Enjoy Making A Burlap Wreath By Following Several Simple Steps

When most people think about the material burlap they immediately envision feed sacks and other rustic imagery.

However it is not complicated to turn this material into a decorative wreath that can be placed around your home anytime of the year. A burlap wreath is an excellent addition to any plain wall, inside or outside door and you can take a lazy weekend afternoon to make a burlap wreath that you will be proud of and will impress your friends and family.

You will need to first decide the color of burlap that you would like to use when making your wreath. If you have a neutral décor, beige burlap may be the best option for you. If you want the wreath to stand out in your decorative scheme you can choose different colored burlap.

The Materials That You Will Need

The next thing that you will need to do is gather the materials that you will need to make the wreath. The list should include:

•    The burlap material
•    Scissors
•    Ribbon
•    Glue gun
•    Foam wreath

The Process To Make The Burlap Wreath

Once you have gathered the materials that you need you can then begin to construct the wreath. You will need to cut the material into square pieces. Make sure that these pieces measure five inches all around.

After the material has been cut into equal square pieces you can take one piece and fold it in two halves. The finished square should be at least four layers deep.

You will then take the glue gun and place some glue on the center folded piece of the square. The glued end of the material can then be placed on the wreath. Be sure to hold the material firmly in place until the burlap sticks to the foam wreath.

This process can then be repeated with each square until the foam wreath has been completely covered in the burlap squares.

Make sure that the burlap dries on the wreath before you begin the process of fluffing the squares.

Once your wreath has dried you can take the ribbon and tie it around the wreath and hang the wreath in the desired location.

Making burlap wreaths can be an enjoyable project that the entire family can participate in. These wreaths are popular during the autumn and winter months but they can be used as decorations in the home anytime of the year.

Other variations of fall wreaths.

Burlap & Brights: My Fall Wreath - Wife in Progress
http://www.wifeinprogressblog.com Mon, 07 Oct 2013 13:00:03 GMT
Here in Boston, Fall has hit with a bang over the past week. The foliage is in full effect, there's a definite crispness in the air, and houses are decorated with 'mums and pumpkins. To get in the spirit, and to jazz up my curbside ...
 
Craftaholics Anonymous® | Burlap Bubble Wreath Tutorial {EASY!}
http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net Mon, 07 Oct 2013 11:28:18 GMT
This is hands down the EASIEST wreath ever!! Plus the end result is stunning. Its the perfect wreath for a craft group because any skill level can make it. I'm actually teaching this fall burlap wreath at my church's Super ...
 
Thanks for stopping by,
Suzanne

Valentine Craft Kits for Kids to Make Their Own Valentines

It's that time of year! Time to hand out the Valentines. I personally like to encourage creativity over just buying a box of done-for-you valentines. So, I've rounded up some Valentine craft kits for the kids to make their own valentines.

I really like this valentine kit. It looks easy to piece together and you can use different photos of your children. This would make a great cheap gift to send to grandparents or other family that lives farther away. Add a magnet and it's refrigerator ready!

You can't go wrong with a bunch of valentine stickers. Here is a really BIG bunch.  250 assorted valentine heart stickers. This is enough to let your kids go crazy. Some white index cards, a paper punch, some construction paper and a little glue will have an assembly line of personal Valentine's Day Cards coming from your kitchen table.

 Basic cards in pink and red and are the perfect foundation for your valentine cards. Add a few stickers and you're all set. These cards come with paper doilies and makes 36 cards. And, how about 1000 stickers to go with them! That's enough for 3 or 4 kids to make their valentines.

Things you can teach your kids when making Valentines

Making the valentines together can be a fun, family time. Take the opportunity to show some 'tricks' to valentine making.

• Explain how you can take a folded piece of paper and draw half a heart shape. Cut out the shape on the outline...open up and ta-da!! A heart! Is your child not very thrilled with their first attempt? Remember that practice makes perfect. This is a great opportunity to teach about practice and perseverance.
• Take a paper punch and punch around the edge of a heart, square, or rectangle to show how it makes 'lace'.
• Teach about laying multiple shapes (of the same shape) and how it adds visual interest and texture to the card.

How to Make Cookie Cutter Valentines

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How to Have More Family Fun this Weekend

Weekends are meant for fun. However, it's easy to fall into a weekend rut. This is especially the case if you work all week and use the weekends to catch up on household chores and errands. And if your budget is tight then weekend fun may seem impossible. Here are a few tips, ideas, and strategies to have more fun this weekend.

