Because of its ability to be cut into pieces, reshaped into different forms, and weld together to build a larger element, steel and other metals are becoming more popular as a versatile material in contemporary arts and crafts. In the present, fabricated steel is now used to build artistic creations ranging from small accessories and handmade crafts to huge sculptures and wall murals.
If you want to create a majestic steel masterpiece that will surely stand the test of time, you may consider using aerospace grade sheet metal which is not as prone to rusting, fading, breakage, and deformation as other sheet metal grades. Spraying a thick layer of clear-coat as a finisher can also help to protect your artwork from fingerprint markings, scratches, stains, dirt, and damage from UV rays. Adding other metals such as bronze and brass, and other insulating materials such as wood and rubber can also add diversity to your masterpiece.
Are you new to using fabricated steel for making crafts? If so, then this article is for you. Learn more about the 3 ways that you can use steel fabrication to make your crafts stand out among the rest. You may also get your steel professionally processed by the best steel fabricator Melbourne.
Cutting, Bending, and Reshaping
Cutting involves using a variety of instruments to achieve the desired size and form of a steel sheet. Remember to always consider the thickness of a metal sheet as thicker steel sheets will take more time and effort to cut. However, thicker steel sheets are more resistant to deformation. Depending on the desired outcome, you may use a combination of cutting instruments in your craft. Automated jigsaw and bandsaw are great for doing quick straight cuts when used with a straight-edge. Nibblers, whether automatic or manual, offer better control for cutting along curves and delicate forms with accuracy. On the other hand, snips are perfect for small and precise cuts on thinner steel sheets.
Bending and reshaping add a new dimension and character to your artwork. If you are using thick materials, then you might need to use tools and machines to help you. Otherwise, you can just use your force to create beautiful bends, twists, swirls, curls, and waves.
Grinding to Create Texture
The process involves using a variety of materials, grit types, angles of grind, and power to create different decorative patterns on the surface of the sheet metal. Although creating consistent textures would definitely take a lot of time and practice, adding grind patterns can instantly add a visual feast to your masterpiece. Try to experiment with different grinding pads, spinning pads, and brushing and scratching tools, then see which one suits your artistic style and preferences.
Coloring
While many people like the natural color of fabricated steel, there are also others who want to add a variety of colors to their crafts. Unlike cutting, bending, and grinding, coloring metal sheets require extra care and more advanced skills. Spray painting will also not ensure that the color will last over time. One of the most common ways of coloring steel is by using heat. Coloring with heat is not very predictable and is dependent on the temperature of the heat source, duration of exposure to heat, humidity, and the type of material used.
Showing posts with label Craft Chat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Craft Chat. Show all posts
Friday, June 30, 2017
Friday, June 23, 2017
5 Reasons Snail Mail is Better than Email
It is no doubt that the internet has made our lives so much easier. The internet is used in businesses, schools, hospitals, and other establishments. Suffice it to say, this technology has made millions of people around the world change the way that they function in their day-to-day lives. The emergence of email has changed the course of communications throughout mankind. Exchanging of messages between people has been faster and more efficient. However, no matter how technology keeps on evolving to make mankind more connected to each other, the quality of human interaction has sometimes been compromised.
That is why, be it in business or in keeping touch with friends and family it is important to not compromise quality. Here are five reasons why snail mail is still better than email.
1. It is a far better choice when it comes to security and privacy.
No one is really safe when it comes to information theft. However, using the traditional handwritten letter sent via snail mail is often more secure because not even the NSA can easily intercept your mail. The downside of mail technology is that your personal exchange of information can easily be traced online. You can never truly have privacy when you are online. That is why if you need to send an important message that you do not wish to ever see on the internet, you better make use of snail mail.
2. It shows that you care for the person you are sending letters to.
Nowadays, sending emails is so easy and fast, that sometimes, it can be very non-personal anymore. That is why a person can feel that you actually care if you send letters via snail mail because you actually have to go through the process of writing it, purchasing a stamp, and finally have it physically delivered. Let’s just say, you bought a greeting card at Lima Lima Cards & Gifts, and had it delivered to a special someone, the effort and thoughtfulness will surely count compared to sending a quick message via email.
3. It can spark creativity within you.
When we engage ourselves in more labor-intensive activities, it utilizes our brain processes differently than by simply using technology. When we create a letter or card, it requires us to slow down and connect with our hands. With this, our individual creativity just comes in.
4. It helps you unplug yourself from the online world once in awhile.
We all need some time offline these days. When we send messages via email, we tend to get distracted by a lot of things online, which can pretty much divide our attention. However, when we send messages via snail mail, we do things in the present moment, and by nature, we are spending time for ourselves too, without the distraction of the online world.
5. It honors tradition.
When a certain thing has been present for hundreds of years, there’s just something sentimental when you also do it. Sending our messages using the traditional snail mail honors how the past generations communicate. It is acknowledging the value of our grandmothers and grandfather's letters to each other.
That is why, be it in business or in keeping touch with friends and family it is important to not compromise quality. Here are five reasons why snail mail is still better than email.
1. It is a far better choice when it comes to security and privacy.
No one is really safe when it comes to information theft. However, using the traditional handwritten letter sent via snail mail is often more secure because not even the NSA can easily intercept your mail. The downside of mail technology is that your personal exchange of information can easily be traced online. You can never truly have privacy when you are online. That is why if you need to send an important message that you do not wish to ever see on the internet, you better make use of snail mail.
2. It shows that you care for the person you are sending letters to.
Nowadays, sending emails is so easy and fast, that sometimes, it can be very non-personal anymore. That is why a person can feel that you actually care if you send letters via snail mail because you actually have to go through the process of writing it, purchasing a stamp, and finally have it physically delivered. Let’s just say, you bought a greeting card at Lima Lima Cards & Gifts, and had it delivered to a special someone, the effort and thoughtfulness will surely count compared to sending a quick message via email.
3. It can spark creativity within you.
When we engage ourselves in more labor-intensive activities, it utilizes our brain processes differently than by simply using technology. When we create a letter or card, it requires us to slow down and connect with our hands. With this, our individual creativity just comes in.
