Brassy Apple

Angry Bird Valentine

2012-01-31T10:59:00.054-07:00

If you've got a child who doesn't want any hearts or "lovey" Valentine's to give out AND they love Angry birds - these are for you!

Disguise a sucker into a plump angry bird!

Supplies:
Card stock - red, yellow, black, white, orange
Print out the pattern template for the pieces
Print out tags with saying (the tags says - I get "angry" at the lovey dovey Valentines. They are for the "birds!")
scissors / exacto knife
glue stick/hot glue gun
Sharpie
Tootsie Roll suckers

Step 1: Using the template cut out the pieces necessary for your bird. It's easiest to cut out the smaller pieces but breaking out those elementary school skills by folding a paper in half and cutting a heart or a circle, etc and using the template as a guide for the right size.

Step 2: Place and glue the white belly on each bird. For the red bird place the beak and eyes. For the yellow bird place the eyes right on top of the belly.

Step 3: Add the eyebrows. For the red bird - cut the top off a heart at an angle. For the yellow, add the red straight eyebrows and the beak. Cut an orange heart down the center and place according to the picture.

Step 4: Add the head and tail feathers on both birds. Make a few dots with a sharpie marker for the eyes.

Step 5: Punch a hole or cut an "X" or a cross for the sucker stick to thread through.

Wrap the card stock around the back of the sucker and add a dot of hot glue to secure it together.

Add a tag and some hot glue as well to secure it to the sucker stick.

And you are done! I'll be linking up and sharing HERE!

UP movie Valentine

2012-01-30T22:20:00.000-07:00

supplies:

Boxed Candy hearts

White Card stock

UP house printable

Hot glue gun

2 helium filled balloons

Paper with printed saying

scissors

Step 1: Print the UP house printable on white card stock. Cut out along the roof line straight down the sides to the other house and along the roof line of the other.

Step 2: Take photos of your child or you pretending to hold a rope like you were floating away. Print and cut out around the body.

Step 3: Take a candy box and the cut out UP house piece. Wrap the box with the house.

Take your hot air balloons and place them behind the chimney. You can split up the balloons on each side or group them all together. Glue the strings into place using the glue gun and then attach the house to the candy box with the hot glue. Cut away the excess string from the balloons.

Step 4: Print out a saying on regular paper and cut a cloud shape around it.

Sayings could include:

Valentine, you make me soar "UP" above the clouds!

for a teacher - Thanks for taking my education "UP" to another level!

Thanks for being someone I can look "UP" to!

attach the cloud to the string of the balloon with a bit of hot glue

attach the cut out photo as well below the cloud

I'll be linking up here!

Conference Ticket GIVEAWAY!!!!

2012-01-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

I just recently found out about a Conference here in Utah - Story @ Home. It focuses on storytelling and aren't we always telling stories? Stories of our lives, our past and our current projects - hello the world of blogging and scrapbooking!

The Conference has 3 tracks:

Blogging your passion and telling your story
Family History - from newbies to beyond
Storytelling - the magic of it, through photos and more

Plus it's chock FULL of amazing presenters like Rachel Herrscher (co founder of EVO and Today's Mama), Tauni Everret and C. Jane Kendrick and many more!

I have one full conference pass to giveaway to 1 lucky reader!!!

The conference is March 9-10, 2012 on Temple Square in Salt Lake City

to enter:

1. LIKE the Story @ Home Facebook Page

2. Tweet about it

leave a seperate comment for each here on my blog to increase you chances of winning!

Good luck!

BUT

* Don't wait to see if you've won before purchasing your conference pass! Seating is limited and the conference may sell out before a winner is announced. If you purchase a ticket and then win, you will be issued a refund for your ticket price.

* Also, Story@Home is offering a Sweetheart Special. Everyone who registers by February 14th will be entered into a drawing. The winner will receive 2 tickets (one refund for her and a ticket for someone she loves).

(The value of the pass is $79.00 for the whole weekend. It does not include meals but there will be discounts and coupons given to some of the local restaurants. The Plaza Hotel is also offering a special rate of $79.00 a night for those that need to travel.)

Make it Monday #16

2012-01-29T17:59:00.003-07:00

It's just another Manic Monday - OoooOOOO... Ha ha! Now you'll be singing that song!

It's time to link up and share your Creativity!

Last week we had a record number of links - YEAH - Thank YOU!
(secretly wondering if we will break the number from last week)

The most viewed project from last week was Simple Valentine Art from It's Overflowing

Now it's your turn!

1. share a direct link to your tutorial

2. no shops or selling please

3. include a MAKE it MONDAY logo button or link on your blog somewhere or post

Swing back by on Tuesday. I have a ticket to giveaway to a blog conference!!!!

Home decor - Fabric wall art

2012-01-26T07:18:00.029-07:00

Needing to dress up your walls but don't want something permanent? or do you want something completely different that your neighbors and guests will notice and comment on when they stop by?

Well - maybe my fabric wall art tutorial is what you are looking for!

Take a look at what my little sister did in her house using a similar technique.

I have to start with this enormous one in the dining room!

Besides lovin' the dining room this birdie at the end of the hallway just make me smile! I love the modern "trees" and the colors.

A living room wall gets a pop of color and design!

And she's even added some fun in the bathroom!
(psst! she used my medallion pattern you can get here)

I always love to see how you create something from my tutorials! Please post and share photos on my Facebook wall, if you blog about it - send me the link, or email me!

What I wore Wednesday - faux fur

2012-01-25T03:18:00.038-07:00

I haven't participated in What I Wore Wednesday in a long time! And since I have been getting some questions from you - my readers - on Facebook about what I wear and accessorizing, I thought I'd jump back in and share.

I have also been challenging myself to wear what's in my closet! I know that sounds funny but I do have some tops that I just ADORE but don't really wear. SO - I have been going through my closet and trying NOT duplicate some of my comfy, easy to wear tops that I might pull out to wear more often.

Here's an easy outfit I wore this week.
Skinny jeans
White long sleeved Tee (everyone's got one of these!)

and how to take it to the next level? I layered it with a faux fur vest and some brown boots. Perfect for the snowy January here in Utah!

And of course accessories! I paired it with some gold dangle earrings, a brown necklace worn long and my metallic leather cuff. Easy and comfortable but it looks pulled together (well to me anyway) wink....

Valentine - Got my EYE on you

2012-01-23T21:45:00.001-07:00

Here's a quick easy Valentine that will surprise who ever receives it!

Valentine, I've got my eye on you!

And this one is so easy I'd thought I'd show you how to make it via a video tutorial. Enjoy!

If you give it a try - please share a photo on the Brassy apple Facebook wall or send me a link to your blog post about it!

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I will be linking up here

Make it Monday #15

2012-01-22T17:59:00.012-07:00

Time to share your creativity with Make it Monday!

Last week's most viewed link was from Uncommon Designs:

Hop over there and see what she did with some Christmas clearance!

YOUR TURN!

1. share a direct link to your tutorial

2. no shops or selling please

3. include a MAKE it MONDAY logo button or link on your blog somewhere or post

Winner - 6 scarves gvieaway!

2012-01-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the entries and blog followers! The winner of the 6 scarves giveaway as a Thank YOU for to all my blog followers is:

WHITNEY of Sew Much 2 Create

Congrats!

Don't forget you can link up and share your creativity later today starting at 6pm (MST) for Make IT Monday!

Star Wars Valentine for boys

2012-01-19T21:56:00.002-07:00

I wanted to create some Valentine's that weren't all about love for my little guy to hand out and something that fit his personality too! Plus as a mom I am sort of giddy that it's not a candy treat he is handing out!

Here's how you can be the hero of the galaxy too!

Supplies:

Print off the ready made cards HERE on card stock

(if you want the TO & FROM version it's HERE)

scissors or a paper cutter

clear tape

glow sticks

Step 1: Print off the cards and cut them apart. Each page comes with 3.

Step 2: Make a slit in the cardstock right at the top of the lightsaber - about 1/2" - 3/4" long. Wide enough for the glow stick to be able to slip through. I used my paper cutter to make the slit but you could use an exacto knife or other cutting device too.

Step 3: Slip the glow stick into the hole - be careful not to pop/activate the stick! Then place the bracelet attachment on the end in the back and secure into place with a bit of tape!

Have your little cutie fill in their name and they are ready to hand out!

If you give this a try - let me know!

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I'll be linking up here!

Mustache Valentine

2012-01-18T22:08:00.000-07:00

Valentines are really fun to make and get creative with! Here's an idea we did last year. They were fun to mail out to Grandma's and Grandpa's.

A simple photo with some mustaches and a little tape to keep them in place. Then a quick edit session in photoshop, picnik or whatever you like to use! I like to use the 1 hour service to print out my photos for cheap too!

