pinterest: pumpkin moss wreath

Pinterest has changed my life.  Okay so maybe that's not true, but it has enhanced it.  I've been so inspired on how to decorate my house, how to dress better, cute ideas for Kash, etc.  The latest "pin" that I've been obsessed with is a pumpkin moss wreath.  I already have a fall wreath but I couldn't stop thinking about this one and how much I would love it on my front door.  So I made it.  There was no tutorial attached to the pin but it looked easy enough.  And it was pretty simple, minus the fact that moss is the messiest thing in the world.  Good thing I did this craft while Blaine was away!

original pinterest pin

I was actually surprised at how well mine turned out.  Of course it's not AS cute as the Pinterest version (her bow is cuter, better pumpkins [I couldn't find ones as cute as hers and I thought it looked better with less--maybe I'm wrong on that one] and her moss looks a little better), but if you aren't comparing them side by side the Turnbow version can hold it's own.  It actually makes me pretty happy to drive up to our house and see that cute little wreath hanging up.

Oh and did you notice that black door my wreath is hanging on?  For those of you who are my Facebook friends know that I kind of went out on a whim and just decided one afternoon that I would paint my door black.  I was a little nervous but it turned out awesome and I love it!  It's little things like being able to paint my front door whatever color I want makes me so happy to be a homeowner!

First Pinterest inspired project turned out pretty well, many more to come I'm sure!

Jesus wants me? for a sunbeam

That's right folks my new calling is a Sunbeam teacher!  I've always wanted to be in the primary but actually felt a little overwhelmed when they asked me if I would accept.  Of course I would but in the back of my head I was thinking, "Oh my gosh I don't even know what they do in primary.  How old are Sunbeams?  Why am I excited?" ha  You see I never really went to primary.  I mean from time to time Muttie would make me go (aka show up at my house and say I'm taking you to church...that's why I love her!) and it was so infrequent that each time I went was like the first day of school, awkward and scary.  One of my only memories is standing at the pulpit in front of the congregation for the primary program (why they gave me, an inactive child, a speaking part I'll never understand) and freaking out so much that instead of reading my one line I just started crying and ran off of the stage!  Poor 6 year old me! ha

Luckily my new calling hasn't gone that wrong...yet.  I actually love it!  It's my favorite calling I've ever had...who thought I'd ever love a calling? haha just kidding.  I love being with the kids, I love sharing time and singing time (I'll finally know more than 3 primary songs!), and I love preparing the lessons.

Anyway I figured well if I'm in primary then I better get a "church bag", I mean that's what all of the other primary leaders have :)  Okay so I'll make any excuse to get a new bag.  I looked on etsy and there were some cute bags but I couldn't seem to justify the prices.  So I made my own.  I saw a print with "search, ponder and pray" on it a few weeks ago and it inspired me to make this.  Hopefully the artist doesn't mind I totally copied her design, but I'm not reselling it, is that okay?

I just bought one of those cheap canvas bags from Michael's, covered the handles with some fabric from Hobby Lobby and created the yellow design in Illustrator and printed it on iron-on transfer paper.  It was actually pretty easy and I love it.  Sad thing is I don't think it's big enough and I'm probably going to have to upgrade, but it does the trick for now.

Oh and by the way this new calling means that Blaine has to endure the last few months with Kash for the last two hours of church before he "qualifies" for nursery!  Not gonna lie I'm not crying over that one.  Good luck Blaine!

front porch post: fall edition

When Rachel made our front porch posts I was so excited at the thought of making a new sign for each season/holiday.  So here we go, our second sign...

I'm proud to say I actually designed this one on my own.  I'm infamous for stalking blogs for hours and copying whatever cute crafts I see.  But I actually couldn't find anything I loved for mine and Rachel's "fall sign" so I came up with this one all by my big craft girl self! ha

I created the design in Illustrator first, because I'm a visual person and while the idea was in my head I needed to see it on paper before I could execute it. 

