Back in action- Paint chip calendar and True Colors card

Wow y'all.. it's been a crazy month.. an awesomely blessed, exciting, busy, somewhat stressful, crazy month. A lot has changed, most significantly my state of residence. Hello Georgia! I'm definitely loving every minute of it, and because I'm living in very close proximity to my very crafty blest flend Anna P. we've been doing  some hard-core Pinterest partying going on. The products of these wild nights will definitely be fodder for many blogs to come, but right now I have a lot of catching up to do!



A few posts ago I mentioned that I had a few other paint chip projects in the works. The first was a Christmas present for the sweetest, most inspiring little family I know.. literally (check out their blogs here and here). I've been babysitting for the P's oldest 3 boys for the past few years and grown to know and love all of them more than my heart can handle. Momma and Daddy P are two of the best parents I've ever witnessed, and their passion for foster care and adoption was one of the main things that fueled my interest in going into the field of social work. A few months before I moved, they were blessed with sweet baby M, and not getting to see that precious little boy grow up physically and spiritually breaks my heart. Thank goodness both of them are diligent picture po

Like I said, Mamma P is one of the most inspiring moms I know.. if/when I have kids of my own one day, I am already praying I get half of her patience, love, and super-mom powers. She's creative, organized, never frazzled, and always smiling, no matter what her 4 wildly energetic little boys are up to. So as one of my first real Pinterest undertakings I wanted to make something that she could actually use. I tried out a few ideas for weekly menu organizational boards (which she'd actually use, since she really does plan dinners a week in advance and stick to the plans.. like I said, super-mom), but none of them really panned out, so I took this idea here and made it my own.

Paint Chip Calendar

I was passing by the Benjamin Moore pain store the other day and couldn't help myself- I had to take a look at there selection, and boy, they had some good ones. Great colors, shapes, sizes, color names.. I was in heaven.

Aren't they great?

I know the employees must have thought I was crazy, but I grabbed handfuls of the most colorful and fun and made a beeline for the door. An idea was being formed and I needed to get it started before it was forgotten. My one-track brain doesn't hold much these days.. SQUIRREL! (An Up reference. Haven't seen the movie? You're missing out for real)

First I gathered and organized all these pretty little things into a pattern that fit my fancy. In order to accomodate every combination of month start dates it required a lot of space (a month that begins on a Friday would need a calendar with 6 weeks to fit all the dates, even though it only has a maximum of 31 days.. do the math). After over an hour of mixing and matching, this is what I came up with-

Next I took each column and attached them to the back of some ugly-colored paint chip cards just because they were ready-made, evenly cut pieces of material. For those less lazy than I am, any sturdy scrap paper strips would do. I used double-sided tape so it would be easier to un-attach and move them around if need be.

I repeated this step for each of the days of the week, but because my frame wasn't large enough to fit all seven columns, I had to make the weekend days smaller. No biggie. It actually added a pretty cool dynamic to the design. I'm beginning to love the improvisation factor in all this crafty stuff.. and if you know me at all, you know what a miracle it is for this anal, type-A control freak.

I bought this frame for under $8 at Walmart (the only real cost of the project, may I add) and lined it with a piece of poster board cut to size.

I then cut a piece of white poster board to fit in the frame and begun lining up the columns.

The perfectionist in me started rearing it's ugly head at this point as I realized there was some unavoidable unevenness in the alignment, so I used my handy-dandy paper cutter (an OCD craft-a-holic's BFF) and cut very small strips of posterboard to make some "grid lines".

After securing all of these to the posterboard, I labeled the days of the week, added a space for the name of the month, and put the family's last name at the top.

Finally, I let it dry completely before putting the frame together.

(Excuse the crappy picture quality and gross over-croppage.. all I had on hand was my I phone)

The outcome honestly surpassed my expectations. Love it!


The next project was one for that SBOM. At one point he had jokingly made fun of my paint chip stealing, so I told him that all he'd be getting for Christmas was a big pile of 'em. And I was only half-kidding

I'd seen some cute "things I love about you" projects on Pinterest that had gotten my creative juices flowing. I thought about doing this one, but after my promising him a piant chip-ified present, I adapted.


