Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

We had our first skiff of snow here in Toronto today and the kids are over the moon with excitement. Me – not so much. But to get myself in the mood I have been researching snowflake crafts. Here are a few I really like:

• I love this wreath. So easy, so colourful, and cheerful.

• The above wreath is so colourful, so easy and cheerful. Click on the picture for the link.

• Now this a creative way to use junk mail!

• Stamp a snowflake with household items. I like the black background but a dark blue or purple would look great too.

• I love the texture that the yarn creates on these. Easy enough for kids to do too.

This has given me a reason to check out some thrift stores for doilies.

• Now this has given me a reason to find some doilies. So beautiful!

• siven me a reason to start a hunt for doil

• I tried this one on the weekend with my kids and it turned out really well. I will post some pictures of our version soon.

Is anyone else busy with snowflake crafts? Leave me a comment with a link, I would love to see it. Happy creating…

• I have to admit that I have attempted this project twice without any success. As my patience and skills with a protractor are lacking I have set this one aside for the time being. It is stunning though. Has anyone else been busy with snowflake crafts and project? Leave me a comment with a link!
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• I have to admit that I have attempted this project twice without any success. As my patience and skills with a protractor are lacking I have set this one aside for the time being. It is stunning though. Has anyone else been busy with snowflake crafts and project? Leave me a comment with a link!
  

My Newest Art Discovery…

Oh boy! I discovered Jill Connor on Pinterest and absolutely love her work. Check out a few of her amazing tissue paper collages:

Don’t you just love these? The colours, the images, the whimsical artistry. What can I say, I am a fan.

It inspired me to try a few with my kids. We grabbed some Bristol board, a stack of tissue paper, and a bottle of Mod Podge.

And that is how we spent a rainy Sunday afternoon. Fun. Even with all the tissue paper bits that have travelled everywhere. And the Mod Podge that spilled…

Now its my turn, I want to give it a shot. Her art really is that good. Check out her website: http://artbyjillconnor.com

What do you think?

DIY Birthday Party

photo courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/crystalflickr/

Before I had kids I would fantasize about hosting their birthday parties. Oh what fun! Balloons, streamers, cupcakes, icing, pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, giggling children and happy smiles.

Hmm…it’s still a fantasy for me. I have hosted my share of birthday parties and this is what I have learned, throw ‘perfect’ right out the door where it belongs.

Let’s be honest here, birthday parties for kids are highly controversial. Everyone has an opinion! Just mention that you are planning a party and the unwanted advice comes flying your way. I used to really get caught up in the whole party hoopla. The ugly truth of competition, the worry that your kid won’t enjoy it (I just blew up 30 balloons damn it!), and just the stress of trying to make everything perfect.

The last two birthdays I have chosen to just focus on what I really want, a day to celebrate the gift of their life. Isn’t that the whole reason we do this?

Loot bags are one of the touchiest areas of birthday parties. There are so many different camps, “It’s all junk”, “Why do we have to give these things?”, “Great, what do I do with all this crap?”, and on and on. This year I wanted to eliminate the plastic and get a bit creative. Normally I am running into a party store at the last-minute and picking up the pre-made loot bags. There is nothing wrong with this – I just wanted to do it differently this year.

And this is what I came up with:

I wrapped up the loot with craft paper, grabbed some glittery ribbon and made a felt gift topper to finish it off. It was fun, yes, I actually had fun making the loot bags. Crazy I know.

I have twins and I wanted the invitation to show a bit of both of them. I am the opposite of a card maker, I am not exacting, I have little patience and I can’t deal with intricate details. I let go of my imperfections and gave this a try:

The girl’s and I had spent some time on Pinterest looking for  the perfect cupcake recipe. We found it, the cutest and easiest (I hoped) recipe for owl cupcakes. And they worked! It was the first time I made their birthday cupcakes from scratch.

OK, they look a little wonky, and they are definitely not perfect, and finally I realize that isn’t the point, is it?

How do you navigate the birthday battle field? I would love to hear any tips or experiences! I love comments, they make my day…