It's inevitable your little ones will get bump or bruise. Make them a Boo-Boo Bear to sweeten those tough times by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

It's inevitable your little ones will get bump or bruise. Make them a Boo-Boo Bear to sweeten those tough times by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Hello PHG readers! I’m coming over from my blog, Prodigal Pieces, to share with you a sweet DIY that is easy to whip up and will make everyone smile (not to mention it makes a perfect last-minute gift!).

Do you remember the days as a child when you would stumble and hurt your knee or have some bump that required a little TLC? As a mom to 6 wonderful kids, I know how precious those times can be, and that’s where Boo-Boo Bear (a rice ice and heat pack) can sweeten those troubled times.

Boo-Boo Bear is sweet little friend who serves as a comforting ice pack that is the perfect temperature for those bumps and bruises that come along, AND he can also be lightly warmed in the microwave to soothe aches and pains. Want to make one for a special little person in your life? Read more

fabric & wood coasters

Pretty Handy readers we are nearing ever so close to the big day!  Jaime from That’s My Letter here today to share a quick and easy last minute gift idea.  These fabric and wood coasters add just a touch of holiday cheer to any coffee table and you just might already have the supplies on hand to make them!

fabric & wood coasters wrapped

All stacked up and tied together they make a great hostess gift or a charming diy gift anyone is sure to appreciate.

fabric & wood coasters 3

The plaid fabric is completely on trend this year as we are seeing plaid and tartan everywhere!  You could use nearly any fabric, this plaid happens to be a thicker woven cotton.

fabric & wood coasters 1

Below are the step-by-step instructions to make your own fabric and wood coasters.  Always use all safety precautions when operating power tools.

Materials:

  • 4×4 wood post scrap (1/2″ thick for each coaster)
  • miter saw
  • measuring tape & pencil
  • sandpaper
  • fabric (4″ square for each coaster)
  • mod podge
  • paint brush
  • rotary cutter & self healing mat

Instructions:

Step 1: Mark the 4×4 post for a 1/2″ cut.  I recommend setting up a stop block (the 2×4 on the right in the picture below) and clamp it to your saw.  This stop block allows you to make multiple cuts of same length without having to re-measure and mark your wood every time.

fabric & wood coasters step 1

fabric & wood coasters cut complete

Step 2: Sand the edges of the wood cuts smooth.  Apply a generous layer of mod podge onto the wood and press fabric in place smoothing any wrinkles.  Let dry. Read more

CVS Same Day Photo Cards

Are you pulling out your hair trying to get everything done before Christmas? No? Well, I hate you! Just kidding. I’ve been frantic this past week. Unfortunately, I wasn’t planning ahead and the holiday cards were pushed to the end of my to do list. It sat down there at the bottom with some of the last minute presents for the mailman and service providers we appreciate. I thought about going to a big box store to knock out all these last minute gifts. But frankly, when I walk in the entire magical holiday spirit is sucked out of my body and I’m left feeling like a Hippopotamus squashed my Christmas spirit. You know what I’m talking about, right?! Other people who are frantic and stressed. Cashiers who need a break. And drivers fighting you for that last parking space.

What I really wanted were last minute beautiful photo cards without braving the elements crowds! ‘Cause you and I know, Baby, It’s Cold Outside (in more ways than one.)

That’s why I was thrilled this year when CVS contacted me and asked if I wanted to get my holiday cards the same day from my local CVS store. Wait, what?! I had no idea you could skip the crowds and get photo cards from the local friendly CVS store. There had to be a catch. I figured the card options would be — you know — a bit like bad fruitcake.

I quickly let me fingers fly over to CVS.com/Photo to see the measly options.

CVS Same Day Photo Cards

What to my wandering eyes did appear? Jaw dropping designs from top names like Hallmark and Aperion!

CVS Same Day Photo Cards

Wow, oh wow, beautiful last minute holiday photo cards!

At this point I thought I was dreaming and half expected to see Visions of Sugarplums. I pinched myself and surged forward to create our photo cards.

CVS Same Day Photo Cards

The CVS.com/Photo website is set up for last minute people like me (who don’t have time to figure out a new program or read instructions! Ain’t nobody got time for that!)

