OC Family She's Crafty

Votives anyone?

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:10:00 GMT

I think party favors should be practical, useful or eatable!

I know… I’m no fun. But how many shower favors have you thrown out over the years?

A LOT!!

Who wouldn't want an awesome glass votive for their mantel!?!

Tie the same fabric strips around cute votives with a ‘Thank You’ message attached!

Guests can remove the fabric strips and replace the pink candle with one to match their home.

Kara-Noel has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her three kiddos you'll find her blogging at Eli's Lids The Blog!

The International Princess Project

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:33:00 GMT

(We are taking a break from our Baby/Bridal shower series to save lives... REALLY!)

What if I told you sewing could rescue women from prostitution?
And you don’t even have to do the sewing… all you have to do is get some cozy (ADORABLE) PJs from the International PrincessTM Project!!

I got to chat (via email) with Kelli Coltman about International Princess Project…

Today in India there are over 2 million women and girls working as prostitutes. Many have been trafficked, kidnapped, lured with promises of jobs, or sold by their families into sexual slavery. Some as young as six years old have become sex workers (the actual term used in India) due to poverty or lack of opportunities. Although it is hard for us to imagine, this is a shocking reality that these women face every day.
You can be a significant part of changing the lives of many of these women and girls who have literally had their innocence and dignity stolen. We invite you to become a part of International PrincessTM Project’s Fabric of Freedom Gala.
Who is International PrincessTM Project?
International PrincessTM Project is a non-profit organization committed to advocating for women enslaved in prostitution, restoring their broken lives, and empowering them to live free. We are accomplishing this mission through creating micro-enterprise sewing centers in aftercare centers where women formerly enslaved in prostitution come for safety and healing. In these sewing centers, the women create PunjammiesTM - drawstring pajamas sewn from beautiful Indian fabric.These handcrafted garments are sold in the U.S., with the profit going back to restore more women who were once hopeless. They are able to earn wages to support themselves by becoming a key part of a viable business. Our sewing centers have become an integral part of the restoration of these women, and create a safe and healing environment where they can gain dignity and self-worth.
What is the Fabric of Freedom Gala?
On Saturday September 25th, 2010, our third annual gala will take place at the exclusive Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach,California. The theme of this special celebration is FREEDOM. There will be music and Bollywood dancing, delicious fare, cocktails, a fabulous silent and live auction, and other surprises! The Fabric of Freedom Gala is our single largest fund raising event towards our efforts to help these women and girls.
How can YOU help these women achieve their freedom?
We would like to invite you to partner with us as an underwriter of this life- changing event. With your help we can ensure that every dollar raised on the night of the gala goes to help more women live FREE. You could play a major role in changing many lives by participating in this event!

Head on over to the International Princess Project shop and buy PJs now!
Don’t need PJs? Just donate some cash here.
Get tickets for the 3rd Annual Gala in Huntington Beach on September 25th here.

Favors that favor your budget

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:56:00 GMT

No baby/bridal shower is complete without favors!!
Use fabric strips to tie any favor into your theme...

Kara-Noel has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her three kiddos you'll find her blogging at Eli's Lids The Blog!

Stripin' windows for a shower

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:58:00 GMT

Last week I shared some window poofs to decorate for a baby/bridal shower. If poofs aren’t your thing use the fabric strips to make simple window treatments.
It’s no secret that I love tearing fabric… suppressed aggression?
You be the judge!~Tear 3-5, 2” strips. The length will depend on the width of your window and how much you want to hang down on each end. I had mine hanging about 2 feet from the top at varying lengths.
~Gather the strips together about 2 feet from the end and loop.~Use a small 6” strip to tie them together.~Fluff out the loops and secure them on the corner of the window. I was able to just set my loops over the top of our blinds.Enjoy these easy window treatment options at your next shower or get creative with some of your own!

Kara-Noel has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her three kiddos you'll find her blogging at Eli's Lids The Blog!

Dress up windows with poofs

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:01:00 GMT

I like to add window treatments at my showers. I think it really ties in the theme and colors. AND it’s as easy as pie (not that I have ever made a pie!).
You should still have loads of fabric after making your table runners to make these simple window poofs.~Tear rectangle pieces. Mine were about 21” x 9.”

