Acorn Hunt

"Goin' on an acorn hunt, Goin' to catch a big one!"
There's just something delightful about going on an adventure quest. Better yet, discovering what you were searching for! Lately I've been inspired by genus Quercus, what we know as Acorns! I've been wanting to find acorns, specifically acorn caps, for the past week but have had no luck finding oak trees locally. My brother-in-law mentioned a park in Orange called Santiago Oaks Regional Park. "With that name...there must be oak trees!" We took the trip to this hidden gem hoping to find some treasures. At first we thought our journey's path had come to an end without any acorns. But then...we saw the LIGHT! Ahoy! Acorns!!

            Lying peacefully, the hidden acorns were in a nature lover's paradise. 

            In the end, I left one happy camper. Thanks Johnny. Now off to create!

Autumn Lovin'

         You know summer is saying her final goodbye when the leaves turn from green to yellow and then others turn into orange, red or even purple. You breathe in the crisp air and notice the sweet aroma of summer has turned into the smell of autumn rain. Autumn has arrived and turns your head with her palette so bright as she begins to paint the landscape in hues unimaginable.
        Autumn is simply my favorite time of the year! Soon thoughts turn to pumpkins, homemade pies, raking leaves, juicy turkey and steamy hot cider.  It is a wonderful time to be a child again and find yourself playing in the leaves! So invite your loved ones and hold on tight...for the leaves are just one jump away to finding yourself enjoying Fall, perhaps for the first time this Autumn. Harvest these memories and cherish the beauty of a great season.

Our tree of thanks we decorate every year...to remind us of the many blessings the Lord gives

So Sweet and Yummy

My beautiful friend is having a baby girl! Nothing says "made with love" than something handmade!   Here is an easy and oh, so cute gift idea for your next baby shower - a Cupcake Onesie!

I purchased the plain white onesies at Target and began cutting the color felt into a basic cupcake shape. Once the pieces were cut, I used a small amount of craft glue to hold the image in place while I sewed around the cupcake. You can use a variety of different stitches to add flavor to your cupcake;) I used the blanket stitch and basic straight stitch for mine.

 The bear was made with wool roving using a felting needle. Here is a quick time lapse tutorial on needle felting a bunnyI found to be useful and fascinating. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0ycwVZ4GOE&feature=related

 

wrapped up and ready to go!

Cake Surprise!

As a surprise for my brother-in-law's birthday I thought of making him an exciting cake to celebrate his 25th birthday. And what better way than with this Rainbow Cake found on blogger Whisk Kid. http://www.whisk-kid.com/2009/08/say-it-with-cake.html.

   A few simple ingredients: 2 sticks (226 g) butter, room temp

2 1/3 c (463 g) sugar
5 egg whites, room temp
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 c (426 g) flour
4 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 1/2 c (355 ml) milk

 

Six baked layers lined with foil for an easy lift

 let the layering begin...

To his surprise a six layer rainbow cake filled the inside! Loved seeing his face as he sliced the first piece. What a scrumptious treat!

 

 

Happy Birthday, Johnny!

Land of the Giants

This landscape is a true testament to God's size, beauty, and diversity – huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees! Welcome to Sequoia National Park!

My church family and I spent four magnificent days waking up to this beautiful terrain. The warm summer heat and chilly bonfire nights were spent laughing at silly jokes, having scrumptious feasts, singing praises, and enjoying our God in all His greatness.

Fall colors were just about ready to flourish. And peeking in between the trees a beautiful lake just waiting to be splashed into.

Happy Birthday Friend!

This card and earrings were made for a very special friend of mine for her 21st birthday! Lets hope she gets her ears pierced soon. Love you, Angela!

Little munchkins

Last Tuesday I enjoyed a silly day with two very special girls, Emma and Eliana! We had such a fun time playing, reading, and making a growth chart. The girls helped cut and glue while my sister and I sewed. It was so much fun. The time spent with these little munchkins is unforgettable!

Eliana drawing with the markers

Time to sew

The girls and their finished growth chart

Emma cutting out the felt bows for the kites!