tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29963908332515574652024-03-18T21:59:12.641-07:00The Paper PonyBethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-37303974255245729382011-09-02T13:33:00.000-07:002011-09-02T13:59:50.806-07:00The Number Game<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dkZ2CUMsdGM/TmFB-8jkSkI/AAAAAAAAETU/OKrFn6Ar8fM/s1600/IMG_1224.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dkZ2CUMsdGM/TmFB-8jkSkI/AAAAAAAAETU/OKrFn6Ar8fM/s400/IMG_1224.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647867957362313794" border="0" /></a>Now that the twins are almost 3, we have been starting to introduce some more formal preschool learning games. It will be fun to get the ol' preschool box of tricks out, and learn some new ones. Our favorite game lately has been "The Number Game." To play, we find some number cards and line them up at the other end of the room. We started by using some old flashcards, but they soon got ruined (I left them in my pocket and they didn't survive the wash- oops!) so we used the numbered UNO cards instead. I think they work even better because it incorporates the use of color into our game.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHTh6rKDsV8/TmFB6lsYTgI/AAAAAAAAETM/JDpJb9I5FEs/s1600/IMG_1225.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHTh6rKDsV8/TmFB6lsYTgI/AAAAAAAAETM/JDpJb9I5FEs/s400/IMG_1225.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647867882505784834" border="0" /></a>After the cards are lined up, I call out a number and the kids take turns running across the room to the number line and bringing back the correct one. If they are having difficulty (6 and 9 are always a problem), we give them a hint by telling them the color.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTsdQ2ZTc_c/TmFCX1OfdGI/AAAAAAAAETc/hJocA2TF-_0/s1600/IMG_1227.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LTsdQ2ZTc_c/TmFCX1OfdGI/AAAAAAAAETc/hJocA2TF-_0/s400/IMG_1227.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647868384891597922" border="0" /></a>It works every time.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wYifhM4cYEk/TmFB1bXHDnI/AAAAAAAAES8/m8LWbVdNpZk/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wYifhM4cYEk/TmFB1bXHDnI/AAAAAAAAES8/m8LWbVdNpZk/s400/IMG_1229.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647867793832873586" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7TL9HOpZeU/TmFBw8ne97I/AAAAAAAAES0/sENnNtNmWCc/s1600/IMG_1230.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7TL9HOpZeU/TmFBw8ne97I/AAAAAAAAES0/sENnNtNmWCc/s400/IMG_1230.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647867716860573618" border="0" /></a>The game ends when the attention spans start to dwindle or someone gets bored (usually me).
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8VHsnfGJ6CM/TmFBuZIFWFI/AAAAAAAAESs/g5ehU8JocDI/s1600/IMG_1238.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8VHsnfGJ6CM/TmFBuZIFWFI/AAAAAAAAESs/g5ehU8JocDI/s400/IMG_1238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647867672973891666" border="0" /></a>I love how it gets them active, teaches them to take turns and encourages them to root for each other to succeed. We seriously have been playing this A LOT and they are never sick of it. I think we will try it with shapes in the near future! I think I will start posting some of the other little games we do throughout the day to ward off boredom and promote learning. Stay tuned!
<br />Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-42549287420725555332011-06-03T11:26:00.000-07:002011-06-03T13:19:44.473-07:00Last-minute Teacher Appreciation Gift<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WCWTLVMrePM/Tek-5kvS7oI/AAAAAAAAEQY/YF48rCslEVk/s1600/IMG_0623.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WCWTLVMrePM/Tek-5kvS7oI/AAAAAAAAEQY/YF48rCslEVk/s400/IMG_0623.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614087569329548930" border="0" /></a>Here are some quickie teacher appreciation gifts that can be finished in just minutes! First, carefully disassemble a disposable tape dispenser.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iO2GSXKRx9A/TekpTHD0XBI/AAAAAAAAEP8/lFPCdJcCQRg/s1600/IMG_0603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iO2GSXKRx9A/TekpTHD0XBI/AAAAAAAAEP8/lFPCdJcCQRg/s320/IMG_0603.JPG" width="320" border="0" height="256" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Choose a piece of good quality, heavy, double-sided cardstock like this Amy Butler design by K & Co. and use the removed paper packaging as a template to recreate the appropriate pieces.<br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b37WeMwS-BA/TekpRua5C_I/AAAAAAAAEP4/NNUatN-F4FU/s1600/IMG_0611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b37WeMwS-BA/TekpRua5C_I/AAAAAAAAEP4/NNUatN-F4FU/s320/IMG_0611.JPG" width="320" border="0" height="213" /></a><br />Reassemble. Then, embellish as you see fit. This one is about as simple as can be, basically, because it was really late at night and I was super-tired!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSZdR0pCP08/TekpP0HsuDI/AAAAAAAAEP0/YkL1VSNs5FY/s1600/IMG_0618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSZdR0pCP08/TekpP0HsuDI/AAAAAAAAEP0/YkL1VSNs5FY/s320/IMG_0618.JPG" width="316" border="0" height="320" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Add a nice message. (We added a hand-written addition on the back from my daughter.)<br /></div></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4kGBknsnrA/TekpL5Ou2LI/AAAAAAAAEPs/YfeCY4XXHfs/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4kGBknsnrA/TekpL5Ou2LI/AAAAAAAAEPs/YfeCY4XXHfs/s320/IMG_0624.JPG" width="320" border="0" height="256" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Then, because she was an Extra good teacher, we could not resist making her another little something. This is almost too easy. You just cut your paper down to size, fold it around (using a bone folder makes your creases extra crisp and neat) and stick. Add a label and insert your package.<br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7URRZAmp2WY/TekpDGY3cdI/AAAAAAAAEPo/ulYSchxoJSM/s1600/IMG_0626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7URRZAmp2WY/TekpDGY3cdI/AAAAAAAAEPo/ulYSchxoJSM/s320/IMG_0626.JPG" width="320" border="0" height="256" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xt3h26-sMTw/TekpBftO6PI/AAAAAAAAEPk/AGFp0x6qY7E/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xt3h26-sMTw/TekpBftO6PI/AAAAAAAAEPk/AGFp0x6qY7E/s320/IMG_0627.JPG" width="320" border="0" height="256" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This is seriously, a 3 minute project- tops! And as we all know, EVERYTHING and just about ANYTHING looks better wrapped up in pretty paper!<br /></div></div> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> </div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><span id="goog_1694050563"></span><span id="goog_1694050564"></span>Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-61244594116240816362010-10-27T16:57:00.000-07:002010-10-27T16:59:59.966-07:00Exhausted!I'm so sorry it has been so long without a post. I just need a bit of a break to get the stuff done I need to do, get the kids to where they're going everyday, feed people, clean and still have some sanity. Unfortunately, hobbies tend to be the first to go to the back burner. I will still post... just not as regularly for a while. Thank you for understanding!!!!Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-9872939370912997632010-09-15T22:01:00.000-07:002010-09-15T22:18:23.857-07:00How Many Plastic Bags Are in Your Collection?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlgLxychI/AAAAAAAAEFE/OYeqmEng47g/s1600/IMG_9130.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlgLxychI/AAAAAAAAEFE/OYeqmEng47g/s400/IMG_9130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517372990841582098" border="0" /></a>I don't know about you, but we use plastic store bags like crazy around here. We use them as trash bin liners, car trash bags, dirty nappy bags, etc. Of course, we still never get to the bottom of our stash as they just seem to multiply, so for some stores, we have started using the reusable bags, but we still seem to accumulate a ton of them. Here is an easy, convenient way to keep a few with you without taking up a ton of space.<br /><br />Step 1: Lay the bag flat.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlbOw8RLI/AAAAAAAAEE8/X2OHo8xanIA/s1600/IMG_9104.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlbOw8RLI/AAAAAAAAEE8/X2OHo8xanIA/s400/IMG_9104.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517372905743991986" border="0" /></a>Fold in half lengthwise...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlY9EQ7eI/AAAAAAAAEE0/CEqUUVqahrU/s1600/IMG_9107.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlY9EQ7eI/AAAAAAAAEE0/CEqUUVqahrU/s400/IMG_9107.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517372866633461218" border="0" /></a>...and fold in half again.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlWbeJVxI/AAAAAAAAEEs/wOLRHtHwLkw/s1600/IMG_9108.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlWbeJVxI/AAAAAAAAEEs/wOLRHtHwLkw/s400/IMG_9108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517372823255471890" border="0" /></a>Step 2: Working from the opposite side of the handle, fold a corner up.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlT-L7KtI/AAAAAAAAEEk/jJFdn_tZ8E0/s1600/IMG_9115.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlT-L7KtI/AAAAAAAAEEk/jJFdn_tZ8E0/s400/IMG_9115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517372781034678994" border="0" /></a>Continue to fold "flag style" until you are almost to the end.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlOMKjuzI/AAAAAAAAEEc/UtfW7XKbsLU/s1600/IMG_9116.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlOMKjuzI/AAAAAAAAEEc/UtfW7XKbsLU/s400/IMG_9116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517372681707830066" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlLYFm02I/AAAAAAAAEEU/YoIpf0dlZSg/s1600/IMG_9117.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlLYFm02I/AAAAAAAAEEU/YoIpf0dlZSg/s400/IMG_9117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517372633368679266" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlIdez60I/AAAAAAAAEEM/XzOVsPcpmvQ/s1600/IMG_9119.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlIdez60I/AAAAAAAAEEM/XzOVsPcpmvQ/s400/IMG_9119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517372583276964674" border="0" /></a>Step 3: Take the flap that you have left and tuck it into the back flap.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlFaPoZyI/AAAAAAAAEEE/P51vnwpvR24/s1600/IMG_9123.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlFaPoZyI/AAAAAAAAEEE/P51vnwpvR24/s400/IMG_9123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517372530868381474" border="0" /></a>That's it! You will have a small triangle-looking thing when you're done.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlCIZa8DI/AAAAAAAAED8/oYGMm7LbjWY/s1600/IMG_9124.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGlCIZa8DI/AAAAAAAAED8/oYGMm7LbjWY/s400/IMG_9124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517372474537996338" border="0" /></a>Now, make a bunch while you watch your favourite TV show (I LOVE Psych on the USA network... don't even get me started!!!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGk-tyao8I/AAAAAAAAED0/ldumeovpFTI/s1600/IMG_9128.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGk-tyao8I/AAAAAAAAED0/ldumeovpFTI/s400/IMG_9128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517372415855469506" border="0" /></a>Now, they are easy to stash without all the bulk of just crumpling so when you need a quick trash bag (or you've just taken your doggie for a walk in the park and he's left a little surprise), you are ready! Put them in your purse, nappy bag, glove compartment, wallet, kid's back packs, emergency kits, junk drawer, on the boat, etc.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGk7PpYP_I/AAAAAAAAEDs/8OeDkj9cfvE/s1600/IMG_9130.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TJGk7PpYP_I/AAAAAAAAEDs/8OeDkj9cfvE/s400/IMG_9130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517372356224892914" border="0" /></a>Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-61867734500370278432010-09-09T09:42:00.002-07:002010-09-09T10:09:47.778-07:00Thank You Thursday #6Yea! It's Thank You Thursday! First, I want to thank my twins for NOT throwing up all night and morning. It had made all of our day so much nicer! I cannot wait to share the fun projects this week, so without further ado:<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TIkQ5JbILmI/AAAAAAAAAQg/sVNyOOxuhK4/s1600/Thank+You+Thursday.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TIkQ5JbILmI/AAAAAAAAAQg/sVNyOOxuhK4/s320/Thank+You+Thursday.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514957792660172386" border="0" /></a>Mr. PP is always complaining that he cannot find his favorite English snacks since he's moved here, to the U.S. It seems like everything is so greasy when I try to recreate the savory ones. Thank you Lazy Budget Chef for teaching us how to make <a href="http://lazybudgetchef.blogspot.com/2010/08/baked-scotch-eggs.html">Baked Scotch Eggs</a>. Now we can make yummy Scotch eggs with a bit less fat! (Mr. PP thanks you as well!)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TIkQy7E9AcI/AAAAAAAAAQY/lLmXbKOXNO0/s1600/bakedscotchegg.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 165px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TIkQy7E9AcI/AAAAAAAAAQY/lLmXbKOXNO0/s400/bakedscotchegg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514957685729853890" border="0" /></a><br />I have always wanted to make wire stars for Christmas ornaments but just needed an easy way to do it. Thank you Maggie at Generally Creative for doing just that! Your <a href="http://generallycreative.blogspot.com/2010/08/wire-wrapped-stars.html">Wire Wrapped Stars</a> are so cute and look so do-able. You can bet there will be some of these on this year's tree (and on some packages as toppers, and next 4th of July...)<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TIkQvI_MBJI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/BnlW59kbxRM/s1600/IMG_0530.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TIkQvI_MBJI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/BnlW59kbxRM/s400/IMG_0530.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514957620744291474" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TIkQp1dDREI/AAAAAAAAAQI/dW_lt93CCmc/s1600/header6_logo.png"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 226px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TIkQp1dDREI/AAAAAAAAAQI/dW_lt93CCmc/s320/header6_logo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514957529601492034" border="0" /></a><br />Thank you, <a href="http://www.chicaandjo.com/">Chica and Jo</a>, for not only having an awesome website packed with helpful tips and crafty projects for the whole family, but also for your giveaways... one in particular... the notebook making kit... which I actually won!!! Can you believe it? What a great surprise. I cannot wait to start making notebooks! Oh no, I think I am giving away everyone's Christmas gifts this year! Oh well, it's all good. Thanks again!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">All photos and graphics are the creative property of their respective blog owners.</span>Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02087224411654119862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-9509771490465079472010-09-06T20:54:00.001-07:002011-06-07T13:01:53.940-07:00Fabric Flowers; Two Ways<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW52q7A5eI/AAAAAAAAEDI/yR5utxD9gLs/s1600/IMG_8758.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW52q7A5eI/AAAAAAAAEDI/yR5utxD9gLs/s400/IMG_8758.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514017667670926818" border="0" /></a>Hi everyone! Sorry for the delay! I have been crafting like crazy, but nothing is finished and everything is in the works! Have you noticed how many different fabric flowers there are out there in the crafty corners of blogland? There are a million creative and darling tutorials out there! I love them because you can use them to embellish just about anything from clothes, to hair accessories to paper-crafts and gift treatments! Here are two ways which have a similar looking finished product.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIXCFjKQrLI/AAAAAAAAEDY/keYEZRFJI3M/s1600/IMG_8855.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIXCFjKQrLI/AAAAAAAAEDY/keYEZRFJI3M/s400/IMG_8855.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514026719378451634" border="0" /></a>The first steps in both flowers are the same. First you will need to cut out a bunch of circles in various sizes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5q5rXw-I/AAAAAAAAEC4/B-fbylF_9VM/s1600/IMG_8773.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5q5rXw-I/AAAAAAAAEC4/B-fbylF_9VM/s400/IMG_8773.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514017465473418210" border="0" /></a>I have cereal box templates of every 1/2 diameter circle between 1 inch to 5 inches and I use them ALL THE TIME!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5og7CmdI/AAAAAAAAECw/CxQWYpHyT4I/s1600/IMG_8778.