A Sharpie Bouquet

About two years ago my daughter formed a strange obsession with Sharpie markers.  She has even added "limited addition" Sharpie marker sets to her Christmas list the last couple of years.  B shares this obsession with her Aunt so I guess it is a family thing.

When B's Aunt A graduated from graduate school this summer we thought the best gift we could give her would be some new neon Sharpies.  But as always I wanted our gift to look a little bit cuter so I asked B to turn the markers into "flowers".  Luckily for me my daughter was up for the challenge!

B took a couple of sheets of card stock and cut them down into squares.  Then using the same technique we used to make paper snowflakes, B cut out a basic flower shape. 

 I am sure that it is considered bad manners but I think it is so cute that she sticks her tongue out while concentrating on cutting.  I just take it as a sign she is working hard!

After B had cut out the flower shapes, she wanted to do a little extra so she outlined some of the petals with some of her very own Sharpies.  (I am sure that you were not surprised by that extra set.)

Once all of the flowers were carefully cut out and decorated I helped B make a small "x" in the middle of each flower.  Then we slid a Sharpie into the center "x" to make the stem of each flower.

I am super proud of my SIL and I am also proud of B giving a gift that I am sure she would have loved to keep for herself.

Duct Tape Does It Again!

Yesterday was the first day of our Spring Break but it did not feel like Spring at all.  We woke up to more snow than I ever want to see on Spring Break ever again!  It was not an "outside" day so we spent the time working on crafts.

B was kind enough to let me take a ton of pictures of her while she worked on some duct tape coin purses today.  Secretly, I think she loves being a regular feature on the blog!

First B started by cutting four pieces of duct tape about the same size.  Then she cut a fifth piece which she then cut into thirds lengthwise.

B started making "duct tape fabric" just like she did when she made the duct tape bows.  Carefully laying one piece of tape on top of the other piece to make a seam.

Then B takes the last two big pieces and carefully lines them up.  Sticky side is placed onto sticky side in order to create the "fabric".  

Once B has smoothed out her fabric, she folds the bottom up about 3/4 of the way.

Next B takes one of the smaller strips of duct tape and trims it to size.  B uses this piece to wrap the side of the pouch.  She repeats this process on the other side of the pouch.

Then B holds down the top of the duct tape fabric and holds it in place with a left-over piece of duct tape.  (B wanted to let you know that you could also use velcro with a sticky backing too.)  The duct tape clasp can be open and closed many times.  Duct really is a wonder product!!!

Finally, B raided her father's change tray and filled her new coin purse with her Daddy's spare change (Hubby's note- This was news to me as I edited this).  Maybe if I smile as sweet as she does, I could raid Hubby's wallet and start some re-decorating projects.  Dare to dream right!?!

B Made It!

Yesterday day was a very big day for B.  Not only was it was it the school science fair but she was also expecting big news.  For the past two weekends B has been playing her heart out in the hopes of making her field hockey club's travel team.

I have to be honest and let you know that I had mixed emotions about my ten year old trying out for a travel team.  On one hand I would love for B to play with girls that care as much about field hockey as she does but on the other hand she is only ten!  I fear that my children will not be able to be kids for as long as I was able to and that is heartbreaking.  But after much discussion with B and Hubby we decided to let her try out.  And man did she give it her all!!!

After the last evaluation on Sunday the coaches told the girls that they would hear on Tuesday whether they made the team or not.  Well I am happy to let y'all know that B made the team!  And she is just giddy!!!

Since the "big news" came on a Tuesday and we had to have a quick dinner due to the science fair, I decided to make on of B's most favorite sandwiches: bacon, lettuce and advocado on gluten free bread.  B calls them "BLA" (pronounced "blah") sandwiches which always gets a laugh from her brothers.

Nothing wrong with celebrating with a little bacon in my book!

"B" Mine

Yesterday afternoon B started working on her valentine cards as soon as she finished her homework.  She was beyond giddy!  We bought the "Mustache Card Kit" from Paper Source.  I don't know about you but I could spend hours in that store.  I always find something new there that I simply "need"!

The kit included heart shaped cards, googly eyes, labels and pre-cut mustaches and hats.  The kit also included extra black card-stock so B could cut out different accessories for her "heart-men", which she loved since she is a creative gal.

B spent hours working on her "heart-men" but finished making all of them before dinner.  Now she has the hard job of figuring out who will get which "heart-man".  

I guess I needed a break this year because in my mind this was a great compromise between a box of valentines from Target and a three day project from scratch.  What kind of valentines are your kiddos making this year?

Is There Nothing Duct Tape Can't Do

Yesterday was a "snow day" for us.  See, flushing ice-cubes really does work!  So B took the time to do a demonstration: how to make a duct tape bow.  It was not until B signed up for a after-school class that I had any idea how many crafts one can make with duct tape.  

First B cuts three stripes of one pattered duct tape and three same sized pieces of a different pattern. Then she cut two small and skinny pieces of the second pattern.  B likes to line them up on the table as pictured above.

B starts attaching the first three stripes as shown above.  She takes her time lining up each strip.

Next B takes the other three stripes and carefully lines them up.  She places "sticky' side to "sticky" side so that it forms what is called duct tape fabric.  (Who knew there was such a thing!?!)   B says you should take your time placing the top layer.

B then trims all four sides.  This forms a clear rectangle that she will begin to fold.

Then B folds the duct tape 'fabric" as though she was making a paper fan.  After she finished making her fan she trimmed off any extra "fabric" and then folds the fan in half to find the center. B takes a small piece of duct tape and wraps it around the middle of the fan.

B uses more than one piece to wrap the "fan" which will soon be a bow.

Then B pulls apart the fan at its ends.  This will form the bow.

B feels as though turning down the "ends" really makes the bow look big and pretty!  She added clips and hair ties to her duct bows so she can wear them.  

B would also like to let you know that you can make a bow tie this way too.  No need for the boys to feel left-out!!!

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