My Super Cute Upcycled Nemo Suitcase!

I'm guilty of frequenting thrift shops...often. I love them. I'm pretty sure my enjoyment of them is rubbing off on my 5 year old. Our last trip to a local thrift shop found my little guy playing for at least an hour with old toys while I thumbed through old books. There's something about old things that find my fancy. I don't like old things in my home though. I recently told my husband I didn't understand people who decorated their home with antiques. Simply stating that if my house was decorated with nothing except antiques, it would be so ugly. (Of course, my decorating skills would have nothing to do with the final outcome being repulsive. :) But, that doesn't mean I don't enjoy visiting antique stores. The nostalgia, the trip back in time, realizing each piece was at one point in time owned by someone who found it's beauty worthy of their home...is something I do love.

 

Recently, I found some old suitcases at a thrift shop that needed some TLC! Well, to be honest, there was a ton of them, but, there is only 1 me. So, I bought 2 hoping to upcycle them into something fabulous! The black one has a square shape, with the cloth/leather file folder inside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baby Gobble Gobble Thanksgiving Craft

While my life is currently reflecting changes in tradition, I find that there will always be one tradition that never changes. Crafting. It's more than just paper and glue, more than glitter and yarn...its memories. I've had the privilege of having a very creative and crafty mother who gave us the love of creation. For as long as I can remember, we've always crafted and for as long as I can remember, she always created. At this moment, I'm recalling a crafting room...so many supplies to preoccupy the mind and feed creative intentions. I will forever be thankful for my mother loving us enough to create with us while encouraging our imaginations.


BABY GOBBLE GOBBLE

 

SUPPLIES

*White Paper Plate

*Brown Construction Paper

*Orange Construction Paper

*Red Construction Paper

*2 Large Google Eyes

*Tissue Paper Squares: red, blue, green, yellow

*Paste

*Scissors

Hint: I like to buy my tissue paper at the dollar store and cut them up myself...cheap!

 

DIRECTION

A. Cut paper plate in half.

B. Cut out body, beak, feet and waddle.

C. Assemble the body, bead, google eyes, feet and waddle where you'd like them to go, then paste them together.

D. Paste the tissue on the inner part of the body first, then paste the tissue on the outer rim to look like a flared tail.

E. Paste the assembled head to the body.

 

Send me a photo of your finished craft and I'll add it to my post.

 

Enjoy!

Corn Wreath Thanksgiving Craft

It's that time of year, the weather is starting to chill and I'm once again reminded of why I savor the summer so much. Don't get me wrong, the winter is beautiful and the snow is to melt for...but, I love the sunshine and warm weather so dearly! Although, on the plus side, I've been able to drink some of my favorite pours as the season chill sets in. Coffee with a hint of hazel nut, hot tea...I almost had a hot chocolate tonight. Instead, I opted for a hot orange black tea, slightly sweetened. :)

If you find yourself inside avoiding the winter chills, and your little ones are bored, what could be better than crafting together? This fun and easy "Corn "Wreath" is so fun and would look great on your front door.

CORN WREATH

SUPPLIES
*Scissors
*Paper Plate
*Green Construction Paper
*White Construction Paper
*Yellow Tissue Paper

DIRECTIONS
A. Cut the middle out of your white paper plate. You should have a ring when finished.
B. Cut out the corn cobbs, then the corn husks.
C. Paste the yellow tissue onto the white corn cobbs.
D. Paste the green corn husks on the yellow tissued corn cobbs.
E. Before you add the finished corn to the ring, arrange them to get an idea of where they are going to go.
F. Add plenty of paste to the rim of the white ring.
G. Add the finished corn to the ring quickly, if you need to reposition, the paste will still be wet enough to just remove it from the ring. Don't press the corn down firmly until all of the corn has been placed exactly where you want it.

Hint: I use the middle ring/hole as a guide for placing my corn around the rim evenly.

Send me a photo of your finished craft and I'll add it to this post.

Enjoy!

Christmas Penguin Holiday Craft

I promise after this post I'll post some adorable Thanksgiving crafts. I just couldn't wait to get this guy (and Rudolph Leaps) onto the blog. This Christmas Penguin is so easy to make. With some scissors, construction paper, paste and some google eyes...he'll come to life in no time! 

Here's to getting the holidays crafted off right!

CHRISTMAS PENGUIN

DIY

Supplies
*Scissors
*Paste
*Black Construction Paper
*White Construction Paper
*Red Construction Paper
*Orange Construction Paper
*Google Eyes

Directions
A. Cut out all body parts
B. Assemble before pasting together
C. Paste the hat together first. Then paste the inner white body onto the black outer body, add the feet and arms, then the scarf. Be sure to cut the ends of the scarf to make it look more fringed. Lastly, add the hat to his head.

Don't forget to send me your creation...I'll add it to the end of this post with your permission.

Enjoy!