Popsicle stick bracelets

In honor of Earth day, I recycled popsicle sticks into fancy bracelets.  I will be making this project with my girl scout troop soon.  I got the directions here .  Easy and fun!

First, soak the popsicle sticks in water (at least 24 hrs). 

Then, carefully bend the sticks and place in a cup (I also used a water bottle).  Let the popsicle stick dry overnight.



Paint, decoupage with scrapbooking papers or just add sparkle and you are done!

You can also add letters and write a message or put your initials.  The possibilities are endless! This project did not cost me a cent since I already had all the supplies (my husband would appreciate that!).

Watch ME Draw

I have been a big fan of Mary Engelbreit, the illustrator.  I subscribed to her magazines for many years until they stopped publishing, which I was very devastated.  She recently posted a video of her drawing and it is very inspirational.  It would be nice to see her drawing a little slower, but well worth the view.  Enjoy!

Blessed Square Bear

I just created a new Blessed Bear to give to a friend at her baby shower. My girls thought it was the cutest one that I have made so far. I loved the little bear too. She was made with lots of love and prayer. The verse written on the bear was Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

Easy Play dough

I found an excellent recipe for play dough.  The dough was easy to make and it feels and smells great.  I can't seem to keep my hands off of it.  I will be giving this batch to my great nephew Mathew so he could play with it.  He's going to love it! I made grape and lime scent play dough.

Easy play dough recipe:

1 C flour

2 TBS salt

2 TBS cream of tartar

2 TBS oil

1 C warm water

1 3.5 oz of jello (any flavor you like)

Mix all ingredients in a pan on medium heat.  Continue to stir continuously until it thickens and comes together.   Pour onto a floured surface and knead (careful, it will be hot!).  Let dough rest and cool for at least 30 minutes. 

Happy Spring

Today's haiku is brought to you by my daughter, Isabelle.  She was feeling creative this morning and wrote a haiku poem for spring:

The sun is warming

I feel the cool breeze flowing

Spring has come today.



Team Cassandra's Kisses

Our family is participating in the Epilepsy's Foundation 5k walk/run on Sunday, April 15th in beautiful Mission Bay.  We are walking/running for our daughter, Cassandra, who has epilepsy. She recently started having seizures again (mild) after not having any for the past 2 1/2 years.  Praise God they are still under control.  Because Cassandra is non-verbal, she uses kisses to communicate her happiness and love to us.  I made baggies with chocolate kisses and will be "selling" them for a suggested donation of $1.00 or more. 

If you would like to participate in the walk/run or donate to Team Cassandra's kisses, please click on the link.http://sharonsride2012.kintera.org/mariolopez?faf=1&e=5535658155

Mixed Media Art

I'm experimenting with a new craft, mixed-media art.  I have been practicing drawing faces lately.  Although, I have a long way to go, I did like the way my girl came out.  I still want to cut out words from magazines and paste on poster to finish her off.

I also drew smaller portraits of girl angels.  I think I still need to practice drawing angel wings.