Images Courtesy of Amazon

#1 Get Outside

Getting out into the fresh air almost automatically puts a smile on everyone's face. And guess what - nature is free. If you are having a winter like our winter...it's probably a bit wonky! Sometimes it is warm and sometimes it is cold. That's the best of both worlds actually.

Warm Weather Fun (for winter anyway)

• Walk to the park and play a game of Frisbee, football, or baseball.  
• Take a nature hike or explore a new outdoor area in your community. 
• Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it. (Picnic in the car for warmth and then hit the swings.)

Cold Weather Fun

• Go cold weather bird-watching or animal watching. What types of animals are out and about in the winter?
• Sledding or Snowboarding
• Fort Building (if you have snow that is)

#2 Make a List

Make a list of the things that you want to do and can do on the weekends. This way, when you're stumped for ideas you can simply turn to your list and make a choice.

#3 Put It on the Calendar

Many museums, zoos, and other community facilities offer discount days, free days, and special events. Make a list of these and put them on your calendar. Then when you're trying to decide what to do this weekend you can see all of the possibilities and take advantage of local events.

#4 Fairs and Festivals

Most fairs and festivals are free to attend and they can be a lot of fun. Add them to your calendar and choose one or two to attend. Set a budget in advance and pack your lunch so you stay on budget. It's easy to spend a fortune on food and snacks.

#5 Take Advantage of Short-Term Travel Packages

One of the best ways to see the world on a budget is to have an open schedule and open-minded approach to where you go. If you want to get away for a long weekend, visit the discount travel broker websites and review the last-minute packages. You can often save more than 50% on a trip and the spontaneity is fun.

#6 Imaginative Projects

What do your children love to do? DO they enjoy building things? Do they like putting on shows? Let their imaginations run free and spend a weekend with a creative project. Put on a play in the back yard and film it. Build a playhouse and paint it. If your children love volcanoes then have a science fair. If they love to cook then stage your very own Cupcake Wars in your kitchen.

#7 Try Something New

Have each family member make a list of something they want to learn or do this summer. Give them a few examples so they don't write down things like "Go to Paris"or "Ride a camel". (Unless you really want to find ways to do those sorts of things. ) Children can get carried away.

Take a look at their list and then create a plan to address one item on each person's list. You may find that you're rock climbing one weekend and shopping for vintage clothing the next.

All work and no play makes weekends dull and the work week even harder. Teach your children to take time to have fun. And enjoy your family time together, it's precious.

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Have a great weekend! This weekend and every weekend.

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Starting New Traditions

Each year as my children's birthdays approach I wonder about our family traditions. Did we start any traditions by accident last year? Are any of the traditions getting tired and worn out? Maybe they need a  fresh new start. I haven't come to any grand conclusions yet.

 

photo credit: thisreidwrites

As much as we grumble about the routine stuff...get tired of doing the same thing over and over...why do we do this...and so on, it really is the simple things that we do which make warm memories.  And besides, children like routine and they thrive in it.

I believe it's because of routine we can devote the energy to new pursuits, learnings and undertakings.  Bedlam doesn't provide a supportive environment. If you are too busy worrying about what comes next, when will we eat, and why can't I find anything...well, there isn't much brain power left over to enjoy the task of tackling something new.

Routine often stems around daily living. Traditions often branch out of holiday celebrations or special situations. Why is that?

Think about your own childhood memories. How many start with 'We always...'? Here are two of my own.

We always took a summer road trip vacation. My mom always had what we named 'the kitchenette' on the floor of the front seat. It contained drinks and snacks and sandwhiches. There were no gas station snack stops and very few fast food stops (if there even were drive-thrus, I'm not even sure.)

We always went to my grandparents on Christmas Day. I don't remember missing, ever.

photo credit: normanack

Traditions don't always have to be about family fun, although often they are. Maybe you have a tradition of working together. My mom and I have a tradition of freezing sweet corn together in the summer.

Husbands sometimes don't get on board with the tradition idea, but often they just go along with it. That's ok. You don't have to announce that every first day of spring you're going to have a tulip themed decorated dinner. Just do it and the kids will love it and eventually he'll catch on.

 

photo credit: thecocoacakery

However, you may encounter that your husband has something that he feels very strongly about. In that case, get enthusiastic and go for it. Even if you have to do some blending from both your family and your husbands family.

Join Marty's Musings as she talks about her blessing jar tradition.

I hope you've enjoyed this little glimpse into my love of mason jars and our family tradition of the Blessing Jar. I hope you'll try this in your own family and be blessed.

