homework: Reading [ Make Your Mark ] + a Giveaway

I have another great reading assignment to share with you. MAKE YOUR MARK  by Lark Crafts showcases another hot trend in the crafting world. Using markers, paint pens and more to decorate a multitude of products.

The Inspiration Board: Creative Party [152]

From my archives | Shrimp Salsa

It’s almost time to wave goodbye to April and say hello to May. May is such a great month. There’s Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, wedding and graduation ideas and of course, summer will be here before we know it. It’s time to take a deep breath and get super creative.

Are you prepping for a special occasion? If so, I can’t wait to see all the wonderful ideas and projects shared here this week. If you’re new to homework, every Tuesday, I host this creative link up party where you can share your creativity. The party link up stays open through Thursday and on Friday I feature some of the projects in Spotlight post.

So here we go… link up your projects and inspire us. Oh, and don’t forget, if you’re new to homework, leave me a comment and let me know. I love meeting new friends.

GOOD TASTE: Homemade Carrot & Banana Dog Biscuits

This is another project that I’ve wanting to make for some time now. I’m trying to give our dog Sammy some healthier treats. She’s getting older and getting less exercise – just like me!

The Inspiration Board: creative party spotlight ~151~

Another week has come and gone with amazing creativity, sweet comments and lots of sharing. Thank you everyone who stopped by this week and a big thank you for those of you that shared a project on The Inspiration Board this week. It seems everyone’s spring break was at different times this year. At our house, my son was on spring break this week which seemed to add to the daily chaos. I hope you had a wonderful and calm week filled with creativity.

If you didn’t have a chance to stop by this week, here’s what I shared.

Earth Day Round Up from my archives  |  Thread wrapped candles and card board candle holders  |  Spring flowers inspired by Radiant Orchid

Now, grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy these beautiful and inspiring projects in the Spotlight this week.

BLOOM: Spring Flowers Inspired by Radiant Orchid

A few days before Easter, my mom gave me these gorgeous purple tulips. And before I went to her house on Easter, I picked up this pretty bouquet of white and purple flowers for her.

CELEBRATIONS: Thread Wrapped Candles

I saw some string wrapped candles in a catalog recently and thought what a great idea it was to jazz up some plain candles for a festive celebration.

The Inspiration Board: Creative Party [151]

FROM MY ARCHIVES  |  Painted Herb Pot & Clay Medallion

Hello. Hello! I’m so happy you’re here on Earth Day and my favorite day here on homework: The Inspiration Board. If you’re new to homework, every Tuesday, I host this creative link up party where you can share your creativity. Now that Easter is over we can put the eggs aside and get moving on some big spring projects. Who’s with me? Spring cleaning? Furniture makeovers? Vegetable gardens? I know, so much to do and so little time.

Now for the creative party. You always amaze me with your inspiring projects. I can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to.

UPCYCLING: Earth Day Upcycling & Recycling Projects

Earth Day is tomorrow so I thought today would be a good time to dig through my archives and reshare several of my upcycled and recycled projects that I’ve done over the years.

I love making things from ordinary throw away items aka trash. I hope you are inspired to create something from your recycling bin from these projects.

The Inspiration Board: creative party spotlight ~150~

And just like that, in a blink Easter is here. Seriously, I didn’t even finish all the Easter projects that I had planned to share with you. That’s okay, we have plenty of spring left to create and inspire each other. Thank you so much to all of you who visited and shared this week. For those that didn’t get a chance to stop by, here’s what I shared.

Marbling with Nail Polish  |  Graeter’s New Gelato and Ice Cream Line  |  Dip Dyed Gift Wrap

And now for the projects in the Spotlight this week.

GOOD TASTE: Introducing Graeter’s New Ice Cream

It’s a messy job but somebody’s got to do it! Some days I’m cleaning up glue and glitter and other days, ice cream scoops. I think sampling and taking pictures of ice cream might be one of my favorite ways to spend the day.

EXTRA CREDIT: The Battle with White Sports Uniforms

This post brought to you by Biz Stain & Odor Eliminator. All opinions are 100% mine.


Whether you have big kids or little kids, pets or messy husbands, we’ve all had to deal with stains in one way or another. I’ve used Biz for years because I have all of the above. So when I got this pretty package I knew I’d have no trouble finding an example of a tough stain to talk about.

INKLING: Dip-Dye Rice Paper

Making your own wrapping paper for small packages is fun and easy. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to wrap up a gift with a personal touch.

EXTRA CREDIT: Summer Dreams Have Luggage will Travel Giveaway

Aren’t these photos fantastic? My friend Izzy traveled the world for a year visiting over 24 countries and blogged about it. It was so inspiring. Just seeing these photos makes me want to pack my bags and explore. Izzy traveled with just a duffel bag and day pack but I’m more of a hotel and luggage girl.

