Craft Update

So apparently planning a wedding and having a fiance/husband live states away has taken up a lot of my time. I haven't done too many crafts in that time but hopefully I can catch up on what I have done.

Wedding Party Gifts

I made this mugs for my bridal party. Since each was from a different state they received a mug with their state's outline and a mug of Tennessee. 

Christmas Gifts: Embroidered Initial Necklaces

For Christmas this year I wanted to try my embroidery skills. I was inspired by ones I had seen on Etsy so I ordered some supplies and practiced my stitches! 

Picture Frame:

 Another picture frame for a new UT baby!

Headbands

As a gift for Valentine's day for my niece, I decided to use ribbon and flowers, most I had already had from making the bows for her baby sister, and added them to simple headbands. I think they turned out pretty cute!

 

In a Jar

For Christmas gifts this year I was inspired by a blogger who put together "Everything in a Jar" gifts. I went through my gift list and tailored jars to fit. It was fun to go with the themes and try to find things small enough to fit in jars.


Here are the jars I ended up creating:

Pampering in a Jar

Refreshment in a Jar

Golf in a Jar

Outdoors in a Jar

Winter in a Jar

Summer in a Jar

My Favorite Things in a Jar

Christmas Frames

One of my winter crafts involved putting together some holiday picture frames. The theme was 1950s and pink, so this is what I came up with.

New Picture Frame

I feel like it's been forever since I have actually been crafty. However, I have had some projects here and there and am finally getting around to posting again. 

Recently, a co-worker and friend moved back to Nebraska. In honor of her time at UT and the University of Nebraska, I made this frame for her. 

I think it turned out pretty cute and hope she can look at us and fondly remember her time at UT (or be glad she's gone). Either way!

I have more frames in the works so I will have more to post soon!

Baby/Mom Gifts

I tried my hand at another frame as a baby gift and also another birthstone necklace.

The frame was for a monkey themed nursery for baby Wyatt. It was fun to get to paint some cute monkeys!

 The final product!

Necklaces

For gifts this spring I created a few longer chain necklaces. I asked for input on colors and then created unique necklaces for each recipient.

 

Birthstone Necklace

For my mom's birthday this fall I wanted to make her something unique and meaningful. I had seen a friend's birthstone pendant necklace and used it for the inspiration for this twist on the idea. Since my mom was going to be a grandma for the first time, it also seemed like a timely gift.

I originally looked for glass lockets to hold loose stones, but it was very difficult to find any that fit right. So instead, I found this pendant at a local craft store and threaded the inside pin with crystal birthstones of my nieces as well as my brother and myself. More can continue to be added (you can fill up the whole thing as babies are born if need be!)

It's been a great conversation piece and I like that it's not a cheesy charm necklace. 

Baby Shower Gifts

This past weekend was the baby shower for my niece, who could arrive any day! Below are the gifts I made, and a new skill I have learned: bow making. It's not quite as easy as I thought it might be, but I think I am getting the hang of it. I also used silk flowers to create clips as well. I purchased the headbands and hat at Hobby Lobby, along with the ribbon.

This one was a nod to my brother.

 I also made this wall hanging for the nursery. The colors are light green and pink, and I used scrapbook paper in 2 different patterns for the background and to cover the letter. I ended up purchasing a 12x12 album frame and left the glass off, since the letter was thick.

I am excited to meet Claire soon!

Baby Shower Preview

In a few weeks I will be posting pictures of more baby shower gifts! I have to wait until they are actually opened so I don't give anything away. But in the mean time, here's what the wrapping looks like: