Summertime Series – Must haves in your d.i.y. or craft stash

May 29, 2013 by 4 Comments

Today starts the SummerTime Series on Becoming Homegrown.  Every Wednesday, new ideas, tips, tutorials or recipes will be posted in order to help you or kids stay busy this summer.  It is easy to get stuck in a rut and repeat the same activities every day but a small project or craft can help break the monotony without breaking the bank.

summertimeseries1

In our family we do a lot of art projects and I am always looking for a good D.I.Y project.  Over time I have learned that it is essential to keep certain items always in stock that allow me to do almost any project (within reason).

Essentials for your d.i.y or craft stash

Essentials for craft stash

  • Hot Glue gun ~ This amazing tool can put back together a broken toy, cabinet door and add a little pep to that dreary thumbtack or Cork board.
  • Mod Podge ~ Spray or paint. I am not sure how I ever worked without Mod Podge.  It can give your finished project a little shine AND makes sure it stays sealed.  I have used it on art work and d.i.y. projects.  It is a multi-purpose genius glue.
  • Acrylic paint ~ We always paint with acrylic paint.  I like the colors that are offered, it is always a great price and it is easy to use. I am not a fan of children paints. The color selection is usually minimal and mostly within primary color range.
  • Spray Adhesive/Sealant ~ Just buy it.  It’s like Mod Podge on crack. It’s awesome and about 3.50 a can.
  • Buttons~ Buy buttons that you and your children enjoy.  They are GREAT for added decoration in crafts and sometimes you can find a fun use for them too. Be sure to buy one that you actually enjoy.
  • Cardboard Letters ~ These are easily traced on to that stolen barn wood or pallet piece that you are dying to hang in your kitchen.  The other option can be the vinyl stickers that you can paint over and then pull off but if you don’t have stickers readily available then the letters can save you. I have Small, Medium, and Large.  Hobby Lobby has a great inexpensive selection.
  • Glitter~ Even if you have boys (like I do) there will always be a time to use glitter.  Don’t believe me, check Pinterest.
  • Pipe Cleaners ~ For the kids.  Children love pipe cleaners and they can be used on crafts AND awesome baked good creations.
  • Wooden sticks~ These can be long thin “craft” wood stick or merely Popsicle sticks.  These always prove useful to have around. See below: 
     Handmade Mustaches
  • Spray Paint~ It’s not just for tagging train cars. It can make a dollar store tin look like a vintage find in about five minutes. The are so many colors that it is almost more fun to use that acrylic paint.
  • Colored Pencils, Crayons, and Markers~ Sometimes paint is not on the agenda with little hands. Pull out the crayons and let them go to town.  In our house the kids have their own set of everyday crayons and coloring pencils but if there is a specific project they need to work on I have a secret stash in the closest.   (I also have my own personal stash of colored pencils that I DON’T share)
  • Elmers glue~ Easier for kids to use and it can be used to make a slimy glop most kids enjoy. (Equal parts glue and shaving cream)  If you are feeling adventurous you can add a bit of elmers glue with food coloring and it adds a nice color to whatever you are glue or painting.

This is a fairly basic list. If you lean more to the d.i.y. there are many more items that are essential to have on hand but for everyday projects and crafts this should get you started!

**Interested in contributing? Email me at morgan@becominghomegrown.com.  I am always looking to feature new bloggers!**

 

 

 

Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, SummerTime Series Tagged With: , ,

Serial Procrastinating Crafter

September 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment

I am a serial procrastinating crafter with hoarder like tendencies.  I will find ideas on blogs, in magazines and on Pinterest that inspire me to create.  I find great joy in my idealistic project day dreaming however I fear that I am Martha Stewart in my head but Fred Sanford in real life.

I know that I am probably not the only one but I do believe I am getting a little out of hand.   I know this because I have recently been gifted with little clues from my five year old.  Some of these gems included:

“Mom, I think your hot glue gun is in your junk closet.”  (Junk closet was once the linen closet)

“Mom, I can’t find any batteries in this junk drawer.  There are only hot glue sticks, crayons, paint brushes and glitter.”

“Um, Mom, are you ever going to finish re-painting this table.  I can’t move my nerf gun box into the hallway with these pieces everywhere.”

