What a Teacher Really Wants

Hey, friends!  I have some really exciting news today!!  I am over at Tatertots & Jello sharing a gift idea for Teacher Appreciation Week, which is May 6-10!

I wanted to come up with something teachers would really love, so I polled you all on Facebook {remember that?} and asked anyone who had ever been a teacher to tell me what they liked and disliked when it came to gifts.  I didn't give any suggestions or choices, but I was amazed to see the same things coming up over and over again.  I thought you might be interested in the results...here's what I found out!  

The teachers who responded said, "Please don't give us"...

One Crafty Contest: Meet the Judges 2013

Hey, friends!  Today, I have two really exciting things to share with you!  The first thing is that I get to reveal the fabulous judges who will be helping out and moderating One Crafty Contest.  The judges' official responsibilities consist of helping to select the Top 20 Contestants and "saving" one contestant whose votes place her in the bottom six during each round.  Each judge will be sharing a more detailed bio with you starting May 7th, but here's a quick introduction to these awesome ladies:

Crazy Coasters: My Take on a Very Cool Project

Some of you may remember that a few months ago, I advertised a "Growing Together: Blogger Mentoring Program" I wanted to run.  The response was so fabulous that I had to cut off the registration at 20 members, and I've been working with that group of ladies since the end of January to grow their respective blogs and meet some of their goals.  As a matter of fact, we just finished up the course, and I'm going to be running a second one starting in July.  {More on that later...}

One of the bloggers in the class, Nancy, who writes at Do Small Things With Love, has consistently blown me away with her creative projects, many of which she makes using felt.  Week after week, I kept pinning things she made so I could go back later and make them for myself.  But one project in particular was just so fun and so fabulous that I had to do it myself the very next day.  And, of course, now I have to share the idea with you so you can make some too!

They're called Crazy Coasters, and they're, well, really fun looking coasters made from felt!  There's no need for me to post a tutorial because Nancy has already created a great one.  So, instead, I'll just show you the finished product{s} and then you can head over and read her instructions to make yours.

CRAZY COASTERS

Meet the Sponsors: OCC 2013

Friends, I am so excited to introduce you to all of this year's prize sponsors!  We have an amazing line up of companies and individuals who are donating some really fabulous things to our winners.  Some of the folks you see below are sponsoring one of the five rounds and will be providing a prize to the winner of that round {the project receiving the most votes}!  Others are contributing general prizes that will be given to the grand prize, second, and/or third place overall winners at the end of the competition.  Stay tuned for more information about the details of the prize packages!  

Here they are...be sure to show them some love and thank them for being a part of this with us!

The Blog Workshop: An Online Conference You Won't Want to Miss!

Hey, friends!  Today, I have a special announcement for those of you who are fellow bloggers.  Whether you've been blogging for several years or several weeks, there's so much to learn, right?  I remember when I first started One Artsy Mama, I was overwhelmed by all the things I didn't know.  As my blog grew, I got more and more comfortable with the basics, but there are constantly new things coming up, decisions to make, and questions I have about the best thing to do for my blog.  One of the best ways to get some of those questions answered and to feel like we're all in this thing together is to attend a conference!  

But the reality is, many of us have obligations at home or at work that make it difficult for us to fly across the country for a weekend conference.  And, the expenses of something like that can add up too when you figure in not just the ticket, but the airfare, travel, and other expenses involved.  Which is why I was excited to hear about an opportunity called The Blog Workshop.

One Crafty Contest: Official Rules 2013

Ooooh, boy, friends!  It's almost here!

Are you as excited as I am?  Tomorrow, you'll get to meet our panel of judges and then starting Wednesday, it's entry time!  Just so we're all on the same page, be sure to read these over before entering.  Can't wait to see what you create!

Official Rules for One Crafty Contest:

1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

2. Eligibility requirements- Entrants must be 18 years of age or older.

3. Duration and deadlines: Links for contestant selection must be entered between May 1-May 11, 2013.  The deadline for each round is 8 AM EST the Monday following the Round Announcement {see calendar for details}.