Also today, I read Mama Gab and she made me sad that I didn't have any new baby traditions.

We have just a few baby traditions that we've created in our family over the past few years.

As for my kids, we have some summer traditions. We always have water balloons. We go back to the pool for the last hour of swimming on nice nights. We go to the local amusement park on the 4th of July. I always to go parents day of swimming lessons. We always join the summer reading program at the library.

What summer traditions do you have or want to start?

Summer Reading Fun

Just because the weather is nicer doesn't mean it's time to put away the books! Summer is a great time to sneak in some more reading for your children.

photo credit: Evelyn Giggles

Here are four ways I'm able to get in some more reading time.

Idea Number 1 - We keep books in the car. The children are more likely to read together anytime we have to wait or drive a bit longer than normal. They read out lout to each other and share the pictures.

Idea Number 2 - We always join the library summer reading program. I let the children pick out as many books as they want. We don't keep them until they are due. Instead they'll read through them quickly and we can go get more.

Idea Number 3 - On a super hot day, we put up the tent in the living room. They love to go camping and take a stack of books with them.

Idea Number 4 - Even a rainy day is an opportunity for a good book. A favorite pass-time is to have a picnic on the porch with a stack of picture books.

Let's see what our friends have to say about summer reading.

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What to Pack in a Picnic Basket

Planning a picnic can be a nice diversion for your family from the normal routine. It's an opportunity to spend some time in nature. The children will probably burn a lot of energy and you have your choice, mom, if you want to join in or relax.

The best thing about picnics is that you don't have to go far. Even a trip out into the yard with a blanket under the tree will delight your young ones. You could picnic in a friend's yard or even at grandma's house. If you aren't too scared of the mess, a picnic in the car is a fun rainy day activity.

Packing food for a picnic is an art. It needs to be portable, not too messy, durable (it can't be something that melts, for instance), and, perhaps most important - delicious. Ideally, picnic food should be healthy, too, especially if you are going to be expending energy playing games or hiking. Here are some recipes and tips on what to pack for your next picnic outing with the family.

 

photo credit: uberculture

1. Pita Bread Sandwiches

Pita bread is ideal for a picnic. It's easy to pick up and tends to be less messy than bread. You can stuff pitas with all kinds of fillings. Some ideas are:

* Hummus, lettuce, cheese, and alfalfa sprouts
* Deli meats such as salami, turkey, roast beef, or pepperoni
* Raw or sauteed vegetables tossed in the dressing of your choice

2. Finger Foods

Bring along several dips, like hummus, salsa, peanut butter, cream cheese, bleu cheese and/or ranch, and take along foods to dip, such as:

* Vegetable crudites (bell peppers, carrots, celery, cauliflower, etc.)
* Pita wedges
* Sesame sticks
* Corn chips
* Crackers
* French bread

Bring along sweet or dill pickles and olives for the side.

photo credit: jspatchwork

3. Tomato Salad

This is a good recipe for taking along - the flavor improves as the salad sits. You can also stuff pita pockets with this mixture. Keep it cool en route.

Ingredients:

* 2 large tomatoes, chopped
* 4 ounces diced mozzarella cheese (half of an 8-ounce package)
* 2 tablespoons minced, fresh basil
* 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and stir well to combine. Serves 4.

4. Whole Fruit, Nuts, and Cheese

Take along a loaf of crusty bread, and this is all you need. Pack fruits that are not easily damaged, such as:

* Apples
* Pears
* Bananas
* Melons
* Oranges/Tangerines

Choose a variety of cheeses, such as sliced cheddar, Brie, Swiss, Colby, spicy Monterey Jack, and so forth. Bring along mixed nuts of your choice, raw or roasted.  


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5. Other Picnic Tips

* Keep things simple for ease of packing and preparation.

* Try a theme to help you decide what foods to bring. Some possible picnic themes are: Fruit and Cheese, Sandwiches and Salad, Finger Foods, Dips and Spreads, and Pasta Salads.

* Use containers with secure lids, and use insulated containers whenever you can.

* Pack crumpled newspaper around food and containers to keep them from sliding around. The newspaper also helps insulate the food to keep it cold or warm.

* Bring plenty of chilled drinks - you'll almost always need more drinks more than you think. Try bringing a big cooler with a spout.

* Cut meat, fruits, cheese, vegetables and bread before arriving at your destination so you won't have to pack cutting boards and knives.

* If sandwich fillings are juicy, pack them in a separate container and assemble the sandwiches at the picnic site.

What are your picnic plans this summer?