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5og7CmdI/AAAAAAAAECw/CxQWYpHyT4I/s400/IMG_8778.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514017424468515282" border="0" /></a>For these two flowers, you will need the following circles in three sizes in as many types of coordinating fabrics as you want. I used three. (I made these to match the <a href="http://mypaperpony.blogspot.com/2010/08/museum-sketchbook-tote.html">museum tote</a>, can you tell?) You will also need to make a covered button- the kits are readily available wherever sewing notions are sold and are SO easy and quick to make. They are one of my very favourite things (Oh, no! Please stop me if I start sounding like Oprah!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5mnuUkdI/AAAAAAAAECo/fZIhAZFJ4X4/s1600/IMG_8791.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5mnuUkdI/AAAAAAAAECo/fZIhAZFJ4X4/s400/IMG_8791.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514017391934476754" border="0" /></a>Set the largest and smallest circles aside and fold the eight others in half. This is where the similarities in making the two flowers end. From here on out, I will show you one type at a time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5kZj90mI/AAAAAAAAECg/xAfjTYbIJac/s1600/IMG_8794.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5kZj90mI/AAAAAAAAECg/xAfjTYbIJac/s400/IMG_8794.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514017353773208162" border="0" /></a><br />Type A<br /><br />Take your fabric half circles and overlap them like in the following photos until they form a circle.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5g8hwDtI/AAAAAAAAECY/2G6u_5QJwJY/s1600/IMG_8798.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5g8hwDtI/AAAAAAAAECY/2G6u_5QJwJY/s400/IMG_8798.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514017294439681746" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5eSfjAPI/AAAAAAAAECQ/WMa2yHRj21o/s1600/IMG_8799.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5eSfjAPI/AAAAAAAAECQ/WMa2yHRj21o/s400/IMG_8799.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514017248796410098" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5bGJwH9I/AAAAAAAAECI/TiBWvkFdXZc/s1600/IMG_8801.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5bGJwH9I/AAAAAAAAECI/TiBWvkFdXZc/s400/IMG_8801.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514017193944162258" border="0" /></a>Then add another layer (and even another if you feel so inclined).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5Jt3cpSI/AAAAAAAAEB4/SZN8EfM5PzU/s1600/IMG_8802.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5Jt3cpSI/AAAAAAAAEB4/SZN8EfM5PzU/s400/IMG_8802.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514016895367161122" border="0" /></a>Stack your layers on top of your largest single fabric circle and sew little stitches close to the middle, through all the layers of fabric. Sew your covered button on the top and you're finished!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5GDRSBAI/AAAAAAAAEBw/KpK4WieJ2bo/s1600/IMG_8805.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5GDRSBAI/AAAAAAAAEBw/KpK4WieJ2bo/s400/IMG_8805.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514016832393184258" border="0" /></a>This is the flatter and least fluffy of the two so I used mine as a brooch and sewed it directly onto my daughter's sweater using a small circle as a backing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5to-0o-I/AAAAAAAAEDA/T9iWQ01qauk/s1600/IMG_8769.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5to-0o-I/AAAAAAAAEDA/T9iWQ01qauk/s400/IMG_8769.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514017512531207138" border="0" /></a>I also added a fabric yo-yo to the center of mine, just under the button, to hide my horrible stitching. I was really happy with how easy it was and how well it turned out!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5MWKpjlI/AAAAAAAAECA/P9rdt9zfpE8/s1600/IMG_8751.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5MWKpjlI/AAAAAAAAECA/P9rdt9zfpE8/s400/IMG_8751.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514016940544855634" border="0" /></a><br />Type B<br /><br />Take your circles and fold the same eight in half (four each of two different sizes).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5DBuGGFI/AAAAAAAAEBo/t5nfQUvsABY/s1600/IMG_8783.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW5DBuGGFI/AAAAAAAAEBo/t5nfQUvsABY/s400/IMG_8783.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514016780437559378" border="0" /></a>This next part is easy to do but hard to describe in words; there is some squishing and pinching until you get a fluffy quarter-circle. Just look at the next 4 pictures and hopefully it will make more sense than my horrific attempt at a description.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW42P2QutI/AAAAAAAAEBg/irVnkHf2r-0/s1600/IMG_8819.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW42P2QutI/AAAAAAAAEBg/irVnkHf2r-0/s400/IMG_8819.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514016560891607762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4zE86JxI/AAAAAAAAEBY/mN823-z6CiM/s1600/IMG_8821.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4zE86JxI/AAAAAAAAEBY/mN823-z6CiM/s400/IMG_8821.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514016506427090706" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4vDX9TSI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/MKyrS9XwOj8/s1600/IMG_8822.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4vDX9TSI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/MKyrS9XwOj8/s400/IMG_8822.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514016437284195618" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4sZ4UZ5I/AAAAAAAAEBI/xNjL1bLBqIk/s1600/IMG_8827.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4sZ4UZ5I/AAAAAAAAEBI/xNjL1bLBqIk/s400/IMG_8827.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514016391785899922" border="0" /></a>Perfect! Then, while I make the others, I like to squish them into a big book so they'll keep their shape.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4kFH3caI/AAAAAAAAEBA/MhHCCaLvC-w/s1600/IMG_8840.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4kFH3caI/AAAAAAAAEBA/MhHCCaLvC-w/s400/IMG_8840.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514016248775012770" border="0" /></a>When all the quarter-circles are made, sew them on the largest circle one by one using two simple stitches per piece starting with the largest 4 and then stacking the smaller 4 on the top.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4gDdcOgI/AAAAAAAAEA4/r9TxMeCjKpE/s1600/IMG_8828.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4gDdcOgI/AAAAAAAAEA4/r9TxMeCjKpE/s400/IMG_8828.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514016179609156098" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4Y7dqlFI/AAAAAAAAEAo/3nwz19i7Xuc/s1600/IMG_8842.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4Y7dqlFI/AAAAAAAAEAo/3nwz19i7Xuc/s400/IMG_8842.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514016057203528786" border="0" /></a>Sew on your covered button and you're done!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4U4FSU6I/AAAAAAAAEAg/3vNSdRXmDss/s1600/IMG_8852.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4U4FSU6I/AAAAAAAAEAg/3vNSdRXmDss/s400/IMG_8852.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514015987576492962" border="0" /></a>This type is fuller and fluffier so I sewed it onto a clip to make one huge, honkin' barrette.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4Q7oug7I/AAAAAAAAEAY/Wu28mpVocVc/s1600/IMG_8692.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4Q7oug7I/AAAAAAAAEAY/Wu28mpVocVc/s400/IMG_8692.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514015919810970546" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIXBhWvbXQI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/--EcDaMmjFQ/s1600/IMG_8687.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIXBhWvbXQI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/--EcDaMmjFQ/s400/IMG_8687.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514026097569389826" border="0" /></a>Warning: These are so easy to make and so versatile, you will want to make about a bajillion! And you will love everyone!! Happy flower making!!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4DNrMsTI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/VaGV_YcePec/s1600/IMG_8864.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TIW4DNrMsTI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/VaGV_YcePec/s400/IMG_8864.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514015684135006514" border="0" /></a>Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-76968884152866833802010-08-30T08:38:00.000-07:002011-06-07T13:02:34.957-07:00Barbie's Museum of Art<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THvRtkaF6pI/AAAAAAAAD_w/uDjFJAixSn0/s1600/IMG_9050.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THvRtkaF6pI/AAAAAAAAD_w/uDjFJAixSn0/s400/IMG_9050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511229149815368338" border="0" /></a>After Art Museum Day, Abby wanted to learn more about famous art, so, to make it fun, we created a Barbie Museum. And like all things Barbie- it is the most amazing art museum ever! ( I think she is in cahoots with a very talented art thief because she was able to collect many of the world's most famous and beautiful pieces and display them all in the same gallery!)<br /><br />Luckily, there is no copyright on many of the world's most famous paintings so their images are up for grabs all over the internet. I collected our favourites and added frames from on-line frame shops (I'm not sure if that was legal or not, but hey, I'm not selling it or anything, right?) This part was kind of fun. I had to stop myself from going crazy at this point with scale. I decided to battle the OCD and force myself to forgo the math, ignore ACTUAL scale and make them roughly four sizes so the museum could be interchangeable.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THvRqbtjEvI/AAAAAAAAD_o/5TVFMp9R0sw/s1600/IMG_9023.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THvRqbtjEvI/AAAAAAAAD_o/5TVFMp9R0sw/s400/IMG_9023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511229095941444338" border="0" /></a>I was sure to include some stand-outs from museums we have visited together or will surely visit in the future (like all the London museums thanks to her Daddy). To make it portable and easily put-away-able, we used a tri-fold display and Velcro dots.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THvRm398HvI/AAAAAAAAD_g/HY4a22SjV4w/s1600/IMG_9045.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THvRm398HvI/AAAAAAAAD_g/HY4a22SjV4w/s400/IMG_9045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511229034806910706" border="0" /></a>Important information was added to the back of each piece (it was supposed to be a learning activity after all). If you want everything to be more durable, I would suggest laminating everything.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THvRgxJr9WI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/8QYS85e1g_w/s1600/IMG_9032.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THvRgxJr9WI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/8QYS85e1g_w/s400/IMG_9032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511228929897919842" border="0" /></a>Velcro was added to the backs of the art and they were ready to hang in the gallery!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THvRdG3_FFI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/9HaQSaWahig/s1600/IMG_9046.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 323px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THvRdG3_FFI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/9HaQSaWahig/s400/IMG_9046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511228867009778770" border="0" /></a>We added a few more things around like an "antique" globe (amazingly, for being such a valuable antique- it's totally up-to-date geographically!) and a paper doll's desk. Curator Barbie was so happy when she came!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THvRaDndFXI/AAAAAAAAD_I/hlydXNMUFqE/s1600/IMG_9049.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THvRaDndFXI/AAAAAAAAD_I/hlydXNMUFqE/s400/IMG_9049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511228814595528050" border="0" /></a>No touching!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THvRXZLM9iI/AAAAAAAAD_A/iO0MoM-_v0Y/s1600/IMG_9055.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THvRXZLM9iI/AAAAAAAAD_A/iO0MoM-_v0Y/s400/IMG_9055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511228768843003426" border="0" /></a>She immediately started changing things around. This was so fun to do and Abby has had such a fun time playing with it (although, if I'm being honest, she could care less about the info on the back except the artist and the name)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THvRUnW42mI/AAAAAAAAD-4/EIQUoSG_8kI/s1600/IMG_9065.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THvRUnW42mI/AAAAAAAAD-4/EIQUoSG_8kI/s400/IMG_9065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511228721110506082" border="0" /></a>You can use the back of the trifold panel as well, of course. I think in the future, we may hang each gallery wall in a different style since we have everything from Impressionism to Renaissance to Pop Art. Now we have a fun way to learn and as we visit more museums, we can add to Barbie's museum as well.Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-70101269301448216392010-08-25T08:05:00.000-07:002011-06-07T13:01:22.523-07:00Museum Sketchbook Tote<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THP1ZymUVBI/AAAAAAAAAPY/6nw-PJOQYz8/s1600/IMG_8663.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 395px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THP1ZymUVBI/AAAAAAAAAPY/6nw-PJOQYz8/s400/IMG_8663.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509016592632271890" border="0" /></a>Before our big 2-museum tour, I wanted Abby to have a little bag to hold all of the things she would need, but couldn't find anything that fit the bill just right, so I made one for her. I am NOT a very good seamstress and I messed up a lot along the way so no tutorial. <a href="http://michaelcreations.blogspot.com/2010/08/fabric-notebook-or-book-cover-tutorial.html">Here</a> is a good one that gives instructions for covering composition books... I'm sure anyone could adapt this and figure the rest out from there. I used 4 fabrics: Blue paisley for the main body, brown floral for the straps and spine, pink for small embellishments and white for the lining. Here is the outside cover:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPw7sMcZzI/AAAAAAAAAPI/RAT7DLuQ-qU/s1600/IMG_8734.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 255px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPw7sMcZzI/AAAAAAAAAPI/RAT7DLuQ-qU/s400/IMG_8734.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509011677470549810" border="0" /></a>Here is the inside:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPw232Tt1I/AAAAAAAAAPA/arYiODUuUiw/s1600/IMG_8729.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPw232Tt1I/AAAAAAAAAPA/arYiODUuUiw/s400/IMG_8729.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509011594699585362" border="0" /></a>On one side, there's a flap for holding writing and drawing stuff...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPwgy3xBDI/AAAAAAAAAOo/Cnq9QVbExu4/s1600/IMG_8733.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPwgy3xBDI/AAAAAAAAAOo/Cnq9QVbExu4/s400/IMG_8733.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509011215406400562" border="0" /></a>...and the other side has flaps for holding tickets, maps and memorabilia.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPwc4LyIyI/AAAAAAAAAOg/gv54crrkS6M/s1600/IMG_8732.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPwc4LyIyI/AAAAAAAAAOg/gv54crrkS6M/s400/IMG_8732.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509011148113060642" border="0" /></a>A regular composition book was inserted...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPwv0TKFeI/AAAAAAAAAO4/6TMdZuNHuZE/s1600/IMG_8725.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 374px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPwv0TKFeI/AAAAAAAAAO4/6TMdZuNHuZE/s400/IMG_8725.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509011473487762914" border="0" /></a>...and everything closes up and fastenes with a Velcro clasp. There are a couple of construction tips I should add: First, be sure to add sturdy reinforcement to your handle-straps and second, it is a ton easier of you add all of your embellishments before you fold the flaps over and sew them. Here is the front all snapped up and ready to go...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPwSqUlkVI/AAAAAAAAAOY/Z7onoU9VQ3Q/s1600/IMG_8739.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPwSqUlkVI/AAAAAAAAAOY/Z7onoU9VQ3Q/s400/IMG_8739.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509010972593197394" border="0" /></a>...and here is the back.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPwPLt7leI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/79Th8xBRV5M/s1600/IMG_8743.