4. Entry procedures- Link a picture of a project you have personally created. Contestants selected to move on to additional rounds will continue to share photos of their own projects, created during the contest period.  Projects entered in the original entry round may have been previously published on your blog, website, or Facebook page, however, all projects entered during Rounds 1-5 may NOT be previously published.

5. Each participant is allowed one project submission per round.

6. Prize descriptions: All prizes are a donation and courtesy of our sponsors and will be mailed to you directly from the sponsor. One Artsy Mama is not held responsible for prizes not claimed, received or delivered. Prizes will go to up to 7 different participants. Each category will have its own winner, and there will be three overall grand prize winners of the contest.

7. All entries will be judged by the number of votes received as well as our five volunteers based on: creativity, originality, quality, correct material used, and aesthetic appeal. Each category will have one (1) winner.

8. None of the judges or family members in their households are allowed to enter the contest.

9. On May 11th at 11:59 PM EST the link party will be closed and will no longer allow submissions. On May 14th at the top 20 contestants will be announced. Winners for each round will be announced the Tuesday after projects have been submitted. Overall winners will be announced June 19, 2013. Winners have 2 days from the time of announcement to contact us. "If potential Grand Prize winner{s} forfeits or does not claim the prize, prize will be re-awarded, in Sponsor’s sole discretion.” and “All prizes will be awarded.”

10. We do not hold exclusive right to any photo entered in the challenge but by entering the challenge you agree to allow One Artsy Mama to use on this website and/or Facebook as the owner sees fit.

11. All personal information given such as name, email is never shared with a third party without direct permission.

12. This challenge is brought to you by One Artsy Mama. If you have any questions feel free to contact Amy Latta.

13. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW

14. Facebook, Twitter or any of the social media outlets used in conjunction with this blog are not in any form endorsing or sponsoring our challenge.

15. International and U.S. residents are allowed to enter contest but in order to receive prize the winners must provide a U.S. address for some of our sponsors for shipping.

How My Daughter Saved My Life: A Mother's Battle with Mesothelioma

Friends, Today I have a very special guest here at One Artsy Mama.  I recently received an email from Heather, asking if she could stop by and tell you all her amazing story.  As soon as I read it, I knew it was something worth sharing; I know you'll agree.  Please join me in welcoming Heather:

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"I saved my mommy's life." This phrase, in response to being asked about my battle with cancer, has become my 7-year-old daughter's standard reply. As natural to her as declaring that she is thirsty or has an upset tummy, these words have become an integral part of Lily's reality. And while some people may not fully
accept such a dramatic claim from a young child, I can confirm the truth in those five beautiful words.

You Broke My Glasses?! #ItsAllGood

The other day I went to the eye doctor.  In part, I went because I was on my last pair of disposable contacts and it had been three years since my last exam.  The other reason was that I got something on my glasses lens that I just couldn't. get. off.  Not with the fancy-shmancy cleaners, not with rubbing alcohol, not with Windex {which I later learned was a bad idea} and definitely not with my fingernail {which I learned was an even worse idea}.  Artsy Mama Fail.  And try though I might, there's just no DIY project for making your own glasses.  At least not ones you can see out of.  

Crochet 101: The V-Stitch

Hey, friends!  Time for another installment of Crochet 101!  Grab those hooks and some yarn and let's learn a new stitch!

Today, we're going to be learning a decorative stitch, called the "V-Stitch." It's easy-peasy to do, because it's just combining two things you already know how to do: a double crochet and a chain stitch!  {If you missed those tutorials, hop on over and check them out first, or grab the free e-book!} It also goes quickly, and it creates an open, lacy look that I think you're going to like!  

Shine on Fridays #77...and a big announcement!

I have some big news for you, friends!  Shine on Fridays is getting even BIGGER and BETTER!  Kara and I have invited two permanent new co-hosts to join us each week.  That means when you link up here, your projects are not only visible on One Artsy Mama, but on all four blogs!  