Simple, easy prompts:

  • Pick your design
  • Upload your picture
  • Add text
  • Review and buy!

You know this was quicker and faster than most of my tutorials! Hallelujah and thank your lucky Christmas stars!

The hardest part was choosing the design to use. I mocked up at least half a dozen.

CVS Same Day Photo Cards CVS Same Day Photo Cards

Thankfully, my Instagram friends helped me pick a favorite (what would I do without y’all! xxxooo)

CVS Same Day Photo Cards

CVS.com/Photo lets you upload pictures from three different convenient places!

CVS Same Day Photo Cards
Can I get a big Joy to the World for choices?

CVS Same Day Photo Cards

After a few minutes picking our photos and uploading them, I had a winning card design:

CVS Same Day Photo Cards

Raise your hand if you have children who tend to look like the Grinch stole their Christmas in most of your family photos! Thankfully, my matching Santa hat fell off at just the right moment and we all started laughing. Poor Buddy had no idea what hit him.

With one more click I had sent my order to our local CVS store. You know what’s sweeter than a 54′ Convertible, Light Blue? I didn’t have to enter my credit card information online. Payment isn’t due until you pick up your cards.

Can we take a quick second to appreciate this sight? A parking lot with plenty of spaces. And stocked aisles for last minute stocking stuffers, gifts and gift bags.

CVS Same Day Photo Cards

I dashed into the store and grabbed a few gift bags and candies. Then headed to the checkout to pick up my photos and pay for them. In full disclosure, I waited in a line… of two people! Yup, no long lines, no scowls, and no fighting for the last hot item. I purchased my photos and other things. Then I Sprang to My Navy Blue Sleigh Minivan and dashed back home.

CVS Same Day Photo Cards

Now about those last minute gifts…

PHGFancySign

Disclosure: I’m proud to partner with CVS/pharmacy for the Holiday How To campaign. I am being sponsored by CVS/pharmacy for my posts and activities, but all opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers. As always, I am particular about the brands I partner with. I will always disclose to you if you are reading a sponsored post.

Rustic Metal Magnetic Window Frame | Pretty Handy Girl

Galvanized Metal Magnetic Windows | Pretty Handy Girl

I was really inspired by Laura Putnam’s new book: DIY Rustic Modern Metal Crafts. I love the look of aged galvanized metal and knew that our home needed more of it. Today I’ll share with you a tutorial to create your own Rustic Metal Magnetic Window Frame, inspired by Laura’s Vintage Window Memo Board. But, you’ll definitely want to get a copy of Laura’s book to learn how to make 34 more storage and decor items using galvanized metal!

Materials:
(contains affiliate links)

Galvanized Metal Magnetic Windows | Pretty Handy Girl

Optional: Silicone Caulk (for more secure metal)

Instructions:

Ready to make your own Rustic Metal Magnetic Window Frame? If you have newer galvanized metal, you can easily add an aged patina to metal following this tutorial. Prepare ahead of time, because it might take up to 8 hours to get the look you want. The sheet you see below was left overnight in the solution to get a nice white patina.

aged-galvanized-sheet-metal

Remove the glass panes from your old window.

old-window-pane

Measure the size of each pane.

measure-window-panes

Transfer your measurements onto the galvanized metal sheet. Read more

three-book-recommendations

I’m thrilled to share with you a selection of 3 DIY books this holiday season. If you are looking for ideas for someone on your gift list who: has children who love to create; loves rustic metal decor; or wants some simple ideas to love the home they are living in…I have the book for you!

Let’s start with C.R.A.F.T – Creating REALLY Awesome Free Things (affiliate link). This book by Jamie Dorobek was not a book I had originally planned on reviewing. But, when I opened the envelope and set the book on the counter it was instantly whisked away from me. My boys took the book and read it from front to back!

C.R.A.F.T. Book Review

Within 30 minutes, my oldest (a middle schooler) had already cut up a cereal box and was working on his own puzzle.

C.R.A.F.T. Book Review

C.R.A.F.T. Book Review

The next day, my 3rd grader had a playdate at our house. He and his friend asked for the materials to make their own Emoji masks. Read more