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPwPLt7leI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/79Th8xBRV5M/s400/IMG_8743.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509010912838391266" border="0" /></a>It was so helpful to have this along. The day would have been a nightmare without it; it not only gave her something to do and somewhere to hold her things, but it also gave her something to hold onto so she wasn't as tempted to touch anything she shouldn't. We actually (VERY surprisingly) had no problems with that the whole day!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPwJVaU4eI/AAAAAAAAAOI/0Yx5GA3z6B4/s1600/IMG_8663.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPwJVaU4eI/AAAAAAAAAOI/0Yx5GA3z6B4/s400/IMG_8663.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509010812361302498" border="0" /></a>I loved the way she didn't copy the paintings, but just used them as inspiration to make her own drawings.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPwG_8d6uI/AAAAAAAAAOA/qgq-jyDPDnE/s1600/IMG_8709.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 319px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPwG_8d6uI/AAAAAAAAAOA/qgq-jyDPDnE/s400/IMG_8709.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509010772239182562" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPv6ZdtB-I/AAAAAAAAAN4/EhY0Tuovxkk/s1600/IMG_8668.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPv6ZdtB-I/AAAAAAAAAN4/EhY0Tuovxkk/s400/IMG_8668.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509010555751172066" border="0" /></a>Here is the painting she was most excited to see in real life so we bought a postcard to take home.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPv3wEQvNI/AAAAAAAAANw/wEU-fjkXqps/s1600/IMG_8719.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPv3wEQvNI/AAAAAAAAANw/wEU-fjkXqps/s400/IMG_8719.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509010510278868178" border="0" /></a>Here's the day's haul... Seriously, what a lifesaver. For an older child, I could see a plastic insert for an id or money. For a more serious artist, I could see a proper sketchbook inserted in here.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPvvouBIsI/AAAAAAAAANo/Gkb39nRL_yU/s1600/IMG_8701.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPvvouBIsI/AAAAAAAAANo/Gkb39nRL_yU/s400/IMG_8701.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509010370867569346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/THPvod0pAFI/AAAAAAAAANg/WJb5ljdrU7U/s1600/IMG_8701.JPG"><br /></a>Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02087224411654119862noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-11573663770303256272010-08-23T07:00:00.000-07:002011-06-07T13:12:46.871-07:00Visiting the Art Museum With Your Child(ren)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THIBJNJI5_I/AAAAAAAAD-Q/cuq5l-Y4tWw/s1600/blog.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THIBJNJI5_I/AAAAAAAAD-Q/cuq5l-Y4tWw/s400/blog.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508466551885981682" border="0" /></a>Visiting an art museum with your child, or braver still, children, can be a fun and rewarding experience but it can also be a disaster. I have experienced both. Here are some tips and activities that may help you to plan a fun and educational day.<br /><br />Before your visit...<br /><br />*Look through art books and ask questions about the pieces that hold the most interest. Point out different styles and encourage your child to recreate their favorites. This is one of our favorites:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THIFyhDA8lI/AAAAAAAAD-g/rQXkr3E-YJ0/s1600/61YuVJAz%2BgL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THIFyhDA8lI/AAAAAAAAD-g/rQXkr3E-YJ0/s400/61YuVJAz%2BgL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508471659650150994" border="0" /></a>*Research the museum you plan on visiting. Find out how "child friendly" they are; if they allow strollers, bags or picture taking; if there are special rates or programs for children. Find out about special exhibitions, fees and restrictions. Many museums have free family days... you can't go wrong with free!<br />*Show pictures of the amazing things you will encounter and prepare a scavenger hunt featuring certain pieces of art or just small portions that they have to match to the corresponding piece.<br />*Go over all rules, regulations and expectations. I told my daughter about the guards that get nervous and follow little kids around if they look like they are getting too close to the art and misbehaving. I even threatened they would kick us out so we had to behave with a capital B!<br />*Practice at your home, pretending the art you have hung in your own home is the museum. This probably saved our bacon the most. We would point and discuss quietly and if she got too close or too loud, I would tell her the imaginary guard was getting a bit nervous and she would fall back into line instantaneously!<br /><br />During your visit...<br /><br />*Dress smart so your child(ren) know they are going to a special place and be sure to take a picture next to the entrance.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THIFuZhvrBI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/tqq-HJtu93I/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_8656.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THIFuZhvrBI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/tqq-HJtu93I/s400/Copy+of+IMG_8656.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508471588912081938" border="0" /></a>*Arrive as early as possible. The closer to lunch and nap time, the worse the behaviour.<br />*Go at your child's pace and be sensitive to his/her cues. If they're bored, go more quickly; if they want to watch the boring mummy CAT scan over and over and over again, let them. You can go back a different time for yourself, but for your child to get the most out of it, it has to be all about them- of course, we can always "guide" them and "encourage" them in the way we wish!<br />*Forgo the guided tour (see previous point) unless there is a specific children's tour.<br />*Point out special details and ask questions about the art as you go such as, "How do you think that person is feeling?" or "Why do you think the painter made the rooster so much larger than the fox?" As we did this at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco last week, there was an older man who leaned in really closely to hear whether or not my daughter thought this scruffy old dog belonged to the couple in the painting we were looking at. He smiled at told her he thought the haggard dog looked a lot like them and they shared the sweetest moment. There is nothing older people like more than a well behaved child and nothing that will get you more dirty looks than a brat! As we all know, every child as a bit of both, but at a museum- especially if it is a big, fancy one; we want to do everything we can to keep the "angel child" as long as possible.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THIBGrKYP4I/AAAAAAAAD-I/ecC4xY7TQMY/s1600/blog+2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 393px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THIBGrKYP4I/AAAAAAAAD-I/ecC4xY7TQMY/s400/blog+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508466508404637570" border="0" /></a>*Arm them with a sketchbook and colored pencils and/or the aforementioned scavenger hunt list. Children always do better when they are allowed to "actively" participate. We set a limit before we went that she could only sketch 2 pieces of art per museum that day as we were visiting two. This helped a ton!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THIBEM1ITuI/AAAAAAAAD-A/bhE40ot_8ZE/s1600/blog+3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THIBEM1ITuI/AAAAAAAAD-A/bhE40ot_8ZE/s400/blog+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508466465902710498" border="0" /></a>*Try to relate the art to them and take photos of their favorites if it is allowed. Here is a sculpture of a hand by Rodin that Abby was impressed with so we had to snap a quickie with her hand in the same pose.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THIA_jfLjlI/AAAAAAAAD94/1I2pRjGcH54/s1600/IMG_8669.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THIA_jfLjlI/AAAAAAAAD94/1I2pRjGcH54/s400/IMG_8669.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508466386085318226" border="0" /></a>*At the end of your visit, take them to the gift shop and let them pick out a postcard or two of their favorite pieces.<br />*Go when they're ready! Believe me, it does no good to prolong the agony! When they're done, they are DONE!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THIA7aQjeJI/AAAAAAAAD9w/r14RUFggIVI/s1600/IMG_8679.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THIA7aQjeJI/AAAAAAAAD9w/r14RUFggIVI/s400/IMG_8679.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508466314888575122" border="0" /></a>After your visit...<br /><br />*On the ride home, while everything is still fresh in the memory, talk about the day's highlights and write them down.<br />*Gather the maps, tickets, postcards and memorabilia together and put it all in a special place or scrapbook.<br />*Frame your child's favorite postcard and place it in their bedroom.<br />*Follow their lead- they may be "art museum'd out" and need a break. They might be all hyped up so encourage them further by checking out more art books from the library, providing art supplies and time to create or making a model museum for their toys to enjoy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THIHmreeQZI/AAAAAAAAD-o/donf25Lck2I/s1600/IMG_8748.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 356px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/THIHmreeQZI/AAAAAAAAD-o/donf25Lck2I/s400/IMG_8748.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508473655314497938" border="0" /></a>Ultimately, you know your children best. Start small and local and work your way up to the big guys. If they cannot be trusted to keep their hands off, or are uninterested, they might be too young; give it another year or two. You may want to take only one child at a time so your time can be spent more intimately and not shared. You want your child's time at the museum to be the very best experience and with a little bit of planning and preparation, it will be! Please feel free to add any tips you have found helpful in your art museum adventures!<br /><br />If you do not live near an art museum, do not despair! Here are a few fantastic artsy websites you and your children can enjoy together:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nga.gov/kids/">National Gallery of Art; Kids</a><br /><a href="http://gardenofpraise.com/art.htm">Garden of Praise Art Appreciation for Kids</a><br /><a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/justforfun.asp">The MET: Explore and Learn</a>Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-16257058742598242972010-08-20T15:00:00.000-07:002011-06-07T13:03:17.094-07:00Vintage Library Book Card Projects<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7kZypwzQI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/s3TfAiWvxNw/s1600/IMG_9009.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7kZypwzQI/AAAAAAAAD8Q/s3TfAiWvxNw/s400/IMG_9009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507590526065495298" border="0" /></a>I cannot believe that something I used so regularly as a kid is now considered vintage. When did that happen? I remember how fun it was to look and see who had checked each book out before me and when. It was awesome! I miss that. One day I found a template website and when I saw the <a href="http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/library.htm">Library Card Book Pocket Template</a>, my mind started reeling! Here are a few projects that were inspired by those library book cards:<br /><br />#1. My very first Artist Trading Card!<br /><br />I scaled everything down to business card size and designed it in my own wacky way using Microsoft Excel for the blank card and Publisher for the rest. To make the pocket, you can reduce the size easily using the rulers as guides. When you're happy with the size and scale, print it onto heavy card and cut it out. Then, trace your template onto a manila envelope with a pencil.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7kSKdOC6I/AAAAAAAAD8I/c2wSSSzVDY0/s1600/IMG_8956.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7kSKdOC6I/AAAAAAAAD8I/c2wSSSzVDY0/s400/IMG_8956.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507590395016383394" border="0" /></a>The rest is pretty self-explanatory; cut it out, fold, glue and erase the visible pencil marks if there are any. If you want the envelope to be more authentic, just shorten the side with the tabs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7iej9DkCI/AAAAAAAAD74/RYs-JYDycGk/s1600/IMG_8961.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7iej9DkCI/AAAAAAAAD74/RYs-JYDycGk/s400/IMG_8961.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507588408995975202" border="0" /></a>Here are the mock-ups for my ATCs. My pony will be changing soon and I think I might want the title on the top (even though real library cards always put the author first... what is my OCD side going to do?)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7kLPLU9uI/AAAAAAAAD8A/1vT_F1xS684/s1600/Picnik+collage+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7kLPLU9uI/AAAAAAAAD8A/1vT_F1xS684/s400/Picnik+collage+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507590276024432354" border="0" /></a>I am pretty happy with the overall design. What do you think? Any advice?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7iSFc9-tI/AAAAAAAAD7w/OtZN8F_1Aa4/s1600/IMG_9011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7iSFc9-tI/AAAAAAAAD7w/OtZN8F_1Aa4/s400/IMG_9011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507588194649897682" border="0" /></a><br />#2. Bullet Point Handout for Job Interviews<br /><br />My sister recently moved back after a few years in a different state. She is a school teacher and right now, it is nearly impossible to get a teaching job in our area. Before one of her interviews, she was told that the interview board liked getting some sort of hand out to refer to quickly in addition to the regular resume/paperwork stuff they already had. To make hers stand out without going over the top, we came up with a quarter-page library card-esque hand out.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7hpMYnKgI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/XDkWkPBViOM/s1600/IMG_8976.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7hpMYnKgI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/XDkWkPBViOM/s400/IMG_8976.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507587492136036866" border="0" /></a>I love the way they turned out and guess what? She got a job!! It wasn't THAT particular job and, well, technically, it had absolutely nothing to do with these handouts, but I believe that the effort put into these helped her gain the confidence and.... naw, she just has a great resume and reputation! I still think they turned out super-cute!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7hmHw_foI/AAAAAAAAD7I/LgbBA59wgQw/s1600/IMG_8979.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7hmHw_foI/AAAAAAAAD7I/LgbBA59wgQw/s400/IMG_8979.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507587439356509826" border="0" /></a><br />#3. Reading Log<br /><br />Now that my daughter is in First Grade, there is a lot more required reading involved. I don't ever have to worry about her completing those types of assignments because she loves to read, but I do have to worry about recording it. I still used the quarter-page size for mine, but the standard sized cards would work well or even better, you can find places on Etsy or Ebay or just through a search engine that still sell the real deals.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7hg_71yoI/AAAAAAAAD7A/vGKvptV01Z8/s1600/IMG_8998.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7hg_71yoI/AAAAAAAAD7A/vGKvptV01Z8/s400/IMG_8998.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507587351355181698" border="0" /></a>If you own the book, I think it would be cute to keep one of these at the back of the book and record who read it and when. For assignments or logging, this makes a fantastic bookmark!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7hbDKWfhI/AAAAAAAAD64/qurP8EUt_6c/s1600/IMG_9002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7hbDKWfhI/AAAAAAAAD64/qurP8EUt_6c/s400/IMG_9002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507587249142136338" border="0" /></a>Here is a really simple template I made. Feel free to use it for your creative projects! Just click, copy and paste.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7k7clYsFI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/G5rxAMFisj4/s1600/royal+blue+library+card.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7k7clYsFI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/G5rxAMFisj4/s400/royal+blue+library+card.