Today is a day of firsts for Dragonfly & Lily Pads. I can not thank you enough for taking your time to read what I have to share. While readers have been increasing, I am gaining confidence. This is the first blog post, I am writing as the owner of my domain name.                          www.dragonflyandlilypads,com\

  This week is the August Silhouette Challenge. I decided to make a personalized sign for a special teacher.  My brother teaches First Grade in a local school. Teaching children is something I have in common with my brother. Did you know that I have an Early Childhood Degree? 

  The theme for this month is" School". After I pondered this project, I settled on giving my brother label stickers. I called him to find out the size, and shape that would fit his needs. By the time we finished brainstorming together, we decided a classroom sign would be even better. He added, before he hung up that the school colors are blue & white, and the mascot is a dolphin. 

  I purchased this dolphin shape from +Silhouette America 

for 99 cents

Summer Patio Deal

    Whether it is in Michigan or Illinois, you bet I will be out looking for Summer patio deals. After all for us this is furniture that is only getting used part of the year. Now having two homes there are plenty of opportunities to add a bit of seating, tables for beverages, and cushions with pretty fabric too.

   Today, I definitely added to the patio pizazz, with a stop at +Pier 1 Imports, while my Prince Charming stopped at +Lowe's Home Improvement. He is doing a cool storage project in the garage. I  will write about his dazzling project when he completes it. I will also have an upcoming post on my +Pier 1 Imports shopping trip soon.

   Today I want to share a quick project with you that required no tools, is a great budget saver, and looks like an expensive piece of furniture.

   I was shopping at +Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores in Countryside, IL. Before the 4th of July during their Summer Clearance. Yes of course a 20% of all my purchase coupon was at the ready in my cellphone. I came across a plastic wicker planter for $19.99 reduce from $69.99. I was fast at grabbing that black brown weave, because a simple idea was brewing. As I walked up and down the aisles, trying to remember my list of "needed" items, I came to a tin serving tray with rope handles for $9.99. The plan was hatched, that tin tray practically leapt into my cart. All it needed was a ride to the lake for completion.  

  When you read my read my post "Favorite" Silhouette Challenge, you already saw the table. If you missed it click on the title to read about the topiary project I made.

   This is what the basket looked like when, 

I bought my steal of a deal

 

"Favorite" Silhouette Challenge

   

  This "Favorite"Silhouette Challenge is one I have been waiting to share with you. I had this project waiting in the wings.  A family emergency kept me from completing my design for an earlier challenge this year.

   List of Supplies, 

4th of July Round-Up

 I am honored to be a part of this 4th of July Round-Up 

with so many other talented artists.

 I designed and crafted my banner to decorate my fireplace on 4th of July.

My father served in the Army, Air Force and National Guard.

  I have family members who have served, or are serving the USA as of right now. Service  is a part of my family heritage. I am a proud American girl, who is grateful to each person and their families that has served our country, for our freedom.

  I dedicate my , "Made in America Banner"  as a tribute

 to all who have stood strong, beside the Good Old USA!

Celebrate the Birth of our Country Proud and Free!

Thank you for inviting me to your 4th of July Round-up.

I'm excited to have joined up, with some wonderful bloggers to present to you the perfect patriotic projects. Get those creative juices flowing just in time to celebrate our day of Independence!

Kindred Spirits

A Handmade Gift Exchange started by my friend Tori

 created a journey of Kindred Spirits.

 Two Karens, same country, different states, 

Married 10 and 30 years, Loving Husbands (different men) LOL. Two children all boys, SAHM one starting the other finished, 

both creative, and talented in the many ways.

Handmade Gift Exchange

 Tori was following our Facebook Group called the Silhouette Challenge. All of this handmade work swirling through the words of our members. Each post a person, pictures of a new project, with loads of encouragement below. Others asking for an opinion, which looks better?  Where do you get the best vinyl? Tricks to keep your machine running smoothly, and money savings tips too.

Tori Set up an event Handmade Gift Exchange asking people to participate, then she split us into pairs sent us our present partners, gave us ideas how to get to know each other, and of course a deadline for when the packages to ship.