My last and final hint that my crafting prowess was escalating into the hoarder zone was my conversation with my husband about empty soup cans that are currently cluttering one of my kitchen cabinets.  All he did was walk away after I tried to explain that these cans were necessary for a craft.  A craft to do WITH THE CHILDREN.   In my mind, hoarding everyday items for crafts is ALWAYS okay as long as it is for the children.

Can you really blame me when you find crafts that look like this?

The Jolly Mom is genius!

Reusing tin cans?!

Awesome.

 Or how about blogger Kelsey Bang’s craft of reusing old lightbulbs for ornaments.

I have a freakin’ million old lightbulbs now.

These crafts are cheap and time consuming.   Two qualities that I hold dear when crafting with my boys. I need something that will keep them interested and occupied for a long period of time.  I’m a good mom like that.

Good mom or not I am now saving these types of items all over the house. It’s getting a little crazy.  Especially when the men folk can no longer politely overlook my craft “supplies.”

Whatever….I’m not going to let it get to me for too long.  Halloween is just around the corner, Christmas will be here before your know it and I will use all those damn cans and lightbulbs.  Just remember…… IT’S FOR THE CHILDREN!

Filed Under: Humor, Life Tagged With: , ,

Summer Bucket List

May 30, 2012 by Leave a Comment

I have never enjoyed Bucket lists.  I have typically found them to be fairly morbid or exceptionally vain. However, gradually over the time my opinion has changed and now I see them more as a challenge and organizational tool to help me keep on track.

This year my family and I, joining The Happy Family Movement, have created our very first Summer Bucket list and there is nothing morbid about it!

I present

The Becoming Homegrown Summer Bucket List

Bucket list for summer

I ran across their blog during one of my blog stalking evenings and I knew that we needed to participate.  I am one of those odd balls that typically does not enjoy summer time and I decided this year that needed to change. (I actually blame my mother for my summertime angst….She made me read all day every day during the summer and then gave me tests after every chapter)  My boys are now old enough to follow instructions and do not need me to hold their hands through everything.  We can all participate together!   So here we go…

On the recommendation of The Happy Family Blog, we made several of the “to-dos” fairly easy and not out of reach.  This can be seen with the Ice Cream Sundaes, bike riding, and water balloons.  I also included things that will take a little more time and planning, i.e. making a solar oven and creating a Jackson Pollock shower curtain for a fort.   As we accomplish the goals we will be adding new ones to conquer.

I am excited about the possibilities here….now let’s see how many of these are achieved!

Bucket List

Water day with friends

Glitter water balloons (more for me in a water balloon fight)

Jackson Pollock Shower curtain

Ice Cream Sundaes – with all the goodies

Go to the local water park

Birthday party!

Learn to sew – the basics – For mom

Bike riding

Play board games

Make a solar oven together

Plant seeds in painted cans

Filed Under: Bucket List, summer Tagged With: , ,

Glow in the dark Easter Eggs

April 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Glow in the dark Easter eggs for a night time Egg hunt
Easter festivities usually have a familiar rhythm to them. Church, Egg hunt, Easter baskets, and lots of food.  At least this is what I have seen and heard.  We have not been able to get an Easter rhythm down in the last eight years. I am not good at planning them and we don’t do the whole Easter bunny thing.

This Easter I decided to actually attempt something new and change our habit of doing absolutely nothing.

A glow in the dark Easter egg hunt.  I got the idea off  Pinterest but I have had so many people asking how I did it I am going to post the directions here.

Glow in the Dark Easter Eggs

Purchase the bigger selection of plastic Easter Eggs.  I found mine at Walmart for 50 cents a piece. (6 in a bag and I bought 4)

Find the glow bracelets – You can usually find these in the Dollar section at Target or at the Dollar Tree

Scotch Tape

When you are almost ready to begin your hunt break the bracelets to get the glow.  Bend them enough to fit in the egg and then tape the crack to ensure they don’t pop open.

Then hide them!

Your kiddos will love them and instead of getting a ton of candy they will get the glow bracelets instead!

Here is a little glimpse from our nighttime egg hunters

Kids hunting for Glow in the dark eggs for Easter

Happy Hunting!

