Today’s sweet Valentine’s Day printable is brought to you by my daughter’s upcoming birthday party.
You see, in brainstorming her pink lemonade party favors, I couldn’t help but think they would also make great valentines. Since I’m all about pulling double duty on party planning, I’m offering these Pink Lemonade Valentines as a printable for you today!
I think you’re sip – ly sweet, valentine!
Need s’more (sorry) Valentine’s Day ideas? Just grab a box of graham crackers, a bag of mini Hershey’s chocolate bars and some heart-shaped Peeps or marshmallows, print out one of the free printables below, and you’re in business!
Love you S’More!
I’m excited to share the first finished room in my vintage dollhouse makeover series today!
I started with the boy room, because just like in my own home, it’s where inspiration struck me first.
Today I’m bringing you Part II of my vintage dollhouse makeover.
You can find the rest of the Vintage Dollhouse Makeover series here: Part I Vintage Dollhouse, Part II Exterior, Part III Boy’s Room, Part IV Girl’s Room, Part V Laundry / Bathroom, Part VI Living Room, Part VII Kitchen, Part VIII Play Room + Final Reveal
I think that you’re supposed to leave the exterior for the final “big reveal”, but I’m a rule breaker that way. That, and it happened to be the one part I could tackle while I waited for the interior furnishings to appear in the mail.
As I mentioned in my introductory post, I put myself on a budget for this project, so I needed to DIY it as much as possible, using supplies I already had on hand. Still, this portion of the makeover was the most costly, since all the paint used in the house is accounted for in this portion.
Family is important to us and we live a little too far from the kids’ grandparents for our taste. Now that both Dub and Eve are writing I want to encourage them to work on their letter writing and communication skills via snail mail. To help them (and your little writers), we use letter writing templates for kids.
I’ve searched high and low for letter writing templates that will work for young writers and have struggled to find a template with prompts that are appropriate for casual letter writing.
Many are specific to summer break (we love this one, especially for non-writers), summer camps and travel which is great but doesn’t work year round.
So, I created these letter templates that I’m really happy with.
The friendly letter template includes writing prompts that cover the things we talk about at home at the end of each day: what they’re learning at school, their feelings at the moment, and the best and worst part of their days.
I also added a “weather today” section, just for fun, and an area for them to just draw, which is their favorite part.
With different writing prompts the kids don’t feel like they are writing the same letter again and again.
You can find our letter writing templates for kids below.
Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins are the obvious first choices when thinking about who your kids should write letters to but don’t forget about friends that live close by.
Start a neighborhood pen pal program when your kids are preschoolers. It was so great for them to have friends their own age in the neighborhood that they could easily walk to visit. When they get older, they can write letters about shared interests, weekend plans and stories about school.
Another idea is for the kids to list things they want to do with their grandparents when they visit. This way, they can start thinking about and looking forward to their next visit!
If your kids are hesitant about letter writing, have them start with a postcard. They can be found almost anywhere (we even have some from our travels that the kids love to send) and are less intimidating than a full sheet of paper.
Another great way to ease into letter writing is with a fill in the blank letter. These are great for younger kids or those just getting started.
You can also hype up the writing process with cute kids writing paper, special stamps and some washi tape.
And don’t forget that you can always encourage your kids to write letters by writing a few yourself!
I hope these templates help your young writers and that you enjoy getting letters in the mail as much as we do!
Do you have friends and family members who live far away? Are your kids starting to interact with pen pals, or heading off to summer camp? This template is for you! I’m sharing them here for my subscribers. Enjoy!
Earlier this year, I gave a small tour of ‘Belle’s nursery that is slowly transitioning to a big girl room. SLOWLY. Recently, I tried my hand at creating a DIY Canvas for Baby Nursery.
After making Eve’s wall art project I was inspired to make another one for ‘Belle’s room to fill a blank wall. 
I’ve always loved this book by Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak, and all of my kids have, too.
It’s hard to believe this little ‘ol blog is more than two years old now. I created it shortly after my third baby was born as a creative outlet for my craftiness. Today, my baby is a toddler and will be transitioning into her “big girl” room soon!
Recently, I converted the design I created for Baby ‘Belle’s baby announcement to create this printable artwork for her current nursery / soon-to-be big girl room.
