Superhero Story Stones

Welcome to A Pinteresting Wednesday!

Oh wait, it is Thursday. Well I am going to share these Superhero Story Stones with you today for A Pinteresting Wednesday anyway. So let's just pretend for right now that it is still Wednesday and that I blog more than just couple times a month. I have been a little lame lately...well not lame, but just attending to other things.

I truly meant to get this all posted and wittily delivered yesterday. But well, I wanted to finish my book. So I did. Hehehe.

So now my book is finished. So blogging seems like a good idea.

These Superhero Story Stones make me giddy. I had the idea for these story stones on Pinterest. I pinned it to my For the Kiddos board. (The specific ones I pinned are no longer available, in fact I can't even find what store they came from). Little attended a birthday party recently and the birthday boy liked to be creative and liked to read.

I thought recreating the story stones from my Pinterest board would be a perfect present. I decided to make them even more perfect for a little boy by giving them a superhero theme. That is how these Superhero Story Stones were born.

 Making your own set of Story Stones is easy.

All you need is:

a pack of river rocks
craft paint
fabric and cording to make a little bag (or a little bag already made)

I painted little pictures on the rocks that would coordinate with making up a superhero story. I am not gonna even hide the fact that this was my most favorite part of this project. Could you die over that itty bitty rock Hulk? He is my favorite.

Once I had painted various superhero themed pictures onto the rocks, I whipped up a very simple drawstring bag. I used yellow duck cloth for the outside and a superhero print for the inside.

I drew a red cord through as a drawstring. I also hand painted the tell a story word bubble onto the outside.

Since our birthday boy liked to read, I also threw in a super hero book to complete the present. My boys are now requesting their own story stones.

These Superhero Story Stones were such an easy fun gift to make. They are also so easy to fit any theme. Man the possibilities are endless--princess, animals, cars, farm, ocean, robots, Frozen...I could go on and on.

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A Pinteresting Wednesday: Infographic Christmas Letter

I have been wanting to make an Infographic Christmas Letter for a while. I first saw them a couple of years ago. This year when The Hubs and I decided not to do Christmas cards, but to do a letter instead I figured it was the perfect opportunity to make one.

I searched around and finally settled on THIS design that I had pinned to my Christmas Board last year. I recreated the letter using PicMonkey.

It was a little bit of a labor of love. However, it was doable. I primarily used the shape cut out frame, choose own overlay, and geometric overlays to make everything you see.

I used three of my favorite fonts-- Thirsty Script Bold, Ostrich Sans Inline, and Egyptienne Light.

One of my favorite things about this letter is the individual circle pics (circle shape cut out over the photos) and the columns of information.

When I was all done making our Infographic Christmas Letter, I sent it to Staples to have them print them off. The quality is insane and I am so glad I choose to do that over printing them off myself.

Overall, I am happy we decided to do a letter this year. At first I was bummed we weren't going to do Christmas cards, but then when I started my creative juices flowing I really enjoyed making this letter. Now we will have to wait and see what I do next year.

I also should probably get these in the mail now. Ha! Here's to hoping they get where they are going before Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

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A Pinteresting Wednesday: Stripes and Gingham

My go-to-fall outfit is layering a sweater and a button up shirt. Sometimes I mix it up with some pattern on pattern love. Sometimes I opt for a cardigan instead of a sweater.

Ultimately, I am a big fan of a style that says classy, preppy, and a little bit librarian.

I bought this blue gingham button up shirt last year when I recreated a Favorite Fall Look I found on Pinterest. Best purchase ever. Seriously.

I practically wear it once a week. It pretty much goes with anything.

So when I found THIS PIN, showing me another possible way to where my favorite gingham shirt I pinned it to my For My Closet pin board.

I just had to keep my eye out for a striped sweater that would fit the look.

So when I found this black and white striped sweater at Old Navy I kind of squeaked and I almost pressed my face against the store window.

I immediately liked the sweater.

Then upon closer inspection, I found something really rather spectacular...

Elbow patches.

This sweater has elbow patches. Eek!!!

Not only are they elbow patches, but they are BLUE elbow patches. The exact blue of my favorite gingham shirt.

Guys...it was also on sale.

Say what?!?

Bought. Done and done.

I paired it up with some ankle skinny jeans, black flats, and touches of gold jewelry.

Oh, I know it might seem silly, but man this sweater makes me happy.

Thanks again Pinterest for all the PINspiration. How did we dress ourselves before you?

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Painted Clothes Pin Magnets

A Pinteresting Wednesday is here. A little Pinterest love...okay a lot of Pinterest love. One of umpteen million projects get crossed off the list.