Please join me in welcoming our new hostesses!  In the coming weeks, I'll be introducing each co-host to you and telling you more about them, but in the meantime, here they are:

Dangle Shell Earrings

You all know that one of my favorite colors this season is coral!  But, a close second is royal blue.  It's so deep and gorgeous, and will transition really well into summer too with its nautical feel.  I have a few favorite blue pieces in my spring and summer wardrobe, but I didn't have a pair of earrings that I loved to go with them.  So, what's an artsy mama to do?  Make some, of course!

Here's how I did it, and you can too!  Wholeport.com provided me with the beads; here's everything I used:

Shabby Apple $75 Giveaway!

Friends, I have some fabulous news for you today!  Remember last month when I was able to offer one lucky winner $50 credit to Shabby Apple?  That giveaway went over so well that, guess what?  Shabby Apple is back with another giveaway for you...this time for $75 worth of their merchandise!

And, it's perfect timing because they've just launched a whole new line of dresses called Fete des Fleurs!

{Remember that time we had a picnic by the lake and I was wearing pink and you had a bush on your head and threw flowers at me?  Apparently the paparazzi were there too because now we're famous...}

Crafty Chaos With Erin: Love Story Sign

It's that time again, friends...my bestie Erin, who is also a monthly contributor here at One Artsy Mama, is back today to show you one of her latest projects!  Take a look at this fabulous Love Story Sign {and yes, she's right when she says I was trying to figure out how I could keep it for myself}!

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Happy Spring One Artsy Mama Readers! Life is, as usual, happy and chaotic, but I wanted to
show you how I finished the wall from my last post. I came up with a simple plaque, with a
saying that really ties everything together. Let’s remember how the wall used to look, ok? Oh
that’s right, super boring.

All About Mom Book: Review & Giveaway from Paper Coterie!

Friends, did you realize that Mother's Day is just three short weeks away?  Have you started thinking about what you might want to do for the moms in your life {and what those of you who are moms yourselves might want to ask for}?  I want to show you something today that I absolutely fell in love with at first sight.  Usually, I share DIY, or Do-It-Yourself, projects; this is a DIT, Do-it-Together, project I couldn't resist!

Take a look at the "All About My Mom" Photo Book from Paper Coterie!

Taking Back My Morning

So, friends, you know how we've been playing the "honestly game" around here?  I've got another one for you.  Honestly, I'm not a morning person.

Ask anyone who knows me in real life, and they'll tell you I'm a night owl.  I'm far more energized at 9 PM than I am at 9 AM.  And before 9 AM?  Well, don't even try to talk to me.  I am seriously grumpy.  I mean seriously.  So much so that I half-jokingly tell people I do my devotional time in the evening most days because even God doesn't want to hang out with me in the morning.  {My apologies in advance to Kara, who will be rooming with me at BloggyCon!  I am not responsible for anything I do or say before lunch.}   

Earth Day Ideas

Earth Day is just around the corner, friends!  Of course, we should be caring for our world each and every day, but on April 22, it's a good time to do a special earth or eco-themed project or two, don't you agree?
Here's a little roundup I put together for you with ideas for projects that are either recycled, upcycled, "green," repurposed, or in some way connected to Earth Day!  Enjoy!

Recycled Plantable Junk Mail Seed Tags:  Happy Hour Projects

Sound Asleep with ZzzQuil

This post brought to you by ZzzQuil. All opinions are 100% mine.
Do any of you occasionally have trouble falling asleep?  If you follow my Facebook page, you'll know that I fall into that category...and apparently I'm not alone.  1 in 4 adults suffers from occasional sleeplessness, which can be a real problem the next day.

{some of my besties...who are going to kill me for this...and me snoozing during an overly theological discussion in our Tuesday night small group}

Crochet 101: Double Crochet

It's time to learn the next stitch together, friends!  Today, we will be learning the double crochet.

In a pattern, you'll see it abbreviated as "dc."  It has several more steps involved than the previous stitches we've learned, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy-peasy!  Take a look:

Shine on Fridays #76 {and a Starbucks Giveaway}!