Facebook

As you can see from above, is how I met my kindred spirit Karen. We have not met in person but, we have corresponded like modern day pen pals. 

Patriotic Made in America Banner

     I am excited to be part of the Silhouette Challenge this month. This challenge theme is patriotic for each project. I am made in America, my family serves our country now, and  many generations before. I like this challenge because the Cameo is made by +Silhouette America too. 
   I used several Silhouette cut patterns, some with slight changes to make it my own,  for the American Banner

Some Assembly  Required

Showers of Love for Baby Dove

      Last year we celebrated with the lovely pair of Doves as they married. Fast Forward one year and we are Showering Baby Boy Dove, who is on his way. My BFF, her Daughter-in- Law, Mamma Doves  sister,  I were off to the races with finding ways to decorate, games, and gifts. Pinterest was a great resource but, I did not find the items. That is the only reason I did not attach the appropriate credit. I helped with the +Silhouette America Cameo making some of the decorations. This was one of the most coordinated, detailed baby showers I have been involved in to this date. 

Sweet Love Bridal Shower

           

Sweet Love Bridal Shower 

     This shower was the first of the three I attended recently. I did not make the shower decor but, did take all the photographs. I thought you would enjoy the beautiful touches of simple elegance, added to this special event, by my sister-in-law and a few of her dear friends. 

   The Wreath of Flowers and ribbon banners were made by the mother and father of the groom, curling each petal of the flowers, with scissors.

Showers of Happiness

 

    This year my spring showers have been abundant. I have been to three showers in the last few weeks. I am honored to have  added a bit of my creativity to a few of them. I had fun  photographing each one. This weeks shower I made the shower favors for my nieces shower. I also made dual purpose decorations. You will see later in this post.

    For this shower of happiness, I designed the card with my +Silhouette America Cameo, using the print and cut feature. You can refer to my tutorial on cut and print here. I found the font that matched her invitations on my silhouette.
  I bought the card stock at +Tuesday Morning which was a great score. 
 I purchased the wine corks at +Pier 1 Imports on  clearance making the gift more affordable splurge. I did have to do my research to find 48 of them in the Chicago land area. Several stores were kind enough to ship them to me for free, one I had to pay shipping and a couple I picked them up in person. That is a long story. I will just say a, Great big Thank you to the customer service representative who helped make this task easier, as well as the local stores who shipped them for free.
  +Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores is where I purchased the sheer green fabric for $4.00 clearance bolt as well as Navy Blue grosgrain & satin ribbon in variable widths.

Follow step by step directions of the

                          print and cut process

Dancing in the Craft room

    This is a great time in my life. I am finally creating a craft room for me to celebrate my talents, in one place in our house. No more sewing on the kitchen table, a craft project balancing on our queen size bed, or cutting large projects on the living room floor. I am stealing a spot in the center of our basement just for me. My creative spirit has been dancing in my dreams for years. During the following weeks I will create the first room of my own. I will finally step into my room, start a project having all my equipment, material and notions in the spot I designed for me.
   I have been shopping, saving, storing, and designing a craft room in my mind for years. It is so exciting to realize my dreams using furniture collected over time that I will sew, paint, glue, scrapbook, my way to my happy place in our home.
  What are my plans? I have a computer cabinet from +IKEA USA , that will be re-worked into a station for my silhouette cameo, glue gun, along with storage. +DecoArt has been kind enough to provide +Americana Chalky Paint, a key stencil and sealer supplies. I plan on sharing several progress posts with you in the following weeks.

The Lamp Rescue

     Today I am sharing a DIY Lamp Rescue! Our neighbors had several broken lamps, we tried replacing the bulbs, checking the outlets, and we could not identify the problem. We brought over one of ours for them to use, in the living room. Our Lamp has been visiting their house for months! 
   Unfortunately after the lamp dilemma, he became very ill this past Winter. The lamp became a side step, in the days ahead, since our sweet gentleman next door Broke His Back. YIKES! The next two months were visiting him everyday in the hospital, followed by the nursing home, even on the worst  days of weather. Then his lovely bride, fell breaking three fingers on her left hand. Now we have two elderly loved ones injured, in the rehabilitation center, one very exhausted blogger, and family.

  Finally! Happy days are here again!!! Both our neighbors arrived home, right where they belong, next door. We have shared 28 years as neighbors in our home. He has lived in this home for 67 years. Yesterday was the first night they slept in their own home in months. Can you imagine how excited, strange, and yet comforting, that must feel? Today seemed to be a bit hectic, for all of us, and overwhelming too.

     By now I bet you are asking, What Lamp Rescue?  While all this healing has been going on, those broken lamps sat waiting to be repaired. Prince Charming bought two +Westinghouse Lighting Make-A-Lamp Kits from +Menards. Things have not settled down quite yet, but it is definitely time to get back to normal life. Last night I thought it would be nice to get their lights back in working order. So I wiped down the lamps to clean them, took them apart laying all the pieces in the order. I opened the lamp kits trying to read the directions on the package. I found that the picture they provide on the back was the best guide, each part is clearly labeled.

Scared and very Thank full a major fire  did not happen!

Easter Parade

       I am excited to share with you a few Easter prints I made today.

A few weeks back my friend Jen author of Girl In The Garage, invited me to participate in  an Easter Crafts and Decor Showcase. 
First I want to thank her for rounding up  20 bloggers and organizing all of us. Kudos To Jen!
   Then I begin to think what can I bring to this awesome table, of people who are all very creative? Well as things would have it I decided to do some Easter printables.
A new challenge for me! Today after creating my masterpieces I checked Girl In The Garage, only to find out there are other printables which are gorgeous! I thought about whipping up something new, on second thought maybe together we have a little something for every one.
My first creation is a a Greeting Card.

Yes this is upside down on purpose.

   Now I realize it looks a little funny, but all you have to do is click on this card, save it to your pictures as a jpg file, then Print it on 7 x 10.5 folded Recollections Cards. I bought mine at +Michaels Stores or another option is to  use 8.5 x 11 card stock and trim your card.  I decided not to put a greeting inside so you could add your own personal touch. 

      Now what could I do to give you more?

      We all want more don't we......Hmmmm?

  An envelope (also from Recollections +Michaels Stores)that has a little bit of the glory of this Season. I came up with adding, a little trio of flowers, below where you will put your return address. All you need to do is click on this envelope save as a jpg. file in you pictures, follow the guide for your print settings, set your printer to (5 x 7) inches of course put your envelope in and press print. In a few seconds you will have an envelope, ready for an address, stamp and send. 

   Last but not least I thought a 8 x 10 inch print celebrating the Glory of Easter to decorate your home completes my trinity of Easter gifts to you. Again Click save in your picture file as a jpg. and print according to your printer.

Add a simple frame, create a nook ready for your holiday party.

    This post turned out a little bit like the story, 

 If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

   Only not as tasty! First I had a plan for my day. First phone call said they would see me at 8:00 am tomorrow. Great now I do not have the information for the next call, another task for tomorrow. Now my head is pounding, but I do what every dedicated blogger does, and complete my post. Nope! I have most of it done now in the dark but I have not yet learned how to set up a download file for all of you. 
   You are all welcome to copy these to your picture file and set your settings on your printer until I get this right today. For now I am sorry but I will have to learn to add them, yes you guessed it, Tomorrow.

Do Not Despair, for I am determined to learn Tomorrow,and update my post.

I am sorry for any inconvenience.

Thank you for your patience in advance! 

                  

   I have great news for you please keep reading to connect with 19 talented bloggers who have come up with some fabulous ideas for the Easter Season. 

Until Next time.... 

                         ~ Let Your Creative Spirit Dance ~  
                  

  

Celebrating Eveyday Life Magazine

     I am so excited to bring you a new magazine.

 Celebrating Every Day Life Magazine  

March/April Edition 

http://www.jennifercarrollmedia.com/

by Jennifer Carroll. 

     I was contacted by +Jennifer Carroll to review her new magazine. This pleasant opportunity was snapped up in a heartbeat. I am able share something new with all of you. Awesome!!

Even better I fell in love, when I opened the link to reveal this fresh breath of Spring, dazzled with simple to elegant pieces, of a Queens Table.