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507591104257110098" border="0" /></a>I <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> want to get my hands on some real ones now! There are a ton of projects you can do with them. You can use them for thank-you notes, save-the-date announcements, scrapbooking, gift tags, or check out this amazing necklace from Etsy-seller, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/librarianship">Librarianship</a>:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7x07OdBxI/AAAAAAAAD8o/nrshfLAn60w/s1600/necklace+made+from+library+cards.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7x07OdBxI/AAAAAAAAD8o/nrshfLAn60w/s400/necklace+made+from+library+cards.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507605285874501394" border="0" /></a>So cool! Well, we are off to the library! Maybe I can score some there....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TG7hF5UZB0I/AAAAAAAAD6g/804LR9ZYZkk/s1600/pink+library+card.bmp"><br /></a>Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-36853390635579873602010-08-19T07:32:00.000-07:002010-08-19T07:32:00.696-07:00Thank You Thursday #5Today, I am thankful that my daughter is back at school and that she got the teacher we requested! I am also full of gratitude for my husband who does all the laundry! Is that awesome or what? I am so terrible at it. When I moved out with my friend for the first time, we hated doing laundry so much, we would let it pile up into mountains, literally! We would hand wash our delicates when we ran out and dry them on the heater- they all ended up with actual scortch-marks!! Yeah, I'm BAD at laundry. How wonderful that I am blessed with a laundry doer? What are you thankful for? On with the Thank You notes!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TGyviGbrL3I/AAAAAAAAANY/oEEL2z35p0g/s1600/Thank+You+Thursday.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TGyviGbrL3I/AAAAAAAAANY/oEEL2z35p0g/s320/Thank+You+Thursday.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506969444744376178" border="0" /></a><br />While preparing for the big <a href="http://mypaperpony.blogspot.com/2000/01/smurf-tastic-smurfday-party.html">Smurfday party</a>, I looked for all kinds of toadstool things. Thank you <a href="http://ohilikethat.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-very-cute-toadstool-pencil-craft.html">Oh! I Like That...</a> for showing how to create these DARLING painted toadstool pencils! They just make me happy looking at them! I love that you painted them in different colors. I am thinking these would be a fun teacher appreciation gift. Thanks for the inspiration!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ohilikethat.blogspot.com/2009/07/how-to-very-cute-toadstool-pencil-craft.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TGyvWkQvRpI/AAAAAAAAANQ/hgQnIaAL9Rk/s400/10+finished.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506969246593140370" border="0" /></a><br />Thank you Julia from <a href="http://buzybunny.blogspot.com/2010/03/spring-paper-flower-topiary.html">Bits of Me</a> for sharing your colorful paper flower topiary. Who doesn't love topiaries and I was smitten the first time I saw this one, but what I love best about it are the details you discover when you take a closer look! The little bugs and butterflies. Whimsical and lovely!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://buzybunny.blogspot.com/2010/03/spring-paper-flower-topiary.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TGyvTJrSYxI/AAAAAAAAANI/QGeMBbQPk_w/s400/Topiary-Close2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506969187917128466" border="0" /></a><br />I love the way cupcakes look with simple swirls of icing piled high but could never achieve that height. Thank you Megan at <a href="http://fowlsinglefile.blogspot.com/2010/05/sweet-tutorial-for-beehive-cupcakes.html">Fowl Single File</a> for teaching how you solved that problem with your Bee Hive Cupcakes. Not only that, the chocolate almond bee embellishments are so cute I think I would have a hard time eating them. (In reality, I'm sure I MIGHT "bee" able to just swing it)! I'm sure they created quite a "buzz"! Oh no! I hope I didn't lose you at the puns! Thanks again! I think I'm off to eat something sweet!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://fowlsinglefile.blogspot.com/2010/05/sweet-tutorial-for-beehive-cupcakes.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 336px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TGyvPM86tAI/AAAAAAAAANA/0vvP5ZbDVCs/s400/Bees.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506969120076903426" border="0" /></a>Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02087224411654119862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-55023594335397643382010-08-17T20:15:00.000-07:002010-08-18T14:01:03.351-07:00Easiest Ever, No-Sew, No-Glue, Alice Bands<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtSEcT-xAI/AAAAAAAAD6I/G85AJVUtTZ4/s1600/IMG_8604.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtSEcT-xAI/AAAAAAAAD6I/G85AJVUtTZ4/s400/IMG_8604.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506585205663515650" border="0" /></a>I love that headbands are called Alice bands in England! I've adopted the term because we are raising our children to be bi-lingual since their Dad is English and all. They also say "petrol", "crisps" and "Manchester United". Whoa! That's a bit off topic for the beginning of a post.<br /><br />So, the other day, I was going somewhere and I could not, for the life of me, find an age-appropriate hair accessory and I really needed one because my hair kept falling in my face and I was feeling sort of blah and well, I just wanted something in my hair. I seriously looked all over the house and all I could find were old pony-tail holders. Then, I thought of all the new ribbon I bought for a dollar at Walmart on clearance the other day and *hallelujah* I was saved! Here's how it works: You just take your hair band (it can even be the cheap-o kind with the metal thingy) and twist it, and pull one loop through and you have a knot in the middle like this:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtR2BKE52I/AAAAAAAAD54/V9vW1yAD594/s1600/IMG_8625.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtR2BKE52I/AAAAAAAAD54/V9vW1yAD594/s400/IMG_8625.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506584957856048994" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtQ45cOu3I/AAAAAAAAD5o/am3xROG98nA/s1600/IMG_8637.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtQ45cOu3I/AAAAAAAAD5o/am3xROG98nA/s400/IMG_8637.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506583907812686706" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtQ7YtS4vI/AAAAAAAAD5w/XuvLcAC6ICQ/s1600/IMG_8636.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtQ7YtS4vI/AAAAAAAAD5w/XuvLcAC6ICQ/s400/IMG_8636.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506583950565499634" border="0" /></a>Next, measure your ribbon so it goes all the way around your head and cut.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtSBdLoCqI/AAAAAAAAD6A/XL_0JF4BS24/s1600/IMG_8619.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtSBdLoCqI/AAAAAAAAD6A/XL_0JF4BS24/s400/IMG_8619.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506585154357299874" border="0" /></a>Estimate the length of your knotted hair band, go up each side of the ribbon that far and tie a knot in each loop of the band. Trim and/or heat seal the ends.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtQ102jxZI/AAAAAAAAD5g/l8YhXo0fEbA/s1600/IMG_8624.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtQ102jxZI/AAAAAAAAD5g/l8YhXo0fEbA/s400/IMG_8624.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506583855041332626" border="0" /></a>That's it! Seriously. Easiest. Ever. This only took about 2 minutes to make.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtQwrULpNI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/_juKkrbxRZU/s1600/IMG_8602.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtQwrULpNI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/_juKkrbxRZU/s400/IMG_8602.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506583766581880018" border="0" /></a>So we can all make one to match every outfit this week!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtQtWSgqeI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/1q_lRhorRt4/s1600/IMG_8596.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtQtWSgqeI/AAAAAAAAD5Q/1q_lRhorRt4/s400/IMG_8596.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506583709398116834" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtQnXFr8xI/AAAAAAAAD5I/hYTp92_C5Vs/s1600/head+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 348px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TGtQnXFr8xI/AAAAAAAAD5I/hYTp92_C5Vs/s400/head+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506583606533550866" border="0" /></a>Easiest.<br />Ever.<br />Trying to take a picture of myself... not so easy.<br /><br />Linking to:<br /><center><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vk7b0eb36c8/S-Dt8w4FjkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/A5wquzXhr4g/s320/wgw+button.jpg"/></center></a>Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-64084302147627980732010-08-13T14:32:00.000-07:002010-08-14T14:42:16.693-07:00Diaper Cake with Bonus Wreath<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIk-wR_DI/AAAAAAAADaM/0JSI48Eo8Tk/s1600/IMG_4817.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 390px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIk-wR_DI/AAAAAAAADaM/0JSI48Eo8Tk/s400/IMG_4817.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490671433364405298" border="0" /></a>I made a diaper cake (or as we call them, nappy cakes) for someone Mr. PP works with and another co-worker asked if I would make one for her as she wanted to give one to a friend of hers. She provided the basic materials, and we all get to benefit! Isn't that ribbon cute? I love the gender-neutral colors! Anyway, they are SO easy to make so I thought I would share the basics, although if you google the term, you will find a ton of great ideas! You can leave them plain like I have here, or embellish by tying and poking in all kinds of things a new mother may need. Here are the things you need although you will probably need more than one package of nappies- I used one and a half for this cake:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIg9e6OwI/AAAAAAAADaE/lrT-TEBO1uY/s1600/IMG_4740.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIg9e6OwI/AAAAAAAADaE/lrT-TEBO1uY/s400/IMG_4740.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490671364303633154" border="0" /></a>Were you wondering what I was doing with all the random kitchen vessels? They were all the sizes I wanted for my cake and it is so much easier to use a "mold" than to try to tie them all together without one!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIdkhjE0I/AAAAAAAADZ8/T7EjXabpyGk/s1600/IMG_4743.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIdkhjE0I/AAAAAAAADZ8/T7EjXabpyGk/s400/IMG_4743.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490671306064204610" border="0" /></a>To begin, take your nappies, 1 at a time and roll them up tightly and secure it with some tape or a small rubber band. Then place them in one of your round "molds". Oh! I forgot to include "tape helper" in the materials shot. As anyone who has ever wrapped a gift can attest to, a "tape helper" is an indispensable tool. It's one of my daughter's favorite jobs.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIbG4tMrI/AAAAAAAADZ0/Oionmg6v6WE/s1600/IMG_4750.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIbG4tMrI/AAAAAAAADZ0/Oionmg6v6WE/s400/IMG_4750.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490671263748534962" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIX0Dj7-I/AAAAAAAADZs/io4YwrlBgfg/s1600/IMG_4752.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIX0Dj7-I/AAAAAAAADZs/io4YwrlBgfg/s400/IMG_4752.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490671207154184162" border="0" /></a>After you have squished enough in, tightly tie them all together with some ribbon or twine.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIVJNbacI/AAAAAAAADZk/8EqB-tTPqOo/s1600/IMG_4760.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIVJNbacI/AAAAAAAADZk/8EqB-tTPqOo/s400/IMG_4760.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490671161293105602" border="0" /></a>Continue the same way until you have all of your layers made:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIRRpK1UI/AAAAAAAADZc/0fr9nhQPvU4/s1600/IMG_4764.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIRRpK1UI/AAAAAAAADZc/0fr9nhQPvU4/s400/IMG_4764.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490671094837466434" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIOSwJQuI/AAAAAAAADZU/JZolWTHfsNU/s1600/IMG_4768.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIOSwJQuI/AAAAAAAADZU/JZolWTHfsNU/s400/IMG_4768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490671043595551458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIHL4QHfI/AAAAAAAADZE/QTxUqU5CbyI/s1600/IMG_4774.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIHL4QHfI/AAAAAAAADZE/QTxUqU5CbyI/s400/IMG_4774.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490670921491422706" border="0" /></a>Then, the fun begins: Tie your ribbon around the layers to hide the twine and embellish as you please. This one was left plain for our friend to finish but there is something nice about "simple" I think.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIKexaP8I/AAAAAAAADZM/kXWTa_mKigM/s1600/IMG_4782.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLIKexaP8I/AAAAAAAADZM/kXWTa_mKigM/s400/IMG_4782.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490670978102607810" border="0" /></a>I did add a few flowers because they were so yellow and happy making.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLH_-_mEkI/AAAAAAAADY8/jL3Byi5xOpw/s1600/IMG_4804.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLH_-_mEkI/AAAAAAAADY8/jL3Byi5xOpw/s400/IMG_4804.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490670797773476418" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLH8QAAkeI/AAAAAAAADY0/0CfBKl5cUuI/s1600/IMG_4795.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLH8QAAkeI/AAAAAAAADY0/0CfBKl5cUuI/s400/IMG_4795.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490670733619139042" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLH3TdvRbI/AAAAAAAADYs/0XmDapsMGJI/s1600/IMG_4802.JPG"><br /></a>BONUS: I had a half of a package of nappies left over from the cake project so I made a wreath with the left-overs. These are even easier! The best wreath form for these are simple cardboard ones. You can trace one you already have or just trace around round objects you have around the house. The outside diameter of this one is 10 inches- they will be quite a bit larger (and heavier) when you get the nappies on so keep that in mind when you choose your size.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLHupCpImI/AAAAAAAADYk/Y9F5-NW1au8/s1600/IMG_4825.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLHupCpImI/AAAAAAAADYk/Y9F5-NW1au8/s400/IMG_4825.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490670499822903906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLHr_Wf3qI/AAAAAAAADYc/Q0nJC1Xq4GA/s1600/IMG_4828.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLHr_Wf3qI/AAAAAAAADYc/Q0nJC1Xq4GA/s400/IMG_4828.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490670454272155298" border="0" /></a>You will need some lengths of skinnier ribbon for this as well. So, to begin, wrap your nappy around the form and tie a ribbon tightly at the top. In hind-sight, I think I would have faced the white side toward the front instead of the printed side.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLHovcPylI/AAAAAAAADYU/ECNwJAgn33E/s1600/IMG_4830.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLHovcPylI/AAAAAAAADYU/ECNwJAgn33E/s400/IMG_4830.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490670398461692498" border="0" /></a>Overlap your next nappy by about half and do the same as the last and so on and so forth.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLHmbUJZBI/AAAAAAAADYM/d-YvuDPUbsQ/s1600/IMG_4831.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLHmbUJZBI/AAAAAAAADYM/d-YvuDPUbsQ/s400/IMG_4831.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490670358699271186" border="0" /></a>To make an easy hanger, just staple a ribbon to your cardboard form and cover it with a nappy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLHj253maI/AAAAAAAADYE/CKG_6FGpRkk/s1600/IMG_4836.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLHj253maI/AAAAAAAADYE/CKG_6FGpRkk/s400/IMG_4836.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490670314565638562" border="0" /></a>So simple and really easy to embellish with sample sized baby products, small toys, feeding accessories, the baby's name, etc. I love these because they're easy, they always turn out and you can tweak them to fit any baby shower theme and gender! Plus, these make easy, useful shower decorations. Have fun creating! I'd love to see what you do/have done so hook a girl up with photos and links!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLHe_Kb4JI/AAAAAAAADX8/85VJ_9dMWZU/s1600/IMG_4846.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 322px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TDLHe_Kb4JI/AAAAAAAADX8/85VJ_9dMWZU/s400/IMG_4846.