Spoonful of Imagination

Add it to a Family for Something Beautiful

  • Home
  • Our Family
    • Our Home
  • Courses
  • Shop
  • Contact

Painting Flower Pot Party Tips

July 1, 2016 By Erica Deuel 4 Comments

Processed with VSCO with c1 preset

Do you want to host a craft night? Or maybe you’re looking for a way to connect with other local women in your area. Either way, it’s the perfect season to host a painting flower-pot party.  You can walk away having hosting a craft night also getting to know others in your community better. That was the case for me.

Now, that we have been in Indiana for about 18 months we have established some community. It would be real easy to stay in my comfortable bubble and keep life safe. But I believe one of the best parts of life…is sharing it with others. I love heart to heart talks. I always walk away encouraged or challenged. It may be because I shared about my life or because I listened to others. I am working on my word for 2016 in having courage, so I started dreaming about sharing my ways with others and opening up my home for some craft classes here. If you’ve been following for a while, you know I did this a little in Georgia, which we called my Spoonful Labs.

One day, while walking through church I realized how awkward I am at meeting people in the hall. I feel like I often have a kid pulling on me or I’m watching one run after a friend ahead, so I’m quickly walking through the halls. Although I may say hi to 100 people, I don’t know much more about them at times and I want too. Often community takes putting yourself out there, so this was my way to try to make some more friends. You can do it too.

These_are_the_days

rustic_patio_decorI planned a craft that I could get the supplies for. Since it is summer, I thought painting flower pots would be fun and is a seasonal decor item that everyone can use. Even if you aren’t super crafty, you can paint a pot and wouldn’t feel bad putting it in your yard. I think planning a craft that is useful is key!

flower_pot_party_decorThe next step was getting guests! I ended up just posting a Facebook status asking if anyone else was interested in crafting and chatting. I was amazed at the responses I got! That led me to pricing out what my costs would probably be. I bought all the supplies, tablecloths, and drinks. I ended up asking everyone to bring a side to share. This gave away the part that stresses me out, kept the cost down, and kept me planning the part I most enjoy – the craft! I learned from hosting my last craft day.

craft_supplies

painting_craft_party

creating_cards

summer_craft_partyI used brown painting paper to place on the tables and had extra for my guests to take a piece in the car home with them to keep their pot from getting the floor dirty. You will see why below on how the cars could get dirty.

spraypainting_flower_potsI gave instructions on how I painted a few pots that I had on my patio. One of the tips that was the biggest hit was to spray paint the pot a solid color first and then embellish. Please note: I sprayed all the pots with a waterproof sealant 48 hours before.

paintitng_flower_potA few facts that I either did or learned:

  • old soup cans make great water cups to wash brushes
  • place pencils out so guests can draw their design first to help space it on their pot
  • tell where your bathroom is before the middle of the event 😉
  • get a variety of shade, partial sun, to full sun needing flower plants
  • Try your paint before the event. I have painted LOTS of pots but bought a new brand of outdoor paint right before the event. It turned out to be watery.
  • Have lots of different brushes out in sizes and types.
  • If you have paint stencils, place those out too

paintitng_flower_potsI loved having a little surprise for my guests. All the flowers that were used as centerpieces on the tables were for them to fill their pots. How much more fun is it to take home a flower-pot with dirt and flowers in it than an empty one that might just sit in the garage!?

planting_flower_pots_partyAs guests arrived, we did a little mingling. We then ate as we talked. I gave a brief explanation on how to paint flower pots and told my guests they could make some greeting cards as they sit and wait for paint to dry as well. From there, it was just a fun night. I wanted it to feel more casual than an official event or class, so I didn’t talk for long.  They just crafted away. I decided I’d mingle and talk and be available to help anyone. This helped since I didn’t give lots of step by step instructions. It was so much fun! I think I was giddy all night long.

flower_pot_paint_partyNow, when I smile at the girls at church I feel like we both know each other a little better. Sometimes the first step to a friendship is just saying hello, but sometimes we need to branch out a bit more and share parts of our lives, talents, homes in serving or hosting or something. I am so glad I branched out.

summer_ladies_craft_partyTo all the beautiful girls that came, THANK YOU! I had a blast with you!

My biggest advice to anyone wanting to host a craft night with some friends is to not stress over the details. Ask for help with the parts that you don’t like. What people want most is to feel welcomed and comfortable. How clean your bathroom is doesn’t really matter.

Processed with VSCO with c1 presetDo you like crafting and chatting too!? I love deep talks, but sometimes a coffee date can intimidate me on getting to know someone without something in my hands. Crafting is my favorite way to talk with others. A fierce game of kickball with my kids and their friends is fun too. I plan to do that this weekend.

