Why Simplified Watercolor? You want to express yourself through art. You get out all the paints, mix them, get started, and then the mom life happens. The baby cries, the kids need a snack, someone is fighting... you know the drill. So you have to leave the art, but by the time you come back the paint is dried up and useless. Now you have to start the process all over again. Sound familiar? Simplified Watercolor is for you! Or maybe you are like me in another way: you have no idea how to get started with painting and you just want a medium that is both simple to use and simple to learn. ... Continue Reading...
Tutorial: DIY AG Doll Glitter Tumblers
This weekend I've been making some glitter ornaments. They are so fun and easy to make! While I was working on them Lulu gave me a great idea: Doll Glitter Tumblers! Supply List Polyurethane (any brand, water based, clear gloss) Glitter (ultra fine, extra fine, or micro is best, but regular size works too) Communion cups 30mm plastic ornament balls Coffee Straws/Stirrers (Amazon has tons of color options, we got ours at Kroger) Tool List Clippers Drill & small drill bit Glue Gun & Glue Sticks Scissors Decals for name or monogram (optional) DIY AG ... Continue Reading...
School’s Out, Craft’s In with Deflecto® (+freebie!)
If you've been through my blog much at all you'll know I love all things crafty. I'm not artistic, but I love to craft! I've probably dabbled in a bit of everything over the years: paper crafting (stamping, card making, scrapbooking, bullet journaling, etc.), quilting and some small sewing projects, DIY home decor, and I can even do basic crochet. On top of my personal crafting, we homeschool which automatically equals kids crafts! Simple crafts (or not-so-simple sometimes) are a very effective hands-on way for kids to grasp a concept or remember important ... Continue Reading...
Zirrly Super Beads (Review)
My kiddos love fuse beads (the kind you iron) but they always need me to do the ironing part. Wouldn't it be great if there were some fuse beads that didn't need to be ironed? Well there are and we were given an opportunity to try Super Beads by Zirrly. Zirrly's Super Beads fuse together with water so kids can complete their craft projects without adult help. No dangerous iron needed! Please note: small children will need supervision and assistance, but for the most part they can assemble and spray their creations all on their own. The Super Beads Mega Kit by Zirrly includes ... Continue Reading...
Magic Stix Washable Markers Review
Do your little artists love to use markers but forget to put the caps back on? The fun folks at The Pencil Grip, Inc. have come up with a solution: markers that don't dry out even if the cap is left off for up to 7 days! If you are constantly replacing dried out markers Magic Stix Washable Markers may be just what you need to keep your school supply budget in check. We put these markers to the test with this art project. (Source) We turned ours into piranha with some sharp teeth, but of course they can be nice, non-flesh-eating fish too if you prefer. Chalk that one up to having mostly ... Continue Reading...
Taking my Bullet Journal on the go!
Bullet journalling has been a great thing for me. When I first started last month I wondered if I would keep it up and so far I have. I really enjoy using the habit tracker to hold me accountable for important things like my personal Bible time, eating well, drinking enough water, and getting in bed at a decent time. However, my new hobby was taking over the dining room. Then if I wanted to journal in the living room, I'd have to lug it all in there. Long story short, I got this cool little tote at Michael's and loaded it up with my journaling and brush letting supplies. It's so ... Continue Reading...
Starting My 2018 Bullet Journal
Confession of the day: I am obsessed with office supplies. Paper, notebooks, planners, sticky notes, pens, markers, pencils, etc. I could tell you about what I have, how I use them, and what I plan to use them for but I doubt you have all day (or all week) to read such a post. I'd probably break the internet. Seriously. Another confession: Despite this obsession I've never used a planner or calendar all the way through from beginning to end. So sad. I eventually stopped buying planners. As a homeschooling mom with 5 kids I've never found a planner to suit my needs. For the last two years ... Continue Reading...
ColorTime Color-and-Glow Tote
Halloween and Fall Festivals are just one of the fun things about Fall. Although it is still in the 80s here in Georgia, I'm still getting excited for Trick-or-Treating as are my kids! ColorTime sent me this cool "Color-and-Glow" tote bag to try. I love anything crafty so I was excited to put my coloring skills to the test. The sample set came with 3 markers (sold separately on their website here) in orange, green, and purple. Having only those 3 colors forced me to get creative when decorating my bag, but I love a good challenge! Here's the tote out of the box. I got busy ... Continue Reading...
BIC® Velocity® Max Mechanical Pencils
When you love school and office supplies like I do, you've tried a lot of pencils. I figured these wouldn't be much different than all the other mechanical pencils I have, but I was mistaken. These BIC® Velocity® Max Mechanical Pencils have a nice smooth lead and a HUGE eraser! One of the biggest problem with any pencil is how quickly the eraser is gone - you're stuck with a great writing pencil and no eraser. Well, that isn't an issue you'll have to worry about anytime soon! The erase is 75% wider eraser compared to BIC® Velocity® Original Mechanical Pencil. The pack of two pencils ... Continue Reading...
The Ultimate List of Free Brush Letter Practice Sheets
I recently discovered the beautiful and creative world of brush lettering. I know, I know I'm behind on these things. I watched my first tutorial and was hooked! I immediately went in search of brush letter practice sheets so I could perfect my lettering skills. I found lots and lots of beautiful practice sheets and decided to make a list here to help you find enough to last you for a while. Some websites have more than one printable, so I've picked my favorites, but you can easily find their other available downloads. My Favorite Brush Letter Practice Sheets: Free 14-day Brush Basics ... Continue Reading...
Detier Dry Erase Calendar Magnet
If you are like me and prefer a reusable calendar to paper calendars (I always forget to change the month) then you would enjoy this Detier Dry Erase Calendar Magnet. Here are some of the fun features: Good size. The blocks are decent size to make your schedule and the note area is large with plenty of room for reminders, etc. Super smooth. I used liquid chalk markers on my calendar and they wipe right off with just about anything. I use my finger when making quick changes, but recommend a dry paper towel or soft cloth when changing the month. Strong magnet. Once in place it doesn't ... Continue Reading...
Super Markers Twin-Tip Broad-Liner Set
Do back-to-school the right way with this awesome 100 piece marker set from U.S. Art Supply. Super Markers are twin-tipped, so one side is a medium point while the other end is a chisel tip. With these two tips you can get several different thicknesses of lines. I knew this set would be a big hit with my kids (and me). It has every color imaginable. I was also very excited to find the ink does not bleed through even the thinest notebook paper (unless you go over and over the same spot). The set comes in a fancy display-style box with a hole for each marker to snap into. They are ... Continue Reading...