Welcome back to another edition of Shine on Fridays, friends!  In case you missed the big news here at One Artsy Mama, I recently published my first e-book, titled Crochet 101!  And I'm giving it to all of you as a free download!  Check it out...

In other news, take a look at some of my very favorite projects from last week's party:

Vinyl Wall Art and a Silhouette Promotion Code!

If you are any kind of a regular reader here at One Artsy Mama, you know that my absolute favorite crafting supply these days is "Cammie," my beloved Silhouette Cameo...which, if you've never heard of it, is a fabulous, amazing cutting machine you can use to make all types of projects!

Cammie and I have diversified quite a bit in the three months since I first received her, trying out print-and-cut projects, 3D projects, and all sorts of fun things.  But I have to confess that my favorite product to use with Cammie is still good old adhesive vinyl.  Recently, I decided to take the plunge and cut out a vinyl saying for on the wall.  {gulp!}  I convinced hubby to let me try it since if he we didn't like it, we could easily peel it off with no damage to the paint.  

Origami Owl: Living Locket Giveaway

Friends, I have a very special treat for you today!  Lately, I've had a number of opportunities to review {and give away} lots of different and fabulous products.  Today I have one more for you, and I have to confess that it just might be my favorite one yet.  

Have you heard of Origami Owl?  It's a design-your-own jewelry company that specializes in personal, meaningful pieces like their signature Living Lockets.

You are my Sunshine Framed Art

Today I have a project to share with you that came about a little differently than most of my projects do.  Usually, I have a vision for something I want to make...either something I saw on Pinterest or a blog, or something I imagined on my own.  But this time, the project happened sort of backwards and came together  after the parts of it were already made.  Let me explain...

Recently, I got a pack of Sketch Pens to use with "Cammie," my Silhouette Cameo.  Little Crafter and I were both anxious to test them out {I'm honestly not sure which of us was more excited}, so I let him choose a color and a design.  He picked a turquoise-blue and a chevron pattern...I'm training him well, aren't I?  Then, we watched Cammie draw it onto a piece of cardstock.

Crochet Coffee Cozy

Friends, if you've been following along with this series, let me congratulate you on completing parts 1-4 of Crochet 101!  Well done!

You've learned to make a slip knot, a chain stitch, a single crochet, and a slip stitch.  There are lots more stitches, and we will cover those in upcoming posts, but for now, you have everything you need to make your first simple project!  Ready?  Here goes...

I know, you're shocked that I would decide to make a cozy for my Starbucks cups, aren't you?  Ha.

Free E-Book!

Hey there, friends!  Many of you have expressed an interest in obtaining part of the Crochet 101 series as an e-book.  I have created a 32 page book containing instructions and photos for the first four stitches as well as the beginner project and am happy to offer it to my readers at no cost!

Since this is a special favor to my friends/readers, all I ask in return is that you follow One Artsy Mama on Facebook, {if you don't have Facebook, you can follow the blog via GFC, bloglovin', or email instead} and that you consider sharing this page with your friends via Twitter or Facebook to spread the word!  To get your copy, simply fill out the following form, click submit, and you'll see the link you need to follow to download it for yourself!  Enjoy!

Crochet 101: Slip Stitch

Welcome back to Crochet 101, friends!  Time to learn our third type of stitch, the slip stitch.  If you were reading a pattern, you'd see this abbreviated as "ss."   

First, put your hook down through the hole in your previous row of stitches.  You can slip stitch in a single crochet, a chain stitch, or just about any other kind of stitch.

Crochet 101: Single Crochet

Welcome to Part 3 of Crochet 101!  If you missed the previous posts, you'll want to start there first:

1. Materials and Slip Knots
2. Chain Stitch

Today, we're going to learn how to do another type of stitch, called a Single Crochet.  When reading a crochet pattern, single crochet is abbreviated "sc".  In order to make a single crochet, you have to have a foundation first, like a chain or a row of another kind of stitch.  Since what we know how to do is chain, that's going to be our foundation!

