Christmas Garlands

 I made a few garlands to go with some white trees in my room.

 I cut out the word MERRY with my Cricut and then sandwiched the letters and scrap paper between some twine.

 Next, I tied some little bottle brush trees to string.  I saw these on Target, but they were sold out at my Target, so I bought mine on Amazon.

 The ten pack of trees as 6 dollars, so it ended up being half the price to make my own.

I'm all about layered garlands these days.  My pom poms are from Hobby Lobby.  You could easily make that too, but....I'm OK with some store bought pieces for the collection.

Bible Verse Sign

Last summer I put together a surprise nursery for a friend.  I wanted to do as much DIY as I had time for to save money.  I had her pin some different things, and one thing we talked about was a bible verse. I had her choose one for each gender.  My plan was to do a piece of subway art on this wood, but when I went through the whole template/mod podge routine, and even an attempt at handwriting it....I just could NOT fall in love.  I had a white mess of messy penmanship.  So, my wood got a white wash.  I painted and scrubbed it off with a damp paper towel in enough layers that I covered up my handwriting.  I then found this quote ready to cut on my Cricut on Etsy and I purchased it.  I rubbed it down on the wood and once it dried I sprayed a clear coat of clear spray so it would stay (I was worried mod podge would wrinkle it).  Last, I glued rope around the top and bottom.  I love the way it turned out....after a few trial and errors.

Copy Paste

A friend of mine recently had a baby.  She wanted to surprise her husband at the hospital with a new dad shirt.  This was baby 2, but the first little guy.  So....her idea was birthed thanks to pinterest.  I bought the shirt on Amazon b/c I could get a onsie and shirt from the same company, and I wanted them to be the exact same color.  I used my cricut to cut out the words and then ironed it down....ready for pictures.  :O)

Gold Clipboard

 I made this little clipboard for my classroom.  I'm a fan of gold.

 I found these clipboards at Hobby Lobby.  They have a bunch of cute designs.  They were 7.99, but I used a coupon.

I used my cricut to cut out my initials and apply them to the clipboard.  So....one new addition for the end of the year/beginning of next year.  I chose to apply it to the side with the clip facing me b/c I'm going to hang it on the wall, otherwise I'd add it to the back so it was more visible when I was using it because cute school supplies is necessary for a successful school year.

Restoring Cricut Mats

 I got a Cricut machine for my birthday (July).  I had an old one for years, but...I got the new fancy gal....and I've been going to town.  The one draw back are those expensive sticky mats.  I was told by a fellow crafter that you could 'restore' the sticky to a board.  Whatever.  But WAIT!  I gave it a try with my mat.  It had little pieces of glitter from some glitter cardstock, and all sorts of pieces of past projects.  I had to tape down my papers and it still moved a lot.
I was told to take one of the counter wipes (like chlorox, but....they aren't picky, I've tried out different kinds just b/c I've used what's on hand).

Guess what?  It totally worked?  I just scrubbed until there was no bits and pieces.  I had to wait until it dried (a few minutes) and it was so sticky I can hold it up.  I've been using it ever since.  IN fact, it's the perfect amount of sticky b/c when you first use these things somethings it's hard to get your paper off in one piece.  I don't know how many times I can restore it, but....this one mat has lasted for over 6 months and it's still going.  Even one time is worth it, but....I'll just keep going.

Water Bottles

Just a quick little project share.  I found these super cute bottles at 99 Cent Only Store.  What?  I love them, they are really very sturdy.  We have five brand new teachers this year....though lots of new teachers at my school.  These five latest will have their very first first day of school, so I put together a little something to put in their box.  I'll add a note later.  I love vinyl.