How To Make a Pinwheel for Brownies Girl Scout Promise

Last night I started a local Brownie troop with my 2nd grade daughter, I was really excited and a little nervous. I wanted to do something fun with them at their first meeting. And I wanted them to hear the Girl Scout Promise. So I chose to do our first project on that.
I chose a pinwheel with 4 points because there are 4 lines in the promise.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
Card stock cut to a square size, we did 8x8
pencils crayons
scissors
ribbon
brads
tape

The first thing I did was let the girls color the BACKSIDE of the paper, at this point it doesn't really matter because they are both blank but remind them that this will be the back. The back is also the design that will fold forward and give some color.

Next on the plain size we drew a line from corner to corner both ways in light pencil

(This leaves you with 4 large triangles on the paper)

Then on each side make a small mark, this shows the "half way point of each side"

THIS IS IMPORTANT because the girls will only write their promise on one half since the pinwheel will fold and cover up the other half.

Next, use scissors and cut on the diagonal lines

DO not go all the way to the center or you will end up with a broken pinwheel, I cut them about 1 inch short of the center

Take your scissors (I suggest an adult do this part) Make a small whole in the center and a small whole where the blank point are (this is to accommodate the brads)

I put  the girls in pairs, to share in making each others one at a time. One girl held the brad, poking it through the whole while her partner curved the next edge in for her to put the brad through.

After all 4 points, put the brad through the center whole and wa la.

I decided to use ribbon on the back instead of a stick.

Add ribbon to the center and the also to the side, so that the pinwheel will lye flat.

Now the girls can hang these on their walls or closet door and practice the promise.

They really enjoyed it:)

ShadowChild meditation on love and loss

"Missing word. A woman who lives longer than her husband is called a widow; a man without his wife, a widower. A child without parents is an orphan. But what do you call the mother and the father of a child who has died?"
My 17th book in my 52 book in a year is ShadowChild, written by, P.F. Thomese. 
What to say as a review of a book that is clearly an outpouring of love and loss.
This book is incredibly sad.
The style in which this book is written is beautiful and meditative.
I volunteer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, I know parents who have lost children and have experienced it near them even in that moment. This book touched me deeply. Written by a man, the father, of a child who has passed has left me realizing even more clearly that no matter how much we try to help someone, we can never truly experience or come close to realize their own pain.

Tattoos on The Heart Book Review

I just finished my 16th book for 52 books in a year and I have to say
 "Tattoos on the Heart," did not disappoint. This nonfiction book is written by Jesuit priest, Gregory Boyle and founder of  Homeboy Industries.
This is not a religious book by any means. It is a straight up collection of short stories, many about short lives that leave a big impact behind. I am so intrigued by the real language of Gregory Boyle, that I so so want to hear him speak in person now. He comes across as the kind of man everyone needs at some point and he is passionate and driven through his calling by God to be that man for everyone he meets that needs him. I don't think many people can say the same.
Homeboy Industries is the background for this book where there motto is Jobs not Jails. A place formed out of need for gang bangers that would be unemployable other places because of their records, lack of education and in many cases bodies (including faces) covered in offensive tattoos. Homeboy Industries is a place that employs men and women from rival gangs and it works. WHO would have ever guessed a system like that could even be pitched to a listening ear with funding, let alone get off the ground and be successful? Inspiring to say the least.

Check it out of your library today and see for yourself that we only limit ourselves with our ability to help others....

By the way I did read my 15th book A Web of Air. It was nice, but my 16th book is the focus on my mind and heart right now.