Shine on Fridays #75!

It's that time again already, friends!  Share your latest projects and take a look at all the inspiration here!

Before we get started, don't miss out on the new Crochet 101 Series I started to teach the very beginning basics of crocheting!  

Let's take a quick look at nine of my favorite projects from last week's party!

1. Quick Strawberry Spring Salad: Cheerios and Lattes

2. Chevron Jacket: All This for Them

3. Eggo PB&J Mouse Lunch: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons

4. Gender Reveal Fortune Cookies: Spot of Tea Designs

5. Puzzle Piece Frame and Watercolor Art: Buggy and Buddy

6. Faster Garlic and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes: Rae Gun Ramblings

7. Embroidered Portrait with Felt Flowers: Small Things With Love

8. The "Bapron": The Caldwell Project

9. Dinosaur Party: Inspired by Family Mag

Crochet 101: Chain Stitch

Hi, friends, and welcome back to Crochet 101!  Yesterday, we talked about the materials you need, how to hold your yarn and hook, and how to make a slip knot to begin your project.  The next step from here is to learn the most basic stitch, the Chain Stitch.

When reading a crochet pattern, a chain stitch is abbreviated ch.  Most patterns begin with a series of chain stitches.  For a small project, like the one I'll be giving you on Monday, you will ch 10 to begin.  A large project, like a full size afghan may require you to ch 150.  

Here's how you do it.  First, you have to begin {as always} with the slip knot we learned.  Here's a quick review.

Crochet 101: Starting and Slip Knots

Hi, friends!  One of the things you might not know about this Artsy Mama is that I learned to crochet at a very young age.  One day when I was visiting my grandparents, my grandmother got out her hooks and yarn and showed me the basics.  I was immediately "hooked." {pun definitely intended}  At first, all I knew how to do was chain, so I would chain entire skeins of yarn to practice.  Then, I learned more kinds of stitches and by the time I was in middle school, I was crocheting full size afghans for the 4-H Fair.

Up to this point, I haven't ever put any crochet projects on the blog, because I know there are already a lot of fabulous blogs out there dedicated to that particular niche, and they have patterns for things that are way more involved than anything I've ever attempted.  But I recently heard from the peanut gallery {aka Facebook} that many of you are interested in a little Crochet 101 Series, because let's face it, if you don't know the basic stitches and how to get started, you can't follow any of the cool patterns out there!  So, here I am to show you the basics in the hopes that you can get your feet wet in this fun hobby too!

Over the next few posts, I'm going to walk you through the supplies, starting your yarn, chain stitching, single crocheting, and more!  Then, on Monday, I'm going to give you a simple project to put all your new skills together!  Are you ready?  Let's go!

Crochet 101 With One Artsy Mama

Welcome to Crochet 101!  This series is designed to help those of you who have never learned how to crochet to acquire the basic skills and stitches, and as a refresher for those of you who may have learned but forgot some of the basics.

Here's a look at our "syllabus"!

Supplies and Slipknots

Chain Stitching

Single Crochet

Slip Stitch

Basic Project Tutorial/Challenge: Coffee Cozy

Double Crochet

V Stitch

Granny Square

Basic Project Tutorial/Challenge

Treble Crochet

I'd love for you to follow along with us!  Simply click on the links above to go to each session.  Keep in mind that some of these have not yet been posted, so if there's no link, just keep practicing the other skills and come back soon!

If you're joining the fun, feel free to grab a button for your blog, Facebook page, etc.  Also, as you learn to do each thing, I'd love for you to share your photos via Instagram/Twitter/Facebook!  Use #Crochet101 and tag me at @oneartmama {Twitter} or @oneartsymama {Instagram}!