When I see this hanging in her room, it reminds me of the baby she was, and of course these sweet words I want her to remember always.
In celebration of the two year anniversary of my blog, I’m making this art available by free download to my readers! If you take the time to print this for your sweet little girl’s room, please take a moment to tell me about it below. Even better – share your snap with me! I love to see my artwork in your homes!
Download the Free Printable here.
In addition to the fab blogs in the right sidebar, this was also linked up at Tatertots and Jello,Savvy Southern Style, Live, Laugh Rowe, Nap Time Creations The Turquoise Home,Tidy Mom, Elizabeth and Co. Vintage, Chica on a Shoestring and The Scoop.
Every year for Halloween (also known by some as Beggar’s Night) I’m faced with the dilemma of leaving the house to trick-or-treat with the kids, and being unable to hand out candy to our fellow trick-or-treaters. I can’t be the only one with this issue right?
It’s almost time to send the kids back to school! And while that may be an exciting time for moms, kids sometimes need a reason to smile during the school day. Enter these sure to make ’em giggle lunch box jokes. If you have a Minecraft lover in your family, print this free Minecraft printable out today!
Dub just loves clever jokes and puns. When I asked him what he most wanted me to pack in his lunch box for his first day of school, he told me he wanted a Minecraft joke. Your wish is my command, kid.
I love the idea that my guy is enjoying a laugh at lunchtime with the Minecraft characters. Maybe he even shares them with his friends and they talk about how hilarious they were. I don’t know, it could happen.
Lunchbox: Happy Jackson
After searching Pinterest I found there aren’t many options out there for Minecraft lunchbox printables, so I created one on my own. And today I’m sharing it with my wonderful subscribers!
Here’s a few of the “punny” jokes included:
Q: How does Steve chop down trees with his fists?
A: How wood I know?
Q: Have you heard of the creeper who went to a party?
A: He had a blast!
Okay, okay. Even if you don’t get these hilarious jokes (humble brag), your little Minecraft lovers will. Let’s be real, anything we can do to make their day go a little better is worth its weight in gold. Or is it goldfish? You get me.
To use these kids’ lunch box jokes, just click the link below and save the file to your computer. Then print the cards out and trim them.
If you want your printable lunchbox jokes to be a bit more sturdy, and be an excellent weight for a mini airplane for the playground, use cardstock to print them out.
Add one of the jokes to your kid’s lunch and voila! Mom of the Year!
They also make great notes for afterschool snack time, to tape over the bathroom sink, or for a long car ride. Jokes are always appreciated.
Click the above image or use this link to grab your copy of the Minecraft lunchbox jokes freebie.
Want to see more printable resources like these? Let me know in the comments below!
Like these printables? Be sure to check out my other free downloads and inspo:
DIY Minecraft Lego Steve Favors
Be Minecraft Printable
DIY Minecraft Birthday Party
This week we finally finished my vision for lights and feature art above Dub’s bed.
I’m slowly going room by room and decorating where inspiration strikes. That only happens to be working in the kids’ areas, but I’m embracing it!
Next up is Dub’s bathroom. I love the idea of making it an all-boy kind of space – I absolutely love decorating really boyish spaces – but I want it to be somewhat neutral since it will be shared with overnight guests.
I railroaded Dub into the blue color for his room – I’d rejected the crazy bright aqua color he really wanted (I just couldn’t…) so I let him choose the paint for this space himself.
I tried to convince him that a steel blue color would be great. I go for neutrals everywhere else, so I was hoping this would be a room with some color. However, he really liked the idea of a silvery gray for the space. Out of 5 grays, he chose Sherwin Williams Gray Screen because of the slightly blue tint and light tone. Nice choice!
Here is the working Mood Board I’m using to inspire the makeover.
I designed artwork to add some color to the otherwise neutral, rustic space. I’m not 100% sure on this scheme, but since the artwork is free (I already have the IKEA RIbba frames on hand from a failed attempt to use it elsewhere), I’m going with it for now.
And just because I couldn’t decide…I’m sharing a few variations I worked on:
What do you think? I’m hoping this inspires others to add some color to their spaces, so I’m making several of them available to you for free!
These 12×12 printables are designed to work with the Ribba frame, so you’ll want to get them printed at the copy store.
If you download these, please take a moment to tell me about it below. Even better, share photos of them in use. I’d love to see these prints getting used and enjoyed!
