Spools, Spools, Spools

Going through as many spools of thread as I do, I’ve been wondering, “What in the world do I do with all these empty spools?” Of course I could just pitch them, but it seems so wasteful. Surely there’s something my kids could do with these! So off I head to the internet to find some ideas. Most ideas I found are for wooden spools, but mine are all plastic. So here are 2 ideas I found that I might try:

Fourth of July Necklace from Highlightskids.com

Sitting Spools from Funology

I plan on taking my empty spools on our vacation for a craft project with the boys. I’ll post photos of our craft endeavors when we return, especially if I come up with any really cool spool ideas. I’m thinking I’ll take glue, fabric scraps and paints with us, and see what happens! Maybe a colorful spool pyramid for the boys to build and knock over (which they will love even if they don’t want to do the decorating part!), and maybe some strung shapes like I’ve made with beads in the past, we’ll see!

Got any great ideas of your own??? Let me hear 'em!

And here’s an adorable spool creation I found on Etsy made by KreatedbyKelly!

Have a great weekend! Amy

Vacation Prep

So, big nerd that I am, I decided today that instead of making my own vacation checklist I would do a Google search to see if I could find one ready-made. Surely with the organization industry as big as it has gotten it wouldn’t take too long to find one – and I was not disappointed! Soon after starting my search I found many travel checklists – some too broad, like world travel on an airplane, and some too narrow, like only how to pack your suitcase efficiently. All important checklists to have, but not quite what I was looking for. Then I found a variety of travel checklists on RealSimple.com – should have figured to look there first! There’s so much information and travel tips there about packing – how to’s, what to’s, and what not to’s, etc.

I found a pre-vacation checklist for things that I should take care of a few days before our beach vacation, and checklists for packing up everything we’ll need for our trip. Perhaps these links will help you get ready for your next vacation – especially if you’re a big nerd like me!

At StickyFingersTravel.com I found a checklist for long car journeys with kids– fabulous!

My ideas on what not to forget:

*To check your tire pressure, and make sure you have a spare and tools in case of a flat or blowout

*To check your vehicle’s fluid levels

*Flares, flashlight, white cloth and other emergency equipment

*A jug of water, for vehicle and human consumption in an emergency

*A cooler with water, fruit, and box of granola bars or suitable energy-replacement

*Napkins or paper towels

*A trash bag (I have a new one from Allyson Hill that is way cool!)

*Those blankies and favorite stuffies for a more comforting and comfortable long car ride!

Happy Monday! Amy

Beautiful Things To Come

Almost daily I'm getting new fabrics in (did I mention it's a sickness?), and I want to just dive in and roll around in it all- they are just so beautiful! I can't wait to get down to business with them, but I also just find beauty in the uncut fabric and want to soak it all in.

Farmer's Market and Ginger Blossom by Sandi Henderson, Ginseng, Aviary and Chestnut Hill by Joel Dewberry, Garden Party by Anna Maria Horner, some Amy Butler and Tina Givens, just to name a few.

Here are a couple of bags I whipped up yesterday and today - keep checking the shop for more :o)

Amy

My First Press!

Boy was I elated this morning when I opened my inbox! I had an email from Regan Stephens from Sprig.com's Green Deal of the Day saying she'd done a write-up on my Checkbook Cover & Eyeglass Case Sets. It's my first official press, which makes me pretty giddy :o)

I'm filled with gratitude every time I sell something. I'm just not sure if I'll ever get used to it. I kind of hope not. Just to know that doing something that gives me such joy can go on to give others some joy makes me truly thankful that I have the time, talent, and family support to make this business keep going!

If you'd like to check out the post on Sprig.com I encourage you to do so! Sprig.com Green Deal of the Day

Have a great Monday! Amy

Love and Joy

Ahhhh...vacation Bible school :o)

I remember just loving VBS as a kid - the songs, the stories, the crafts - and I'm hoping my little men do as well! This year our theme is Son Harvest County Fair, growing the fruit of the Spirit. Our church is decked out in farm decor with gardens sprouting, animals grazing, and farmers tending.

I'm helping in the craft department again this year (surprise, surprise), so I get to see all of the pre-K through rising 4th graders come through. They are having such a great time! Monday and Tuesday our kids grew love and sprouted joy! I can't wait to see their sweet faces again today!

John 15:12, (Jesus said) "Love one another as I have loved you."
Psalm 126:3, "The Lord gives us joy."

So far we've made bookmarks and cards to give to others to show our love, joyful watermelon music shakers, and piggy banks to remind us to be thankful to God for all he's given us!

My little men's crafts from day 1 and 2!