Clipboard Redo

The missionaries in our church are 19-21 year-old men, that being said, I help them get fed by members of our congregation. (For the record, there are also female missionaries in our church but not in our current congregation.) Anyway, I pass a calendar on a clipboard around to the women in our congregation and people sign up to feed the poor boys.

The clipboard had seen better days so I decided to make a few upgrades.

I Mod Podged paper to the front and back. I chose a black for the inside and added silverware and a library card holder that I cut out using TMJ's Silhouette. I put reminder cards in the library card holder.

I picked a very cute necktie print for the back, and I used my Cricut to cut out the words, "Missionary Meals." I glued it all down and Mod Podged it on! While I was at it, I used a new ribbon to attach the pen.

Now we have a great shiny new clipboard!

I'm so excited, and I jut can't hide it!

Two posts in one day? Wha?
That's right.

Krystal from Sassy Sanctuary has been at it again. She added a new social media icon to my blog. You knew it had to happen eventually right?

Introducing...My Pinterest button.

Isn't she pretty?

So join in the Pin Party and follow me on Pinterest. I'd love to know who else is out there pinning away!
Thanks Krystal!

T-Shirt Quilt

Many of you have probably heard of the idea to use old t-shirts to make a quilt. This way you can hold on to your sentimental keepsakes without taking up precious storage space with useless things. My friend, Britni, wanted to get some sewing practice and use up her shirts at the same time. She came over to my place at 11 am and by 7 pm she had finished a quilt from start to finish, and that includes a trip to JoAnn's!!

Here she is cutting her shirts into 12x12 squares with my trusty rotary cutter.

We set all her shirts on my bed so she could get them in the order she wanted. It also enabled us to get an idea for the fabric that we would use as the border.

We went to the store and found a great cotton for the border, fleece for the back, and fusible interfacing.

We ironed the fusible interfacing to the shirt squares. This gave it more strength and stability and made it MUCH easier to sew.

We cut the cotton into strips that were 4"x12". We then sewed those strips to the top of every shirt square using a 1/2" seam allowance. Britni did all the sewing herself. I was so impressed.

After we had them all topped we sewed them into columns. We then sewed strips to the right side of every column. Then we sewed the columns together. Finally, we sewed the front of the quilt to the back, which was a large piece of fleece.

After we finished all the sewing we tied in every corner to keep the two layers together.

The finished project!

Good job Britni!

Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure

My last post was really ME-Centric, but there is so much more to tell about the race. You know, like Brian Regan's "ME Monster"?

My day started at 6:30. I woke up and got ready. I didn't know what to do with myself. I didn't want to eat too much, there was no point in wearing make-up, I was so nervous! I wasn't the only person to get up early though. Chance, Bryan, Tervlon, and TMJ all came down to the race route to support me.

Plus, I was on a team with a great bunch of DC-Area crafty bloggers: Andi the Jane of All Crafts, Cassie from Primitive and Proper, Kate from Twenty-Six to Life (along with her awesome hubby), and Sarah The Thriftress. I'm so sad that we didn't get a team picture! I had hoped that Chance would find us before the race since I didn't bring a camera, but alas...

At any rate, there were all SO nice! I actually found out about the 5K on Andi's blog. I wouldn't have gotten the courage to sign up for this on my own. I'm so grateful to have been on a team with these great ladies.

Cassie and Andi were totally legit runners and finished in like half my time. Kate, Sarah, and I decided to start at the back of the pack of runners but they both bested me as well. I was totally unprepared for how much different it would be to run on the road. My bad leg started hurting really early on so I ended up walking within the first quarter mile. I watched as old ladies passed me  I walked for the rest of the first mile. During the second mile I worked up to running and walking at intervals. I continued that pattern through the first half of the third mile. Amazingly, I found the strength to run that last bit. It was then that I saw Chance and the gang. Lady Luck smiled down on me to make sure that they all saw me when I was running.

After the race I got an opportunity to wander around collecting SWAG (Stuff We All Get). I got pink flip-flops from Old Navy, Key Lime yogurt from Yoplait, a sweat band, a key chain, and some breakfast! I also earned a SGK Reusable shopping bag for raising more than $50. Thank you to all who helped me reach that goal.

I hope to be able to run with these ladies again next year. Maybe I'll keep pace with Cassie and Andi?

For your convenience here are links to the rest of the team member's blog posts about the event:

Andi
Cassie
Kate
Sarah (No post quite yet. Stay tuned!)

My Very Own Before and After

In April 2009 I was in a very serious car accident in which my tibia and fibula (both bones in my lower leg) were broken; my surgeon informed us that I could have easily lost my leg. Luckily, he was a brilliant spinal surgeon and he put me back together again. I spent two and a half weeks in the hospital and then another 4 months working to walk again.

Here I am in the hospital. After two weeks in I finally had the energy to put on make up and do my hair.

The next picture shows my leg post-op. You can see stitches and it might be a little much for you if you can't handle wounds. There is only one though! I had a surgery prior to this one that would have provided more weird pictures, but I decided to spare you!

