DIY Write Wipe Workbook

A few months ago, as I was perusing Pinterest (seemingly my most favorite thing to do) I came across the most amazing idea for my preschool-aged daughter. A write wipe workbook filled with practical pages to help her learn her acb's!

At the time, she was having some difficulty recognizing her numbers and letters, and her handwriting looked more like scribble than anything (and this was after an entire year of preschool too!) We were soon to be heading out on a 10+ hour trip to South Carolina, so I decided to light the fire under my rear and get this together for her so she could use it while on the road. Oh my, and I so very glad I did!!

We take it everywhere with us...to the doctors office, the store, anywhere there will be a wait and we need to keep busy! Thank you so much to One Hot Crafty Mama for her ingenious idea!! I will be forever grateful and indebted to her awesomeness!! Please check out her site, as she has a great link to some free worksheets!

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN WRITE WIPE PRESCHOOL (or anything) WORKBOOK:

Supply list:
1. Sheet protectors
2. 3 ring binder (size depending on how much you plan to "stuff it"!!)
3. Workbook sheets
4. Dry erase markers (preferably the ones with the erasers on the caps!!)

My luck, I just happened to have purchased a huge workbook for her a month before, so I got down and dirty with pulling out all the relevant pages, and gathered together the sheet protectors and binders I've had lying around now for nearly 14 years (from my college days)...

I'd wished that I had a presentation binder so that I could have made it more "pretty" like I did with my other binders. One day I'll upgrade! Maybe even make a new binder as my she progresses through the grades and hand this one down to my son! But, with working with what I had, here is the finished binder...

Simple, easy and CHEAP!! Especially if you already have the binder and protectors lying around the house!! You could even throw in a pencil pouch to keep the markers handy. I love the ones with the erasers already built in...reminds them to erase when they're finished. But, kids will be kids and forget to erase so all you have to do it wet a paper towel and you're good.

Again, I can't say it enough how completely useful this project is, especially if you have preschoolers! It's so adaptable that you can update the worksheet based on the age of the child, or even for your household needs! I've also made a menu planner and recipe binder!

Are you going to make one for your kids? Or how about for your household? If you do, send me your pictures! I always love to see what you all have made!!

Find me linked up here:

Claire Justine * Chic on a Shoestring * The Shabby Nest * Young and Crafty * 504 Main *The Pin Junkie

A Stylish Interior * House by Hoff * Sippy Cup Chronicles * Funky Junk Interiors * Cheerios and Lattes
Pam's Party and Practical Tips * Chestnut Grove Academy * Serenity You * A Vision to Remember * THE Pin it Party
North East Bloggers Network * Mama to 5 Blessings * Ashely's Dandelion Wishes * DIY By Design * My Girlish Whims * Sugar and Dots * From My Front Porch to Yours * Artsy Fartsy Mama * Glued to My Crafts * Clippie Dips

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DIY Canvas Art Knock Off

Many moons ago (5 years to be accurate) I wanted to make my daughter's nursery elegant and girly and I had all the right stuff to do so, except the art work. Enter...knock off DIY canvas art!!

Now I don't consider myself an artist by any means...I'm not even good, but I'm capable, so I searched for the right art to fit her room decor and everything I fell in love with was so expensive!! So what's the next best thing to pricey artwork? A handmade knock off!!

I found five pieces that I adored, so I rolled up my sleeves, broke out the paints and got down and dirty! Sadly, only two of the five made it to completion and into her room! I managed to finish a third, while two still sit waiting for my finishing touches!!

Here is the uber-pricey, professional painting Boho Bird by Reesa:

And now, for my less than stellar knock off:

And the side-by-side:

Now here is where I will ask for your "polite" (I'll cry if it's too harsh lol) criticism! Be honest...would you hang the knock off in your home?



Find me linked up here:

All Our Days * Reflexions * Finding Fabulous * Chic on a Shoestring * From My Front Porch to Yours * Serenity You
A Vision to Remember * Funky Junk Interiors * Be Different Act Normal * Three Mango Seeds * Nap Time Creations
Coastal Charm * Plucky's Second Thought * Sugar Bee Crafts *  VMG206 *

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DIY Patriotic Tin Can Lanterns

I’m so excited to be a part of this awesome series presented by Sugar Bee Crafts!! There are so many fabulous projects that will be hosted here and I seriously urge you to check back daily (and catch up on already featured projects) to make sure you don’t miss out on the Patriotic posts that have been featured!



















I've recently switched my dog over to a wet food diet since he had 22 teeth pulled (yes, 22! I never knew just how many teeth dogs do have!!) Since then, my recycling bins have become overflowing with cans - which my son then decides he can use them for his digging excursions. Being a bit wary of him using them (heaven forbid he cuts himself on the rims) I realized that I could actually put them to great use in the form of a nice little patriotic lantern string!! Here’s my step-by-step tutorial on how to make your very own tin can lanterns!!


STEP ONE – Get rid of the unsightly glue; rinse, clean, and dry!
This has to be the hardest part of the project! If you have any products for dissolving glue, I highly suggest using it!! I chose to soak the cans in a sink full of VERY HOT water, to melt the glue. Then, using a Brillo pad, scrub away any of the factory stamping (with expiration date, etc.) and any glue residue left. This was such a pain in the rear!! I think the Brillo actually made it harder to get the glue off, and I eventually ended up scratching it off with my fingernail. Clean them good (you don’t want the old food smell lingering at your 4th of July party) and make sure they are thoroughly dry.

Notice how filthy the water gets from the Brillo? That was nothing compared to the permanent glue now left on my white sink! Ugh. I'm gonna have to write a post on how to get that junk off of a resin sink!