(I think it turned out pretty similar to my original design)

Then I used my Cricut and SCAL2 software to make a stencil.  Have I said how much I love this software? BECAUSE I DO!  I don't think I would use my Cricut even half as much as I do if I didn't have this software.  Anyway...I used contact paper to cut a stencil, some old wood that someone threw away (Blaine thought it was ridiculous I was grabbing it out of the garbage), some paint, ribbon and eyelets that Rachel had and we made our fall sign.  Since we had all the supplies lying around this craft was free...my favorite kind!

Happy fall, my most favorite time of year!

diy headboard

Four years of dreaming of the perfect headboard, weeks of planning, 1 year to actually finish it...and I FINALLY have my headboard up.

Last year I saw this tutorial on how to make your own headboard and wanted to make it right away!  I convinced Rachel and Joy that we should make these and they were in.  And boy was I glad they were because I was around 8 months pregnant when we made these and the girls pretty much made mine for me (thanks girls!).  All I had to do was take mine home and put the upholster tacks in it.  I was working on that task when I started having contractions and went into labor, and 7 months later (babies delay things) I finally put up my headboard.  And I love it!

I know I took a before picture but I couldn't find it.  So just ignore the sexy baby in this picture and focus on the fact that there isn't a super cute headboard. 

And here's the after.

Cute right?  This is seriously the easiest craft ever, when you're not huge and pregnant that is.  I bet the hardest part was measuring the wood and cutting it.  The results of this craft is one of my favorites...ever!  Thanks again Rachel and Joy apparently I need you girls to help me accomplish my craft dreams ha!!

front porch makeover

I emailed my sister-in-law a few weeks ago and said we should do this craft for craft night.  Before I knew it she had practically done the whole thing for me...no complaints here, I just felt bad she pretty much did everything for me!  Thanks Rach!!!!!

Here's how it turned out: 

We just live in a little apartment but even little apartments need welcoming front doors!  This craft even inspired me to go out and buy a plant, which I'm praying I don't kill!

I used my SCAL2 software (that I got for my birthday...thanks Mom & Blaine!!!!) for the "Welcome" sign...that is after many swear words.  Turns out I needed to update my Cricut before trying to cut with the software, that would have been nice to know before spending 5 hours on what should have been a 1 hour project for another craft.  But Blaine fixed it before I started this project and it now works like a dream.  Although I'm worried everything in my house might be covered in vinyl by the end of the week!

Do I recommend this craft?  Eh, if you have a really awesome sister-in-law or a handy husband.  I'm not sure I would have completed it all by myself.  It's not hard just a lot of steps.  But I'm so glad Rachel made sure we finished this because I think it adds a lot to my front porch.  And now we have big plans to make a sign for every holiday. haha

FYI--we made our posts a little taller and wider because than the craft blog suggested because well just because we thought it looked better.  

cricut tips

Last Christmas Blaine got me a Cricut.  I thought if I had a Cricut I would finally be one of those cool crafty Mormon girls (joke).  I used to dream of all these things I could do with the Cricut and then when I actually got one I was kind of intimidated and a little sad that additional font cartridges and accessories were so expensive!  Well today I stumbled upon this blog post that made me feel way more confident and excited to use my Cric!  So if you are like me and have a Cricut and you aren't really sure what to do or where to start with it check this out!

paper vs. digital

Okay, I need your help! I walked into the scrapbook store today all ready to buy Kash a scrapbook and stock up on supplies to start his book, then I saw a scrapbook that you can just print your digital pages out and slide them in. That got me thinking if I would like digital scrapbooking better. I've never actually digitally scrapbooked-I don't know what software you would need (although I do have Illustrator and I think this would do the trick) or how to do all the fancy tricks I see with digital scrapbooking but I'm sure I could figure it out. And it seems easier and a lot less messy and maybe even cheaper (I don't know, is that last one true?!).

So this is where I need your help. Do any of you do digital scrapbooks? Are they easy? Do they turn out as cute as paper scrapbooks? Where do you print the pages out at? Is there a website I can easily learn how to make cute layouts?

Needless to say I walked out the store empty handed and very confused! You're opinion would be greatly appreciated on this one!

joy to the world

I was inspired this last Halloween to get my craft on when I saw this project on the Shanty 2 Chic blog. Of course I bought all the supplies in October, but never got around to making it till now...typical!