These Valentines are sure to get a laugh and to be remembered!

~ more Valentines ideas coming over the next several days! Don't miss them! ~

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I will be linking up here and sharing my idea!

Blogging Tips - start, grow & build your blog

2012-01-18T03:18:00.041-07:00

Now that we are a few weeks into the New Year - how are those resolutions going? Do you still have some you haven't gotten to yet? or maybe some you aren't sure how to go about them.

If one of those things is starting a blog or building/growing your blog, I found these helpful articles on this subject and thought I'd share! Oh those things you wish you knew when you started! They are worth the read!

A great how to for the beginner from The Blog Guidebook

A helpful overview to grow from where you are from Creative Kristi

Insight and wisdom from someone who knows - See what The Inspired Room learned about blogging from 2011.

One of my favorites - Blogging predictions from Mom Blog Magazine

And we CAN'T forget about social media - it's a HUGE part of blogging and business now!
The Nester shares some GREAT advice on how to harness the power of Pinterest

and if you are still trying to figure out Pinterest, Lasso the Moon shares some tips!

I hope you find these helpful!

My Word for the year...

2012-01-17T03:18:00.002-07:00

A little over a week ago I took on the challenge from Lara of Less Cake More Frosting of picking a word for the year and got to share it with her readers.

If you didn't catch it on her blog, I wanted to share it with you today!

After milling over what my WORD would be, it struck me one day and then just wouldn't go away!

My word for 2012 is ADVENTURE

There are always the BIG moments to look forward to in life but what about the everyday or the small, quiet moments? I think the mundane everyday can be turned into or viewed as an adventure!

I love this quote:

"In all living have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." - Gordon B. Hinckley

So for 2012 I am living an adventurous life! I am going to see more in my everyday. I am going to plan and carry out more of those items on the "someday" list. I am going to go for it!

I took a small journal and created my 2012 Adventure Bucket list! It's been filled with favorite adventure quotes and pictures that I have collected on Pinterest. Plus some favorite song lyrics that motivate me to continue to pursue the adventure items on my bucket list.

It's small enough to fit into my purse as a constant reminder and it still has room to journal about the adventures that come my way this year that aren't even on my list.

As they say in the movie UP -

Do you have a word that you are going to center your year around? Please share it with me! And if you haven't picked one yet - it's not to late!

Make it Monday #14

2012-01-15T17:59:00.017-07:00

It's time to share your creativity and LINK up!

This week I want to celebrate with a giveaway as a way of saying THANKS for all my blog followers!

I will be sending 1 lucky winner 6 scarves! they will take you through the year from now to next Christmas!

Or keep some for yourself and make someone's day but giving them one!

ENTER the giveaway!

1st entry - must be a follower of my BLOG - leave a comment

2nd entry - Link up a project - leave a comment that you did!

3rd entry - LIKE the Brassy Apple Facebook page - leave a comment that you LIKE my page!

Thanks again for all the follows! Now - let's see your projects!

last weeks most viewed project was this Winter Wreath!

Coming in February - BLING IT!

2012-01-13T03:18:00.038-07:00

Coming in February - Beads, bling, baubles and more! 16 bloggers will be sharing their DIY jewelry ideas here with you!

You can look forward to seeing what these ladies create:

Material Girls Quilts

Molly O Designs

Every Creative Endeavor

Brittany Golden Studio

Little Cherry Blossoms

and ME too!

God Bless Harry Potter

2012-01-12T04:43:00.099-07:00

There are lots of twists, turns and secrets within the pages of the Harry Potter series. But there is one secret that my copy of Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix kept that I didn't know about for 8 years...

It's got a story to tell....a tale of 2 rings (and no there are no hobbits involved!), 3 USA states, 3 moves and a happy ending. So pull up a chair...

8 years ago I was about 5 1/2 months pregnant and during the Christmas break we took a family trip to Wyoming. There was a crazy storm and I remember the snowfall amount being incredible! There were times we had to go so slowly because we couldn't see and it was piling on the roads quickly.

After enjoying visiting my husbands family for a few days we started the trip by home. It was long (especially when you have to sit that long while pregnant). I remember my wedding ring "slipping" around on my finger on the car ride. During the winter my wedding ring was always more loose. I remember taking it off once just so I wouldn't keep bumping the setting, etc as the diamond kept falling to the underside of my finger.

We made several stops along the way, in and out of the car and even had an overnight stay before we finished the rest of the trip. When we arrived home and started to unpack I realized that I didn't know where my wedding ring was! I did have a flash of a memory of taking it off in the car but I started to think about how many times I had gotten in and out of the car, our overnight stay, etc. and I all could think of was it in the a snowbank in a parking lot somewhere between Wyoming and home. My husband was crushed! There was so much sentimental value associated with my wedding ring for him that he also a bit upset with me too.

Weeks went by, then months...then years! After the 1st year passed I knew for sure we weren't going to find it. After a few years of wearing different rings on my ring finger my husband reluctantly surprised me with a new wedding ring one night at dinner! I certainly didn't feel like I deserved it and I was TERRIFIED I would loose this new ring!

Fast forward 3 years from when I got the new ring. We are now living in an entirely new state and have built and moved 3 different times since the beginning of the story (8 years ago). My son, now 7 keeps bringing home Harry Potter books from the school library. I tell him, "We have these books. Why don't you just read ours?" And for my sake, then we don't have to keep track of the library book and return it.
"Ok" he says. "Where are they?"
"Packed away somewhere. Remind me later and we will look for them" I reply.

Well, that didn't happen. Months went by with the same question and answer going between us. Finally, one day a few months back he asked about them again and THIS time I said, "Let's go look for those boxes right now."

Sadly, it took all of 3 minutes to locate the box. There were a few stacked in there and I just grabbed the 5th year book, handed it to his excited little hands and off he ran. A very few short minutes later when I was back working on the computer he came up to me and was saying something about a ring he found in the book. I was typing away and I was thinking, "Is there a ring in that story and maybe there was a trinket in the book that I just never realized was there?". He said it again and I pulled my concentration away from the computer screen to take in what he was saying.

There he stood holding my wedding ring! The one I had lost 8 years prior. The one I thought I would NEVER see again. The one I thought I would only have photos of from our wedding day to show our children my "first" wedding ring.

I grabbed him an embrace and told him he was the HERO of the day! He had found my long lost wedding ring! Knowing how much this would mean to my husband I told him to run downstairs to Dad's office and show him.

I couldn't believe it! Once he was done showing my husband I had him retell me HOW and WHERE he had found it.

Turns out it was wedged between the last couple of pages and the back cover of the book.

I do not remember placing it there - ever! But maybe I did. I was reading this book on the trip we took. It was in the car with me. It was near my purse and all the stuff you surround yourself with when you travel - especially with kids!

I must have finished it on that trip and then back on the shelf if went. Then eventually it just went into a box of book that we wanted to keep but just weren't putting out on the bookshelves. You can even see all the indentations it made throughout the years of being shifted around.

Needless to say, my husband is relieved and over the moon excited. I think he finally let go of any lingering negative or sad feelings towards the whole wedding ring situation. One of his first questions to me was, "Do you still like it? Is it even your style?" I bust out laughing that that was the first thing he thought of!

So now the story of my wedding ring - how he proposed, how it was lost and how it was found again is an even better story! One that will forever be remembered.
Of course the word went out quickly via text to my family who knew well about my lost wedding ring and the replacement I received years later. I joked with them saying, "God bless Harry Potter!"

(photo taken by CTR image photography)

Winter decor - dining room centerpiece

2012-01-10T22:07:00.002-07:00

Last week I shared some of my winter decor in my dining room and my SUGAR tip! Be sure to check out that if you missed it. I couldn't finish off the dining room without a centerpiece for the table.

I took this "basket" which normally I use in the Fall but haven't for a about a year or two. It's just been sitting with my other decor stored away. As the new year turned over it was use it or donate it! SO - this FALL item got a winter makeover!

I gave it a light coating of white with some spray paint and let it dry. Then working in sections I sprayed small portions of the sides with a spray adhesive and while it was wet and tacky I sprinkled a mixture of Epsom salt with a bit of iridescent glitter in it.

This created a look of winter branches with a frosty/icy feel. Perfect for what I had already going on in the dining room!

I put a tall candle vase in the middle, filled the base with sugar and placed a tall white candle in the center. It's perfect! I love the crisp white feel it brings to the space after the reds/greens/golds, etc of Christmas. Plus you can never go wrong with candle light!

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I'll be sharing and linking up at these PARTIES!

One word with Less Cake More Frosting

2012-01-10T05:34:00.017-07:00

Lara from Less Cake More Frosting is running a great series this month called One Word.

