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Graduation - Woop woop!

I am SO excited to complete this scrapbook for a dear friend who commissioned it.  Someone in her family is graduating from college and she wanted a manly scrapbook to document his special day. I gotta tell you, I really like how it turned out. Manly, smart, streamlined... sharp.

Be the change you wish to see in the world.  - Gandhi

So I blotted out the logo to hide the actual college, but let me tell you, their logo is AWESOME. That's all I can say. So it looks even better without the post-it note. Just saying.

Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.  - Benjamin Franklin

In lieu of stickers, which I didn't find very manly, I chose to include one of the college logos and an inspirational quote in each spread.

Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.  - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I don't know why I like it - maybe it's just the simple lines and you know I'm GAGA for quotes. But I do like it and I'm really psyched for her to see it in person. And for the graduate to see it!

Ok, so there is a little taste.  To see the listing online, click here to go to my Etsy shop, Pressed Clovers. And now I received another commission for a Mother's Day book last night from a friend that is my BIGGEST SUPPORTER EVER.  I blogged about her here (and you'll see my ugly mug while you are there!) So I'm excited to start on a new adventure in Pressed Clovers land! :)

{Tutorial} Cupcake Liner Wreath

The version I pinned (above) and my version (below!) Not too shabby!

I'm sharing a Pinned It, Did It project! And it was a #SUCCESS! Yay!

So basically grab a foam wreath form, pins, and about 200 cupcake liners. (I bet a pool noodle would work great and cost less from the Dollar Store). I followed the Pintrest directions and turned the liners wrong side out. I folded/crumbled the liners and pinned to the wreath. Let me say, I made mine tighter than the online version, because I was watching tv and not really paying attention.


So there are all the steps. So stinkin' easy and cute! Now go grab some supplies and get to gettin'!

--- Let me add here, I bought the pins that look like a large U shape - maybe they are something to adhere floral things to wreathes, but that was WAY overkill for this. Stick pins from the sewing section will cost you less and be much less of a pain in the booty. :)  This is also super light-weight so command hooks will hold it with no problem!

Sewing Project Success!

When I heard my sister was expecting, one thing I was determined to learn how to do was sew.  I haven't tried since home economics class in 6th grade? 8th grade? Whatever, it's been well over 20 years since I've worked on a sewing machine. Even then it was learning how to make a pillow. Maybe I made a pair of shorts? It wasn't major stuff by any means. 

Enter Jenilyn at Grits and Giggles. When she asked for pattern testers, I tossed my name in the hat to help - and was chosen! So here is my first attempt at sewing (with much help from mom!!).  

This dress pattern is VERY easy and so adorable. It's called the Lindsay Reverse Knot dress. Jenilyn is so talented she can make her own patterns (ENVIOUS!!) and thankfully she can make them easy enough for someone like me to understand.

The straps thread through two button holes in the back and make this dress adjustable! Seriously, we made Macy's a bit on the large side so she can still wear it all summer.  No problem, the adjustable straps make the bodice higher/lower where it should be and tightens/loosens around her chest area - growing room! Woop woop!

The really cool thing is you could make a dozen of these and they would look so different no one would even notice they were from the same pattern.  Don't believe me? Check out some of the other testers and you'll see what I mean. Love it!

So right now I'm flying high on a success! WOOP! 

Bibs and Books aren't just for Babies!

When one of my great friends wanted a book for her racing bibs, I took on the challenge.  It was a challenge - I have no clue what runners are interested in, what info they'd want to keep for the future, etc.  I was so worried she wouldn't like it, but she loved it! *whew*

Each race has a matted place for her to put her racing bib and places for three photos.  Because I knew her themes for each race, I made sure each one matched up.  Cupid's Chase, Turtle Trot, and so on.

I also worked with her to see what information she'd wanted recorded:  Race name, date, distance, her time, and the highlights.  This is located just under the racing bib, so all that information is together on one page.

 The photos are grouped together on one side - two horizontal and one vertical.

This last spread included many of the motivational posts she had used on her facebook page from the past year, a place for her to record her motivation and her goals & acheivements.  This was her first year racing and I wanted her to remember what all she overcame and accomplished.

I have to say, I learned so much doing this book for her. It was such an honor to have her trust me to provide a place for her to record all these memories and accomplishments! I can't wait to see what it looks like when it's finished. :)

Know anyone into racing? Tell them to send me a message and let's talk about doing a book for them! :)

THANK HEAVENS for Support!

Oh my, my journey through life has brought so many wonderful people into my life and Grace is one of those people.  We met for dinner last night and we counted up how many Pressed Clovers books she has gotten over the years and counted eleven!  And we missed one so it's really 12!! Holy cow, 12 books!  She has believed in me from the very first, before I was actually making books for anyone.

Grace and I worked together for several years, but it's since we've both left that organization that we've become close. On my way to meeting her yesterday, I stopped into our local library and found the perfect book for her (our local library sells gently used donated books or books that are being removed from the stacks). The inscription I added said, "Dear Grace, Thank you for always supporting and believing in my dreams." And this is so true.

So thankful for people like this in my life.  They want to see you soar and will do everything in their power to see you get there. :)

Little Helper

Muffin wanted to wish all of you a Happy Monday! She sits on the bed in my workroom and just hangs out with me while I work.  Here you can see I made the mistake of putting a single sheet of tissue paper on the bed, which Muffin immediately claimed as her own. When I heard the first crinkle, it was almost instinctive to take it from her but I knew she would shred it as I tried, so what was the point? I just let her keep it.  And it made her so happy, I'm glad I did. :)

Hope you are having a great week!