~Gather in the center lengthwise.~Secure in the center with ribbon and spread out the ends till they meet at the top and bottom. If they don’t stay then you can add a dab of hot glue to keep the circle shape. Or keep a bow shape if that ties with your theme better.~Hang with ribbon in the windows at different lengths. Big or small these poofs will give any room a festive feel!

Kara-Noel has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her three kiddos you'll find her blogging at Eli's Lids The Blog!

No sew your way to a custom table runner

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 22:09:00 GMT

Have you ever thrown a Baby or Bridal shower?
I've throw a few...
OK, at least a dozen... really!
I LOVE IT!!
I've come up with a few tips and tricks for throwing an awesome shower without breaking the bank.
I'll be doing a 10+ post series just on throwing a shower, starting with a few posts on how to decorate your whole place with 3 yards of fabric...

This video is a tutorial for making a custom table runner. No sewing involved!
Kara-Noel has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her three kiddos you'll find her blogging at Eli's Lids The Blog!

Cupcake Giveaway from Meringue Bake Shop

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:01:00 GMT

Kristin from Meringue Bake Shop does some awesome work in the kitchen!
You don’t believe me??
See for yourself…
(Warning: It may take all your willpower not to lick the computer screen.)(How about that marshmallow one on the bottom left?? YUM!!)

Kristin has graciously offered to give away 1 free dozen of regular size cupcakes or 1 free dozen of cup pies.
Order them for your next par-tay (4th of July bash coming up?) or as a little afternoon delight for mommy! Need more than 1 dozen?? Combine your free dozen with as many as you purchase!!
How to win…

Mandatory entry:
Leave a comment on this post proclaiming your love for cupcakes! Do you love chocolate or vanilla? Loads of frosting? Prefer cupcakes over ice cream? (You get the idea!)
Extra entries:
~Follow Meringue Bake Shop on twitter
~Become a fan of Meringue Bake Shop on Facebook
~Tweet or FB about this giveaway. Copy and paste: I entered to win FREE CUPCAKES from @meringuebkeshp at @OCFamily You can too! http://tinyurl.com/3a73ns2 #OC
~Follow OC Family on Twitter
~Fan OC Family on Facebook

Guidelines: Prize must be claimed by 11/1/10. Giveaway will be open till Friday July 2nd for OC and IE residents. Pick-up will be arranged with Kristin.

4th of July Dessert Kabobs

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:03:00 GMT

Today we have the honor of a guest post from Kristin over at
Meringue Bake Shop.
Tomorrow we have a special surprise from Kristin.
I know.
We are awesome!!

4th of July Dessert Kabobs

So the middle of the year is almost here. Can ya believe it?? Wasn't I just stressing out about Christmas?

Last year, the lovely Suz Broughton asked me to put together a tutorial for her blog. Check it out here. Since it's a new year, I wanted to do another tutorial along the same lines as last year's with some changes. I wanted to make them a little easier, a little less sweet. I would say healthier but we know that isn't true. So I'll go with less sweet.

Anywhoooo....

To make these fun kabobs, you'll need:
White cake recipe or box mix (I used the 4th of July funetti box from Pillsbury)
Large marshmallows
Candy melts in blue and red
2" Star cookie cutter Strawberries
Wax paper
Bamboo skewers
Assorted 4th of July sprinkles

1. Prepare your white cake recipe per the instructions. Add some sprinkles into the batter. I added the packet that came inside the funetti box and also added some red, white and blue star quins. Instead of pouring the batter into a 9x13 or round cake pans, pour it into a half sheet cookie sheet. It needs to be 18x13". If your sheet is smaller, you can just use less batter. Make sure the sides are 1" deep though. I bought my sheet at Smart and Final for like $10 I think. Spray the cookie sheet with cooking spray. Liberally.

2. Bake in a 350F oven for 25 mins. Your oven may vary so just keep your nose on it. I had mine in a little too long so my cake was browner that I would have liked. But it still tastes good.

