she's crafty: getting "eggy" with it

This past weekend I hosted my annual egg decorating party. When you're the hostess it's kinda hard to get your craft/art on because you're so busy making sure everyone else has everything they need. Here are some snap shots from the night. I was able to get my egg decorating on earlier this week with one of my friends who was unable to make it. I love seeing what ideas my friends come up with. Everyone's is so creative and unique!

I don't like cadbury eggs but I made sure to have some on hand for everyone else.

my decorated eggs

She's Crafty: a thankful project for February

Last month I got into the habit of making mental notes of what we're thankful for. We get so busy with day to day activities that I think it's important to take a moment out of our day everyday to reflect on who we love and what we're thankful for. So why not make it into a monthly/daily craft? I bought these larger heart doilies at the .99 store. Yes, some people fear the .99 store but don't. Yes, it smells funny but they are the ones selling the og candy sweeethearts right now. It's a great place to people watch AND it's a great place to get some basic craft stuff AND every once in a while you come across something amazing (like a bump it). I decided to use the giant heart doily because it's February and who doesn't associate February with love (and black history month). I mean February is even "American Heart Month" (blame this knowledge on my mom who is a pre/post open heart nurse). While I'm trying to work on my lettering ability, this was as good as it was going to get considering my favorite 15 month old was crying at my feet begging for attention (or a snack probably a snack). I decided to cut out 28 mini hearts and we would write everyday who we love/we're thankful for. I thought of taping them to the wall but I nixed the idea and decided to hang a red string up and put those mini clothespins to work! While I'm not completely satisfied with how this project turned out (perfectionist issues), I realize that it will make due because free time no longer exists in this place (his nap time turned into mommy and Charlie nap time. toddlers require so much more work than a newborn) and it's not going to be perfect when you're working with young kiddos who want to "help". Even if their version of helping is putting whatever they can in their mouths.

it was a "crafty" good time

How is it Monday already?! Sorry for the lack of posting last week. I won't go on and on about it but I've been dealing with some gnarly exhaustion and I started grinding my teeth in my sleep this weekend (thanks anxiety and stress) which has led to a whole lot of pain. So I apologize! Moving on.. This past weekend I hosted my second craft workshop/get together. Last time I hosted one of these it was pretty simple (we decorated pumpkins). This time I decided to step it up a bit and I showed the girls how to make garland. I made the decision last week to keep the snacks and bevys simple. The featured beverage was champagne over raspberry sorbet or ginger ale over raspberry sorbet. It was very yummy!  

more after the jump »

pumpkin decorating party

making my favorite pumpkin cookies!!

On Saturday I hosted my second holiday arts get together. Since Halloween is right around the corner I decided decorating pumpkins would be perfect. I invited a few of my girlfriends to come over and asked them to bring their own pumpkin(s). I provided the snacks and beverages, and artsy fartsy supplies. 

I got the idea for the holiday arts get together this past Easter when two of my girlfriends came over to decorate eggs and I provided the snacks, eggs, etc. All of my friends and I lead pretty busy lives (boyfriends, kids, jobs, pets, etc.) so sometimes trying to coordinate a monthly get together would be hard. That's why the holiday idea was perfect! It's a little easier to coordinate. I'm a person who constantly needs to be doing something artsy to lead a normal life. I also think it's healthy for everyone to get their hands dirty and do something different and creative from time to time. That's why the craft idea was perfect! For each holiday I pick a theme (craft) and provide snacks and beverages that match with that holiday. Since most of us are trying to cut back expenses and save $$ this is also a better option than a bunch of us going out to a bar, dinner, etc. 

I was up since 5am on Saturday (oh, the life of having a baby) and spent most of the day running errands, cleaning, rearranging furniture, baking, cooking, working on stuff for Charlie's party, etc. If it wasn't for that red bull that I started drinking around 4pm I would've been dead by the time the get together started. I loved watching my friends get creative with their pumpkins and see them get creative. I was also excited to see my friends that I only painted my pumpkin black. Well, that was half the reason. I wasn't sure what else I wanted to do to it. I think the creativity was drained from me at that point. Last night's get together was a hit and I'm already planning our next craft! 

all the artsy crafty goodness!

I hung up inspiration just in case anyone needed it 

keeping with the Halloween theme I used vampire teeth (that wouldn't stay close even with glue, etc.)
and I gave each of them a little sponge brush and a pencil. 

trying to break Hope's concentration by playing with a mask that I'm working
on for Charlie's birthday

Hope & Lindsay's baby pumpkins

I nicknamed Jenn's pumpkins the "Honey Boo Boo" pumpkins

glitter seemed to become the theme of the night

Lindsay decided to make a Martha Stewart inspired mobile 

my famous pasta salad (gluten free this time around) was a hit and I finally
put those skeleton arm servers to use! 

Amber's "Sleeping Beauty" pumpkin

Lauren's "gothic" pumpkin. I loved seeing her pumpkin come to life. I also blame her for starting the glitter bandwagon. Still getting it out of my carpet :)