Monday, November 29, 2010

Antique Windows


Since moving into a house, we had a lot more space on our walls. We thought a cool way to take up space and show off photos was with some antique windows. We found these on craigslist for $10 a pop. After sanding, cleaning, sanding, and painting, they turned out pretty good I think.










I used the crackle method of painting them, where you paint a base coat, let it dry, then cover it with crackle paint (or elmer's glue) until it dries a little tacky, then put a top coat of a different color on. It gave it a nice rustic finish, and it looks great on our walls. I finished them off by putting some photoshop-antiqued photos in the frames that we hope to swap out throughout the year.

Um, a year has passed...


Is it passed? or past?

At any rate, I've done a bit more crafting in the year past (or passed?) and felt prompted to share. :D

Most recently, I made a Buzz Lightyear costume for my boy for Halloween. I adapted a pattern I found at Joann's. It was meant for size 5-7, and I made it into a bit of a 3T. Also, it didn't have the bottom part for the boots. I inserted foam padding into his vest to make it seem more toy figure-ish. It looks very handmade, but it was also pretty durable and sturdy. It kept the little guy warm at our trunk or treat, and that's what mattered to me. I think he really hated wearing it, though. He's not much for dressing up. Here's to hoping next year goes over better!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Shutterfly



I've been a fan of Shutterfly for a while now. After Locke was born, we had a new set of gift opportunities opened to us. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and great-grandparents love seeing their cute little baby friends in photos and products. I ordered multiple times from Shutterfly and have never been disappointed. They are quick to ship, great quality, and great priced. It's really convenient to just download my photos and order them and have them shipped. I've even ordered photos and had them shipped directly to family since we live so far away. One thing that I love is that they have package print prices, where you can buy a big lump sum of 100 photos or so and just use them up as you go. So often I've put off printing photos because I don't want to spend the $20-50 it takes to dump all of the photos I've taken the last few months, so I either end up putting it off or ordering around 10 at a time. The print plants make it easy to stay caught up!

Here are some of my favorites from Shutterfly:

Photo books:


http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books

I've made a lot of these for the grandparents, and they are a great way to record memories and keep your kids young (because they grow up way too fast!). Both Granny and Papa have loved their 8x8 books, and the coolest part is that I got a great deal on them. Shutterfly always has promotions and free deals, so just by signing up you get some great things. These are hardbound books, and are resilient and high quality. I love the patterns and styles that they have. It adds personality as a backdrop to the photos and colors that match the photos. They have been perfect gifts, and I'm using them instead of regular scrapbooks for our family. It's nice to have high quality printing that makes it look really professional. They have themes to match every season, holiday, personality, and individual. I can't imagine anyone going there and being disappointed with the selection!

Calendars:

http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars

Every year my brother in law makes a calendar for Christmas for the family, and it's so fun to see the new photos every month as you turn the calendar throughout the year. Calendars are perfect gifts, for birthdays, Christmas, or otherwise. I especially love the Calendar posters and desk calendars, that would be perfect for the office. I love the layout of them, and how sleek they look.

Greeting Cards:

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/5x7-folded-greeting-cards/solid-colors

I love using photos for cards, especially for birthdays and events. They have great and stylish cards for every occasion, and they are reasonably priced too! I made some photo thank you cards for Locke's first birthday, and couldn't have been more pleased. They were a great personalized touch, and a huge hit.

Holiday Cards:


I love Shutterfly's holiday card collection. I love that it's hip, modern, and not your average Christmas card. They have styles for every taste, and they are really high quality. I can't wait to order mine, but I'm having trouble deciding!

Multiple photos with a personalized touch?

Classic with a bit of punch?
Or just plain fun and trendy?


Whatever you're looking for, Shutterfly has it. Head over there and check out their products!