Website of the Week. . . . .

I discovered a cool blog this week, Savvycrafter. The author is currently living in China with her husband and writes about her crafting, shopping, and cooking. She is entertaining and her blog is full of cool stuff! Here is a little sampling of what she has to offer.




These pendants are so pretty and seem so easy to make. Check out Savvcrafter to see the tutorial.

Ice Cream You Scream. . . . . .

The other day as I was perusing the World Wide Web, I ran across a free receipe for homemade ice cream and became inspired! I have had ice cream on the brain ever since. Naturally I did a google search for ice cream and thought I’d share with you a little of what I found. Check out IceCream.com and MakeIceCream.com for recipes, fun facts, and games about ice cream. Familycrafts.about.com has some wonderful ice cream themed crafts for you and your children to share.

You can find these ice cream makers at Wal-Mart and Target. I especially like the ball. It is so much fun for the kids. We made ice cream in a similar manner in girl scouts using two coffee cans. It was great fun! Hubby and I bought a Rival at Wal-Mart and made our first batch this weekend. The ice cream was divine! There is nothing quite like homemade ice cream. We had fun trying to choose toppings and finally settled on strawberries, chocolate syrup, and caramel. Mmmmm. Good Stuff! Finally I did visit Etsy in search of ice cream themed goodies and found some sweet items.

This charming pendant can be found at Annie Howes Keepsakes.

I found this sweet print at She Hit Pause Studios.

This train suitcase and other cute vintage items can be found at Timeless Totes.

This unusual and pretty item can be found at Sticky Kitten’s Shop.

I found this funky plushie at Peach Pit. This is just a handful of the wonderful items that can be found at Etsy. Go and do your own search. Before I end this little ode to frozen creamy goodness, I want to share with you a couple of ice cream items I found while out shopping for groceries.


I found the magnet at Michael’s and the bag was on sale at Target. I believe I am finally at an end. Go out and enjoy all things ice cream!

Sock Monkeys and China Dolls

I discovered these adorable polymer clay beads courtesy of Jen at Domestikgoddess. They are made by Michelle Zink. You can custom order from her website or order premade goods from her etsy store.

Ladies Night Out

Every other month the ladies at our church get together for food, fun, and fellowship. Last night I attended the event, a western affair. The tables were decorated with red gingham tableclothes and beautiful wildflowers. The menu consisted of brisket, baked beans, potatoe salad, and a wonderful assortment of desserts including strawberry cake, and blackberry cobbler. We have many talented women at our church. Among them is an artist and a jewelry craftsman. Both of whom displayed their work. The jewelry was beautiful one of a kind beaded masterpieces. I was quite impressed with the quality and the art of the pieces. Our artist is a painter who works with acrylics. She paints exquiste landscapes and not only showed off her work, but gave us all a lesson. It was incredible watching her work. All in all it was a fun experience. I am looking forward to the next Ladies Night Out.

Website of the Week. . . . . .

One of my little crafty hobbies is soap-making.  I use melt and pour soap bases, essential oils, and other additives.  The Teach Soap website has been a wonderful place to visit for ideas, recipes, etc.  Anne-Marie will answer any questions you have.  The site also offers ideas and recipes for lotions, lip balms, and bath products.  Teach Soap is loaded with advice, tips, ideas, etc.  If you have any interest in soap making you simply must check out this site.

Island Inspired

I’ve noticed the girls on some on my fave beauty blogs playing with new eye shadows in bright summer colors and was inspired. I decided to go for something with an island feel. I love the blues and greens of the ocean. I used Maybelline duo eye shadow called Sea of Glass and a Wet N Wild Shimmer eye liner. I was well pleased with the result and had fun playing with the new colors. I created the look using techniques picked up from a video about 1950’s Audrey Hepburn Style Make Up which is also on my site. (Click here)

They’ve Finally Arrived!!!

I am so excited!!! My vintage button rings from WhimsyLove have finally arrived. Each ring was in a sweet little cardboard box. I also received a WhimsyLove cupcake postcard (absolutely adorable) and a sweet handwritten note from Nikki. I just love the rings! They are perfect and exactly what I was hoping they’d be. Thanks Nikki!

Patriotic Goodies

Here are a few goodies for your 4th of July festivities. All of these were found while perusing Etsy.
1. This beautiful banner comes from StoriaHome.
2. Cheeky Pinup necklace from Dadadreams.
3. Adorable USA baby set from Dara.
4. Firecracker Chandelier Earrings from Designs by Laurie.
5. Cute little clay bug from Clayin’ Around.
6. Liberty comb from Tresijas’s.
7. Darling Patriotic greetings from Kini Art.
8. Fun Napkin Rings from The Raven, the Moon, and Me.

Website of the Week – Fashion Fun!

I have recently discovered a website called Polyvore. One can create collages like the above (my first) using items from all over the internet. You can add any item you like to the those already listed and create all kinds of outfits. It is a load of fun!! I highly recommend this website to anyone who loves fashion and dreaming big!

Inspire Me Thursday

As I read this week’s theme I immediately thought of my 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. My hubby and I teach their bible class at church. The kids love making things and I try to use art to teach whenever possible. This morning I provided each child with a bag of beads. They were instructed to trade with each other for different beads and construct a bracelet. I wanted them to see and learn the importance of fellowship in the church. Their bracelets were made more lovely by sharing and trading. In the same way our lives can so blessed by sharing and caring for each other. I didn’t have a camera this morning in class, but I thought I would share a photo of the beads used.