Archives for April 2012

SNAP* Just Be You!

April 30, 2012 By Michelle Barneck 2 Comments

If there is one thing I learned at the SNAP Conference it is that I can be me and that is the best person for me to be. Like Oscar Wilde said,”Be you, everyone else is already taken.”

Be yourself, everyone else is taken - Oscar Wilde

Image Credit

Not that I ever was untrue to myself here, I just sometimes thought, “What are my goals here? I’m not going for a book deal or a handmade shop. I’m not set on being on TV or becoming a social media consultant. So what am I doing?” What I am doing is sharing a piece of myself in hopes that some other woman out there will take a look and say, “Wow, if she can do that, I bet I can too.” I am just here to share and am totally honored that you come here to read. I feel like we’re friends though I may never “meet” many of you. But, I hope I can share with you the real me even if it’s only online.

I am not perfect. (Ha, there’s a big surprise right). I do stupid things. Like at SNAP when I could not get the automatic paper towel dispenser to well, dispense. I did a little jig in front of it as my offering to the paper towel Gods only to find out later that one of the bloggers I admire was there to witness it. How do I know? Cause she said,”Weren’t you the one dancing in the bathroom?” when I introduced myself later that day. Gah, hello red face of embarrassment. I guess at least she saw the real (somewhat silly and borderline weird) me, before I was able to hide it under my shy, nervous, you are totally awesome and I lose my words in your presence introduction.

Me, Wendy, Stacy, Summer

I learned that even though all of us are so different in so many ways, we all have something in common.

Wendy, Me, Stacy, Nat, McKenzie, Staci, Leanne, Amanda

I learned that everyone is nervous even if you have been to a bunch of conferences and reaching out to someone you don’t know can be the start of an amazing friendship.

Kaysi, Me, Alison, Summer, Amy

I learned that with some people you can go a year without seeing them and pick up right where you left of without missing a beat.

Staci, Amanda, Me, Stacy

I learned that you find out a thing or two about someone living with them even if it is only for a couple of days.

Brooke, Heather, Me, Kirsten

I learned that being comfortable in your own skin is the best thing in the world even if it does result in potential black mail dance videos.

Tam, Me, Brooke, Kristyn

I learned that the ladies behind these blogs are real. They struggle, they laugh, they cry, they care about their families, their readers, and their friends.

Ana, Me

I learned that everyone starts somewhere, even if it is a girl scared to use power tools (which I totally am), but can become something great!

Thanks to Kristyn for this pic & to Amy Cornwell for making them for all of us!

I am thankful for the experience, I am thankful for the friendships, but most of all I am thankful that I left being happy and excited to be me.

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What Do You Want From A Little Tipsy?

April 30, 2012 By Michelle Barneck 1 Comment

My weekend at SNAP (more on this later) got me thinking and I have some new ideas in the works, but I wanted to see what you my awesome readers think. I value your opinion and would love to see what posts are your favorite and which are your not so favorite. What you think of the linky party etc. Please take a couple minutes and answer a few quick questions so I can find out more about you. Thanks!!

Please click here to take our short survey.

We really want to hear from you!

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Puppet Playhouse & Craft It! Kit {GIVEAWAY}

April 26, 2012 By Michelle Barneck 6 Comments

I am so excited to share what we have in store today! It’s one of those projects that makes my heart smile when I think about it. My kiddos and I created a puppet playhouse along with some animal puppets to go along. With spring break and summer on it’s way it is a super fun way to bust the “I’m Bored” streak!

I was excited when Elmer’s contacted me about their Craft it! Community! Craft it! is a place for creative gals to share their creations and project ideas, gain inspiration and seek crafting advice. I love having a place to visit filled with people who “get it.” You know, people who don’t think it’s weird that you keep 10 different types of adhesive on hand at all times and may even have an entire drawer dedicated to them.

We got a box in the mail and it was like Christmas! So many fun X-acto and Elmer’s things to create with!! We decided to make a puppet playhouse and various puppets so we would have a project for mommy’s strong opinion, but also some pieces the kids could do to their specifications. The kids had a blast putting together the puppets and putting on little shows.

Puppet Supplies:

Scrap Paper & Cardstock

Popsicle sticks

Googly Eyes

Scissors

X-acto Corner Punch

Elmer’s Permanent Dot Runner

Elmer’s Foam Adhesive Roll (for pig nose)

Painter’s Marker in White (for tiger fur)

For the puppets I cut out simple shapes for the bodies and heads (since my little one is still learning the ins and outs of scissors) and let him glue them all together with the dot runner. Many of the heads were just squares that I rounded with the corner punch. So easy!! You can see the basic shapes we used in the pictures below.

