Thursday Thought and the Festival of the Arts

"My heart will take me to the top or take me to the bottom,

My heart will determine where my final destination is going to be"

Our Stake Relief Society is having a Festival of Arts Show featuring different artists interpretation of the theme, "The Lord Looketh Upon The Heart" based on 1 Samuel 16:7: "for the Lord seeth not as man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

I immediately knew I wanted to do a scrapbook style layout for this project but I had been seeking inspiration on how to pull that off. Afterall, it didn't seem to right to put a picture of how we see each other on the outside on a layout meant to express that we are truly judged and seen by what is inside. Then it came to me that it shouldn't be so much of a standard photograph but an expression, a reflection of the heart and I thought of my favorite photo of Jonas and started cropping and printing it different ways. I was relieved that it all came together like I pictured it in my head (which isn't always the case) and I can't wait to see all of the other entries!

A Little Bit of Whimsy in an Apron

Still inspired by the Festival of Arts theme (you'll learn more about this tomorrow), I whipped up this whimsical apron yesterday. I had loved making this apron pattern for my swap partner a while back but I still hadn't gotten around to making one for myself until now. I love how the pleating on this apron is similar to that of a dress and I am crazy over the bodice and halter.

Can't you just picture me picking apples from my orchard or vegetables from my garden (i have neither) and skipping into the house to bake a pie?


I added a special message in an embellishment as a special reminder of what is important, I wonder if I could get away wearing it around town today because I really don't want to take it off!

100 Inchies Project, #51-60 Summer Theme

While I struggled with the last theme (Under the Sea) and felt the inchies did not reflect my personal style, this theme (Summer) came easily to me and I feel is a true reflection of my artistic style, love it or not! I had wanted to mix my favorite mediums, fabric, paper, ribbon and buttons. Combining mediums on a one inch square can be challenging but I am happy with the way they came out, hopefully my partners will like them!

A Little Mother's Day Treat

I am lucky to say that I am friends with some pretty fabulous women that just also happen to be fabulous Moms. Better yet, they help me to be a better mom through their laughter, support and sometimes commiseration! I wanted to do a little special something for them for Mother's Day so I altered some mini composition books and made some coordinating clothespin magnets and bought some chocolate, of course, .....lots of it!

Then I decorated the front of a plain white paper gift bag and cut off the front handle so I could hang them on their front doors as a suprise on Sunday ! Hopefully this little gesture will go a long way in showing them how special they are!

The Bright Side

It's no secret, I LOVE Shade Clothing. In fact, I am relaxing right now in the Striped Boyfriend Tee in gray and white, but there I go getting distracted!

Shade has partnered with United Way for this fabulous campaign and 50% of the proceeds are distributed to families in need throughout the nation. Chelsea Rippy, the owner and CEO of Shade, wanted to find a way to help those effected by the economic downturn while spreading a message of hope and optimism. And as an added bonus, they just happen to be adorable.

I'm Lovin' it Monday

I have had a very creative last few days (posts to come) so I had to narrow it down for today's picks.

First, I am lovin' this great Jane Market Bag pattern from Alicia Paulson over at Posie Gets Cozy . I can't wait to use mine out shopping and what a great, easy gift to make. Added bonus, downloadable pattern....talk about instant gratification!

If I have mentioned this before let me tell you again how much I love Tattered Angels Glimmer Screens and Mists. The stencils are easy to wash, sturdy and reusable and are such an easy way to add an elegant and subtle detail to your paper craftin, layouts, etc. You don't even want me to get started on how great the mists are....we could be here all day!

Kids, they are here to entertain us!

So after dinner, we decided to get in the car and go for a drive. As part of this ritual, we stopped at the drive-thru Starbucks to pick up hot cocoas and chocolate milk. While in the line at the drive-thru, the famous "no nap Cooper" fell fast asleep. He woke up long enough to take about two sips and then he fell back asleep. Enter cell phone camera...click.... So as we are laughing in the front, we keep hearing empty straw slurping sounds so we turn around to this.....click.........

For the rest of the drive, he stayed like this and every once and awhile you could hear the empty straw slurping as he tried to drink in his sleep. How he slept through the laughter, tears, and snorts, I have NO idea