Annual Camping Trip

I love traditions and Matt and I have not really created a whole lot of our own.  This year for Memorial Day, we decided to have a big family camp out and start an annual family fishing derby.  We made reservations, divided up the meals, pitched some tents and despite technical difficulties, we had a lovely time cooking over the fire, taking walks and playing games.  

We stayed at Lake Wenatchee State Park, just outside of Leavenworth.  It was a beautiful weekend.  No rain, lots of sun, wonderful scenery and lots of fish caught!

  

Matt's family, my family and the Gagnons were all there (13 humans, 5 dogs, and many a dead fish).  We made trips into Leavenworth and Plain, WA.  You can't miss Shocolate in Leavenworth!  Delicious!

The derby was won by Abby who caught a 4 lb. 1 oz. Rainbow Trout from the dock!  All the rest of us caught maybe one-pounders and we were out in the boat in the deep, cool waters.  

We are looking forward to next year!

Star!!!

I've always loved these big metal star thingies and in honor of the stars and stripes, I thought I would make one for the 4th of July/ Summer season.

Here's what you need:

• paper scraps
• metal star
• ink pads
• glue
• somewhere to hang your star!

Here's what to do:

1. I sorted through all my paper scraps and decided which ones to use!

2. I measured and cut each piece. 

 

3. I edged the paper pieces with dobbers and ink.  First, you add pigment from your stamp pads.  

 

 Then you rub the dobber along the edges.

4. Then, I glued the pieces to the metal star!  

6. It is hanging in the front big window with my little red lanterns!

Here are a few other things I have for the season!  I love my PartyLite Symmetry Pillar Holders.  So Versatile and we had to put baseballs in honor of our Seattle Mariner's!  Go M's!

 

www.partylite.biz/christinakonrad

My FAVORITE Holiday: July 4th!

I am not sure why, but the 4th of July is my favorite holiday!  I love it because it is a time to get together and share special moments, without the pressure of cooking a fancy meal or delivering the perfect gift.  In fact, it is a good time to reflect on the abundant blessings we have as Americans and how we can contribute to the blessings of others!  And, I have a fond love of rustic decor and red, white and blue!

Here's a couple crafts in honor of our freedom!

Supplies:

• Wreath form
• Ribbon
• 12" x 12" sheets (scraps) of scrapbook paper
• Ruler
• Paper cutter
• Bone folder
• Double-sided tape
• Buttons, assorted
• Hot-glue gun

Here's what to do:
1. Cut a sheet of paper into 6 pieces, each measuring 4" x 6", for large medallions. (To create a medium-size one, use 3" x 6" sheets, and for the small size, use a 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" sheet.)  Each medallion takes two pieces of paper so if you want 3 of a particular pattern, you will need 6 pieces.

2. Fold each piece of paper going across the length of the paper in accordion-style. Use a bone folder to sharpen creases.
  

3. Fold each pleated piece of paper in half.  I tied the two halves together with a short piece of string.  Then, using double sided stickies, or glue, adhere all the separated spaces together to form a circle. Gently spread pleats apart.

 

 

 

 

I made approx 12 of each size for my wreath.

4. Starting with largest medallions, hot-glue each to wreath in an attractive pattern. Continue with medium and small sizes until wreath is covered.

 

5.  Lastly, add a button to the center of each medallion.



The finished product!