<center> <a href="http://www.oneartsymama.com/2013/04/crochet-101-with-one-artsy-mama.html"><img alt="One Artsy Mama" src="http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc86/dancers4life/crochetbutton.jpg" width="150"/></a><center> </center> </center>

Hugs & Glitter,

Colorblocked Earrings

Hey, friends!  As I was doing some clean-up work on the blog recently, I came across an old guest post I did for someone else's blog back when One Artsy Mama was very new, and it occurred to me that many of you probably never saw this project.  I absolutely love these earrings, and color blocking is still a huge fashion trend for this Spring {I was ahead of my time!}, so I thought I'd re-share them with you today!  My apologies in advance for the crummy photos...it was before I had my new camera equipment and before I knew much about editing too...

They're really simple, so even if you've never ever made jewelry before, you can do it!  Ready?  Here they are!

I decided to make them a combination of magenta, orange, and yellow so that they'll really stand out with a black/neutral outfit or match anything that has one of those colors in it.  You can make them with any color beads you like.  Here's how to do it:

One Crafty Contest: Season 2

Calling all Crafters!

It's back...One Crafty Contest!

That's right, here at One Artsy Mama, we're going to be having us another little friendly competition!  Once again, it will be a five round contest; each round will ask contestants to work with a specific material {ie: fabric, wood, stencils...} and create something fabulous!  Then, readers will vote for their favorite projects.  In the end, we'll have a first, second, and third prize winner who will win some fun goodies!  Sound like fun?

Here's how you can be involved!

Layered Button Necklace

Hi, friends!  Today I have a fun and super-simple project for you!  You only need two buttons, and it will take about five minutes to make this stylish statement necklace!  Mine features one of my all-time favorite buttons, the "Carlos," but you could use any two buttons you like, as long as their sizes and colors compliment each other!  Here's how I did it and you can too!

Honestly...You Passed the Test

Oh, friends, I applaud you.  You have taken to heart the "Honestly Game."  How do I know?  I tested you.

It all started with an innocent manicure.  There was a shade I bought for the recent Nail Art party I threw that looked oh-so-pretty in the bottle.  Earl Grey.  Doesn't it even sound pretty?  {And make you want some tea?}  In this photo, it's the center bottle in the group of three right in the front row behind the Salon Effects polish strips.

It looks light and neutral and springy, right?  So I thought.  I applied it to my nails and frowned.  Something about the journey from the bottle to my nails went horribly wrong.  Maybe it's my skin tone.  Whatever the cause, I was about to break out the remover when I decided to be adventurous.  See the pretty shade of coral {aka Get Juiced...still thirsty} right next to it in the photo?  Well, I decided to try adding coral tips, á la a french manicure with a funky modern twist.

Living the Green

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of White Cloud. All opinions are 100% mine.
With Spring in the air and Earth Day just a few weeks away, it's the perfect time to think about how each of us can do our part to take care of our world.   When we think about going "green," it can be intimidating...I know I, for one, hesitate to commit to anything that seems like it's going to require huge lifestyle changes or be a big hit to the budget.   But the truth is, even the smallest things we do in our own families have a lasting impact on the environment and make the world a nicer place for our children and their children to live.

Here in the Artsy Family, we have been working on taking little but important steps to be more "green," like turning off the lights when we leave a room, taking reuseable bags with us to the grocery store, and making sure we put our bottles, cans, and paper in the recycling bin instead of the trash.  Little Crafter likes putting things in the bin himself, and he loves watching for the big truck to come and empty it every Friday.  We also plant our own vegetable garden each spring and LC loves watching the tomatoes, peppers, and herbs grow.  There's something really satisfying about eating something you've grown yourself and knowing it's free from additives and pesticides.

And, we've actually found that we can participate in recycling by reusing our "trash" as craft supplies!  Here's a fun little "green" project you can do with even the smallest crafters!

REUSABLE TOTE BAG

Shine on Fridays #74 {and a grab bag giveaway}!

Before we get started, I want to ask you a favor.  If you read nothing else this week, please take a minute to read The Honestly Game.  I promise you'll be glad you did.

Here's a look at some of my favorite projects you all shared at last week's party!

"Got a Minute" CD Review and Giveaway!

