When I'm at Work and I Miss My Baby

This is kinda random and off topic from my usually craft tutorials.  I just wanted to share a video that makes me smile.  I know I mention my kids a lot but don't really go into detail about them.  Alexis is almost four months now and I resumed work again about a week ago.  Every time I miss her I would watch this video of her... which actually makes me miss her more, but brings a smile to my face.

Hope you guys have a day full of smiles!

Kids Art Display Monogram Idea

I just found a really old post from 2011 that I never published.  I really need to organize my blog better! I'm publishing it now, back then I didn't have a Cricut so I hand cut out the monogram with a craft knife.  You could probably do cooler cutouts with a die cut machine.

I'm at the point in parenting where I have to figure out what to do with all the "art" Avery makes for me. I am not usually a sentimental person, but since I became a mom I have become more sentimental. Here is what I came up with on how to display one of her pieces of art.

I created a letter cutout using her art as the backdrop and the frame backing as the letter.

Avery's artwork on the left.  Finished piece on right.

Print out large letter on paper and place on top of artwork.  Tape in place and using an exacto knife, cut out the letter.  If your knife is not sharp you have to apply more pressure because you have to cut through two layers (the template and the art). If you have a fancy cutting machine you could use that too.  

How to Make a Personalized Name Bracelet

I made this bracelet a while back when I was making the personalized name tag key chain for Avery's lunch box.  Shrink plastic is my new favorite craft supply.  It's so easy to work with and hardens into a relatively durable plastic, that the creative possibilities are endless.  To make this bracelet I punched two holes on each end of the shrink plastic (before shrinking) and then threaded through a leather bracelet.  Check out the tutorial on how to make personalized name tag key chain to see exact details on making the shrink plastic name.

This is the shrink plastic after shrunk.  You want to read the instructions on your shrink plastic to see how much it will shrink.  You could also do a test strip to test also.

Use a needle and nylon thread to sew the name tag onto the leather. 

Shrink plastic can be purchased at ConsumerCrafts.com, Amazon.com or at a local crafts store like Michaels.