4. It helps you unplug yourself from the online world once in awhile.
We all need some time offline these days. When we send messages via email, we tend to get distracted by a lot of things online, which can pretty much divide our attention. However, when we send messages via snail mail, we do things in the present moment, and by nature, we are spending time for ourselves too, without the distraction of the online world.
5. It honors tradition.
When a certain thing has been present for hundreds of years, there’s just something sentimental when you also do it. Sending our messages using the traditional snail mail honors how the past generations communicate. It is acknowledging the value of our grandmothers and grandfather's letters to each other.
Friday, April 21, 2017
The Most Common Embroidery Designs in 2017
In this day and age, there are now sewing machines which can automatically create the design on fabric. These machines are mostly used for commercial purposes and mass-production. Interested parties have to do their research on how to choose an embroidery machine in order to avoid overspending and picking the wrong machine. From intricate floral design to the clothing brand logo, embroidery has helped so much in the fabric and textile business. All you have to do is input your design and wait for the machine to do its charm. Some companies sell design files in which they have already made a design and all you have to do is some minor editing if you want to change something. Still, some enthusiasts would prefer handcrafted stitches rather than the machine. Embroidery takes a lot of skill and patience. Sewing experts can show their precision with the needle and talent with the art of embroidery which many people do not have. If you are a new practitioner to this this art form then you have to start with the basic and common designs and work your way to the intricate designs. These are the most common embroidery designs.
The most common embroidery design is the Classic. The classic is the easiest design which everyone can make with or without the embroidery machine. All you have to do is draw your design on a paper and transfer it to the fabric. A lot of enthusiasts prefer this design because it is very easy to follow. The classic design usually features plants or animals. From roses and trees to lions and tigers, classic design is a perfect choice if you are looking to challenge your skills with the needle. It can be hard but with enough patience, you will be looking at your embroidery with a satisfied heart.
Applique embroidery design is a complicated design which requires the embroidery techniques of satin stitches, zigzag stitches, or decorative stitches that are anchored onto a piece of background fabric. These designs are not for beginners and may even require you to use a machine. These designs are used mostly for brand names and logos.
Free Standing designs can only be made by the use of embroidery machines. Designs like basket ornaments and jewelry made of thread are just some of the few samples of free standing designs. It is designed to stand and look solid once the stabilizer is removed with the help of freestanding lace and applique techniques. These designs can be very complex and advisable to be used only by professionals.
Friday, February 10, 2017
Star Wars Felt Holiday Christmas Ornaments
Over on my main blog - The Classy Chics, I received a complimentary Star Wars Collectible Felt Characters Craft Kit to review and feature. You can visit my other blog to check out my official review, purchasing information and to see additional photographs.
Since receiving the craft kit, I've made 4 of the Star Wars characters. One of the things I love about this craft kit is that everything you need is included in the kit and all of the sewing and embroidery is done by hand. So, if you don't own a sewing machine or don't want to mess with one, you don't need one to complete these adorable characters!
I've been working on them one-by-one and hoping to have them all completed by the end of the year. We have a little 4 foot tall Christmas tree that we decorate in a Star Wars theme every holiday season, so I'm turning all of these felt characters into Christmas tree ornaments!
After I get done making a set for my husband, I want to work on additional ones and use them as toppers & ornaments on Christmas packages for the kids in our family. What's really cool about this kit is that once you run out of craft felt, go to your local craft supplies store, buy felt in the colors that you need and you can make as many as you want since the patterns & instructions are included in the kit and you can re-use them over & over again.
You can visit my main blog for the official review on the craft kit that I received. Since my readers on this blog didn't see the original review, I wanted to mention it over here too!
Friday, December 30, 2016
Quick and Easy DIY Desk Accessories
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| DIY Pencil Holder |
As any seasoned DIYer knows, you can turn drab to fab in minutes with the right products! May Arts is the go to ribbon for arts, crafts and DIY projects because it’s unique design eliminates frayed ends when cutting to manipulate ribbon sizes. You won’t have to worry about your projects unraveling over time, because May Arts ribbon is built to last, built with superiority in mind to hold up to any project your heart desires.
Not only is it a durable and practical ribbon, but you can choose from hundreds of different colors, styles, thicknesses and textures depending on the look you’re going for! This is not your ordinary ribbon company. They have thought outside the box to create a unique variety of ribbons so your ideas can turn into a reality, no matter what the project is!
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| DIY Silk Ribbon Notebook |
Click HERE for the DIY Silk Ribbon Notebook tutorial!
May Arts ribbon can be purchased through their new retail website, www.ribbonresource.com, or through one of their many suppliers found in the retail locator.
About May Arts: May Arts was founded in the early 1980’s in Riverside, Connecticut. The original products were high-end silk flowers, which were decorated using quality ribbons. The decorative ribbons proved so popular among customers that the business gradually evolved into a dedicated ribbon wholesaler. The May Arts Ribbon line is distinguished by its superior quality and classic design.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Getting Crafty to Help Save Elephants
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| Photo Credit: jerroldconnors on Instagram |
About 20,000 little elephants will start their life's journey this year - at a time when it's never been tougher to be an elephant. That's why we're calling on elephant supporters like you to help us collect 20,000 images of elephants by next summer. We're calling them "elegrams."
Crayons, cupcakes, pen doodles, yarn, paint -- you can make an elegram out of almost anything. (Photos of real elephants don't count though.)
It's simple: Make an elegram, snap a photo, and post it to social media using the hashtag #elegram or upload your image directly to our online gallery.
View the gallery for inspiration and see who else has posted elegrams, including musician Brett Dennen’s beautiful drawing of an elephant on his Martin LXM guitar.
Your elegram will do 2 important things for elephants:
* It'll help us engage a lot more people. Friends are much more likely to pass around an image you make than an upsetting news story about the poaching crisis. Please simply add a caption that says: "Elephants need our help."
* As a big bonus, some generous Nature Conservancy donors have pledged at least $23,000 to our work to protect elephants IF we reach our 20,000 goal.
