Blueprint Crafts » 2011

Archive for September, 2011

Keeping Up

September 30th, 2011

Looking at my current schedule, you would probably think to yourself, “where does she find the time!?” I’ve always been the type of person that LOVES having plans, and things to do. But sometimes, or rather all the time now, I find that I’ve got so much going on that if I don’t have it all written down it gets forgotten. And then I find myself in that, “OH CRAP!” situation and I’m scrambling to get something done.

In an effort to get myself organized, I’ve created these “to-do” lists:

It’s JMU’s Homecoming Weekend, so I felt compelled to use purple and gold :)

Here’s how it works: The Long list is used to write down anything and everything I want to get accomplished up to a year away, this includes lofty ideas like finally getting around to sewing a quilt (never gonna happen). From the Long List, I pick out items that need immediate attention (like all the wedding goodies I need to finish up for Danielle’s wedding next weekend) and assign days for me to work on them. I also like to pick out one lofty idea to add to the short list each week. Here’s what’s on this weeks Short and Long lists:

Long List

Make a Quilt
Finish Crochet Blanket
Finish t-shirt blanket
Update bookshelves
Organize cloths
CLEAN!
Raising Dough Campaign
Finish 3 pillows
2 Baby Gift Sets (w/ tute!)
Flower Girl Dress (w/ tute!)
Flower Girl Basket (w/ tute!)
Ring Bearer Pillow (w/ tute!)
Thank You Banner (w/ tute!)
Seating Charts
Garter Set (w/ tute!)
Table Numbers (w/ tute!)
Pumpkin Tea Lights (w/ tute!)
3 Table Cloths (w/ tute!)

Short List

Monday: Pick up all supplies for wedding goodies
Tuesday: Clean the House
Wednesday: Cut out bunting flags and make garter set
Thursday: Sew bunting flags, sew ring bearer pillow, make flower girl basket
Friday: Sew table cloths and start Raising Dough campaign
Saturday: IKEA! And create tutorial for baby gift set
Sunday: Fitting for flower girl, finalize seating charts, cut out flower girl dress

Whew! That’s quite a bit to get done, but I’m on track! Now let’s stay motivated together! Click here to download your own Short and Long lists :)

Time to get back to the grind!

Comments ( 0 )

lists, long list, organization, printable, short list

Fresh for Fall

September 27th, 2011

Now that it is officially fall, I think this little blog needs a new look. What do you think? I’m digging all the earth tones going on in the style world.

So I had every intention of sharing with you guys a new Skinny recipe, but alas, it’s not gonna happen today folks. I know, I know, excuses, excuses. But seriously, this is what all I have going on right now:

Must Finish!

3 Pillows (w/ tute!)
2 Baby Gift Sets (w/ tute!)
Flower Girl Dress (w/ tute!)
Flower Girl Basket (w/ tute!)
Ring Bearer Pillow (w/ tute!)
Thank You Banner (w/ tute!)
Seating Charts
Garter Set (w/ tute!)
Table Numbers (w/ tute!)
Pumpkin Tea Lights (w/ tute!)
3 Table Cloths (w/ tute!)

So yeah, I’m busy. But once I’m done, look at all the fabulous tutorials I will have for you! Exciting yes, but all in good time.

Oh, and did I mention I’m helping with a local Breast Cancer Awareness campaign? Yeah, I’m psycho busy over here. Not to mention I just ordered new Save the Date magnets, which I can’t wait to share! And that reminds me! I have an original Blueprint Crafts Wedding Invitation set to share with you guys! Hopefully I’ll find time to snap some pictures tonight.

Off to get some work done!

Comments ( 0 )

busy, logo, tutorials

Fierce Feather Earrings – A Tutorial

September 20th, 2011

Happy Tuesday, my friends! Today I am going to show you how to make a FIERCE pair of feather earrings, like these!

Supplies:

4 feathers – 2 medium length, 2 short length
4 seed beads
2 large silver beads
2 hook ear-wires
2 eye pins
2 cord tip terminators (mine were a medium size)
flat nose pliers
wire wrapping or round nose pliers (not shown)
side cutting pliers (not shown)

Step 1: Place your small feather face down on your work area and then the larger feather on top, also face down. Line up their stem edges and place in the terminator.

Step 2: Using your flat nose pliers, firmly close the terminator around the stems of the feather. Be sure to secure it tightly. Repeat with second set of feathers and terminator.

Step 3: Slide one seed bead onto an eye pin, followed by your silver bead, and another seed bead.

Step 4: Now we want to create a loop on the other side of the eye pin. To do so, bend the eye pin wire at top seed beat to a 90 degree angle.

Step 5: Trim the tail of the eye pin to about 1/4″ long with your side cutting pliers. Then, using your wire wrapping (or round nose) pliers create a second loop on the end of the eye pin.

Step 6: Take the open end of the eye pin that you just created, slip it onto the end loop of your ear-wires, and shut the loop with your wire wrapping pliers. Then use your wire wrapping pliers to slightly open the other loop of the eye pin, slip on the feathers, shut the loop, and your done!

These feathers come in all sorts of FIERCE colors, I’m totally digging these magenta ones.

Or how about these colors?

Like them? Lucky for you they’re available in my Etsy shop for just $5! Get em while they’re hot – or should I say FIERCE!

See you all soon!

Comments ( 0 )

earring tutorial, feather earrings, fierce earrings, fierce feather earrings, Tutorial

The Skinny on Balsamic Chicken

September 19th, 2011

I know it’s been awhile. I’ve been super busy with custom orders, designing invitations, and making gifts … lots of gifts! But fear not my Atkins loving friends – I have another AWESOME recipe for you! Announcing …

I came across this awesome looking recipe for roasted green beans with mushrooms, balsamic, and parmesan while browsing around Pinterest – seriously, love that website.

Here’s the original recipe from Kalyn’s Kitchen.

Well I decided to take this recipe, and add some chicken. Here’s what you’ll need.

Ingredients:

3 chicken breasts
8 oz. mushrooms, sliced in 1/2 inch slices
1 lb. fresh green beans, preferably thin French style beans
1 1/2 T olive oil
1 T balsamic vinegar
salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
2 T finely grated parmesan cheese

I also switched the directions up a bit.

Directions:

In a large skillet, mix together all ingredients.

Sautee on medium heat until chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Serve!

This recipe was REALLY yummy, and much deserving of a 5 star rating!

Look for more yummy, low carb creations? Check out my Atkins Pinterest board! There are LOTS of goodies there, and more get added every day.

Check back tomorrow for an awesome tutorial to make these fierce earrings!

September 16th, 2011

Hey everyone! Jessica from Happy Together is hosting a monthly Giveaway Day here! And this month I’ve offered up 6 Wine Bags for 6 lucky winners!

These guys are great – made of 100% cotton and fully lined, these reusable and reversible Wine Totes are great to carry along to parties and an easy way to embellish a bottle of wine for a gift.

There are two ways to enter: