I had the honor of subbing for the Silhouette School blog a while back. This is an update to the post I shared there. We have come a long way baby in materials for Faux Etched Glass. Since I wrote this post you can now find window cling readily available. I still is more cost effective to use the frosted vinyl you find at the fabric store but it depends on your needs.

 Here are my suggestions as to which material to use for each type of project you are making. 

  If you are using Window Cling Vinyl consider these attributes of the product.

1) Durable 2) Reusable 3) Higher Cost 4) Better for long term ex: Home Decor 

When using Frosted Vinyl yard goods there are different attributes to consider. 

1) Disposable 2) Delicate 3) Lower Cost 4) Great for Party Decor 

As you will find as you continue to read I decorated my door at the lake. The climate is always damp even on on a sunny day or draught. There is moisture everywhere. The original post that I have updated is more than two years ago. The dragonflies on the Back door are still there. The K is gone but the rest of the faux etched glass completed on the original post did not come off. I did wash the window and rearrange them since then. Watch my Keep on eye on my instagram during the next few weeks and I will snap a picture during my next visit.

               

  

Nautical Personalized Cooler

   Today I am showing a step by step directions to personalize a cooler.  I am participating in the September Silhouette Challenge which is Outdoors and a bonus of Green. Let's see How I cover those tasks with my project. We have all been to a soccer game with the other parents trying to figure out which pile belongs to our family. This will help keep you more organized on the treat days, sporting events, or even label the bag groceries to bring home your frozen foods. I use the cooler bag for the grocery store and a day on the boat at the lake. 

 I bought this bag last summer on clearance from JoAnn's Crafts Store. I love the color for my lake house. While I was working on this project my oldest son (A) commented on the colors of the cooler. He said teal and green are the themes of the lake house. I said those are the colors because they remind me of the beach. He said he liked it. Which is quite a compliment coming from an Architect and Mechanical Engineer with an eye for design!

How to Stencil an IceTub for Beverages

    I am so excited for my high school girlfriend and her family. They have made a "Big purchase" recently. They bought a house in the woods on a lake in Wisconsin. Growing up my girlfriend her family vacationed at the lake nearby their new home. She met her delightful hubby there while hanging out with the kids at the lake for Summer break. Their love story reminds me of the movie Dirty Dancing in a dreamy sort of way. <3
 I was digging deep for a great gift idea for celebrating the special time in her families life.This present needs to be as incredible as my friends who I consider chosen family. I purchased an acrylic ice tub in a rectangular shape from Home Goods. I have an added surprise for her hubby, but that will have to wait.
 My plan to create a template of their last name in LB Timely font to personalize the ice tub and the tray.

Print & Cut Valentine's Day Banner

Welcome to the second Silhouette Challenge Facebook Group of 2015. Print & Cut with a choice to raise the bar and use hearts. Easy peasey right!
 The plan was to get this accomplished on Monday. I finished it Wednesday night with a few bumps in the road due to equipment failure. Yes failures happen to bloggers all the time. We are human and have the same frustrations as other people when their machines do not work.

 Here is what I chose to print from the items I have already purchased at the Silhouette store. This was my first step.

In this picture I am showing you how to not cut the flowers because that is my pattern. Not my cut selection because I will be cutting out letters.

2015 Blog Planner Designed for Dragonfly & Lily Pads

    We are all planning to get organized for 2015. This is my first year using a traditional planner. I can see the challenges are stacked against me as my plans seem to be ever changing. Are your days like mine? Starting out with strong goals to accomplish, ending with where did the day go, and adding at least a few of the tasks to the next day.

  The Silhouette Challenge for January is organization. Last year I did Create Craft Room Labels which was part of my The Best of 2014 a Year Review. This is the first time since I participated in the challenge I have made something for my blog. I think after a year of giving me a great sense of accomplishment this project of mine deserves some attention. Since I bought the planner I decided to give it a little shot of Dragonfly & Lily Pads decor. My strategy: if  I am going to work with the planner everyday it mine as well look pretty. 

I bought this planner from the +Dollar Store selected my vinyl colors from my stash of a variety of companies. You can see the colors behind the planner and in the +Silhouette America Cameo.

Blogger Silhouette Tutorial Ornament

    The Blogger Christmas Series was created to bring you a wealth of ideas to celebrate the season with many bloggers. She has rounded up several different blogs from around the country for the last few weeks. Thank you +Christine Graves for coordinating, as well as orchestrating these beautiful packages wrapped up for all of us to share with our readers

Elf Gift Exchange Bonds Bloggers

Today you have hit the mother load of blog posts I Have joined in with Bloglovin to expand my blog Follow me on BlogLovin , included is a tutorial, a gift exchange and a round up coordinated by my sweet friend +Michele Alger
  Now on to the elf gift exchange which, gave bloggers an chance to learn more about each other, and share holiday spirit. I was lucky to become +Ali Williams  Elf. Thank you Ali for coordinating a bunch of creative bloggers to assemble gifts before Christmas. No easy task I can assure you. We Creative creatures tend to drift here or there especially at this time of year.
  Ali Williams is the creator of Skinny gf  Chef please visit her to grab a few healthy recipes.
  I chose to make her a card as well as a gift card. Shhhh she hasn't received it yet.
I started with doing a bit of stalking on her blog, FB, IG to find out what she liked. Creepy I know but it was for a good cause.

Personalized Christmas Ornament

     One of my favorite times of year is Christmas.  In the Gift giving spirit The Silhouette Challenge Facebook Group December Challenge is here along with a Holiday Giveaway. We have 35 Group members and +Silhouette America  helping us gather this Giveaway for this special time of year.

A DIY Stenciled Inspiration Board

    We look for inspiration everyday, in many places. I have read about achieving your goals, by placing them on a board, and looking at it daily. A place to organize your thoughts, where, what & how will you get to your next goal. The far off future goals too. Now you can see where the idea for the DIY stenciled inspiration board came for this post. In my Fall Mod Podge Pumpkin post I mentioned buying two carts of goodies at +Michaels Stores. I bought several framed cork boards that were on a great clearance sale.
To be honest I struggled with what would be the best approach to make this board inspiring. Then in a series of unrelated life circumstances, I was in Pompano Beach, FL. looking for document boxes with Prince Charming.The Office Depot was having a clearance sale because, they were moving. I found what I needed at the store 30% off and Gelio Gel pens for 50% off. Hmm. This would work on the cork board but, now what should I stencil?

I chose the inspirational phrase by Kolette Hall and +Silhouette America Flourish design.

Fall Lovin October Silhouette Challenge

     This month the theme for the October Silhouette Challenge is Fall! I chose
 5 different shades of +Bazzill Basics Paper card stock: on sale for 59 cents at  +Michaels Stores
 One group of leaf shapes from the +Silhouette America Store:  99 cents.
 One wreath Stand from +Decor Steals:  (previous purchase)
 The leaves I wanted to cut out from my Silhouette library

Sweet Baby Love Quilt Big Reveal

     When I submitted the Sweet Baby Love Quilt post to the Silhouette Challenge back in February it was a huge hit. The post was featured on Nap Time Creations Weekend Feature. Thank you for such a lovely acknowledgement. This was my first Feature as I had only started blogging in October. This month when Decor was named as the silhouette challenge, I knew it was time for the Quilt Big
Reveal.

Do you recall seeing this picture on the Sweet Baby Love Quilt post? To re-cap the first step in making this project click on the the title above. I used the +Silhouette America Cameo to cut out the shapes. I carefully blanket stitched around each animal shape with a small stitch length to finish the edges.

Personalized Classroom Sign for the Teacher

     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. 

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

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