Love Notes

Olivia read about a fun idea earlier this month in the Friend magazine and has wanted to make some cute boxes to hang on our doors. She keeps asking me to get to it, and I finally did. They are the perfect size to fit little notes and treats.

I Wish I Could Say I Made These...

Olivia's baptism dress was a great bargain find from Burlington Coat Factory...

...and this is the cutest skirt I've ever seen... it was lovingly made for Olivia by her auntie Laura for her birthday (someday I'd love to create something so beautiful!)...

...along with this lovely journal and matching bookmark. You are amazing Laura!

I almost feel inspired to pull out my sewing machine and create something (as long as it only requires sewing straight lines).

Good Gifts and a Giveaway

After being spoiled rotten on Mother's Day with chocolates and cards and gifts kind words and yummy meals (particularly Ryan's homemade frozen strawberry lemonade), I'm in a giving mood. I love to give gifts, and in the last few years I've really tried to give personalized gifts that are meaningful--much to the chagrin of gift-card and cash loving folks everywhere. I thought it would be fun to show a few things and give a few things away. All you have to do to enter to win is make a comment by 11:59 pm MST on Friday night (May 16, 2008). Include in your comment a favorite gift that you have given or received. All those who comment will be entered for each giveaways unless you specify otherwise.
You may know from my previous giveaway that I love to make cards. They have been a favorite gift for my cousins and siblings that are getting married, since newlyweds have so many thank yous to write. I have two packages of 9 cards each to give away--six are thank you cards shown on the left, and three are flowery blank-inside cards on the right, and of course I'll include the envelopes. Remember to send lots of good mail with these cards!

This is one of my favorite quotes by President Hinckley and I have loved doing these vinyl lettering tiles for my brothers and sisters for their birthdays this year (sorry to ruin the surprise for those of you who haven't yet celebrated your 2008 birthday!). I get my lettering from www.simplydesignedexpressions.com--there are so many companies that do vinyl lettering, but I've always been happy with Cara's work. I posted pictures of some glass blocks that I made for Lindsey for Christmas here. With vinyl lettering, it's so simple to put together gifts like this. The tiles and blocks are pretty inexpensive at Home Depot or Lowe's and Cara sends instructions on how to apply the vinyl. For this giveaway, one lucky winner will get the vinyl lettering for this saying to be put on a 12"x12" tile (the tile is not included).
One of my favorite documents from my church is "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" and I love this little snippet which sums up what it takes to make a successful family (which is becoming harder and harder in this world!). I like to paint and antique a frame then personalize it with their name and marriage date and give it as a wedding gift. For this giveaway, I'll make a personalized name page with anniversary (8x10) for one lucky winner (the frame will not be included). These are pretty easy for me to make, so if you really really want one and don't win, I might be convinced to do a few more.
I made these fun letters for baby Grace and her sisters to hang in their room. One winner will get to choose a letter/name and general color scheme.
I've been making rag quilts for a couple of years (thanks to great instructions from my amazingly crafty friend Amanda) for my new baby nieces and nephews. This time I had a few extra squares, so I made some matching burpcloths for Grace. Some time in my blog future I'll do a rag quilt give-away, but for now I just thought these were too cute not to show off.

So, to recap the rules:

**Post a comment and tell me about a favorite gift you've given or received.
**Each person who comments will be entered in each of the drawings (unless you indicate otherwise).
**Winners will be randomly selected; I'll contact the winners and announce on the blog on Saturday, May 17th.

Hope to send a good gift your way!