diy Custom Birthday Banner

I have seen several adorable custom banners but they were far out of my price range. Especially considering that this will only be used one time! I decided to make my own. I purchased some great paper and I cut 6" circles on the Cricut machine (free to use at the store, I do not have my own. The damage I could do IF I owned one! WOW lol) Anyways, 6" circles of my patterned paper, then smaller 3 1/4" circles in solid coordinating colors. To be honest, I could have gone a little larger with the solid circles but, live and learn. It isn't perfect but it still works. I found a font that I wanted, Jerseyletters, for free online and installed it. I printed each letter that I needed (text size 325) and hand cut each letter. I used a hockey puck image from clip art as a separator. Glued a solid circle to the patterned paper, then glued the cut out letter. I made them a little random for fun.

Next, I used my hole puncher and punched a hole in each side, except the ends.

I inserted a small piece of  ribbon to attach them using a simple double knot.

For girls maybe a bow but that wouldn't work for my son!

Couldn't fit the entire banner in one picture so that the details showed. But it is all one piece.

I couldn't be happier with it. And it cost me barely over $5!! Paper $5, letters FREE, ribbon 20 cents. 

Gatorade Labels for Birthday Parties

We just had my son's 12th birthday party this last weekend and I had to share these. I am a fan of water bottle labels but never thought beyond that....until now!

I found some gorgeous paper at my local scrapbook store, and simply cut it into strips. I also purchased a solid color sheet and used the store's Cricut machine to create circles. (I REALLY want one of those machines! But for now I borrow. And it is free to use.) I bought the small sports packs of gatorade and removed the labels. I simply wrapped the strip of paper around the bottle and adhered it with a glue stick. I glued the circle down along the seam.

I created a logo that I used throughout the party and printed several out on a sheet of plain copy paper. My handy circle punch purchased umpteen years ago from a Creative Memories party came in handy, yet again. Glued the logo down and tada...completely custom labels that cost me less than $3.

More about the party to come. :-)

Super Cute & Simple Button Magnets

Ok so I admit, I am a total pinterest nut. But most of the diy's I love leave me feeling inadequate. Not this one. Literally my kiddos could do this.

I bought two items:
random buttons from my local scrapbook store 10/$1
adhesive magnet roll $2.99 from Hobby Lobby- used 40% off coupon = $1.80

First, I ran some thread I had at home through most of the buttons because I liked the way it looked better than the plain one (red button below right). Then, I simply cut a piece of the magnet strip and stuck it to the back of the button. Later, I did add some Super Glue. You could add hot glue, whatever. I just wasn't confident in the adhesive on the back of the magnet strip. I then filled up a box that I already had and they are all ready to give. I don't even know who I am giving them to, I just loved them.

My Foot Tastes Good???

Have you ever just completely put your foot in your mouth and wished a hole would open up in the earth and swallow you? Well I do that a lot. I am known for foot-in-mouth-disease actually. Not to be confused with Hand Foot Mouth Disease which is actually quite gross. My son got it once from trying to taste the coins at Chuck E. Cheese. True Story. So back on track here, after my latest episode I have to wonder....why do I do this so often?

There are some innocent ones like stating that I think Prowlers are soooo ugly within earshot of my boss. Who, you guessed it, owns a Prowler and tells me so. Nice. I didn't really want a good bonus, right?

But sometimes I put my foot in my mouth and it is more than awkward. It is hurtful. I have asked a family member where their significant other is only to discover that they are no longer together. I have asked an acquaintance if they have designed their nursery yet only to discover that they have lost their baby. Heartbreaking and humiliating. I apologize but, the damage is done.

Sometimes things are said and you regret them, mistakes are just that, a mistake. How was I to know? But again, this seems to happen to me all of the time! Perhaps I do not pay attention to others as I think I do. Perhaps I am so wrapped up in what is going on in my life that I am not as observative as I once was. It is true. I have caught myself before, my mind wonders while I am having a conversation. I am not tuning in and giving others the ear that they may need. You can only truly share with someone if you are listening as much as you speak. So I will try harder, I know that I am a good person and a giving person but this is my wake up call. Because although my feet are cute, they are not that tasty!

My first blog ever. Wow, no pressure here. Nope, none. (gulp) I have to admit that I am really excited about starting this. Why? Because I have sooo much free time that I thought this would be a good way to fill it up of course. Actually, I am completely overwhelmed most of the time but, this seems like such an amazing way to share my life and to learn from others.

Not Nowhere Near where I am supposed to be yet, but completely enjoying the journey!!!

-Jody Lynn