New Craft & Home Blog

Hi Guys,

I thought it would be good to make a blog entirely to craft and home, instead of using my family blog. I hope you check it out. Let me know what you think.

http://lorigarcia.blogspot.com/

A New Kind of Chalkboard

Seven years ago I had this fabulous mirror above my dresser. I got it half price at Hobby Lobby, and then I negotiated 25% more off (I'm not comfortable negotiating, but I did it anyway) because it had the smallest of cracks in the glass. Fast forward a few years and the mirror's crack got bigger and bigger (thanks to two crazy boys jumping on the bed?!) and we had to throw the mirror away. I begged my hubby to let us keep the frame (who knew what I could do with it in the future?!) and reluctantly he left me store it in the garage. He tried to throw it away a couple of times (I had to go get it off the curb once...) Now, seven years later we move into our new house, and I needed a new menu board. Thus, the fancy menu board was born (or reborn if you count it's former life as a mirror.)

What you need:
- frame
- tape measure
- Chalkboard paint (I like the spray can one because it's quick and easy)
- Bistro Markers (if you're fancy) or regular chalk if you're not


Step by Step:

1. Find an old frame or pick one up at a thrift or discount store. Clean it and decided whether it needs a nice coat of spray paint. (I like mine the way it was, so no painting required.)

2. Flip the frame over and measure the length and width of the inside. Write it down, go to your local hardware store of choice -- mine is our local Home Depot. Pick up a piece of MDF. It's pretty inexpensive since essentially it is paper-based.

3. This is where your measurements come in. At my Home Depot, they will make up to two cuts for free (or if you smile pretty, they make as many as you need :o)Have them cut the MDF to your measurements.

4. Lay out your MDF in a well-ventilated place on newspaper or drop cloth and spray with chalkboard paint. It will most likely need 2-3 coats before you are satisfied.

5. Place MDF in frame and secure it.

6. Decorate with Bistro Markers or chalk. (PS. Most craft stores sell Bistro Markers for about $10. I bought mine with a 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby)If you do choose Bistro Markers, you will most likely need a damp cloth to remove it each time you change your chalkboard.



Now, whenever we have guests (or even the air conditioner man) in our house, one of the first things they mention is how much they like the chalkboard in our kitchen.... hmmm,good thing I didn't let my hubby throw the old frame away!

Valentines Cards

My friend Kristine had this great idea (okay, so she found it on the Internet, it's her's right?!) and we decided to do them for our kiddos for Valentine's Day. Enjoy!

My Baby is 4!

I can't believe my baby boy is 4 years old today! I seriously remember "just having him," and we still call him "baby" half of the time. Oh how time has flown by!

He is a sweet, fun-loving child, who worships his brother, wants to be around his dad all the time, and always has hugs (but not kisses anymore...."remember, I don't like kisses," he says now) all the time.

He's a huge fan of batman, the Hudson Hornet, backagun and all things boy. I love his energy (except during scripture study) and his enthusiasm, and his big heart that is always filled with "best friends." He likes order and neatness and always has to finish whether it's closing the door, putting all the "batman guys" in their cars, or get the glue lid screwed on tight.

Happy Birthday Big Boy!

What's a Mormon Church like? This is a good explanation

First of all.... I know, I know, many of you are like, "what?! a post?" We actually had an awesome day yesterday of which I will post more on later this week.

When I saw this article on LDS.org I thought it was worth sharing, especially for those friends of mine who always want to know more about the Mormon Church. I thought you might find it interesting:

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/what-you-will-find-when-you-step-inside-a-mormon-chapel

Enjoy!

Lori

Spring Photo Session with my Favorite Clients

Bishop Daddy?

I am excited and humbled to announce my husband's new responsibility at our church. For the next few years, he will be volunteering his time as the Bishop in our congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (He will serve as the preacher of our congregation. All positions at our church are filled by volunteers with outside jobs and responsibilities.)

With this added responsibilty and time to serve our God and our friends, I will have to take on more responsibilities at home. With this being said, I am going to cut back a bit on my photography sessions. I am limiting my availability to Saturdays, with one appointment a week.

There will some exceptions for rain-out appointments and emergencies.
Thanks to my dad for snapping this impromptu photo.

Lori