Easy Way to Digitally Save Kids' Art / School Projects

With kids come mounds of toys and piles of paper.  The art projects can stack up fast.  I don't like throwing my kiddos' precious masterpieces away, but the bins of arts and crafts and scribbles are out of control already and my oldest is only in kindergarten!  Yikes!

Last week I shared a fun way to display some of those kids art projects and today I wanted to share a little mommy hack that saves me tons of space without the guilt of tossing all.those.papers.

A few months ago I heard about this free app called ArtKive (don't you love the play on words?).  I've been using it recently and let me tell you it's a life (and counter) saver.

No longer do I have a pile of papers from my daughter's school folder stacked neatly on the edge of my counter.   Instead, I go through her school folder and snap digital photos of pictures she's drawn or handwriting practice with my camera phone.  You can do this directly through the Artkive app or you can take the pictures with the camera phone and then send them to Artkive later to file and add captions.

DIY Wood Baby Name Sign

My friend just welcomed her third child - her first boy.  She's in for it.  I tried to warn her, but she's used to quiet, calm, doll baby-playing girls.  Life's about to get a whole lot more crazy! I know this from first hand experience...I had the quiet and calm for two years, nine months and one day and now...this is my daily life.

Bless his little heart.  He's undies-on-the-outside-of-his-jammies-wearing superhero one minute and a selfie-taking princess the next.  Sometimes he wears underwear on his head and sometimes not at all. 

Anyway, she has her precious baby boy and I had a wonderful excuse to make a painted wood sign.  I wanted to do something a little different than the chunky wood baby frame I made for another friend, but I still wanted to include all the baby's birth info.

Free Faux Chalkboard Signs Tutorial {Plus a Free Printable}

A few weeks ago I shared a fun little chalkboard sign I made by using an old picture frame and painting the back with chalkboard paint and then writing with chalkboard markers.  One of the hangs up I had with the sign is that my fancy handwriting and chalkboard lettering leave much to be desired.  The feedback I received from all of you fine people made me feel much better...I'm not in this bad lettering boat alone.  

So today, I thought I'd share a fun and free ways to make faux chalkboard signs.  You read that right...these are not the real deal, but they look like the real deal.  They do not require any chalk, chalkboard paint, or handwriting.  All you'll need is a computer, an internet connection, and a printer. Sound like it's your kinda project? Yeah, me too.

My New Mohawk Home Rug {And a $150 Rug GIVEAWAY!}

 

So a few weeks back it was my birthday.  I had a bad birthday.  Nothing was going right...in fact everything was going wrong.  I told my husband, that night, I wanted a birthday re-do.

The next day I received an email from Jamie.  She's the blogger behind So Much Better With Age which had been hosting a Mohawk Home Rug giveaway.  In her email, she informed me I was randomly selected as the winner of a Mohawk Rug.   Who me?  I won something? Say it ain't so! Happy, Happy Birthday to me, in deed! I got my re-do and I also finally got a rug for my dining room.

Link It or Lump It Link Party #27 {Plus Features}

Welcome to the new and improved Link It or Lump It Party!  So glad you're here...I'm also thrilled to introduce you to our new look and our new co-host, Sonnet.  She's the blogger behind the blog, SoHo Sonnet and I know I speak for myself and  Amy from Delineate Your Dwelling and Alison from Dream a Little Bigger that we couldn't be happier Sonnet has joined us at the weekly Link It or Lump It Party!  Plus, that's great news for you because it means even more features - a total of at least 16 each week.

We also have a guest co-host this week.  Meet Laura from Lovely Wren blog.

Before we get to this week's features, here's a quick look at what Two It Yourself was up to this week...

Pottery Barn Knockoff Chalkboard Frames * DIY Business Cards *Laundry Room Makeover Plans * 

Thrift Store American Girl Table * Michaels Pinterest Party Recap & PHOTOS

Alright, moving on to some features...

Pottery Barn Knockoff Chalkboard Frames

I was perusing the Pottery Barn Kids catalog last week when I spotted their adorable chalkboard frames.  Oh they're just so cute..and so expensive at $39 for just one!   I knew I could knock them off very easily and they'd be perfect in the playroom to display the kids artwork.