Several bloggers from all over are picking 1 word to build their year around and sharing it! I was asked to share mine and you can find out what that is if you hop over to her site today!

Here's me and Lara being silly at a bloggers meet up! Love that girl. She's one of those people that is really fun to be around and keeps you laughing! and LOVE her sense of style too!

so head on over - tell her I sent ya - check out my word and see what other words have been chosen too!

Make it Monday #13

2012-01-08T17:59:00.018-07:00

Time to link up and show off what you've been creating! DIY tutorials for home decor, sewing, re-fashioning, upcycling, parties, recipes, family games and MORE!

The most viewed link from last week was from A Pumpkin and a Princess

I hope "MAKE it MONDAY" helps you discover projects to pin, create and maybe find some creative new blogs in the process!

LINK UP!

1. share a direct link to your tutorial

2. no shops or selling please

3. include a MAKE it MONDAY logo button or link on your blog or post

Let's see it! I love to further promote some of the projects and share them on the Brassy Apple Facebook Page

New Project

2012-01-07T10:43:00.001-07:00

Thursday morning my usual busy schedule got completely turned upside down and I became very familiar, very quickly with a new speed of busy :)

I was asked to take on a school musical project and had 24 hours to put it all together - lines, songs, production, etc. Well it wasn't just going to be any production - I just can't think that way! LOL and luckily I knew I had a great friend and partner in crime to pull this off!

So for the last 2 days I've been consumed in listening to music, choreographing, mapping out lines, casting parts, getting music cut....and on and on and on.

Don't get me wrong - it's GREAT! I get to work with the elementary school kids and be a part of this chance for them to SHINE, develop their acting, singing and dancing skills and I just get to ride this adventure with them!

BUT - if you ever think, "I don't have time for something like that"....believe me - you do! Because me and the other Moms involved don't really have "time" for all this fun either but you just make it happen. It's for the kids. And yes it's a lot of work, time, late nights and running so much you don't have time to eat. BUT - it's worth it! It really is.....Never thought I'd have this big project thrown in my lap a few days into the New Year but it's an adventure I am happy to take! looking forward to the ride....

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psst! I'll still be blogging my crafty projects, tutorials, ideas, etc! no worries there! Just going to strap on my super woman cape and make it all happen for the next 3 months! :) I've got some really fun Valentine's ideas to share so look forward to those in the next coming weeks!

Winter decor & my SUGAR tip!

2012-01-05T03:26:00.058-07:00

Christmas comes down at my house the day after Christmas because I get excited to decorate for Winter. We go straight from Fall and Thanksgiving decor to Christmas. So January through March-ish I like to decorate for Winter. You can see how my living room was decorated for Winter last year HERE.

This year I thought I'd share some of my winter touches to my dining room. I love to decorate with whites, creams, silver, black and some natural elements for my winter decor (as you can see from my winter living room). So it's no surprise to see those same colors and feel in my dining room. Here's how I decorated the buffet.

One fun tip I have learned from the ladies in my neighborhood is that SUGAR makes a GREAT filler! It's inexpensive, it has a shimmer to it and it's white which goes with...well....everything!

I love to have a variety of clear containers for all sorts of occasions. For Winter, I have filled the bottoms of these 2 vases with sugar and added some sticks and branches to them (that natural element I love!).

(yes that is a saw and yes that I did cut the branches over my dining room table)

To this vase I added some decor balls...

I love that it sort of looks like snow.

I added some candles and these clear bubbles that sort of look like ice.

EASY ways to change up your decor this winter and make an impact in a small area!

How do you decorate for winter? If you try any of these tips, let me know! I love to see your spin on my ideas!

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I'll be linking up and sharing HERE

Social Media - Let's get together!

2012-01-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

Let's get together - yeah, yeah, yeah....Is anyone else singing that song from Parent trap like I am? (LOL...now it will probably be stuck in your head all day!)

So - let's get together! You can find me on

Facebook

Click on the icon and give my page a LIKE!

Pinterest

We all have a "pinning" addiction right? Why not follow me and give me more things to pin and LOVE! I'd love to follow you back!

and Twitter!

Tweet! Tweet! It's fun to have real time chats with you!

Christmas Jar - tradition for the new year

2012-01-04T03:18:00.051-07:00

I know what you are thinking - "What? Why is she posting about Christmas in January!"...Well, let me tell you.

A few years ago the Christmas Jars book was recommended to me for some "Christmas" reading. They said I would want to start a Christmas Jar of my own after reading it. They were right! It's one of those books that makes you want move forward with action. So why not? I didn't have ask myself twice - we started one!

If you haven't read the book, it's a quick, easy, enjoyable read. They even have some versions out there that are kid friendly as well. Basically, you take any jar and save your extra change through out the year. Then you give the jar away on Christmas Eve to someone who needs it. And doing it in secret is always fun too!

It's something that gives my family the opportunity to be thinking about others the entire year and who we might gift the jar to when the year comes to an end. It's also fun to see how fast the jar fills up. THIS year, I got our family this fun jars that counts and keep track of how much is in your jar. That is REALLY exciting for my kids!

My point in sharing this is, it's not to late to read the story and start a jar of your own. It's only January 4th and I think our first year we started our jar in November right after I had read the book! It's a great family tradition! You'd be surprised how much "extra" change you have throughout the year!

Looking back...TOP 10 projects from 2011

2012-01-02T03:45:00.056-07:00

Well this is sort of funny....Most of the top projects that had the most views according to google analytics from 2011 weren't even from THAT year! LOL....I have a sneaky suspicion that has something to do with Pinterest.

SO - my I searched through the list and found projects from the year that had the most views. Here's the most popular - do you agree or disagree...??

Sweater Pillows

Rolled book pages Wreath

Holiday Neighbor Gifts

Burlap Rosette Bracelet

Angry Birds

Stenciled Pencil Skirt

2011 was a fun year of creativity! Looking forward to another great year to come!

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I'll be linking up here!

Make it Monday #12

2012-01-01T17:59:00.008-07:00

New Year, new start and a new NAME!!!

What was once the "mom it monday" link up party has been changed to "MAKE it MOnDAY!"

It's your chance to link up and show off what you've been creating! DIY tutorials for home decor, sewing, re-fashioning, upcycling, parties, recipes, family games and MORE!

I hope "MAKE it MONDAY" becomes a fun resource for you to get inspired, pin some fun projects and find some creative new blogs in the process!

LINK UP!

1. share a direct link to your tutorial

2. no shops or selling please

3. include a MAKE it MONDAY logo button or link on your blog or post

Let's see it! I love to further promote some of the projects and share them on the Brassy Apple Facebook Page

Family Memory Packets - recording the year...& looking forward

2011-12-30T03:37:00.055-07:00

This is an idea I have shared before but this year I have created the pages to simply print and fill in!

Family Memory Packets

Free printable sheets HERE

Fill out page 1 and also include a recent snapshot and/or trace their hands. Even the adults! :) It's fun to see how their hands change from year to year.

Page 2 and 3 are self explanatory. If your kids are too little to write simple write down their response.

Here's another great idea we will be adding to our packets this year! The How Does She blog shared a great idea - Yearly Video Interview! I love the idea of combining the video with the handwritten on paper journal type together! and capturing them doing their favorite thing - CUTE! I'll just have to make sure and create the DVD and slip it into the packet so all the "pieces" are together.

If you are looking ahead at the memories you will make in 2012, this Time Capsule jar is darling! You drop in movie ticket stubs, photos, etc all year long!

AND if you are planning a fun family vacation or large purchase, a great way to get the family involved in the saving process a VISUAL way is this shadow box bank idea!

You could also easily put the visual photo into a jar instead of the shadow box!

I hope you found some good ideas for capturing this past year and looking forward to the next!

Don't forget to check out all of the New Years ideas I shared this week!

Fortune Cookies

2011-12-29T03:37:00.015-07:00

Who doesn't love a little good luck or fortune for the New Year!

These are great for the surprise bags! they could be the activity if you wanted to make them all together and exchange fortunes or have them ready made!

There are 3 fun ways to make these cute fortune cookies:

Cupcake liner style - think of all the cute patterned cupcake liners available!

My fabric fortune cookies

or Martha's felt fortune cookies

New Years Eve shakers!!!

2011-12-28T04:23:00.025-07:00

It's day 3 of New Years eve fun! Be sure to check out day 1 and 2 for some fun ideas!

