Wednesday, February 6

A Crafty Evening and Other Bits & Pieces

I'm not a real crafty person, but tonight I was just tired of writing. I decided that I'd make my mother a fan for Valentine's Day. I had seen the instructions for this somewhere and thought maybe this very illiterate crafter could do this. Well, I made a good attempt. I'm not 100% pleased with it, but I think for a first, it's not too bad. Mom will like it anyway.

This is how it was done. I used a template to cut the white pieces out of white gift boxes. Then I used an end of wallpaper left over from my living room to put the front piece (green piece) on. I didn't dip the wallpaper in water, but just dampened it. I used a soft cloth and ran it over the back of the wallpaper, then stuck it fast to the white stock paper.

When it was dry (it didn't take long, maybe 15 minutes) I added some letters at the top of the fan. I'm not sure if you can tell, but it spells "Mother." I had punched holes with a paper punch near the bottom of the fan and then slid a green ribbon through it and tied it. I added buttons on the two end fan pieces and a fairy sticker. When the fan is folded, the button and fairy will be on the front.

It looks nice, but I'm going to try doing others. This is something that the boys and I could do for their mother for Easter or Mother's Day. It was just a crafty night and practice makes perfect. I just had a desire to create.


In other news, my daughter, Michelle, was able to go into work today. She was working 3 pm to 9 pm, so I picked the boys up from school. Brandon is a bit upset that Mom will be having surgery the day his class trip begins. He's chosen not to go, but is really disappointed. The timing on this was not great, but there's a reason for everything. Please keep Brandon in your prayers. He's having a bit of a rough time right now. He will be with me the day his Mom has her surgery.


Not much other news here today. It rained off and on all day and is raining again now. We are to have ice and snow overnight. The wacky weather continues. By next Monday we are to be in a frigid spell again. Spring, oh Spring, where are you?

Do you remember that Brandy at Mommy's Quiet Spot won my Valentine Giveaway? Well Brandy received it and has posted photos. She's also had a baby since then. Please stop by and congratulate her and also find out what was in the mystery box.

Take care everyone and thanks to all my friends and readers for alway taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it more than you will ever know.

Do a kind deed today. Kindness brings hope. ~Blessings, Mary~

23 comments:

  1. Good Early Morning Mary,
    Oh my goodness, what a beautiful fan you made. For someone not to be a good crafter, you sure did a wonderful job on it. I thought you had bought it at a store at first until I read that you made it. I know your Mother will be proud to get it. I'm sure your daughter will be glad to get one that the boys make for her as well. You could probably make one for Valentine's for the boys to give her. Just a thought there. I will keep Brandon in my prayers. I know it must be hard on him not being able to go on his class trip. We have had some bad weather around here today. I finally put up a post and told about it. "THANK YOU" for the kind words in the email you sent me. I do appreciate it very much. Take care my friend and have a great day. May God Bless You and Yours. I seen what you sent Brandy. Those are some beautiful and neat things.

    Love & Hugs,
    Karen H.

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  2. Mary,
    Yes, the fan is beautiful and so thoughtful.....I'm glad you still have your Mom....mine passed away in l989....

    Bless Brandon's heart....he has much to think about....

    Thank you for your visit and comments....Betty

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  3. I LOVE that fan. Now I think I'll try my luck with one. Perhaps make me one with the Gone With the Wind theme!!!?!! For my bedroom wall?

    Your's is perfect Mary, don't belittle yourself so much. And I know your mother will cherish the gift.

    Happy day to you.

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  4. I just popped over and saw the prize package stuff! Super cool.

    And the baby Emily!!!! Awwwwww!!!!!

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  5. What a fabulous idea for a Mother's Day gift. I am certainly looking for alternative (less costly) gift ideas for my mother this year.

    I will definitely hold Brandon, and the rest of your family in your prayers.

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  6. Mary,

    You did a great job. The fan is lovely! I'm sure your Mom will love it. :-)

    Hugs,
    Tina

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  7. Mary,
    A stormy day around the eastern USA but wishing you sunshine and gentle showers.....

    Thanks for the visit and comment about our guests from Trinidad Tobago....it was quite an experience.....Betty

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  8. I'm here again. Just got home. Hubby wanted to go to the Hardware store for some molly screws and I needed to get some produce for dinner so we 'killed two birds with one stone'.....I was just about ready to come back and tell you that Brandon will feel hurt but it's still good for him to learn that life just isn't fair all the time....but, Bud had the keys in his hand and I figured I better get. So, hadda come back. :o)

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  9. I love that fan. It seems like it would be pretty easy to make. And if you're not crafty maybe I can make one too ;)

    Stop by and check out my new blog Livin' With Me

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  10. That is such a beautiful fan, you are very talented. I will be lifting Brandon up in my prayers. I love you.