 As the pages turned I found each one to be a treasure trove of ideas, information and complimentary blogging material. The wealth of resources to help each one of us with our desire to keep on trend, just kept mounting as the pages held my attention, with stunning photography. 

     Lets start right at the front door , with this Umbrella Decoration. A creative twist to a welcoming wreath for the season. Next I became enchanted with these Easter Bonnet ideas. I love the white hat in the magazine, which can be gussied up for the day, with ribbons, buttons, or a broach. After the Holiday change it up and it will be a great summer beach hat. These Chapeaus would make a colorful Easter Parade!

     How about a tasty recipe for a beautiful cookie, pressed with doilies to give the look of lace. Wouldn't these be a perfect addition to a tea or brunch with the girls. They also would be perfect for the Spring time ritual of  wedding showers.

    Articles including tutorials are in these pages,which covers so many different skills to learn, or sharpen, while diving into the pages. Here is one of the sewing articles, which is a tutorial on how to make this flower pin cushion! 

I love to sew and would love this for a sweet homemade Mother's Day gift.

The Last Photo I will share, to entice you to read this fabulous magazine, is a furniture update done with, paint and foam core. Yes that is what I said!

    This China Cabinet painted in a neutral color but, the daring background is the secret, (Foam Core Board). How about decorate or style the back side of the core board too? This way you can either remove it, or flip it, making three ways to change your cabinet.

   I do understand Jennifer Carroll wanted to honor all who contributed work to the beautifully photographed, well written celebration of life, illustrated in this creative magazine. I do have one suggestion keep reading, because the pages I describe follow the snippets of articles, in the beginning of the magazine. As I read these pages, I wanted to read several snippets, and then see the full article matching those tidbits. Then read more snippets with the articles to follow.

   Now you may think I should have credited the amazing talent shared in my review but I gave this careful thought. I want you to read the magazine. So please give Jennifer Carroll, along with all the talent in Celebrate Everyday Life Magazine your time by reading this terrific March/April edition. Included below is a link with a video to sample the magazine. You may also purchase this addition at this link too.

Want more of Celebration of Everyday Life

 I did receive this edition of the magazine to review at no cost to me. I have given a honest review, with my own thoughts, and words. I was provided these fabulous pages to share with you during my review. I was not compensated in anyway for this post.

Until Next time.... 

~ Let Your Creative Spirit Dance ~

The Liebster Blog Award

 An Exciting week I am a Liebster Award Winner!

What?

 This is a way to showcase new bloggers with less than 200 followers to the World!

First I would like to thank the people who nominated me.

+Deborah Sommerlot  AKA Sister and Mister From; Salvage Sister & Mister

Second I need to say a 
GREAT BIG THANK YOU,
 To my family, friends and my treasured readers. 
Without each and every one of you none of this would be possible.

The Liebster Award is simple:

 Acknowledge the blogger who nominated you and display the award. 

Answer eleven questions that the blogger gives you. Give eleven random facts about yourself. 

Nominate eleven blogs that you think are deserving of the award (but they must have less than 200 followers) 

Let the bloggers know you nominated them. 

Give them eleven questions to answer. 

-What does this Award Mean-

   This award origin began in Germany 2010. It is given to you by another blogger who recognizes your work. Perhaps they like your projects, writing style, photography, sense of humor, or subject. So this is an award is given to you by your peers. This is an honor not a chain letter but, some one thought enough of you to say check out this blog. It has changed since the start but, it's roots are still strong. Only the rules have varied by how many bloggers to you nominate, or questions to answer. This award is intended to share new blogs, ideas and open the door of opportunity to the future. 

Here are our 11 questions from Salvage Sister & Mister

1. If you could travel anyplace today, where would it be?
    Michigan! I feel at peace when I am at the lake house

2. What is your next blogging goal? 
    Thanks for helping me Deborah, I would like to develop a following of subscribers.

3. How long have you been blogging?
    Five months this week, it keeps my creativity rolling, and meet new interesting people

4. How many pets do you have?
    My little girl! She is a Golden Retriever named Cricket. She is my side kick.

5. What’s the weirdest thing in your fridge right now? 
    Home Brewed Beer! I have my son and his friend to thank for that because, they have created a Micro Brewing System, Occasionally Worms for fishing.

