arts and crafts

Sally’s Cereals DIY: Under the Sea!

June 21, 2016 By Lena

Note: The following contest is open to Canadians only.

We know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So, why not have a little fun with it?

Challenged by Sally’s Cereals, a delicious line of cereals that come in a re-sealable bag, I created a fun, distinctly oceanic-themed breakfast table for my kiddos. Using easy-to-find, creative and budget-savvy materials, I’m pleased to show you how you can recreate your own “Under the Sea” DIY table! DSC_0499a All of the items for your themed summer breakfast table can be found at your local party store. At first I wanted to surprise my boys with the breakfast table, but then decided that half the fun is having them involved! So, we channeled our inner “Martha’s” and went right to work.

Here’s what you’ll need to create your “Under the Sea” adventure:

One burlap table runner
Decorative fish netting
Blue or green place mats, napkins, cereal bowls and plates
Three glass votive candle holders (or small vases)
Blue tissue paper (light and dark blue)
Assorted seashells
Coloured foam paper, cut into sea creatures such as starfish, fish and sea horses
Your favourite Sally’s Cereal! …

Beauty, Captured on Paper.

February 9, 2014 By Lena

There are few things in life that blow me away. And friends, I am blown away.

It all started a couple of weeks ago, when a friend mentioned that she had decided to follow her dreams and open an art studio – Karly Marie Custom Portraits. Always one to promote happiness, I was proud of her decision and wished her good luck.

“Let me create a custom portrait for you,” Karly said.

Sure, I thought. Why not? But life is busy, and to tell the truth, as much as I wanted to help out, I didn’t make it a priority. So I sent her the following Instagram picture, asking, “Can you work with this?”

You see, I love this picture. It was taken while both boys were sick – and yet, still managed to get into all sorts of mischief. I often smile when I think back to that day, as they wiped their noses on each other’s arms and giggled with gross delight. (Boys, right??)

Of course, as soon as I sent the screenshot, I promptly forgot about it. I knew it was in good hands, but really – what would come of an electronic photo? I knew nothing of what Karly could do or what the finished product would look like.

And then, I received a message that the portrait was complete. And as I gazed at the charcoal drawing of my two boys, I promptly burst into tears. Nothing could have prepared me for the beauty that Karly captured on paper.

I am blown away by Karly’s talent – and her gift for making subjects come alive. The sweet shyness in Ryder’s eyes. The mischief in Reid’s smile. And together, two brothers bonded together in a loving embrace. It is a portrait I will always treasure; one that will remind me of a cold winter afternoon with my two boys.

Friends, this is probably the most special gift you can give a loved one. Karly creates hand-drawn, custom portraits that make the perfect present for anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, weddings, or bridal showers. These artistic impressions can preserve the memories of a newborn child, beloved pets, special occasions, or even a cottage, home or vacation destination.

(Check out her Portrait Gallery here.)

Her rates are incredibly reasonable and for Listen to Lena friends and family, she is pleased to offer 15% off. (E-mail me for the coupon code: lena (at) listentolena (dot) com.) I encourage you to think about Mother’s Day, upcoming celebrations or other special occasions where you can give a truly unique, beautiful gift that will be treasured always. I am 100% convinced of Karly’s talent and am in love with the custom portrait.

Tell me, do you have a photograph you’d love to turn into a portrait? Be sure to contact Karly today!

Because I Have a Little Artist.

December 19, 2013 By Lena

Sometimes, as I look around my home, I am dismayed by the clutter produced by toys, gadgets and gizmos. I often joke with my husband that we have special sight filters that allow us to ignore the mess; thicker soles due to the torture of repeatedly stepping on errant cars, and stronger ab muscles from bending over 172 times per day to pick up a stray pencil crayon, a runaway Cheerio, or the dreaded, crumpled, discarded used tissue.

For a long time, I simply allowed myself to believe that kids will take over the home and there’s nothing that can be done about it. But then I realized that as my boys grew, they began to crave a space of their own. Slowly, the basement became a place to engage in imaginative play. Ryder’s bedroom became his corner nook to enjoy a good book. And Reid always, always wanted to be in the kitchen when he was in the mood for arts and crafts. Hence, when we received the Little Tikes I’m an Artist Station for review, I knew it would quickly become a family favourite.

“This uniquely designed, multi-functional art station features a cover for the table that doubles as a portable drawing surface. It even lights up for tracing. Little Tikes smart design gives I’m An Artist Station plenty of storage cubbies and a convenient place for hanging wet artwork and displaying the finished creation.”

Features:

Splatter table spins paper and paint. Includes splatter guard to minimize any mess.
Table cover converts to portable drawing table that lights up for tracing.
Convenient clip rack where artwork can hang up to dry and then be displayed.
Multiple spaces for storing art supplies. Sturdy stool and 4 paints included….