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I have worked really hard over the last two years to lose weight and start exercising. It hasn't always been easy. I have had to push myself to overcome physical and emotional barriers and fears that would have kept me from trying new things. A couple of months ago I did a Rape Aggression Defense class that helped me overcome the irrational fear of hurting myself (specifically my leg). After that I decided to run a 5k.

So here is a picture from two days ago. It's me running in the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure.

Crossing the finish line.

And the true "before and after" portion of the post: my leg, new running shoes, and timer.

This is, quite honestly, something I never thought I would do. You might notice that there are a lot of people around me who are walking. That's because I found this race to be more difficult than I imagined, so I, too, ended up walking some of it. A lot of it actually. :) But I finished! Not only that, but I finished in under an hour. 47 minutes if you're curious. I can't wait to sign up for another one so I can improve my time and my skills. 

Looking at the two pictures of my leg I find myself thinking of a quote by Arthur C. Clarke, "The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible."

Tulip Lemonade?

I saw an idea for a fun bouquet on 1-800-Flowers.com and I thought to myself, "I can do that for WAY cheaper!" 

I hunted for a clear, glass pitcher for over a month. Target had one but it was $12.99 and I just wasn't ready to pay that. I searched the local Goodwill about once a week. I was about to lose hope when I found just what I was looking for. She is beautiful, petite, and only $3.49!!

I spent $3.99 on faux lemon slices from JoAnn's. I would have used a coupon but I couldn't find them before I left for the store and I already had the flowers in the pitcher. 

Finally, I bought yellow tulips because they are Chance's favorite flower, and conveniently on sale for $5.99 for a 10-stem bouquet.

So here is my rendition of a fun spring bouquet. I tied a ribbon around the pitcher just for another little splash of yellow. I spent roughly $13 and I will be able to reuse everything but the tulips. 

Mine isn't quite as lemony because I chose flowers with a lot of green due to the leaves. Their bouquet is full of flowers with no visible leaves. I love it nonetheless.

No Reply?

I LOVE comments on my blog. I also LOVE replying to those comments. Some people have their blogger accounts set up in such a way to prohibit people from replying. Jodi at Pleasant Home wrote a great post about how to fix that. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I'd like to copy her work. She even created a button to spread the word! You can see it on my sidebar. Thanks Jodi for all your hard work!
Here is what you need to know:

Are you a No-Reply Blogger? This post is a little lengthy but well worth it! 

NO-REPLY ?

What is a NO-REPLY blogger? 

1. Suzie leaves a comment on Jodi's blog asking a question. 

2. Jodi has all her comments sent directly to her email. 

3. Jodi checks her email and reads Suzie's question. Jodi clicks reply. Shazam! Up pops Suzie's name but instead of her email address, it say's NO-REPLY. Argh! 

4. Suzie doesn't have an Email associated with her blogger blog/blogger profile. Which means no one can reply to any of the comments or questions that she leaves. Boo Hoo. 

You may not even know that you are a NO-REPLY blogger. No worries. 

Follow these instructions to see if you are a NO-REPLY blogger: 

Sign in to Blogger and bring up your Dashboard or Profile Page. Click on EDIT PROFILE.
See the third box down (SHOW MY EMAIL ADDRESS) there should be a check mark in it.
and
Scroll down; see the section titled IDENTITY. See the box labeled EMAIL ADDRESS. Your Email address should be in that box. 

If there is no email in that box or if you don't have the Show My Email Address box checked. You are a NO-REPLY blogger. 

#1 ARGUMENT often heard from NO-REPLY bloggers: 

I DON'T want my personal email out there for the whole world to see....

Good News! You don't have to. You can set up a "generic" email address to be associated with your blog. (You just need to remember to check it often) (especially if you leave a comment or ask a question on another blog). 

CLICK HERE to see my profile. Notice below my photo there is a box labeled CONTACT. Just below that you will see a link that say's EMAIL. If you click on this link, you can email me. AND it also means that I have an email associated with my blog,,, so when I leave a comment on another blog, that blogger can email me a reply. (does your profile show an EMAIL link? If not.... You're a NO-REPLY blogger) 

And really the majority of "seasoned" bloggers will agree; It's good blogging etiquette to have an email associated with your blog. Especially if you're going to be blogging, commenting, asking questions, participating in Give Aways, etc. etc. etc. 

Here's your assignment for the day. Check your PROFILE. Are you a NO-REPLY blogger?
Yes? Well I would LoVe it, if you either use the email you already have, or set up a new "generic" email and put it in your profile. 

Use the instructions above to make sure your email is in your profile, and email me with any questions. CEPT! If you are a NO-REPLY. Please remember to put your email address in the body of your email. 

P.S. A new email in your profile WILL NOT CHANGE THE EMAIL ADDRESS YOU USE TO SIGN IN TO YOUR BLOG. 

EDITED: (1/19/2011)
If you do not have a blog, just be sure and leave your email address in your comment. If you're unsure if you are a No-Reply Blogger. Leave a comment with your email, here. Ask me if you're a No Reply. If you don't hear back from me in a few days. Most likely, you are a No-Reply. 