3. While the cake is baking, get out two bowls and two coffee mugs. Pour a handful of candy melts in each bowl - one for blue and one for red. Microwave each bowl for 1 min on 50% power, stir then 30 secs on full power, stir until smooth. Pour red melts inside one coffee mug and blue melts inside another. Grab your bag of marshmallows, a bamboo skewer (i used a fondue fork), the mugs, a sheet of wax paper and a platter.

4. Get comfy. And this is where you can bring your kids in to help. Stick a marshmallow on the end of the skewer. Place it in the cup and slowly twist the marshmallow in the candy melts. Make sure you get some good coverage. It doesn't have to be perfect. Then slowly push the marshmallow off the skewer and onto the wax paper. You can leave these plain or sprinkle sprinkles on the wet melts.

Keep doing this until you have all the marshmallows you need. When you are all done, place the finished marshmallows into the fridge to let the candy melts harden. The cake should be done now.

5. Take the cake out of the oven and let it cool until its no longer warm to the touch. Since it's baked in a sheet pan, it doesn't take very long for it to cool.
6. Now that your cake is cooled, grab the sheet pan and everything else - skewers, marshmallows, strawberries, star cookie cutter and a plate to hold the finished kabobs.
Note: At this point, you can save this step for the day of and make this a fun activity to do on the 4th of July. Just wrap plastic wrap around the sheet pan and set aside. Leave the marshmallows in the fridge.
Set everything down on your table. Give yourself plenty of room. Take the star cutter and press it down into the sheet cake. If you give it a slight wiggle as you press down, it will help prevent cracking.

Keep pressing out stars in the sheet cake until you have the desired amount. If the cake comes out in the cutter, just lightly press it out and put on the plate. If the stars stay in the cake, just peel the outside pieces away from the cut out star. If you choose to eat the scraps, I won't tell.

7. Grab a skewer. Push a marshmallow down to about 2" from the bottom.

Next, push down a strawberry.

Then a star, then marshmallow, strawberry, star.

Or whatever combo you prefer. I did notice that when I placed a strawberry near the cake though, the cake started to get soggy so keep that in mind.

And viola!

Continue doing this until you've made as many kabobs as you wish! If you make these the day before, just lightly cover with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge until ready to set on your table. Serve with a side of whipped cream. The spray can whipped cream is fun because then you can just squirt directly onto the kabob and eat! If you have those large number cookie cutters, you could even cut out some 4s and add those along with the stars.

These were really easy and fun to make. If you find smaller bamboo skewers, you can even make smaller ones, seen in the picture at the top. So what do you think? These were easier than last years kabobs. They also required less steps and product to make. But really, there are a lot of possibilities with these. If you don't want to use cake, make rice crispy treats instead, press into star shapes and skewer those on beside strawberries, blueberries, whatever you want. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! If you have any questions, just leave a comment below and I'll answer back as soon as possible.
(all these pics were taken with my iphone4!)

Thanks Kristin!!
We hope to hear more from you soon!

Fat quarter sweet treats

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:58:00 GMT

I’m sure I have mentioned it once or twice, but I love fat quarters! They are just the right amount of fabric to make something adorable. I went to a lil’ shin-dig called Blog Sugar and made fat quarter cones for favors. I think the crafty people liked them. Everyone else… the jury is still out!

To make these sweet treats, you’ll need:

fabric
8x11 paper (ice cream cone color)
double stick tape
optional spray glitter (as if glitter is ever an option!)

(if you look close you can see the fabric I used for the shamrock garland!)

Fold paper corner to corner and cut.Roll paper (90 degree angle at the bottom) into a cone. I left a triangle piece sticking up for a waffle cone effect. Use double stick tape to secure the paper into the cone shape.Spray the heck out out of the cones with glitter! As you can see from my picture the cones varied in size and shape. It won’t make any difference when they are all stuffed with fabric!Stuff the cones with your fat quarters and poof up like a yummy scoop of ice cream.I used a cardboard box (diapers) with circle holes cut in the top to display the cones.
I think they looked just divine!How easy was that?? I just may take a bite out of mine…Kara-Noel (8.5 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging at Eli's Lids The Blog!

Photo shoot winner!

Mon, 24 May 2010 12:01:00 GMT

The winner of the coveted photo shoot from Elizabeth Luna Photography is...

