Valentine Photo Frame

As my profile says, I have a hubby who travels ALOT for his job.  He misses many a birthday and special occasion because of it.  This year is no exception.  He is overseas right now and will be missing Valentines Day.  I know its not necessarily a major holiday but its still time away from the family.  I try and do what I can to keep our relationship front and center, even with the thousands of miles between us.


I don't know about you, but I always seem to have these little wooden dollar frames from michaels hanging around my house. I wanted to use one to showcase me and my hubby this V-day.  We were very fortunate to go to Jamaica kid free about a year and a half ago.  While there, I convinced my white knuckled man to go zip-lining with me.  My husband hates anything where he is not in control so this was B-I-G, and most certainly memorable (and monumental on his part). I couldn't think of a better picture of what love is than doing something you are afraid of or incredibly uncomfortable with just to please your spouse. (insert the cheesy aww's here, I know) Here is the final Result:

Supplies:  Wooden frame from Michael's
                2 Sheets scrapbook paper plus word art
                Mod Podge
                2 different colored pieces of felt
                Scissors, heart punch or cricut cartridge
             
I wish I could take credit for the tutorial on the flowers, but I can't.  You can find detailed directions for these rolled flowers here.  I used mod podge to glue the paper down onto the frame and also to seal it with a top coat.  Once dry I added the embellishments.  Easy peasy.  One little hint about the frames.  When you buy them, they come with a cardboard piece in the middle with the dimensions on it.  DO NOT throw that piece away.  It is perfect to add stability and backing to whatever picture you decide to frame.  That's about it.  Now go and display your crafted glory!

Linky Party Features

Happy Sunday everyone!  I hope all of you have had a fabulous week!  I wanted to share with you some of my favorites from my first linky party.  Please be sure to grab a button if you are featured. 

This process was much more difficult than I thought it would be.  I really do enjoy being inspired by others in so many areas.  Thank you for participating.  Here we go:

Her-Ballistic Garden

Wendy shows us how to take one pillow and transform its looks to fit the season. 

Homespun with Love

I am a sucker for decorated mantles.  This is done beautifully and on a budget.

The Messy Roost

I admit that out of every craft project I have ever done, I have yet to decoarte a glass block.  This one certainly has me motivated to do my own.

Thanks again to everyone who participated.  I'm looking forward to seeing what you have been up to this week!

Bath Fizzy Pizza Gift Boxes

I am always looking for new and creative gift packaging ideas for all of my homemade goodies.  I get bored easily and enjoy challenging myself with new designs.  So, when I made a batch of heart shaped bath fizzies to give to my friends this valentines day, I wanted something that was the perfect size to contain them.  If you are looking for a bath bomb/fizzie recipe, you can go to my post here.  Aside from changing up the essential oils and choosing a smaller mold, the recipe is the same.

I wanted something small and flat, like those little mini chocolate boxes.  I found this tutorial on one of my favorite 'papercraft' idea sites and ran with it.  Here is the finished product:

They were super quick and easy.  I know I will make a few more.  Enjoy!

Easy Valentine Decor

I have kids.  Big suprise there.  They keep me super busy with all of their extra activities.  Especially when my hubby is overseas.  I still want to do a little decorating, even if it is minor and I'm short on time.

I'm all for quick results in craft making and this project really couldn't get any easier.  We have all seen the pre-cut letters in ever craft store.  For the most part, they aren't that expensive, especially when you get them on sale.  They make for quick and easy decor for any holiday amongst other things.  Combine those letters with some scrapbooking paper, mod podge, and a few embellishments and you are ready to go. 

There is a little trick too if you don't have any mod podge lying around.  Simply take your regular old glue and mix equal parts of glue and water.  Instant mod podge!  If you want a high gloss finish, I wouldn't suggest this method though.  Just my personal opinion. The 'extras' are really what makes these projects pop!  Just use what you have on hand.  Flowers, eyelets, ribbon,buttons, jewels, tags, pins; it all can be coordinated into this project. 

Valentine Gifts for Teachers

I really do try to remember my children's teachers, especially around any holiday.  They work so hard for our kids and are not given enough credit for the work that they do.  I've been on a mission these last few days to search for projects that could be made for them without breaking the bank, yet still personalized and special.  Here are some of the ideas I have found:

Valentine Fortune Cookies

Heart Shaped Soap

Decorated Candy Bar Wrappers

Decorative Hanging Cone

Now it's just a matter of collecting the supplies and getting a move on.  What are your suggestions for teacher gifts this upcoming Valentines Day?