Elmo Birthday Wreath

In honor of my sweet munchkin's 2nd birthday party that we celebrated on Saturday (her big day is Tuesday, July 1st), I would love to be able to post complete party decòr and all of the themed paraphernalia used...but, quite frankly, I am just too stinking tired.! I promise I will post everything soon, but for now...enjoy the Elmo wreath I created to welcome guests to her (obviously) Elmo-themed party!

Materials:

-1 1/2 rolls of red mesh ribbon

-wire wreath form

-GIANT google eyes

-orange felt

-10-12" of black ribbon (enough that it reaches from one side of the wreath to the other with some slack to form the mouth)

-wooden number (mine was 2", although I now wish I had used a larger size)

-washi tape

-leftover black ribbon or a 6" piece of ribbon

-glue gun/sticks

Instructions:

1. Weave mesh ribbon through the wreath form. Check out this awesome tutorial to see how!

2. Hot glue google eyes to the top of the wreath

3. Cut orange felt into a large circle and hot glue below the eyes, overlapping them slightly to get the "Elmo" effect

4. Glue long piece of ribbon on both ends and stretch from one end of the wreath (toward the bottom) to the other, giving some slack in the middle to make it look like a smile.

5. Wrap wooden number in washi tape and add a bow to the top. Glue the number to the wreath.

Happy 2nd birthday to my sweet Claire! Stay tuned for a birthday giveaway rolling out tomorrow!!!

Fourth of July Round-Up

Get your sparklers, grills, and picnic tables ready, folks! Independence Day is one week from today! Allow me to assist you in getting pumped up for the big day. The amazing Michele, of Shelstring Blog has put together a spectacular display of Fourth of July-inspired decòr, DIY projects, and food! Check them all out (the "Let Freedom Ring" printable was made by yours truly) and have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July holiday, everyone! God Bless America!!!

To start out, how about an example of an inviting front porch all decked out in our nations colors ?

Go check out Our Family Inspired Home for the details

Here is the ultimate stars and bunting banner to give an instantly festive look to any space. See how Karen put it all together at Dragonfly and Lily Pads

Going to be doing some grilling? My mouth is watering just looking at these delicious glazed fiery mango  shish-kabobs over at The Housewife in Training Files

How about getting a little more personal by marking your state on this patriotic wooden sign map by   Un-origional Mom 

Doesn't this beautifully arranged wreath just make you feel like you can almost breathe the air and feel the breeze of the sea? Made by The Silly Pearl

Here is the perfect centerpiece for the porch or, I'm thinking, the table by Written Reality

Written Reality has also made life simple by showing us how to make a reversable wreath that you can enjoy for the holiday, then flip around to celebrate summer. So clever!

This red, white and blue jello dessert looks like the perfect tasty treat by Koti Beth at 

Functional by Design

Here is an all time favorite pinterest project of mine that I hope to do myself someday. See how Heather at Southern State of Mind adds a beautiful nautical twist to her Pallet American Flag.

No round-up would be complete without a project using book pages. Try making this festive 4th of July book page wreath over at 

What Meegan Makes 

Need to pull together a quick centerpiece? Use items you have around the house to make this 5 minute summer floral arrangement by Being Bianca

Have a table that needs some jazzing up? Run over and imitate this beautifully refinished Navy and White Striped Table over at Restoration Redoux

And talk about the perfect cool, no fail treat to enjoy. I'm sure you won't have leftovers from this  alluring treat by Crafts a la Mode

This Captain America Romper will be the envy of every little boy! Learn how to make it at 

My Mom Made That

I love a great chevron project. Add some fun pinwheels to a wreath for a fun spin, also at 

My Mom Made That

This tasty patriotic pudding parfait will also make an impressive display once again at the busy Mom blog, My Mom Made That

Word art is inspiring with it's familiar phrase all on it's own, why not put them on bottles you have on hand and make it extra impressive by following along at 

ReCreations

Ready for an easy project ready in no time flat? Click over and take advantage of this beautiful "Let Freedom Ring" printable over at HoyBy Crafts

Everyone who knows me is aware of my love for the rustic, so when I first saw this clever rustic flag my jaw just dropped. Learn how simple it was to make at House of Hawthornes

And finally, some of you may recognize this quilted flag wall hanging that was a lot simpler to make than it looks here at Shelstring

How's that for inspiration? I hope you found something that sparked your creative energies. The best about 4th of July projects is that they can be enjoyed throughout the year. 

Have a wonderfully creative 4th of July!

Hugs, 

Wedding Round-Up

This summer is definitely turning out to be the summer of weddings! We've got currently got four going on this summer, 2 of which are here in Pittsburgh and the other two in my hometown of Chambersburg, PA. I am honored to be a bridesmaid in one of our two weddings in July and my hubby will be a groomsman in a wedding in August. Our wedding season. kicks off this Saturday with my sweet cousin Katelyn's wedding. In honor of her wedding, the millions of weddings taking place this summer and finding true love and celebrating it with those you love the most, I've put together a round-up of all things wedding! Enjoy!

