Crafting...

Lately I have been crafting every day. I am attempting to clean out my supply closet before I start on wedding projects.

Here are a few things I've done lately...

Cross Canvases - 

This one is for my friend Leah for her kitchen - 

This one will be for sale in my Etsy shop

Initial board - 

Hairbow Holders - 

Abstract Canvas - 

This is also for Leah for her bathroom. (work in progess)

Door Hangers - 

This one is my fav!  It has a front and back!
Name Plaques - 
Custom Orders Etsy Bulletin Boards - 

Whew!  Still tons more to come...Stay tuned!

Bargain Find!

Friday I went down to the Dogwood Festival (local Arts & Crafts).  On the way to town I saw a side-of-the-road sale.  You know those that don't qualify as garage or yard sales...just side-of-the-road sale.  Well being unemployed and all I wasn't pressed for time so I decided to stop.  They had beautiful flowers for sale and lots of odds and ends.  As I was searching for new crafts to do I came across this:

(notice it is already in the back of my car)

A small bench that someone has graciously already taken the bench seat off of.  I carried it around for a few minutes trying to find whoever it was that I was needing to pay. 

$5 dollars later I had a new bench to paint and recover.

I already had the paint and Wal-Mart was having its Fabric Sale that day too.  Could this all be a sign?  Off to Wal-Mart I go...and find this for a $1.50/yd and all I needed was one yard:

So cute fabric to match all the bright colors of the office.

I started the project on Friday night with a little help from my wonderful fiance.  Here he is pulling the billions of tacks someone put in this seat.

Watch for completed $6.50 project post coming soon....

Ash

Spring Craft Time

Crafting again...

I thought I needed some new Spring decor.  I went over to the Dollar Tree and got all the supplies to make the following items.  I think they both turned out great!

$15 bucks = tablescape and wreath....not too shabby!

Have a wonderful day!

Ash

Crafting up a storm...and Giveaway Announcement

I mentioned in an earlier post that I was busy crafting and would share soon...

I participated in two swaps, Bunch of Scrap's St. Patrick's Swap and American Homemaker's Spring Swap.

What I sent to my partner for St. Patrick's Swap: Shamrock Canvas and Rag Garland

What I sent to my Spring Swap partner: Initial Canvas, Birdhouse, Spring sign, Seeds

One big project this week was the church nursery.  Will and I painted the nursery a pretty yellow Monday night and I brought home a giant bulletin board to paint.  Also I tried my hand at making some curtains.  I cheated and made these valances out of pillowcases :).  Hey!  It Works!

Moving along...I have made a few more items to add to my Etsy store, Simply Ash Designs.

How cute is this hairbow holder???

What have you been crafting on lately?

Another note: I dyed my hair!  eek!  It's darker and has a bronze hint to it.  I think I like it.

One more note:  I am having my FIRST GIVEAWAY this week, so check back to sign up!  I think you will just adore it!

Crafting Away...Plus New Recipe

Well, it's been a week since I have said hello in Blogland.  I have been busy crafting away tonight on a couple upcoming swaps.  I am so excited to share what I have been making, but it will have to wait for a couple of weeks until the Link fun begins.

I did try a new recipe this week and both of us really like it.  

Hot Mexican Chicken Salads

Ingredients - 

5 cups chopped cooked chicken

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided

1 can kidney beans, drained

3/4 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup ripe olives

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 can chopped green chiles

1 package taco seasoning

vegetable oil

tortillas

Directions - 

1. Combine chicken, 1 cup of cheese, and the next 7 ingredients.  Stir, cover, and chill.

2. Pour oil to a depth of 1/4 inch into a large deep skillet.  Fry tortillas, one at a time, until crisp and golden. Drain on paper towels.

3. Spoon chicken mixture evenly onto center of the tortillas.  Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Place on baking sheets.

4. Broil 4 inches from heat with the oven door slightly open until cheese melts.  Garnish if desired and serve immediately.

We ate ours with avocado slices and tomatoes as garnish with corn on the cob.  It was yummy!

How is everyone's week going?  

Hope all is well!

Craft Time

I love doing arts & crafts, so I thought I would share a couple from lately.

The spare bedroom is done is an outdoors look. I made the arrangement below last week to match and take up space. I just love it!

Completed Project

Details

A month or so ago, my friends Jessica and Lisa shared Julie's blog with me. Julie shows how to take a used baking sheet and turn it into a great bulletin board! Below are my completed boards hanging in my home office.



I have a big craft weekend planned so watch for a new post this weekend!