Paqja
'Peace" in Albanian
Albanian coin cut-out
School's out and it's time to cram all the fun you can get into just 3 short months. Or, if you are like the schools here, you have 2 1/2 months, or even a week less than that!
So not fair....
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BUT
let's find some fun things to do to fill all that glorious 'empty' space!
Blue Eye Spring, Albania
If you can, find a peaceful place where you can hear the birds sing,
the water ripple and dance
the crickets are chirping
and there is a gentle breeze.
Oh,
and lots of sun!!!
Sometimes the places are right outside your window....
c.1881
or in your backyard....
vintage illustration
Sometimes you have to travel a bit....
Nooroo Spring Mount Wilson Blue Mountains, Australia
photo cred unknown
That's okay!
Our lives were meant to include at least a bit of nature as often as possible.
Summer is a great time to explore.
vintage bicycling Spanish card
Now that you are outside, there are many things to do...
like -
c.1906
FISHING!
or -
vintage card with Donald Duck
GOLFING!
or -
Damba, Ghana Festival
BANGING ON SOME DRUMS!
(Note: I reserved this as an outside activity!!!)
How about.....
c.1907
RIDING A HORSE!
or you could -
photo cred unknown
WATCH A LIGHTNING STORM!
Don't forget to include some friends -
Egyptian children
This should include lots of laughing -
Indian/Gypsy dress at Masala Baby Clothing line
Aren't friends just great?
Here are some ways to do things with friends you already have,
or
things to do with a new friend -
daisy chain with bee necklace by inkspired
Learn how to bead!
The daisy chain is a favorite of mine -
I find beading sooooo relaxing.
vintage embroidery pattern
Learn how to embroider!
It's a great carry-along craft,
and is fun to do with a Grandparent or brother/sister too!
Get out the crayons and paper!
This sweet robin can get you started.
After you finish coloring her, why not add a tree?
Draw a baby bird nest,
and some more leaves.
Wouldn't flowers at the base look terrific?
Time for scissors and paper scraps!
Cut squares from your paper scraps and form each piece into a cone shape, fastening them closed with scotch type tape.
Experiment!
Depending on the size of your squares will determine the size of your cones.
You can also cut the edges
with all those fun decorative scissors that are out there.
You can double layer the cones like the wonderful etsy artist did above.
Try a mix of bright summer colors.
Now cut a large cardboard circle for the wreath shaped backing
or
you can purchase a styrofoam type wreath.
Using a heavy glue (like Aleene's Tacky Glue, or...)
start gluing the cones together against the base.
You could also try using a stapler to attach cones to each other.
Using a styrofoam wreath base?
Poke a hole in the base first with the tip of a table knife, or the end of a spoon (not the bowl part).
Are the kids old enough to use a low-temp glue gun?
That would work great!
Send me pictures!
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Still got those scissors and paper scraps out?
Let's make party hat invitations
or just pretty hat cards for everyday!
by inkspired
using patterns from Back Street Designs, Inc.
Here is the hat pattern -
Next is the pattern for an inner lining -
You can piece the patterns together to make an envelope just for these cards -
or you can size it just a little smaller and use a regular long envelope
(the actual name is escaping me right now, but they are very common).
by inkspired
Use all those scraps of scrapbooking paper,
and use an inner lining for added sturdiness
or
card stock
or
patterned card stock on one side
or
how about some wallpaper samples?
Be creative and use up what you have - no need to go buy new stuff.
hat cards by inkspired
Now comes the fun part of embellishing!
I have used scraps of ribbon, lace, little silk flowers,
paper punched flowers, rick rack, stickers, small stamped images
...there's no rules on what you can add!
For a nice finish, I wrap the ribbon/lace around to the back side
and use strapping tape to hold it in place.
This is for when I am using a liner.
Then I place the liner over it all to hide all the loose ends.
Otherwise I try to make it look as neat as possible,
cutting the ribbon ends at a diagonal,
and using either glue or scotch tape.
hat cards by inkspired
Check out my photos and you will see lots of different styles.
On some of the hats in this photo you can see peeking out from under the brim
'I can do everything through Him'
These were made for a ladies' tea at my church and were set at each place.
To add my heavier items I still use Aleene's Tacky glue
and hold it in place with a clothspin until it is dry.
If you are more of a hot glue gun type person, that would also work.
hat cards by inkspired
Maybe these hats from the Kentucky Derby 2012 will inspire you!
Tamara Sorrell Austin
photo cred: Mark Humphrey
Kimberly Scott of Albany Georgia
'The Run for the Roses'
photo cred: Michael Conroy
138th Kentucky Derby
photo cred: Jeff Haynes
photo cred: Jeff Haynes
photo cred: John Gress
Kentucky Derby 2012 at Churchill Downs Louisville, KY
photo cred: Jeff Haynes
Well, those should get your creative juices flowing!
I will be having more Summer Activities in future blogs.
It's such a fun subject!
'Butterflies' original Collage Art Doll by inkspired
See you later!
Be sure and share photos with me if you can -
I would love to see your creations!
If you would like me to post them, just let me know.
inkspired
note: 6/11/2012
You can find 'lilies of the valley' here:
http://inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com/2011/05/meanings-of-flowers-intro-and-may.html
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