Family Memory Jar

I saw the idea on Pinterest a few weeks ago of making a memory jar. The idea is that you jot down memories as they happen and put them in a jar. Then read them at the end of the year.


I instantly decided I *had* to do this! But, of course, it wasn't good enough to just have a plain ole mason jar hanging out with paper strips in it. It's gotta be cute! Cute enough to display as home decor, of course :)

I printed up this label on cardstock I had and attached it to the jar, but that just didn't seem like enough. I had some old hemp string from some other craft endeavor from years ago, so I punched a few holes and strung it through the label. On the lid, I printed out a smaller version of the label, cutting off memories, and cutting out a slit in the middle for the paper slips to be put in. Then I tied a bow with the string and glued it on top!


Here's a glimpse of the final project:

I apologize for the terrible picture quality. I snapped it with my phone as I was finishing up and haven't had the time to go back and take a better one.


The plan is to randomly add memorable moments, especially the ones that you'd otherwise forget, for enjoyment later. In our case, it will become a New Years Eve tradition. I'm so excited to read them at the end of the year! The kids are always doing things that will be fun to read about. 


I also plan to make a new jar each year so we can save them as a type of family journal. Hopefully, this will become a tradition that we will all look forward to each year.

I Love You Because...

This is one I came across on Pinterest. I fell in love and just had to make it!

Click here for original source!

So, I got to work with my Photoshop again, and this is what I came up with:

Soooooooo cute, right? I printed it out on cardstock as a 5x7 and couldn't wait to put it in a frame! Only.... I didn't have any frames in that size that I liked. So, I improvised. I broke out the ole laminator, then stuck it up on the fridge with a couple magnets and a dry erase marker. I had every intention of taking a picture of the actual finished product, but the kids decided that wasn't a priority for me today so you just get to enjoy the jpeg :)


I used the font SC Manipulative Lovers, which you can download here for free! The * key in this font is actually a heart, which I chose to use because I thought it matched well. The only problem is that it's very small, so you have to make a separate text box for it and make the font size very large, then move it around until it looks right. 


And THAT is how I did it!

Cookie Monster Birthday Invitation

One of my favorite places for inspiration is etsy. So naturally, when we decided to do a Cookie Monster theme for Isaac's 2nd birthday I had to check out what they had to offer.


Things went just the way they normally do. I surfed in looking for an idea for a birthday banner, and ended up completely in love with all of the other cute little unnecessary goodies! 


The first thing I decided we needed was cute personalized invitations, of course! So, I spent some time looking around at all of the options available, then broke out the Photoshop!


Now let me tell you-- I am no pro with Photoshop. I got a great deal on CS5 while I was a teacher and couldn't pass it up, so I play around with it a alot. It takes me a LONG time to figure out how to do what most people can probably whip out in a few minutes. I do utilize digiscrap papers, etc. that I've found online to help with projects similar to this.


When all that was done, here's what I came up with:

So there you have it. Google images. Photoshop. Uploaded to Wal-Mart to print. Bought some envelopes (cheap!) from Amazon (another LOVE of mine).

Success!

See? I can do that!!

I can do this... I think.

I was surfing through Pinterest tonight for some ideas for holiday decor and food. As I looked, I decided I needed to create a blog. 


I attempted to blog once before. I blogged about 5 times, then forgot I even had it. But this time, it will be different. I have a plan! 


Back to the Pinterest surfing... As I look through all of the fabulous creative ideas, I must confess. 

I. want. it. all. 

Seriously. But, I have a slight (ok not so slight) problem with this. Yeah, you guessed it. A bit lacking in the cash flow area when it comes to all of these must haves for the home and kids! 


So, I usually end up thinking, looking, wanting, thinking, looking, and if I still really want at this point, I say, "I can do that!!" Hence the name for this new blog. 


My plan is to attempt to post about all of the copy cat projects I undertake. 


So there you have it.