Thrift Store table to American Girl Picnic Table

A few weeks back when my kids actually had a day of school (gasp) rather than a(nother) snow day I actually made it to the thrift store! Woo hoo...it was a very successful trip.  Perhaps you remember me sharing these three identical large vintage glass jars that I turned into canisters? Well along with them, I also scored this mini wood picnic table.  Here's something similar on eBay for $75.  WHAT in the hickety hack (my kids love it when I say that) is going on with that!?

Anyway, mine set me back five whole dollars... which is nothing to say 'hickety hack' about in my humble opinion.  I immediately knew I was going to give the picnic table to my daughter for Valentine's Day...but not in the state it was in.  I needed to 'girl' it up a bit and of course that meant PINK!

I gave her two coats of pink spray paint and then used some white craft paint to add the polka dots.  I just used my round foam pouncers to add the circles.

DIY Blogger Business Card Ideas

Less than a year ago when we launched Two It Yourself I never would have imagined needing blogger business cards.  But when Hometalk asked me to host a Pinterest Craft Party at my local Michaels store, I knew I couldn't pass up on the opportunity on getting a little plug in for Two It Yourself.

I literally was lost. I had no idea what I would put on my blog business card.  I searched Pinterest and found Lauren at Thinking Closet's tutorial on DIY blog business cards and I was instantly inspired..and impressed!  Lauren was a little more on top of her game than I was, so she was able to mail order her cards. I was up against the clock and couldn't afford the ship time so I had mine printed locally at Staples.   The price was a little higher than if I had been able to order them online, but they came out beautifully and I had a coupon for 20% off.


I started by going to Staples.com and getting the exact dimensions of their business cards.  From there you can either use one of their templates to design cards or upload your own design.  I simply used the measurements and the safe zone measurements and then created my own design in PicMonkey.

Photos: We Got Our Craft On at the Hometalk & Michaels Pinterest Party

Well, stick a feather in my cap, I have officially made my first 'public appearance' as a blogger.  Hahha. That sounds kind of ridiculous...but I did wear an official-looking apron with a name tag AND I handed out business cards.  Apparently, I was so official people thought I worked at Michaels.   I actually wasn't working but having fun on a recent Sunday when I hosted a Pinterest Craft Party at my local Michaels store sponsored by Michaels and Hometalk.   Every Michaels store nationwide held the event and I have to say I'm thrilled with the turnout at my store.

During the three hour party, I had about 20-25 crafters come through ranging from children to grandmothers.  The group was a mix of personal friends and family and a few of my blog readers who happen to live locally.  Others were Michaels customers who had heard about the event and were just excited to have someone to craft with.  

Crafters picked one of six popular Pinterest projects and then got further inspiration from the 100+ projects crafted by the Hometalk bloggers hosting the Michaels Parties nationwide.

HELP!! My Laundry Closet Needs a Makeover

Perhaps it's because I've been seeing the same four walls of my house for too many consecutive days this winter...that doing laundry actually feels like a retreat most days.  It's five or ten minutes that I can hide upstairs alone when no one is asking me for a drink or to find their Batman (no the other one) or calling from the toilet that "Mommy, there's a problem" only to find out the 'problem' is that he can't get his superhero underwear (oh sorry, mask) on his head without my help.  WHAT is going on!!???!!

Oh wait, I retreat upstairs to switch the laundry and I'm faced with this and it's like WHAM BAM thank you MA'AM this is no haven this is an ugly, inefficient, and scary small laundry room closet. 

Link It or Lump It Link Party #26 {Plus Features}

 

Welcome to another Link It or Lump It Party! Well, my oh my we had a talented bunch this week.  I had the hardest time keeping my picks to just four.  You guys are amazing and I'm so inspired. Each week for me and my co-hosts Amy from Delineate Your Dwelling and Alison from Dream a Little Bigger pick a combined 12 features so be sure you check out there fabulous picks, too!

Alright so before we get to our features, here's a quick look at what Two It Yourself was up to this week...

DIY Chunky Wood Frame * Picture Frame to Chalkboard * DIY Doll Hangers * Last Minute Valentines

Alright, moving on to some features...

An Invitation: Get Your Craft on with 2IY at Michaels' Pinterest Party!

If you have been living under a rock...or perhaps 10 feet of snow, which is entirely possible...perhaps you missed that I am teaming up with Michaels Stores and Hometalk to host a totally awesome Pinterest Party.   I'll be the featured blogger at my local store, here in Delaware, but 100 bloggers will host Pinterest parties at Michaels stores across the country.  All of the parties will be held on Sunday, February 16 from 1-4pm local time.