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490670230883262610" border="0" /></a><br />Linking to:<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://bedifferentactnormal.blogspot.com/search/label/show%20and%20tell"><br /><img border="0" width="180" src="http://www.rememberthemoments.com/images/blog/satbutton.gif" height="180" /></a><br /><a border="0" href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/825895175_xmTVA-O.jpg" alt="Join us Saturdays at tatertotsandjello.com for the weekend wrap up party!" /></a><br />Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-69806958454653689462010-08-12T07:53:00.000-07:002010-08-12T16:13:17.166-07:00Thank You Thursday #4It's that time...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TGQWb6MfTLI/AAAAAAAAALg/WAZQe2kNBp8/s1600/Thank+You+Thursday.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TGQWb6MfTLI/AAAAAAAAALg/WAZQe2kNBp8/s320/Thank+You+Thursday.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504549313287507122" border="0" /></a>Does anyone else think this summer has come and gone so quickly? The last couple of weeks, we have been trying to squeeze in all the stuff we were supposed to do throughout the summer; Boating trips, County Fair, Six Flags and Art Museums. Thus, the lack of posting. All will be back to normal- lots of things in the works but not to many are getting finished as we get ready for Back-to-School. Thank You friends for reading and connecting and sharing your thoughts and ideas. Most of all, thanks for understanding!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TGQUhAMw6FI/AAAAAAAAALY/y3cZWCl_Eok/s1600/IMG_8447.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TGQUhAMw6FI/AAAAAAAAALY/y3cZWCl_Eok/s400/IMG_8447.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504547201775364178" border="0" /></a>Sorry ahead of time, but this is another "when we lived in England" story, but; When we lived in England for the first three years of our marriage, there was the cutest little toy shop and I used to look for excuses to go in there and browse. I started collecting Schleich animal families "for our future children" (at that time, we weren't even sure if I was going to be able to have children, but I had to justify all the toy buying somehow, right?) Now, they sell them at Target and we have <a href="http://mypaperpony.blogspot.com/2010/08/toy-organization.html">three full boxes</a> of them and since we don't want to fork out the dough for the accessories, I have been looking for a nice for them to live. THANK YOU <a href="http://uklassinus.blogspot.com/">UK lass in US</a> for this darling <a href="http://uklassinus.blogspot.com/2008/08/fabric-dollhouse-tutorial.html">fabric barn</a>:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://uklassinus.blogspot.com/2008/08/fabric-dollhouse-tutorial.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TGQTwYBvE9I/AAAAAAAAALA/KE4Tf275CIk/s400/K%27s+barn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504546366357967826" border="0" /></a>I love the barn, I love the dollhouse, I love that you found something useful to do with plastic canvas, I love that you have a fab flick'r group- all of it! It is perfect for home and away- I love the handles and the quietness of it all. Your tutorial is clear and detailed and is on my "to make for Christmas list". Plus, my <a href="http://mypaperpony.blogspot.com/2008/04/little-wooden-dolls.html">little wooden dollies</a> still need a home.<br /><br />Last, but certainly NOT least, THANK YOU <a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2010/08/back-2-school-cereal-box-notebooks.html">Someday Crafts</a> for featuring my Cereal Box Notebooks in your Back-2-School bash today. <center><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lpwMUU4tgPw/TFYdi_24Q7I/AAAAAAAAIfg/FNSCRSNA-i4/s400/bash.png" border="0" /></a></center>I am really excited to share them with your readers. All of the ideas so far have been so amazing- just the inspiration I needed to kick my booty into gear and accept that the summer is over and school starts Monday- yikes!Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02087224411654119862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-61216946497735294702010-08-09T07:30:00.000-07:002010-08-09T07:30:00.038-07:00Quick and Easy Flower Topiary<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TF-WRpyiobI/AAAAAAAAD4E/MTKyDP5-Zpo/s1600/IMG_4986.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503282499689816498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TF-WRpyiobI/AAAAAAAAD4E/MTKyDP5-Zpo/s400/IMG_4986.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love topiaries! They are so cute, festive and adaptable- you can make them out of just about anything and for any occasion. Here is a super-simple version I did for a blue party (one that featured some small little friends that are 3 apples high and live in mushroom houses in a medieval forest...) This was an afterthought, really, and we just used what we had: Some silk flowers, packaging foam, a stick, a bucket, glue, a foam ball and some marbles.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TF-WOYfLQ4I/AAAAAAAAD38/_idaJfHUuNo/s1600/IMG_4950.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503282443505582978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TF-WOYfLQ4I/AAAAAAAAD38/_idaJfHUuNo/s400/IMG_4950.JPG" border="0" /></a> When making any topiary, you need to make sure it is secure. Foam is an excellent way to do this so when you get some in a package- don't throw it away! It comes in so handy for many projects and can be fairly pricey to purchase.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TF-WLTzgqRI/AAAAAAAAD30/8MHVERmeeTg/s1600/IMG_4952.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503282390709086482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TF-WLTzgqRI/AAAAAAAAD30/8MHVERmeeTg/s400/IMG_4952.JPG" border="0" /></a> Use a strong clear glue. I used an easy non-toxic type since my daughter was helping out, but I think I'd use something a bit stronger if you want a more secure finish. We poured ours into a Dixie cup, ripped off a flower from the wire stem, dunked it in glue and just stick it into the foam. <div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TF-WH78d5dI/AAAAAAAAD3s/n9WHLdXbJWA/s1600/IMG_4954.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503282332764595666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TF-WH78d5dI/AAAAAAAAD3s/n9WHLdXbJWA/s400/IMG_4954.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TF-YrRg6zFI/AAAAAAAAD4M/T-iBP0UB2Mg/s1600/IMG_4956.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503285138873306194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TF-YrRg6zFI/AAAAAAAAD4M/T-iBP0UB2Mg/s400/IMG_4956.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TF-WCZZcIdI/AAAAAAAAD3c/BtTP68N0SNY/s1600/IMG_4957.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503282237591527890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TF-WCZZcIdI/AAAAAAAAD3c/BtTP68N0SNY/s400/IMG_4957.JPG" border="0" /></a> Just continue to glue and stick flowers until the ball is covered.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TF-V-cElNlI/AAAAAAAAD3U/vmM433V3dNA/s1600/IMG_4961.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503282169589872210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TF-V-cElNlI/AAAAAAAAD3U/vmM433V3dNA/s400/IMG_4961.JPG" border="0" /></a> Finish it by inserting one end of your stick into the ball and the other into your chosen container. Embellish with ribbons, bows and something to cover your base- we used glass marbles. And that's it! This particular example it not the best, most beautiful topiary ever- let's be honest. But it really added just that extra touch to our party and as we all know. When it comes to parties- every detail counts! You can, of course adapt this to any decor using any medium. I think I need to make some for my living room for the fall- hmmmm the wheels in my head are sqeaking into motion...<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TF-V3LbQR2I/AAAAAAAAD3M/KMnuZJ6DYxE/s1600/IMG_4978.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503282044862482274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TF-V3LbQR2I/AAAAAAAAD3M/KMnuZJ6DYxE/s400/IMG_4978.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-57825591937813805432010-08-08T08:00:00.000-07:002010-08-08T08:00:03.324-07:00Toy OrganizationHere is the tutorial on toy organization I shared on <a href="http://sherbetblossom.blogspot.com/">Sherbet Blossom</a> last week for her series on Home Organization. If you haven't stopped by her blog, DO! She is a talented crafter/cardmaker/graphic designer! Plus, all month long, she is featuring tips and ideas for organizing our homes and lives. I, for one, have a lot to learn in that realm!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFu061f_9dI/AAAAAAAAD3A/UgMF9yPJBGY/s1600/IMG_8190.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 395px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFu061f_9dI/AAAAAAAAD3A/UgMF9yPJBGY/s400/IMG_8190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502190292649899474" border="0" /></a>I am so excited to share one of my favourite organization tips! Probably my ONLY organization tip, but who's counting? But first, some background: My oldest daughter was not only our first child, but also the first grandchild on BOTH sides of our family. Needless to say, she was always very well-dressed and concurrently amassed a literal MOUNTAIN of toys. I noticed early-on that if they were all available at all times, she would not play with any of them; but if I put something away for a time and got it out later, it was like new again! I found it easier to start "collections" rather than just having a bunch of random toys laying about. It also became easier to organize that way. To do so, I chose clear plastic boxes so she could see inside and large labels with simple graphics to help with word/letter/symbol recognition and placed them on the no-longer-needed changing table.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE6NDf4AezI/AAAAAAAADxE/vvdhjoSay3k/s1600/IMG_8173.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE6S3z-Vd0I/AAAAAAAADxc/YH8fT54P2Mg/s1600/IMG_8173.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE6S3z-Vd0I/AAAAAAAADxc/YH8fT54P2Mg/s400/IMG_8173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498493682608076610" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE6VUJAs2yI/AAAAAAAADxs/Au6iaisSDrE/s1600/IMG_8190.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 395px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE6VUJAs2yI/AAAAAAAADxs/Au6iaisSDrE/s400/IMG_8190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498496368314735394" border="0" /></a>With larger collections, such as our embarrassingly vast accumulation of Pixar Cars and Fisher Price Little People, I used larger clear boxes (obviously) and labeled them with cut-outs from the packaging. We kept those in the closets.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE6VRr65SFI/AAAAAAAADxk/xff5y_950Jc/s1600/IMG_7964.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE6VRr65SFI/AAAAAAAADxk/xff5y_950Jc/s400/IMG_7964.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498496326146017362" border="0" /></a> We initiated a new rule which still stands today: only ONE box of toys out at a time. We now have 2 more children- 20-month-old twins- who are just starting to understand the system and it has just renewed my desire to keep the structure in place. Sheesh, I sound like a toy-Nazi! But with twins, everything becomes an organization nightmare! You literally HAVE to be organized yet you are cut-off, thrown-off and de-railed at every possible junction. Having the toys in place was just one less thing to worry about. And as our oldest has grown into other toys, like Barbie and Calico Critters, we just keep adding plastic boxes. Is the system perfect? No way! Are there arguments and whining? All the time- but not as many as when I relax on the rule and it comes time to clean everything up!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE6NGsr6I5I/AAAAAAAADxM/_C9lArA6RM4/s1600/IMG_8058.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE6NGsr6I5I/AAAAAAAADxM/_C9lArA6RM4/s400/IMG_8058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498487341280011154" border="0" /></a>Thank you, Hannah, for inviting me to participate in your awesome series on organization. Seriously, I cannot wait to learn from all the other contributions!Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-21210898055379766092010-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:002011-08-14T10:31:04.991-07:00How to Bead a Daisy Chain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFumXUo1cnI/AAAAAAAAD2o/Hcf9_sVIy6o/s1600/IMG_8226.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFumXUo1cnI/AAAAAAAAD2o/Hcf9_sVIy6o/s400/IMG_8226.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502174289370378866" border="0" /></a>This week, for our weekly Kid's Summer Craft Club, the girls learned how to make beaded daisy chains. This is one of those things I think everyone learned as a kid but me- I learned in England from my wonderfully artistic Sister-in-Law, Jenna. It is literally the only thing I know to do with seed beads besides just stringing them but they are so cute. I couldn't wait to show the girls! Here are the basics:
<br />I will be using pony beads and plastic thread for this tutorial so you can see what's being done easier. The younger girls used these as they are perfect for little hands, but for older girls, I think seed beads and a needle and beading thread are the best. For each section you will need the following beads (of course, feel free to change up the colors): <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFuqkAxGs7I/AAAAAAAAD24/GM5sM6IPbwQ/s1600/IMG_8310.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFuqkAxGs7I/AAAAAAAAD24/GM5sM6IPbwQ/s400/IMG_8310.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502178905421165490" border="0" /></a>To begin, take a green bead and thread the end around and through it to make it secure so you don't have to worry about the beads falling off the end.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFumD82jQEI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/Ip-D-YzM3xc/s1600/IMG_8511.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFumD82jQEI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/Ip-D-YzM3xc/s400/IMG_8511.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502173956567941186" border="0" /></a>Add 2 (or more) green beads for your "stem". Then begin your flower by threading four yellow "petal" beads and 1 purple "center" bead.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFul-N5XimI/AAAAAAAAD2I/XLyEudgY8Kk/s1600/IMG_8293.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFul-N5XimI/AAAAAAAAD2I/XLyEudgY8Kk/s400/IMG_8293.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502173858063944290" border="0" /></a>Bring your thread through the first yellow "petal" bead (the one next to the green bead) and pull all the way through.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFul7ZGnLEI/AAAAAAAAD2A/hOZLYVedWCM/s1600/IMG_8297.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFul7ZGnLEI/AAAAAAAAD2A/hOZLYVedWCM/s400/IMG_8297.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502173809532677186" border="0" /></a>Be sure to make sure the beads are all nice and squeezed up together when it is all pulled together like so:
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFulxQSjR8I/AAAAAAAAD14/zwQT92lRSP8/s1600/IMG_8298.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFulxQSjR8I/AAAAAAAAD14/zwQT92lRSP8/s400/IMG_8298.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502173635368142786" border="0" /></a>Add the last 2 "petal" beads...
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFulq0d20RI/AAAAAAAAD1w/QPWa7Er8Cgg/s1600/IMG_8300.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFulq0d20RI/AAAAAAAAD1w/QPWa7Er8Cgg/s400/IMG_8300.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502173524820152594" border="0" /></a>...and thread the end through the bead next to the purple "center" bead that is NOT attached to the green "stem" beads.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFulnhzGj1I/AAAAAAAAD1o/Dff9VIVrMYE/s1600/IMG_8548.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFulnhzGj1I/AAAAAAAAD1o/Dff9VIVrMYE/s400/IMG_8548.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502173468269383506" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFulYMXZBNI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/gCzj8NkSR5g/s1600/IMG_8304.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFulYMXZBNI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/gCzj8NkSR5g/s400/IMG_8304.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502173204817970386" border="0" /></a>Pull it nice and taught (but don't pull too tight- just snug). Then begin the process again.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFunSJ2Dd6I/AAAAAAAAD2w/fYUhr-e-61A/s1600/IMG_8279.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFunSJ2Dd6I/AAAAAAAAD2w/fYUhr-e-61A/s400/IMG_8279.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502175300085315490" border="0" /></a>Let's magically push the "transparency" button to see how the thread works inside the daisy. Abra-Cadabra! A la Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches!