This builds on The Nature Conservancy’s recently launched campaign to generate support for our work on African elephants and the illegal ivory trade. We worked with Martin Guitar and their celebrity elephant ambassadors including Paul McCartney, Dierks Bentley, and James Valentine of Maroon 5 – www.nature.org/elephants
Monday, August 25, 2014
6 Tips on How to Save Money on Crafting Supplies
One thing I can personally tell you is that crafting can get really expensive. However, there are ways you can cut down those expenses and today, I am going to tell you how you can save money on all of your crafting supplies.
2. Look for online coupons that you can use. A lot of these coupons will get you free shipping, a certain percentage off, buy 1 get 1 free deals, etc. You can find great coupons for Hancock Fabrics, A.C. Moore, Joann, Michael's, Hobby Lobby and more!
3. If you are shopping in a physical retail craft store look in the back of the store for a clearance section. You will often find clearance deals for up to 80% off regular price!
4. When shopping in the store look at the end of the aisles for clearance deals and sales specials. These are often at the end of the aisle and can really save you some money.
5. Buy in bulk whenever you can! If you are a paper crafter, buy your paper in large bundles. If you go through a lot of glue...purchase a multiple pack. Often times the larger the pack, the more money you will save.
6. Box up and bag up your leftover craft supplies that you no longer need and trade them with another person who crafts. These days you can find all kinds of people online who would be willing to trade supplies with you.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Kmart's Big Layaway Giveaway and Crafty Holiday Gifts!
This is a partnered post written by me on behalf of Kmart. All opinions are 100% mine.
Can you believe that in a few short days that summer will be over? Wow, this summer season flew by! Now it's time to get ready for fall and the upcoming holiday season. I am already thinking about all of the crafty holiday gifts I will need this year for all of the ladies in my local craft group. Every year we exchange gifts with one another and I want to get my gifts selected and done early this year.
Today I wanted to tell you about Kmart's Big Layaway Giveaway which is going on now through November 17th, 2012 and no purchase is necessary. At every Kmart store and for every week during the promotion period, Kmart is giving away a layaway! How cool is that? Pretty cool if you ask me!
I love Kmarts free layaway program because unlike the other stores, there are no hidden fees and charges to put your holiday shopping gifts on layaway. You make a small down payment and then weekly payments on your layaway purchases until you have it all paid off. It's a great way to get the holiday gifts you want and need, and to spread those payments out over time. I love it because I can avoid using my credit card and I can get all of my holiday shopping done before the crowds hit the stores.
I was over on Kmarts web site and I found some beautiful crafty gifts for some of the folks on my holiday shopping list. My 27 year old daughter is just venturing into the world of crafting and sewing and I found this beautiful Brother 25 stitch motorized sewing machine for less than $100.00 over at Kmart.
I think it would make the perfect first sewing machine for her and it's in my price range! Jen would love this machine and hopefully she will make some pretty dresses for herself and my little grand daughter once she receives it.
I need two crafty gifts for two of the girls in my local craft group and one of them is really big into scrapbooking. I found this all-in-one 8" by 8" scrapbooking kit over at Kmart for less than $20.00. It includes the scrapbooking album, papers and stickers.
I think it would be perfect for Jade and all of the scrapbooking that she does and trust me, she does a lot of it!. She has an entire bedroom set up as her scrapbooking room and wow...does she have a lot of papers, tools and stickers in there!
Another gal in my craft group is really big into cardmaking and scrapbooking and I found this box of gel ink pens over at Kmart for less than $17.00. I love all of the pretty colored ink pens that come in this set and I think it would be a fabulous gift for Mandy. She loves pens and uses them all of the time in her various paper crafting projects.
Like I said, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Kmart's layaway program and every time I go into Kmart I find something else that I want and need. I love their selection of products, their quality and of course, those affordable prices that get me all of the time!
I would love to know how many of you will be using Kmarts layaway this year to help you with your holiday shopping? Have you ever used their layaway before and if so, what do you like about it? If you are using their layaway this year, what kind of things will you be putting on layaway?
One final reminder, head on over to Kmart's web site today and take a look at their big layaway giveaway information! You should enter...you never know, you could end up as a big winner! Good Luck and Happy Holiday Shopping!
Can you believe that in a few short days that summer will be over? Wow, this summer season flew by! Now it's time to get ready for fall and the upcoming holiday season. I am already thinking about all of the crafty holiday gifts I will need this year for all of the ladies in my local craft group. Every year we exchange gifts with one another and I want to get my gifts selected and done early this year.
Today I wanted to tell you about Kmart's Big Layaway Giveaway which is going on now through November 17th, 2012 and no purchase is necessary. At every Kmart store and for every week during the promotion period, Kmart is giving away a layaway! How cool is that? Pretty cool if you ask me!
I love Kmarts free layaway program because unlike the other stores, there are no hidden fees and charges to put your holiday shopping gifts on layaway. You make a small down payment and then weekly payments on your layaway purchases until you have it all paid off. It's a great way to get the holiday gifts you want and need, and to spread those payments out over time. I love it because I can avoid using my credit card and I can get all of my holiday shopping done before the crowds hit the stores.
I was over on Kmarts web site and I found some beautiful crafty gifts for some of the folks on my holiday shopping list. My 27 year old daughter is just venturing into the world of crafting and sewing and I found this beautiful Brother 25 stitch motorized sewing machine for less than $100.00 over at Kmart.
I think it would make the perfect first sewing machine for her and it's in my price range! Jen would love this machine and hopefully she will make some pretty dresses for herself and my little grand daughter once she receives it.
I need two crafty gifts for two of the girls in my local craft group and one of them is really big into scrapbooking. I found this all-in-one 8" by 8" scrapbooking kit over at Kmart for less than $20.00. It includes the scrapbooking album, papers and stickers.
I think it would be perfect for Jade and all of the scrapbooking that she does and trust me, she does a lot of it!. She has an entire bedroom set up as her scrapbooking room and wow...does she have a lot of papers, tools and stickers in there!
