Picture Makeover for Holidays

November 30, 2017 By

I am constantly looking for ideas that provide functionality and decor options as we continue to settle into our smaller home. 

I’ve wanted something to put over the buffet that had a Christmas theme but haven’t come across the print, size or dollar amount I wanted.   Plus I didn’t want another picture to store.  Then  I got the idea of covering the existing picture that hangs in this area with holiday gift wrap to provide a blank slate.  I’m pretty happy with how this project came out.


This is the picture I removed from the wall.


I used a good quality wrapping paper and blue painters tape to adhere.


My goal was to be able to use the bow and letters over each year and also not damage the picture  underneath.  Using a piece of jute in the corner (I glued with a bit of hot glue on each end) allowed me to tie the bow onto the jute instead of gluing the bow directly onto the paper.


I purchased 3 wood letters from Hobby Lobby and a $1.99 bottle of red chalk paint.  

Two coats of red, then a clear wax and finally a dark wax layer and they were ready to be adhered.  


I chose this product to adhere the letters to the paper.  They worked great.


Bow and letters attached.

Why I love this idea?

  • The roll of wrapping paper can be used for many years to come.
  • The only storage will be the bow and letters.
  • The motif can be easily changed up,
  • JOY – Jesus Only You is perfect to sit above the manger scene I’ve had since childhood.
  • It’s easy and fast.
  • Can be used for other holidays
  • It’s frugal.
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Filed Under: Christmas, Craft Ideas, Crafts, Home Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Noah’s Kindness Eggless Cookies – Decorator Kits

October 22, 2017 By

I decided to take the Noah’s Kindness Cookie Recipe and play.. I wanted to know the following:  1)  Could I substitute an egg replacement made from ground flax seed so my daughter Tamara (the workout mama) could enjoy them; 2) Would they bake well if they were shaped in balls 3)  Decorate with a cloud of buttercream frosting and different colors of sanding sugar mixed together to create the rainbow effect; 4) Create cookie decorating kits for my grandchildren

Please click here to learn about the special baby these cookies were created in honor of and access the recipe HERE

  1.  Yes – Tamara thought they were good using the 3 Tbsp of water to 1 Tbsp of ground flax seed.  Mix well and let sit for 5 minutes before adding into recipe where it calls for 1 egg.  Keep in mind that the flax seed will create a sprinkling of color in the dough.

2).  They did bake up well in the rounds and were faster than creating the log shape in the original recipe.  Bake for 3-4 minutes longer.

3).  This worked well.  Buttercream Recipe – 1/2 cup of softened butter, 2 1/2 cups of powered sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla and a Tbsp or two of milk, your choice.  Blend until desired consistency (too thin – add more sugar; too thick – add a little more milk).  I use almond milk.  I placed my frosting into a pastry bag with decorative tip.

4).  The Cookie Kits – I was happy how these turned out.  Using a plastic bowl with a lid, I placed 12 cookies in each (because you want to make sure each child is getting the same number), a small container of rainbow sprinkles with a lid (I put the combination of sugars together which works better than 7 different containers of sugar to deal with), and a small container of white yogurt chips with a lid.  I had a plastic portable file cabinet that used to hold my craft paper and I almost threw it away.  I’m so glad I didn’t – the bowls and frosting fit perfectly and I will use it to take over future projects for my grandchildren.  I took two cookie sheets lined with parchment paper with me so that they each had a workstation on the table to catch the majority of sprinkles.

I find that baking the cookies ahead of time works well with young children’s attention span.  I was so proud of  them both – they didn’t eat any of the frosting or sprinkles while they were decorating which was a first.

I can see these cookie kits being used for holidays, birthday parties, delivering a meal and if you are having little people over to your house as a project for them to do so they can contribute.  How cute to let them finish up the dessert to be served at a family or friend dinner.  I am already dreaming up something fun we can do with these cookies for Thanksgiving.

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Filed Under: Christmas, Craft Ideas, Desserts

Picture Makeover

July 16, 2017 By

A few weeks ago I had a chance to visit a few thrift stores.  I found a few new toys for my grandchildren, a cd, a journal and I found the picture I’ve been looking for to place on a wall above my desk at work.  There was a connection when I saw the picture.  It reminds me of one of Jeff’s and my favorite moments when we visit Oceanside.  We check the time for sunset, then head down to the beach and sit on a wall about 15 minutes beforehand watching the sun disappear slowly into the ocean.

I’m going to tell you the story of the picture and its makeover.  Please excuse my reflection in the pictures.

I purchased at a Goodwill.  Price $3.99.  It had a wood-colored frame that was peeling in a few places.  I came home and took all the pieces apart, carefully handling the glass.  I wet a soft towel and wiped down the frame and glass.  

I used Goo Gone to remove the sticker and glue residue and a glass cleaner on both sides .

I went through my paint supplies and held them up to the print deciding on a combination of two blues I had.  I laid down a shower curtain from the Dollar Store to protect my rug.  I mixed up the paint and begun to apply the blue letting it dry between coats which doesn’t take too long in Arizona.  I usually put a layer of saran wrap on the plate for easy cleanup but forgot this time.

I wanted the picture to be a constant reminder of one of my favorite verses “Be Still and Know that I am God.”  Mark 4:39, Psalm 46:10. I pulled my leftover stickers and fortunately had the letters to spell out “Be Still”  I had in mind to use one of the pieces of Oregon driftwood my friend and coworker Cindy had brought me back for her vacation last year.  

I had a little Mod Podge and placed a few layer over the self adhesive stickers.

I then took the painted frame and driftwood piece outside and gave it a good coating of sealer.

After the sealer had dried, I put the glass, print and cover back together.  Then glued the driftwood piece where I wanted it.

Here is the finished project which is now on my office wall.

 

 

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