A fun way to celebrate New Years Eve and also have a crafting activity is to create your own shakers! These can be done is sooo many different ways. Gather up some empty water bottles or some disposable cups or any container and we'll upcycle it into a fun shaker that each member of your family can personalize just for them!

supplies:

container - cups, water bottles, canisters, etc

hot glue gun

rice, beans, popcorn kernels

ribbons

stickers

colorful papers, crepe paper, garland, bells, paint, etc
markers

For this tutorial I am going to use small plastic disposable cups.

step 1: Fill one of the cups with rice, beans or popcorn kernels about 1/4 full. This is the stuff inside the shaker that will be making the noise.

step 2: Using your hot glue gun, run a line of glue around the top edge and place the other cup on top to seal shut. If you want to make extra sure it doesn't come apart, run another line of glue around the seam and place some ribbon or ric rac over the glue so it won't show.

step 3: DECORATE! - adorn the outside of your shaker with stickers, papers, paint a design, etc. It's up to you! I like to add long streamers to the ends to make it more fun and colorful when they are being shaken!

If you are using an empty water bottle or canister simply fill it with some rice, beans or popcorn kernels and seal shut with the hot glue. Then decorate the outside to your hearts content!

Enjoy shaking these babies as you and your family ring in the New Year!!!

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I will be linking up here

Group game - Let's make a DEAL!

2011-12-27T03:45:00.003-07:00

This is a great game to play with a group! and would make a perfect activity for Surprise bags!

I've played with with my daughter's 5th grade class and also at a family gathering. For New Years Eve it's a wonderful way to re-gift something you got for Christmas that wasn't quite your style (tee he hee) or clean out the clutter and giveaway something you don't need!

Let's Make a DEAL!!

Just like the game show you have 3 "doors" of hidden prizes. Whether you supply the gifts or are doing it white elephant style fill each box with a prize without the "player" being able to see.

For the "doors" I took 3 shipping boxes and pushed the top flaps flat against each side so the top of the box was completely open. I covered them in wrapping paper and turned them on their sides of the top is now the back and I could easily "fill the boxes" with the prizes. Then I added the numbers.

To get a contestant I asked a trivia question - whoever shot their hand up first and had the right answer got to choose a box ( I have done regular trivia that was age appropriate and have also done holiday trivia).

Once the contestant chooses a box I give them 1 clue about the prize inside. They can then take the prize and sit down or switch and pick another box (note - I don't give a clue for the 2nd box if they switch). If they want to switch they have to do a challenge!

Challenge: - these are FUN!!! I have a bowl or container of strips of paper with different challenges written on them. Here's some ideas of what mine include:

1. Waddle like a duck around the room

2. Play basketball with an imaginary ball

3. Sing Happy Birthday to the person sitting next to you

4. Act like a gorilla for 10 seconds

5. Sing "I'm a little teapot" and do the actions

6. Sing the ABC's baby style

7. Do the crab walk across the room

8. Pretend you are watching a scary movie and are really scared

9. do the chicken dance 2 times while the rest of the players sing the song for you

10. Pat your head and rub your stomach for 10 seconds

11. Moonwalk across the room

12. Pretend you are underwater for 10 seconds

etc....

Of course all these challenges are done in front of everyone else which gets the whole room roaring with laughter!!!

Once the challenge is complete you can hand them their prize. The contestant sits down and the next trivia question is asked. Continue until all the prizes are given out and each person has had a turn.

tomorrow - we'll get crafty for New Years!

New Years Eve - surprise bags!

2011-12-26T03:37:00.003-07:00

We did this last year and my family LOVED it! I loved it too - it spread out the fun, it made even the "regular" everyday things seem exciting and I knew we were going to have a fun family New Years Eve!

Celebrate New Years Eve with SURPRISE time bags!

New Years is all about the countdown! So - countdown to the New Year with this fun activity!

The idea of the timed surprised bags is to plan an activity, treat, etc that will be revealed at the time listed on the front of the bag. Everyone can see the different times and the anticipation of what is coming next make it very exciting! You can start at any time you want during the day! Fill the bags with the activity or something that may represent the activity if it won't fit in the bag. Need some ideas of what activities to do? I will list some at the end but will also reveal some each day this week!

Materials:

Several bags (you could use lunch bags, small gift bags, decorative bags, etc)

Ribbon

Hole punch

glue stick

papers

Step 1: You can add the time to the front of the bag anyway you'd like to. I chose a clock face in a black/white/silver theme. I cut out some circles from book pages and cut another circle slightly larger from tin foil! I also cut some long skinny triangles for the clock hands.

Step 2: Layer the pieces and glue to the front of the bags. Be sure to place your clock face a couple of inches from the top of the bag. You want to be able to fold the top over to keep peeping eyes from discovering what is in there. Add your hour number ( I have a ton of rub on transfer so I just used what I had on hand!).

Step 3: Add your surprise activity, treat, etc. inside the bag - fold the top over - punch 2 holes and thread a ribbon through to top it off!

Place all the bags together on a table in a nice basket, etc. It may become one of your new favorite traditions!

Need ideas of what to fill the bags with??? Here's a few but come back each day this week to see some of my favorites!

1. Dance party! - Slip a CD into the bag with a note that says - family dance party for the next 30 minutes! Push the furniture to the walls and release your inner "Dancing Queen!" YES parents have to get involved to and let their hair down! We did this last year but as part of our activity we got "dressed up".

2. Favorite movie and popcorn! - depending on what time of day you start going to a movie as a family or surprising them with one and some microwave popcorn is always fun!

3. Make your own pizza night! - Dinner can be part of the New Years Eve fun too! Set up a bar of fixings and let each member be their own chef for the night! Get the whole family involved in the process - rolling out the dough, spreading the sauce, etc.

4. Build your own cupcake! - Put some fun sprinkles and candies in the bag with the note announcing dessert! We have done this one was well and the kids love frosting their own and creating their own delicious treat (piled high with sprinkles and candies!).

5. Game time! Gather the family around for your favorite board games or do the electronic route and break out the rock band or something similar where family member can be involved.

6. Treats! - Sometimes it's nice to just surprise them with a simple treat. Maybe it's a sucker or a candy bar. Each time doesn't have to big a deal - make it what works for your family!

7. American Idol/Who's got Talent! - Have a sing off! Set up a "stage" area, turn on a favorite song and perform as a band! Don't forget to turn on the camera to video the event! The kids will love to watch the playback! Or have a talent show - they could be real talents or silly ones!

8. Photo booth! - Slip the fun photo props into a bag and get ready for photos! Set up the camera on a tripod and dress up your background too if you want! Let the kids snap the photos too! They will love being in on all the fun too!

The bag TIMES can be as frequent or spread apart as you want them to be! And don't get me wrong here - not every moment has to be scheduled. Once your activity is done, everyone can go do what they want until the next "time" rolls around. But trust me - your kids/guests will be watching the clock!

**Tomorrow - another idea for New years and you could include it as surprise bag activity!
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I'll be linking up and sharing HERE

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T03:18:00.000-07:00

I hope your weekend is full of magical Christmas moments! Thank you for all the support and interest I have received this past year. It has been a great year for Brassy Apple and I can't wait to roll out my projects and, ideas and new patterns in 2012 and see what else a new year will bring!

From my family to yours.....Merry Christmas! ~ Megan

Stop by next week for some New Year's eve fun and ideas!

Festive free Holiday Printables

2011-12-21T03:18:00.002-07:00

Amy from the Thank you Card shop sent me a link to her free printables and I wanted to share them with you too! they are darling and will come in handy THIS season as well the next! This link is getting "pinned" for sure!

Her free printables include recipe cards, thank you cards, bookmarks, gift tags and more! You can also visit her shop and snag some of her great printable designs for a wonderful price!

When you pop over to her blog be sure to tell I sent ya!

Happy Printing!!!

Ten 10 Minute Holiday Crafts

2011-12-20T04:06:00.002-07:00

Amy from Overstock.com sent me this cute infographic and thought it would be fun to share it with you! We are getting down the wire - maybe these ideas will come in handy with time running out!

Shop for crafts
For more infographics visit the O.co Community

I totally love the chalkboard look! Happy crafting!!!

Mom it Monday #11 - Snow Bucket

2011-12-18T20:15:00.004-07:00

It's the week before Christmas and I can feel the excitement building!

Before you link up your ideas to share here's one from me!

Indoor Snow BUCKET!

It's our new favorite thing to do this winter! We haven't had much snow yet and it's been FREEZING outside BUT my kids have still been enjoying the snow!

Check out all the photos and details here or by looking below!

now it's your turn! Link up your ideas! Crafting, parties, sewing, kids, family, etc.

Rules:

1. snag and post a Mom it monday button or add the link back

2. direct links only

3. no selling or shops please!

have fun!

Snow Bucket

2011-12-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

This is our new favorite thing to do in the winter time! I originally saw a photo of the idea here and I ran with it!