6. Favorite chore to do in or out of the house?
   Gardening because I love to be outside, and planting flowers, at the lake I work and play outside all day. I have one standing appointment with Prince Charming & Cricket, along with any guests. Each evening you will find us on the pier or in the boat, watching the Sunset. 
 We like to call it, Eeyore's Cloud Painting.  (Whinnie The Pooh)

7. Eat in or out? 
   Funny! Pick up food and Eat at home.

8.Favorite food?
  Lasagna, My Prince Charming makes a mean one! 
  Chef Emeril Lagasse Recipe Yummy!!!!!

9. Why did you start blogging? 
   I was lucky enough to accomplish my dream of Staying at home with my sons. Now they are making their dreams while I focus on Sharing my love for creating beauty from simple to glamour always keeping in mind the people in my life who have come before me the ones who share my days and the ones who will share the stories of our memories.

10. If you were born in a different generation which would it be? 
   My parents because, being a stay at home mom was respected then 

11. Very first blog you started reading?
    I wish I could say Salvage Sister & Mister but it was 
+Brittany Bailey of Pretty Handy Girl, on the same day
 +Donna Williams of +Funky Junk Interiors 

My Liebster Award Nominees  

Here are my nominees for blogs to watch, in no particular order. If you are more than 200 followers, I apologize in advance. I just wanted to say GREAT JOB! Just click on the names to visit their sites

1. http://twinstreasuretrove.blogspot.com

2. http://sondralynathome.com/

3. http://diy180site.blogspot.com/

4. http://www.downhomeinspiration.com/

5. http://veggieinspiredjourney.wordpress.com/

6. http://www.threelittlemonkeysstudio.com/

7. http://www.marriedfiling-jointly.com/

8. http://www.titicrafty.com/

9. http://frommexicotocanadawithlove.wordpress.com/

10. http://www.thedecoratednest.com/

11. http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/   &       http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/

. Sending some blog Love! 

To honor each of you for inspiring me to start blogging, by sharing your spirit. I know you have more then 200 followers. I wanted you both to know your work has influenced me. 

     

And here are my questions to my nominees.

1. Where is your dream place to live?

2. When and Where was your last vacation?

3. What is your favorite blog post to date? (Add Link)

4. What Blog Conference would/did you attend?

5. How do you balance your time between all of your life demands and fun?

6. What is your next blog goal?

7. How long have you been Blogging?

8. Do you want or have your own website?

9. When you create your blog are you messy or neat?

10. Are you a Free Spirit or a Planner?

11. Why did you start blogging?

I can not wait to learn about my blogging friends.

The time you have taken to read this blog does not go unnoticed, please leave a comment. I will reply and thank you properly for visiting.

Until Next time.... 

~ Let Your Creative Spirit Dance ~

Monogrammed Gifts

   I started making Monograms for gifts. I create them with my +Silhouette Cameo, scrapbook paper, glue, and my +Xyron Inc sticker machine. I Made them as gifts, which needed personal touches for each precious person. These were all given to my nieces, and nephews. Auntie Karen Marie had to add a special color, paper design, or some even have a nod to their nicknames.

All you need from the Silhouette portion of this project is right on this screen!

   Did you know that you can print paper from your Silhouette? I was searching for paper with bears and stopped by Archiver's Scrap booking Store. (Sad this Company is now Closed) I asked a clerk, she was a delightful person, who showed me how you simply type bear paper in the Silhouette Cameo search box and hit enter. A few second later there was a paper that was perfect for my bear project. When I arrived home I added it to my cart, and a few seconds later, I printed it out on my printer at home on card stock.

I think it came out very successful.

I wanted to show you here that I used a 6" x 6" frame on the top. When I was completing my gifts I ran out of those frames. Being a Creative Person, I adapted to what I had on hand, 9" x 9" frames for the remaining 3 frames. It does let me show you how you can get a different look by adding an additional background paper and foam tabs to lift the design off the page.
 Of course my plan all along? LOL

How many of you have a Big Family? Now I mean BIG!

