finally!

I finally have something to show for the purse I've had in the works since September. Here it is - tried, true, and handmade by me. Despite a few imperfections I am extremely happy with the finished product.

This bag is pretty much the perfect size. It's big enough to fit my planner, camera, wallet, cell phone, and other random items without being so large that they get lost. And how about his cute, little pocket?

february sky

pay it forward :: rachel

Pay It Forward #2 done! Back in October I promised to send something handmade to the first 3 people who commented on my post. Rachel, one of my friends from high school, was number 2 on the list. Here's what she got!

Rachel is a very talented writer, so I covered a mini composition notebook with hip fabric for her to jot down thoughts and ideas.

Next I made a jewelry set including a necklace and matching earrings. Don't you love how little accessories can make you feel so dressed up and sophisticated?

2 down, 1 to go! Angela, your handmade goodies are already in progress!

my long weekend

Making art

out of wooden beads,

acquiring spare Scrabble tiles for projects

as well as a few photos from my dad.

And can you believe this snow?!

Happy President's Day Weekend!

i *heart* jeff

And the balloons he surprised me with. :)

happy valentine's day!

i *heart* conversation hearts

project: accordion card

Valentine's Day is almost here! Still don't have a card for your special someone? Don't worry - there's still time to make a cute, little accordion card!

I "taught" the girls in our ward how to make these at Enrichment last week. I say "taught" because a) I was pretty unorganized and b) I got so much inspiration from the girls that I ended up using their ideas (pictured above) in addition to some of my own ideas (pictured below)!

For directions on how to make an accordion card, go here. To tie, place a ribbon in between the back cover and back page so it can tie in the front or on the side. Round a few corners, ink a few edges, and you're done. Well, except for writing your mushy valentine message, that is. :)

i *heart* hanging hearts

Hanging my Valentine's hearts is something I look forward to every year. Who knew that crayons and wax paper could make something so pretty? Find the directions here. That Martha - she's a clever one!

Oh, happiness!

Hooray! I have my camera back after leaving it in Idaho last week (who knew that 6 days without a camera was a long time?!). Fun V-day pictures and projects to come!

PS* I did not make these cupcakes, but aren't they lovely?

Super, Super Tuesday!

Finally! Super Tuesday is here! As I have mentioned, I have become somewhat of a Presidential Primary Election addict, so voting this morning really was exciting! It was wonderful to arrive at the polls at 7:20am and have to wait in line - it makes me so happy to see citizens who care enough about government, politics, and our country to wake up and vote. So, if you haven't already, get out and VOTE if you live in one of the 24 states holding Primaries today! I have some links you may be interested in listed below.

• For websites, profiles, & photos for each candidate, go here
• Take a quiz for an idea of which candidate you agree with here
• Find your polling place here
• See election results as they are reported here

If you're in Utah, be sure to be in line to vote by 8:00pm tonight. Only those affiliated with the Democratic or Replublican party can vote, but you can register with a party at the polls if you aren't already affiliated. Hooray for the democratic process!

Jeff's *new* Blog

I would like to get the word out about Jeff's new blog. It is titled "Mormon Faith and Facts." It is, in his words, "an opportunity [to] share personal thoughts, experiences, doctrine, and facts about my faith." Jeff is so knowledgeable about the organization, history, and doctrines of our church, as well as having a strong testimony and ability to teach. I am excited to see what he has to share!

Be a little better

So many wonderful tributes have been paid to our beloved President Gordon B. Hinckley. I, too, am grateful for his wonderful example of tireless love and service to others and the Lord. I love how someone in my ward characterized him - "It wasn't possible to look at him and not smile in your heart." Although he will be missed, I can't help but be happy for his reunion with his dear wife, as well as for the amazing legacy he has left.

"Let us from this day forward be a little better, love one another a little more, treat one another with greater kindness and look to God and live."

President Gordon B. Hinckley