Valentine's Day Banner Tutorial and Giveaway

Last week I was visiting a friend and she showed me an adorable Valentine's Day banner she had just received as a gift. I instantly fell in love and knew I had to make my own.

You like???

I just love it. Don't you? 

Want to make your own? Of course you do!!!

Here's what you need:

• Burlap (I used about 1/2 yard)
• Acrylic Paint
• Supplies from my freezer paper stencil tutorial
• Twin or Ribbon

Start by making a pattern for your pennants. 

Trace your pattern onto the burlap. I folded my burlap in half so that I could make two pennants at once.

Cut out enough pennants until you have one for each letter or shape you need.

You certainly can paint your letters freehand, but I like the cleanness that the freezer paper stencils provide. If you need a refresher on how to use freezer paper as a stencil click {HERE}. Use your iron to attach the freezer paper to the burlap.

Using a foam brush and your acrylic paint, paint inside the stencil. Make sure you put something down to protect the surface you are painting on. The burlap isn't very thick and the paint will bleed through. It may take a few coats of paint to get the color you want. Just make sure to let the paint dry completely in between coats. 

Once the paint is dry, gently peel off the freezer paper-this is my favorite part! (I may add a layer of Mod Podge on each pennant after painting to help prevent fraying)

You can use ribbon, bias tape or twine to string your pennants together. I used twine that I bought from Pick Your Plum.  Using a doll needle and a running stitch attach the pennants together.

Continue until all the pennants have been strung together, and happily hang up your new beautiful banner for all to see!

Our Valentine's Day mantle is coming together quite nicely! I still have one more project in the works that I'm hoping to share with you later this week. 

So what do you think? Do you want one? 

How about this one?

That's right! It's giveaway time!!!

You have 3 ways to enter. 

1. Follow this blog (don't forget to comment that you are a follower).
2. Share the giveaway on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, or whatever form of social media you crazy kids are using these days. Make sure you let me know that you spread the love. 
3. For a bonus entry, in honor of Valentine's Day, share the name of your first crush. (Mine was Jeremy and I was in kindergarten. Ah...young love...)

Pick one, two or all three. Just make sure each entry is a separate comment. Winners will be announced Wednesday morning and the banner will be mailed to you later that day so you can (hopefully) get it before Valentine's Day.

Good luck!

Make Over Your Monday

Happy Monday! It's time for another week and I've got lots of craftiness planned. I'm super excited to share some new projects with you, and we may (hint, hint) have a giveaway tomorrow so be sure to check back in. 

So how did your week go? Did you get a lot of teaching done? I had some fun teaching the girls some cheers from my high school days and how to do a Herkie Jump (which was quite comical for the hubby watching his pregnant wife trying to lift her big ol' belly off the floor).  We had a great time and I'm amazed that I still remember all the words and moves. 

This week's challenge is to learn and use someone's name. We come in contact with so many people each day, some of them on a regular basis and we never take the time to learn their name. So learn who pours your coffee every morning or the person who delivers your mail day after day. Let them know they mean more to you than just the service they provide. It'll make you both feel good, I guarantee it!

Have a wonderful and crafty week!

I ♥ Walgreens Even More

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Last month I shared with you why I love Walgreens so much...their excellent customer service, quick photo printing for my newest obsession and that they're always well-stocked with my two favorite hair care products.

Today I'm reminding you that it's not too late to join  Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. It's such a great deal-I'd hate for you to miss out! For $35 for your family, which includes your spouse, all dependents under 22 AND YOU PETS, or $20 for an individual memebership gets you some amazing prescription coverage. Here's the cool part-it's totally risk free! If you don't save yourself at least the cost of your membership then Walgreens will refund the difference. I don't think you'll get any money back because the savings are HUGE! There are over 8,000 generic medications at an amazing price. 

For example:

We are a wheezy family here and it's pretty common to hear the nebulizer going all winter in our house. With The Walgreens Prescription Savings Club you get 225 vials of Albuterol for $12! That'll practically get the whole family through the winter wheeze-free!

Do you have allergies? Generic Claritin is $12 for a 90-day-supply. I doubt you find it cheaper anywhere else.

...and the list goes on and on...check their website for the complete lists of drugs in the program.

Not only will you save a ton on your medications but you also get savings on nebulizers, diabetic supplies, Walgreens brand products, and certain photofinishing services. 

Don't forget to "like" Walgreens on Facebook or follow Walgreens on Twitter so you don't miss any fab-u-lous deals!!!

Have A Super Sunday!

It doesn't get any better...the Super Bowl and the Patriots in Indy!!!

GO PATS!!!!

My New Button and 2 Drug Store Favs!

Happy Saturday! It's a rainy day here in Indy, the perfect kind of day to stay inside and be crafty! I've got a list a mile-long that's full of projects needing completion. 

Today I'm giddy to share some exciting news! I've been approved to be an affiliate for Pick Your Plum my favorite site to buy crafty goods at a HUGE discount!!! Check out my new button on the right. Now you can access their daily deals through my blog. New items are posted at 9am EST and sell out pretty quick so check them out early and often! 

I also wanted to share two of my favorite drugstore hair products. I kind of have an obsession with hair care products (and makeup...and nail polish...and lip gloss). I've tried many, many, many products looking for the right one. Who knew I'd find my favs at Walgreens???  I love them. I use them everyday and they cost under $6. You can't get a deal like that at the beauty salon.

The first is Herbal Essence Tousle Me Softly Finishing Touch Cream

This baby is going to last me FOREVER! I even had a coupon from the Sunday paper so I got it for $3! You just have to use a teeny-tiny bit. I love it because it helps keep the fly-aways under control and doesn't make my hair feel heavy or greasy. You can apply it on wet or dry hair, but I prefer it on my dry hair AFTER I've used my straightener (if you use it before your hair can get crunchy).

My newest fav is Pantene Split End Repair

I recently started using this and I L-O-V-E it! You just apply a small amount on the ends of your hair while it is wet and then style as usual. It was on sale at Walgreens for 2 for $6. This bottle will also last you a long time. I color, blow dry and straighten my hair regularly. It takes a beating and sometime it shows. I love how this helps keep the ends looking healthy. 

Do you have any drugstore secrets??? Shout em' out! We want to hear them!!!

A Well-Stocked Crafty Closet

I find that often when I'm blogging about my crafty projects I always talk about supplies I already have. Over the years I've come to have a well-stocked crafty closet and I thought I'd share some of my must-have supplies that I'm never without. I helps save me from last minute runs to the crafty store with two less-than-thrilled children in tow.

Hot Glue Gun (and extra glue sticks)

Exacto Knife

Spray Paint

Foam Brushes

Primer 

Cans of Interior Paint

(Did you know you can buy "mistake" paint at a HUGE discount?)

Scraps of Fabric

Heat n' Bond Hem Tape

Acrylic Paint

Mod Podge

Buttons

Embroidery Thread

Scrapbook Paper

Sharpie Markers

What's in your crafty closet? Shout out your favs-we want to hear 'em!

FREE Valentine Printables

Last week I shared with you how to make your own printables on Picnik. Today I'm sharing two links to FREE Valentine printables. I love it when bloggers share their great ideas!

I chose to make {THIS} one. It comes from The Girl Creative.

I'm in the process of making my Valentine's Day mantle and it's the perfect start!

You can print it in two different color options and it's already formatted for an 11 x 14 print!

This one comes from Classy Clutter and is also FREE. Click {HERE} to get it for yourself! I just might print this one out too!

Happy Printable-ing!!!