   I love giving gifts to all my nieces and nephews but, when you have been blessed with enough to field more then two baseball or softball teams. Next mix in 3 great nieces, 6 great nephews, and an additional delivery is waiting to surprise us any day now?

Wow! I just realized we can field another team + One, I hope by now!

    Each color and style of Font has been chosen for the room colors, personality, and gender. As you look at this picture above, you will notice the Letter mans Font from the +Silhouette Stores in the middle.

1. Here you see how I set up my page. I add the 6" x 6" Square first because it gives me the area I will need to work.
2. Then I select the Monogram Letters. The Center is the last Initial which I make larger then the first and middle. In this instance K is the last  name initial, L is the first name, and M is the middle one.

 3. The final step to set up my monogram project is to make another layer to add depth. To do this I Copy my letters and paste to page  then line them up as shown. Move the individual letters and square off the page for a minute. Next I highlight and drag over the whole image in the bottom left of the screen and hit weld. Then you can drag it all back to be on one page again to save. Click save I used  the persons name, it was easiest for me, then I could use this template for each layer.

 Now to create the layers you will need a Background, Welded and Three separate initials.

This is where I choose to through in each personality of the recipient of the gift.

   Above is is an example of how I did this with the paper. First the background is paper with bug stickers for the nickname bug. Just lady bugs and fluttery bees did not fit this boy's personality but I needed bugs. The stickers worked out great and know my nephew has custom paper for his gift. I do wish I would have copied, and saved the paper with the bugs, as a image for future use though. Next time! In order to cut the layer I just moved the other items to the side and cut only the 6 x 6 inch section.

 Next I moved over the welded layer into the page and slid out the background.

   Layer number two is the welded layer, which I usually chose a subtle pattern. 

This one is grass because that is where bugs live! Pretty corny I know. Ha Ha! 

Then I move the welded section off to the side.

The final Layer is the individual letters. I like to make them all different paper patterns that compliment each other. I put one letter on at a time, because I am usually using small pieces of paper by now. I do not want the paper to get caught in the up machine.

 I know, I could attach them all lined perfectly but, this is just my preference, after a few mishaps.

 I glue the first and middle initials on then place the last initial on top to give it more importance.

 TaDa! Three of the many Monograms I have made.

 I have realized that I could have used no cut option on this project. I have learned that process since I made these for gifts. That is one of the great parts of life, we always have opportunities to keep learning. If you are wondering where frames came from it is one of my favorite stores +Michaels Stores. I hit half prices sales and stock up.

Until Next time........

~Let Your Creative Spirit Dance~

Please follow along with my Silhouette Challenge Friends have shared their posts today too!

1. McCall Manor // 2. The Turquoise Home // 3. Creative Savings // 4. Sandpaper and Glue // 5. The Thinking Closet // 6. Sowdering About in Seattle // 7. Persia Lou // 8. From Wine to Whine // 9. Dream a Little Bigger // 10. Please Excuse My Craftermath... // 11. Play. Party. Pin. // 12. Everyday Paper // 13. Practically Functional // 14. A Tossed Salad Life // 15. My Favorite Finds // 16. The House on Hillbrook // 17. Adventures in All Things Food // 18. A Glimpse Into Barb's Life // 19. TitiCrafty // 20. The Experimental Home // 21. feto soap blog // 22. Creative Ramblings // 23. The Stamp Doc // 24. Ginger Snap Crafts // 25. Simply Kelly Designs // 26. Whats Next Ma // 27. unOriginal Mom // 28. Bringing Creativity 2 Life // 29. Cutesy Crafts // 30. My Paper Craze // 31. Create & Babble // 32. Grey Luster Girl // 33. The Sensory Emporium // 34. Lil' Mrs. Tori // 35. Black and White Obsession // 36. Mama Sonshine // 37. Weekend Craft // 38. Creative Carnival // 39. Peace, Love and Joyce // 40. Tried & True // 41. The Frill of Life // 42. Dragonfly & Lily Pads // 43. Get Silvered // 44. Minted Strawberry