Christmas cards Everywhere? Dont throw them away

My blog has been abandoned while the holiday rush for my 2 etsy shops took priority and I actually did have a holiday rush this year, thanks to wonderful people like you, who are mindful spenders and not big box made in China yuppies:) But this post is not about that:)
If you have Holiday cards from this year or like myself boxes of them from the past that you cant justify throwing away and yet don't know what the HECK to do with them. Never fear, Kerri is here:)
Kerri, creator and owner of TheRehatchery upcycles and repurposes a lot of lovely items and she is generous enough to share a step by step tutorial with you on how to turn these cards into purposeful, beautiful modern looking ornaments. Didn't get any cards or love the final project and don't wanna make one? That's okay, Kerri has several available and can make more to order:)

Upcycled Geometric Christmas Card Ornaments

" I love making these lovely little ornaments!  It is fairly time intensive, but very fun!  I can’t wait to show my little one how to make them when he gets older.
This is a traditional paper craft that I myself found out there on the interweb.  I have modified it slightly using a few different materials. "

List of Materials

1. 2-3 vintage/used holiday cards(can be other cards if you want to do valentine decor, etc.)
2. Napkin ring or small circular item to trace your circles- 1”-2” diameter range works best to start
3. (you can also use a circular paper punch, but I find it easier to choose the area that I want cut out with scissors)
4. pencil
5. retractable razor blade (I have one with breakaway blades)
6. small button
7. hemp twine(any sturdy string/ribbon will work, needs to be able to thread through the button)
8. Mod Podge (any kind works, the paper mod podge is nice however)
9. piece of card stock(can be from a cereal box, etc.-as long as it will cut easily)
10. small flat paint brush for applying craft glue
11. ruler
12. sharp scissors
13. 5-6 small binder clips (I use 3/4” size, they work nicely)
14. small amount of water for rinsing brush
15. protractor(not pictured)

First, you need to trace out your circles on the back side of your cards.  You will need 20 pieces total.

Then, begin cutting!  This only takes a few minutes, but be sure to cut them as precisely as possible.

(little ones may need help with this part)  I love to turn them over when I’m done and see how different the image looks all cut up. 

 Next, we want to make a triangle that fits perfectly inside your circle.

Take your protractor and measure the radius of the circle size you’re using.  Draw a circle on the card stock and measure it to make sure it matches as closely as possible.  Then, place the protractor point on the outside of the circle and mark the radius on the on each side.  Move the point to one of the points you just marked, and do the same thing again on the unmarked side.  Do this once more on the point you just made.  Now, you should be able to see 3 points that are equidistant from one another.  Take your ruler and connect the points.  You have your triangle! 

(I know this is simple geometry, but as I don’t store that information in my brain my husband had to help me out here)

 Cut out your triangle as precisely as possible with the blade, and you are ready to score!

Now, it’s time to get messy!  If anyone knows of a nice neat way to do this part, please let me know!  Get out your mod podge, clips, water and brush.  Begin gluing one of the 5-piece circles carefully together in the pattern you laid out, using just enough glue to stick each piece together without it squishing out everywhere.  I also keep a rag on hand for wiping my hands as I work. 
Place a binder clip on each tab after you put them together.  When I’m working quickly, I only use two and move them down as I work-after about 30 seconds or so it should be safe to remove the clips, as the pieces should be bonded securely enough to hold(if you are using card stock with any plastic coating, this could take considerably longer).
After you have 4 pieces glued, insert your hanging loop into the middle and glue on the last piece one tab at a time.  This can be tricky, just remember that you have a set amount of time to fiddle with it before the glue bonds!  Use your clips and make sure the loop is nice and secure.  You have your top piece!
Now, glue the 10 pieces together in the pattern you laid out.  Then, affix the last piece to the first and make a circle.  You have your middle! 
Carefully spread glue on the tabs of the top piece, and place on top of your middle piece.   
(note-you will get some mod podge on the outside of your ornament.  Luckily, it dries nice and clear and is very hard to see, and the larger globs will pick right off anyway)

Now, make the bottom with your last 5 pieces, and carefully join just as you did the top piece.  Wha la! 
Hang to dry for at least 2 hours, and then you are ready to enjoy!

I am always amazed and surprised at how these turn out-often they look even better than I thought they would!
-Kerri <3
Photos and tutorial ©2011 Kerri R. Klein, The Rehatchery on Etsy http://www.therehatchery.etsy.com
If you try this project we would LOVE to hear about it or any questions that you have:)

Happy Hump Day You guys made mine Happier

THANK YOU to some team members for featuring me, here is a back at ya:)

This lovely collection from classicbynature  the front page today:)

Railroad Abandoned Building

I of course LOVE this pillow classicbynature makes in a variety of colors!

