Stacy.....This One's For You!!

So it's been a while, I know I know.....I'm so very sorry to ALL my loyal readers!!

Somehow LIFE just managed to step in the way of crafting and blogging. With the Holidays, which consumed a majority of my time..... Planning, preparing and un-planning. Then my beautiful daughter celebrated her 8th birthday with a trip to Chicago to visit the American Girl Doll Store.

Which I have to say was so much fun.....Although I should not speak for my son and hubby, they probably could have done with a little less time in the doll store, by the third visit you could see it on their faces. They were troopers though, I know little miss and I are in for it when the boys plan the next vacation.

Here is the latest project I have been working on--It is a quick and easy personalized project that would be a perfect gift for Mother's day or Father's day.

You will need the following to complete this project.

Ceramic Tile (I used an 8x10)

Photo to fit the size of your tile

Scrapbook Paper

Ribbon & Embellishments

Sturdy Easel (to hold up your tile)

Modge Podge & Brush/Foam

Nail File/Sanding block

1. Cut your picture and scrapbook paper to the desired width. I left about a 1/4 space from each side of the tile.

2. Apply Modge Podge with a brush to the back of the picture and scrapbook paper and apply to the ceramic tile making sure position is straight.

3. Allow to dry for a few minutes, carefully sand the edges of the picture and scrapbook paper (so it blends with the tile).

4. Make sure surface is free from debris, apply Modge Podge over entire surface of the ceramic tile, allow to dry and reapply. It may need three to four coats.

5. Once the surface of the tile is completely dry you are ready to add your embellishments. Attach with a sturdy glue (I used a hot glue gun).

6. Display on an easel.....Beautiful!!!

A New Family Tradition.....

For the last few years I have been trying to implement a new Christmas family tradition. A tradition that I think would be a fun, meaningful and maybe even a little necessary. I will admit we go a little overboard buying gifts at Christmas time. While it is fun buying, wrapping and unwrapping in the end I always believe we have way to much stuff.

I know being creative and crafty may not be for everyone and I understand this. But I also believe it does not matter how perfect your gift turns out, it was the thought put into it that means the most in the end.

So I am determined to have a Handmade Christmas this year, I know I will not be able to put an end to all gift buying from the big box stores. I vow to make at least one handmade gift for each recipient this year, I will also help my children to create handmade gifts for each person on their list. While everyone may not be on board with this new tradition, they will hopefully enjoy the handmade gifts and see how excited the children are when they tell them it is handmade by ME.

And who knows hopefully I am wrong and everyone steps up to the plate.....Wouldn't that be exciting, seeing all the wonderful gifts that your family put their hearts and their hands into.

While I have not decided on gifts for everyone yet, I will post them when they are completed. Hopefully, giving you a little inspiration for a Handmade Christmas. Maybe this could be a new tradition for your family too!

Photo courtesy Martha Stewart