MINI TAXIDERMY PINS

I have thought about making these forever.  Like, years! Finally, here they are. This is a great way to re-use those old plastic animal toys your little one might not want anymore. Although, as soon as they see that you want them, they will want them again. But be tough! They will love what you make with them! These pins look so great on backpacks, hats or blazers. I wish Elliott had a blazer because I really, really want to pin one on to a lapel! Someday. You could also make them into some fun magnets for the fridge, or use bigger animal heads and mount them on the wall! Whatever you do, these will be a hit with the littles. Trust me on that. Now, let's make some!

First, let's decapitate our animals. Ha! I used an X-acto knife to get a clean cut.

Next, prime and paint! Definitely do this outside and make sure you cover the entire head with the paint. I used two coats on each head to get full coverage. 

Once your heads are dry, it's time to make the plaques! I used some cardboard and duct tape to make some simple shapes and designs. So easy. 

Then center the animal heads and use some super strong glue to glue them on. Wait for them to dry!

Now let's add the pins. Use that same strong glue and glue them onto the backs. Make sure they are totally and completely dry before you use them! Once they are dry, you are done!

WE LOVE: THE 4TH OF JULY

Why does the 4th have to come only once a year? We had a great 4th of July weekend! Per usual it was filled with great people, delicious BBQ, fireworks and a whole lot of fun. We went to my parents for the celebrations, they have the best outdoor space so we hung out in the backyard eating and playing and relaxing and eating. Seriously, so much fun.

Elliott had a blast with his pop-its! They were less fun to clean up up, but you know. It was really hot, so the boy played quite a bit in the hose, hence the wet shirt. 

And then there was fireworks. My parent's neighbors do their own show every year, so we bought some to do along with them and it was so fun! Having the fireworks burst right above you was both amazing and scary. Ha! Elliott thought it was the greatest thing and keeps asking us to go get more fireworks. It was a fantastic ending to an awesome 4th of July.

Ok, so this didn't happen on the 4th, but I had to include it! On Saturday, we went to the pool and well, the photo explains it all. My boy overcame his fear and jumped off of the diving board! After he went the first time, that was it. He went over and over and over until the pool closed. It was awesome! I was one proud mama and I can't wait to go back and watching him do it again, and again. I hope you all had a wonderful Independence Day! 

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND!

Do you have big plans for this holiday weekend? We are heading up to my parents to spend the day, BBQ, hang out in the hot tub and hopefully see some great fireworks. Elliott is pretty stoked to wear his new shirt. He loves bragging that he made it. Does a crafty mama's heart good. This picture was an outtake from the shirt DIY shoot. Elliott was saying "ok, mom. Just ONE more picture and then I'm done!" Ha! Poor kid. Don't worry, I pay him well in hugs, kisses and sweets. No matter what you are doing to celebrate this weekend, I hope you and your loved ones are safe and have an absolute blast! Happy 4th of July!

Now for a few links:

I think I need to make these before tomorrow.

Delicious, patriotic and fun. What more do you need?

Sparkler favors!

Love this idea. I think we need to make some!

One amazing lamp.

I guess I need to throw an ice cream party so I can use these ice cream cartons! 

EASY STARS T-SHIRT

I wanted a super easy and quick t-shirt for Elliott to wear on the 4th and this is what I came up with! I used a t-shirt of his that may or may not have had some minor stains on it. Ha! He actually helped me make it, so of course he loves it. At first I was going to create a freezer paper stencil but I thought some hand-painted stars would look pretty cute. You could also add some hand-painted stripes too! It's all good. I always tell Preston that I am lucky the whole kid looking drawings style is popular, because that's kind of all I can do! If I can do it, you most definitely can do it. This shirt literally took five minutes, so if you are in a time crunch, it's perfect! 

All you need to make your own is some fabric paint, a t-shirt, a paintbrush and some cardboard to stick inside to prevent the paint from seeping through. See? SO easy.

POP-ITS PARTY FAVORS

I can't believe it's already July! We are getting geared up for the 4th this week as I am sure you are. If you are throwing any type of shin-dig or get together, you could probably use these. Pop-its were always my favorite firework type thing for the 4th of July. I was always afraid the sparklers and firecrackers would burn me (I was a paranoid child) so pop-its were right up my ally. They are so fun! Elliott has been having a blast throwing them around our feet. Little stinker. If your family loves pop-its like we do, then this is a printable you will love. Just print off the download onto sticker paper, cut them out and stick them onto some festive boxes or bags to hand out to the kids. It really couldn't be easier! Use them as party favors or just for the kids to play with during the festivities. Either way, they are sure to have a blast with them!