Camera Pillow Cover

And Bobbi Lewin created this rustic collection with my vintage shop included

I MAY or MAY not have bought this as a Christmas gift this year for someone I love;)

Bobbi Lewin Brooches

THANKS LADIES love being part of the handmade movement;)

Thanks XOXO for featuring my Photography

Yesterday I featured some lovely people who included my vintage shops in collections that were front page of etsy. TODAY I am blessed and want to thank some people who have featured my photography in stunning collections that went on the front page and share some of their work with you:)

JessaMaePhoto created this amazing MAN treasury and included my train print:)

Antique Train Print

I love fellow photographer JessaMae's style

Acoustic Guitar Print

littlebrownpen also created a fabulously MANLY collection with my train print included

Antique Train Print

Totally enjoy this calendar set from littlebrownpen AND its on sale CYBERMONDAY:)

2012 Paris Calender Set

AdorableLittleMe created this fun textural collection with my little ballerina's print

Little Ballerinas Print

And I think these are totally adorable for any little girl this time of year

Christmas Snow - Vintage Style Hair Pins perfect Stocking Stuffer

THANKS ladies, you all have amazing talent for putting together lovely collections:)

Many Many Thanks Belated to you All

I am so blessed and thankful that I have had my vintage treasures featured on the front page of etsy more than I could have ever hoped for. I am behind in thanking the wonderful people who curated such stunning collections, that I was included. I'm gonna show you the collections and something from each of their shops, check them out. A lot of etsy shops are having cyber monday sales:)

Thanks Tarragon Vintage for this lovely collection:)

She included my INSTANT Vintage Kitchen Utensil Collection

Tarragon Vintage Vintage Candle Clips for Christmas

(on sale now)

Next MetanaPress who is a teammie of mine and from Pennsylvania.

She included my Vintage Polaroid Land Camera

Broken Telephone Print (free shipping)

ObjectsDearT created this list, we are on a vintage team together:)

She included my vintage embroidery which sold here is a different available embroidery

Vintage Bottle Brush Trees Turquoise and Pink

Next TNTeees another teammie created a lovely page:)

She included my cookie press (sold) BUT this one is available

She makes all recycled, up cycled, re purposed pieces that are Eco friendly and this gift pack is so cool.

Gift set reusable Produce bags

Heather from SunnyLeeStudios also a teammie made this lovely front page

featuring my vintage felt ornaments

She created amazing artwork  she is offering FREE SHIPPING all original paintings

Snowflake Painting watercolor (FREE shipping)

And from CretaivityisMessy a teammie who has been on my blog before

My vintage felt ornaments

Anybody with a GNOMEO and Juliet fan? This is adorable

Tiny Terrarium Necklace (I own one with eggs) THEY ARE ON SALE

And Meg from RedandMain who has also been on my blog before

She included my marching band vintage stuffed animal

We bought a Bigfoot from her for my motherinlaws birthday. Isn't this SO cute?

Snowman and Gingerbread Man sculpture

There were some other LOVELY front pages that I am equally thankful for but I am unable to get a screenshot for some reason:) THANK YOU EVERYONE.

I hope my blog readers will check out some of these lovely shops and take them up on their

CYBER MONDAY SALE~

Book review The Kite Runner

My 14th book in my 52 books in a year project was AMAZING. The Kite Runner, written by:
Khaled Hosseini. I saw the movie years ago, and honestly I can say that the book was so amazing I don't even have a way to compare it to the movie I also enjoyed.
The Kite Runner was recommended to be my a friend.
I know there are parts of this book that will stick with me forever. The backdrop is Afghanistan before 9/11 when it was a happy time and then when the Taliban comes in and it is anything but happy.
I think beyond the beauty of the writing and the characters with such amazing personalities, the depth of humanity that deals with guilt, fear, acceptance and forgiveness are something that can resonate with almost any human I know.
I completely recommend this book.
It took me a week and a half because although it was a book I didn't want to put down, sometimes I had to because the emotions were intense and I wanted to think about it.
Definitely check it out. And then check out the movie:)

But definitely read the book first:)

Blessing for Colleen Please Read

Happy Thanksgiving. We all have something to be thankful. This year I know of a beautiful woman who is thankful to be alive.  I am asking you in this post to GIVE, give, give:)
An easy site has been set up chipin.com which allows you to give through paypal.
They charge no fees to use their site:)
Check the left side of my post for the WIDGET to go over and donate now.