Today I am sharing a simple, super functional, and quite lovely little project.

Painted Clothes Pin Magnets.

The original project I pinned was DIY Picture Clips for bulletin boards by Dotcoms For Moms. I pinned it onto my Projects to Do board.

Since I had clothes pins and paint, I busted this out the same day I pinned it. However, I don't have a bulletin board, so I decided to glue itty bitty magnets on instead.

I pulled out my amazing Martha Stewart craft paints...could you die over these colors. LUHVE.

I followed her instructions for the painting. Then I glued magnets on instead of thumbtacks. Make sure that the magnets you use are strong. Some little ones are not very strong. If you can't find any little ones, then you can cut magnet tape to the right size.

Now I can prettily display all my lovelies on my little magnet board...or better yet on my fridge!

Thanks Pinterest I love you.

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A Pinteresting Wednesday: Lunch Box Jokes

Welcome to A Pinteresting Wednesday.

If you follow me on Instagram, than you know that yesterday school started.

Woot! Woot!

I love my boys and all, but I really rather enjoy them being at school occasionally. You know it kind of gives me a chance to miss them. Which I of course do. I miss the loudness. I miss the burps and farts (okay, only kind of). I miss the constant sound of running feet and wrestling. I miss the laughter.

So I figured while we are apart, I could send them a little something to chuckle about.

Jokes in their lunchbox. I imagine them reading one, then telling it to their friends. Them all laughing.

Then of course there will be a unanimous chorus of "Your mom is the coolest!" A girl can dream it anyway. Hehehe.

Searching Pinterest I found tons of great lunch box jokes. One of my favorite sets was from Paging Supermom. I pinned it to my Lunch for the Kiddos board. They offer a free download of five jokes.

I used some of those jokes and then a few from a couple of other sites.

Then I used PicMonkey, my all-time favorite online photo editing site. Their new School U feature is amazing and I love it. As I said in my "What is Your SuperPOWER?" Teacher Gift post.

I created five joke tags. 

Download tags HERE

They are easy to download and cut out. Then all you have to do is sneak them into a lunch box.

Everyone likes a good joke. Laughing helps with good digestion...well that is what I would think anyway.

Since I love a good children's joke...in fact...

Side note and an FYI about little old me...when Hubby and I were registering for wedding gifts way back when, we registered for Laffy Taffy. One, because I LOVE them. Two, because the jokes make me giggle. Three, we pretty much thought it would be HEE-larious.

Now that you know a little bit more about me and we are best friends and such, I will get back on track.

I love these little joke notes. I am sure my Little Men will love these just as much as some homemade cookies...well almost as much...

I love Pinterest, and how great ideas come from there or stem forthwith.

Keep following along with Just Another Day in Paradise on Pinterest.

A Pinteresting Wednesday: Fold Over Clutch

Welcome to A Pinteresting Wednesday.

Um...I love this clutch.

Love.

Love.

Love.

When I saw this tutorial on Flamingo Toes, I knew I needed to make this and make it soon. I pinned it to my Projects To Do board.

Then I came across some left over fabric from these Tote Bags  I made for our teachers at the end of school. Right by that was some left over faux leather...known more affectionately as puh-leather.

The clutch was practically begging to be made.

This bag could really be made in one afternoon if you have everything on hand and as long as you are not tackled by wild couch climbing monkeys...aka my Little Men...

Since I was occasionally accosted by crazy couch climbers and I was short a zipper, this project took me two days total.

Once I had all the supplies gathered and a quite afternoon thanks to Cub Scout Day Camp, this clutch was made. Oh how glorious.

I love the fold over feature. It makes the bag super trendy. The corner details are quite lovely as well. That is where I used my puh-leather (ps I do know it should be pleather...just clarifying).

I used home fabric and duck cloth to make this bag. Since I used these materials that are heavier than cotton, I was able to forgo the interfacing that she calls for in her tutorial.

This clutch is perfect for a date night with The Hubby or girls night out. My wallet, phone and lip gloss (you know the essentials) fit snuggly inside.

Zip it closed, fold it over and bam, I am ready for a fun and fashionable evening on the town.

I would highly recommend this tutorial. Super fun and pretty easy to follow.

Another Pin down. Only...only...oh who am I kidding! There are way too many pins to count and I just keep adding to my Pin Boards every day.

Don't you just love Pinterest?

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A Pinteresting Wednesday: Scripture Cover

The other day I gave a little sneak of this project. Yes on Instagram (follow along with me @larissa_anotherday)...my new obsession.

