DIY bead storage and beading board for bracelet and necklace making

As a member of the Chick-fil-A mom panel, we were given coupons to try their new Chicken Tortilla Soup and then challenged to make a fun DIY with their soup containers. Some of the moms did some amazing upcycling projects and created luminaries, succulent wall planters, play instruments, and all sorts of super crafty things, but I went practical. As soon as I saw the containers, I realized they would make the perfect DIY bead storage container. Chick Fil A bead containerNow, I know that doesn't sound exciting because basically I repurposed something that stored soup and used it to store beads, but stay with me.  Chick Fil A bracelet elasticI've been redoing our art supplies now that the kiddos are able to craft more on their own and this has involved a ton of organizing. I was previously the only one using the crafting supplies and therefore knew where everything was stored. But, now that they can craft on their own, I needed to give them their own storage system so anyone can find whatever they need and then know where to put it back when they are finished.

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Find the perfect Mother’s Day present at ReCollected Pieces

What does every mom want for Mother’s Day? The answer is something personal and from the heart.

This is easy if you happen to have crafty kids or love macaroni necklaces, but what about for the rest of us? We can turn to Re:Collected Pieces, a Portland-based company that makes custom jewelry and more that any mother would love.

We’re not talking silver jewelry with personalized messages like anyone with a hand stamping set can make – what Tabitha at Re:Collected Pieces does is even more personal than that. Photo pendants, repurposed items, and artwork all become statement pieces to be adored and each custom work can be personalized in many levels. ReCollected Pieces bannerAfter checking out the ReCollected Pieces Etsy shop, I was smitten and knew I just had to have a custom piece. Starting the process was easy, I merely sent over pictures {one of my littles and one of hubby and I} to Tabitha with the instructions that she should have fun with them and show all that she can do.

You might wonder why I didn’t give specifics on what shapes I would like, sizes I would prefer, and baubles to add, but after looking at the Re:Collected Etsy shop, I knew it wasn’t necessary. There wasn’t a pendant or design I wouldn’t love to wear in the collection, and I trusted that Tabitha would make me something awesome.

And, I was blown away by what she sent back. Just look at how amazing these pendants look. ReCollected Pieces

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Blue Nile Leaf Chandelier Earrings

Oh, Mother’s Day, how I love you.  Not because I get presents {although I do love the things the kiddos pick out for me each year}, but because the stores I love have discounts for stuff I adore.  For instance, Seattle's own Blue Nile jewelry.  Or rather, Blue Nile jewelry for 10% off using the … Read more

Spring Photo Gifts from Shutterfly

Spring is a big time for pictures in our family.  Between holiday pictures and spring events, we usually take a trek to our local tulip fields where I take somewhere near a million pictures of the kiddos amongst the blooms, and the result is a huge collection of pictures that are just begging to be … Read more

Something About Silver Hand Stamped Jewelry

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide – Day 22 Everyone close to me knows I’m a huge sucker for handmade, especially when we’re talking about jewelry.  I love the imperfections and character of items created by hand and I love that each purchase has a unique story behind it.  This, of course, means that I was enthralled … Read more

Discover the True Spirit of Christmas with World Vision

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide – Day 21 Are you looking for a holiday present that really touches on the spirit of the season?  World Vision gives you a way for you to surprise everyone on your list with something more than just a present to open on Christmas Day.  By purchasing a two-for-one gift from … Read more

SmartLab Toys Art and Education Kits

A girl after my own heart, my daughter likes nothing better than a good art project.  Close second on her list of loves would be jewelry, so of course I was excited when I heard about the Snap Fashion Jewelry Studio from Smart Lab that would allow us to easily create our own custom rings, … Read more

NOVICA for Unique Gifts and Jewelry

I love jewelry. Rings, necklaces, earrings and more, you name it, I’m a huge fan. If that jewelry is handmade, I absolutely can’t resist. For this reason, I adore NOVICA, which is like an online artisan market where you can get the most unique gifts and jewelry anywhere.  NOVICA works in association with National Geographic, … Read more

Lauren Nicole Gifts Personalized Jewelry

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Day 18 Is there any girl out there who doesn’t want to open some personalized jewelry this holiday?  There is really no better way to show off your kiddos, your significant other, your pets, or to commemorate a life-changing event like motherhood or marriage than with a beautiful piece of jewelry … Read more