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When Life {and your floors} get messy!

February 27, 2014 By Erica Deuel Leave a Comment

swiffer_sweep_trapLife gets messy, right!?

A close friend (and new mom) asked me this week, if it was normal to not want to get up in the middle of the night with your child. It is.

I am approaching year seven of being a mom, and I am still trying to figure it out. It is a daily learning experience! Life is a constant balance act. We try to figure it all out. Meeting the needs of our family and ourselves is a lot. Often our house is what falls apart the most. Or, maybe that is just mine.

I know if I have a choice to create a throw pillow or clean up house, I will choose the craft every-single-time. So, my floors constantly have crumbs, dog hair, dirty footprints, and burlap scraps all over.

dirty floors

dirty wood floorsI spared a little pride by not showing them at their worst state (AND with toys all over). You know what I am talking about. Having three young kids, two medium size dogs, and a crafting heart-everything shows on our dark hard woods.

There is good news, ya’ll.

New at Target is the Swiffer Sweep & Trap!

00_AD_coop_full_fsci_2v1_vFeb13This thing cleans it all. Big and small.

It uses rotating blades to pick up large particles and flicks them into a dirt bin while the attached Swiffer Sweeper dry cloth traps dirt, dust and hair that brooms can leave behind. This combination cleans up big and small messes in a single swipe, so you can embrace life’s little messes.

There are no batteries or power cords required, so it’s just as quick to use as a broom, but it’ll give you a much better clean. It is only intended for dry pick-up on hard floor surfaces, and the rotating blades are soft so they wont scratch your hardwood floors. Win! Win!

After I swiffered my floors, I made the comment they were clean enough to eat off of, and my little Reagan took that literally.

eating_off_the_floorOne of my favorite parts of the Swiffer Sweep & Trap is it is lightweight! My boys want in on the fun, and this mama is willing to take advantage of that eager offer!

Get $2 off of a Swiffer Sweep & Trap starter kit at Target.com by going to http://clvr.li/1dPxU3G and entering coupon code TGTBBAGU. This offer is only valid through 2/28/14 at Target.com (http://clvr.li/1dPxU3G)

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I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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Easter Basket Giveaway

March 18, 2013 By Erica Deuel 74 Comments

basket of goodies for you

I can’t believe Spring is almost here and Easter is right around the corner.  If you are like me, you are ready for some warmer weather and sunshine!  To kick off this excitement of spring “springing”, I have joined up with 24 other bloggers to create an Easter basket themed giveaway blog hop!  My basket is only one of 25 baskets available today as giveaways.  I have had so much fun creating some special things for one of you!

As parents, we spend so much time preparing those around us for the change of seasons.  We buy our kids new spring clothes.  We declutter our houses…or maybe try to sell a house, ahem ahem…oh that might only be me :).  Either way this gift is to pamper you or if you are one of my male readers, your girl.

Check out all the items in my giveaway basket, enter my rafflecopter giveaway, and then check out the other baskets available today on some awesome blogs and enter those too!

vintage love wood sign

target dollar section

necklace

handmade earrings

gorgeous hair bows

do what you love cards

If you win you will receive:

  • One handmade vintage wood “love” sign
  • A few goodies from Target
  • One handmade necklace
  • Two pairs of earrings that I have made
  • Two of my favorite hair clips
  • A set of my “Do What You Love” stationary cards and envelopes (one of my newest creations)

instagram picture

I have had so much fun creating this giveaway. I hope you love every item as much as I do!  To enter to win these goodies, simply let the rafflecopter widget load, and enter in as many ways as you want!  The winner will be announced Friday 3/22/13.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This gift basket is one of 25 available from some amazing bloggers today.  Please go check out all the amazing baskets.  Enter all of them! You are bound to win one of them, right!?

Gift-Baskets-Collage

(1) Mad Scientist Basket from Milk and Cookies
(2) “See the Light” Easter Art Basket from Classic Housewife
(3) Tea Time Basket from See Jamie Blog
(4) Butterfly Basket from Spell Outloud
(5) Family Movie Night Basket from Jennifer A. Janes

(6) Pamper the Homeschool Mom Basket from Granola Mom 4 God
(7) Freezer Cooking Basket from Motherhood on a Dime
(8) Hodgepodge Basket from Hodgepodge
(9) Healthy Living and Fitness Basket from Forever, For Always, No Matter What
(10) Making Writing Fun Basket from This Reading Mama

(11) Coffee: Fuel for Homeschooling Moms Basket from Homeschoolin’ Mama
(12) Mom’s Quiet Time Basket from Upside Down Homeschooling
(13) Missionary Basket from Our Journey Westward
(14) Happy Mom Basket from Habits for a Happy Home
(15) Crafty Goodness Basket from Mamas Learning Corner

(16) Rejuvenate the Mom Basket from Spoonful of Imagination
(17) Beginner’s Math Manipulatives Basket from Meet Penny
(18) Welcome Spring: Gardening Basket from Abundant Life
(19) Healthy Living Basket from The Encouraging Home
(20) Mom’s Pampering Basket from Teaching Mama