I busted out the sewing machine after a month and a half of not sewing a thing. Sewing was so overdue. My sewing machine was practically weeping in the corner of my sewing room. Poor baby.

Good thing I had the pieces for this Scripture Cover Tutorial from A Lemon Squeezy Home all cut out and ready to go...

I, uh, actually have had them cut out for over a month.

I pinned this tutorial on my pinboards right when she posted it.

My 9 year-old has had a set of scriptures but no way to carry them around, except with his somewhat reverent and grubby little hands.

He has been begging for his own case to carry his scriptures.

My motivation and the time available finally met up and I whipped out a Scripture Cover for Oldest's scriptures.

I grabbed some of my favorite boy fabric from my stash. I have had it on hand since Oldest's bowling themed birthday party from way back when.

The cover came together pretty easily. As easily as one can do a project in a Summer afternoon with a houseful of monkeys, that is.

Her instructions are easy to follow. What I love most is that her tutorial has a divider flap.

Easy for opening up and reading both his Bible and his Book of Mormon.

Then the set of scriptures can close up, thanks to the little velcro strap. The straps are perfect for little hands to carry them around.

I will definitely keep this tutorial on hand for future little sets of scriptures and their little owners.

Another Pinterest project done!

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A Pinteresting Wednesday: Batman T-shirt

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It is A Pinteresting Wednesday. Woot! Woot!

I actually made this shirt a couple months ago. I don't know why it took me so long to share it with you. Especially since I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this shirt.

I mean LUHHHVE.

I first saw this shirt idea on a friends board. I actually saw it and then just kept the idea in my head. I finally pinned it to my Little Men Clothing board as I was making my knock-off.

The original shirt is an adult shirt, and while I am sure Hubby could rock it, I really wanted one for Little.

So in an afternoon, I designed and the made my own.

Little wore it quite cutely, wouldn't you say?

I originally shared this on Instagram 

(follow along @larissa_anotherday)

I hand drew the batman mask image.

Then I scanned my drawing into the computer. I opened the image in Picmonkey and then I added in the writing using the font Amatic Small Caps in various sizes.

Once the image was saved, I imported the image into my Silhouette software. I cut it out in black flocked heat transfer vinyl from Expressions Vinyl.

Keeping it real moment--the teeny tiny letters were a little tedious, but with a small pair of tweezers it is doable.

Man, was it totally worth it. I love this font and I think it makes this shirt.

This is probably my most favoritest shirt to date. Maybe my most favorite Pinterest project to date.

Ah man. Love. Wait, I said that already.

I also love Pinterest.

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A Pinteresting Wednesday: A Cinderella Apron

Woohoo. Another A Pinteresting Wednesday is upon us!

I have had quite a long list of "want-to-accomplish" items from my pinboards for several weeks. I had lofty ambitions to bust a bunch of them out. Several of them are in the B-U stage of being BUSTED out.

AKA, they are started but not close to being finished. Hahaha, short and unfinished story of my life as of late.

This little project was an immediate put on list, go buy fabric, and sew in an afternoon. I originally saw a pin of this awesomely girly array of these princess aprons created by Giggleberry.

I pinned it to my Gifts for Others board.

We have a oh-so-sweet neighbor girl who just happens to be Little's bestest friend. We had previous bought her the cutest tea set from IKEA and had been holding on to it for her birthday.

After seeing these aprons, I decided she needed to have a Cinderella apron to go with her tea set.

Here is a little known fact about yours truly...

All through my preteen and teenage years, I collected Cinderella items.

I loved the movie AND I loved Cinderella. I kind of wanted to be her and was majorly bummed out when I found out that there was a height requirement to be a Disney Princess at Disneyland. My meager 5'5" height was not fitting the 5'7" requirement.

Boo.
Dreams dashed.
How was I supposed to meet Prince Charming? (That one ended up working out for me even without Disneyland).

Fast forward a few years...or a few ten...

Now I had all of this Cinderella stuff and not a single Little Lady in our home. I very happily went through it and passed it on to our cute little neighbor girl.

Now she has one more thing for her pile of Cinderella stuff.

There was no tutorial for the apron. I just kind of made it up as I went a long. I mostly like how it turned out. I made the "skirt" part wider than the "bodice" part of the apron. In theory I thought that would be better that way so that it looked more like a skirt.

I think I will tweek it a little more next time. I will probably have the skirt and top meet up better.

Even with the little imperfections and the differences in look from Giggleberry's aprons, I still like how it turned out. I have plans (and fabric) to make more. Aurora is next on the list, so little girl cousins be prepared.

