Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Thrilling Thursday

Before we get started, MARK YOUR CALENDARS for a NEW linky party I will be hosting starting the first Friday in January.  It is a new party called Fun with Food Friday.  It is for any links that are food related.  I hope to find a lot of great recipes and fun food ideas with this new party.  Oh, and don't worry, Thrilling Thursday will still take place each and every Thursday :)

Thrilling Thursday! YAY! Time for YOU to link up YOUR creations!!! Before we get started, let's see the features this week :)

The five THRILLING features from last weeks party are:

Dollar Store Hand Towel Make Over @ Yesterday On Tuesday

Pom-Pom Wreath @ Frame Fanatic

Lampshade Rosettes @ Rosy Red Buttons

Homemade Sugar Scrub @ Shabby, Chic, and Charming

One of a Kind Wall Art @ Serendipity Chic Design

Thanks to those who were featured for linking up and linking back to the Thrilling Thursday Party in someway :)  Feel free to grab an "I Thrilled" button from my sidebar if you would like.

Now for this weeks party!!!  YAY!

Want to join in?  Well, it's super easy!


1.  Become a follower of Paisley Passions.


2.  Link back to the party in some way (with my button, a link, a mention on your sidebar, etc)


3.  Link up.  Have fun.  Visit some other links and let them know you found them @ Paisley Passions :)





Thrilling Thursday at Paisley Passions



Remember this party is for: DIY, Photography, Recipes, Sewing Projects, Crafts, Thrifty Finds, Graphic Designs, Scrapbooking, Cards, Paper Crafts, etc.  Basically, if YOU have made it, link it up!  :) 
Linky will be up until Sunday @ Midnight.  Have fun!

Wandering Wednesday Blog Hop

Are you ready for the BLOG HOP? Well, then, let's get started!

This is week #14 of the Wandering Wednesday Blog Hop I co-host with Jessica @ Inspiring You to Save.

We hope that you will join in on the fun of meeting new people through the blog hop :)

Want to join in on the fun? Here's all you have to do:

1. Become a follower of Paisley Passions AND Inspiring You to Save

2. Add our Wandering Wednesday button on your blog somewhere or link back in some way :)

3. Link up. Have fun. Visit other blogs. Make new friends.

As easy as 1, 2, 3!


**IMPORTANT!** If you would like me to follow you back, PLEASE leave a comment letting me know you are following Paisley Passions. THANKS!***

Paisley Passions




Hope to see you again tomorrow for my Thrilling Thursday Linky Party where YOU can link up YOUR creations, or just stop by to see the creative genius of others :)

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Blog Swap w/ My Modish Mood

Today I am happy to introduce Taylor-Ann from My Modish Mood. You are going to LOVE her creativity! She has an amazing blog and is super darling to boot! I am sure you are going to be glad you found her. So, leave a comment here or on her blog and say "Hi!". Take it away, Taylor-Ann. . .

Thanks Lori for hosting another blog swap today....

Hey there...My name is Taylor-Ann and I am from My Modish Mood and I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas. I now I sure did...(I got a Sihlouette machine and crafting table that I just L.O.V.E.)







My Modish Mood

This is my first blog hop so I'm a bit nervous... My little ole blog is all about crafts, and life (my life). Some days I talk about this handsome lil fellow...


other days its all about crafts...


Like this Necklace...



or this wreath...(Hi..my name is Taylor and I'm a wreath-a-holic)


Or this wreath...





I also blog about crafting cute cards like these...



I also have some recipes that if I try and they work out (sometimes I follow the recipe to the T and they don't) I will post about them..



Like this soccer cake I made for lil mans soccer team



Or these spider cupcakes...




Well, that wasn't to bad...my nerves are gone...thanks for tagging along and checking everything out. And Thanks again to Lori for hosting another wonderful blog swap.
~ Taylor-Ann


Taylor! You did great!!! No need to be nervous :) Thanks for sharing your wonderful blog here on Paisley Passions today.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Growth Chart

Christmas has come and gone, and now New Years will be here before we know it. I honestly cannot believe how quickly 2010 has flown by. It has been kind of a crazy year for us: too many hospital visits, too many injuries, too many surgeries. Just one of "those" kinds of years. So, I am looking forward to a New Year. Here is hoping that 2011 is a MUCH better year for us :)

Last year I made a growth chart for my hubby for Christmas. We have always tracked our kids heights on the laundry room door, but each time we moved (which has been a lot!) we would leave their height marks behind. So, I came up with a chart that we could take with us if we ever moved again (keep our fingers crossed we don't!).