This cost me $8.00 and has already proven it's worth over and over again!

We haven't had much snow yet this season but scooping it into this long, shallow tote bucket has been a novelty around my house! my little guy LOVES it! He gets to play in the snow without all the layers and the cold nose and toes! (throw a couple of towels over the table, fill the bucket and let them play)

My older kids love it too! We've built tunnels, forts, snowballs, hideouts, etc for their small toys and action figures. I pulled out some of the shovels and other digging toys from the sandbox, throw in a few kitchen spoons and cups and they will create their own fun!!

We even had a "hot tub" in the snow for some of the toys! You know, PO needs a good soak after his Kung Fu fighting :)

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I'll be sharing my idea at these linky parties!

More Neighbor gift ideas!

2011-12-16T09:22:00.002-07:00

(hello to those here from my TV segment on the Daily Dish this morning!)

I've posted some neighbor gift ideas already this season (here and here) but I've come up with a few more! Here's my latest ideas all in 1 place!

If you are going to give the traditional treats why not do so on a great platter or container the receiver can use. One idea would be to buy a charger plate and add the saying in vinyl - "cookies for santa". The receiver gets some treats and a fun plate to use year after year.

I always love a creative saying with a treat or gift!

Grinch Cookies:

Stir up your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, add some green food coloring and crush up some candy canes to add with the chocolate chips. Pop them into a cute box (boxes from Martha Stewart) and add the cute tag/poem - get the printable HERE

Hot Chocolate Stirring Spoons:

Add some melted chocolate to some plastic spoons. (I found silver ones at the $1 store) You can use whatever chocolate you like - milk, dark, white, etc. While the chocolate is still soft add crushed candy cane, sprinkles, butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, red hots - whatever YOU think would be good stirred into some hot cocoa! Let them harden and then wrap them up and attach this cute card.

Reindeer Noses:

Buy some whoppers and a candy that is red and about the same size as a whopper. I used gumballs. Put 8 whoppers in a bag or small container and 1 red one (we can't forget Rudolph!). Print out the bag topper and attach. Then add a cute tag that says - Just 'brown nosing" our neighbors with a treat and some Holiday wishes" - attach a family photo and add reindeer noses, santa hats and antlers to the photo. OR If you are giving it to a teacher say - Just a little "brown nosing" from your favorite student!. Again, you can use a photo of your child on the card.

Sew up a Hot/Cold Therapy Sack: These can be made into a fun character for the Holidays

Tutorial HERE

or with a great cotton fabric or sports themed for the man in your life! Tutorial HERE

and of course we can't forget New year's eve! Snag all the instructions and the printable for these fun photo props to capture your evening HERE

Happy gifting!! Have a great weekend!

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I'll be sharing my idea and linking up at these parties!

Creative Holiday Family letters

2011-12-15T04:19:00.000-07:00

Oh the family holiday letter! do you dread it? do you even include one in your Christmas Cards anymore? Do you look forward to sending out something creative and different? Some of these thoughts may be running through your mind so I wanted to share a few ideas to "spice" up your annual letter and maybe you won't dread it as much!

"Life" Board game style - this one is darling and customized from an Etsy shop!

(source)

Newsletter Style - look at the cute categories they included such as "places traveled" and "top 4 most awesome things we did", etc

(source)

ABC's - we actually did this one last year thanks to a friend for the idea! Here's a sample from another blog. Just use the ABC's and find 1 thing you this past year that relates to each letter!

Top 10 moments - Summarize your year with a classic countdown!

(source)

Newspaper style - the classic black and white and type script to express your press editor side!

(source)

and if you are just itching for more ideas - Mormon Chic has compiled a whole list of creative holiday letters!

now - go get typing! :)

Refashion with glitter sheets

2011-12-13T04:19:00.015-07:00

Transfer any plain top into something fun!

Supplies:

Knit top to embellish

Tulip® Fashion Glitter™ Shimmer Transfer Sheets (I used a silver and gold sheet)

Scissors

Iron

and because we all love a good before and after -

Step 1: Cut strips out of the gold and silver sheets starting at 1" wide going down to 1/4" wide. Pull the plastic cover off the top and the cut the strips into squares. Pulling the plastic cover off before you cut it into squares just saves you from peeling it off after you have a ton of cut pieces!

Step 2: Lay your knit top flat and place the squares starting at the top (neckline) with the biggest squares. Mix the gold and silver together and place them on all different angles sort of a in a "messy" pattern. The idea is for it to look like it's falling and getting smaller as it goes. I also placed mine in an upside down sort of triangle shape.

Continue placing the the squares on the top adding the smaller and small squares the further down you go. (if you find you need more of one size just cut additional squares)

Step 3: Adhere the squares to the knit top as directed on the packaging with a hot iron.

And you are done! Dress it up or wear it casual! I love the mix of gold and silver! It give me lots of option for jewelry and creating a different look each time I wear it!

find my disclosure here

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I'll be linking up here

Mom it Monday #10 - Mustache Photo prop printable

2011-12-11T20:47:00.001-07:00

It's time again to link up and show off how you got your "craft on" this past week! Sewing, paper crafts, decorating, etc! link up and show me your creativity!

I am sharing my neighbor gift idea that is perfect for New Year's Eve! You can find the full tutorial below or click on the link!

SO - what have you been busy doing?
Link up your tutorials, cooking, party ideas and more!!! I love to share some of my favorites on my Facebook page so get linking!

Mustache photo Prop printable gift

2011-12-11T17:42:00.003-07:00

I've come up with a fun gift to give your friends, family and neighbors for New Years Eve!
A photo prop "kit" with fun card and saying!

Supplies:

1 sheet of Stiffened Felt (brown, black or whatever color you'd like)

Bamboo Skewers (10" long. check the baking aisle of your grocery store)

Hot Glue gun

Scissors

Mustache, banners and quote bubbles pattern HERE
Mustache card HERE

cardstock

Tall drinking glass ($1.00 store)

Crinkle filler (optional)

Step 1: Print the mustache template off on regular paper. Cut out the mustache templates and use them to trace onto the stiffened felt and cut out.

Step 2: Print off any banners, sign or quote bubbles you like on plain or colored cardstock. Cut out. You could back each sign with a glitter-ly or sparke-ly paper leaving a small border showing around each if you'd like.

Step 3: Using a hot glue gun adhere a skewer to the back of the mustaches and the signs. (Be sure to place the skewers off to one side)

Step 4: Print off the card and insert or attach some fun photos of your family! Then stuff the glass with some filler, insert the different 'staches, signs and banners, attach the card with a ribbon and you are done!

(The card says - "We'd love to stay and chat but we "mustache" Happy New year!)

Hope you've enjoyed this idea! Get your 'stache on! Your kids will love it!
This is also a great gift to create and mail to someone. Just subtract the drinking glass and the filler! Family or friends far away would love to receive this package from you!

I will be linking up here throughout the week and sharing this idea!

Christmas Ball Ornament Chandelier tutorial

2011-12-09T04:19:00.037-07:00

This is a fun way to dress up the dining room during the Holiday Season!

I wanted a "seamless" look without looping the ribbon and having a tie or loose ends to deal with. Aleene's line of Dry Adhesives produts help me achieve the look I wanted!

Supplies:

Christmas ornaments

Aleene's Tacky Tape Runner (Available at Michaels stores or IlovetoCreate.com)

Ribbon

Scissors

Aleene's Tacky Dot Roll (optional)

Step 1: Measure and cut your ribbon to the desired length. Apply of strip of tape with the Tacky Tape Runner to the end of the ribbon. Thread it through the loop on top of the ornament and press the ribbon closed to secure the ornament between the layers of ribbon.


Step 2: Apply tape to the opposite end, hang over the "arm" of the chandelier and press closed to create a loop. Step 3: Repeat as many times as you'd like. I wanted mine to be more "full" by having the option of hanging ornaments on different places than the crook or bottom of the chandy arm. I used the small Tacky Dots to place on the metal arm, then pressed my ribbon in to and hung an ornament. This worked great!!! I was able to hang ornaments at all sorts of different angles. I LOVE the seamless look these products helped me achieve! and YES the tape and sticky dots have held up great! I haven't had any problems. The strength of the products has been perfect! Don't you love the little owl ornament? He's from the Martha Stewart line! :) This post was brought to you by Aleene's but the opinion and views are 100% mine! See the full disclosure here. Check out what a few other bloggers created using Aleene's Dry Adhesives! Christmas kisses from Craftaholics Anonymous Sheet Music Art from Sand & Sisal Snowman Ornament from Crafts by Amanda Now go get crafting! (I'll be linking up my idea HERE through the week!)