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  11. Great Idea and I needed a new craft for the kids at church. Hope you don't mind if I use your idea.

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  12. Hello dear Mary,
    I just spent the last few minutes catching up on your posts...I can't believe how far behind I'd gotten! But I'm so far behind with everyone right now.
    Your fan is simply lovely! What a great idea this is!
    I loved the pictures of your grand-nephew...what a cutie!
    I'll be praying for your daughter's surgery and also for your grandson.
    Blessings,
    ~Tammy

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  13. Hi Mary,
    I've finally recovered from the flu bug that had me in it's grip last week and am trying to catch up with some blog reading. Did a marathon read of your last 10 or so posts ... and am trying to remember everything as I leave this comment. I notice from your sidebar that you've visited Bev's blog and found the nifty posters there to add to your sidebar. Hasn't she done a wonderful job?

    That's a lovely fan you made for your mother. I'm glad to know that your daughter is doing okay and is able to work. I'm holding her in prayer along with the others you've mentioned in previous posts. I'm also praying for the tornado victims ... so much destruction and sorrow!

    Re: wacky weather ... was that lightning photo one you took or a graphic you found? On a happier note ... I enjoyed the photos of MGM. It looked like you all had a wonderful time.

    It's good to catch up a bit today and I'm hoping life will slow down enough to let me pass through here more regularly again. Hope all is well with you and yours.
    Hugs and blessings,

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  14. Your mother will love the fan, Mary. Mamas are like that, you know. ;o)

    Our weather has been wacky, too! Hot, cold, ice, snow, tornadoes! All of that in less than a week!

    So many people in need of our prayers. I'm adding my prayers to yours and the others', Mary.

    Hope Michelle does well until time for her surgery. That should really give her some relief from her pain and other symptoms.

    Take care, and love and hugs,

    Diane

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  15. That's so sweet, hope your mom likes it.

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  16. How are you doing today, Mary? I was looking to see if you had a Live Well post.
    we had some bad weather yesterday but all is well now.
    I am starting my quilt class tomorrow, I have everything in the car. I find it is easier if I just do that ahead of time for whatever errands I have. Then I want forget in the morning.
    Have a good day,
    Mama Bear

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  17. Hi Mary, I think you are very crafty!! That is very nice! Your Mother will love this!
    I will pray for your grandson...he is disappointed for sure.. Praying for your daughter too! Love and hugs Carolyn

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  18. I know your mom will love her fan. Most of us our own worst critic.

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  19. Hello Mary, The fan is so lovely! What a sweet thing to make for your Mother, I'm sure she will love it.
    I have been thinking about your Daughter Michelle, she has been in my prayers. I'm glad she was able to go to work today.
    It's pouring down rain right now here in Ohio. There is so much flooding all over our town.. my basement included. We are having such warm weather here.
    Well I'm off to my evening job. Hugs & love ~Mary~

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  20. Hi, I just wanted to stop by and let you know that Emily is my best friend. Lilly Beth is her new little baby. I am cant have babies anymore so, I will play with everyone else's. I wish I had a little girl though. I am sorry for any confusion my blog caused. Please don't be upset about me letting you know. I hope you didn't get mad at me.

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  21. Beautiful Fan, What a precious gift to give any mom, Especially me (hot flashes)!!!lol. I will have to try that with my granddaughters, great idea, thanks:)

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  22. Oh Mary, the fan is just gorgeous, you truly did a fabulous job making it!! I'm sure your mother will treasure it always! Aren't we are own worst critics though? lol

    Awww poor Brandon, what a shame he had to cancel going on the trip but I'm sure he'd be too worried about his mom to enjoy it anyway. The best of luck to Michelle, I do pray that her surgery goes well. I'm glad he'll be with you that day.

    I went to Brandy's blog...I was so curious as to what was in that box! lol Such delightful goodies you enclosed and she seemed quite happy with everything:-)

    It's -16c right now and the wind is so frigid, they've issued a frostbite warning. I'm glad I don't have to go out tonight!!

    Stay warm and take care of yourself dear friend. Will answer your email soon!! xoxo

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  23. Hi Sweetie

    I just got back from seeing the Valentines..and the BABY

    wooohoo

    and praying for your grandson and your daughter!!
    hugs, Deena

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