Keepsake Calendar

 Made from hand and footprints, this special keepsake calendar makes a one-of-a-kind, fabulous gift for grandparents. You don't need mad artistic skills (mine are very limited), but this calendar is VERY time consuming. Scroll to the bottom of the pictures for a list of supplies needed and a step-by-step how to.

SUPPLIES:

Bare Accents 12x12 blank white calendar
12x12 cardstock  (see pictures for colors) one sheet for each month
foam paint brushes
small paint brushes
paint markers to add details (I used the Sharpie brand)
acrylic paints (see pictures for colors)
scrapbook paper in various colors (I used papers that coordinated with my monthly painting)
scrapbook adhesive

* I used my Cricut to cut out the months, but you could just as easily do this on your computer. I used the DoodleCharms and Designer's Calendar cartridges.

* I found inspiration for all of my basic handprint and footprint ideas on Pinterest.


INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Use the foam brushes and the acrylic paints for all the handprints and footprints. On my husband's side of the family there are 12 grandkids so I did one child for each month. Allow to dry overnight.

Step 2: Using the smaller brushes and the paint markers, add detail to your calendar pages. I drew a border around each month just to help tie them together.  Allow to dry and adhere to calendar.

Step 3: Using your die cut machine, computer, or what have you, cut or print the months and the days. For each major holiday I used a fun cut-out rather than a number. Also, half way through the year I started printing my numbers on cute scrapbook paper and then used Stampin' Up punches to punch out the numbers. This was WAAAAY faster, and I think I might like the way it looks a tiny bit more, too. Adhere all pieces to calendar.

I would love to see pictures of how your calendar turns out!

Simple Handprint Snowman Keepsake Ornament

I wanted to come up with a super cute, yet cost effective, keepsake ornament that my preschoolers could give to their parents for Christmas. This would also be a cherished gift for grandparents.

Supplies Needed:

Clear plastic ornaments (I found a 4 pack at Michael's for $2.50)
Silver Tinsel
White acrylic paint
sponge paint brush
paint markers in black, orange, and other assorted colors for the scarfs (I used the Sharpie brand)
spray sealer
ribbon
poem


Step 1: Wash and thoroughly dry child's hand. Use the sponge paint brush to apply a good amount of the white paint to child's palm and fingers.

Step 2: Set the ornament on the child's palm and have him close his fingers around the sides of the ornament. Allow the ornament to dry.

Step 3: Fill the ornament with tinsel.

Step 4: Using the paint markers, add detail to the snowmen. I did a face and buttons on every snowman, and added a top hat and scarf to every other snowman. Allow to dry.

Step 5: Spray a coat of clear sealer on the ornament and allow to dry overnight.

Step 6: Attach a copy of the following poem to the ornament with a ribbon:

Five Little Snowmen all in a line,
They might look familiar because the handprint is mine.
Snowmen will melt cause they're just made of snow,
Cherish this handprint because I will grow!

Have the child add his name and the year on the bottom of the tag.

That's it! A fabulous keepsake any parent or grandparent would love!














Father's Day Gift Idea: Treat of the Month Club

Here is a fun and easy gift, perfect for any man on your Father's Day list this year. After all, what dad wouldn't want a year's worth of yummy treats? Here's the how to:

1. Obtain a cute container. I found this one at Michael's for $3. Then I just cut a piece of scrapbook paper down & slipped it inside of the pail. Next, attach a few lengths of ribbon to each side of the handle.

2. Fill with a stack of dad's favorite cookies or other treat.

3. Print out the recipes and the gift tags found below.

4. Attach the gift tag with ribbon. It reads: "Congratulations! You have been enrolled in the Treat of the Month Club! As a member, you will receive a delicious, home-baked treat each and every month for the next year! Happy Father's Day!

The next page has the months listed along with the corresponding treat and the day of the month dad can expect his treat.

5. Give to dad and watch his eyes light up with joy! OK, maybe not, but it is a nice change from the standard necktie.

Candy Gram Pail

I had a hard time coming up with an end of the year gift for Jaxson's teacher. I finally decided on a candy gram, but I didn't want to put it on a piece of poster board. I saw these pails at Michaels and thought it would be a perfect fit for the candy. Here is what the note says:

I SKORed big when I got you for a teacher. Don't SNICKER, but I think you're great! You are MOUNDS of fun and you have brought me so much JOY. I think you ROCK. (pop rocks) Thanks BEARY much (gummy bears) for always being so JOLLY (jolly ranchers) and for helping me become such a SMARTIE. Teachers like you are worth a MINT. (york peppermint patty) I'd be a NERD if I didn't thank you for helping me put the PIECES (reeses pieces) of the knowledge puzzle together. You are Might Magnificent. (m&ms) Thanks for a great year!

I also thought it would be cute to have Jaxson draw a picture to put on the lid of the pail; we just haven't gotten that far yet!

Cozy Cottage Notebook

My mom recently opened up an Etsy Shop so I created this little notebook for her to keep track of her product ideas, inventory, and items sold.