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFulQ1hoGUI/AAAAAAAAD1I/l0MDl0KEnPg/s1600/IMG_8271.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFulQ1hoGUI/AAAAAAAAD1I/l0MDl0KEnPg/s400/IMG_8271.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502173078427801922" border="0" /></a>Just continue the pattern until you reach the desired length. Then finish it how you choose. For Abby's bracelet, we tied off the ends and threaded them back through the beads.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFulNQfia4I/AAAAAAAAD1A/w8ye9HZIuK4/s1600/IMG_8223.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 340px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFulNQfia4I/AAAAAAAAD1A/w8ye9HZIuK4/s400/IMG_8223.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502173016947321730" border="0" /></a>Didn't it turn out cute? I was surprised at how quickly she was able to pick it up. She is six and only needed to be shown a couple of times and she got it!
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFulGm5q4hI/AAAAAAAAD04/O4XgNaBt_YM/s1600/IMG_8229.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFulGm5q4hI/AAAAAAAAD04/O4XgNaBt_YM/s400/IMG_8229.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502172902703424018" border="0" /></a>I don't think she could have handled the tiny little seed beads though. Although the general procedure is the same, we added 5 "stem" beads in between the daisies. This is what that looks like.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFulAQmcK4I/AAAAAAAAD0w/0HgzEYs66w4/s1600/IMG_8281.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFulAQmcK4I/AAAAAAAAD0w/0HgzEYs66w4/s400/IMG_8281.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502172793637972866" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFuk7kSx5TI/AAAAAAAAD0o/bH4HDJcmDLk/s1600/IMG_8286.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFuk7kSx5TI/AAAAAAAAD0o/bH4HDJcmDLk/s400/IMG_8286.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502172713024873778" border="0" /></a>Here is K's version. She is eight and it was the perfect age for "graduating" to the smaller beads. We also added clasps to the ends as well. Didn't she do a fantastic job?
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFuk28B4xMI/AAAAAAAAD0g/l1uN-riF3pU/s1600/IMG_8244.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TFuk28B4xMI/AAAAAAAAD0g/l1uN-riF3pU/s400/IMG_8244.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502172633497126082" border="0" /></a>Of course, once you get the basics down, there are a ton of variations. Add or take away "stem" beads, change up the colors or make it ALL daisies! They always turn out cute and it is really fun and addictive. Have fun beading daisy chains!
<br />
<br />Hmmm, now, what should my next seed bead project be? I have a million of them and no idea what to do with 'em! Ideas?
<br />
<br />Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-43991709699775692042010-08-05T07:30:00.000-07:002010-08-05T08:53:50.226-07:00Thank You Thursday #3It's time for another Thank You Thursday. I don't know about you, but this is quickly becoming my favorite new feature. It feels good to express gratitude to some amazing, hard-working, generous bloggers for some fantastic projects! Also, it is really nice to clear up some space on my bookmarks bar.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFpXyNxE6UI/AAAAAAAAAKs/IgXpCuxXPf0/s1600/Thank+You+Thursday.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFpXyNxE6UI/AAAAAAAAAKs/IgXpCuxXPf0/s320/Thank+You+Thursday.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501806414987061570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFpWrDDGneI/AAAAAAAAAKU/XXOIif570nk/s1600/button.JPG"><br /></a>First, Thank You to Hannah at <a href="http://sherbetblossom.blogspot.com/2010/08/toy-organization.html">Sherbet Blossom</a> for <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sherbetblossom.blogspot.com/"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFrcEvvvEdI/AAAAAAAAAK0/na2QfpFxbU4/s200/BlogButton.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501951868880753106" border="0" /></a>allowing me to guest post in your project organization series and share how we organize our toys around here! You are such a talented designer and crafter- I can't believe you let me near the place! Note: Everyone should seriously check out her <a href="http://sherbetblossom.blogspot.com/">blog</a> and the other great organization and home tips (as well as some seriously awesome greeting cards... oh, and she's a graphic designer on top of that!)<br /><br />When I lived in England as a newlywed, I would look at home and design mags all the time and I remember an article about mixing florals that I loved! All of the photos made me feel so nostalgic and comfortable and homey. Thank you Anj at <a href="http://snowybliss.blogspot.com/">Snowy Bliss</a> for reminding me and bringing back those same feelings with your lovely, <a href="http://snowybliss.blogspot.com/2010/06/long-stemmed-fabric-flowers.html">long-stemmed fabric flowers</a>. They are so feminine and I am just dying to try them (just as soon as I scour the fabric stores for some more floral fabrics- my husband's gonna love that!) I love your rectangle vase as well so each flower is really showcased! Great project!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFpWY-Eyk7I/AAAAAAAAAKM/6buJ9poLhrA/s1600/Flowers17IMG_9104.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 326px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFpWY-Eyk7I/AAAAAAAAAKM/6buJ9poLhrA/s400/Flowers17IMG_9104.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501804881766421426" border="0" /></a><br />With half of our family living in England, I am always looking for ways to keep them close and making sure they are always familiar to our children. MaryLea at <a href="http://pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com/2008/01/home-made-christmas-gifts-reveal-3.html">Pink and Green Mama</a>; You came up with a brilliant way to do that! Thank you so much for sharing your <a href="http://pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com/2008/01/home-made-christmas-gifts-reveal-3.html">wonderful idea</a> of using a wooden puzzle and fitting family photos underneath the shapes. My twins are pretty much obsessed with puzzles at the moment and their 2nd birthday is fast approaching. This is definitely a must-do!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFpWVBKFnDI/AAAAAAAAAKE/q-cdfQqG6n4/s1600/tracephotos.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFpWVBKFnDI/AAAAAAAAAKE/q-cdfQqG6n4/s400/tracephotos.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501804813874469938" border="0" /></a><br />This idea is so great, I already did it! (see previous post) Thanks and hugs to Rachel at <a href="http://crafter-bayberrycreek.blogspot.com/">Bayberry Creek Crafter</a> for sharing your Pringles canister as <a href="http://crafter-bayberrycreek.blogspot.com/2010/07/recycled-pringles-can-cookie-holder.html">cookie container</a> idea. I love the details; the flower and the handle- plus it's re-purposing something that would have been trash so that is always a bonus! Mine don't even hold a candle to your clever creations, but this great idea is something that is now in the Baynes Family go-to gift idea box! Not a REAL box, mind you, it just exists in my head- like Elaine's vault on Seinfeld only I don't need to lock it; I'm happy to share the love.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFpWMHnCexI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/sdBK6wxXhNs/s1600/Recycled+Pringles+Can+Just+for+you.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 344px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFpWMHnCexI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/sdBK6wxXhNs/s400/Recycled+Pringles+Can+Just+for+you.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501804660987689746" border="0" /></a>Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02087224411654119862noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-51341322394246884642010-08-03T20:20:00.000-07:002010-08-04T01:35:07.030-07:00Cake Mix Cookies and Cute Packaging<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFiALtrZ6GI/AAAAAAAAAJk/x624dYOygv8/s1600/IMG_8421.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 328px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFiALtrZ6GI/AAAAAAAAAJk/x624dYOygv8/s400/IMG_8421.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501287883561625698" border="0" /></a>One night, I needed some cookies. I mean, I NEEDED some cookies. Some nights are just like that. At the end of my twin pregnancy, I was gaining 2-4 pounds of water and baby weight PER DAY. Everything else was going well on paper, but I couldn't walk; couldn't even bend my knees or close my legs for that matter and was on total bed rest, or should I say, chair rest because I couldn't sleep on a bed due to the legs thing (again, with the water). If I tried to turn on my side, one leg would have to be totally up in the air and that was just plain silly. I ended up giving birth at exactly 200 lbs. I am normally right around 100lbs so that tells you something! Here is a photo- we had to take it quickly before I collapsed- notice the legs; that was as close as they would go together. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFjJUYC_HwI/AAAAAAAAAJs/3ZzA1YSPvpk/s1600/LostFile_JPG_176286487.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFjJUYC_HwI/AAAAAAAAAJs/3ZzA1YSPvpk/s400/LostFile_JPG_176286487.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501368296722603778" border="0" /></a>Oh my, did I actually just post that? YIKES! It was probably the worst physical time in my life up to that time and what I craved more than anything was cookies. Now, I don't mean any store-bought kind! Oh no! Those would not do! I needed them to be hot out of the oven, home-made cookies. Ever since then, from time to time, I CRAVE cookies... NOW! Last week, we did not have the right ingredients for good homemade cookies so I had to improvise. After scouring the internet, I mixed up a few and came up with these semi-homemade cake mix cookies. Super simple and made it in-and-out of the oven fast! Here's what you need:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFjMB8RJvSI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/cDgiwmG0sT4/s1600/IMG_8498.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 328px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFjMB8RJvSI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/cDgiwmG0sT4/s400/IMG_8498.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501371278563065122" border="0" /></a>Any cake mix- my daughter adamantly insists on Funfetti- but any flavor should work.<br />1/3 cup canola oil<br />2 eggs<br /><br />Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix all 3 ingredients and drop by teaspoon full onto parchment lined cookie sheets. Give them a bit of a pat on top to flatten them slightly and bake for about 10 minutes. Easy peasy! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFh_xrk-VSI/AAAAAAAAAJM/e_yqG0vylnw/s1600/IMG_6590.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFh_xrk-VSI/AAAAAAAAAJM/e_yqG0vylnw/s400/IMG_6590.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501287436321183010" border="0" /></a>Fresh baked cookies! Now these will not be the best cookies you have ever had- they are, after all, from a cake mix; but they are better than anything at the store!<br /><br />So, earlier this week, we found out Abby's little friend is moving from about 7 houses down from us to about 4 houses down from us. We wanted to bring them a moving-in gift and Abby absolutely INSISTED on the Funfetti cookies. It was really last-minute and I needed some cute packaging and then I remembered these DARLING Pringles can makeovers at <a href="http://crafter-bayberrycreek.blogspot.com/2010/07/recycled-pringles-can-cookie-holder.html">Bayberry Creek Crafter</a> I have been wanting to try and I happened to have just such a can all cleaned out and ready to go! Her's are just darling and mine don't do her's justice, but the intent was there! I love finding great ideas through awesome crafty sites!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFh_u4mNWWI/AAAAAAAAAJE/VkVxObhAEtE/s1600/IMG_8410.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFh_u4mNWWI/AAAAAAAAAJE/VkVxObhAEtE/s400/IMG_8410.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501287388276414818" border="0" /></a>I happened to have some paper that was already printed two-toned from Creative Memories so all I did was measure, cut and add some ribbon and a tag. Looking now, I sort of cringe as I should have added some punctuation, but oh well, we were in a time crunch!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFh_sWuJ4lI/AAAAAAAAAI8/JKfKkwtyB6Y/s1600/IMG_8414.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFh_sWuJ4lI/AAAAAAAAAI8/JKfKkwtyB6Y/s400/IMG_8414.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501287344823198290" border="0" /></a>We filled the decorated cylinder with our cookies and took them to their destination.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFh_piAo9dI/AAAAAAAAAI0/ocfKFyIs5Ss/s1600/IMG_8421.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFh_piAo9dI/AAAAAAAAAI0/ocfKFyIs5Ss/s400/IMG_8421.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501287296313914834" border="0" /></a>Here they are... isn't this cute? (There is an equally cute family right behind her as well).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFh_mQin3AI/AAAAAAAAAIs/wEJbInUZtBE/s1600/IMG_8422.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFh_mQin3AI/AAAAAAAAAIs/wEJbInUZtBE/s400/IMG_8422.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501287240085003266" border="0" /></a>Welcome to your new home- now even closer!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFh_j6Is3uI/AAAAAAAAAIk/NKKJUrboDso/s1600/IMG_8423.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TFh_j6Is3uI/AAAAAAAAAIk/NKKJUrboDso/s400/IMG_8423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501287199710961378" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Linking to:<br /><a href="http://bluecricketdesign.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Show and Tell Green" src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/rdulgarian/ShowandTellGREEN-1.jpg" /></a><br /><center><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vk7b0eb36c8/S-Dt8w4FjkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/A5wquzXhr4g/s320/wgw+button.jpg" /></a></center>Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02087224411654119862noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-37335692159607175492010-07-30T07:30:00.000-07:002011-08-14T11:52:51.781-07:00Cereal Box Notebooks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0PSPvFeSI/AAAAAAAADtk/zM8ufX8pEW4/s1600/IMG_8040.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0PSPvFeSI/AAAAAAAADtk/zM8ufX8pEW4/s400/IMG_8040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498067526225328418" border="0" /></a>Need some new notebooks for school or just to stock up on while they are dirt cheap? Make them cuter while also reusing stuff that would normally be trash! Just take some food boxes, a notebook, a ruler, a mini-hole punch, jewelry pliers and a paper cutter or scissors. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0PNSpWkaI/AAAAAAAADtc/Llin-c5T4PM/s1600/IMG_7984.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0PNSpWkaI/AAAAAAAADtc/Llin-c5T4PM/s400/IMG_7984.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498067441107243426" border="0" /></a>Cut your box down to size using a page out of it as a template.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0O8Gk93dI/AAAAAAAADs8/u3WKrk_dkFg/s1600/IMG_8003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0O8Gk93dI/AAAAAAAADs8/u3WKrk_dkFg/s400/IMG_8003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498067145809845714" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0PJYTCF9I/AAAAAAAADtU/RMLFS4aVQs0/s1600/IMG_7989.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0PJYTCF9I/AAAAAAAADtU/RMLFS4aVQs0/s400/IMG_7989.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498067373904762834" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0O4-fSPQI/AAAAAAAADs0/my9R7FQ4HP8/s1600/IMG_8004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0O4-fSPQI/AAAAAAAADs0/my9R7FQ4HP8/s400/IMG_8004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498067092098923778" border="0" /></a>Carefully remove the coiled wire from the notebook. You will probably have to un-bend and then re-bend the ends, but it is super-easy.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0PD-OcDAI/AAAAAAAADtM/CRZEk-42CeA/s1600/IMG_7991.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0PD-OcDAI/AAAAAAAADtM/CRZEk-42CeA/s400/IMG_7991.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498067281006824450" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0O_5kFmNI/AAAAAAAADtE/JUWyVJ18Uiw/s1600/IMG_8001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 325px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0O_5kFmNI/AAAAAAAADtE/JUWyVJ18Uiw/s400/IMG_8001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498067211035973842" border="0" /></a>Then mark the holes on the back of your cut box and punch them out with a mini hole punch- not a little punch that makes regular-sized holes, but a regular-sized punch that makes mini holes.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0O1pQl3sI/AAAAAAAADss/ivQlDRj4Dxs/s1600/IMG_8007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0O1pQl3sI/AAAAAAAADss/ivQlDRj4Dxs/s400/IMG_8007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498067034860543682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0OxZRouiI/AAAAAAAADsk/Bk6Son7h5uY/s1600/IMG_8019.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0OxZRouiI/AAAAAAAADsk/Bk6Son7h5uY/s400/IMG_8019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498066961850481186" border="0" /></a>Hold the notebook together being especially careful to line up the holes, and replace the wire coil. Remember to bend the wire back at the end to lock it in place.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0OtozICbI/AAAAAAAADsc/aXyrOcwNK9w/s1600/IMG_8023.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0OtozICbI/AAAAAAAADsc/aXyrOcwNK9w/s400/IMG_8023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498066897298000306" border="0" /></a>To give it a finished look, use a corner punch on the bottom two corners.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0Oor87NeI/AAAAAAAADsU/f9S8hOK7fjI/s1600/IMG_8024.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 327px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0Oor87NeI/AAAAAAAADsU/f9S8hOK7fjI/s400/IMG_8024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498066812245063138" border="0" /></a>Then make MORE!!! And use the cute images on the sides and backs of your boxes to make book marks.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0Oe1Zp7uI/AAAAAAAADsM/UPFh-pldYco/s1600/IMG_8030.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0Oe1Zp7uI/AAAAAAAADsM/UPFh-pldYco/s400/IMG_8030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498066642982792930" border="0" /></a>To make your bookmark fancier, you can punch a hole and thread it with ribbon at the top (wow, that kind of made me sound like an old lady, eh?... FANCY!!!)