But after finally making these cute little apothecary jars I realized they were too cute to put away, and I needed to find some way to incorporate them into my Christmas decor. Well here's what I came up with. My finals are a little smaller (and yes one is a little crooked-adds character right?!?!), I didn't use twine and I chose not to distress the wood. But I still think they turned out alright.

This craft is super easy and you can buy all of the supplies needed at Hobby Lobby. Check out the tutorial on Shanty 2 Chic and the blog in general. They have lots of cute and inexpensive project ideas.

don't forget to order your christmas cards!

It's not too late to order your Christmas cards from The Paper Egg!

I'm still working on getting more cards to choose from, so right now if you don't see something you like I will customize three cards for you to choose from free of additional charge.

Cost: $16.00/card (payment through Paypal-all major credit cards accepted)

To purchase please email me at eggs.turnbow@gmail.com

iron on transfers

I've got iron on transfers on the brain! Blaine and I worked many hours last week making "jerseys" for his softball team. And ever since then I've been thinking about all the other cute things I want to make with a simple print and iron.

For my nephew's birthday last April I made him this dino shirt with his name on it.

Isn't he the cutest thing ever-love him!! Photo by his awesome mom.

It's the easiest thing I've ever done! I think I even found the t-rex picture in clip art on Word! Then simply wrote his name in a cute font, printed it on iron on transfer paper, cut it out and ironed it on! So easy!

I keep having the urge to make more baby shirts with our little one's name on them or maybe for anyone else who will let me make them a shirt (Jocelyn?!?)! This is so much better than trying to actually be crafty and get out the sewing machine and make those cute appliques you see everywhere!

Word to the wise though, buy these ones from HP not the Wal-Mart ones!

4th of july pinwheel wreath

Isn't it cute? Don't you just love the 4th of July? Last night Blaine's mom, sister and I got together for a little craft, our pinwheel wreath.

They are really easy to make (if you aren't me) here are the steps:

• Buy the right size straw wreath (I struggled with this but I think it turned out okay). The one pictured is an 18" wreath
• Wrap it with coordinating ribbon, but make sure you buy enough to go around the whole wreath...yeah I didn't buy NEARLY enough ribbon good thing Marilyn has a stock of ribbon. We made Rachel do this step
• Find really cute double-sided 4th of July paper. I messed this one up at first but then redeemed myself by finding cute paper at Michael's and took the ugly paper back
• Cut the paper into fours (6"x6")
• Cut each corner of the paper towards the center of the square but not all the way through (delegate this step to your mother-in-law)
• Fold alternating corners into the middle of the square and secure with a hot glue gun. Again this was a hard step for me and I kept gluing down the wrong corners!!!
• Once all the pinwheels are made secure them to your wreath with upholstery pins and voila you have the perfect 4th of July wreath

I promise this is not a hard craft, I'm just struggling with simple tasks lately!

who doesn't love a good before and after!

I've slowly been trying to improve my craft room/office. It's one of the last rooms in our place that needs some decor help. I've managed to decide on a color scheme, buy a new desk and book shelf, but the existing lamp just wasn't going along with my vision.

I looked and looked for a cute, bright lamp shade and hated everything I saw! Why are patterned lamp shades non-existent or $500? (Target really needs to step up their game and get some cuter lamp shades). Since I hadn't found anything I thought how hard would it be to just make one?!?! The thing is I always say this to myself and it turns out to be a bigger project than intended. But this one actually turned out to be kind of easy

I bought a plain lampshade-don't mind the messy craft table, I'm just a messy crafter! And as Blaine will probably tell you just a messy girl in general...but I digress...

I bought two place mats from Pier 1.I took out the seam because they were too thick the way they were and just used one side of the mat. I traced the lamp, sewed the fabric together and hot clued it to the lampshade. (Sorry I didn't really take step by step pics!) And that's it. It was actually easier than I thought and I'm pretty pleased with the end result. I do need to put some trim on the inside because it looks a little unfinished but that will probably never happen.