Alycia Wicker

Her comment was:

I loved the pictures from the Clarke family. Especially the one on the orange orchard. Very nice. I like that the photographs aren't so predictable... where the same trick is done with each photograph. All original and pretty!

Can't wait to see the shoot on Elizabeth's Blog!

Winner was chosen using random.org.

Kara-Noel (8 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging at Eli's Lids The Blog!

Magnetic fishing game = Summer boredom buster

Fri, 21 May 2010 10:17:00 GMT

Want to learn how to make this awesome fabric fishing set?

I designed this sucker myself :)

Head on over to Blissfully Domestic for my How-To post!

Win a family photoshoot!

Wed, 12 May 2010 15:18:00 GMT

The time has come for an awesome giveaway!

Remember the our photo tips from Elizabeth Luna Photography?

She has offered to host a photo shoot giveaway and one lucky reader will win it!!

The Prize:
Enter to win a one hour family photo shoot in Riverside County with Elizabeth Luna Photography AND one 11x14 print from the shoot. (You'll have the option to buy more if you like!!)

How to win...
Head on over to Inland Empire Family for all the rules!

Want some more giveaway action??
Check out MOMday Morning and win $75 cash, a B.Y.O.G. Labor and Delivery Gown, a Blessed Nest Nesting Pillow and 2 Eli's Lids!!

Kara-Noel (7 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Photo tips from Elizabeth Luna!

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:41:00 GMT

I have been planning something fun for you.

(think photos and a giveaway!)
Why?
Because I heart you.
REALLY!

Back in September I met Elizabeth Luna through the awesomeness of the Internet!

She is a talented photographer. But don't take my word for it, see for yourself...

Part of being crafty is capturing family memories and displaying them in your home or in scrapbooks.
Wouldn't you like to know more about Elizabeth and get a few photo tips? (Maybe win a photo shoot??)
Good!
(Check back soon for details about a giveaway surprise from Elizabeth... just in time for Mom's Day!!!)
1. Tell us a bit about how you started in photography…
Of course like most photographers I had a passion while growing up, but never thought of making it a profession. Then about 3 years ago I started to home school my 2 younger children and begin to start shooting again and that old spark came back again. I begin to take pictures of my children friends children etc. A year later I started shooting weddings and I can't even explain how much I love to interact with people haha!
2. 3 tips for those of us who know NOTHING about photography.
1st tip - Search through the internet! There is so much information available to us today.
2nd tip - Shoot shoot shoot! I have learned so much by just simple trial and error. Take pictures of anything your children, your pets etc.
3rd tip - Take local classes at a community college or even check out Facebook groups there are loads of them out there! I have made lots of new friends using Facebook.
3. If we are ready to move on from a point & shoot camera what should we look for in a more complex one?
This really varies depending on what you want to take pictures of. There is several ones that I do recommend to friends who are starting for example the Canon 50d. I do encourage you to read the reviews and what the camera can do for you based on what you want to do with it.
4. Any tips for taking pictures of little ones who don’t want their picture taken.
Bring Snacks, props and make a lot of funny faces and sounds haha! Serious it works!
5. Do you recommend any easy to use photo editing sites?
When I first started I used flickr it was easy and basic I think even photobucket does the same and it's free! I now use Lightroom and very simple and I mentioned the internet has so much information now.

Another reminder...
Check back soon for a giveaway from Elizabeth Luna Photography hosted on She's Crafty Inland Empire Family Blog!

Kara-Noel (7 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Flower power for your shower

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:41:00 GMT

I've got showers on the brain... and I'm not talking soap and water.

Think Babies and Brides!!

Make these flower bow favors that double as name tags for the shin-dig.

You'll need:

First pull all the flowers off the stems and pull out the plastic centers. You'll be left with a tiny hole in the center of each flower.

Add a crystal to the center with a small bead of hot glue. Set the flowers aside till the end.

Cut your ribbon to fit all the way around the clip (guide 2 pictures down), depending on the clip you use the length will vary. I got my clips at Hair Hardware.
Run the flame from the lighter across each end to prevent the ribbon from fraying.

DONE!!
We wrote everyone's names on a piece of card stock and displayed the clips in the entry for guests to clip to their tops.

I think it looks just peachy.