"What I Love About Your True Colors" Paint Chip Card

First I gathered up some of my least girly paint chips (I used the trusty WalMart brand again) and prepared my mental list of his great qualities, which definitely wasn't a difficult task. Then I wrote one quality on each color square, using various colors of Sharpies. To make the cover slip, I cut one chip in each of the primary colors and glued them to a neutral slip. When I'd made six or seven slips, I punched a hole in the top right corner of each one and secured them together with a thin ribbon. And he had to eat his teasing words, because it was a big hit :)

Like I said, this past month has been so good, and I know there is a purpose for me being here and now, for "such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). But I would be lying if I said that there weren't a few lonely nights that I've spent questioning if moving this far away from family and friends was such a good idea after all. I have a great friend and her wonderful husband right down the road that have gone so far out of their way to help me it isn't even funny, and I am more grateful for that than I can say. But I left a lot behind when I moved down here, and the only explanation I can give to people that ask why I did it is that God said so.. and even though it is confusing and hard, I know within my soul that it's right. This is where I'm supposed to be.

On the dark nights (and mornings.. and afternoons) that I feel so alone, unknown, and unheard, Kutless' new song "Carry Me to the Cross" floods my hurting heart with light. I have to admit that I'm not the biggest fan of their usual hard core, metal-esque material, but they mellowed out a lot on this one and it's one of my new faves. The first verse brings me to tears almost every time.. it's like they read my journal-

"When the path is daunting and every step exhausting, I'm not alone
I feel you draw me closer, all these burdens on my shoulder

I'm not alone, I'm not alone, You pull me me from this place"

Thank you, Jesus, for pulling me from the lonely places and setting my feet upon your Rock. The sorrow may last for a night but Your joy comes in the morning.

Hallelujah.




 
 

The best things in life are free- Paint Chip coasters, cards, & Christmas decor

Let me just say that I'm a sucker for anything free.


Turn me loose in Sam's on a Saturday morning and those sample booths will have me fed for the week.

Once I got a bottle of Ojon (shampoo specially formulized for African-Americans to combat nappy roots) just because I recieved a coupon in the mail (and used it).

And don't get me started on the "free" section of Craigslist. I don't care if I'll never use a mini-Vuvuzela.. if they're giving it away, I'll take it.


So when I discovered the art of crafting with paint chips, i was hooked. Not only are they uuber cute and colorful, by gosh, they're free. Yes and amen.

Fast forward a few months, and I'm pretty sure I'm on the watch list of Wal-mart's paint department. Decorations, cards, gifts.. It's gotten a little out of hand. That SBoM was making fun of me for this obsession the other day, so do you know what he's getting for Christmas? That's right, paint chips (I'm only half kidding.. be on the lookout for that post sometime soon). One of my bigger undertakings is a gift for one the most amazing families I've ever known who I babysat for in Searcy. That one will be a post in itself as well, but here's a sneak peak:

 Stay tuned!









My latest P.C. project was an upcylce of some old drink coasters. I was inspired by this but I needed to use what I had laying around, so the finished product looked more like this:

Here's my version:

Paint Chip Coasters


I had some beat-up, drink-stained Christmas coasters stuffed into a box of decorations from last year that needed a new life, so they became my base. But you could use any sturdy cardstock, cardboard, or cork.

These were made out of thin cardboard.

The supply list wasn't extensive, either. Just some Modge Podge, a glue stick, the coaster bases, and whatever combination of paint chips your little heart desires. My personal fave are the ones only available at Wal Mart because they're long, have great colors, and come in about bajillion and three varieties.

First, slather your coaster base in a generous amount of glue from the glue stick. Be sure to get every little nook and cranny.



I went for the "less is more" look.



Easy as 1-2-3



Next, trim up the edges to match the coaster base.

Then apply a thick, even coat of Modge Podge on the top and sides.

Be sure to get the sides really well so that the paint chips adhere completely.

Repeat as many times as you have coasters and let them dry completely until no stickiness is left.

And you're done!

Now all that's left is to put them to work. My favorite way to do that is with a concoction I made up on a whim recently called a Strawberry Wine Spritzer. Mix your favorite sweet wine with some strawberry flavored carbonated water and half a "to-go" packet of strawberry flavored Crystal Light. Yum!