What is one of your favorite ways to hang out and talk with friends? I hope you have a great weekend!

signature

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

My One Little Word for 2016: Courage

January 21, 2016 By Erica Deuel 2 Comments

courage for 2016Its taken me a while to wrestle out all I’m feeling with my new word for 2016: Courage.

When I think of the dictionary definition of courage it reminds me that courage is a choice. Courage enables a person to face difficulty without fear. It allows you to persevere and stand tall even though your circumstances make you uncomfortable. 

For someone who doesn’t like change. I realize that for me to change some of the behaviors and patterns in me and my life, I am going to need courage.

I knew I couldn’t have a year like last year. We needed change to survive and not just stay there…but to be who we were created to be and use our God-given gifts in the best way possible. As I stepped away a little from blogging and social media in the last few weeks and months, I was able to think more for me. I went back to the basics as I was challenged by Rebekah Lyons in Freefall to Fly.

I charted out my gifts.

I reconnected with the things from my childhood that I LOVED and made my spirit come alive.

I processed, what are my burdens today? Those things that make my spirit hurt.

When I look at these lists and see who they represent…I see I have some work to be that person, alive in the ways I was designed to be. I need COURAGE to be me.

be_courageousI became a wife when I was 21 and a stay at home mom straight out of college. There are lots of ways that the Erica I know today was transformed by the immediate need to grow up and take on my two new roles. Through the years I have fought to be me. I have blogged. I have crafted. I have hosted craft days and even tried to send out craft kits so that people could join me in crafting from all over the world. None of these things succeeded in bringing me fulfillment or contentment. I got tired of them. Worn out and moved on…even though they were using parts of my gifts. I don’t think they were things I was created to do.

Through two books, alone time, journaling, lots of talks with my husband and a few close friends, I now see why I have wandered.

My greatest burden is kids. I hunger for kids to feel seen, heard, and loved. Kids in foster care need that person, an advocate. They can’t speak or have authority over themselves. No wonder my most successful moments in adapting to change and the times I feel my spirit has been moved to be the most alive are wrapped around my experiences with my own kids and the ones that I have mothered from another mother under my roof (foster care).

Now the question is, how can I best play a part with my talents and wiring to be used in influencing kids with Christ’s love? How can I best be a part of bringing restoration to hurting kids?

(For the DIY version of the sign, please see the caption under each picture.)

courage
Instructions: I started with wood letters From Hobby Lobby and I found a board that was long enough to hold them.

I’m wrestling through what is next for me. I am learning to allow the questions and processing to have their time to marinade and not just jump to assumptions. I am discovering that the think time and space for these thoughts is a courageous act alone. To feel all the feels…to think all those thoughts as you process takes work and energy. To not let life, business, or welcomed distractions stop the process takes courage.

I desire to trust my heavenly father as the author of my story. I long for him to pen out a story only he can. I feel I’m in a season of waiting for what is my next thing. What is my calling? Can I simultaneously go for that as I a mom and wife (and teacher! I always forget the little detail that we homeschool)? I believe I can, but it is a timing thing.

painting_wood_letters
I then painted each letter with a small brush and an acrylic paint color that stood out to me.

I need courage to wait…

Courage to trust…

Courage to be content with where God has me now…

Courage to be faithful with the things and people God has already blessed and entrusted to me. (my kids, Matt, our home…)

Courage to discover the real me and not the Erica I want to be.

painting_wood_sign
Next, I painted the board with a slightly bigger brush and a paint sample from Lowes.
staining_wood_sign
I then sanded and stained the board. I used my favorite Minwax color of wood stain, Early American.
courage_sign
Once the board was good and dry, I used wood glue to attach my letters to the board. I was then ready to frame my sign.
Ryobi Tool
I used my Ryobi tools to cut and nail smaller, stained garden stake pieces of wood around my sign.
word_of_the_year
My sign was then complete!

This one little word holds a lot of depth for me. I realize I am making a choice to be courageous after life rather than being swallowed up with lists, mundane duties, stress, and the pressures of this world. I am fighting for a healthier me. One that is alive in who God intended me to be.

courage_motoIf I can be fully me. I think my family, friends, and small world around me will be better off. I want to be fully set free and will have courage to fight for it. With this one little life, I want to believe I was made for a purpose and for it to be used to paint a story of God’s faithfulness in rescuing me and pointing others towards HIM.

This might all seem confusing and broad as I know the in and out daily details have been left out. I hope you see the heart. I want to live with courage. I want 2016 to be marked by how I had courage for change and trusted God with my story.

courage_wood_signI made this little sign to hang in our kitchen as a daily, hourly reminder.

