Let's Make Some Acorns, Y'all!

Inspired by my recent new find...acorn caps! Time for some A-corny creations:) Here are two crafts made from felting wool then gluing them into acorn caps.

Here I used the felted acorns to decorate a paper wreath made for my sister, Myrna's birthday. The wreath was made from paper leaves cut outs, then creased to create a more leafy texture, and after glued to a styrofoam ring. The acorns were added to the fall mix. 

I’m thinking you could also use them for gift tags, napkin rings or adornments for glass jars.

 

And finally, this nature-meets-fashion necklace is a great accessory for the season. So cute!

The acorns can be made in an assortment of earthy and fall colors and would be wonderful for a woodsy, acorn-and-leaf, fall motif.

Birds of a feather...

         While on a random Michael's run, I came across these beautiful golden peacock feathers. The color was so gorgeous I just couldn't resist. I ended up paying a very cheap amount considering I had a 50% coupon. So I purchased them not knowing what I would make!
          Recently, I got a haircut and wanted something to put in my hair. These feathers could make a lovely hairpiece. After scrummaging around my craft drawers, looking for accessories, and gluing a few of the finds... I came up with this feather hair clip. Love the colors!

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.