When we moved into our new home, we dedicated it with bible verses for each room of the house. I’ve been dreaming of this Proverbs 31 canvas wall art for Eve’s bedroom for some time now, but when I recently realized I already had the materials, I got moving.
I had a thrift store canvas that I’d previously tried (and failed) to artistically repurpose, so I painted it using a paint sample I already had on hand. Besides the price, the best part of repurposing a canvas is that you get fabulous texture under your new creation.
I used my Silhouette SD to cut the verse onto clear contact paper. I make so many mistakes that I’ve found this to be a cost saving way to use the Silhouette. I used a slightly imperfect font that would give me grace should the painting not go as I hoped.
After spending way too long placing the many pieces of contact paper on the canvas and lining it up just so, I spray painted it with my favorite Rust-Oleum metallic gold spray paint.
I was worried it would get under the contact paper. but as long as I made sure the paper was adhering around the letters I had absolutely no trouble.
To build the frame, I used a similar technique as with Dub’s big kid room wall gallery, but I used wood that wasn’t quite as deep, since I wanted this particular frame flush with the art.
I used Minwax stain in Early American, which is lighter IRL and gives it the right amount of color and rustic vibe.
I debated (and am still debating) taking a tiny bit of wood stain on a rag and dry rubbing the canvas for a subtle shabby chic look.
I’ve also considered dry rubbing a tiny bit of the white paint over the frame very lightly for the same reason. But, at this point I’m afraid to ruin it!
I’m so happy with how this Proverbs 31 canvas wall art turned out. I love the contrast of metallic gold and ivory against the rustic frame, and the sweet reminder my little girl will wake up to each day.
I’m already dreaming of how I might create a variation for Belle’s room 🙂
Additional bible verses that would be great for the girls’ bedrooms include:
God is with her; she will not fail. Psalm 46:5
He fills my life with good things. Psalm 103:5
I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 134:14
He calls me beautiful one. Song of Solomon 2:10
She is far more precious than jewels. Proverbs 31:10
Details:
Interested in more upcycled DIY Wall art? Check out my other projects here:
I Love You Through & Through Paired Canvases
Framed Engineer Prints Wall Gallery
Monogrammed Pallet Art
DIY Chalkboard using Garage Sale Frame
These bible verses about home can be used for a house blessing for new construction, or used to decorate your home with scripture.
Several weeks ago, we decided to have a little family house dedication on our new home under construction by writing verses that held meaning and hope for our family. A new home blessing, if you will.
I originally got the idea from a young adult Christian book series I read and loved when I was younger – the Glenbrooke series by Robin Jones Gunn, and this per
In the book Wildflowers, the main character is fulfilling her dream of opening a business, and invited all of her friends to the property before renovations for a blessing party.
They prayed, sang worship songs and wrote scripture right on the walls, studs, and sub-flooring.
I absolutely loved the idea that the blessings they wrote and prayed for would forever be etched in their memories.
I knew that if I ever built or renovated a home – I wanted to do something similar.
I love the idea that as we walk through the finished rooms of our home in just a few months, we’ll remember the verses written on the foundation of each room we enter.
And, maybe someday many, many years from now, a different family might have occasion to see the blessings written by us under the carpet or on the wall studs.
Today I’m sharing inspirational bible verses for a new home blessing.
I just love Valentine’s Day! Such a fun day for kids to express friendship to one another. Dub loves tearing open the goodies, but EClaire really loves to see the creativity of the Valentines and read the messages from her friends.
Today I’m sharing printables and ideas for Valentine’s Day.
Candy Necklace Valentine
I designed these for EClaire’s princess party this summer, and adapted them again for Valentine’s to be more inclusive of boys in her class. Just print these out, cut two slits, add the candy bracelet (I get mine at Dollar Tree 10/$1) and sign the back. Find the original post and download here!
Be Minecraft Valentine
Dub is obsessed with Minecraft! So, I created this “Be Mine (craft)” printable to wrap a box of Conversation Hearts for an inexpensive Valentine. Just seal with some stick glue and sign the back. Find the orignal post and download here.
Straw Valentine
This Valentine by Paging Super Mom was a hit among the preschoolers Dub gave this to years ago – and their parents who loved the non-sweet Valentine. I used the heart shaped curly straws from Hobby Lobby (10/$1) and signed his name on the printable in PhotoShop. Super cheap and easy.
