DIY "Patchwork" Picture Frame

Hey y'all!  This is a fun, creative DIY project that you can make to match any decor! 

Materials needed: 

*Unfinished wooden frame (local craft store like Michael's or Hobby Lobby)

*scrapbook paper

*Mod Podge

*Acrylic paint 

*foam paint brush

First, you need to paint the edges of your unfinished wood picture frame.  Allow that to dry.

Next, choose 4 corners of your scrapbook paper.  These will be the 4 corners of your picture frame.  Tear them into bigger pieces, leaving the corners in tact so they fit into the corners of your frame.

Use Mod Podge UNDER and on top of the scraps.

Continue tearing your scrapbook paper using the straight edges to line up on the edges of the frame.  Again, mod podge under and on top of your paper.

Continue using the edges of  your paper to complete the edges of the frame.

Use the rest of your scrapbook paper to layer, and fill in the remaining blank spots on your frame.  There is NO wrong way to do it!

Layering paper (below)

After you have all your blank spaces filled up, add another full coat of mod podge over the entirety of the project.  This ensures no corners are sticking up, which could result in curling of your scrapbook paper.   

After it dries, add any embellishments you would like!  Here, I used handmade rolled rosettes, and a few stick on pearls for the corners.

Others I completed:

 Tip:  Try using a variety of textured paper, scrapbook embellishments and colors to match your decor!  These make excellent handmade gifts!  Try personalizing with a families last name or child's name for their bedroom.  :)  Add ribbon to hang, attach wire picture hangers on the back, or use the wooden pegs that should come with your unfinished frame to use these as table top frames.

Hope you all enjoy this project as much as I did! 

Happy crafting!  :)

Raindrops Full of Blessings!

Hey y'all...

This will be a short post, but hopefully full of power for those who read.  On the radio, I heard a quote...

"If blessings were raindrops, how wet would you be?"

Honestly, we'd probably all be soaked to the bone.  How great is our God!  

This quote (above) is derived from Isaiah 45:8...

 You heavens above, rain down my righteousness;

    let the clouds shower it down.

Let the earth open wide,

    let salvation spring up,

let righteousness flourish with it;

    I, the Lord, have created it.

If you haven't already heard Laura Story's song, Blessings - here is a link.  Check her out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKPeoPiK9XE&list=PL-Setdg6GIKS5gab8soa5_MNJ9AoKE568

I have spent a few days thinking about this quote and the verse and how it relates to the blessings that are POURED onto us as God's people.  

Thank you Lord, for all of your many blessings.  We are so undeserving, yet you shower us with your righteousness anyway.

Amen

Kid-Approved 4 Ingredient Cookies!

Okay...so we are admittedly not a "healthy eating" family.  We do eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (my children's favorite snacks!), but when it comes to baked or store bought snack foods, we go straight for the "bad stuff".  You know, like Chips Ahoy, Lays potato chips and dips, movie buttered popcorn...

So when I ran across a 4 ingredient recipe for HEALTHY cookies, of course I was skeptical.  We like the sweet, gooey, messy kind of cookies.  But I happened to have the ingredients on hand so we gave them a try.  AND - my kids and I liked them!!

Ingredients: 

2 ripe bananas

1-1/2 cups instant oats

1/3 cup peanut butter

1/4 chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper OR lightly spray baking sheet with cooking spray.

Put ingredients in a bowl.....and mash!  This was fun for the kids.  ;)

It should look something like this.  

Bake for 10-12 minutes.  If they still seem "gooey", bake for another 2-3 minutes.  15 minutes is the maximum time!

They aren't overly sweet.  They are soft and moist.  And they are made with healthier, easy ingredients!  You can feel good about allowing your child to have another cookie.  Enjoy!  :)