What do you think?

Kara-Noel (7 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Holiday decor that lasts all year...

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:18:00 GMT

I decorate a bit (ok... a lot) for every holiday.

But there are only so many knick knacks you want laying around the house.

I thought it would be cool to re-purpose something in my house for every holiday.

Huh?!?!? (you're thinking)

I just take something that is already up in my place and make it match the holiday.

Huh?!?! (your STILL thinking)

I have a large tin star ($4.00 on clearance at Jo-Ann Fabrics) and a big letter "L" for our last name in our living room all the time. Add a little spray paint and you have new holiday decor!

Let me show you in pictures...
Valentines Day...

(also in this picture the Heart Garland)

St Patty's Day...

(also in this picture the Shamrock Garland)

Easter/Spring...

Hope you are inspired to re-purpose something of your own... or just copy my letter and star. I don't mind a bit, as long as you send me pictures!!

Kara-Noel (7 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Spring fat quarter bouquet

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 10:58:00 GMT

I love fat quarters!

(fat quarters = 1/4 yard of fabric cut from 1/2 yard down the middle. So you have a "fat" quarter yard of fabric)

They are perfect for little projects (like the purse we made at Christmas and the drawstring bags!) and they come in matching color packages.

I'm a sucker for those sweet little coordinating pieces of fabric!

I bought some for my grandmom for her birthday and decided to package them into a super cute Spring bouquet.

(This would be a great way to package a gift for fabric lovers or crafters in your life!)

You'll need...

Fold one fat quarter in half lengthwise.

Then fold it in half again.
Then fold it in half AGAIN. But not quite to the end (pictured below).
Grab a skewer and start rolling it tightly around the pointy end.
(option - Paint the skewers green and allow dry time before wrapping)

When you get to the end put a short piece of double stick tape on the edge and press down on the main part of the flower.

Take the floral tape (I get mine at the Dollar Tree!!) and start wrapping tightly around the flower (about 2" from the bottom) working your way down.

When you get to the skewer wrap around a few more times to make the flower secure.
Now you have the perfect bouquet for a handsome little man to give to his grandmom.

Or a sweet decoration for your home!

Kara-Noel (6 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Peek-a-boo baby chick

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 10:13:00 GMT

Surprise your little one with a friendly baby chick this Easter!

This Surprise Egg is EASY to make and kiddos love it.

You'll need:

1. Hot glue feathers around the back of the egg
2. Wad up the tissue paper and hot glue to the bottom of the egg for weight

3. Hot glue feathers to cover tissue (lots and lots)

4. Use a tiny bead of hot glue to attach a beak (option to glue on google eyes)

Now "surprise" everyone who comes over.
Eli took this to Easter gatherings last year and it was a huge hit!

Get Crafty!!

Kara-Noel (6 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Got shamrocks?

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:34:00 GMT

Saint Patrick's Day is right around the corner!

Make this shamrock garland with things you have around the house.

(I'm a sucker for a good garland!)

She's Crafty - Shamrock Garland from Kara Noel Lawson on Vimeo.

Done!

Get Crafty!

Kara-Noel (5 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Win a Janome embroidery machine!

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:27:00 GMT

Are you just starting to dabble in this whole crafting world??
Check out The DIY Dish for awesome ideas AND there is a chance you can win a sewing machine or embroidery machine to get those creative juices flowing!
Go here for detail about the giveaway.
Below is a little video about the new site!
Good luck!! You better believe I entered!!
That embroidery machine is calling my name.
I may have to monogram all Hot Hubby's work shirts... ha!

Coming soon...
...St Patrick's Day crafts to decorate you home
...a week long series about thowing a baby shower!!

Kara-Noel (5 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Goodbye Valentines Day!

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:52:00 GMT

I'm taking down Valentines Day today!

Goodbye heart votives.

Goodbye handprint hearts.

Goodbye heart garland (don't tell the others... but I will miss you MOST of all!)

Goodbye Valentine's Day runner I never finished.

I'll be packing you away unfinished.

But you will be first on the list for next year!!

Hello all things GREEN!!

Look for St. Patty crafts coming soon.

I'm off to pick up some green spray paint :)

Kara-Noel (5 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.