Getting Crafty: Altered Metal Washers

So, when's the last time that you wore hardware around your neck?  :)  At my last scrapbook retreat, one of the gals made a really cool necklace using a large metal washer.  She used Mod Podge to adhere scrapbook paper to the washer, highlighted a few areas with Stickles, and then put a layer of Crystal Effects over the top.  She then hung them on black cord with a few beads added as accents.  They were a hit!

Earlier this year, I stamped small washers with letters (names) and hung them on ribbon for my daughter's birthday party.  My brother works at a hardware store, so he was able to get me a box of 100 for around $7.00.  (By the way, if you're going to stamp or punch holes in them, aluminum is the way to go!)

Okay, back to the altered washer.  Given that I still have about 80 or so left, I decided to try my hand at the altering part.  I purchased the black cord at Michael's in the jewelry aisle (it came with clasps) and used paper from my scrapbook stash.  Here's what I came up with:

Isn't it cute?  :)

Frugal Tip: Sonic Happy Hour

If you don't live near a Sonic, allow me to offer my condolences.  If you do, I just wanted to share a little tip with you.

I love Sonic's Happy Hour.  It's something that's a special treat if we happen to be out running errands in the afternoon.  My kids LOVE the orange cream slushes, which are still kind of pricey since they only reduce the "slush" part of the cost.  I decided that it was cheaper for them to split a large than for each of them to get the small size.  However, it wasn't very practical for them to keep passing the cup back and forth.

Enter my favorite sippy cups:

Photo courtesy of The First Years

They're not just for toddlers anymore!  A large cream slush will just about fill three of these.  They're a lot sturdier than the Sonic cups, and the kids get a serving that's just right for them (meaning less calories consumed so close to dinner).  :)

First Day of School

This year, we joined a couple of other homeschool families for a First Day of School celebration.  One of the moms had ideas for a carnival theme.  The kids played games to "win" school supplies (everyone was a winner), and we had a yummy lunch of corn dogs, corn on the cob, fresh veggies, homemade root beer (the impromptu science lesson of the day), and cupcakes for dessert.  :)

Here are a few pics from our day:

Out with the old and in with the new...

My last post on my old blog was nearly a year ago, and I was starting to feel a little freaked out about how much info was "out there."  That (plus the crack known as Facebook) made me a little hesitant to resume blogging.  However, I missed it and really wanted to be able to share more with family and friends.  So, I archived and deleted my old blog, and here I am with a new title and renewed interest. 

What will you see here?  Well, I had an idea once to start a recipe blog with cheap and healthy meals, so you'll probably see some of those.  I'm a homeschooler and will share some of our days--good and bad.  I love all things crafty--scrapbooking, sewing, cardmaking, and jewelry-making--and love to share my projects.  Last, but most definitely NOT least, I'm passionate and God and Jesus, so I'll throw in some inspiration, too.  :)