Here is the one I made last year: {CLICK HERE to see the original post}

Growth Chart
Anyway, long story short, a friend of mine wanted to make some growth charts like mine for her family for Christmas. So, here is a quick tutorial for you in case you ever want to make one of your own :)

I started with a 6 foot tall 1X6 board.  I got mine at Lowes for around $5.
1X6 Board
If there are any rough spots on the board, be sure and lightly sand them.  Mine was pretty smooth, so I didn't need to do any sanding.  Also, a quick tip, make sure that your board is straight before you buy it.  Sometimes they are a little bit twisted and they won't hang well on the wall if they are.

Paint the board with whatever color you choose.  I used "linen" for mine.

Then if you want, you can find a little helper to come in and help you paint.  Here is a pic of my friend's son helping out with her Growth Chart :) 
After the paint is dry, I added some stain to the top for an aged look.  Adding the stain is super easy.  Just squeeze a little onto a rag, and rub until you get the desired look you want.
 
Stain
The next step is to cut the vinyl.  I designed mine on my Cricut Design Studio.  Then cut the vinyl out with my handy dandy Cricut.  Don't you think I should get some sort of a kick-back from Cricut for as often as I promote mine ;)  Ha!  I wish!  :)

I chose brown vinyl because I thought that it worked well with the colors that I had used to paint the board.

After the vinyl is cut, put marks on the board one foot apart and place the vinyl in the appropriate spots.  Then add the family name on the top.  Lastly, I drilled a hole in the top center and the bottom center of the board so that it could be hung.

Here is a pic of the three I helped my friend make:
Growth Charts
I randomly added flowers to mine.  She didn't on hers, but I don't think you need them.  The charts look cute either way :)

To mark mine, I just use a sharpie maker and write the name and the date of the person next to their height mark.  It has been a fun tradition of ours to measure the kids each Christmas and see how much they have grown the past year.  My middle son "Bones" was THRILLED this year because he is officially the tallest person in our family at the age of 15.  He couldn't brag enough about it on Christmas Day!

I will link up and party HERE and blog hop HERE this week.  Go on over and check them out.  There are some super fun parties out there.

Also, please stop by and visit and link up to my Thrilling Thursday Linky where YOU get to share YOUR creations and enjoy the creativity of others as well.  It is open each week from Wednesday night through Sunday @ midnight.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas!

I hope that no matter what holiday you choose to celebrate, that you will find peace, joy, love, and happiness in your life!  Wishing you the best this holiday season :)

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Thrilling Thursday

Hello and welcome to another Thrilling Thursday Linky Party :)

Here are a small sampling of the many of YOUR creations that THRILLED me last week :)

Beaded Wreath @ Happy Go Lucky

Before and After Vanity @Switcheroom

Peppermint Patties @ Just For Love

Mr. and Mrs. Ornament @ Always Chasing Life

Joy Frame @ Clean and Scentsible

Thanks to those who were featured for linking up and linking back to the Thrilling Thursday Party in someway :)  Feel free to grab an "I Thrilled" button from my sidebar if you would like.

Now for this weeks party!!!  YAY!
Want to join in?  Well, it's super easy!


1.  Become a follower of Paisley Passions.


2.  Link back to the party in some way (with my button, a link, a mention on your sidebar, etc)


3.  Link up.  Have fun.  Visit some other links and let them know you found them @ Paisley Passions :)

Thrilling Thursday at Paisley Passions



Remember this party is for: DIY, Photography, Recipes, Sewing Projects, Crafts, Thrifty Finds, Graphic Designs, Scrapbooking, Cards, Paper Crafts, etc.  Basically, if YOU have made it, link it up!  :) 
Linky will be up until Sunday @ Midnight.  Have fun!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Wandering Wednesday Blog Hop

Are you ready for the BLOG HOP? Well, then, let's get started!

This is week #13 of the Wandering Wednesday Blog Hop I co-host with Jessica @ Inspiring You to Save.

We hope that you will join in on the fun of meeting new people through the blog hop :)

Want to join in on the fun? Here's all you have to do:

1. Become a follower of Paisley Passions AND Inspiring You to Save

2. Add our Wandering Wednesday button on your blog somewhere or link back in some way :)

3. Link up. Have fun. Visit other blogs. Make new friends.

As easy as 1, 2, 3!


