.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZnkZgc_j1I/UHGiGmFXxlI/AAAAAAAAEeY/LW_bcuyIx_U/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1072012+74948+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZnkZgc_j1I/UHGiGmFXxlI/AAAAAAAAEeY/LW_bcuyIx_U/s320/Fullscreen+capture+1072012+74948+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Be sure to change the resolution to 'High Quality Printing'<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--5dkCpnjLu0/UHGiHec-02I/AAAAAAAAEeg/LTGf4e4wEEM/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+1072012+74957+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--5dkCpnjLu0/UHGiHec-02I/AAAAAAAAEeg/LTGf4e4wEEM/s320/Fullscreen+capture+1072012+74957+AM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here is the finished image. I prefer the first image where the background is brighter but this is the one I used to make the tutorial and I didn't want to do it all over again.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z-WV6NlqoaQ/UHGhRTlIwpI/AAAAAAAAEdY/M_wS-rNoq8E/s1600/santa+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z-WV6NlqoaQ/UHGhRTlIwpI/AAAAAAAAEdY/M_wS-rNoq8E/s400/santa+image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
You can either print this image at any photo printing location (i.e. Walmart, Costce, etc.) or save it back to your digital camera memory and have the kids find it there.<br />
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What do you think? Will you be able to use this?<br />
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Is anyone else as excited by this as I am?<br />
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Please let me know what you think! I would really love to hear what you think about this.<br />
Stephanie at Full of Great IdeasStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06013127300615019078noreply@blogger.com23