How To: Wooden Button Bracelet

I love casual summer weekends! A few weeks ago, we were at my in-law's house, and I spotted jars of wooden buttons in the kitchen. If you know me, you know how I am with buttons. I love dumping them out and just looking through and arranging them! In the pile were several large buttons that were just asking to be painted. My mother-in-law invited me to go for it. :)

I spent an afternoon making these simple, casual bracelets with a pretty little detail.

You will need: 

1 1/4" diameter wooden button, mine were from Oriental Trading Company.

Craft paint

Fine point paint  brush

 2mm Black string

Modge Podge (Optional)

1. Using a fine paint brush, paint any design you'd like on your button. The flowers are easier than they appear. Just layering lighter and/or darker shades as highlights and shadows will add depth to your designs. :) Simple designs such as polka dots, stripes, or chevron would be adorable too! Seal your design with a layer of modge podge for protection.

2. Thread your string through the button starting at the back of the button. Thread the string through the diagonal hole, returning it to the back. 

3. Tie each end of the string to the opposite end. This is a simple way to make an adjustable bracelet. 

That's all there is to it! :)

Have you done any fun projects this summer?

How To: Wishing Tree Tags

I recently shared how we created the "Wishing Tree" for our wedding. Here is a tutorial on how I made the tags. These are simple to make, but time consuming. If your mind is swirling with details, and you just don't have the time to cut out tags, hop over to my Etsy shop for a set!

You can create a tag for each guest attending your wedding. I made a few less since many couples will only leave on message. I set out about 120 tags for 175 guests.

You will need:

A tag you like the shape of, or a pattern created from an index card (Dimensions 2 1/2 x 3 1/2)

1 package of 8 1/2x 11 card stock

Pencil

Scissors

Stamp with a design of choice

Gold ink pad

1-hole punch

White ribbon

*Amounts of ribbon and card stock will vary depending on quantity of tags you choose to make.

1. Trace the tag pattern onto your card stock as many times as it will fit. **If you would like the pattern I used, email me at jmp06b@gmail.com. :)

2. Carefully cut the tag shapes out. I found this task easier with small sharp scissors. 

3. Using a single hole punch, punch a hole about 1 centimeter from the top of the tag. 

4. Using a 3x4  inch stamp and gold ink pad, cover the entire stamp with ink. 

5. With newspaper underneath your tags to protect your worksurface, press your stamp onto your tag. Press down firmly and be careful not to slide the stamp around. 

6. Peel the stamp carefully off of the tag. Try not to touch the stamped tag's wet design. Handle by edges if needed. 

7. Allow your tags to dry for at least 30 minutes. 

8. String a 10" inch ribbon through the tag's hole and knot it at the top.

Display your tags in a pretty basket by your tree for guest to help themselves. :)

We enjoyed all the messages that were left on these tags during our special day. They are pretty enough that we can use them as decor and have the memories as part of our home!

Our First Anniversary

The year has flown by! I can't believe tomorrow will mark a year of marriage for Wes and I. This past year has been the longest we have ever spent together in person since we met. It has been wonderful! 

God is so good! I just love living life with Wes. I am still so often amazed that I am actually married to this guy! I love being here in Utah with him. We have learned so much this first year about each other,  trusting the Lord, and real grown up life. ;) I am thrilled to

 have learned that this man the Lord led me to is even more of a compassionate servant leader than I ever dreamed I'd know. Thank you Lord, for Wes, whose life constantly points me to you and teaches me what it looks like to live a life of Praise to you!

Ok, sorry that was mushy, but this is the day I'm allowed to swoon right?! ;) During our visit to North Carolina, we had anniversary photos taken in a casual version of our wedding attire.{Probably the last time I'll squeeze into this dress!} We did this shoot in the evening and I am loving the lighting! It was so fun to go back to the spot we had wedding photos done. I think we were a little more relaxed this time. ;) Thank you Samantha Parsons Photography, we will cherish these.

I sure love you, Wes Murdock!