What to do With All Those Christmas Pictures

I don't know about you, but I take A LOT of pictures. Digital cameras and phones make everything so easy to just snap, snap away. Around this time of year there are SO many opportunities for picture taking madness. In the past I have talked about my need to get pictures OFF the computer and OUT so my kids (and guests) can enjoy them.

This last year Project Life has been a fantastic, fun, and creative way to do just that. For Christmas, it allows me to print my pictures and quickly get them into an album to enjoy. My goal is to have my 2013 album finished (or close to complete) by December 31st so we can look through it on New Years Eve. I think it will be super fun to look back over the past year.  :)

Here is an example of one of my December pages from last year that I recently made (still working on that one). I used everything from me & my BIG ideas. Their products are sold in SO many different places, that it makes creating the album so convenient. You can find their goodies at Michaels, Joann's, Hobby Lobby, online, etc.

This page was recently featured on the me & my BIG ideas blog. Everything I used is listed there. Come take a look! I LOVE using the POCKET PAGES & all the little goodies that go along from Specialty Cards to stickers. I can't wait for family to come over and look through my albums. I think they are really going to enjoy them.

 

 

 Also, don't forget... it's my birthday and everything in my shop is 15% off. Simply use the coupon code HAPPYHAPP15 at checkout! :)

Little Snippets of Life - Instagram

Having my iPhone (which has become my go to camera) with me all the time has really taught me to focus on the little things. I love capturing the little snippets in life that happen day to day. I am so happy that things like Instagram, various different apps, and my iPhone help me grab these moments so easily. Now, I look for the details that I may have overlooked in the past and that tickles my heart. Here are some little pieces of my life lately...

A wood palette shelf to be stained, an Easter dress detail, yummy cookies baked by hubby with the kids, a basket of washi, the GOR-geous sky as we left Easter dinner, spring break play, one of the VERY loud frogs in our garden, decorated eggs, and a bike ride in the park - all the sweet, blessed moments granted to this very lucky lady.

All this good stuff helps me to remain present. 

To BE here. 

Right now. 

Ever thankful that God has given me another day. 

Insta-Love Thursday

Oh, how I love Instagram. 

It has been such a fun, quick way for me to grab some cute pics day to day.

I also LOVE photography blogs. Sooooo, when I saw Deb's (LOVE her blog!! Great inspiration for Project Life too.) series called This or That Thursday, I decided to join in. I LOVE sharing my Insta pics, (I know some of you have seen them! Thank you for following me on Instagram!!) so I was thinking this would be a fabulous way to share my little bits of photography on my blog. :)

Here are some of my favorites lately...

School started this week (goodbye lazy days of summer...sigh) so I couldn't help snapping away on my little Sugarbean's first day of second grade. I did whip out my big camera too, of course. But, here are some I captured with my phone. Um, in all seriousness...how stinkin' cute is that superhero drawing. 

 Some art, some gorgeous sky on a bike ride, one very cute little boy playing on the porch, and a sweet treat on a hot day. :)

Insta-Love!

DIY Father's Day Gift Idea - Tutorial

I love taking pictures and making handmade gifts for those I love.

I would love to share a little project my kids and I made a couple 

months ago for my Hubby's birthday.

It would make a perfect gift for Father's Day! I know any dad, grandpa, uncle, papa, or friend would be happy to get something special like this. It is super easy and with Father's Day approaching in the States this Sunday - You still have plenty of time!! So, get those camera's out and let's go!!!

Supplies:

Camera
Frame with 3 openings 
Plastic tray from the Dollar Tree
Paintbrush
Piece of Chalk
Scissors
Red construction paper
Super cute kids
Candy: Totally optional, but it makes the super cute kids smile really big! :)
Chalkboard Paint (Now let's break this down...I used the brand Folk Art. It is what the craft store had at the time. I know there is chalkboard spray paint. You can pick that up from places like Lowe's. I have also heard that Martha Stewart's chalkboard paint is great as well. I want some Annie Sloan paint - but, it is expensive! I'll have to wait for a furniture project for that.)

The first thing you want to do is paint the clear tray with chalkboard paint. I had to paint many coats to make it truly black. Don't be alarmed when you start painting and it is super thin. Have faith. It will get darker as you continue to add layers. Be sure to let the paint dry completely before putting on another coat. I suggest painting the tray on a previous day. The best part is...after you are done, you have a great little chalkboard to use for other projects. I attached a rope to the back and hung mine over a desk in our hallway. It is a fun place to write words, quotes, or messages.

Next cut out various hearts from the red construction paper. I cut out two so each one of my kiddies could hold a heart. The size of your clan will determine how many hearts needed. 

Once your tray is dry, write the word "we" and decorate it a bit if you want. 

 Now, you have your cute chalkboard with the word "we," some red hearts, and some super cute kids. This is the time to bring out the candy. :) Find a place to take your pictures. Keep in mind that you want the words and adorable faces of your children to stand out...not a busy background. Think - backyard fence, garage door, porch, pretty field. Snap away!! When it is time, get some pictures with the word "You" and the red hearts.

 Finally, choose the pictures you like and edit them if you want. That is another optional step of course. But, I have to give a quick plug to PicMonkey. I LOVE it. It is free (for now) and has some very easy tools for editing your little gems. They even have ready made collage frames. LOVE it! After you print your gorgeous photos, pop them in the frame and poof - fabulous gift!

Super easy!

Super inexpensive!

Super fabulous! 

Oh, by the way...here are some reasons why a little bribery may be in order...

I am sharing my project with Crafty Scrappy Happy and Sneak Peek Friday!

Have a beautiful weekend!