DIY Holiday Star

Oh, Pinterest, you have such great ideas!

Started w/ 5 yard sticks, then painted them w/white paint. 

Arranged them into a star shape, and Greg lashes the edges w/ twine (for that hipster rustic look.)

Next, we wrapped the sticks w/ white Christmas lights, prayed the lights worked because I didn't test them before wrapping, and voila! 

All for $6!!!

Magnetic chalkboard wall

Of course, I see another "great idea" on Pinterest, and then I must do it. 

(I think my dad now knows that Pinterest is a bad idea.:)

All painted: 4 coats of magnetic paint, 2 coats of chalkboard... Now we wait!

Priming/ conditioning

Wiping the chalk away

Finished wall!

Pinterest sun catchers

Inspiration: http://pinterest.com/pin/270638258830236917/

Transparent pony beads + muffin tins/ round cake pan + oven at 400* for 30 minutes= sun catchers!

Crayons recycled!

Thank you Pinterest!

Peel paper from crayons. I put the crayons in water to loosen the paper.

Then break the naked pieces into smaller pieces. I had to cut them, also.

Put pieces into a silicone ice cube tray.  (My problem was that I used regular cheapy plastic ones.)

Put onto a foil lined cookie sheet just in case some wax spills. 

Bake at 250* for ~10-15 minutes. 

Once the wax has melted, remove from oven and let set. Try not to shake the trays so the colors don't mix!

Pop out and enjoy!

*Note: silicone trays are really a better idea. These are a one time use. 

Pinterest: Colored Pasta

Step 1: put dry pasta into a Baggie w/ 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar. (*Do each bag one at a time rather than trying to do all of the vinegar then all dye. I found they stuck together and didn't get even colored.)

Step 2: add drops of food coloring, close Baggie, and shake until pasta is covered. Then, let it sit. (*We only let it sit for a few minutes before laying into paper towels to air dry.)

Step 3: Once dry, separate pasta and play!  (*We put them into muffin tin spaces, but we'll also make a necklace or two! Tons of fun!)

School's out for summer!

The girls and I get to spend the whole summer together!

No pregnancies, no home buying, no grad classes, just FUN!

Painting w/ food coloring & rain

Practicing the ABCs

Smelling the flowers

"I can draw too!"

Note: Don't attempt a Pinterest bird feeder project w/ pipe cleaners and Cheerios if your child is hungry. 

Working on my dance moves!

PEEK!