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0OU771MEI/AAAAAAAADr8/cVI8rudZw-U/s1600/IMG_8047.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0OU771MEI/AAAAAAAADr8/cVI8rudZw-U/s400/IMG_8047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498066472938057794" border="0" /></a>By the way, I totally recommend this book. It is a twist on the Rapunzel story and it is in a graphic novel type format. My daughter got it from her best friend in Utah who sent it to her in the mail which makes it super-extra special.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0OY6NSorI/AAAAAAAADsE/54J489fWafM/s1600/IMG_8046.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0OY6NSorI/AAAAAAAADsE/54J489fWafM/s400/IMG_8046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498066541193896626" border="0" /></a>It works with a full-size notebook as well. Note: You may have to go into the side panel a little bit, but it doesn't matter in the end.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0ONOBa6kI/AAAAAAAADr0/X2GiiiaTDs0/s1600/IMG_8031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0ONOBa6kI/AAAAAAAADr0/X2GiiiaTDs0/s400/IMG_8031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498066340354386498" border="0" /></a>I made mine into a two-subject notebook by placing the old cover in the middle of the paper ream.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0OIigDGEI/AAAAAAAADrs/rFMTzk0BmLY/s1600/IMG_8033.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0OIigDGEI/AAAAAAAADrs/rFMTzk0BmLY/s400/IMG_8033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498066259952212034" border="0" /></a>Again, punch the holes, line up the whole stack and replace the wire coil on the side.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0OD_v6KfI/AAAAAAAADrk/0nfPPTHX6uY/s1600/IMG_8034.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0OD_v6KfI/AAAAAAAADrk/0nfPPTHX6uY/s400/IMG_8034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498066181904017906" border="0" /></a>Ta-da! Way cuter than the generic, plain cover it came with.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0N96ZpbwI/AAAAAAAADrc/LvNzbySSfAM/s1600/IMG_8039.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0N96ZpbwI/AAAAAAAADrc/LvNzbySSfAM/s400/IMG_8039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498066077389254402" border="0" /></a>I can't exactly call this a recycling project as the paper is all new, but it is re-purposing PART of something you would have thrown away anyway so it's all good. Plus, I think they turn out way-cute and they only take minutes- even the big one with all that punching. These would make a fun end-of-summer craft to do with your kids to get them back in the mood for school!
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0Nx-V7guI/AAAAAAAADrU/7z_yUh2eM6c/s1600/IMG_8040.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0Nx-V7guI/AAAAAAAADrU/7z_yUh2eM6c/s400/IMG_8040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498065872288973538" border="0" /></a>
<br />Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-1873289165920874502010-07-29T07:34:00.000-07:002010-07-29T09:04:36.869-07:00Thank You Thursday #2It's another Thank You Thursday and I cannot wait to share my thank you notes today. If you are wondering what it's all about, you can read an explanation right <a href="http://mypaperpony.blogspot.com/2010/07/thank-you-thursday.html">HERE</a>.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TE--TY_8z2I/AAAAAAAAAF0/f7UmdUDcWOU/s1600/Thank+You+Thursday.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TE--TY_8z2I/AAAAAAAAAF0/f7UmdUDcWOU/s320/Thank+You+Thursday.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498822910380134242" border="0" /></a>I have very recently been so inspired by all of the lovely necklaces being made and shared throughout blogland. The only problem is, they look like you actually have to have some real special stuff to make them- stuff that I just don't have in me. The only necklaces I have ever made in my life are simple stringed beads and daisy chains. THANK YOU <a href="http://craftifyit.blogspot.com/">{Craftify It} </a>for your <a href="http://craftifyit.blogspot.com/2010/06/ric-rac-rosettes.html">Ric Rac Rosettes Necklace</a> tutorial. Don't think I'm hatin' and saying you don't have special stuff- you have the special-est kind of stuff because you shared something just about anyone can make and have it turn out fab. I actually just bought some ric-rac three days ago for the sole purpose of making these cute little guys. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TE-0AUUGCyI/AAAAAAAAAFs/Y5DwzkoTfvs/s1600/ricracnecklace.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TE-0AUUGCyI/AAAAAAAAAFs/Y5DwzkoTfvs/s400/ricracnecklace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498811587588655906" border="0" /></a><br />We all know we usually don't look our best when doing yard work- well, except for my neighbor when we lived in Springville, UT; I think she spent hours getting all snazzied up to look her best, bikiniest self when she did her gardening. But even when we're all hot, sweaty and dirty, don't we want to be surrounded by cute things- that's one of the main reasons I had kids! Anyway, I'd like to dig up a huge THANK YOU to <a href="http://2littlehooligans.blogspot.com/">2 Little Hooligans</a> for your <a href="http://2littlehooligans.blogspot.com/2010/06/mod-podged-hoe-tutorial.html">Mod Podged Hoe Tutorial</a>. You not only showed me how to make the mundane special, but also inspired us all to wanting to spruce up every tool in the shed! And why stop there? There's the indoor tools-with-handles as well! We could Mod-Podge the world (but that's another <a href="http://modpodgerocks.blogspot.com/">blog</a>). Also, I love the design of your awesome blog- those owls are the cutest!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TE-wmm_KgyI/AAAAAAAAAFk/lDG_xxlDqNs/s1600/tutu+and+hoe+tutorial+111_edited-2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TE-wmm_KgyI/AAAAAAAAAFk/lDG_xxlDqNs/s400/tutu+and+hoe+tutorial+111_edited-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498807847389659938" border="0" /></a><br />THANKS Alissa at <a href="http://33shadesofgreen.blogspot.com/">33 Shades of Green</a> for sharing how to better organize our ribbon and paper tubes with your <a href="http://33shadesofgreen.blogspot.com/2010/05/wrapping-paper-ribbon-wall-rack.html">Wrapping Paper and Ribbon Wall Rack.</a> It has always been a dream of mine to have a "wrapping station" after Martha Stewart said I needed one and this is such a cute and easy way to do just that. Now, I just need to convince my husband to build me a new room...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://33shadesofgreen.blogspot.com/2010/05/wrapping-paper-ribbon-wall-rack.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TE-s-bF7wXI/AAAAAAAAAFc/68LHZ-o6gAk/s400/Wrapping+Paper+and+Ribbon+Wall+Rack.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498803858467176818" border="0" /></a><br />[please note: all photographs used in this post are courtesy of the associated websites and their administrators]Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02087224411654119862noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-45920907963158657572010-07-28T05:10:00.000-07:002010-07-28T05:15:41.013-07:00Cat in the Hat Treats<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TEk7tK38tPI/AAAAAAAAAEA/-tcyGrxX-Ds/s1600/IMG_4420.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 342px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TEk7tK38tPI/AAAAAAAAAEA/-tcyGrxX-Ds/s400/IMG_4420.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496990467381572850" border="0" /></a>When my daughter started Kindergarten, I felt like I needed a starter-mom course in the new parental expectations department. When I was in elementary school, nobody brought in treats on their birthdays and we didn't celebrate "school" holidays like Teacher Appreciation Week and Dr. Seuss's Birthday. Don't get me wrong, it's all well and good; I just wish I had KNOWN some of this stuff -although I still think the whole bringing goodies on your birthday thing is disruptive, exclusionary and encourages too many "sweets days", but for now, I'll consider it a necessary thing- especially since my daughter SHARES a birthday with the aforementioned Dr. Seuss. Can you believe that? I felt under DOUBLE pressure to come up with a treat that celebrated both. I remembered seeing a marshmallow-on-cookie pilgrim hat in an old FamilyFun magazine and had an idea: What if we doubled the marshmallows to make a tall Cat-in-the-Hat type had treat? <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TEk7bMHaWyI/AAAAAAAAADQ/Z-LDvSOhXm4/s1600/IMG_4413.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TEk7bMHaWyI/AAAAAAAAADQ/Z-LDvSOhXm4/s400/IMG_4413.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496990158477220642" border="0" /></a>It was super-easy although a bit time-consuming.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 bag Large Marshmallows<br />1 package White Almond Bark (or bag of White Candy Melts)<br />1 box Ritz Crackers<br /><br />Stack two large marshmallows and secure them with a toothpick although I might try pretzel sticks next time so I don't have to warn the kids before they eat them. Next, melt the candy/bark. Place a dollop on a Ritz Cracker and place the marshmallow stack on top. Wait until secure (about 5 minutes) and dip the whole concoction in the melted white goodness. Be sure to scrape the bottom so there's not too much and place on wax paper to harden.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TEk7p_-Wg5I/AAAAAAAAAD4/qkocnV23N0A/s1600/IMG_4402.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 349px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TEk7p_-Wg5I/AAAAAAAAAD4/qkocnV23N0A/s400/IMG_4402.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496990412916032402" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TEk7nhscH-I/AAAAAAAAADw/BPBuvanfV5A/s1600/IMG_4405.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TEk7nhscH-I/AAAAAAAAADw/BPBuvanfV5A/s400/IMG_4405.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496990370428100578" border="0" /></a>When the "hat" is dry, take a tube of red decorator's icing and pipe on stripes and a red top. Note: Although the effect was appropriately topsy-turvy, this technique was way sloppier than I had hoped plus it tasted just like pure food coloring. I think next time, I will make the stripes with red Fruit Roll-ups so I can make them neater. Any ideas?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TEk7h1RnudI/AAAAAAAAADg/n4x5phCb5eE/s1600/IMG_4409.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TEk7h1RnudI/AAAAAAAAADg/n4x5phCb5eE/s400/IMG_4409.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496990272605108690" border="0" /></a>In the end, you just can't go wrong with white chocolate, icing (even the gross store-bought kind), Ritz crackers and marshmallows (toothpick optional). They were a big hit with the kids- even thought they weren't the standard cupcake, and the teacher appreciated the fact that they fit the theme of the day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TEk7eV5qhBI/AAAAAAAAADY/OZyrcmN6J2w/s1600/IMG_4418.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TEk7eV5qhBI/AAAAAAAAADY/OZyrcmN6J2w/s400/IMG_4418.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496990212643521554" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TEk7YmG4SfI/AAAAAAAAADI/rD8r_-8rxeU/s1600/IMG_4422.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TEk7YmG4SfI/AAAAAAAAADI/rD8r_-8rxeU/s400/IMG_4422.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496990113914702322" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Linking to:<br /><center><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vk7b0eb36c8/S-Dt8w4FjkI/AAAAAAAAAKE/A5wquzXhr4g/s320/wgw+button.jpg" /></a></center><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/"> </a><br /><a href="http://bluecricketdesign.net" target="_blank"><img alt="Show and Tell Green" src="http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/rdulgarian/ShowandTellGREEN-1.jpg" /></a>Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02087224411654119862noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-64983182814583134442010-07-26T07:30:00.000-07:002011-08-14T10:32:53.874-07:00Abby's 3-D Art Project<img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498075825508921090" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0W1U-fLwI/AAAAAAAADvE/CqcT0W08zVo/s400/IMG_7948.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 370px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" />If there has been a signature comment Abby has developed this summer, it would be, "I have a GREAT idea!" And you know what? More often than not, she does. Last week for example she took out an empty wooden box that she had saved after making the project it had contained (that was really fun for her in and of itself- a Melissa and Doug Decorate-your-own Frame) and said, "I have a great idea; Why don't I make a picture and put it in the little square places and this box will sort-of be like a frame?!" My response? "That IS a great idea! Let's do it!" She had the idea to layer things and make a 3-D type effect and I knew just what to do!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE5v4ABL7qI/AAAAAAAADws/KLA9XPzzjyc/s1600/MD+Frame.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 286px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE5v4ABL7qI/AAAAAAAADws/KLA9XPzzjyc/s400/MD+Frame.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498455202934288034" border="0" /></a>You can take any wooden box, display case, or shadow box and measure the inside(s). Cut two to three pieces of card stock paper for each section.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0ifbZU91I/AAAAAAAADvc/pvJU_CVa1aA/s1600/IMG_7917.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0ifbZU91I/AAAAAAAADvc/pvJU_CVa1aA/s400/IMG_7917.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498088643414521682" border="0" /></a>Now, start with your background. It will probably be pretty plain. It is a good idea to plan and roughly map or sketch your idea- especially if you are doing this with a child so they can understand where they are going with this. This "boring" background part caused a stir at first until we discussed the final project and then she was just as excited to do this part as the rest.<img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498075632520051682" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0WqGCWu-I/AAAAAAAADu0/N5yUH-BJnZk/s400/IMG_7919.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498075533906707250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0WkWrGgzI/AAAAAAAADus/zf2PA-LU4PA/s400/IMG_7923.JPG" style="cursor: move; display: block; height: 304px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" />When the background is complete, it is time to start on the second layer by drawing and coloring your image on the corresponding, pre-cut pieces of card.
