Free Prints From Shutterfly

Oh boy, oh boy. This deal has got my juices going this morning. Now, what prints am I going to order? Hmmm.

TIP: Instead of ordering 101 prints, order 99 instead. I know, you'll be missing out on 2 free prints, but you will be saving $2.00 in shipping. 99 prints ship for only $5.99.

If you don't already, follow Shutterfly on Facebook to get all these great deals!

Day 4: Pumpkin Stitched Box

I have to admit, Christmas isn't my favorite holiday. This girl is all over fall and that's why the next two projects in this series will pumpkin coated in all their orange goodness.

Have you ever had that experience where your hands wanted to do something crafty but your brain couldn't come up with anything creative for your hands to do? That's how this project was born! My hands were itching for something so I jumped in the car and headed to Hobby Lobby. After pacing down a few aisles I came across a 2 inch square box with a hole cut int he top. My brain went "Ohhhh, okay!"

The stitching pattern is a variation of the pattern in this pin but I had to do some adjusting to fit the dimensions of my box. I also opted to keep the  box it's natural brown color; I think it compliments the vibrant orange of the pumpkins.

Day 3: Metallic Frame Ornament

I've been busy crafting all week to bring you Day 3 of my blog series Craft Through the Holidays 2013. Today I'm featuring a metallic framed cross stitch I just finished. 

The best thing about this is you can add literally anything to the inside of the frame. I chose to frame a cross stitch I recently finished, but you could also frame a family photo or a piece of your child's artwork. 

I purchased the frame from Michael's for $1.49 and made a hanger out of the same DMC floss that I stitched the ornament with. The frame is white cast plaster which I painted with a metallic silver and highlighted the grooves with a black Sharpie. Super easy!. I didn't want to paint the fame to be too ornate and take away from the stitching.

You might even consider sitting your little one down with the frame and some paint to create their own masterpiece. 

Don't forget to become a follower of my blog to get updates and more projects from this holiday blog series. Find the little follow button on the right side of this page. Isn't he cute!

I love freebies.

I'm excited about a Facebook notification I just saw from Shutterfly.

Wait, did I read that right?! Free 16X20 print!!

Here's the breakdown:
Print cost: $17.99
Shipping cost: $4.99
Final Price: $4.99

Compare that to $15.99 for in store pick up at Walgreens and I'm sold! I regularly follow Shutterly on Facebook and see all kinds of these promo codes. They are great about deals.

Day 2: Button Flower Magnets

Day 2 is here with adorable Button Flower Magnets.

I found this pin on Pinterest and knew the pattern would be the perfect size for a magnet. As you can see, these cuties are just bigger than a quarter. Aren't they darling?

Each magnet takes about 30 minutes to stitch, finish, and attach the magnet to the back. I decided a set of three would be perfect so I chose six colors to mix and match as I went. For a set of three, you can use 3-9 colors along with a green base for the leaves.

Even if you have never picked up a needle, this project is east to learn! This is a great blog post that shows step-by-step how to cross stitch. After you get the basic stitch down, follow the pattern and you'll be there in no time!

Once my stitching was complete, I carefully cut around the design leaving one square as a border. Then I broke out the Fray Check and dabbed small amount of this magic liquid on all the edges. I swear, this stuff is great! Lastly, I loosely traced around the stitching on some scratch paper to create a template for the magnet. I transferred the template onto an adhesive back magnet sheet. Remember to cut the magnet just smaller than your template so it doesn't show on the front of your masterpiece. Peel off the paper backing to revel the sticky magnet and adhere your stitching. Walah! Button flower Magnet complete!

 

Day 1: Treat Greeting Card

We're starting Day 1 of Craft Through the Holidays with a freebie! Start the holidays off right with a free greeting card from Treat!

I love the options available from Treat. Not only do they have hundreds (if not thousands!) of cards available but they give you the option to personalize almost every part of the card. Every card allows you to add a personalized message, including images, on the inside of the card. And if you're like me and you struggle to come up with the perfect message, they help you out with that too with several pre-composed messages. You can even add your recipient's name on the cover with some and add your own images to others.

With code TREFD3A973you can personalize a card for free through 12/31/13. In my experience, this is 100% free. No tax, no shipping, nada. Free.

If you love this card, which I'm sure you will, keep looking at Treat. Most of the cards I have purchased form them are around $3.50 each and come 100% personalized. Hallmark ain't got nothin' on that!

Make sure to become a follower to get updates on this blog series. ---->

Craft Through the Holidays 2013

With the holiday season right around the corner I'm ready to jump into craft projects feet first. There's nothing more I love than a homemade gift, so I better start early if I'm going to check off everyone on my list!

Join me on my journey to Craft Through the Holidays. I'm starting this blog series of homemade holiday gifts to inspire myself, and my readers, to make some wonderful gifts. I'll update this page with links to all the projects but check back often for the newest project in my series!

Craft Through the Holidays
Day 1: Treat Greeting Card
Day 2: Button Flower Magnet 
Day 3: Metallic Frame Ornament 
Day 4: Pumpkin Stitched Box

Busy Bee

It's been a busy few weeks for me which means very little computer time. Luckily I've had the chance to pick up my *new* (to me) camera a few times. Last week I traveled to San Diego to see my 13 day old Godson and this weekend I was in Dallas for the ASU/Notre Dame football game. 

Isn't he the cutest? 

And of course, what is San Diego without a little beach time at Mission beach?!

 

Photography: My History

I've always loved photography. On family vacations I always manned the camera and took the pictures that my dad would eventually show off to our friends and family when we returned home.

To me, photography is about memories and beauty; it's about remembering a moment in time that will be gone in an instant.

Today, I'm taking a trip down memory lane of some of my favorite photos. Buyer beware, I had no experience of training when I took these photos; many of them where taken when I was still a teenager. Some how, I figured it out and came up with these beauties.

 Arches National Park

 Fiery Furnace, Arches National Park

 San Diego, California

 San Diego, California

 Yosemite National Park

California