Life in Focus

jewelry crafting kits - part 2

The jewelry kits were so much fun and seriously simple to put together!  I had a great time just listening to my music and stringing charms and beads. 

First up...the Vintage Groove necklace by Making Memories:

Didn't it turn out cute?  I absolutely love it! It went together so fast (like within 20 minutes fast!) and the only tool needed was a pair of pliers to open and close the clasps.  Now I've got ideas for new designs swirling around in my head and want to get some gifts made!

Next up...the Scarlet Lime watch art:

This is the Citrus Splash band and...

this is Cotton Candy.

These were a little more involved but still super easy and so much fun!  The kits don't come with directions so you need to take a look at the video tutorial on the website.  The only other tools needed for these are a pair of scissors and a straight pin.  Cool, huh?

I would give both kits two thumbs up and it was just the crafting detour that I needed to spark some creative energy!  :)

jewelry crafting kits

As soon as I read this article by May about the new Making Memories Vintage Groove jewelry, I was inspired! Lucky enough for me, I found the entire line at my local Target store and was so excited to give it a try.  I've only dabbled in jewelry making in the past but thought this would be a fun change of pace and give me a boost of creative energy.  So, I easily could have purchased many more charms, etc...but I settled on this kit to get started and see what I thought of the process.

I also recently ran across these bright and fun colors and styles of watch kits from Scarlet Lime.  I have these waiting to play with too.

I can't wait to spend some time putting these kits together and wearing my creations! I'll be back to share the results and let you know what I think of them.

For now, I'm off to spend the day at 5th grade camp with my youngest, where I get to ride the zip line through the trees!  If you hear screaming...that will be me!

Have a happy crafty day!!

Running with Passion

Ever since my knee injury last November, surgery in December, and painful physical therapy since then...I have been determined...to make a full recovery and to never, ever take my physical well being for granted again.  Last Friday, I took a leap of faith that I was ready to celebrate the end of the healing process (although I'm not officially 100%, but really close!) and signed up at the last minute to run in the 5K Passion for Life race. So, on Saturday morning, I ran.

It was so so cold.

But it was a bright sunshiny day with a beautiful view of the lake.

I was so excited to get started...

and even more excited to finish and come in 6th out of 35 runners in my age group!

The best part of the day by far was that the organization raised over $11,000 for the children's hospital. How awesome is that?!?

With every step I took, I felt so overwhelmingly grateful to have the ability to do what I was doing...and I'm pretty sure I had a smile on my face the entire time. It was a really good day.

I

In Focus Friday

There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy.

- Robert Louis Stevenson

Enjoy your weekend and create "happy" wherever you go.

Finding Inspiration

It has been one busy week around here and I've been at the elementary school teaching every day.  But, along the journey of this busy life, I'm remembering to focus on my word for this year and have stolen a few moments here and there to simply be inspired. Here's what I've found and collected this week.

this happy book.

this lovely movie.

these pretty flowers.

this fun website.

this adorable collection of papers.

these beautiful photographs.

this sweet sparrow song.

 Hoping you enjoy a beautiful inspired Thursday.

Birthday week :: In Focus Friday

Birthday week :: feeling lucky

Right now, this little guy is hiding and waiting to be found later tonight during our "We are so lucky" celebration. The festivities include a traditional Irish meal of corned beef, cabbage, red skinned potatoes,and green milk shakes (with lots of whipped cream and green sprinkles) for dessert. Then, we'll have the hunt for the little leprechaun and his gold and finally we'll watch Darby O'Gill and the Little People (an annual event.) 

My favorite part of the night is when everyone shares why they feel lucky.

Here's my list:

1. lucky to be celebrating my 41st birthday this week.
2. lucky to be married to my prince charming.
3. lucky to be the mama of 3 wonderful kids.
4. lucky to be surrounded by the love and support of family and friends.
5. lucky to be enjoying this inspiring, exciting, and sometimes exhausting life!

I am feeling very lucky indeed!

Birthday week :: adventuring

I could not have asked for more beautiful weather for my adventuring day.  It was the perfect 62 degrees with a brilliant blue sky (check out that sky!) and sun...lots and lots of sun! 

The day included a picnic by the river...

a hike through the woods...

and time spent with these two very special people. (love you mom & dad!)

Oh yeah..and ice cream..a birthday week MUST include an adequate amount of ice cream!

It was a really happy day. :)

Birthday week :: creating

I'm still having fun creating with graphic 45 papers and especially love the Botanicabella collection! It's filled with so many inspiring designs and speaks to my nature loving heart.  With all of the time that my family spends outdoors adventuring (and the stacks of photos that I've collected), I'm sure to get a lot of mileage out of these beautiful papers. :)

This week is all about celebrating for me!  My birthday is on Sunday (the first full day of spring) and my family has a tradition of making the entire week special!  So, each day this week I'll be doing something fun to celebrate.  Today I'm happy to be breaking in my brand new running shoes with a long run, browsing the book store for inspiration, and then I'm off to meet a good friend for a yummy lunch! 

Birthday weeks are highly recommended and so good for the soul!

daddy's girl

Remember all the beautiful and irresistible graphic 45 papers that I scooped up last week?  Well...this is one of the projects that emerged from all of the playing that I did with them!  The hanger was purchased last summer at an antique market and I've been keeping it for just the right inspiration. I cut some of the flowers out of one of the papers, made some tags and the dress, and had fun with my sewing machine making paper ribbon. This ended up being the perfect project to showcase "daddy's girl" and all of the sweet memories that come to me when I look at her.

Wishing you a creative Wednesday!