Paisley Passions




Hope to see you again tomorrow for my Thrilling Thursday Linky Party where YOU can link up YOUR creations, or just stop by to see the creative genius of others :) 



Royal Icing

Did you miss me yesterday??? Life was a bit hectic and I wasn't able to get on my blog to update.  I am sure many of you are busy with the upcoming events of this week.  Hopefully you are all ready for whatever holiday you choose to celebrate this time of year :)

Part of my day was spent making 30 of these cute little grahame cracker houses:

Grahame Cracker Houses
They are for the youth group in my church to decorate as a youth activity tonight.  I cannot wait to see how cute they all look once they are decorated.

Normally when I make these I have my father-in-law who is a professional baker make me the royal icing.  Well, this year, I ran out of the icing he made and had to make my own.  It was SUPER easy and turned out great.  So, I thought I would share the recipe with you today.

ROYAL ICING
4-5 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
3 egg whites
1.  Sift the powdered sugar and cream of tartar together into a medium sized bowl.
2.  Add the egg whites and beat on medium speed for 5 minutes.                            
3.  Icing should be stiff and thick.                                                                           
4.  If too runny, add powdered sugar 1 tbs at a time until desired consistency.         

See, super easy!!!  It worked great for putting my 30 little houses together.  If I have time tonight, maybe I will take some pictures of the houses all decorated up and share them.

Just a little reminder:
Tomorrow is Wandering Wednesday Blog Hop.  Come link up and make new friends.
Thursday is THRILLING Thursday Linky Party.  Come link up YOUR creations.
      
Have a WONDERFUL week!!! 

PS- I will be linking up HERE and blog hopping HERE this week.  Go check them out and show them some love.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Thrilling Thursday Linky Party!

Thrilling Thursday is here! Wahoo! Can't wait to see what you have for me this week :)

Here are a few of the MANY that THRILLED me last week:
Tissue Trees @ Creative Mommas

Owl Banner @ Polly Learn and Go

Juicy Little Gift Boxes @ Michele Made Me

Dresser Transformation @ Life as a DIY Wifey

Chocolate Peppermint Crackle Cookies @ Tutus and Rain Boots
Remember if you have been featured, feel free to grab an "I Thrilled" featured button off my side-bar.  Thanks for linking up AND linking back to the party last week :)


On to this weeks party!!!  Want to join in?  Well, it's super easy!


1.  Become a follower of Paisley Passions.


2.  Link back to the party in some way (with my button, a link, a mention on your sidebar, etc)


3.  Link up.  Have fun.  Visit some other links and let them know you found them @ Paisley Passions :)

Thrilling Thursday at Paisley Passions



Remember this party is for: DIY, Photography, Recipes, Sewing Projects, Crafts, Thrifty Finds, Graphic Designs, Scrapbooking, Cards, Paper Crafts, etc.  Basically, if YOU have made it, link it up!  :) 

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Wandering Wednesday Blog Hop

Wandering Wednesday!!! Already? Wow! Last week flew by! Before we get started, I want to introduce you to my newest sponsor.

Meet Becky @ One Inspired Mom. Here is what she has to say about herself:

"I am a 27 year old stay at home mom with 2 stepsons, 6 and 10 and a 15 month old daughter. I am from NJ, live in FL for 3 years before this and now I am in AL (the middle of no where!) because my hubby and kids are from here.

I used to be a nurse for an OBGYN and now I stay home and do the whole "mommy thing".
We needed 2nd income and I wasn't about all the MLMS or scams. I work with My Family Dream Team. WE are a team of Mostly MOMS that help other moms stay home FOR REAL and make REAL dependable money each month without parties or buying inventory or selling anything.

My personal website is www.oneinspiredmom.com My goal that i am working toward is $55,000 in my first year. I am working my way there and it has only been 6 months!"

Wow! That certainly sounds like it is worth looking into! Pop on over to Becky's website for more info. I am sure she can answer any questions you might have :)

Are you ready for the BLOG HOP? Well, then, let's get started!

This is week #12 of the Wandering Wednesday Blog Hop I co-host with Jessica @ Inspiring You to Save.