I am also dying to try and recreate her Ariel one. LOVE it.

I made a little gift tag with one of the main themes from Cinderella. It also happens to be one of my favorite Disney songs and a song I have sung repeatedly to all of my babies.

Apron done and present ready to give to one of the cutest little princesses we know.

This was a really fun and easy project. I look forward to making more princess aprons.

One more Pinterest projects knocked off the list. Yippee!

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A Pinteresting Wednesday: Duck Tape Wallets

Welcome everyone to A Pinteresting Wednesday!

Do you remember when duct tape only came in like two colors??

How boring was our life?

I recently was in charge of an activity for the girls at my church. I remembered having a friend a couple of years ago make duct tape wallets with a group of girls. With all the really cool duct tape available now, I thought that would be a really fun thing to do with my girls.

I had never made one so I went to the best place available to find the instructions. I went to Pinterest and typed "duct tape wallets" in the search box.

Several options came up, and THIS tutorial from Crafty Nest seemed to one that had a lot of pins, and links back. So this one was the tutorial I went with.

I went to pick out some girly Duck tape and then was faced with the most awesome boy Duck tape EVER.

I suddenly realized that I should probably create a couple of test wallets before teaching my girls. So I decided I should probably purchase some awesome boy duct tape and make some wallets for my Little Men.

I mean, seriously, did you see this Super Mario Brothers tape? How awesome is that?

So I busted out three duct tape wallets.

In the original tutorial, she says it will take you 45 minutes to make one. I think that is more time for sure. The first one will take a little longer as you figure out what you are doing, but then the multiple ones I just busted out.

I played around with mixing and matching. Seriously it was really fun.

My boys were kind of obsessed with their wallets. Their first question was, "how much money can I have to put in it?"

Then I nicely informed them, "uh, none. But I love you and you have a really cool wallet."

I am not sure that is the answer they wanted. Hahaha.

This was a super fun project, and Crafty Nest has a pretty easy-to-follow tutorial.

Not only did my boys love their wallets, but my girls had a blast. Their wallets turned out great. They immediately asked if they could make more. Unfortunately making wallets with a fun and giggly group of girls will take a little longer, so they only had time for one wallet...at least for that night's activity.

There will probably be more wallet making in the future.

How has Pinterest helped you plan an activity?

Pinterest just has so many ideas all in one place.

Love.

It.

I would also LOVE if you followed Just Another Day in Paradise

on Pinterest or Facebook. 

That would be grand.

You are the bestest.

A Pinteresting Wednesday: Charlie Brown Party Invites

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Welcome to another A Pinteresting Wednesday--Charlie Brown Party Edition.

I am kind of hoping you all aren't all Charlie Brown'ed out. When I do a party it tends to kind of consume all my creating time. Consequently I have a lot of party related projects to share.

So fingers crossed you guys are waiting on the edge of your seats for the next Charlie Brown Birthday Party installment...

Or at the very least you are mildly interested in the crazy antics of yours truly and are kind of waiting to see what I come up with next!

I have said before that Pinterest has made throwing a party all the easier.

Not only can you find entire parties in certain themes, but you can also find different ideas here and there that would fit into a specific theme.

I have used Pinterest to help me plan a Superman Party, a Harry Potter Party, an Avengers Party, and recently a Mexican Fiesta First Birthday and of course a Charlie Brown Party.

Most of the time I use ideas I pin as PINspration...sorry I had to..ehem..

So as I was saying I use Pinterest as a jumping off point.

Today I am sharing with you my Charlie Brown Birthday Party Invites.

I had THIS invite from Piggy Bank Parties on my Charlie Brown Pinterest Board.

I made a simple little version of their card for Little's invite. I used PicMonkey, of course.

I didn't just want the party invite, though. I also wanted an envelope for the invite.

I had this little idea to use Peanuts comic book images as the paper for the envelope.

I had this Peanuts comic book.

I scanned in one of the comic strips that I liked.

I edited the image in Picmonkey, adding a text box saying, "You Are Invited".

I printed off the image twice, once with the words and once without.

Then I sewed the two papers together right sides facing out.

That made a perfect little pocket envelope for the Charlie Brown Party Invite.

All I had to do is repeat so each little party guest got one.

Pinterest is perfect for a little inspiration.

My Time to Party Board is jam-packed full of party ideas.

Are you throwing a party anytime soon? Do you use Pinterest too?

I would love for you to follow Just Another Day in Paradise on Pinterest.