Easy Art Center

For some reason, my kids always open new boxes of crayons, markers, pencils, etc. the same way (drives me crazy). How are you supposed to keep crayons in a box like this?

So, in organizing our playroom, I came up with a solution...this cute and easy art center.

I found the white metal board and these little magnetic metal containers at Ikea.

I covered the containers with different colors of vinyl

and added a fun saying to the top of the metal board.

Then, I labeled each container with vinyl letters

and stuck them on the board. 

 Since the containers are magnetic, the kids can easily take them off while they are using them.
So much easier than trying to put them back into the box...especially a ripped box.

*Update: I've had many people ask what the items from IKEA are called. Both the containers and metal board are from the SPONTAN collection. I just looked on IKEA's website and could no longer find the containers but the boards are still available. I don't know if they are just temporarilly out of stock or have been discontinued. I hope this helps!

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Birthday Cakes

I have been interested in decorating cakes for a long time. But, it's only been the past 4-5 months that I've been interested in decorating with fondant. There are so many great websites with tutorials, instructions and great ideas. I pretty much have learned everything I know about using fondant from the Internet! It's so fun to work with and I love that I can make it ahead of time and create so many cute things with it. These are two cakes I made for my kids' birthdays.

I'm linking to:

Shabby Chic Cottage, Mammas Kinda Crafty, The Shabby Nest, Remodelaholic, Tatertots & Jello, Blue Cricket Design

Cute Comp Notebook

I saw one of these cute notebooks a few months ago. After school got out, my daughter gave me one of her unused notebooks and I thought it would be a fun project to try.

I picked up some cute paper from the scrapbook store and gathered my other supplies (mod podge, scissors, paint brush, pencil, etc.)

I traced around the edges of the notebook to give me a basic pattern. I cut out one for the front and back and then inked the edges.

I used mod podge to adhere the paper to the front and back of the notebook.

Then, I cut a strip about 3" and the height of the notebook to cover the spine.

I added some stripes, flowers, and other cute embellishments to dress up the front cover. It turned out so cute. In fact, I'm kind-of having a hard time writing in it because I don't want to mess it up!

I'm linking to:

Shabby Chic Cottage, Mammas Kinda Crafty, The Shabby Nest, Remodelaholic, Tatertots & Jello, Blue Cricket Design

Simple No Sew Fabric Applique

I made these shirts for the twins' birthday. I bought the shirts from Walmart and had to remove the pocket before putting the applique on. They turned out so cute and they loved them so much they wore them the next day (and the day after that). I found this tutorial and they really are that simple.

Linking to:

We All Scream For Ice Cream

Everybody loves ice cream, making it a perfect party theme.

A picture of our whole spread

The centerpieces were made using large waffle cones, krinkle shreds, ice cream containers, play-doh (to hold them in place) and filled them with marbles to keep them from falling over

Ice cream cone decorations with toppers labeling each of the toppings (mini versions of the centerpieces)

Ice cream cone cupcakes to celebrate all 3 birthdays

Seasonal Shelf

In our house, we have no mantel, no little cubbies or ledges, we pretty much have nothing to display cute seasonal items on. So, last year, when finishing our front room, I decided to change that. I found some great ideas from blogs and craft stores and pretty much just figured out how to build it as I went along. I was so excited with the final result. Then I realized...I had no seasonal stuff to display. So, season by season, I'm adding to my collection. Here is my latest addition!

I've never really thought much about decorating for the 4th of July, except for the flag on our front porch. But after seeing so many great projects in blogland, I was super excited to hop on the wagon.

  I like to make things, but when things are cheaper and cuter to buy, It's a no brainer to save myself some time and money. These stars were too cute and cheap to pass up!

I think it turned out pretty great. I feel so patriotic!