Filed Under: DIY, Dollar Store, How to, Ideas, Kid Crafts Tagged With: , , , ,

Great meals for the family and the wallet

March 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment

When I cook I sometimes get stuck in a rut.  My husband is a creature of habit and would happily eat the same three meals over and over again.  I am completely the opposite and even though I find comfort in the regular fair, I like to change it up and find new and tasty meals for the family.

I have recently stumbled across a few meals that are not only huge crowd pleasers but easy on the wallet.

 

Braided Spaghetti Bread 

Braided Spaghetti Bread

Do not be intimidated by its title or picture! This meal is super easy to make and when you post your photo on Facebook about what is for dinner, everyone will be impressed with your skills.  Plus, you probably have all the ingredients on hand.

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

This is an unbelievably delicious meal that is actually low in fat and calories. My kids inhaled this and were asking for seconds.  The only ingredient that you may not have on hand are Panko crumbs.  They are not expensive and you can pick them up at almost every grocery store and they are a useful thing to always have on hand.

French Dip in a Crock Pot

(I forgot to take a picture)  This meal was a huge hit with my family.  The only thing I would change is the amount of soy sauce.  A friend replaced half of the soy sauce with a beef broth and still had great results!  One of the best features of this meal is CROCK POT.  Put the roast in and walk away.

There are three easy and fairly inexpensive meals that you can add to your meal rotation.  I found all of these on Pinterest and if you need any more ideas or want to share jump on and start following me!

Filed Under: Cooking, Ideas Tagged With: , ,

Can I pack any more into the schedule?!

December 5, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Are you like me?  Do you procrastinate? Do you pack as much stuff you can into a small amount of time and then collapse in a heap of exhaustion?  If you said yes to these questions, then GREAT, you are in good company.  If not, then you can laugh at me.  Keep track of the insanity!

As you all know, we are moving.  We are moving NEXT Wednesday.  Soon after I posted about our home, I went on an extreme search for a rental.  It is Christmas, I want to decorate and I want to do that in a home that is not filled with boxes.   Well, I found a home and within three days we signed the lease and scheduled a move in day.  Yup, I am that good….Actually, God is that good.  He gave us an AWESOME place.  Seriously, it’s amazing. I will post pictures as soon as we are in.

I am co-hospitality for our Mops group and because my partner in crime did an fantastic job on a busy meeting earlier in the year I took over decoration for the Christmas meeting.  I had to come up with a couple of ideas of decor…Check out the inspiration…

Cranberry centerpieces are beautiful, simple and perfect.

Now – Please note that this needs to be prepared by Tuesday of this upcoming week.  I am leaning towards a combo of all three….However the first photo will take more time that I have available.

Finally, I have a waiting list for hats! I still am working on hats from a hugely successful boutique in November.  I believe I have about 10 more to finish!  My goal is to have them done in the next week and a half!

The question I have for you is, Do you work well under pressure?  Because for some reason, I do.

Filed Under: Christmas, Holiday, Homemade, Ideas, Mops Tagged With: , , , ,

Tea Party for over 50 moms – Moms that will be there, not their age!

March 10, 2010 by 10 Comments

I am the co-Hospitality coordinator for my MOPS group at church.  I am currently planning the Spring Tea meeting and I am looking for inspiration….  This is my first major venture into theme decorating and I am little excited.  I am looking around for tips but I have a couple of ideas up my sleeve… I would LOVE to hear or see your ideas…

Here is the set up – we have ten tables with about 7 women to each table. I need to make each table lovely for these moms… The theme is a basically a Tea party for moms.  We do this every year and I really want to make it lovely.

So far here are some ideas that I like…

I love the colors and the stacked teacups… but how will I find that many teacups before the 1st of April???

Beautiful right??  The pail in the middle is just wonderful

Ok – Now this selection of photos is my personality.  I love ALL of these ideas…

Now I am turning it out to you guys… Do you have any suggestions of places to purchase items?  I am on a tight budget so any help would be great….. Does anyone sell these things or will anyone be willing to donate them to a non profit organization?  

I am off to bargain hunt!

I will post all my purchase and transformations!! 

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Filed Under: Mom, Mops Tagged With: , , ,
Seo PackagesBlog Comment ServicesGov Backlinks