But the craze doesn't end there. These guys are so perfect for Christmas cards and tags like these:








And a lot of them have Holiday-themed names that add extra flair:



"Polar Bear" and "Sugar Plum"




"Happy Holiday"





"Jolly Holly" and "Christmas Red"



"Warm Gingerbread", "Cinnamon Stick", and "Cinnamon Spice"

And they make great quick, colorful ornaments/wreaths/etc.

You may see me at an addicts anonymous meeting soon, but for now I'm perfectly happy with this little obsession... as is my wallet. You can't get much better than free.


Speaking of free..

There's been a lot on my heart and mind lately, and so much of it makes me think, why in the world would the Lord still forgive me for all of this? I have done so much to hurt His heart (for real, y'all.. it's been a mess), and I still don't have it all together in the least.


Last night when I was talking whining to God, the Holy Spirit hit me hard with the fact that if  I spent half  the time in the Word as I do on Pinterest my life would look a lot different.

Ouch.

But the Truth isn't always comfortable or easy to hear.. And I know that that Truth brings no condemnation. So as the lies flood in about how awful I am and how far from grace I must be falling, the word free begins to grown in meaning, because in Chirst I have recieved so much for free:

Free grace

Free love

Free forgiveness

Free acceptance

Free-dom from condemnation

Free

Free

Free

I am free. Wow. I don't know what that does for you, but my heart can't get enough of that. Jimmy Needham sings many songs addressing this blessed fact, one being "Forgiven & Loved." Part of the chorus is,

"When He died He died to rectify my hopeless situation,

And His blood commands my guilt to flee.

So on calvary I stand, empty pockets, open hands,

Because there is no condemnation for me."

And at the very end he just repeats,

"Child you're forgiven and loved."

Wow. Gets me every time. Enjoy :)




 
 
 

Happy birthday Dad!- Beer & Bacon Pancakes & Decoupaged Photo Tray

I have an absolutely AMAZING dad, who just so happened to be born 61 years ago today. And I can't say enough about this guy...


Is he perfect?
Nope

Do we get along 100% of the time?
Hardly

Am I pretty sure he wishes he could send me back for a quieter, saner, more cooperative model most days?
Oh yeah

But could I have asked for a better man to show me what unconditional love and continuous forgiveness looks like?
Not in a million years.

But he does have one itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny fault- it's impossible to buy a gift for him. Not that he's picky or particular. Just the opposite, actually. He never needs anything. He has a closet full of shirts, too many ties to count, and is perfectly happy with his current assortment of electronic devices and power tools. Usually my default gift is a box of malted milk balls (his fave) and some sort of gift card (which he usually ends spending on my mom, brother, or I instead of himself anyway). So this year I thought I'd put my new found craftiness to good use.

My dad's a sucker for a good TV show (what dad isn't?) and he's not going to let dinnertime get in the way of a new episode. When I was home for Father's Day this summer I noticed that his TV tray of choice was an old rusty cookie sheet (points for resourcefulness), so I scoured the streets of Abilene looking for something better. Everything I found was either licenced by Disney or more for show than supper, so I settled for a plain white plastic number, embellished with a few stickers to add a "personal touch" (the extent of my pre-pinterest creativity.. pathetic doesn't even come close). And bless his sweet heart, he loved it.

Last month when I moved back home I found that the much-used tray was looking a little shabby..

See what I mean?

My pathetic attempt at personalizing

So I decided to give it a modge podge n' memories makeover.

First, I sorted through 22 years worth of pictures to find the sweetest daddy-daughter moments:

 

 

 




... then printed them off on this baby:

Mom's newest toy- Canon PixmaPro9500, AKA the beast of photo printers

.. and glued them to the tray. We have a winner!

Here are the deets:


Photo Collage Tray

Gather your supplies:

Modge Podge
Clean and dry plastic tray
Numerous photos of all shapes and sizes

Before busting out the Modge Podge, experiment with different layouts to find the best one. I'm a little bit OCD when it comes to symmetry and evenness, so this took a while.

When you're satisfied with the picture's positions affix them to the tray with modge podge. I removed them one section at a time so that I wouldn't forget where they'd been originally placed.