Another gal in my craft group is really big into cardmaking and scrapbooking and I found this box of gel ink pens over at Kmart for less than $17.00. I love all of the pretty colored ink pens that come in this set and I think it would be a fabulous gift for Mandy. She loves pens and uses them all of the time in her various paper crafting projects.
Like I said, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Kmart's layaway program and every time I go into Kmart I find something else that I want and need. I love their selection of products, their quality and of course, those affordable prices that get me all of the time!
I would love to know how many of you will be using Kmarts layaway this year to help you with your holiday shopping? Have you ever used their layaway before and if so, what do you like about it? If you are using their layaway this year, what kind of things will you be putting on layaway?
One final reminder, head on over to Kmart's web site today and take a look at their big layaway giveaway information! You should enter...you never know, you could end up as a big winner! Good Luck and Happy Holiday Shopping!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
NMEDA Helps Disabled People Find Mobility Equipped Vehicles
This is a partnered post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.
Have you all heard about NMEDA before? I have heard of them before and my cousin who is disabled has used their services before to help find an accredited QAP dealer when he was looking for a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Well today, I am going to give you some information about NMEDA.
NMEDA stands for National Mobility Equipment Dealer Association and NMEDA first got it's start in the great state of Florida. In 1989, NMEDA opened up their membership and now you can find over 600 NMEDA accredited dealers in the USA and in Canada.
NMEDA is a non-profit association of mobility equipment dealers, manufacturers, driver rehabilitation specialists and other specialists/professionals who are dedicated and comitted to helping disabled people find vehicles that they can drive or be transported in. NMEDA is a nationally recognized and respected association.
The organization promotes and supports individual members who are engaged in the modification of transportation vehicles that are geared towards people who have disabilities. All members are required to adhere to the strict standards and guidelines of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and every year, these guidelines and standards are updated. This means that you will always find the most current safety standards!
The QAP (Quality Assurance Program) is a nationally recognized accreditation program for the mobility equipment industry. This wonderful program was developed to help promote quality, safety and reliabilty within the mobility equipment industry and is the ONLY program of it's type in this industry. A QAP designation enhances vehicle modification & mobility equipment installation in the highest standards that are currently available. This quality really counts and something important to look for when considering a mobility vehicle.
You can visit a NMEDA QAP (Quality Assurance Program) Dealer for mobility solutions and you can use the dealer locator which is directly on the NMEDA web site to find a dealer near you. You can grab additional information about NMEDA and the QAP program directly from their web site.
We all have a need to get from point A to point B and disabled people are no different. Just like us, they want to travel and see the world and NMEDA can help them find a dealer who specializes in mobility vehicles and mobility equipment.
If you know someone who is disable, please let them know about the great folks over at NMEDA. Thanks for reading my post today!
Have you all heard about NMEDA before? I have heard of them before and my cousin who is disabled has used their services before to help find an accredited QAP dealer when he was looking for a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Well today, I am going to give you some information about NMEDA.
NMEDA stands for National Mobility Equipment Dealer Association and NMEDA first got it's start in the great state of Florida. In 1989, NMEDA opened up their membership and now you can find over 600 NMEDA accredited dealers in the USA and in Canada.
NMEDA is a non-profit association of mobility equipment dealers, manufacturers, driver rehabilitation specialists and other specialists/professionals who are dedicated and comitted to helping disabled people find vehicles that they can drive or be transported in. NMEDA is a nationally recognized and respected association.
The organization promotes and supports individual members who are engaged in the modification of transportation vehicles that are geared towards people who have disabilities. All members are required to adhere to the strict standards and guidelines of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and every year, these guidelines and standards are updated. This means that you will always find the most current safety standards!
The QAP (Quality Assurance Program) is a nationally recognized accreditation program for the mobility equipment industry. This wonderful program was developed to help promote quality, safety and reliabilty within the mobility equipment industry and is the ONLY program of it's type in this industry. A QAP designation enhances vehicle modification & mobility equipment installation in the highest standards that are currently available. This quality really counts and something important to look for when considering a mobility vehicle.
You can visit a NMEDA QAP (Quality Assurance Program) Dealer for mobility solutions and you can use the dealer locator which is directly on the NMEDA web site to find a dealer near you. You can grab additional information about NMEDA and the QAP program directly from their web site.
We all have a need to get from point A to point B and disabled people are no different. Just like us, they want to travel and see the world and NMEDA can help them find a dealer who specializes in mobility vehicles and mobility equipment.
If you know someone who is disable, please let them know about the great folks over at NMEDA. Thanks for reading my post today!
Friday, July 27, 2012
AstroBrights Back to School Crafts + Give a Brighter Year Sweepstakes
This is a partnered post written by me on behalf of Astrobrights Papers by Neenah Paper. All opinions are 100% mine.
How many of you use the AstroBrights papers in all or some of your paper crafting projects? Me! Okay, I admit, I love their papers and it's partly due to the fact that they come in 23 bright and fun colors! Not only that, they are a heavier weight of paper so they are the perfect paper to use in many of your paper crafting projects!
The AstroBrights papers can be used to make homemade business cards, pamphlets, brochures, in homemade greeting cards, scrapbook pages (spray with archival mist first), used in altering box projects and so much more! My granddaughter loves to use them when she colors, draws and does her homemade refrigerator artwork on them! We love the bright colors!
I wanted to tell you all about the "Give a Brighter Year" Sweepstakes that is going on right now and being sponsored by the great folks at AstroBrights! You can support your local Elementary School by entering and we all know how schools need our support this year. You can win cash prizes and the school of your choice can win up to $300,000 in much needed school supplies. Make sure you head on over to their web site to grab the details and to enter.
AstroBrights would love to have your participation in their design challenge and you can participate by creating something fun and unique using AstroBrights papers. When you share your designs and ideas on social media, you will want to hashtag your share/post with #goastrobrights so that they can find your posts!
I would love to know how many of you use AstroBrights papers? What kind of projects do you use them in? A few weeks ago we made some homemade pinwheels and used the brightly colored papers in our project. We are thinking about making some homemade paper kites (for toddlers of course) and will probably use the AstroBrights to make those. I love crafting with my grandkids and would love some paper crafting project ideas from my readers.
