Classic Joke Tuesday {w/ crafts}

You know how certain things can take you right back to a specific memory, time, place? The way a song can bring back all the emotions of an experience. The way a certain smell reminds you of someone special.

Well there's something in particular that always brings me back to a week in 2004. I'm in high school and on a missions trip to Mexico with my church. We're building houses for families, who are in desperate need for more room. The house they live in now is smaller than my bedroom, and there are five of them. A mother, father, 2 children, and a new baby. Despite having so little, they are so happy. The type of happiness that doesn't change based on how things may be going on that particular day. A happiness that is deep and unchanging. It is JOY.

It was an incredible week, where I learned so much about who I am, the things that are important to me, and how I need to use my life to lift up those around me,as much as I can.

***

**segway from serious conversation** Want to know the thing that always reminds me of this special trip?

A joke.

Thanksgiving Mason Jar Candleholder {w/ crafts}

Last night the smell of vanilla candles filled my small condo. It was cold outside, and my pup Chandler was buried beneath a throw blanket on the couch. Cupcakes were baking in the oven and I was mixing up some salted caramel butter cream frosting. I was in my element.  

I love my alone time when I am working on a project – baking, crafting, even blogging. It’s relaxing but because I am doing something, there’s a sense of accomplishment.

The candles burning last night were in my new mason jar candle holders that I made last weekend. I did this same project last year and liked it so much I knew I had to make another one. It is such an easy craft and I think it is adorable.

Twine Wrapped Block Letter {w/ crafts}

well hello there, glad you could join me today.

This past week was almost cool enough to be fall in San Diego, which meant I jumped at the opportunity to craft. The cooler weather brings it out of me. Last year I tackled a dozen projects - leaf stamped gift bags, leaf mod-podged mason jars... see a theme here? It's true, I absolutely love fall. But this craft today is perfect year round.

I found my inspiration here but decided to make it as a monogram that could sit on my bookshelf.

I started out with a spool of hemp twine, a large block letter "A" from Michaels, and my trusty hot glue gun. 

Upcycled Gift Bags {w/ crafts}

hello world.

***

The last few weekends have been filled with children's birthday parties. It's been quite fun actually, lots of cake, baloons, and laughing children. For my second cousin's first birthday I decided to make a personalized gift bag. I'll start by saying that am relatively new to the crafting arena. Luckily this project is very simple and easy, plus it is a "green" way to show you care.

Start with a plain gift bag. I love how Anthropologie uses high quality bags when you make a purchase. There's something about the sturdy paper and soft fabric handles that gets me every time. It's the same feeling I get when I eat out of my favorite floral print bowl and drink out of mason jars. I feel pampered.

I used simple brown paper wrapping and cut it into 2 rectangles to cover the Anthropologie logo on each side and to serve as a background for my letters. I attached it using double sided tape.

I free-handed the letters and then cut them out with an exacto knife, but you can easily use scissors. {and for more precise letters, a stencil}  

I spaced out the letters and taped them down.

The result is a simple, homemade creation.