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0WfyB8POI/AAAAAAAADuk/v1RNgLhcH2c/s1600/IMG_7926.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498075455350914274" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0WfyB8POI/AAAAAAAADuk/v1RNgLhcH2c/s400/IMG_7926.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 283px;" border="0" /></a>Cut them out with scissors and/or craft knife (obviously, an adult job).
<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0WcK4cscI/AAAAAAAADuc/eM-dzDl9DkE/s1600/IMG_7932.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498075393302507970" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0WcK4cscI/AAAAAAAADuc/eM-dzDl9DkE/s400/IMG_7932.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Then use 3-D puffy dots on the back of your cut-out element and add it to the picture.
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0WYB-xOXI/AAAAAAAADuU/TKabFJKDdms/s1600/IMG_7934.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498075322193623410" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0WYB-xOXI/AAAAAAAADuU/TKabFJKDdms/s400/IMG_7934.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>Then add more and more elements in even more layers! Remember to double the glue dots if your third layer is not attaching to the second layer, but is going all the way down to the first layer so it is the proper depth. Adjust accordingly if there are even more fabulous layers.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0jnwUBR0I/AAAAAAAADvk/EAgiGtKgI7w/s1600/IMG_7937.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 332px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0jnwUBR0I/AAAAAAAADvk/EAgiGtKgI7w/s400/IMG_7937.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498089885979985730" border="0" /></a>This is a photo Abby took... she obviously forgot to stage it just right so you would miss out on all the mess. Then again, doesn't everyone's crafting area look like a disaster area in the middle of a project? (Please say "yes", but if the answer is "no", PLEASE share your secret!!!)
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0WSbaiAwI/AAAAAAAADuM/ldBFhQOEW44/s1600/IMG_7941.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498075225941738242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0WSbaiAwI/AAAAAAAADuM/ldBFhQOEW44/s400/IMG_7941.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 269px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>I was really proud of how creative she was. She thought of and created every single element. I just did the cutting!
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0WOV_pxII/AAAAAAAADuE/iaOdZTrhgPQ/s1600/IMG_7951.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498075155767346306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0WOV_pxII/AAAAAAAADuE/iaOdZTrhgPQ/s400/IMG_7951.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 302px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0V3dyZOCI/AAAAAAAADt8/VNrD7MeIaiE/s1600/IMG_7954.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498074762722228258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0V3dyZOCI/AAAAAAAADt8/VNrD7MeIaiE/s400/IMG_7954.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 271px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>I think it turned out just lovely. Now I just need to find a way to cover it with Plexiglas... maybe Gorilla Glue? Suggestions?
<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0Vy3r__AI/AAAAAAAADt0/UVXawQvOHko/s1600/IMG_7948.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498074683775384578" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0Vy3r__AI/AAAAAAAADt0/UVXawQvOHko/s400/IMG_7948.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 370px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>We had a family reunion/art show to honor my Grandma's Sister-in-Law and her best friend who used to travel to Arizona in the 50's to study painting under <a href="http://degrazia.org/Gallery.aspx">Ted DeGrazia</a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>, with whom they developed a lasting friendship. To celebrate their lives, her son invited all the relatives to come and enjoy their paintings along with other family artists. All were invited to bring their own artwork and Abby had been stressing for weeks about which ONE to bring. Well, this piece quickly rose to the top of the list and it was a big success. The whole event was for that matter! Here she is next to her picture, sharing an easel with one of her grandma's drawings. She was a little shy but very pleased.
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0VtN2V-7I/AAAAAAAADts/xWSfP1k4UZw/s1600/IMG_8081.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498074586645134258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TE0VtN2V-7I/AAAAAAAADts/xWSfP1k4UZw/s400/IMG_8081.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 347px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a>What a great experience the whole thing was; from the idea, to the development, to the creation, to the exhibition. I am so grateful to have been raised to celebrate creativity and was encouraged in every artistic expression- even if it wasn't ever perfect or great. I hope I can do the same with my children!
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<br />Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-44490030494360249552010-07-24T07:37:00.000-07:002010-07-24T07:37:00.760-07:00Find and Make Your Own Box TemplatesSo, here is the post I contributed to <a href="http://733blog.blogspot.com/">733- A Creative Blog</a>'s annual Creativity Week. I'll leave the intro for those of you who are new or who are visiting for the first time! Welcome and I hope you find something useful!<br /><br />My name is Bethany and when I am not running after my soon-to-be first grader or 20 month old twins, I like to rest or watch Days of Our Lives or eat things-obviously there is chocolate involved- but I usually don't do those things. Usually, during nap time or late at night, I pretend like the house is in perfect array; the laundry cleaned, pressed and put away; lawn mowed, dinner finished and there is nothing else to do but make and do crafty things. Those things- the good, the bad and the REALLY bad- I post on my blog, The Paper Pony. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mypaperpony.blogspot.com/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TENrAR1UZiI/AAAAAAAAACQ/hFJcYhKfpCI/s320/PP2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495353622853346850" border="0" /></a> Do you find it difficult to find just the right box and packaging templates? For some reason, I can never find the templates I need, or they cost money, or I can't download them or some other issue. To remedy this, I started saving the packages of things we bought and started turning them into templates and it was super-easy! I might even have been known, on occasion, to buy a product just for it's packaging. And now, I have a selection of packaging options. So, here is how to turn these:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKkxxfJ42I/AAAAAAAADmc/niY60TM0iCk/s1600/IMG_7617.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKkxxfJ42I/AAAAAAAADmc/niY60TM0iCk/s400/IMG_7617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495135670349980514" border="0" /></a>...into THESE!! (note: I left them fairly plain because I wanted to show how the boxes look at there most basic... oh, and the fact that I am TERRIBLE at cute embellishments- you should see my attempts at making cards!)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TENf8JH4R8I/AAAAAAAAAB4/wpbNfy3cqJQ/s1600/IMG_7604.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 376px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TENf8JH4R8I/AAAAAAAAAB4/wpbNfy3cqJQ/s400/IMG_7604.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495341457167894466" border="0" /></a>So, first, you carefully take your box apart. If there are glued seams, I usually just tear as carefully as possible. You will be using a ruler in the process, so if you tear a couple of things, it's no big deal.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKkirS-dTI/AAAAAAAADmM/yizax99_ZVc/s1600/IMG_6699.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 340px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKkirS-dTI/AAAAAAAADmM/yizax99_ZVc/s400/IMG_6699.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495135410990249266" border="0" /></a>Lay the box open flat and study it so you understand how it works. I like to do this first so as I attempt to recreate it, there are fewer mistakes. Then place it on the "wrong" side of your chosen paper.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKkeEzybjI/AAAAAAAADmE/NFyepP5Cw9U/s1600/IMG_6708.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKkeEzybjI/AAAAAAAADmE/NFyepP5Cw9U/s400/IMG_6708.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495135331939413554" border="0" /></a>Trace all around the outside with a pencil so you can erase it later if you wish.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKkcF_qxaI/AAAAAAAADl8/jW2i0R34fvo/s1600/IMG_6716.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKkcF_qxaI/AAAAAAAADl8/jW2i0R34fvo/s400/IMG_6716.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495135297897940386" border="0" /></a>Then, carefully bend each crease back that you can and trace those as well. It is important during this step to use a very sharp pencil and line everything up precisely.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TENjJH0qdhI/AAAAAAAAACA/zct5mHRQKfc/s1600/IMG_6718.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_heJ3gdx9aUQ/TENjJH0qdhI/AAAAAAAAACA/zct5mHRQKfc/s400/IMG_6718.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495344978692044306" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKkWTh77uI/AAAAAAAADls/08XkVgWeHrw/s1600/IMG_6720.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKkWTh77uI/AAAAAAAADls/08XkVgWeHrw/s400/IMG_6720.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495135198452117218" border="0" /></a>Do the same with the lid...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKkAr1UcfI/AAAAAAAADlc/-48calB4B7A/s1600/IMG_6724.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKkAr1UcfI/AAAAAAAADlc/-48calB4B7A/s400/IMG_6724.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495134827018744306" border="0" /></a>Then, using your ruler, straighten up the edges and draw in the lines you missed or couldn't mark by bending back. I use dashed lines to indicate folds to which I need to pay particular attention or those that go opposite ways.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKkSJdAB2I/AAAAAAAADlk/En8w8F1-VFQ/s1600/IMG_6727.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKkSJdAB2I/AAAAAAAADlk/En8w8F1-VFQ/s400/IMG_6727.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495135127027582818" border="0" /></a>After you're happy with your traced image, cut out and fold using the original package as your guide. The original has the folds intact and it makes it so much easier to recreate when you know which way everything is supposed to go. Great for visual and hands-on learners like most of us creative people are!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKj5VzoQqI/AAAAAAAADlM/eL3MD4K-dWU/s1600/IMG_6729.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKj5VzoQqI/AAAAAAAADlM/eL3MD4K-dWU/s400/IMG_6729.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495134700846989986" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKjdseqrWI/AAAAAAAADk8/BRhS2fg28j4/s1600/IMG_6738.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKjdseqrWI/AAAAAAAADk8/BRhS2fg28j4/s400/IMG_6738.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495134225896746338" border="0" /></a>Then, glue where you need to and put it all together. In a lot of cases, you might find it easier to embellish before you glue everything together.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKjZfv9A-I/AAAAAAAADk0/C-09uEtO0Ms/s1600/IMG_6750.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKjZfv9A-I/AAAAAAAADk0/C-09uEtO0Ms/s400/IMG_6750.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495134153760113634" border="0" /></a>Here's the final project!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKjVQ0K7HI/AAAAAAAADks/td1siTpytE8/s1600/IMG_7611.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKjVQ0K7HI/AAAAAAAADks/td1siTpytE8/s400/IMG_7611.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495134081031793778" border="0" /></a>Sometimes, the tracing method can be more difficult with certain kinds of packaging. Especially if the box is awkward or requires some odd cuts or is a "two-parter"; that is a package that is too big for one piece of paper and you are required to make it in two pieces. Like this box, for example.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKmF25GnxI/AAAAAAAADms/z0sZc2ffKvg/s1600/IMG_7623.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 362px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKmF25GnxI/AAAAAAAADms/z0sZc2ffKvg/s400/IMG_7623.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495137114910007058" border="0" /></a>I used the "trace" method and was running into all kinds of trouble; partly due to a dull pencil and the fact that it was really late at night, and also because it is just an awkward box and required some odd cuts with a craft knife. Just look:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKhz0nZJVI/AAAAAAAADkc/kUOVJXVGN_I/s1600/IMG_6757.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 238px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKhz0nZJVI/AAAAAAAADkc/kUOVJXVGN_I/s400/IMG_6757.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495132407014696274" border="0" /></a>Not pretty! It was much easier to just scan and print onto card stock. Most packaging is white on the inside so you will need to adjust the brightness and contrast. Also, it helps to back it with a colored piece of paper. I like to add notes as well so I know what I'm doing. Here is what I did with this one so you can click on it to enlarge, cut, paste, print and make it yourself!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKi_7cKFcI/AAAAAAAADkk/y4OTQLddTe4/s1600/Mrs+Fields+Box+Template.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKi_7cKFcI/AAAAAAAADkk/y4OTQLddTe4/s400/Mrs+Fields+Box+Template.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495133714516678082" border="0" /></a>Here's the final result!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKhwx79p6I/AAAAAAAADkU/7VLsKXNwYkI/s1600/IMG_7636.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 391px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKhwx79p6I/AAAAAAAADkU/7VLsKXNwYkI/s400/IMG_7636.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495132354756061090" border="0" /></a>One more note! You may need to adjust the top openings so you don't have to glue them all shut like their originals are. For the cream carton, I flattened out a simple loop and slipped it over the top to keep it closed until I have need for it. The ol' "punch a couple of holes, thread ribbon and tie a bow" method also works well in a lot of cases.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKhmWH-NvI/AAAAAAAADkM/g5_FiYMvoUM/s1600/IMG_7566.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKhmWH-NvI/AAAAAAAADkM/g5_FiYMvoUM/s400/IMG_7566.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495132175491544818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKhjI_OoGI/AAAAAAAADkE/3cN2EQxU_6I/s1600/IMG_7567.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKhjI_OoGI/AAAAAAAADkE/3cN2EQxU_6I/s400/IMG_7567.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495132120425603170" border="0" /></a>So, here is what I ended up with! I kept all the original templates and put them in a big folder so now, I have a bunch of options when it comes to cute boxes AND a great excuse to buy some things I might not normally get. "I HAVE to HAVE this BOX!"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKhZ0mMJ1I/AAAAAAAADj8/YS8h2S9hCAo/s1600/IMG_7604.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 376px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEKhZ0mMJ1I/AAAAAAAADj8/YS8h2S9hCAo/s400/IMG_7604.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495131960333051730" border="0" /></a>Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2996390833251557465.post-76965571224046044062010-07-23T09:09:00.000-07:002010-07-23T09:16:13.708-07:00733- A Creative BlogI am posting over at <a href="http://733blog.blogspot.com/">733- A Creative Blog</a> today. All week has been Creativity Week over there and I have been amazed at the awesome projects that have been posted. Be sure to scroll down and check them out once you get there! I'm showing you how to make these...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEm_gDu_raI/AAAAAAAADq8/MyNQfPKX3hs/s1600/IMG_7603.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 387px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEm_gDu_raI/AAAAAAAADq8/MyNQfPKX3hs/s400/IMG_7603.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497135377661537698" border="0" /></a> ...out of these!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEm_baSOtFI/AAAAAAAADq0/-OnRMWeDdMU/s1600/IMG_7617.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E22mBpcLA5g/TEm_baSOtFI/AAAAAAAADq0/-OnRMWeDdMU/s400/IMG_7617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497135297815557202" border="0" /></a>I'll post the full tutorial later this weekend. But be sure to head over to <a href="http://733blog.blogspot.com/">733</a> today. Oh, also, if you go through back posts or check out the labels, there are some great tips to help you soup-up your blog pages! Have a great day!Bethany @ The Paper Ponyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15133188505678873099noreply@blogger.com1