I feel called by God to start a fundraiser for this vibrant couple for the cost of fighting the good fight and making a recovery. You can read more about her passionate life, the accident and the road to recovery here.
Colleen also has a blog that she is keeping her days posted  on as she is able.

Gift Registry for Weddings, Birthdays, Christmas and More

When I awoke this morning I realized something special was missing from my blog here. I am going to create a gift registry for you this week. My plan is to have a very easy way for you to mark things that you like in my photography or vintage shop and then they will be displayed together on a Registry Page.

Apple Tree Fine Art Photograph

This is a wonderful way for new couple's to start and art collection as well as be able to create a home with character if you love vintage and don't want you new place to look like the walmart truck just dumped in the living room,
So stay tuned.
If you are getting married and this sounds fun, a few of the first people to use it will even get a special:)
So message me or comment on the blog below.
If you are a blogger and would be interested in sharing my registry when it is up and running, please let me know.
This will be a new exciting step into helping people buy local-handmade and keeping more money in the local economy:)
Enjoy your weekend.

Book Review Flirting with Faith by Joan Ball

Cant believe I have made it to my 13th book in my 52 books in a year project. The book I just finished,  Flirting with Faith, written by Joan Ball, I am upon by accident. Our local bookstore was shutting down, I liked the cover and it was 90% off so I picked it up.
I have to say I really enjoyed this book from the start because the writers own voice about her spiritual journey is so raw and real and I could instantly relate to her.
This quote in chapter one really hooked me, "In my view people who embraced God and religion were emotionally, physically, or intellectually weak and unable to carry themselves through life on their own."  If I were to meet a person today that spoke these words to me, I would tell them they are absolutely right. It might catch them off guard. But I think what she may have been mocking at the time is something that many believers struggle to believe in handing their lives over to the Lord.
We are not made to do it all emotionally, physically or intentionally on our own, even though even the most grown Christian will still try to at times, only to find the outcome not what they had hoped.

Inspirational Christian Wall Art

Joan Ball experienced a conversion without outwardly asking for it, she says. But, she was sitting in a church pew, so part of me believes that God knew deep inside she knew she wanted God, but was too proud to admit it. This story of completely letting go, following God and listening and submitting to his will for her life is really inspiring and I recommend it.
In a small group the day I had started the book someone referred to when a person decides to live a Christ Centered life, it is like jumping out of a plane and free falling, no turning back. I had never heard that before and yet would you believe at the end of Joan's book there is a reference to her and her husband sky diving NUDE in their following of God's plan. It was that wild of a journey and she was that willing to listen.
If God came to you today and said, quit your job, give up your fancy house and follow me down this less than "picture perfect" trail. Would you follow?
Something new in the world are BOOK TRAILERS. Pretty Cool. SO I shall share Flirting with Faith's

Are you searching your heart, trying to decide if you need God in your life and Jesus in your heart?
Speak to a friend, a pastor or message me. I am no expert but I can tell you what my journey has been like and what having the Lord in my life has done for me:)

Fade Into You-Mazzy Star

FADE IN TO YOU- Mazzy Star
Featuring this for an old friend today:)

Lyrics | Mazzy Star lyrics - Fade Into You lyricsI want to hold the hand inside you
I want to take a breath that's true
I look to you and I see nothing
I look to you to see the truth
You live your life
You go in shadows
You'll come apart and you'll go black
Some kind of night into your darkness
Colors your eyes with what's not there.