Please leave your thoughts and project ideas below in my blog's comment form. Thanks!
How many of you use the AstroBrights papers in all or some of your paper crafting projects? Me! Okay, I admit, I love their papers and it's partly due to the fact that they come in 23 bright and fun colors! Not only that, they are a heavier weight of paper so they are the perfect paper to use in many of your paper crafting projects!
The AstroBrights papers can be used to make homemade business cards, pamphlets, brochures, in homemade greeting cards, scrapbook pages (spray with archival mist first), used in altering box projects and so much more! My granddaughter loves to use them when she colors, draws and does her homemade refrigerator artwork on them! We love the bright colors!
I wanted to tell you all about the "Give a Brighter Year" Sweepstakes that is going on right now and being sponsored by the great folks at AstroBrights! You can support your local Elementary School by entering and we all know how schools need our support this year. You can win cash prizes and the school of your choice can win up to $300,000 in much needed school supplies. Make sure you head on over to their web site to grab the details and to enter.
AstroBrights would love to have your participation in their design challenge and you can participate by creating something fun and unique using AstroBrights papers. When you share your designs and ideas on social media, you will want to hashtag your share/post with #goastrobrights so that they can find your posts!
I would love to know how many of you use AstroBrights papers? What kind of projects do you use them in? A few weeks ago we made some homemade pinwheels and used the brightly colored papers in our project. We are thinking about making some homemade paper kites (for toddlers of course) and will probably use the AstroBrights to make those. I love crafting with my grandkids and would love some paper crafting project ideas from my readers.
Please leave your thoughts and project ideas below in my blog's comment form. Thanks!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Win a Trip to LEGOLAND in Florida Sweepstakes!
This is a partnered post written by me on behalf of Atlantic Luggage. All opinions are 100% mine.
Have you ever visited LEGOLAND in Florida yet? Are you and your family looking for something cool to do this summer? Well, I have some great news for all of you! Right now there is a big sweepstakes going that is being sponsored by Atlantic Luggage and LEGOLAND!
You can enter the Atlantic Luggage and Legoland Sweepstakes today and then keep your finger's crossed that you end up a winner. What does the winner get you might ask? Well, I am going to tell you!
One lucky winner is going to win a 2-day vacation for 2 adults & 2 children to Florida! This vacation package includes one hotel room for two nights, a car voucher, a Meet & Greet with LEGOLAND Master Model Builder and a brand new set of Atlantic Luggage! Wow, what a cool prize package!
The great folks over at Atlantic Luggage are sponsoring this fabulous sweepstakes and if you have never seen their luggage products, you are really missing out! Their luggage is stylish, durabe, well-made and super affordable! Great luggage for the vacation traveler or the business traveler! They have a ton of styles and designs to choose from so there is definitely something for everyone!
LEGOLAND in Florida recently added a brand new waterpark which opened in May of 2012 and people have been flocking to it since! It features a wave pool, tube slides and body slides. Your family can also design and build a unique LEGO vessel and then have fun setting it afloat on the 1,000 foot lazy river. I love floating around on lazy rivers and splashing down some fun water slides!
My grand daughter has been wanting for us to take her to LEGOLAND so I will be entering the Sweepstakes too! Head on over there today and enter...you never know, you could end up being the Grand Prize Winner! Good Luck!
Have you ever visited LEGOLAND in Florida yet? Are you and your family looking for something cool to do this summer? Well, I have some great news for all of you! Right now there is a big sweepstakes going that is being sponsored by Atlantic Luggage and LEGOLAND!
You can enter the Atlantic Luggage and Legoland Sweepstakes today and then keep your finger's crossed that you end up a winner. What does the winner get you might ask? Well, I am going to tell you!
One lucky winner is going to win a 2-day vacation for 2 adults & 2 children to Florida! This vacation package includes one hotel room for two nights, a car voucher, a Meet & Greet with LEGOLAND Master Model Builder and a brand new set of Atlantic Luggage! Wow, what a cool prize package!
The great folks over at Atlantic Luggage are sponsoring this fabulous sweepstakes and if you have never seen their luggage products, you are really missing out! Their luggage is stylish, durabe, well-made and super affordable! Great luggage for the vacation traveler or the business traveler! They have a ton of styles and designs to choose from so there is definitely something for everyone!
LEGOLAND in Florida recently added a brand new waterpark which opened in May of 2012 and people have been flocking to it since! It features a wave pool, tube slides and body slides. Your family can also design and build a unique LEGO vessel and then have fun setting it afloat on the 1,000 foot lazy river. I love floating around on lazy rivers and splashing down some fun water slides!
My grand daughter has been wanting for us to take her to LEGOLAND so I will be entering the Sweepstakes too! Head on over there today and enter...you never know, you could end up being the Grand Prize Winner! Good Luck!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Updating our New Home with Stylish Furniture and Accessories
Two years ago my husband and I purchased an older home and then decided to rent it out. Well, our renter moved out early last month and we have decided to move into the home that we own. This is a 65 year old home and it needs a lot of work!
For the past 6 weeks we have been gutting the home and remodeling it. We are getting to the point now where I am ready to purchase us some new home accessories and furniture. I am pretty crafty and will make some things for our new home but other things I will need to purchase.
Right now we are working on our new family room which is pretty large. I want to buy some Floor Cushions and sprinkle them in the room for extra seating for the kids. I had thought about making them but once I added up all the supplies & materials I would need, I realized that it would be cheaper to just buy them.
We put one of our older sofas into the new family room but it needs updated with some new Cushion Covers and I finally found a set of covers that I really like. I think they will fit into our decor style really nicely.
I found some nice Indian Curtains which will really add some nice flavor to our family room decor and I think I will purchase 3 sets of those next. I really like the vibrant colors and the patterns that these type of high-quality curtains come in.
Once we get those things done I will be heading out to purchase a new flat panel, big-screen TV for the family room and purchase some wall furnishings for our one wall. Right now that wall is looking pretty bare and needs some sprucing up.