Drying nicely. Give it overnight if you can stand to wait that long!

STEP TWO – Drill the holes
Of course, you can’t have a lantern without holes to let the light shine through!! I’m sure there are easier ways to accomplish this - I’m thinking awl and hammer -  however, despite my husband’s vast array of tools, we didn't seem to have one handy so I resorted to my trusty ‘ol drill! (Once you get the hang of it, this was so fast and efficient that I managed to drill all 6 cans in under a half hour! I will warn you though - your forearm will be very sore the next day!!)

Making sure to steadily hold the can with one hand, decide where you want the holes placed, bring your bit to the can, apply pressure, and drill away!! CAUTION…the aftermath is a very, very, sharp can, so I highly recommend wearing gloves to avoid a cut. Aluminum cuts are the worst.

There’s no rhyme or reason to the placement of the holes, so have at it!! I went all out crazy with holes on some, and uniformed on others. You can even created special “pictures” such as starts, flags, fireworks, or some other theme. Make sure you drill two holes at the top of the can so you can make a handle to hang them from.

STEP THREE – Paint and seal
I wanted to make this a no cost project (not including the fact that I already purchased what I had on hand, so that doesn't count) so I used paint that I've had for years now. I honestly think that spray paint would be a much better medium, but since I had latex paints, that’s what I used. Aluminum doesn't accept paint all that well so a few coats were in order. Here’s the first round:





I decided to sponge on the paint as it seemed to cover more efficiently plus I like the look of a more rustic texture. After two coats, I was ready to decorate. Now, I have to say I’m not the best  freehand painter in the world, especially on a bumpy surface, so my designs look a bit like a child painted them. If you’re handy with a paint brush, I’m sure you’ll have a better outcome.






I had some acrylic sealer on hand as well, so I just gave the cans a once over to help protect them against the elements. I don’t plan on keeping them outdoors for an extended period, so I’m not so worried they will rust and flake. But, if they do, it may make for a really nice “vintage” look! We’ll have to see...

STEP FOUR – Make the hangers
You’ll need some form of pliable wire to make the can hangers. As long as it’s bendable, either by hand or pliers, this is easy. Just thread the wire through the holes that you drilled at the top, twist up the ends, and viola!

My wire happened to be rusty to start, which I love since it helps lend to the "rustic" feel. Again, I highly suggest gloves be worn during this part, since I ended up with some finger pricks! 

All wired up and ready to hang!

STEP FIVE – String ‘em up!
Find yourself a nice shady tree or other spot where you want to hand up your lanterns, and string ‘em together! Or, simply place them on your picnic table for some extra night time ambiance. They look so festive during the day, and magical at night!

A fairly simple project that anyone can make for any season. I think I will make some bright color lanterns for the summer and maybe some wintry designs for the coming Christmas season!

I hope you all decide to make your own lanterns and if you do, I'd love to see them! If you've already made some or plan to, make sure you come back and link up your lanterns in your comment!



Make sure you stop by and check out my other DIY Crafts:

Glass Stone Candle Jars

DIY Easter Silhouettes 

Thanks for stopping in!

Find us liked up here:

Hope Studios - Tutorial Tuesdays
Kathe with an E - You're Gonna Love It
No Holding Back - Pin It Tuesday's
Powerful Mothering - Pin It Tuesday's
Big House Big Heart - Pin It Tuesday's
Coastal Charm - Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Homework - The Creative Party
The Farmhouse Porch - The Scoop
Cedar Hill Ranch - The Scoop
Crafty Texas Girls - The Scoop
Fluster Buster - Fluster's Creative Muster
Rain on a Tin Roof - Fluster's Creative Muster
My Girlish Whims - Your Whims Wednesday

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DIY Father's Day Canvas Art

**UPDATE** I've added a second canvas that I made for our Poppy!! Check it out after the first pic!!

Okay, I know. Yesterday I posted a last minute plea for help asking which of the easy projects I should make, and I end up making nothing related! I had an already painted canvas lying around and I got an ingenious idea after browsing Pinterest all day!

Surprisingly simple, and quite quick to make, here is our Father's Day gift in time for the big day! Keep reading for a simple tutorial on how to make your own (really fast too!) for Father's Day.

STEP ONE
Paint a blank canvas that you can get at the Dollar Store, A.C. Moore, or any local craft store. Even though canvas dries pretty fast, make sure it's thoroughly dry!


STEP TWO
Select a font that you favor an print out your saying large enough to look good on the canvas...you don't want it too small!! If you don't have any good fonts on your computer, you can easily download one for free from DaFont or 1001 Free Fonts, or Fontspace.

Once you've sized your saying accordingly, select just the right spot on the canvas and tape it down.

With a very firm hand, trace over the letters, and an impression will form on the canvas. Once you've finished the first trace, lift up the paper and use a pencil to trace over the impression on the canvas.

STEP THREE
To save even more time, and especially if you're not a steady-hand painter (like me) use a good 'ol Sharpie marker and fill in the pencil traced letters!

STEP FOUR
Paint your child's hand with a very generous amount of paint, making sure to cover every inch. For my design, I chose to use two colors per kid. One color for each hand!

STEP FIVE
Carefully place the child's hand on the canvas, and press down all over to transfer the paint! Don't press too hard or you'll end up with smudged prints! I chose a "flower" of sorts!

STEP SIX
Add embellishments and viola! I added the date and a heart and now daddy's gift is all set to go! The kids are so excited and we can't wait to see daddy's face!!

What did you make for Father's Day this year?

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