Favors

1. Gumball machine favors, featured on The Knot, Best of 2013 Weddings

2. Sparkler favors, by Marry Grams store on Etsy

3. Flip flop favors, featured on Wedding Chicks

4. Sunglasses for guests by Southbound Bride

5. S'more kit favors by Elizabeth Anne Designs

Photography

1. Bridesmiad photo detailing how each girl knows the bride, courtesy of Brides of Adelaide, featured on Buzzfeed

2. Cute pose of bride and groom framed by the flower girl and ring bearer, original post unknown

3. Remind guests of how to share pics on Instagram, by Wild Whim, featured on Buzzfeed

4. Photo of bride and groom holding their parents' wedding day pics, original post unknown

Decòr

1. Decorate the ends of the aisles with pics of the bride and groom growing up, by Its a Bride's Life, featured on Buzzfeed

2. Sweet way to place guests name under their table number, by Sortrature

3. Adorable sign encouraging guests to bust a move, by Ashley Biess via Etsy

4. Date ideas jar, featured on weddingwire.com and Buzzfeed

Flowers

1. Gorgeous pastel bouquet, courtesy of Lover.ly

2. Vibrant, jewel tones bouquet, by Erin Volante Floral blog

3. Pretty in pink bouquet, by The Full Bouquet blog

4. Beautiful, floral centerpiece, courtesy of Fleur blog

5. Colorful, hand-tied bouquet, by Houston Wedding blog

6. Perfect for Fall bouquet (original post unknown)

Programs and Place cards

1. Playbill style wedding program, by Ladybug Pixels shop on Etsy

2. Fanned wedding program, by Punky Posh shop on Etsy

3. Burlap and bows place cards, by Spools and Bobbins shop on Etsy

4. Personalized program idea, by Designs by DVB shop on Etsy

Chalkboard Bookmark

My incredibly talented sister-in-law has recently published her second book in the "Checked" trilogy. If you have not yet heard about this series, here is a glimpse into what its all about...

"Callie spends countless hours staring at appliances to make sure they are really unplugged. She wastes obscene amounts of time checking for murderers in various corners of her house and entire sleepless nights performing pointless checking rituals. Then every spare minute is filled with inspecting doorknobs, chairs, floors, etc. for minuscule traces of germs. Oh, and she does all of this as she counts to three over and over again in her head. She does this every day. Without fail. 

Dr. Blake just doesn’t fit into her schedule. Until he does. Until Callie begins to trust him. Until she starts to need him. And want him. And . . . "

I know I'm partial, but these books are fantastic and provide an all-too-real look at Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and its effects on those who suffer from it. As a romantic at heart, it also met every expectation I have of a romantic novel and then some. I truly CANNOT WAIT for the final book to come out!!! You can check out THIS LINK to purchase Checked (first novel) and Checked Again (second) for yourself!

As a promotion for these awesome books, I created these chalkboard bookmarks that you can make for yourself in a few, simple steps!

Materials

-mini bookmark (found in the jewelry section of most craft stores)

-chalkboard pendant (Hobby Lobby has just started selling really cute ones!)

-split ring

-needle-nosed pliers

-chalk or chalk marker

Instructions:

1. Using needle-nosed pliers, open split ring and place one end of the ring through the pendant.

2. Place the split ring through the hole at the top of the bookmark. Close the split ring using the pliers.

3. Decorate the bookmark using chalk or a chalk marker (chalk is removed easily using a wet paper towel and drying befor using again!)

Stay tuned for an awesome giveaway in July, where I will be including a chalkboard bookmark like this one, as well as a certain book that shall not be named (but you can probably guess) to place that bookmark inside!

Pipe Cleaner Fireworks

This week, I have the extreme pleasure of joining up with Emily of Nap-Time Creations, along with lots of other amazing bloggers to present a huge assortment of summer fun activities, recipes, DIY's, etc. Please hop on over to the blogs and projects featured at the end of this post for all of the amazing ideas!

Ahhhh, summer! How do I love thee? Let me count the degrees! School is out, pool is open, and picnics are upon us! If that's not enough, summer also brings with it the celebration of the amazing country in which we live! And fireworks...So. Many. Fireworks! I mean, really, is there anything cooler than watching an array of colors, light, sparkles, and noise explode above you? I think not! Here is a fun way to get the kiddos involved in the excitement of the approaching Fourth of July by creating some cute and simple fireworks of their own...

Materials:

*red, sparkly, pipe cleaners (2-3 per firework)

*blue, sparkly, pipe cleaners (2-3 per firework)

*scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut 2 red and 2 blue pipe cleaners in half. Place all pieces into one bundle so that the ends line up.

2. Using a small piece of another pipe cleaner (about 4"), wrap it around the middle of the bundle, securing all pipe cleaners in place.

3. Pull each piece of the bundled pipe cleaners apart and in various directions to form a firework.

4. Adjust pipe cleaners so that they are spread somewhat evenly in all directions.

The options for these little creations are truly limitless. I am currently using mine to embellish the Fourth of July display in my home. Here are some other suggestions to use to celebrate your American pride:

*Place on your table as decoration for Fourth of July dinners and picnics

*Use as place card holders

*Wrap them around dowel rods and place in a vase for a cute and patriotic centerpiece

*Give as gifts to friends, teachers and family members with a tag that reads "You're a real firecracker!"

*Tie fishing wire around them and hang for added sparkle

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!

Pottery Barn Knock off Pillow by For What Its Worth

Pipe Cleaner Fireworks by Hoyby Crafts

Indoor Summer Fun Ideas by Alex Haralson on Nap-Time Creations

Check out the fun posts from last week:

Banana Pudding Pops by Ginger Snap Crafts on Nap-Time Creations

Tin Can Lanterns by About a Mom

Father's Day Paint Swatch Card by Our Rosey Life

Crabby Onesie by My Mom Made That