I need a break!

After this holiday and my weekend at work, I find I am in serious need of some "Me-time".  I found this video on hand care and I liked it so much I subscribed to the whole series of videos.  They are really good.  I plan on starting at the top and working my way down, pampering myself the whole time!

I finished the Easter Swag

Well, I finished, but I have to say I am less than impressed.  I think I just got tired of it and stopped.  Anyway, below is a picture.  I'm taking it to my unit tomorrow and putting it up so at least there will be some evidence that Easter is this weekend for my patients.

If I make this again, I will make the figures larger and probably stuff them lightly with fiberfill before attaching them to the ribbon.  I wish I had more time, I would have loved to decorate the Easter eggs and put blanket stitching around the figures to "pop" them out.

Live and learn.  On to the next project.  Mother's Day is coming.  I don't think I will make anything for this holiday.  But, maybe some paper flowers in a vase set around the unit would be nice.

Anyway, here is the picture of the completed swag:

Tuesday Tutorial -- Magnetic Words from CreativeHomeArtsClub

I am still working on my Easter swag and hope to finish all the hand sewing this week, but until I have more pictures, I thought this tutorial was cute and easy.  Maybe you could use this somewhere at home or at work to brighten up the day.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Magnetic Words Make magnetized letters and shapes from paper-covered chipboard By: Cindy Groom-Harry

Finished Size: Approx. 8" - 10" Skill: 1 Time: 1 Cost: 1 SAFETY TIP: Mom and Grandma – please supervise the painting in a well-ventilated area but do the cutting with the craft knife yourself. You will need: •  One 8" metal stove burner cover •  One 10" metal stove burner cover •  Spray paint*: Primer, Perfect Pink, Basil •  Coordinating scrapbook paper •  2 1/2" chipboard letters to spell, "H, O. P, E" and "D, R, E, A, M" •  Ten 1/2" button magnets* •  One pkg. 1/2" x 4" adhesive magnetic strips* •  Ten 5/8" buttons in assorted colors •  Ten white silk flowers in assorted sizes •  19" of 3/8" brown gingham ribbon •  10" of 3/8" pink ribbon •  10 1/2" of 3/8" tan polka dot ribbon •  Tacky glue* •  Glue stick* •  Craft knife* & cutting mat*, emery board, newspapers, ruler, sandpaper, scissors * The following products were used for this project: Design Master Color Tool Spray Color • Elmer's Craft Bond Tacky Glue & Extra-Strength Glue Stick; X-Acto Gripster craft knife & cutting mat • Magnum Magnetics ProMAG Button Magnets and Adhesive Strips Magnets. Note: For product information, see end of article. •  Craft knife should be used only by an adult. •  Use glitter spray only outside or in a well-ventilated area. •  Allow all paint and glue to dry between steps. •  See photo for details and placement. STEP 1: Prepare stove covers. Protect work surface with newspapers. Lightly sand stove covers to dull surface Spray with primer. Spray small cover Perfect Pink. Spray large cover Basil. Use additional coats if needed. STEP 2: Attach ribbon. Measure and cut ribbon to go across covers as shown. Use glue stick to attach. STEP 3: Prepare letters. Plan which paper to be used for each letter. Apply glue stick to fronts of letters and attach paper. Turn letter paper side down on cutting mat. Have adult use craft knife to cut away excess paper around each letter. Use outward strokes to gently sand letter from paper to edge all around letters. This technique creates a white, distressed look and secures paper to letter. Note: Use emery board in tight spaces of letters. Cut and attach adhesive magnet strip to back of each letter. STEP 4: Finish. Use tacky glue to attach buttons to centers of silk flowers. Glue button magnets to backs of flowers in same way. Sources: Design Master (303) 443-5214 dmcolor.com Elmer's Products, Inc. (888) 435-6377 elmers.com Magnum Magnetics Corporation (740) 568-3721 magnummagnetic.com

Here's and update on my Easter crafting

I am steadily working on this Easter swag.  I am really enjoying the work and I think it will be really pretty once done.  I have scaled down my finished product some, so the work does not feel too overwhelming. 

Anyway, here are some pictures of where I am on the project.  It is starting to really turn out nice and I can't wait to be hanging it up on my nursing unit.  I hope it brings some cheer to my patients.

Here's the mess I've left out

Starting to look like something

This is the pattern that repeats

Seems a little flimsy so more work needed

Related articles

• Sweet, Free Easter Egg Printable (meckmom.com)
• Add Some Sparkle with this Free Easter Banner Printable (meckmom.com)
• April is UpCraft! Month (craftzine.com)
• Free Easter Coloring Pages 2011 (socyberty.com)
• Paper Easter Basket How-To (couldbeinteresting.wordpress.com)
• Nancy's Craft Of The Month: Easter Egg Cake Pops And Peep Flowers (wdok.radio.com)
• CRAFT Pattern: Happy Faux Bois Easter Embroidery (craftzine.com)