After this room has been completed we will be moving on to our dining room which really needs a lot of work, including a new hardwood floor.
For the past 6 weeks we have been gutting the home and remodeling it. We are getting to the point now where I am ready to purchase us some new home accessories and furniture. I am pretty crafty and will make some things for our new home but other things I will need to purchase.
Right now we are working on our new family room which is pretty large. I want to buy some Floor Cushions and sprinkle them in the room for extra seating for the kids. I had thought about making them but once I added up all the supplies & materials I would need, I realized that it would be cheaper to just buy them.
We put one of our older sofas into the new family room but it needs updated with some new Cushion Covers and I finally found a set of covers that I really like. I think they will fit into our decor style really nicely.
I found some nice Indian Curtains which will really add some nice flavor to our family room decor and I think I will purchase 3 sets of those next. I really like the vibrant colors and the patterns that these type of high-quality curtains come in.
Once we get those things done I will be heading out to purchase a new flat panel, big-screen TV for the family room and purchase some wall furnishings for our one wall. Right now that wall is looking pretty bare and needs some sprucing up.
After this room has been completed we will be moving on to our dining room which really needs a lot of work, including a new hardwood floor.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
The Home Remodeling Continues
Two years ago my husband and I decided to purchase a 65 year old lovely home out in the suburbs. The only problem with this home is that the previous elderly owners never upgraded it nor modernized it the 65 years that they owned it.About 3 months ago we started the process of gutting it and remodeling it. We are taking it one room at a time and hopefully we can be done with it by September so that we can move into it.
Right now we are working on the kitchen which is a really big undertaking. It's a country style kitchen with a lot of dark woodwork. We are ripping everything out of the kitchen and replacing everything from the appliances to the woodwork.
One thing we are currently looking for is some easy installation LED lights. We would like to use them to light up the kitchen cabinets that my husbands is going to install. They have clear glass fronts and I will be putting some of my very nice china inside them, so I would love some LED cabinet lighting.
A friend of my husband's was telling him that there are do it yourself LED lights out there in the retail marketplace and hopefully we can pick up a few of those for our remodeling projects.
The kitchen has really poor lighting and only has one medium sized window. I am thinking about getting some of those hanging pendant lighting fixtures and hanging them in 4 different areas of the kitchen to enhance the lighting. I saw a similar look in one of my home decorating magazines and I think it would look very nice in our kitchen once we are done.
After the kitchen has been completed we are going to move on to our family room which is a combination family room/adult game room. We don't have small children living in our home so hubby is going to add a bar area to one area of the room. Once he gets the bar in we will need to purchase some LED bar lights as the lighting in that room is pretty poor too.
At this point in time, we still have 5 more rooms to remodel before we can move into the house. In a few weeks I will make another blog post and show you some before and after photos of what we have completed so far.
Have any of you used LED lighting in your homes? If so, do you have any tips, ideas or suggestions for us? Please feel free to leave me some comments below in my blog's comment form. Thanks!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Learning to Play the Game of Golf
My 45th birthday is coming up in June and this year I decided that I wanted to do something new for my birthday. Since I am trying to become more healthy and get more physical activity, I decided to learn how to play golf.
My husband has been playing golf for 15 years now and I am hoping to join him out on the golf course once I complete a few necessary lessons. Last weekend my hubby took me out shopping to look for a good set of golf clubs and after trying out a few in the store, I finally decided on a nice set that is specifically made for women golfers.
While we were at the sporting goods store my husband treated himself by purchasing two new golf drivers for himself. In addition, the store had this little kid's golf club set with the cutest little golf clubs and balls that we picked up for our Grand-Wee-One who will be celebrating her third birthday later this month. We think she will love it!
Now that I have my new set of golf clubs, I will have to find some time to sit down and crochet some golf covers to fit over my new golf clubs to protect them. After all, golf clubs are expensive and I want to keep them looking nice for as long as I can.
Do any of you play golf? If so, what is your handicap? In addition, do any of you have any crochet or sewing patterns for golf club covers or know where I might find some patterns for them? Thanks for your help ladies!
My husband has been playing golf for 15 years now and I am hoping to join him out on the golf course once I complete a few necessary lessons. Last weekend my hubby took me out shopping to look for a good set of golf clubs and after trying out a few in the store, I finally decided on a nice set that is specifically made for women golfers.
While we were at the sporting goods store my husband treated himself by purchasing two new golf drivers for himself. In addition, the store had this little kid's golf club set with the cutest little golf clubs and balls that we picked up for our Grand-Wee-One who will be celebrating her third birthday later this month. We think she will love it!
Now that I have my new set of golf clubs, I will have to find some time to sit down and crochet some golf covers to fit over my new golf clubs to protect them. After all, golf clubs are expensive and I want to keep them looking nice for as long as I can.
Do any of you play golf? If so, what is your handicap? In addition, do any of you have any crochet or sewing patterns for golf club covers or know where I might find some patterns for them? Thanks for your help ladies!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
American Girl Dolls Make Great Birthday Presents
I have always loved dolls and I admit, I have a small collection of beautiful dolls sitting in my curio cabinet. There is just something fun and wonderful when it comes to collecting dolls, playing with dolls and displaying the dolls in your home.
My little grand daughter is just like me and is passionate about dolls. Her birthday is coming up the end of May and she asked me to purchase her two American Girl Dolls for her birthday gift this year.
I had never heard of American Girl Dolls before, so I hopped online and looked them up. Oh my gosh, they are just totally adorable! What is really cool about these particular dolls is that they can be displayed and can be played with.
There are all kinds of American Girl Dolls and each one has a name and fits a particular theme. They are dressed super cutely and most of the time their clothing represents the theme they are portraying. Their little facial features are just too sweet!
I haven't decided on which one to get for my grand daughter just yet, but I am definitely going to honor her Birthday wish and get her one this year. Do any of you own any of the American Girl Dolls and if so, which ones?
My little grand daughter is just like me and is passionate about dolls. Her birthday is coming up the end of May and she asked me to purchase her two American Girl Dolls for her birthday gift this year.
I had never heard of American Girl Dolls before, so I hopped online and looked them up. Oh my gosh, they are just totally adorable! What is really cool about these particular dolls is that they can be displayed and can be played with.
There are all kinds of American Girl Dolls and each one has a name and fits a particular theme. They are dressed super cutely and most of the time their clothing represents the theme they are portraying. Their little facial features are just too sweet!
I haven't decided on which one to get for my grand daughter just yet, but I am definitely going to honor her Birthday wish and get her one this year. Do any of you own any of the American Girl Dolls and if so, which ones?
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Nurture and Feed your Garden with Whitney Farms Organic Gardening Products
This is a partnered post written by me on behalf of Whitney Farms. All opinions are 100% mine.
I am so glad that winter is finally over and now hubby and I can get back into the garden again. This year we plan on having a 100% natural and organic garden so have been on the hunt to find new organic gardening products to try out.
We were looking around online and came across Whitney Farms® organic gardening products and like what we saw on their site. They sell organic soil and organic organic plant food so that is something we will definitely need for our garden this year. In addition, they have a great money-saving $3.00 OFF coupon on their web site right now, so make sure you go over there today to claim yours!
Whitney Farms has been a leader in the gardening industry for over 25+ years now and their products are sought after by those who wish to garden organically. Their products feature:
* low to no dust
* no stinky manure smells
* contains beneficial microbes to help your plants grow and thrive
* their products are easy to use
* contains beneficial micro nutritents and macro nutritients
Last year we had several storms come through central Pennsylvania so our garden took a heavy beating. Our winter was extremely mild and dry. We want to get a head start on our gardening this year and only use top-notch gardening products so that we can bring back the "good health" that our garden once had. When it comes to eating healthy, it all begins with a healthy organic garden so that is why we are going totally organic this year when it comes to our backyard garden.
We are really hoping that this year will be the best gardening season that we ever had and will be trying hard to accomplish all of our gardening goals. We have a large family to feed so having a large and healthy garden is important to us.
Do any of you have a backyard garden? If so, what are you doing to ensure a healthy garden this year?
I am so glad that winter is finally over and now hubby and I can get back into the garden again. This year we plan on having a 100% natural and organic garden so have been on the hunt to find new organic gardening products to try out.
We were looking around online and came across Whitney Farms® organic gardening products and like what we saw on their site. They sell organic soil and organic organic plant food so that is something we will definitely need for our garden this year. In addition, they have a great money-saving $3.00 OFF coupon on their web site right now, so make sure you go over there today to claim yours!
Whitney Farms has been a leader in the gardening industry for over 25+ years now and their products are sought after by those who wish to garden organically. Their products feature:
* low to no dust
* no stinky manure smells
* contains beneficial microbes to help your plants grow and thrive
* their products are easy to use
* contains beneficial micro nutritents and macro nutritients
Last year we had several storms come through central Pennsylvania so our garden took a heavy beating. Our winter was extremely mild and dry. We want to get a head start on our gardening this year and only use top-notch gardening products so that we can bring back the "good health" that our garden once had. When it comes to eating healthy, it all begins with a healthy organic garden so that is why we are going totally organic this year when it comes to our backyard garden.
We are really hoping that this year will be the best gardening season that we ever had and will be trying hard to accomplish all of our gardening goals. We have a large family to feed so having a large and healthy garden is important to us.
Do any of you have a backyard garden? If so, what are you doing to ensure a healthy garden this year?
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Scotts® Snap® Spreader System Helps You Have a Better Looking Yard
This is a partnered post written by me on behalf of Scotts®. All opinions are 100% mine.
We had a really harsh winter this past year and now that spring is finally here, We are really looking forward to working on both our front and back yards. One thing that I recently learned is that our grass is "alive" and needs to be fed regularly. I had never thought about "feeding" our grass in the past, but this year I am determined to do it and hopefully have the best looking grass in our neighborhood.
I was doing some research online and came across the Scotts® Snap® Spreader System which is a no mess, no guess spreader system. I love using easy products and this one definitely looks super easy to use! The Snap Pac connects directly onto the Snap Spreader, so there is no cutting open heavy bags and no lifting of heavy bags to pour it. I love that feature for sure since I had back surgery a few months ago and heavy lifting is definitely out for me.
The system will auto-set the proper flow rate so you won't have to waste time trying to mess with any settings. I love simple and that is definitely simple enough for me! It also has a unique edge guard feature that keeps the product where you want it - on your lawn and not on your sidewalks or driveway! With that edge guard there will be no waste! Oh, and get this, when you are done using it the Snap-Pac will self-seal itself up, keeping it fresh for when you need it next.
Have you checked out Snap perks on Facebook yet? You can earn all kinds of "special" perks for liking them on Facebook where they announce special promotions and contests! I love a good contest so I went out and liked them on Facebook!
I am really looking forward to having a beautiful yard this year and hopefully, I will be the envy of the block! I have big plans for both our front and back yards and it all starts with having some nice grass!
We had a really harsh winter this past year and now that spring is finally here, We are really looking forward to working on both our front and back yards. One thing that I recently learned is that our grass is "alive" and needs to be fed regularly. I had never thought about "feeding" our grass in the past, but this year I am determined to do it and hopefully have the best looking grass in our neighborhood.
I was doing some research online and came across the Scotts® Snap® Spreader System which is a no mess, no guess spreader system. I love using easy products and this one definitely looks super easy to use! The Snap Pac connects directly onto the Snap Spreader, so there is no cutting open heavy bags and no lifting of heavy bags to pour it. I love that feature for sure since I had back surgery a few months ago and heavy lifting is definitely out for me.
The system will auto-set the proper flow rate so you won't have to waste time trying to mess with any settings. I love simple and that is definitely simple enough for me! It also has a unique edge guard feature that keeps the product where you want it - on your lawn and not on your sidewalks or driveway! With that edge guard there will be no waste! Oh, and get this, when you are done using it the Snap-Pac will self-seal itself up, keeping it fresh for when you need it next.