Now I need to make one for my bedroom since a cute yellow lampshade is impossible to find!

baby gift idea

Burp cloths and a baby wipe case are actually kind of a sick gift when you think about what they are used for, but my friend at work is having a baby and it was the best I could come up with. I've seen these wipe holders at craft fairs(for $30 +) this year so thought I would give it a try. It was super easy...the hardest part was trying to cut the fabric the right size.

I wanted to make this a tutorial but then I got lazy and didn't take step by step pictures so I found some one that did. The only difference is I like to first glue fabric batting to the top so that it gives it a softer and more finished look.

leave it to Martha

Isn't this shirt adorable? You can dress it up for the office or down for the weekends, and when someone asks you where you got it you can say you made it! That's right you can make this lacy button down thanks to Martha Stewart. All you have to do is print the lace template to iron-on paper, cut and iron. It's as easy as that! I totally want to make this...maybe I will raid Blaine's closet this weekend! :) Just kidding Blaine!!!

Have a happy weekend!

karen the aggie

My little sister-in-law left on Monday to start her new adventure at Utah State! We are so happy for Karen and couldn't be prouder that she is now an Aggie--maybe by the end of the semester she will be a "true aggie"! haha We miss you already Karen and we know you will do awesome at USU!

To send Karen off I made her some school supplies.

thank you card

sorry i've been such a bad little blogger...there's nothing i hate more in my online adventures than people who don't update their blog! i've just been super busy and while my life is busy it's boring and doesn't provide much for me to blog about. but naturally i have been making cards.

here's one of my faves

fourth of july card

Happy Birthday Stacee!

Today is my Aunt Stacee's birthday! Stacee is an amazing person and has always been a great example in my life. We love you Stace and hope you have a great birthday!!!

her birthday card I made

father's day

Oh father's day. Not my most favorite of holidays (which is rare seeing as how I love almost most any reason to celebrate). I did call my dad though. I think Dana and I are becoming friend's well maybe that's a stretch...we are at least talking more. It seems like I don't get as nervous to talk to him and the convo is a little more natural than in years past. I feel like I still make most of the effort and most of the time it feels like he's not really my dad but something inside me says I need to reach out and love him despite the past. So I'm trying.

On a lighter note we went over to The Turnbow's to celebrate with Wayne Turnbow & Co. Dinner was had, presents were opened and dessert was eaten! It was fun. All of the "kids" pitched in and got Wayne a combination of his two fave things...biking and his grand kids. Yup, that's right a bike trailer to take the little babes for a stroll. He plans on modifying it so they don't have to wait till they are a year old to ride in it. :) [Joy you will have to bring Jocie (yeah that's what I call her now) out soon so grandpa can give her a little ride!]

I made him this cute card (toot toot...that's me tooting my own horn. I can do that with crafts because it's like the only thing I'm good at). I decided I'm going to start posting my cards because I always go back to recreate them for someone else and can't remember what I've made. I can't take full credit for this one though, while most of my ideas are usually original I did get this one from a magazine...sorry Wayne Turnbow!

I also made Marta's Chocolate Cake. Which was pretty darn good, but tasted even better the second night! And for being from scratch was surprisingly easy.

my dream craft room

I would love to walk into a room and be inspired! Right now my “craft/scrapbooking room” [which I actually just wish was a baby room and when it comes down to it is ACTUALLY our office] leaves much to be desired. I have a ton of scrapbooking paper, supplies and tools just strewn about a table. Blank walls just stare back at me as I search for inspiration. But I will say I have an awesome craft table that my sister-in-law got me for Christmas. It is big enough to hold all of my supplies and still leaves me tons of room to work. But still I wish my room looked something more like these rooms:

I love this one, it's so fun! The green and red are so vibrant they are sure to inspire. I would never think to do this bright of colors but I absolutely love it!

I like the organization in this room and how the paper is organized by color! I also love the personal touched of pictures throughout the room.

I think I like this room because of the red and black...looks just like my living room! What a great idea to have everything in totes and boxes to really bring the room together without looking cluttered.

This room is a little too fancy for me...but if it's my dream room why not dream big right?

Maybe one day when we actually have a house, when we make a lot more money and I actually have enough time to do crafts to make a room like this worth the money!