(21) Kid’s Gardening Basket from Momma Hopper
(22) The Gift of Parenting Basket from Teachers of Good Things
(23) Preschool Crafts Basket from It’s Gravy, Baby!
(24) All the Extras – Electives and Enrichment Basket from Curriculum Choice
(25) Homeschool Mom Basket Case Basket from Classic Housewife

Aren’t there some amazing other baskets up for grabs!?  I am going to enter ALL of these giveaways.  There are some generous bloggers in this group that are just amazing people.  I hope you will join me on my blog hop quest today!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  I hope you had a great weekend and happy ALMOST spring!

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Craft Supplies

March 15, 2013 By Erica Deuel 4 Comments

20 top DIY craft suppliesIf you aren’t a DIY crafter, it can be really overwhelming to walk into a craft store like Hobby Lobby, Jo Annes, or Michaels.  There are so many different products and all classified in aisles with similar type items.  I assume you stand there looking at it all and wonder which do you choose and where do you start.

Today, I want to give you a list of my favorite craft items.  These items (other than the ones that don’t need replacing like scissors and ruler) I am regularly buying, even if I don’t have a project in mind.  They are the items that I use ALL the time for a wide range of projects.  I feel like if you have these items you can jump start DIY projects and decorating your home for much less.  Below I have listed 20 items and given examples of ways/projects I use these craft items.

Read the list, print it out, and go shopping!

1. Clear Sewing Ruler

My favorite ruler is 3″ x 18″. I use it to measure everything-not just sewing projects! I love to use it on paper crafts as well because you can align patterns better with the see through style. Example of use: making cards and centering applique items on fabric

clear sewing ruler

2. Mod podge

I think Mod Podge can make any project look more “finished” and “professional.” There are lots of different finishes, but the gloss and matte are my two favorites. Example of use: finishing off any ceramic paint job, collages, or appliqueing pictures/papers to other objects

modpodge

3. Sharpies

I use sharpies everyday. There are lots of different sizes and colors. Having a multi pack is a great thing to have on hand. Example of use: making cards, organization, banners, decorating jars/signs

sharpies

4. Exacto Knife

Having an exacto knife on hand is so helpful. It can be used to cut all those small or intricate things that scissors can’t do really good. Example of use: create your own stencil

SONY DSC

5. Burlap/Burlap Ribbon

Burlap is so fun and cheap! You can buy it by the yard, or (in the flower section at Hobby Lobby) they sell it in a variety of different ribbons to make it more manageable to create with. I have both on hand and use them all the time. Example of use: create a table runner, decorate jars, make a banner, wreaths, and embellish pillows

burlap_ribbon

6. Brown packaging paper by the roll

I buy mine for a $1.00 at the Dollar Tree in the office supply section. It makes great wrapping paper, but I end up using it a lot on other projects as well. Example of use: table runners, banners, stuffing for filler items, cards, wall art, or a drop clothe for other projects

brown-wrapping-paper-8-meter-roll

7. Paint brushes

Having paint brushes in a variety of different sizes is so helpful! I also like to have a variety of types as well. I have a Dollar Tree ones that I use on quick, one time projects like staining a sign. I also have nicer fine brushes that help me paint small things like letters. Example of use: painting signs, using mod podge, or decorating anything

775paintbrushes

8. Acrylic paint

I have a whole basket of different colors of small acrylic paint bottles for like $0.49 each. I like the Americana brand at Hobby Lobby. Example of use: creating a sign, painting seasonal items, embellishing items, or organization

art-deco-paint

9. Scrapbook paper

I buy the brown paper package at Hobby Lobby and use it for everything! I also love to have lots of fun sheets and patterns on hand. I use to scrapbook, but now I use all my scrapbook paper for different projects! Example of use: cards, background for frames/wall art, banners, and embellishing

scrapbook paper

10. Packages of fun/vintage buttons

There are so many fun uses for buttons and you can never have too many! Example of use: hair bows, wreaths, pillows, wall art, necklaces, and embellishing

buttons

11. Cute glass jars to store craft supplies in

I love to store my beads and other small craft stuff in pretty jars, so I can easily see my supplies and also enjoy their fun bright colors. Example of use: storage, organization, vases, gift to give flowers

glass-jars-with-lids

12. Sheets of felt

They sell pieces of felt for $0.25 each at Hobby Lobby. I use felt on a lot of different projects. Example of use: hair bows, embroider hoops, sewing projects, wreaths, and embellishing

sheets of felt

13. Embroidery floss with needles

They are like $.19 each and I always use it for something! Example of use: wall art, embroider hoops, hair bows, monogramming, sewing projects, and embellishing

embroidery floss

14. Jute rope

Jute Rope is a staple. I use it on everything from wrapping presents to making banners & tags. Example of use: decorate jars, banners, gift tags, cards, wreaths, and wall art