Fade into you
Strange you never knew
Fade into you
I think its strange you never knew

A stranger's light comes on slowly
A stranger's heart without a home
You put your hands into your head
And then it's smiles cover your heart

Fade into you
Strange you never knew
Fade into you

I think its strange you never knew
I think its strange you never knew

Look what I won from a Blog:)

As you know if you follow my blog, I am trying to read 52 books in a year. That is my personal 365 project. So imagine the excitement when I won a blog giveaway from The Nostalgic Librarian.
The 2 books that I received are BRAND NEW and by new I mean not only have they not been touched, they are FRESHLY written.
Thank you so much Adrianna.
We share a comment interest also in our love of vintage and she has a great vintage shop on etsy.

Look how cute, she even sent me a little handmade ring with a vintage style that is adjustable which I think I will be giving my daughter who is a total fashionista:)
And alas I find to my surprise something else we have in common, on her blog today, Adrianna has the Ford Edsel. I have a popular photograph of this classic lemon car in my shop. Check out her blog and shop:) Thanks Adrianna.

Ford Edsel photograph

I think Adrianna has inspired me to do a giveaway soon with books Paying It Forward.

FINGER food for Young ghouls and boys

I am so excited to be the homeroom mom of my son's 5th grade this year. Where we live, middle school starts in 6th grade, so this is his last year of classroom parties:(
But I got together with a few other homeroom moms with 5th grade students and we came up with some fun plans.
Did someone order finger food?

So easy to make, another mom shared this "healthy" treat with me. Simply buy the string cheese. I cut mine in half for shorter stubby fingers (and to save money) but you can leave them full length, then with a knife I sliced bell pepper for the finger nail and used a dash of cream cheese to stick it. The kids ALL wanted one on their plates. And most couldn't finish it all with the other treats, so I think cutting the fingers in half was a wise choice.

Someones watching YOU

Another fantastic idea from a brainstorming mom, this was a GOODIE snack, the "unhealthy one," so to speak. Start with the small round powdered sugar donuts. I waited until the last minute so I didn't get a chance to "shop" Make sure you get donuts with nice HOLES in the middle, mine didn't have hardly a hole so it made it more difficult. Next put a gummy lifesaver in the middle where the whole is for the iris. Invert a chocolate chip for the pupil, a little red eye and your done!

Also on the menu were Broken Bones... Bummed I did not get a photo but these were SO DELISH and easy you will get the idea.
A bag of skinny pretzel sticks, a bag of mini marshmallows and some white melting chocolate discs
(I bought a pound)
You can get the kids involved in this part. Add mini marshmallows to the ends of each pretzel.
Heat your chocolate in the micro for 30 seconds and stir. Make sure you stir because chocolate can hold it shape and you don't want to burn it. Then heat again for about 30 seconds.
Stir until the bumps are out.
I did 4 pretzels at a time in the bowl with a spoon completely covering the pretzels and marshmallows in chocolate. Lay them on saran wrap. I put 2 together like cross bones. They dry quick and lift up easily!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Wanna share your favorite FINGER food on the comments below? PLEASE

Book review The Happiness Project

The Happiness Project is my 12th book in my challenge of 52 books in a year. I like this book written
by: Gretchen Rubin. This book is a self journey rather than self help and it follows the simple formula of a new thought or chapter for each month of the year.
I checked the book out at the library last summer, but quickly realized I would want to spend a little more time with it and so I bought it this fall. But once again, I put myself under the gun. I really wanted to start a book club with interesting women that have a great time with conversation. Because I wanted to read this I suggested it as the first book. I have to say, personally, I don't think it's a good "BOOK CLUB" book.  For one reason, in a book club, generally there is a month to read the book. With all of the good information in the book (remember the author took a year) it can be overwhelming if you actually want to learn, try or apply anything in the book. In the end no one completely finished but almost everyone said they will go back to it.
For me personally, I loved the first chapter on de-cluttering your life and I did start right in on that one. I would like to just take the book slowly perhaps as a year long read in the bathtub:)

