Yep, it’s another one of those “sorry I haven’t been around lately” posts that seem to be littering the blogging world these days. It’s spent a good month on my desktop and now, well, here we go.

WHERE

 Right now, I’m enjoying a break from blogging, or really, feeling pressured to produce a never-ending stream of content. For some time, I’ve been overwhelmed with this unspoken burden to keep up so that I don’t fall to the wayside. It’s had me thinking a lot about what precisely it is that I want to put out into the world. For what do I want to take responsibility? What am I trying to say? What am I encouraging? What legacy are my words creating?

Putting together a book list can be a bit tricky. You don't want to suggest books that are a retelling of the same story, nor do you want to give away all the details in your synopses. So with careful consideration, I've brought together a handful of titles that elicit as much excitement for the reader as Harry Potter; and that my family has enjoyed reading.

While I have a sweet spot for hidden literary gems, there's something to be said for award-winners and best sellers. More than a couple of these are classics that everyone should read at some point in their life. And if you're looking for the best Harry Potter projects, tutorials, and lists be sure to check out RaeGun Ramblings Series. 

5 BOOK SERIES FOR POTTER FANS

When you reach a certain age, i.e. adulthood, the seasons seem to fly by faster. This summer, every time I've looked at the calendar I've been shocked at how few days we have left before school starts. I have managed to sneak in a couple crafts, and this latest project is super easy, colorful, and don't tell the kids-all mine! As with all Craft Lightning projects my rainbow pipe cleaner notebook took less than 15 minutes, minus dry time.

I truly have no intention of sharing it with the kids, instead, I'm going to help them make their own! Here's how you can make one too.

I received free product in exchange for this post, all opinions expressed are my own. 


You guys know my love of color, remember this gem, Colorful Pallet Table? The only part of my dining room that's plain white are these two cabinets that sit on either side of the door to the back deck. I forgot to get a before image, but don't worry, it's easy to imagine how dull they looked. I'd considered painting the doors but really wanted something more and that's exactly what I got with O'verlays!


As their website explains, "O'verlays are decorative fretwork panels that come in several patterns and sizes. They are light weight, paintable, and easily attach to furniture, doors, walls, and glass." If you visit their blog, there are a ton of different design ideas, and guys these are so easy to use! The instructions are very straightforward, and from start to finish, this entire project took an afternoon. Let me show you how I cut and paste these panels to create super fun and colorful new cabinets.


I decided to paint the panels and add it to the plain cabinet door. So the first thing I did was measure and cut the panels to fit. All you need is a utility knife and a straight edge.


The knife cut completely through the panel with just two swipes and with some of the pieces I was able to just break them off by hand.

You will want to use your razor or sandpaper to trim and smooth any excess.



Next, following the instructions, I wiped the panels down with rubbing alcohol to make sure all dust was removed, and they were clean.


Spraypainting worked beautifully, and since I used a fast drying paint, they were dry and ready to be attached to the cabinet in less than 30 minutes.


Finally, I attached the panels to the cabinet. O'verlays recommends some different ways to get this done, depending on what you're attaching the panels to, I used a classic crafting glue and so far so good!


I tried to get a picture of the artwork next to these cabinets to give an idea of just how colorful this room has become and how perfect these panels look in it! I'm really happy with how they turned out and encourage you to give them a try!


This month's Fab Furniture Flippin' Contest Hosts are Saved by Scottie and Evey's Creations, be sure to see what they made using Overlays' as well contest entries from around the country! As always you can also swing by the Fab Furniture Flippin' Contest® site for information. If you are a fellow blogger and would like to participate in a contest email info@fabfurnitureflippincontest.com.

I come from a family filled with successful women who are seamstresses, woodworkers, business owners, and all-around makers. Growing up and watching their ideas materialize had a profound effect on me and helped foster my own love for creative living.

Mother's Day is a time to celebrate the women who've impacted our world, the mothers, grandmas, aunts, friends, and mentors. One way I share a special connection with all the creative women in my life is by incorporating a handmade touch in all my gift-giving.    

Tissue Paper Letters

Supplies

• American Greetings tissue paper
• decoupage medium 
• small wooden crafting letters
• crafting heart
• food picks
• dowels
• scissors
• Not Pictured: hot glue gun and sponge paint brushes

Dragons can be found in myths, stories, and fables from nearly every culture around the world, past, and present. Is it any wonder? No other creature more inspires our imaginations to consider a world of magic. Is it obvious we've been on a dragon kick these past couple weeks?

It all started when we read Herb, the Vegetarian Dragon, from there things took a decidedly reptilian turn, and the next thing I knew we were making dragon poppets and hitting up the recycling bin for this egg carton dragon kids craft.

Here's how to make a fire-breathing beast of your own!