Glass Blocks

The other project I made were etched glass blocks. These were a fast, easy project to complete and my 7 year old daughter was able to help. First you cut out the design/name you want on contact paper. Adhere the contact paper to the glass block in the design that you like. For the etching part, I tried two different techniques. The "Craft" block was done using etching cream. It is easy to work with but I had to apply two applications due to the large area I was trying to etch. It came out pretty even and is there to stay! The "Snowflake" design was put on using a can of spraypaint that gave it the etched look. The final product had a very even look to it but the negative it that it tended to scratch easily. So there you have it... hope you enjoy!

Name Plaques

Alright, I have been busy with the holidays and my scrapbooking has suffered greatly... however, I have been able to whip out a few projects that were kind of fun and seemed to get a pretty nice reaction. The first project I made were name plaques for myself and my family. Unfortunately, I wrapped theirs before I took a picture. I say that because I actually liked the gift ones better. I changed the paper I made the last name with and it really made a big difference. I liked that it was a personal touch added to my gift giving.

The directions are pretty simple... I found a 12 x 12 tile at my local home improvement store. Using two different colors of cardstock, I cut out a large letter that I placed in the middle. I used design studio for this so that I could stretch and tilt to get the result I liked. I cut out 4 corners at 3 inches and finally cut out the last name using all lower case letters. These also were cut at 3 inches. I Mod Podged these on and let them dry for 24 hours. I followed that up with a matte clear coat finish. I used my Stone Script and Storybook cartridges for the tiles.

New Year

Okay... we are starting a new year soon. So, that means it is time for me to start making goals for this year. We are looking at a year full of changes in our household, the most major of which is relocating to a new city. After this school year ends, we will be moving from Indiana to the Dallas, Texas area. We are certainly looking forward to the move, but I have put all kinds of pressure on myself to make sure I document all of the "lasts" here in Indiana... for example, I need to make sure I get pictures of all of my kids playing in the snow, we need to visit all of our favorite traditional places during the holidays, and spending as much time with extended family as we can. And after we check all of those boxes, I need to do scrapbook pages for each of the kids albums as well as the family album... it is going to be a busy year. So... here are my goals for the year:

1. Clean out and get rid of all of the items that do not need to make the move with us.
2. Make the transition to the new home as easy on the kids as I can.
3. Post at least one scrapbook layout a week.

Really, I think these goals are achievable! Who needs sleep anyway?! I hope you and your families have a healthy and prosperous New Year!

Barb