Have you checked out Snap perks on Facebook yet? You can earn all kinds of "special" perks for liking them on Facebook where they announce special promotions and contests! I love a good contest so I went out and liked them on Facebook!
I am really looking forward to having a beautiful yard this year and hopefully, I will be the envy of the block! I have big plans for both our front and back yards and it all starts with having some nice grass!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Like Pfister on Facebook and They Will Donate $1.00 to Rebuilding Together
This is a partnered post written by me on behalf of Pfister. All opinions are 100% mine.
I love it when companies and businesses get involved with a good cause and today I am here to tell you about Pfister and their wonderful initiative to raise awareness and money for Rebuilding Together.
For every "like" that Pfister gets on Facebook they will donate $1.00 in materials for use in Rebuilding Together's reconstruction projects. Please head on over to the Pfister Facebook page and "like" they today so that you can help out with this important and worthy cause. They will be donating materials up to $20,000 which is a fantastic thing that they are doing.
For nearly 100 years, Pfister has been a leader in the plumbing field, offering a variety of innovative, first to market plumbing fixtures and many additional products. Pfister is a brand name company that you can trust with quality well-made products.
Rebuilding Together is a national nonprofit organization that provides critical home repairs, modifications, and home improvements for American's across the nation who are in the low-income bracket. They really help these low-income home owners with important things that they need to have done but yet, can't afford to get them done. What a wonderful organization!
Equally important is that Rebuilding Together offers these services to the low-income home owners for FREE and at no-cost to the home owner. Rebuilding Together got started over 30 years ago in Midland, Texas as a grass roots effort and has since spread across our wonderful nation. As of this date, they have helped over 100,000 home owners across America.
With the help of 3.4 million volunteers, Rebuilding Together has delivered over $1.3 billion dollars to the market value since it got it's start 30 years ago. Wow, that is super impressive!
I would love for you to visit the Friends of Pfister campaign site so that you can learn more about Pfister and the Rebuilding Together initiative. We can all do our part in helping them by heading over to Facebook and liking Pfister today!
I love it when companies and businesses get involved with a good cause and today I am here to tell you about Pfister and their wonderful initiative to raise awareness and money for Rebuilding Together.
For every "like" that Pfister gets on Facebook they will donate $1.00 in materials for use in Rebuilding Together's reconstruction projects. Please head on over to the Pfister Facebook page and "like" they today so that you can help out with this important and worthy cause. They will be donating materials up to $20,000 which is a fantastic thing that they are doing.
For nearly 100 years, Pfister has been a leader in the plumbing field, offering a variety of innovative, first to market plumbing fixtures and many additional products. Pfister is a brand name company that you can trust with quality well-made products.
Rebuilding Together is a national nonprofit organization that provides critical home repairs, modifications, and home improvements for American's across the nation who are in the low-income bracket. They really help these low-income home owners with important things that they need to have done but yet, can't afford to get them done. What a wonderful organization!
Equally important is that Rebuilding Together offers these services to the low-income home owners for FREE and at no-cost to the home owner. Rebuilding Together got started over 30 years ago in Midland, Texas as a grass roots effort and has since spread across our wonderful nation. As of this date, they have helped over 100,000 home owners across America.
With the help of 3.4 million volunteers, Rebuilding Together has delivered over $1.3 billion dollars to the market value since it got it's start 30 years ago. Wow, that is super impressive!
I would love for you to visit the Friends of Pfister campaign site so that you can learn more about Pfister and the Rebuilding Together initiative. We can all do our part in helping them by heading over to Facebook and liking Pfister today!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Decorating our home for St. Patrick's Day
Guest post written by Madison Burnett
My husband and I are both of Irish descent, so St. Patrick's Day is arguably a bigger deal for us than it is for other people. We don't just throw a party at our home for our friends to celebrate. We also decorate around our house for it. But up until now it's been just the inside. I wanted to put up a little bit of something outside to show off our Irish pride to people driving by our house.
I thought that the best bet for this would be to look online and see if there's an easy little DIY yard or door decoration that I could make in a short amount of time. I was looking through some St. Patty's wreaths when I saw a site about debt consolidation and spent some time looking through it. I told my husband about it and we decided to use it to help take care of some of our debt.
I found a tutorial on how to do this adorable St. Patrick's Day wreath and it was pretty easy and simple to do. Also, it will help people track down which house will be hosting the St. Patrick's Day party!
My husband and I are both of Irish descent, so St. Patrick's Day is arguably a bigger deal for us than it is for other people. We don't just throw a party at our home for our friends to celebrate. We also decorate around our house for it. But up until now it's been just the inside. I wanted to put up a little bit of something outside to show off our Irish pride to people driving by our house.
I thought that the best bet for this would be to look online and see if there's an easy little DIY yard or door decoration that I could make in a short amount of time. I was looking through some St. Patty's wreaths when I saw a site about debt consolidation and spent some time looking through it. I told my husband about it and we decided to use it to help take care of some of our debt.
I found a tutorial on how to do this adorable St. Patrick's Day wreath and it was pretty easy and simple to do. Also, it will help people track down which house will be hosting the St. Patrick's Day party!
Monday, March 19, 2012
History of the Modern Treasure Hunter Infographic
The popular hit TV show called Antiques Roadshow has taken America by storm and many Americans are searching for hidden treasures in their own homes so they can sell them to make money. Other Americans are looking to buy your hidden treasures for a good price to add to their own collections or to just add items to their own home or business.
Today I would like to share with all of you this very cool infographic called "History of the Modern Treasure Hunter" which I found to be very interesting! Furthermore, once you find hidden treasures in your own home you can sell them on HipSwap.com.
Please take a few minutes today to take a look at the infographic below and then head on over to HipSwap and check it out!
Presented By HipSwap
Today I would like to share with all of you this very cool infographic called "History of the Modern Treasure Hunter" which I found to be very interesting! Furthermore, once you find hidden treasures in your own home you can sell them on HipSwap.com.
Please take a few minutes today to take a look at the infographic below and then head on over to HipSwap and check it out!
Presented By HipSwap
