CMOM Productions: HeArt for Art

My youngest son has a huge heart for art.  Although both of my boys love to draw, M has a passion for creating and trying new projects.  One of his favorite recent creations can be seen in the photos.  We came up with this one because his fabulous Art teacher had it pinned on Pinterest. All we needed were art pastels (not chalk), a plastic bin (big enough for paper), cardstock, water, a place to dry your paper, and a craft stick.  Pastels sealing spray is suggested, but optional.  If you get the opportunity, give it a try.  A black silhouette of your favorite image is great addition to glue on after the paper is dry.  Frame it for yourself or as a great gift!  I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Step 1:  Fill your container with water.

Step 2:  Use a craft stick to shave off flakes of pastels in various colors

Tip:  Where it sits in the water is where it will show up on the paper

Step 3:  Place your paper into the water face down

Step 4:  Carefully remove your paper

Step 5:  Place it somewhere to dry (if you have empty space, shave off more pastels onto the blank spots)

Step 6:  Once it dries, put a black silhouette image on it or enjoy as is.
*Spray it with pastel sealer if you desire.

On Another Note:

I've recently run out of photo storage on my blog.  The decision to remove old photos currently in place or switch over to my website blog is being weighed at this time.  I do not wish to purchase more "space."  As a result, the next few blog postings may not have photos to accompany them.  My plate is full with Christmas happenings, so I've resolved to make the decision after the holidays.

CMOM Productions: Tshirt Pillow

 CMOM Productions:  T-Shirt Pillow

My youngest son's love of The Beatles has already been documented.  While searching for that elusive kid sized tshirt, I came upon some great clearance shirts at Target (previously in the music section).  The only problem was that the t's were only in adult sizes.  I snagged the only men's medium left and knew I'd find something to do with it.

As you can clearly see by the photo, I turned the men's shirt into a pillow case!  It was a simple straight stitch sewing project.


Simple How To:
Turn your t-shirt inside out.

Pin under the band/collar of the shirt opening and continue along in a straight line to mark where you need to stitch.

Close off the arms of the t-shirt by pinning in a straight line up to the point of your previous pins.  You should be able to continue your pins to the seams of the shirt (less sewing).

Straight stitch where you have pinned your shirt.

Measure the bottom of your shirt, double the number and add approximately 1 inch.  Cut a strip of fabric that length.  *The width of this fabric depends on your pillow size and preference.

Roll the edges of your fabric for a clean edge and then stitch it.

Stitch the ends of the fabric together.

Pin the fabric to the bottom of your shirt (remember you want a clean edge on the design side of your t-shirt pillowcase).

Stitch it the pieces together.  Trim any hanging threads & be sure to remove all pins.

*Options:  Add ribbon or rick-rack.

Turn your new pillowcase right side out and place your pillow inside.

My son loves the he can lay down and look at his Beatles design!  If you prefer your design to face a different way, cut it, turn the piece, and add more fabric around the design.

Perfect for a Hard Day's Night!

Sticking With It

This morning I delivered a thank you gift to the staff of my son's school.  As a PTO representative and school volunteer, I've had the opportunity to see all of these wonderful people in action more often than some parents.  I'm so grateful for all of the time and energy the teachers and staff put into the education of our children.  However, working in the school goes far beyond teaching kids how to write, read, and do math. I appreciate the positive example these adults set for my children and was able to provide them with a small token to acknowledge everything that they do.


Saying the words thank you, or a simple gesture of thanks, show appreciation.  You can encourage and invigorate the spirits of those who work so hard with the smallest actions.  Everyone needs a little pat on the back from time to time. 


A tin from Target's dollar spot, $1.  Scrap paper, ribbon, and a paw print punch already owned, $0.  Old fashioned candy sticks (40) in school colors from Cracker Barrel, $4.  A little time and thoughtfulness to say, "Thanks for sticking with our kids this year!," priceless.

Is there anyone you need to thank today?  Someone who needs a bit of encouragement?  

Let someone know you appreciate what they do.

Post 101: Winners

Thank you to everyone who celebrated 100 posts with me on Monday!

I'm considering another prize give away on my 1 year blog anniversary, May 12, 2010.  I'll keep you posted.  Until then, please keep following CMOMProductions and check out this week's winners below!


Winners were selected via True Random Number Generator at approximately 11:45am today!

...drum roll please...

Random.org has selected the winner of the All of Me Melinda Marie cd...
Congrats to T. Anne!!!

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:3Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Random.org has selected the winner of the Crafty Post-it note holder and pen set...
Congrats to Jody Hedlund!!!

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:7Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Winners please contact me at...  melindamarie at melindamarie dot com

or leave a comment and your email address below!

Thanks again to all of my followers and blog readers!


Please Note:  Random Generator's max number was designated as 10, however when transferred to blogger it is showing as 100.  Clearly, the numbers are low enough to indicate 10 was actually used. 

Celebrating 100 Posts

 It's time to CELEBRATE!

Today is post #100 for CMOM Productions!

If you don't already follow CMOMProductions blog, please click "follow" to your right.
Then be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win 1 of 2 fabulous prizes!

Prize #1

Melinda Marie "All of Me" is my first traditional country cd.  

This is the first time that I stepped into the studio to record an album.  Although I have changed drastically in the 10 years since it was released, it's still a glimpse at the person I was at that time.  If you win and aren't a fan of traditional country music, pass it on to a friend of family member who is.


Prize #2 

 

light blue post-its inside

the back

Presenting a crafty CMOM Productions post-it note holder!  I learned how to make this simple craft from Kerry's paper crafting blog.  The note holder, and matching pen, featured in the photos is prize #2 today! 

A random number for each prize (first comment left is #1 and so on) will be chosen via random.org.  Please check back on Wednesday, April 21st to find out if you are a winner!  
Good luck!!!

...Another part of today's celebration...

While I was on my blog vacation, I got a chance to accomplish a few simple goals.  One of those goals just happens to be a revamped website.  As today is a special day, I thought it would be the perfect time to unveil the new look for you, my blog followers. 

...drum roll please...

MelindaMarie.com

What do you think?

Are you ready to win a prize?

Thanks to all of you who read this CMOMProductions blog!