jute rope

15. Small sewing scissors

Good scissors are so important, but also there are so many projects (even paper ones) where I need a small point to cut something out and need a small sharp needle. Small thread scissors can be perfect for this OR in the BEAUTY section at Target the eyebrow trimmer scissors are really good too. Example of use: creating stencils, cards, hair bows, paper wall art, and sewing projects

eyebrow scissor

16. Stencils

Stencils are great to have on hand. If you don’t want to buy one, you can make one like I showed you on a personalized sign I made for my sister. I think having a nice font with all the letters of the alphabet is a great place to start. Example of use: signs, cards, organization, and embellishing

stencil-alphabet

17. Fun tape or ribbon

I recently bought some fun patterned duct tape in the Target dollar section at the front of the store, and I know I will be using it on something other than a normal duct tape use. Example of use: wall art, wreaths, hair bows, embellishing

ribbonspools

18. Little Things

I love little things like knobs, scrap book pieces, feathers. I use them all the time in random projects. Example of use: signs, hair bows, wreaths, and signs

craft feathers

19.  Hot glue gun

A hot glue gun is a staple in the craft room. I have two guns. I have a fine tip hot glue gun that I use to make hair bows, but I also have one that has a wider end that is helpful to use on bigger projects. Example of use: ANYTHING!  I just used it to make a rug 🙂

Hot-Glue-Gun

20.  Natural elements

Here is where I might sound weird. I have zip locks of natural elements that I love to use in decorating or other craft projects. Examples:  acorns, pine cones, bark, hay, and rocks. Example of use: filler to lanterns/jars, mantle decor, banners, signs, and wreaths

pinecones

Spring is such a wonderful time to de clutter and get motivated to start new things.  I hope this craft list can help encourage you to try a DIY project if you don’t already craft. If you are ALREADY a crafter, did any of these items surprise you from me?  I think the BEAUTY supply item (eyebrow trimmer scissors) is such a valuable tool!  What is your favorite craft item?

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DIY Feather Wreath

November 30, 2012 By Erica Deuel 4 Comments

I am so excited to share today’s Project Spotlight with you!  A few weeks ago, I fell in love with a white feather wreath at Target.  I stood there staring at it, trying to decide if I should buy it.  It cost $19.99, and I decided to pass it by and try to make it myself.

Today I am going to show you the technique I came up with to make this DIY feather wreath, and it only cost about $4.00 to make!  That is less than 1/4 the price at Target, and it really was so easy!

Here is what you will need to buy: one styrofoam wreath and white craft feathers.  I already had my hot glue gun with glue sticks, but if you do not have those items, you will have to buy them as well.  I got my foam wreath (normally $4.47) at Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon.  I also got my white craft feathers there, and they were 30% off this week.  So, the normal $1.99 a package of white craft feathers cost me about $1.30 each.  I completely used both packs.

I started by adding a big drop of hot glue to my wreath.

I added a feather and pressed my thumb on the spine of the feather to prevent getting burned.  I just want to briefly say here, I am so sorry for my messed up/old finger nail polish in all these pictures.  How embarrassing. 🙂 

I went about five or six feathers across the styrofoam of the wreath.

Those feathers were my first row.  I then started my next row about an inch lower on the styrofoam.  This allowed for lots of overlap but spread the feathers out a little, so I didn’t need as many.

I found that the five or six feathers across allowed for some “wrapping” on the sides of the wreath.  They started to go towards the back but also the back still had a bare streak, so as not to waste feathers that would not be seen.  Play with the amount of feathers you need.  Depending on the size of your ring of styrofoam and feathers you may need more or less.  The important part is to just cover the sides well because you don’t want any styrofoam to be seen at any angle your wreath ends up being displayed and seen.

You then just keep adding rows and rows of feathers doing the same steps until you are about to where you started.

From there you do your best holding/bending the first row of feathers back so you can stick glue in there behind them and glue those final rows.  It was a bit tricky managing it on my own, but it can be done!

After you get those last rows done, you are done!  You have just created a professional looking wreath for less than 1/4 the price!

I love it!!  I think it looks Christmasy yet also wintery.  Even after the rest of your Christmas decorations come down, this pretty wreath could stay up till the spring!

I think these wreaths would make amazing Christmas gifts for friends or family.  I think they would also make fun hostess gifts or a nice wedding/house-warming present.  The ideas are endless, and they are gorgeous and CHEAP!

I stuck my wreath up on my mantle with a little star I found at the Dollar Tree last week.  Today we are getting all of our Christmas decorations down out of the attic and I can’t wait to really deck my halls with this beauty!  I’m sure I will be back to show you my results!

Have you started decorating for Christmas?  Can you see yourself making this wreath?  Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

 

 

 

 

Linked up at: DIY Show Off, The C.R.A.F.T. Blog, Little Inspiration, Homeschool Creations, and Shaken Together

 

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