Photos with Santa - but not really

2011-12-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

We all the know the photos of the screaming or scared child sitting on Santa's lap. Luckily my kids were never that way but so many are. Check out Babbles collection of photos of kids meeting Santa.

I saw this post - Santa pictures with no Santa - on the Blue Cricket Design blog and it reminded me of a Santa shoot I did years ago. The 'just' of the blog post from Blue Cricket Design was having a bit of Santa in the photo but not really. It's a great idea and the post is written by a photographer I believe.

And here's what I did years ago -

We dressed Dad up in a Santa suit but without the 'scary' beard, etc that would cover his face. He looked like Dad wearing red. My little guy had no hesitations running up, giving his Dad a hug and letting him hold him. We captured this sweet photo.

Hopefully you can capture some "Santa" photos without Santa this year!

Snuggley Christmas Characters - tutorial

2011-12-06T04:19:00.003-07:00

This is a fun Holiday gift for friends (of all ages) and family too! Give the gift of warmth with the smile of a fun character on it's face. Pop these little characters into the microwave to heat them up and you can't help but snuggle them tight to warm up on a cold day (just another fun twist on this tutorial here).

Supplies:

fabric (at least a fat quarter)

red, black, white and flesh colored felt (for santa)

green, white, black and flesh colored felt (elf)

print out the pattern pieces

scissors

sewing machine

regular rice or wheat ( 3 1/2 - 4 cups)

sewing machine

straight pins

sharpie marker (optional)

small black beads or buttons (optional) + needle and thread

Step 1: Cut out 2 pieces for the body from your fabric and the necessary pieces from felt for the Santa or the Elf as directed on the pattern sheets.

Step 2: Lay out 1 of the fabric pieces right side up and begin to layer the pieces for the face.

A)Place the face piece 1 1/4" down from the top edge.

B) Overlap the hat brim 1/4" onto the face.

C) Santa- place the beard onto the face tucking it just slightly under the hat brim.

D) Santa - Tuck the belt just under his beard and place the buckle in the middle.

Elf - Place the belt with the buckle in the middle just under his chin.

Pin these pieces into place and sew.

Step 3: Adding the face. Santa - Place the red nose about halfway over the beard and the face. Sew into place. Eyes - place 2 seed beads or small buttons and hand sew on or simply use a black sharpie marker to dot some eyes on.

Elf - place the nose in the middle of the face. Sew into place. Eyes - place 2 seed beads or small buttons and hand sew on or simply use a black sharpie marker to dot some eyes on. Mouth - Stitch a smile or use your sharpie.

Step 4: Arms - Take 2 arm piece and place them on top of each other. Slip 1 hand piece in between the 2 layers at one of the ends. Sew the 2 layers together catching and securing the hand piece in the process. Repeat with the other arm and hand pieces.

Step 5: Hat - Take the 2 hat pieces and place them on top of each other. Slip the ball in between the 2 layers on the end of the hat and sew the 2 layers together securing the ball in place in the process.

Step 6: Assembly - Santa - Place the arms across santas belly and then place the 2 piece of fabric on top of right side down. Pin and sew the sides together leaving the top open.

Elf - Place the arms across the belly. Place the ears on backwards at the edges of the face. Then place the 2 piece of fabric on top of right side down. Pin and sew the sides together leaving the top open.

Step 7: Turn it right side out. Fill the sack with 3 1/2 - 4 cups of rice.

Step 8: Fold down the top edge about 1/4". Slip the hat in between the layers and pin. Then sew the top closed.

These are great for car travel, keeping your toes warm at night, aches and pains and more!

I will be linking up here

Winner - Qtip + Gift Card Giveaway!

2011-12-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

I hope you have gotten crafty with Qtips this past week! The lucky winner of the prize package from Q-tips plus the Gift Card to buy some of the supplies you need to complete your project is.....

KLUCKINGbear

Congrats!!!!

Have you created something with Q-tips? I'd love to see it!

Countdown to Christmas w/ Books - Mom it monday #9

2011-12-04T21:15:00.014-07:00

A new Christmas Tradition we are starting this year is 25 days of Christmas story books! I pulled out our Christmas books that we normally set out for the Holidays, then bought a few more (from the bookstore and the thrift store too) to make up 25. Wrap all the books and label them with numbers 1 - 25 if you want.

(psst! love the pre-made tags from Martha Stewart)

Place them under the tree and enjoy opening a Christmas Storybook each night to read as a family! It's not to late to start! Wrap up what you have already and then grab a few more over the next couple of days.

It's another fun way to count down to Christmas and the kids love opening a present each night!

Time to link up! Show off your craftiness, your ideas and your traditions!

(most viewed link last week was from Sassy Style Re-Design)

Guidelines:

1. direct links only to your tutorial - snag a button or add the link to your LINK UP page

2. no selling or shop link ups

3. Have fun! (I love to share some of the links on my Facebook page!)

I will be linking up and sharing the book idea HERE throughout the week!

Weekend Shopping

2011-12-03T12:22:00.000-07:00

I am slowly but surely adding more Scarves to the Brassy Apple Shop this weekend (insert cheers!!)

The LUX is back too - full on ruffles and bunchy-ness combined together!

Lots of shimmer and one of my new favorites is the Blue Sweater Bunchy. Very soft sweater type material in a scarf! Love, love LOVE!

Quantities are limited and will flux throughout the weekend. I've been having a hard time getting the fabrics I need, so if you see one you like - snatch it up now! It might not ever be available again this season.

and if jewelry is your thing - I had the opportunity to meet Sarah of Sarah Briggs Jewelry. She is one talented lady and has had much success in her run as an artist. Her designs have been featured in many magazines and worn by many super stars including Oprah, Paris Hilton, Rhianna and more.

She's got an amazing business story and I can't wait to see where she goes next!

and if you have family and kiddos to buy for and just aren't sure what to get, this site has GREAT lists for all the different ages groups including adults too! I love how they have it broken down and it's easy to find the category for your shopping needs!

Happy Shopping!!!

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don't forget about the giveaway from Qtips including a $25.00 Gift card!

Windstorm

2011-12-02T13:40:00.001-07:00

I interrupt the regularly scheduled craftiness around here to share a bit our day yesterday. Our area in Utah had a crazy windstorm. Wind gusts from 60 - 102 mph all over the county. The worst seemed to happen in the morning. We were without power most of the day but we still have friends and family that are without power.

We watched shingles and debris fly all around and hit our house.

The kitchen window got broke, part of fence was blown out and a very large pine tree fell into our yard.

There are trees down all over the place, roofs are bare of shingles and some even lost parts of their roofs.

But - our house is fine and no one was hurt. It was something amazing to see and experience this strong force of nature and all you can do is wait. Everyone in the area is counting their blessings.

Neighbors immediately got to work helping anyone out who needed it. It's a great site to see and it continues today. Hoping you and yours are safe and well today....

Crafting with Q-tips - snowflakes + giveaway

2011-12-01T04:31:00.084-07:00

Q-tips sent me a package of their products and asked me share a way to use Q-tips! Well I got crafty with kids and we created SNOWFLAKES!

These are great strung on a garland, hung by the window or even on their own personal Christmas tree!

**GUESS WHAT! Q-tips wants to send you the same package so you can try this project or use them however you'd like to! (see below for the giveaway details)**

Here's how you make them

Supplies:

Q-tips

Hot Glue Gun

Regular white glue (optional)

White paper/card stock

spray adhesive

Epsom salt

iridescent glitter

scissors

Step 1: Start by cutting various shapes from the white paper or card stock. Think small circles (like a hole punched size) squares, V's, long rectangles, etc. These will create the different looks on the snowflakes.

Step 2: Using 3 Q-tips stack them criss cross creating a snowflake look. Hot glue in between the layers of Q-tips in the middle. Let the glue set, dry and harden.

Step 3: Using hot glue or white glue add the paper details gluing them onto the stick part of the Q-tips.

Step 4: Spray both side of the snowflakes with a spray adhesive. In a shallow bowl (disposable pie tins work great) pour some of the Epsom salt and the glitter. While the snowflakes are still tacky with the spray adhesive sprinkle the salt/glitter mixture over both sides. Set aside to dry.

I love how the Epsom salt give them an "icy" look! And it doesn't matter if you got a little messy with the glue. It gets covered up!

Attached a piece of fishing line, ribbon, etc in a loop to the back and hang! My kids love to have Snowflakes hung from their ceiling and to watch them twirl and shimmer.

GIVEAWAY!

Q-tips will send you a travel-size package of both Q-tips® cotton swabs and Q-tips® Precision Tips™ along with a $25 gift card (to purchase additional items you need)

ENTER:

1. Like their Facebook page (required)

2. Share a tip in their Tip-a-Thon contest

3. Share the news about this giveaway on FB or Twitter

(ex. - Giveaway from Q-tips on the Brassy Apple blog! plus include the link)

*Leave a separate comment for each*

Good luck!

