Baker's Twine!

I did use the baker's twine!  I used it to make a Mother's Day card for my mom, my mother-in-law and my grandmommie! Here it is...

I did scrap-lift from the Twinery's website, where you can buy this delightful accent! 

In other card making adventures, Mom got a compliment on this card I made a long time ago - in fact, I didn't even remember making it.  But I am thinking of taking the concept and re-doing it, sans preprinted card... Now, the best way to make a caterpillar... Thoughts anyone?

Happy Saturday Everyone!  I hope there is crafting in your day!

Upholstered Jewelry Holder

I saw a jewelry holder on thenest.com.  I thought it was so cute that I talked my craft rescue hero (CRH) into letting me poke 15ish holes in the wall to make one.  It came out like this... let's just call it lackluster.  I blamed it on my lack of jewelry. 

The I saw a great idea on Johnny In A Dress... but my CRH vetoed it.  So, I was pondering.  I ran across fabric in my office left over from my Mother's Day project, which can be found here!  I thought an upholstered look would turn out well... and here it is!

Want one of your own??? Here's how...

Supplies:
-Hardboard (mine are cut to 8x10)
-Batting
-Fabric (cut a little larger than your 8x10)
-Cup hooks
-Spray adhesive
-Trusty hot glue gun
-Empty picture frame... no glass, no back

Once my boards were cut (thanks CRH!) I started the materials layering process. 

I doubled up layers of batting.  I adhesive sprayed my boards and place the batting down.  I trimmed up anywhere it was long.  (This is always a problem for me as my cutting skills are... well deficient).

Next up, cut a layer of fabric.  Place it around the edge.  I did not glue mine down.  I placed the entire thing upside down and pulled it tight.  I secured it with a glue gun.  This would work with a staple gun if you have good thickness.  I also have a storied history with staple guns (I have a lot of issues, I just now realized this).  Anyways, glue works for me. 
Place it in the frame.  Hopefully it is a tightish squeeze... it should be!

I marked dots where I wanted to place my cup hooks, which I spray painted black. 

And, then, I started the process of putting in the cup hooks.  These are things that do not work...
1)  Trying to screw a hole in the back
2)  Trying to screw a hole in the front
3)  Praying for God to strike eight well placed holes while I waited there
I ended up using a hammer to make several small nail holes in the front side and then put in my cup hooks.  My challenge was making the fabric hole large enough to not swivel the fabric while getting the hook screwed in tight.  I finally figured it out... just took some practice and finesse. 

Brace the frame and the board, so it will not pop out.   (I forgot to take a picture - sorry!)  And then, voila!  You are done!
I really love how it turned out!  I just need more jewelry to fill it out!  Perhaps another post's project! 

The whole process took me about 30 minutes... over the course of three days! 

Kelp Forest

Since TCAP's are over, I get to teach whatever I want.  I have already taught my sixth graders everything they need to know - supposedly.  So, we are studying the environment.  Last week, we talked about endangered animals.  This week, we are studying the ocean.  And what is more perfect than the kelp forest when we talk about the ocean!
So, we checked out the live webcams at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  The live feed is from 7-7 Pacific time, but it is awesome.  They have several feeds, the kelp forest, penguins, and the actual Monterrey Bay.  Check it out here!  It is pretty mesmerizing!
So, I was inspired to create my own kelp forest with the help of my 75 closest friends.  I gave them each 10 foot by 2 foot (approximately) pieces of bulletin board paper and told them to create a piece of kelp and surrounding animals.  I hung them from the ceiling with hangers.  The pictures don't really do it justice... but this is what I've got. 

The best part is it hides the huge pile of stuff in the corner!  Even my kids were impressed - not an easy task.  We are also watching the movie Oceans by DisneyNature.  I've only seen the first fifteen minutes (five times) but it is really good!  I highly recommend it - and Mom, you can stream it on NetFlix!

And the Project Is...

This really cool necklace that I found on the Tatertots and Jello website!  I decided to change it from nautical-tastic to sleek and chic black and white prints!  I made one for my mom for Mother's Day.  I won't lie, part of my black and white and large bead inspiration was in honor of my Granny, who could rock jewelry like none other.  She was infamous for her black pants and unique jewels. 

So, without further ado, here it is!

I think my favorite part is the pleating!

And I loved it so much... I made one for me too!  I am planning on wearing this to work tomorrow!  It is Open House for rising sixth graders and their parents...does it make me look like I know what I am doing?

And, it uses my new favorite print, Houndstooth!  There is something peculiarly unique about it!

And I have to share what my furbabies rode the bus out to get for Mother's Day!

Could they be any more perfect?

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there!