The name of the game is to simply be creative.  Michaels has picked a few popular Pinterest-inspired projects for crafters to make.  You'll find endcaps for each of the projects at every Michaels store so just go shopping for your supplies and then meet your me or your local blogger (we'll be wearing our Hometalk aprons) in the craft class room to get crafting together.

Each of us bloggers picked our favorite project and put our own spin on it.  To be honest, the creativity from this very talented group of bloggers is overwhelming and I am so honored to be a part of the group.   Here's my take on the birdcage. 

 

Remember, you don't have to do the same project as your blogger...we are here to help you get inspired and to host a fun afternoon of crafting together.  To help get your crafty juices flowing, below you'll find many of the projects from your Pinterest party hosts.   Click on any of the pictures to view the tutorial.  We hope you're inspired and we hope to see you on Sunday, February 16 at your local Michaels store...there is sure to be lots of crafting and even some fun giveaways!   

Thanks for stopping by 2IY! If you like what you see, we'd love for you to pin it!

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DIY Chunky Wood Frame (Makes a Great Personalized Baby Gift)

After I had both of my children I received some really beautiful gifts.  I loved every one of them, but those I cherish the most are the ones that are personalized.  This sign for instance is one of my favorite.  A friend of mine had casually asked about my son's nursery theme during a conversation and then ordered a sign on Etsy with an airplane tugging a sign with his name on it.  I just love it.

So when a friend had a baby recently I thought - ya know, I wanna be the one that gives that gift.  Of course, I had to make it.  Honestly the basic chunky wood sign was easy to make.  All that text did make the project a little hairy at times, but I have a few tips to make it easier.

Bathroom Wall Art: Old Picture Frame to Chalkboard

So on Sunday I was at my mom's having a birthday dinner and she gave me a bag of old picture frames.  No, that wasn't my gift, but it could have been.  I was happy to take them off her hands.  Four of them are matching frames which I have yet to upcycle, but the fourth was this large gold frame with a mat. 

Last Minute DIY Valentines for Classmates

I'm feeling a little last minute this year with the Valentines for my kids' classmates.  Last year, I was so last minute I literally printed out some sheets on my way out the door, bought a box of munkins, and called it a day.

DIY American Girl Doll Hangers (On the Cheap)

Trying to control and organize the growing American Girl wardrobe my daughter is collecting is  more work than organizing her own clothes.  For Christmas she got a doll dresser, but with just a few hangers all the clothes were ending up balled up on top of it, instead of hung neatly inside which was my vision.  Yeah right....insert reality check here!  At least I tried...I decided, instead of continuing to buy packs of hangers that I knew would eventually get lost and/or broken, I would make some.

Link It or Lump It Link Party #25 {Plus Features}

 

Welcome to another Link It or Lump It Party! There were so many amazing crafts, DIYs, recipes and more linked up, it is getting tougher and tougher each week for me and my co-hosts Amy from Delineate Your Dwelling and Alison from Dream a Little Bigger to pick just a few features each.

Before I introduce this week's co-host and share my features,  I have some totally, big and exciting news to share with all of you.  I have been asked by Hometalk and Michaels Stores to be one of the bloggers to host a Pinterest Party at my local Michaels on February 16! Every Michaels Store will have a Pinterest Party and you're all invited...so come on out and craft with your favorite bloggers. Click the photo below for more info and to enter to win a $100 Michaels gift card!

Now back to link party business....

This week we're joined by another guest co-host.  Please help us welcome Caroline from Stumbling Upon Happiness.  Caroline joins us all the way from Switzerland.  She says, "A year ago, my husband was offered a wonderful job opportunity in Geneva, Switzerland. We decided to take the offer and are now enjoying everything Switzerland and Europe have to offer! I started blogging to share our travel experiences and life with our friends and family back home. Now I blog not just about travel and life, but also food. I really enjoy sharing my passions for food, travel, and life with my readers and hope to share them with you too!"

Alright, moving on to some features...

16 DIY Valentine's Day Ideas {To Craft, Eat, and Gift}

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so I thought it was a good time to share a big 'ol roundup of DIY Valentine's Day ideas  - everything from decor to crafts and even unique Valentine's Day classmate gifts. 