Winner will be announced on Monday Dec. 4th - hurry! hurry!

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I will be linking up this idea here!

Holiday sewing - santa, corsets and rosettes - oh my!

2011-11-30T04:19:00.041-07:00

Are you sewing gifts this Holiday Season? Or just sewing because it's that time of year? Don't forget about my Brassy Apple patterns and ePatterns!

Sew up something for you, your friends, kids, teachers and more!

Here's 2 scarves from the Brassy Neck Scarf Pattern booklet...

How about the Maddie Bee sewn up Santa Style?!

and my personal favorite - Shaggy Mosaic Jeans!
This guy is sporting a pair of Honky Tonk HO HO jeans for the "home on the range" type boy...

And this cutie is "melting hearts" with her bright and colorful pair!

and this apron started it all! The Kitschy Corset can be made up so many ways! Really fun for bridal gifts too :)

Make it a handmade Holiday this year!

Pennywise presents

2011-11-29T04:53:00.005-07:00

Beckie over at Infarrantly Creative is running a series called Pennywise Presents. Gift ideas, decor and more all under $10.00!

Today I am sharing an idea, so hop over there to see what it is and search through the others that have been shared!

Mom it Monday #8 - Snowman tshirt tutorial

2011-11-27T21:35:00.003-07:00

The Holiday Season has begun! Yeah!!!! It's the time of year that tutorials abound all over the internet.

I'm sharing a fun way to spruce up a plain white tee for the winter season!

You can find the full tutorial below or click on the direct link here

Also - the winner of the UglySofa.com Christmas stocking giveaway is:
JULIE!
congrats!

SO - what have you been busy doing?
Link up your tutorials, cooking, party ideas and more!!! I love to share some of my favorites on my Facebook page so get linking!

Snowman T-shirt tutorial

2011-11-27T21:00:00.002-07:00

Tis the Season! Here's a fun way to spice up a plain white tee for the winter season!

I made these snowman tee's for my kids years ago. They are quick, simple and adorable!

Supplies:

White t-shirt

scrap of orange fabric (for carrot nose)

Fabric Adhesive

Scissors

8 black buttons (mine were mismatched)

thread and hand sewing needle

Step 1: Cut out a carrot pattern to trace. (A carrot is really just a tall, skinny triangle with a rounded bottom).

Step 2: Place your orange fabric right side down and apply the fabric adhesive per the package instructions. Trace your carrot pattern and then cut out.

Step 3: Place the carrot on the tshirt and arrange the buttons for the eyes and mouth. Remove the backing on the carrot and iron into place.

Step 4: Sew the carrot securely into place with a zig zag, statin or straight stitch. Then using your hand needle sew on the buttons for the eyes and mouth and you are done!

These can easily be made into a girl snowman by adding a hair bow or even eyelashes.

If you try them out - let me know!
I will be linking up here all week!

YCMT Black Friday deal!

2011-11-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Black Friday! one of my ePatterns has been selected to be in the $5.00 Black Friday promotion that You Can Make This is having today! Jump over there and snag some other ePatterns for the $5.00 price too!

**And watch for ther Cyber Monday sale in the Brassy Apple shop! The discount code will be mailed out in the newsletter! Sign up before Sunday afternoon!!! **

Happy Shopping!

Thanksgiving Do and Don'ts from Martha

2011-11-23T04:19:00.005-07:00

The Team at Martha Stewart sent me this list to share!

Enjoy!

2011 Thanksgiving Do’s and Don’ts

From The Experts at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia

This Thanksgiving …

Check out our inspiration board on Pinterest and keep these tips in mind!

1. DO Take It Easy: Traveling? Make life easier with apps like TripIt, which organizes all your reservations into one itinerary for you. A great cocktail always helps take the edge off—get ideas from our Cocktails App for iPad & iPhone. –Pilar Guzman, Editor-in-Chief, Martha Stewart Living

2. DO BYOD: Bring Your Own Dish. Whether you’re spending the holiday with friends or family, consider going potluck. Head to the Thanksgiving Center on MarthaStewart.com for recipe inspiration—with full menus you and your loved ones can use to divide and conquer. Dress up your dish with this ceramic Pumpkin Shaped Baking Dish or serve your turkey on thisFrench Cupboard Turkey Platter from Martha Stewart Collection only at Macy’s.

3. DON’T Ditch Flavor, Ditch the Fat: The typical Thanksgiving meal contains about 3,000 calories, and it’s not the turkey’s fault. Blame it on the sides! Try our healthy and delicious takes on popular sides like Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Grapes with Walnuts, Creamy White Bean & Vegetable Mash and more in November’s Whole Living—they’ll make your vegetarian and gluten-free guests happy. And kick start your day with a 5-minute or 15-minute workout with plans from WholeLiving.com. –Alanna Stang, Editor-in-Chief, Whole Living

4. DON’T Spend a Fortune, Use What You’ve Got: It’s bound to happen on Nov. 24, the odd kitchen tool you never use but now need is missing. Tip: Use what you have—substitute drinking glasses for a biscuit cutter to form perfect biscuits! And get creative with table décor! Update your tablescape and transform ordinary objects into something special with Martha Stewart Living™ Project paint for The Home Depot. Available in 33 colors and six finishes for added texture, sparkle and shine.

5. DON’T Break Down, Break It Down: Planning your menu in advance reduces stress when it comes to preparing holiday meals. From a Turkey with Brown-Sugar Glaze to Brandied Pecan Pie, November’s Everyday Food has easy, delicious menus for the holidays complete with shopping lists and plan-ahead schedules. –Sarah Carey, Editor-in-Chief, Everyday Food

6. DO Make a Pie (and Watch the Parade While it Bakes): 90% of MarthaStewart.com users polled recently said they will have pie this year. Why not serve it in this festive Pie Dish from Martha Stewart Collection only at Macy’s? And if you want to watch TV while your pie is baking, you’ll have plenty of company: 57% of those polled said they will spend time on the couch watching football and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. For great pie recipes, go online or pick up a copy of Martha Stewart’s Pies & Tarts.

7. DON’T Forget to Be Personal: Nothing’s more personal than a name. Simple place cards at the Thanksgiving table can add a special touch. Martha Stewart Crafts™ Glitter set of 24 assorted colors are a fun and festive way to make your place cards sparkle!

8. DO Ask For Help: Wondering how to carve a turkey or pair wine with your menu? Martha Stewart and 30 of the nation’s top chefs (Mario Batali, Eric Ripert, Rick Bayless) are hosting the Fifth Annual Martha Stewart Living Radio Thanksgiving Hotline live on Sirius/XM 110 from Nov. 21-23. Call in with your questions and our experts will help you solve your T-day dilemmas. For more inspiration, download our free Thanksgiving Hotline Cookbook filled with more than 40 mouthwatering recipes! And on Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. ET/9 a.m. CT, tune in to The Martha Stewart Show on Hallmark Channel for another chance to ask Martha your last-minute turkey questions!

9. DO Preserve Memories: This year, don’t just make memories, preserve them. In December’s Living, Martha created easy and adorable personalized story books for her granddaughter Jude, which you can easily replicate with help fromPinhole Press. Need more inspiration? Go online to check out fun scrapbook templates and scrapbook ideas. For scrapbooking tips, watch & learn from Martha Stewart Weddings Editorial Director and Celebrations Expert Darcy Miller. Or create family recipe cards that you can pass down from generation to generation.

10. DO Be Thankful for Leftovers: Transform two of the day’s most common leftovers—turkey and mashed potatoes—into a comforting Turkey Pot Pie (Everyday Food, November). For more ideas on how to turn your leftovers into a Thanksgiving encore, check out our gallery with more than 30 recipes, including Turkey Banh Mi, Cranberry Tartlets, Turkey Chili, Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash and more.

- Thanks Martha Stewart and Team!

The Dating Divas have a DEAL for you!

2011-11-22T04:19:00.000-07:00

Hello readers! You know I do a lot of sewing and refashioning here, mixed in with home decor and crafting ideas plus some party ideas and fun with your kiddos. (yup sometimes it feels like a Hodge Podge to me too!)

But hey, I've got ideas and resources so why not share them!

Having said that, when Wendy emailed me about The Dating Divas new venture I was thrilled to share it with you! (Wendy is one of the darling Divas from that site and it's a pleasure to actually know her in real life)

The Dating Divas are compiling their best ideas, resources and have put their pretty little heads together and are releasing 2 eBooks! The A to Z Guide to a happier, healthier marriage and The Ultimate Date book!