Looking onto Fall

I have read most of it and I know there are good nuggets of information that could make some happiness sense in my life.
As far as a book review or a critique. The author wonders and asks several times if people will find her selfish, self obsessed or vain for taking a year to work on her own happiness.
I posed this question to the group. And everyone agreed yes. We are all mom's too and it is hard to spend a year feeling free to work on your own happiness.
HOWEVER, I admit that I don't see a problem with it at all. It's a double edged sword. The old saying
"if mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy...," is sadly very true. In my house it is anyways.
So, with that in mind, I think husbands and children would be thrilled that MOM went out and made herself happier, free-er and more fun. Who wouldn't want that for someone they are around.
Hat's off Gretchen for taking a year to start and complete a project thoroughly. My friends and I all agreed that none of us would have read any of the research books that you did, BUT we got the benefits of the juicy points that you shared.
So I say, if you are feeling like you could be happier. Read it. You have nothing to lose:) Except maybe some junk you've been carrying around.

Thankyou LAccentNou and Tangente

A big shout out of thanks to LAccentNou a lovely, organic jewelry designer from Spain. She created an amazing treasury featuring my frayed rock image. I love Anastasia's photography of her organic pieces and I first was introduced to her on the Indie Free Spirits Team.

Rock Hard and Frayed Rope

LAccentNou's pebble rings have always intrigued me. I would "rock it" all the time:)

Pebble Adjustable Ring

I also want to thank Tangente, an amazing clothing designer from Ottawa, Canada. Tangente says
"Tangente is a collection of eco friendly women’s clothing and accessories. Designed for the conscientious consumer, fabrics and trims incorporated into Tangente's collections include organic cotton, bamboo, ramie, tencel and vintage trims."
She created this amazing Equestrian style treasury that featured one of my vintage trays.

Vintage Trays

Tangente fashion photos are always fun, fresh and beautiful. I first became familiar with her etsy shop on The Treasury Tree team. I really LOVE all the greys and reds.

Fall fashion - Millie dress - belted short sleeve dress in eco friendly tencel - custom made

Check out both of their shops for amazing fashion for YOU or to start your holiday shopping:)

Book Review Heaven is For Real and a Story

I just finished my 11th book in 52 books in a year and I am happy to say that I really enjoyed,
"Heaven is for Real," written by, Todd Burpo.
 Sometimes my mind gets blown at the coincidental or NOT so coincidental timing of things being put in front of you.
The timing of this book was no more than the fact that my mom's friend gave it to her and told her to have me read it. It is a quick and easy read, but I took the full week to really enjoy it. Told through a parent's eyes witnessing his preschoolers accounts of going to Heaven was super sweet. And there is a particular part of the book which I will not ruin for you that made what happened next in my life more special.
As fate would have it I coordinated a balloon release for this Friday the day after I finished the book. The balloon release was in memory of babies who were stillborn or miscarried. This is something near and dear to my heart as a volunteer photographer and area coordinator for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.

27 balloons were let go that night in a small circle of new friends. The weather had been cold which is not good for helium and it had been rainy, I was worried would they go up, BUT after reading the book I knew in my heart that the angel babies knew balloons were in their honor the minute we showed up. They didn't literally have to fly miles and miles high.

It struck me as beautiful that even though we did not have balloons tied down together some of them connected and flew off together, Including this family of 3 balloons that never let go of one another.

This particular image really struck me, flying high above the trees, it looks free and shining.

Because I am a Christ follower this book was not hard for me to believe and I felt like it was a sweet treat to see a glimpse of heaven through a child's memories. If I weren't Christ follower and read it, I think I would still be very intrigued at the possibilities.

Very nice book.

Thank You 2 times Ladies

I have to shout out thankyou's to team members who recently created gorgeous Etsy Front Page Treasuries that I was flattered to be included in.
First I wanna SHOUT OUT to Kerri owner of the shop InMyIgloo for creating this front page.

Apple Tree Vintage Style Photograph

Kerri has really cool vintage items for sale in her shop, one of my favorites is:

Vintage Brownie Camera

Next I want to thank, la biblioteca's , for creating a treasury that is rustically stunning!

Antique Barn fine art photo with Sepia Tone

She also runs a vintage shop and one of my favorite items is:

Vintage Hardy Boys First Edition

Check out there shops.... thanks friends and teammies:)