Kool-Aid Valentine
Last year EClaire had so much fun putting these Kool Valentines together! Simply download the printable here and affix to the back of Kool-Aid packets with a heart sticker. I digitally added her name, but you can sign yours for a more personalized touch.
Candy Buttons Valentine
I absolutely loved the candy button favors I made for EClaire’s princess party this summer, so I recreated them for some homemade and very inexpensive Valentines. The kids think this is such a novelty that it’s always a hit! Find the full instructions here.
There you have it, just a few of the Valentines we’ve given over the years. What do you think? Will you be using any of these this year? Please take a moment to tell me about it, below!
In addition to being featured in the fab blogs shown on the buttons to the right, this post was also featured on Huckleberry Love.
Is your little one obsessed with Minecraft? I feel you. Dub has the game, the app and the collection of hardcover books that he studies relentlessly. It’s Minecraft hysteria up in here.
I knew I had to make his Valentine Minecraft-themed. I just wasn’t finding the right thing, so I had to create it myself. I was most inspired by this adorable candy wrap by Simple as That, but really didn’t want to buy a full box of Mike & Ike candy for each of his classmates *cough*cheap*cough* and I was too lazy to cut out those adorable tags of hers. I know, this says a lot about me.
So I went to work creating a wrap for a standard box of conversation hearts. Once it’s printed, I helped cut out the wraps, and then I put Dub to work wrapping the box, using stick glue to seal it on the side, and he signs the back. Done (I love when a good plan comes together).
Want to use these for yourself? Download the free printable here.
What do you think of these Be Minecraft Valentines? Tell me about it below – I love your feedback! 
MORE FREE MINECRAFT PRINTABLES: Like these printables? Be sure to check out my other free Minecraft Printables here and here.
Remember the Princess Candy Necklace favors i made for my daughter’s birthday? Well, I’m all about upcycling my work, so I made a few modifications so we can use them for EClaire’s classroom Valentines. The party favors have been such a hit among all my readers, so I’ve decided to offer these up as a free Candy Necklace Valentine printable, as well.
Just print these out, two-sided, on some card stock, cut a slit on either side of the card and finish with a candy bracelet!
Click here to get the princess version, perfect for birthday party favors!
If you love these and plan to use them for your Valentines, please take a moment to tell me about it in the comments!
Looking for more great Valentine’s Day printables like this? Try my other popular free options:
Planning Eve’s birthday party each year is always so much fun coming up with new themes. And this year we’re doing a Princess Birthday Party. Making adorable decorations and favor bags has been a blast. Get all the details on how to make these Princess party favor candy necklace cards for your next party!
There are so many princess birthday party ideas flooding the internet. After wading through endless princess stuff, I decided to use more of a traditional princess theme rather than a Disney princess party. I knew I wanted some custom party favors, but I didn’t really find anything out there I loved for purchase, so I decided I needed to create my own.
First up was the princess crown Candy Button favors. I love the nostalgic feel of the old-fashion candy combined with ultimate princess accessory.
Next up, candy necklace cards. These cute candy cards were the hit of the party. The girls just couldn’t love them more. Who wouldn’t love candy jewelry, right?
My final post in the Star Wars birthday party series is to share the custom invitations and thank you cards I designed.
Each year, I’ve been lucky that my children have chosen Halloween costumes that match their birthday party themes for the following year. Dub chose to be Darth Vader, so I used his Halloween costume for the front of the invitation. I created a simple background in PhotoShop, and used the free Star Jedi font.
I used the same background on the back, added the party details, and created a Darth Vader silhouette.
During the birthday party, I made sure to get one shot of all of the kids in the photo booth, wearing their jedi robes and using photo booth props. I used this image for a custom thank you postcard. On the back, I created a simple template that Dub could fill in himself. I love the idea of the postcard because it helps him learn the proper etiquette of showing thankfulness. Sincere, personal, and to the point! And, it’s a little less expensive to mail 🙂
Finally, just to prove how much I utilize those Halloween photos, I also used it for Dub’s Valentine’s card. I wonder if he’ll be sick of Darth Vader by this Halloween?
Star Wars Darth Vader Valentine | Five Marigolds
Star Wars Birthday Party, Part I
