Quick Craft: Art Supply Caddy

Another quick craft featuring recyclables and Mod Podge today. Remember the bottle I used for my vase? Well, it came in a handy little holder, of course, so why not reuse that, too? Grab yourself a drink caddy (one from the drive-thru would be perfect, too), some Mod Podge, paintbrush, and some fun scrapbook paper.

 

Trace and cut the pieces to fit on your caddy (you'll want to make separate pieces for the sides that fold up. Apply a layer of MP, smooth a piece over, and apply MP over the paper. After you put on all the pieces (the handle too) fold over any edges, and add a last layer of MP. I put in a couple of jar lids to keep my supplies from slipping out the openings around the bottom. 

You could also hot glue the center separator to the bottom so that it no longer folds, or just keep it as is (that's what I did).

 

Now just add your supplies and your good to go! Use for car trips, the kids' craft desk, or your own sewing table--you can use it however you'd like. Be sure to share yours in my Flickr group--I'd love to share some reader projects on the blog!

Be the Change

So today marks the beginning of Lent. A day where many of us will be giving up sweets or social media, setting aside more time for prayer or a coin jar for almsgiving. In the past our family has done things like giving up t.v., or adding a daily family prayer time. This year I'll be getting more sleep.

Not sleeping-in-on-Saturdays kind of sleep. More like taming-the-inner-night-owl sleep. Giving myself an actual bedtime. Sacrificing those wee hours of the night when I'd normally be prowling Pinterest for the latest and greatest crafty idea, or putting the pedal to the metal on my sewing machine.

This may not seem like an über spiritual thing be doing for Lent, but it's something I've been feeling really convicted about lately. You see, I turn into a sloth/mommy-monster when I haven't had a good night's sleep (that's most nights) and the kids are awake before 7 a.m. (most mornings). And I don't want to be that.

We all have a God-given vocation--or calling--in life, and mine is that of a wife and mother (among many other things), but these two callings are the most important. I do treasure the quiet time in the house at night when I can craft, write, and pin to my heart's content, but moderation in all things, no? Going on about being a night owl may seem silly to some, but it has it's snowball effect. I want to be the best mother, wife, and woman of God that I can be. And right now that means learning to let go of the days and finding rest so that those around me may find peace and rest in me as well.

Whether you're Catholic, Protestant, or none of the above, I think we all strive to better ourselves in life, don't we? How do you hope to become a better mother/father/partner/friend/human being? What challenge is life giving you that's making you stretch?

Quick Craft: Decoupage Vase

Another fun quick craft for you today, perfect for putting all those fabric scraps to good use! My great friend Jessica (check out her awesome quilting) left me some colorful scraps after craft night at my house last week. I've always hated throwing out scraps--no matter how small--but have never found a great use for them, either. 

 

Well, I had an empty bottle from that night, too, so I put those together, added some Mod Podge and there ya go, a pretty little vase:

 

I definitely see more Mod Podge in my future! Made your own scrap fabric vase? Share it in the Maker Mama Flickr group (it could use a little love!).

Quick Craft: Headband Redo

My favorite headband snapped in half about a month ago and I just couldn't bear to part with it. I tried fixing it up with superglue, electrical tape, and even my trusty glue gun, but I finally had to admit defeat. Until I decided to get rid of the headband altogether, save the flower, and make a cute little hair clip instead. 

It was a bit of a struggle pulling the flower off without ripping it to shreds, but after that all I needed was a hair clip and my hot glue gun and voilà! a new hair clip was born:

 

Gotta love the quick craft!

This Time Last Year

 

 It's hard to believe this was only last year. Amelia's 18 months now and on her way out of the baby days already. She's still very much the baby of the family of course, but the toddler in her is beginning to come out, demanding to do things herself: buckle herself into the high chair, push her stroller (instead of sitting in it), drawing (on herself) with the big kid markers. All while still coming to mama whenever she needs me.

Looking back reminds me that the days do go by quickly--no matter how messy they are!