We hope that you will join in on the fun of meeting new people through the blog hop :)

Want to join in on the fun? Here's all you have to do:

1. Become a follower of Paisley Passions AND Inspiring You to Save

2. Add our Wandering Wednesday button on your blog somewhere or link back in some way :)

3. Link up. Have fun. Visit other blogs. Make new friends.

As easy as 1, 2, 3!


Paisley Passions




Hope to see you again tomorrow for my Thrilling Thursday Linky Party where YOU can link up YOUR creations, or just stop by to see the creative genius of others :)



Monday, December 13, 2010

Blog Swapping w/ A Vision to Remember

It's time for another Blog Swap! Let's give a warm welcome (and some comment love) to Bobbie from A Vision to Remember.

Take it away Bobbie :)


I am so excited to be here on Paisley Passions today! I am the author of A Vision to Remember. I also have my own etsy shop, where I sell many of my creations. I am a stay at home mom of 2 awesome girls and one dog. They are my inspiration for sure. Everything that I have made has been for them in some way.

Here are a couple of things that I have made over at my blog:

I love making rag quilts. I sell many in my etsy shop, but this pattern is available for download on my blog here.




This was a fun pleated headband that I made for myself (one of the few times that I craft for myself, if you know what I mean :)


I also made this fun Ribbon skirt for my daughter (Part 1, Part 2)

I also have many other tutorials on my blog. Make sure to stop by and check them out.

I also have my own Etsy shop. There I sell rag quilts, car seat tents, and lots of patterns. Some of the patterns I sell are rag quilts, belly band, and fabric flowers.


Thanks again for swapping blogs with me and make sure to stop by this weekend and link up to Check ME Out Saturday Link Party Have a great day!

Thanks Bobbie, for the swap. It was fun meeting you, and getting to know you a little bit better.

For all you Paisley Passions readers, don't forget to come by on Wednesday and link up to Wandering Wednesday blog hop. It's a GREAT way to meet new bloggy friends.

THURSDAY will be THRILLING Thursday where YOU can link up YOUR creations, or just enjoy the creativity of others. Hope to see YOU there!!!

Finals Week. . .Need I Say More?

AWK! After having a slight heart attack, I think I can breathe easy now. My side-bar disappeared on my blog. POOF! GONE! For some reason the formatting in my last post was causing this to happen. Thanks goodness it is all fixed now. {INSERT HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF HERE} PHEW!

Just wanted to say that even though I have no new crafts to post (Sorry, but finals are kicking my butt!) I will still be blog swapping tomorrow. Check back to see what fun is in store for you from Bobbie @ A Vision to Remember :)

Also, WANDERING WEDNESDAY Blog Hop is going to be up on Wednesday. It is a great way to meet new friends.

THRILLING THURSDAY Linky Party will post on Wednesday night around 9PM and be open until midnight on Sunday. So, stop by and link up YOUR creations, or just stop by and check out the creativity of others :)

Off to study for my SIX comprehensive finals this week. Wish me luck. . .

PS- If you have emailed me with a question about a craft, or a blog swap, I will get back to you by the first of next week. Thanks for being patient and understanding :)

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Thrilling Thursday Linky Party!!!

WELCOME TO ANOTHER THRILLING THURSDAY LINKY PARTY!!! I LOVE seeing what you have made each and every week!!!

The FIVE THRILLING features from last week are:

GORGEOUS Mittens @ It's Toile Good

BEAUTIFUL DIY Hutch @ Dream Home DIY

ADORABLE Button Tree @ Cup of Delight

SUPER CUTE Utility Apron @ The Mommy Diaries

WAY FUN Advent Jars @ Sweet Pea & Jo Jo


If you have been featured, first off, thanks for linking up AND linking back to Thrilling Thursday. Second off, feel free to grab an "I Thrilled" featured button off my sidebar!

Don't forget. . .you can only be featured if you have linked back on your post to Thrilling Thursday in some way :)


On to this weeks party!!! Want to join in? Well, it's super easy!


1. Become a follower of Paisley Passions.


2. Link back to the party in some way (with my button, a link, a mention on your sidebar, etc)


3. Link up. Have fun. Visit some other links and let them know you found them @ Paisley Passions :)







Thrilling Thursday at Paisley Passions



Remember this party is for: DIY, Photography, Recipes, Sewing Projects, Crafts, Thrifty Finds, Graphic Designs, Scrapbooking, Cards, Paper Crafts, etc. Basically, if YOU have made it, link it up! :)

Linky will be open until midnight on Sunday :) Have fun!!!