I’m only a few weeks into some new routines. This long time “kids get me out of bed” girl is getting up early and reading. I’m getting lost in stories and learning for the first time (by choice) in a long, long time. I’m eating healthier…drinking more water…keeping my phone mostly docked on the kitchen counter, and learning what things to say no to in life. I’m finding rest in my schedule and spirit and seriously feel the rawness of 2015 melting a way and a beautiful surrendering soul being restored in the process. To God be the Glory.

Go for it friends. It’s never to late to change and find those hidden dreams and wires that have gone awry.

Did you come up with a word for your new year? Tell me @ericadeuel on Instagram.

signature

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Time to Play

January 10, 2016 By Erica Deuel Leave a Comment

play_timeIt is finally 2016, and with the new year comes new hopes, dreams and aspirations with a fresh start. Some of us may make new years resolutions and some may think that is trivial. I think most of us could agree that even if there are no particular goals, we hope to be better than the previous year.

We want to grow, for that means we are alive and living. I do create goals each year, but the bigger thing for me is picking one word that represents my priority and focus for the year. I like that this simple word can help inspire me and be something that I go back to as a foundation and prayer throughout the year.

After the heavy last year, I was scared what word may come to me for this year. Matt and I got to get away for a few days right after Christmas. It was wonderful to dream, laugh, and process life together. As we were having these conversations, I kept hoping a word would stand out as my inspiration for this 2016 year.

During our trip we started reading this book, Essentialism by Greg McKeown, together. It is a perfect read for the new year. I won’t do it justice by trying to explain it. Let me just say, if you haven’t read it, you should!

snow_girl

snowballs

snow_play

a_boy_and_his_pup

snow_day

There is a chapter on play that I cannot shake. Again, you should read the book. As a creative person (who loves to dream and imagine), words that expressed the importance of “playing” brought life back into my tired soul. Here are a few notes I jotted down in my journal…

Playing….

  • is not trivial
  • produces imagination
  • gives power to improve
  • leads to brain activity
  • is crucial to survival
  • causes creative behaviors
  • leads to some of the best memories and moments
  • broadens perspective
  • is an antidote to stress
  • is a vital driver in creativity
  • is essential

I don’t think it’s any surprise why kids are so creative. They play so well. May we take note and learn to play better.

peaceI love playing with my kids, but do not always do well just checking out of all the lists, home responsibilities and adult-ing required to just fully let loose and enjoy the moment (or hours) without any of those other worries.

This snowy day a week ago, we just played in the snow for about three hours together. It was beautiful, and I have thought about this day all week-long.

We laughed. We ate snow….got snowballs in the face…built a snowman…chased the dogs…and were just present together…doing nothing but enjoying the time. There was no goal. There was no list of a task or pressure to be anything but us.

snow_couple

shoveling_snow

making_a_snowman

building_a_snowman

snowman

playing_in_snowBy the time Matt and I got home from our getaway, I had my word. Courage.

I’m still processing all that it means, but the concept is largely to have courage in my life. To make brave decisions, to trust, to listen, to talk less, to be present, to be open, to try to break chains and bad habits in me, and fight for a life that I want and feel led towards.

Courage takes strength. It takes bravery and fighting against what may be expected but to do what you know is right. I want to do me well. To use my gifts and passions for good and not try to be anything else. With this one wild and crazy life, I want to have courage to live. On this snowy day, it was courage to play.

Have you found a word for your year yet? More on mine soon. To chat more often, follow me on Instagram: ericadeuel

signature

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
YouTube-Channel
Erica Deuel

Subscribe for Weekly Updates!




Most Popular Posts

Painting Flower Pot Party Tips
DIY {easy} Burlap Wreath
School Desk Makeover
Repurpose Old Kitchen Chairs
DIY Outdoor Table
Cheap lamp to Industrial Beauty
The Encanto, Madrigal's House Craft For Kids
DIY Outdoor Checker Board
Paint That Captures the Magic and Inspiration of Disney
What does a Nature Shelf Collect?

Categories

  • All About the Kids
  • art journal
  • Blogging
  • Christmas
  • Craft Projects
  • Dancing Zebras
  • DIY
  • Eddy's postcards
  • Embroidery Journal
  • Family
  • Featured
  • Fireside Chat
  • Foster Care
  • Giveaways
  • Guest Posts
  • Home
  • Homeschooling
  • Kid Activities
  • Kid Craft
  • My Heart
  • Our Outings
  • Project Spotlight
  • Send Out Love
  • Shop
  • Sponsored Posts
  • Spoonful Lab
  • Spoonful Tribe
  • Tips + Tricks
  • Traveling
  • Uncategorized
  • Vlog

Favorite Categories

Subscribe for Weekly Updates!

Favorite Categories

© 2023 Spoonful of Imagination, Inc.