The puppets turned out so sweet and with so much more personality than if I would have done them on my own. I did the fringe for the mane after we glued it with the little precision tip scissors. This little lion just oozes cute factor!

My son insisted that I needed a Miss Piggy complete with blonde hair. We used the a piece of the foam adhesive roll to make the snout 3-D.

I didn’t even realize when I was cutting this snake out that I was giving him a frown. My little guy was nice enough to point out that he was sad because he had lost his mother and that Miss Piggy would adopt him.

I love how Mr. Octopus looks like he’s taking a step. My little guy also pointed out that the polka dots were suction cups. So creative these little ones!

We added some whiskers and fur on the tiger with the white Painter’s marker. It was surprisingly easy to use except for the slight mishap on the tail getting the paint flowing in the beginning.

By now my kiddos were ready for a break so off to naps they went and I decided to tackle the X-acto knife work and puppet playhouse without the little hands.

Puppet Playhouse Supplies:

2 Elmer’s Bifold Foam

X-acto Self-Healing Mat

X-acto Metal Ruler

Packing tape

X-acto Knife

Scissors

3 12×12 Polka Dot Paper

Red Cardstock

Yellow Cardstock

Elmer’s Permanant Dot Runner

Elmer’s Quick Dry Glue Pen

Glitter Foam Adhesive Stars

1. Open the two bi-fold foam boards and lay flat with the short ends together. Tape the two boards together with packing tape. Lay the center of the board on the self-healing mat and using the ruler and X-acto knife cut out a 6 inch by 12 inch rectangle about 1.5 inches from the top of the board.

2. Using the permanant dot runner around the edges, adhere your polka dot paper over the entire front of the board. I cut slits in the paper where the board folds so it could still fold flat when not in use.

3.Cut a bunch of little rectangles (about 1″ x 2″) out of yellow cardstock. Round the bottom edges with the corner punch. Glue the rectangles on the bottom of the “stage” by doing a line with the glue runner on the bottom edge of the stage on both sides and about and inch down from the bottom on the front. Also do a thin line of the Elmer’s quick dry pen where the foam is rough from the X-acto knife. Fold the rectangles over the edge of the stage one by one.

4. Cut 4 curtain shapes from the red, two slightly larger than the other and layer them to look like curtains. Cut a little piece of yellow cardstock to look like a curtain tie back. Glue them on with the permanent dot runner.

5. Stick the stars on the top of the stage.

The best is that it still folds flat for storage!

What are some things you like to do to keep your kids happy and creative? I would love some more ideas for summer!

How about some supplies to get you started?!

Elmer’s is giving away TWO Craft It! kits full of products!

FOAM AND DISPLAY BOARD:

• 9” x 12” Mini Bi-Fold Foam Board

X-ACTO:

• Designer Series Gripster Craft Knife

• Designer Series 12” Metal Ruler

• Designer Series 12” X 12” Self Healing Mat

• Designer Series 8” Scissors

• Designer Series 5” Precision Tip Scissors

• Designer Series Basic Shape Templates

• Designer Series Decorative Shape Templates

PAINTERS:

• Painters Bright Colors

• Painters Sherbet Swirl

CRAFTBOND:

• Dot Runner

• Foam Mounting Tape

• Thin Medium Glue Spots

• All Purpose Glue Stick

• Quick Dry Dual Tip Glue Pen

• Elmer’s Designer Tape

Enter with the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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DIY Under $5

April 24, 2012 By Michelle Barneck 5 Comments

I was a little distracted this weekend because of a little thing called the SNAP conference (details coming) but I did not forget about the features from last week’s party! I actually had additional things to feature, but three of my favorites did not link back. Hmmm. Sorry kids, no extra love if you show no love. Now for the goodies…

Distressed Laundry Sign from Burton Avenue

Hanging it from a hanger totally takes it over the top!

Shirt to Skirt Refashion from Second Chances by Susan

She uses the banded neckline detail for a slit in the back. So clever!

Wire Picture Holder from A Law Student’s Journey

So fun for pictures or kid’s artwork!

Trunk for the Junk bag pattern from Just Another Hang Up

I so need one of these for our car. Love that it is lined for easy wipe out!

What have you been up to?

Let’s Party!

I enjoy your $5 projects so much that I decided to add an addition link section for anything under $15! That’s right. It will open up a place to show additional projects that can’t be purchased with an Abe Lincoln, but are still totally affordable! I can’t wait to see more from you!

Please remember:

Only link to your own projects that cost you $5 or less (price does not have to include items you had on hand) or $15 or less in the 2nd section.
You can link past projects that fit the dollar limit, but please only link each project one time to one DIY Under $5 party. Do not link the same project week after week.
No linking giveaways or items for sale
Please link back so others can join the party and so you have the opportunity to be featured on Saturday!