Valentine Photo Collage

In my last post, I introduced you to Nike at Choose to Thrive.  One of her recent projects just blew me away.  I mean it was cool, looked expensive, was personalized and perfect for Valentine's or everyday. It looked complicated, but with her excellent tutorial, I was confident I could do it. So, I decided to give it a try.

What do you think?

Photo Valentine Collage

This is simply a poster frame with vinyl lettering applied to the glass front.  Behind the glass is a heart-shaped collage of family pictures. I used about 40-50 pictures.  It was so fun going through old pictures, looking for the best ones, and it brought back a lot of great memories.  The collage Nike made is really large 20 x 28.  Since I had to buy my frame, I went to Hobby Lobby and bought a smaller version 16 x 20 (they were 50% off).  Because my frame was smaller, I scaled the pictures to be a bit smaller than Nike's as well.  This way, I was still able to use lots of pictures.  I used glue dots to attach some pictures, and adhesive foam squares to attach others.  This gave the heart some dimension, which I thought turned out nice.  

For the tutorial and better pictures of a completed collage, click here.  This will take you to Nike's guest post at Tator Tots and Jello. 

Thanks Nike.  By the way, I gave it to my Mother today, and she LOVED it!  Making one for myself later this week.  I think I'm going to make one for my Mother in Law for Christmas.

How Do I Love Thee....

Oh, have I found a blog that I love, love, love.  Not only are the projects FABULOUS, they are inexpensive.  And by inexpensive, I mean FREE (well, if you have the supplies lying around, which you will see, most people do).  This year her theme is 2011 No Money Remodel.  After seeing some of her posts, you will agree with me that she will meet the challenge and her home will be AMAZING.

Please, please, please visit Nike over at Choose to Thrive.  You'll be glad you did.

If You Choose to Light Up....

please don't do it while simultaneously driving your minivan 80 mph down the highway in a construction zone and talking on your cell phone.  Seriously?

Oh, and also not with your kids in the van.  But, she did have the window cracked for ventilation and it was all of 18 degrees outside. Refreshing.

Oh Happy Day!!!

This week I dug out my sewing machine for the first time in a long time, to create outfits for a couple of cute baby girls.  I had such fun making the outfits, I thought it might be time to hone my sewing skills.  Unfortunately, there aren't any great places to buy fun, funky, contemporary fabrics near my home.

Well, today while driving home from the gym (the workout kicked my a** by the way) I decided to take a different route home.  I noticed in a previously vacant storefront bolts of fabric inside and a sign that read "SEWN - A Sewing Lounge".   SO.EXCITED.FOR.THIS.SHOP.TO.OPEN.

Found their website and they are opening February 14th.  Happy Valentines Day to me!!! I Can't wait.

How cute is their logo??

Click Here to go to the sewn studio website

All Gone...

No sickness and the snow/ice ended up being mainly a rain event for us.  What does this mean, well, it means everyone is back at school today.  Off to the gym, and then home for a little crafting.  Yes, I do have a mountain of laundry, and I will get some of it done today.  I will, I will......