Painted Sheriff's Star

I did these (there are actually two) for the boys' cowboy bedroom. The inspiration came from a photo I saw in a catalog (I think it was Land of Nod.) Its just freehanded, would probably look lots better (especially the lettering) if I would have taken the time to trace some letters. It was just a major accomplishment to get them painted! Besides putting their names on the stars, I also wrote their Bible verse around the edges of the canvas. (Someday I'll add photos of the nursery and the OFF THE CHARTS mural my m-i-l did...it also includes their Bible verses...very sweet!)

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PS...Maryann sent me a sweet email and said she was going to feature me on this week's paint party!  Thank you so much Maryann...I'm honored!!

Framed Photo Confetti

I just love Darcy Miller from Martha Stewart Weddings. She is so talented and clever! I happened to see the episode where she was sharing

her scrapboxes with Martha. SO AMAZING!!!

One in particular caught me eye...The Framed Photo Confetti Box.

http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/family-history-in-the-making-darcys-frames-and-scrapboxes?lpgStart=1&currentslide=14&currentChapter=1#ms-global-breadcrumbs

Well I didn't have any photo confetti, but I have lots of pictures and a photo printer. I didn't do a step-by-step of this as I wasn't blogging yet, but will do one as I'm going to recreate the above picture for both of my brothers. (Not really worried about spoiling the surprise for them...they're not exactly craft/food blog followers! )

Basically, this is what I did:

I made a file folder on my computer with a special label just for these pictures.

Then I went through folders I had already created for each of my family members, copying the pictures of them that I wanted to use and transferring them to the above mentioned folder. (I tried to be sure there were an equal number of pictures of all the siblings...if you have children, you know how this goes...lots of pictures of first child, some of 2nd child and, well, the 3rd child has the fewest.) This one has 120 pictures. I took each picture, transferred it to a Print Shop program, cropped and resized to about 7/8" square.

The page was full of tiny black & white photos of my sweet family.

Then I made my own "confetti" by punching out each picture with a 3/4 circle punch. On a 12 x 12 piece of heavy white cardstock, I lightly lined out a grid in pencil. I erased the lines except for the "+" where the lines intersected. With mini glue dots I randomly added each photo. I also created a little label that I also printed with the photo that said "Earley Family, Est. 1959" I added it to the left corner, close to a picture of my paretns at their wedding. Since I didn't have any scrapboxes or shadow boxes on hand, I used a 12 X 12 frame I got 1/2 off at hobby lobby. It worked great!

I made this for my parents as a late 51st Wedding Anniversary gift. They seemed to really like it!

I can't wait to make more!!

My first attemt to link to one of these...bear with me if I make a mess of it...

Another table at the party

PICT0028, originally uploaded by ckclifford.

My amazing M-I-L designed the table and I provided the desserts. We both have a love of tablescapes and much if my inspiration comes from her. I keep telling her to start a blog or I'm going to do it for her...people would love to see what she can do with a table! Be sure to scroll down to see more of her tables from this party.

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Another July 4th Party Picture

PICT0016, originally uploaded by ckclifford.

M-I-L's Fabulous 4th of July Party

PICT0014, originally uploaded by ckclifford.

My M-I-L graciously used my cakeballs as a centerpiece and dessert at her sorority reunion luncheon. Doesn't she set a beautiful table? The pops were red velvet. Each guest received a chocolate chip cookie dough ball and a pina colada ball nestled in red, white & blue candies under a glass dome.

July 4th Cake Balls & Cake Ball Pops

My M-I-L is having another fabulous party
and made an order for cake balls.

Thank goodness, she keeps me in
business!

Can't wait to get her pictures to see the
amazing table she set!

Can you believe it?!?  Laurie at http://www.tipjunkie.com/ feature my cake balls!
This is a first anywhere!  Thanks!!
http://www.tipjunkie.com/2010/07/fourth-of-july-entertaining.html/254-2


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http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/06/stars-and-stripes-party/#more-9848

Secret Agent Party - The Invitation

I found this idea for an invitation at www.mypartyfile.com

There are lots of amazing moms out there posting their great birthday party ideas.

Another place I went for inspiration was www.designdazzle.blogspot.com.

Welcome to the Spy Party!!

This sign let the secret agents know where the CIA headquarters was located. We cleverly disguised agency headquarters as a common neighborhood house.

(Made the sign from black foam board, paper mache' letters painted with aluminum paint, and letters cut out of metallic paper using my Cricut.)

After giving the secret password to the security guard stationed at the entrace to HQ, the drivers signed in their agents. The agents went to the fingerprinting area where their prints were taken.
Then they were issued their agent number and badge.

Some agents came in disguise.

Others were given the opportunity to change their appearance at the Secret Agent Disguise station. They were offered hats, dark glasses and mustaches. They could also pick up their special issue hydration unit at that station.

The special agent on the left is obviously a senior agent...check out his 'stache!

(Agent M was very busy prior to all agents showing up to HQ thus some of the pictures of the stations/badges/decorations were taken AFTER the party.)

Secret Agent Party - Agent Training

After the agents registered, they were shown the treasure box

they would recieve after they completed training.
(Entrance to training area.)

The agents participated in target practice,

explosives tossing and an obstacle course.

The agents each received a gold star for their badge

as each objective was completed.

Then they headed inside to get their reward...