The Inspiration Board: Creative Party [150]

FROM MY ARCHIVES  |  Faux Patina Cans made with Paper and Mod Podge

We’re halfway through April and hopefully everyone is enjoying warm weather and signs of spring. I have to confess, I haven’t had a second to work in my garden and may not get spring vegetables planted this year. Have you planted your spring garden? Are you working on freshening your home and spring cleaning? Inspire me, please!! I need to get going.

Whatever you’ve been working on, I can’t wait to see. Inspire all of us with your creativity and share your projects below.

ETCETERAS: Marbled Coffee Cup with Nail Polish

It’s marbling mania friends. Ever since I discovered this marbling technique and made these Easter Eggs (here), I’ve been dying to marble again.

EXTRA CREDIT: Spring Comfort Giveaway–$250 Amazon Gift Card

Welcome to the

Spring Amazing Comfort Sweepstakes

Sponsored by QiPillow

Organized by Mom Powered Media

The Inspiration Board: creative party spotlight ~149~

Seriously… TGIF everyone! Another whirlwind week has flown by. I hope you all had a fantastic week and are planning something fun and relaxing for the weekend. Thank you to everyone who visited me here this week and for those of you who shared your creativity on The Inspiration Board. I’m so grateful to all of you.

If the week got away from you, here’s what I shared here on homework this week.

Painted Confetti Dot Box  |  Contributing Designer in Washi Wonderful  |  Cork & Glitter Coasters

Now, on to the projects featured in the spotlight this week.

ETCETERAS: Cork & Gold Glitter Coasters with Lifestyle Crafts

For this month’s Lifestyle Crafts tutorial, I stepped away from a paper project and experimented with die cutting cork. As I become  more comfortable with my Lifestyle Crafts Evolution tool I’m trying new things and get to be a little more creative with the projects.

HOMEWORK ~ Reading: Washi Wonderful (and a giveaway)

I’ve been thinking about this post for over a year and now finally I can share it with you. About a year and a half ago, the amazingly talented Jenny Doh contacted me about the possibility of being a contributor for her new book, Washi Wonderful. It was a fascinating process and I basically had to audition and submit a portfolio of projects so the editors could decide on who the contributors would be.

The Inspiration Board: Creative Party [149]

From my archives  |  Faux Metal Plant Sticks from Paper Towel Rolls

It’s time to share your creativity here on homework! Welcome to The Inspiration Board. I’m so glad that you stopped by and can’t wait to see what you’re going to share. If you’re new to homework – I’m thrilled that you found my site. For those of you that have been coming by for a long time, I hope you know how grateful I am that you choose homework as a place to share your wonderful creativity.

So here we go…

ETCETERAS: Painted Confetti Dot Jewelry Box

I can’t tell you how happy I am that dots are so big right now. I love dots – perfectly uniform polka dots, random confetti dots, and imperfect Dalmatian type dots.

The Inspiration Board: creative party spotlight ~148~

Another week flew by and it’s already Friday! Phew. I hope you all had a wonderful week. Based on all the beautiful projects linked up this week, I can tell everyone is on fire with creativity! Thank you so much for sharing your projects here at homework. I’m so grateful for each and everyone of you that stops by, takes the time to comment or link up a project.

If the week got away from you and you didn’t get a chance to visit, here’s what I shared this week.

Repurposed Vintage Sifter to Vase  |  Easter Bunny Kids’ Table Décor  |  DIY Sea Glass from Salsa Jars

Plus, don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a Canon EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR Camera, EF-S 18-55mm and 75-300mm lenses, battery pack and charger, 8GB Memory Card, Interface cable, Eyecup, and Canon DSLR Bag. This is the camera I use and I love it!

And now on to the projects featured in the spotlight this week.

UPCYCLING: Repurposed Vintage Sifter to Vase

I’ve had this sifter forever! I honestly don’t remember where I got it. It might be my moms, I’m going to have to ask her.

CELEBRATIONS: Kid’s Table Easter Bunny Table Decor

I think Easter brings out the inner-cuteness in all of us. These little wooden bunnies are so sweet I couldn’t let this season go by without using them on something.

EXTRA CREDIT: Canon T3 Prize Package Giveaway

I’m so excited to offer you this fantastic giveaway. This is the camera that I use and I love it. It was my first “big girl” camera and I chose it because it was easy to learn to use but also takes great quality photos. Here are a few examples of picture that I’ve taken with my Canon T3.

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From my archives | Cord Pad Embellished Candles

Happy April everyone. Welcome to The Inspiration Board. I’m so happy you stopped by. If you’re new to homework, I’m thrilled you are here and I hope you’ll continue to visit. Whether you’re brand new or a regular visitor, thank you so much for making homework a part of your day.

Now onto the creative party. I’m excited to see what you’ve been up to.