Hey, friends!  Raise your hand if you have young kids or grandkids.  If that's you, then you are probably all too familiar with the feelings that come with most of the children's music out there these days.  You know, that feeling that wells up inside you as you're listening to it that makes you want to scream, hit random objects, or hurl yourself out of a moving vehicle. ;)  But despair no more, I have wonderful news for you.  There's a band called Milkshake that's about to change everything.

Milkshake began in 2002, when Lisa Matthews and Mikel Gehl, members of the Indie Rock group Love Riot were inspired by the birth of Lisa's daughter and Mikel's son to create a new kind of kids' music.  Five CD's and a Grammy Nomination later, Milkshake is known around the country for their energetic pop-rock style that kids as well as their parents enjoy!

Honest.

I speak from experience.

The Honestly Game

A number of years ago, {I won't say how many because it makes me feel old!} my husband and I sat across a restaurant table from each other, staring at our burgers and both wishing we were somewhere else.  We were on a road trip and had needed to stop for lunch somewhere along the way.  I picked at my food until hubby looked at me and said, "What's wrong?"

Me: "Nothing."
Hubs: "That's not true.  Don't you like your food?"
Me: "It's fine....it's just, well, it's kind of greasy.  And I'd have rather eaten at the place across the street."
Hubs: "Then why didn't you say so?"
Me: "Well, I knew you really wanted to eat here, so..."
Hubs: {laughing} "I didn't want to eat here!  I thought you wanted to.  I wanted to go across the street too!  What are we doing here?"

So, there we were, with our half-finished unwanted greasy burgers, each thinking we were the poster-child for loving your spouse sacrificially.  At that moment, we both got up, left our burgers behind and went where we had both wanted to go all along.  And we instituted from that day on something we call the honestly game.

It works like this.  Whenever there's a decision to be made or something comes up that isn't fun to talk about, one of us invokes the honestly game, which means we both have to tell the whole truth, no matter what.  We have to be real with each other.  Because that's the only way marriage {or friendship, or any relationship} works.  And today, I'm invoking the honestly game with you.

Burlap Rosette Wreath for Spring

A few weeks ago, as I took the shamrock down from my front door, I found myself  in need of  really wanting a new Spring wreath!  My last several wreaths have involved yarn or ribbon wrapping, but this time I wanted something more rustic and natural.  I started browsing Pinterest, found some inspiration, and ended up with this: 

Here's how I made it:

Egg Hunt: The Answers and the Winners

Friends, I sure do hope you enjoyed the first annual Egg Hunt here at One Artsy Mama as much as I did!  Little Crafter and I had a great time hiding the eggs for you, and it seems like most of you who commented enjoyed searching for them {except for maybe that elusive #14}.

So that you can sleep at night, here are the answers.  Feel free to click on the links and go see the eggs for yourselves {I promise they're really there} between now and April 5, when I take them down.  Little Crafter knows where they all are!

Egg 1: Grow Your Blog Series Intro post 

Egg 2: Monster Jeans Patch post

Egg 3: Pink Memory Wire Bracelet tutorial

Egg 4: Crafty Ladies Spring Party post

Egg 5: Burlap and Buttons post

Egg 6: Advertise/Get Featured page

Egg 7: Sidebar {shame on you if you missed that one!}

Egg 8: Pearl and Crystal Bracelet tutorial

Egg 9: Bible Crafts page

Egg 10: Spring Tree Canvas tutorial

Egg 11: Holiday Ideas page

Egg 12: Ultimate Lego Party

Egg 13: ABC Month page

Egg 14: One Crafty Contest Winners page {ohhhhhhh, right?}

Egg 15: Etsy page

We had  participants 56 who submitted responses, and 27 of them had all 15 eggs correct.  Those 27 people were entered into a random drawing for the three prizes.  And the winners are...

First Place: Jennifer Wright

Second Place: Alison Norris

Third Place: Amy Jones

Congratulations!  And a big THANK YOU to all who participated {and stayed up till all hours and drove yourselves crazy}.  I hope it was fun!

Hugs and Glitter {and no more eggs till next year}!