Click the description below each photo to be taken directly to the tutorial. 

DIY Valentine's Day Subway Art Banner

Have you been decorating for Valentine's Day?  I have a few pops of red and pink around the house and earlier this week I added this cute little DIY Valentine's Day subway art banner.  It didn't take me long to make since I used my Silhouette to cut a subway art freezer paper stencil (for the tutorial and designs I used, head over to Silhouette School).  If you don't have a Silhouette cutting machine you can always make the banner with a few different Valentine's-themed stamps, by cutting your own stencil by creating the design in Powerpoint and then cutting it out using an exact knife, or buy purchasing some heavy paper or plastic stencils.

However, you make your design, that's the fun and creative part.  But before we get to that let's talk about the actual banner.  I posted a sneak peek of this on Facebook a few days ago and someone asked where I got the scroll.  The answer is - I made it using a small piece of dropcloth and a dowel.

My flag is about 12" x 10".  To make the same size, you'll want to cut a piece of drop cloth 15" x 11".  Fold the two sides and the bottom over half an inch each and press with a hot iron.  Sew a straight stitch across these three sides.

Boxwood Bird Cage with Mini Chalkboard Banner ($100 Giveaway & Michaels Pinterest Party)

Birdcages are all the rage right now.  Seriously, they're everywhere.  Have you seen this succulent-filled Turquoise bird cage on Pinterest, it's hugely popular and has been pinned hundreds of times.

Not only did it inspire our boxwood birdcage, but it's also one I'll be of the projects I'll crafting alongside you when I host the upcoming Pinterest Party at my local Michaels store (Newark, Delaware) on February 16.

7 Unique and Fun Ways to Hang Bathroom Towels (Guest Post)

Today we have a special guest blogger joining us.  Sue from the lovely (and very informative) blog My-Bathrooms Blog is here to share with us seven awesome tips on bathroom towel organization.  I'll let Sue take it from here...

With so much to be done and squeezed into the bathroom, it is hard to give this fiercely practical and functional room an attractive and charming finish. However, by choosing accessories carefully keeping your décor theme and chosen colors in mind, you will be able to fill your bathroom with color, appeal and plenty of useful storage space and practicality. 

A place to hang your towels is a perfect example of this. Instead of the standard dreary row of chrome hooks why not consider the following options?

Free Standing Towel Racks

Eke out precious space in your bathroom by investing in a freestanding towel rail that can be moved around the room as needed – even being popped outside the bathroom should it get overcrowded for any reason! Freestanding towel rails at Argos come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, and no matter how small your bathroom, you will be able to find one that suits your needs and fits into the available space.

Websters Chalk Paint Powder REVIEW {And Giveaway}

Last week I shared a furniture makeover project in which I converted an old dresser drawer into a raised storage box.   The dresser was originally a solid wood stained piece with a poly finish.  It may have been someone else's cup of tea, but it wasn't mine and so I painted it.

If you've been following Two It Yourself for any length of time you know I prefer chalk paint when painting furniture.  I typically mix up a batch of DIY Chalk Paint, but for this project I was given the opportunity to test out Websters Chalk Paint Power.  This was my first experience with Websters and I have to say I am definitely impressed.

Link It or Lump It Link Party #24 {Plus Features}

 

You ladies really know how to party! And wow the creativity was off the charts this week!  There were so many amazing crafts, DIYs, recipes and more linked up it was tough for my co-hosts Amy from Delineate Your Dwelling and Alison from Dream a Little Bigger and me each just pick four (that's a total of 12 chances of getting featured for you)!

Plus this week we're joined by another guest co-host.  Please help us welcome Sonnet from . 

SohoSonnet.  Sonnett says...."Mother, wife, blogger, graphic designer, beer/wine lover, soon to be Etsy shop owner.  I started my blog SohoSonnet CreativeLiving in November after losing my job and wondering what the heck I was going to do. I wanted to do something that would make ME happy, that would give me purpose, feed my creative soul and blogging WAS IT. On my blog I provide DIY tutorials for home décor, seasonal crafts, kids activities and lots of free printables." 

Before we get to our features here's a look at what yours truly has been up to this week....

Dresser Drawer turned Storage Box * Thrifted Vintage Canisters Makeover * 

Louvered Door & Mirror Makeover  * 20 Amazing Pottery Barn Knockoffs

Alright, moving on to some features...