When all of the pictures are attached, I apply a generous layer of modge podge to coat them all. It helps to do this a section at a time as well so that you can make the surface as smooth as possible. Make sure to get the excess goop out of the crevices between the pictures and in the corners of the tray.

Let this layer dry completely, then add another, making it very smooth.

After the tray is fully dry (I let mine sit overnight), fix up some yummy food and show off your handiwork! Like a birthday breakfast, perhaps?


My dad's the king of breakfast, specifically pancakes. He can somehow take the recipe on the back of a Bisquick box and turn it into a meal that puts IHOP to shame. I've tried and tried to recreate his signature dish with no avail, so I decided to switch it up a little bit.

I made beer & bacon "Mancakes" for my brother and his roommates when I visited him at school last fall (because what college boy doesn't like beer, bacon, or breakfast for dinner?), and they were a huge hit, so I decided to put them to the ultimate test... dad-pproval.

Verdict? They passed with flying colors. And besides the fact that cracking open a Coors at 7:30am makes me a bit uncomfortable, they'll be on our breakfast (and lunch.. and dinner) menu again very soon.


Beer and Bacon "Mancakes"
find the printable recipe here


Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb bacon, about 8 slices (I used turkey this time, because the first time I made these there was too much fat and not enough usable meat on the regular bacon)
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (I eyeballed this one. A couple of handfuls is sufficient)
• 2 cups Original Bisquick® mix
• 1 cup of your favorite regular or nonalcoholic beer (I used regular Coors because it's cheaper and all the alcohol is cooked out anyway)
• 2 eggs

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350. While it's heating up, line a baking sheet with tinfoil and arrange bacon in one single layer.

When the oven's ready, bake for 10 minutes (or less if you're using turkey bacon. I learned this the hard way. 7 minutes worked well).

Sprinkle bacon with half the brown sugar (or just grab a handful and sprinkle away like I did). Return to oven and bake another 10 minutes (or 7 with turkey bacon).

Flip bacon over and do the same to the other time. Return to the oven one last time and bake for 10-15 (7-10) minutes. Remove and let cool completely. I was kind of short on time so I popped them in the fridge while I made the batter. Worked like a charm.

Crumble cooled bacon and add it to the mix.

Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter onto a greased skillet.

Cook each side until the edges are crusty. After both sides are browned, press down on the middle with the flat bottom of your spatula to make sure all of the batter on the inside is fully cooked. Mine looked done on the outside, but I'm assuming that the extra yeast in the beer made them rise in the middle a bit and not get fully cooked. Pressing down on them squeezes any uncooked batter to the edges and allows you to brown it as well.

Repeat for as many pancakes as you have batter for. For me, the mix yielded 5 medium-sized cakes.


While the pancakes were cooking, I popped another tray of bacon in the oven (the only way I am ever cooking bacon from now on.. it is SO EASY and they turned out PERFECT) and whipped up a few eggs (tips found here: add a tablespoon of milk per egg, whisk until your hand's about to fall off, and add to an already-warm pan). Add a good cup of coffee to the mix and you've got a breakfast fit for a king.. or a birthday boy :)

YUM!

Proof that the Pancake King highly approved. And please ignore the "I don't own a hairbrush" look I have going on. Cooking a decent meal still equals running a 5K in my book, and I'd barely made it to the finish line.

Like I said, I have an earthly father that can't be beat. He has shown me the love and unconditional acceptance that's helped me truly understand how my heavenly Father loves and accepts me in the midst of my sins and struggles. And that is something for which I am eternally grateful. He's my hero, my encourager, and my biggest fan.. and when I grow up, I want to be just like him :)


There is a new-ish movie out by the makers of Fireproof named Courageous, and it is amazing.. if you and the special men in your life haven't seen it, do. There is a song with the same title by Casting Crowns that speaks to men stepping into their God-given destinies as fathers and husbands, and I feel like it fits so well today. I am blessed beyond belief to have a dad that lives courageously every day. Every time I hear these lyrics, it brings tears to my eyes, because I know how much he's fought for me over the years (and believe me, it's been a battle)-

"This is our resolution, our answer to the call, 

We will love our wives and children, we refuse to see them fall. 

We will reignite the passion that we've buried deep inside, 

May the watchers become warriors, let the men of God arise"

I love you daddy :)