If you are familiar with The Dating Divas you know they have a SLEW of ideas! These eBooks are written by married WOMEN for WOMEN! They've been there, done that. They are bringing back the twitter-pated feelings of when you were first dating!

All the details are right here and you can snag both books right now at a pre-sell price! Don't miss that (order before Dec. 1st)!

Mom it Monday #7 - UglySofa Giveaway!

2011-11-20T22:15:00.002-07:00

The Christmas decorations are going up in our house this week as soon as Thanksgiving Day is over!

UglySofa.com wants to deck out your mantel with new stockings!

They are giving away 5 stockings to 1 lucky reader!

UglySofa.com sent me some to check out and I have to say their stockings are GREAT! They are large in size, well made (these are not flimsy or thin stockings!), and adorned with darling Christmas characters and scenes.

Do you decorate with stockings or do they just hang waiting for Santa to come? I think they are great used in many different ways - in the middle of a wreath, slung over a chair, hung over windows and more!

UglySofa.com also sent me some sweater stockings that had some random names embroidered on them. I quickly remedied that and wanted to share a quick project with you!

I turned the stocking inside out.

I cut a strip of burlap and pleated it across the name. Then it was sewn into place. Simple and easy! (it would be really easy to add fabric rosettes, buttons, pre-gathered ruffles and more!)

I love the cream color and texture of the sweater paired with the burlap.

Now it's your turn to link AND enter the giveaway!

for the giveaway: (leave a separate comment for each)

1. LIKE UglySofa on Facebook

2. FOLLOW UglySofa on Twitter

3. Link up a project!

let's see what you've been crafting this week!

Christmas Shopping

2011-11-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

The Christmas shopping season is upon us and with Black Friday looming less than a week away do you have your list? Do you have ideas of what to get?

Squidoo's got the top 10 Christmas gifts listed out in each category if you are looking for ideas!

it's only 35 days from today so pop over there and take a peek!

If you are more of the Handmade type - You can Make This is ALWAYS a good stop for instant downloadable ePatterns for all sorts of handmade yumminess to create and giveaway.

And thanks to Plaid for the Christmas kickoff giveaway! The lucky winner is -

Crystal

Have a great weekend!

For the Twilight-ers

2011-11-17T10:25:00.001-07:00

For all the droves of women heading to see the movie tonight and through this weekend here's a few fun pirntables, crafts and just good Twilight humor from Pinterest!

(source)

Crazy Christmas Crafters

2011-11-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

Jamielyn over at I {heart} naptime is hosting Crazy Christmas Crafters! 50 Christmas Ideas/tutorials from Nov 1 - 24th and today one of my ideas is being shared!

And don't forget about Shabby Apple's 12 days of Christmas Sales! Snag 25% off the Anitquated Dress with the code = DAY5

52 Holiday Neighbor Gifts ideas!

2011-11-15T04:36:00.006-07:00

It's that time of year again for neighbor gifts! Thanks to pinterest, I have been cleaning out some of my old paper "files" from the file cabinet and really only keeping what I am now interested in.

While doing that I found some lists of neighbor gift ideas.

I have typed them up and you can snag the file right HERE.

There are 52 ideas in all! So snag the file, pin it or whatever! I hope you find an idea or two that you can use!

Mom it Monday #6 - Christmas giveaway from Plaid

2011-11-13T21:15:00.005-07:00

**GIVEAWAY now closed**

I love to be crafty with my kids and they love to delve into the paints, glue, papers and more! Plaid wants to kick off your Holiday season and help you create!

They are spreading the Holiday Cheer and giving away a prize package worth $40 to 1 lucky reader! It includes 4 FolkArt holiday colors, 4 FolkArt Extreme Glitter holiday colors, Sparkle Mod Podge, and a Value Pack of 25 brushes.

They are also having a Crafty Christmas Contest! All you crafty ladies be sure to check out the details!

How to enter:

1. Leave a comment!

2. Link up a project (leave a separate comment)

3. "Like" Plaid's FB page

4. "Like" my FB page

Winner will be announced on Saturday! (winner must claim prize within 48 hours)

LINK up your projects! How have you been crafty this week?

Catch day 3 of Shabby Apple's sale! Get 25% off the Tamburin Skirt by using the code - DAY3

Shabby Apple - 12 days of SALES!!!

2011-11-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

Shabby Apple is kicking christmas off early with it's 12 days of sales!

Each day they have a new item is on sale with a discount code!

today? French Quarter.....lovely!

save 25% off the purchase price by using the code = DAY2

Get "Shaggy" for the holidays - 3 day sale!

2011-11-10T23:28:00.000-07:00

You've asked and here's your chance to snag a design and have it ON SALE!

I am offering 4 different Shaggy Mosaic designs - 2 for girls and 2 for women. These are great to wear during the Holiday season and as a gift as well!

and for those that love all the designs - snag a SURPRISE pair! You let me design a pair of jeans with lots of colors and patterns and surprise you! (details in each listing)

Hop into the shop for the 3 day sale! Scarves, DIY kits and patterns are stocked up too!

Or if you want to create your own Shaggy Mosaic jeans - snag the ePattern booklet!

Feather earrings winner!

2011-11-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks for chiming in yesterday for my quick giveaway! It's always fun to try something new! I am happy to announce the winner is Kimberly!

I will be sending her some brand new feather earrings. The same pair that I bought for myself

I've got more giveaways coming up! From crafting supplies to Gift CERTIFICATES!!! :) Stay tuned.

Trend from Project Runway.... + giveaway

2011-11-09T08:09:00.001-07:00

Did you watch Project Runway this season?

I couldn't help but love Anya from the start - I think we all did. She just has a bright personality with a smile that is amazing.

I noticed she always had some type of long earring on and a lot of the time there were FEATHERS involved. I wondered through the season if I could pull something like that off. Would I like to wear that? So I went searching for the right pair. There are lots of feather jewelry out there and for me it HAD to just the right style and color.

Well.....I found it! I came across a pair and snatched it up. I didn't ever do the feathers in the hair trend and wasn't really sure about the feather earrings but I did really like this pair. I think if you are going to wear them YOU have to love them. You have to own it and be confident in it.

Everyone has a different style and taste - that's why we get to dress and look however we like! So - have YOU rocked the feather?share a pic of you and your feather accessories with me on Facebook! I'll show you mine ...now show me yours.... ;)

GIVEAWAY - I will send you a new pair of feather earrings! all you have to do is leave a comment! Do you love the feather trend already or just giving it a try? Be clever! And if you post a photo on Facebook let me know - it's an extra entry (make sure to post it on my page or tag/mention Brassy Apple!

This is a quick giveaway! I will pick a winner and announce on Thursday! :)

Winner - Cutting Edge Stencil

2011-11-08T16:17:00.002-07:00

Thanks for all the entries for the Cutting Edge Stencil Giveaway!

edited: All attempts were made to contact the winner but bounced emails and no response forced my hand to pick a new winner!

LIZ is the lucky winner!

(she will have 48 hours to reply and then a new winner will be chosen!)

Congrats! I will have another giveaway tomorrow - from me! it's a short one though - only a day or so until the winner is picked! See you then!

Sweater Leg warmers - tutorial

2011-11-07T21:47:00.000-07:00

Remember my sweater pillows? I said to keep the extra pieces for other projects....here is one of those projects!

Supplies:

Sweater (I used a heavy cable knit one)

Scissors or rotary cutter/ruler/mat

sewing machine

Buttons (optional)

sewing needle and thread (optional)

Step 1: Lay out your sweater flat and cut off the arms of the sweater as close to the shoulder hem as you can.

Step 2: Fold over the top raw edge about 1/2" and pin. Then sew to create a finished top edge.

Step 3: optional - Handsew buttons down the length of 1 side.

Step 4: Slip on over your boots or skinny jeans and fold under the top edge as needed or desired!

If you create some - please share a picture!

I will be linking up here...

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what I learned: Cable knit sweaters don't "give much or have much elasticity. It's better to choose a sweater that has some give to it.

Mom it Monday #5 - new SCARVES!

2011-11-06T22:00:00.009-07:00

Just a few days left to take advantage of my special Holiday pricing to advertise your business here on my blog! Hurry! Hurry!
-----------------------
If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter you have seen my sneak peaks this last week.

The Brassy Apple Shop will be stocked Monday morning (11/7)! Snatch up some great designs this season for you, for stocking stuffers, for your friends, teachers, etc!

So what have you been crafting or sewing this week? Any great parties you have thrown? Link up and share!

1. direct link only - no shops, no selling!

2. Please grab a button and/or link back to the party! (text link, sidebar or directly in your post!)

3. Enjoy!!!