When life gives you scraps...

MAKE A WREATH...


Don't the bright colors in this just make you smile!? There is such randomness in the colors and patterns (yet it's so beautiful) that it is the perfect way to use up your bits and pieces. Hop on over to Linda's to find out how to create this wonderful wreath!

MAKE A BELT...

Creative Little Daisy has a wonderful tutorial on how to make this belt. Take a look around at your pile of scraps and imagine the possibilities!!

MAKE A NECKLACE...

I found this adorable necklace over at cakies...isn't it cute!? What a fantastic way to recycle your scraps. You can make one yourself thanks to her wonderful step by step instructions.

Tulip Bouquet

My daughter wanted to have a "Garden Party" to celebrate her 8th birthday. I found this great Tulip cupcake pan in with the Easter supplies at Wal-Mart and just had to get it. I ended up creating a "tulip bouquet" (actually 2 of them...needed to feed 14 girls!). All you need is the tulip cupcake pan (they have other types of flowers as well), cake mix, pink frosting, bamboo skewers, green spray paint, and pretty ribbon.

Step 1: Paint skewers with green spray paint. These will be the "stems".

Step 2: Bake cupcakes while paint is drying. I made 7 cupcakes per bouquet...that's what I could make fit on my cake board without it looking overly crowded.

Step 3: Frost cupcakes with pink frosting (I used Strawberry from Betty Crocker...quick and easy!).

Step 4: Pipe tulip shape (lines) on top of cupcakes to help define the type of flower. I added food coloring to darken up the pink frosting.

Step 5: Arrange on foil covered board and insert "stems". Gather in the middle with a pretty bow!

TURN THIS...

INTO THIS...




Julie has a wonderful tutorial on how to turn a metal gardening bucket into this beautiful creation. There are only 5 items needed to complete this project and it doesn't even require any sewing!! It looks so quick and easy, I can't wait to make some of these!

Discount at The Button Hole

The Button Hole Quilt Shop is going out of business. They have had most everything at 30-50% off, but they just announced that all merchandise is NOW 60% OFF!!! Their doors will officially close on April 25th, 2009. An auction is being held on May 9th at 10am for store fixtures and anything else they wish to sell.

For more info on The Button Hole and its location, visit http://www.thebuttonhole.net/index.php. If your in McPherson and would like a tour of Maple Memories, please contact Shannon at shannon@maplememories.com or give her a call (620-480-1357) to set up a date and time. Yes, we've been know to give tours with 10 minutes notice (and we still would!!!), but if you know in advance please help us by scheduling ahead.

New offerings

We've made some changes to our website, so be sure to check it out. http://www.maplememories.com/
We are also offering more "packages" so be sure to take a look at those and find one that fits your needs. We are now offering 8 hour and 16 hour rentals for those that can't find the time to get away for long.

Cora Paige McClenahan

A new button has been added to the right of our blog...it's for Cora's Playground. Cora Paige's life was way too short. To remember her sweet spirit, a playground is being built in her honor at Grace Community Church in Newton, Kansas. Etsy store owners from around the country have teamed up to heal by creating for you!!! The money raised from these sales will benefit Cora's playground. Just click on the beautiful pink button to see what is available. Joel and Jess, you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

To learn more about her story please visit http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/

Scrapbooking Outside The Box

Many "traditional" scrapbookers seem to be getting discouraged by how far behind they feel with their scrapbooks. I must admit that I sometimes feel the same way, as I am trying to keep up with books for all 3 of my children. So, during my last weekend of scrapbooking with the girls, I decided to break away from my traditional scrapbooks and try making an altered project. I made a growth chart to give as a baby gift for a friend. I have to say that actually COMPLETING a project...start to finish...has rejuvenated my scrapbooking spirit!! If your feeling the same way, I encourage you to get out your scrapbooking supplies and find a different use for them!! I purchased my growth chart from a LSS, but I found it online here.