by Debbee | May 19, 2020 | Decorations, Graduation, Keepsakes, Parties
One of my great pleasures was making high school senior recognition, prom and graduation party decorations for my sons.
Breaks my heart thinking of this year’s grads and their families. But, it’s inspiring seeing so many students, parents, teachers and administrators finding unique ways to celebrate and make graduation special.
Today, I’ll show you how to make a tabletop graduation party decoration using photographs. Although I made mine primarily as centerpieces, they also look great on a mantle, buffet or accent table.
Using pictures of the graduate personalizes the decorations. After the party, they also make wonderful keepsakes for the grad, mom and dad, and grandparents.
Even if you can’t host a big blowout this year, you might be able to have a more modest sized gathering of family and friends later this summer. And, party or no party, the photo stand ups create a festive environment in the home. If you must social distance from your grandchild or other favorite grad, consider making one as a gift. Then drop it at their front door, or send it off in the mail as a special surprise.
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by Debbee | May 10, 2019 | Bridal Shower, Keepsakes, Projects, Romantic
Today, I’m sharing the pair of wedding champagne flutes I made as a personalized gift for my niece’s recent party. It was a fun craft that could easily be applied to any hand painted glass project.
Since the happy occasion of my niece’s wedding in Charleston several weekends ago, I’ve been on a longer than planned blogging break. As in a Tale of Two Cities, it’s been both the best and worst of times.
After the wedding, I returned with my mom to Florida to help transfer dad from a rehab center to long term care. Mom and I knew the minute we saw him that something was wrong. Immediately after the transfer, it became clear his pain from a previous injury and fall had escalated significantly. Within hours, dad was back in the hospital with a severe sepsis infection.
Moving him to hospice care was a blessing. Several long days later, he passed peacefully, and I am very grateful his suffering has ended.
Creating this post is a happy distraction. It also provides an opportunity to remember the fun weekend, celebrated with family and friends. Here’s how I created the wedding champagne flutes and how to make your own.
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by Debbee | Oct 5, 2018 | Halloween, Keepsakes
My favorite Halloween decorations are the ones that evoke the past and happy childhood memories. That’s why I decorate my home with Halloween costume photos of the boys, and seasonal arts and crafts projects they made way back when.
In, How to Create a Kid Keepsakes Gallery, I explain how I use a long wall in the finished basement to display arts and crafts created by my sons. I rotate the artwork seasonally, and in September swapped the pictures to back-to-school, fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving subjects.
Now that it’s October, I also bring out framed photographs of family members in Halloween costumes; placing them around house. I’ve also taken some of those Halloween costume photos and turned them into stand-up cutouts.
Let me show you a fun way to take pictures of your kids or grandchildren, and create easy DIY Halloween decorations the whole family will enjoy.
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by Debbee | May 11, 2018 | Keepsakes, Mother's Day, Organization
Mother’s Day kid keepsakes, like cards and pictures, evoke such happy, warm memories of when my sons were little.
I think I’ve kept every card and crafted ‘art’ piece they’ve ever made or given meI Since they were both in nursery school, I’ve accumulated much of their creations.
Call me a pack rat, and a softie for anything of sentimental value.
Do you, or have you saved cards and artwork made by your children? Maybe stuffed in a drawer or box somewhere?
Most of their kid keepsakes are organized in accordion folders, by year. Along with the artwork, I’ve saved report cards, awards, certificates, and cards and postcards the boys received from family and friends.
With Mother’s Day around the corner, I thought you might find inspiration in this fun way to display and enjoy your children’s or grandkids’ masterpieces.
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