It appears you have to have a blog in order to leave a comment. If you don't want to leave your email in your comments. Then I would suggest you create a dummy blog in blogger, and make sure your email is connected to your profile. I know a few readers who have done this. It's easy and will only take a few minutes. And if you ever decide to start blogging. Your blog will be ready to go. ;o) 

JoAnn Knock Off

I know I have been posting less frequently as of late. I was really sick last week but I missed you all so much that I had to post!! Hope you enjoy!

I found a pretty cool, patriotic sign at JoAnn's shaped like a bottle cap. 

I know what you're thinking, 

"Jenny, that sign is a little busy for your tastes."

I know.

"Jenny, that sign is $14.99! You're too cheap thrifty for that!"

I know.

"Jenny, you're making my head spin!"

I'm sorry; let's end the madness now.

I found a cool, bottle cap shaped sign for $2.50 in (the happiest place on earth) the Target Dollar Section. It is big enough that it will make the perfect door hanging, but I don't need a sign for a tiki bar. 

What's a crafty girl to do?

I cut a 12x12 piece of  paper into a (roughly) 11" circle and Mod Podged it over the whole Tiki thing.

Then, using TMJ's new Silhouette, I cut out the shape of a Route 66 sign.

Finally, using my Cricut, I cut out the words God Bless USA.

Another coat of Mod Podge and voila! Our official door sign for July!

I already owned all the supplies except the sign. So this was a $2.50 project. Saving me...$12.49 compared to the Joann's version. For what it's worth, I like mine better!

Purse Organizers

In case you missed my guest post over at I Heart My Glue Gun...

So, about a year ago I got tired of all the stupid Member Cards and Club Cards that I had to keep on hand to get discounts. I felt like they were taking over my purse and, worst of all, that I could never actually find the one I wanted. Then I had a thought..."I wonder if these cards would fit into my Altoids container?"

I dumped out the mints and started dropping my cards in. Because of the lip on the tin they had to be finagled in but they fit. I was thoroughly pleased with myself.

Then, a month or two ago I got a new purse and I realized I had a similar problem but with new items. I literally planned on going to the store and buying a bunch of Altoids to make new packages. I saw an idea at Running with Glitter where she decorated the tin.  I planned to use that to differentiate between the three tins.

I got to the store and, on a whim, looked at the travel size items and I found a very small first aid kit and a travel box of Q-Tips. Oh my goodness. Yes, Please! The Q-Tip containers came in different colors too, so that made my job easier.

I am using the First Aid kit as it was intended but with a few adjustments. Using a contact lens case, I created storage for pain medication.

I added a spare contact lens, special Band-Aids for blisters, safty pins, and a Midol...cause you know, I'm crazy sometimes!

I started storing all my stupid member savings card things in one of the Q-Tip containers. I'm storing all my gift cards in the other one.

That left me with an empty Altoids Tin. I lined it with some thin padding material. I had intended to use moleskin but Chance placed an order for some photo prints and they were packaged with a thin sheet of padding that I thought was perfect. I cut it and used double sided tape to stick it in the container. Now, my unassuming Altoids tin is the perfect storage container for...

you'll never believe it...

it's brilliant (if I do say so myself)

my iPod and ear buds!

Yeah!

Now my purse has four small containers instead of tons of random crap!

Dining Room Table Redo by I Heart My Glue Gun

Hello friends! As promised I am blog swapping with Janet from I Heart My Glue Gun. I'm really excited about all the knowledge she has to share. I hope you enjoy this post and please check out her blog too see my solution to a messy purse!

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Hey all you An Apple For The Crafter readers!! My name is Janet, and I'm the owner of www.iheartmygluegun.com! I am so honored to be over here at An Apple For The Crafter!

I truly love blogging. I've been blogging since February of this year, and it has just been such a joy! I love getting inspiration from other bloggers out there, and implementing the things I've seen into my home! I'm sure you can relate :)

So since I'm visiting over here, I thought it would only be fitting to bring my best! Today, I'm going to show you my dining room table turned from beastly to beautiful!

As you can see, my dining room table was the cream of the crop in 1978 (like my calendar falling off the wall? That's how we roll). It was given to us by our old neighbors, and they gave me all matching 8 chairs! The table was a huge blessing because at the time we had a 4 person table with one of the chairs only bearing three legs, and we had our youth group coming over once to twice a week so we needed something desperately!

But it's 2011, not 1978. It had burn marks from a hot casserole dish burning through the tablecloth, scratches, cheerios, cup rings...it had definitely seen better days.

So after vigorous sanding, Kilz oil based primer, latex satin black paint on the table and Rustoleum's semi-gloss spray paint on the chairs, and a few coats of Minwax Polycrylic gloss, it was as good as new!

Please excuse the missing chair, she was painted later and was having the 3 day cure I did on the table and chairs.

I love it now! I've been contemplating bringing in different dining room chairs to spice it up a bit, but that costs money and a deep hunt on craigslist. So I'm okay with my extremely low cost renovation to my dining room table for now!

Thanks for having me, and please come over to I HEART My Glue Gun to see the guest posts happening all week!