family rules

I loved this post from the Pleated Poppy and can't wait to make one for my family.

September 23, 2009

you all remember this one, right? or maybe you’re new here and visiting from just a girl or jeannett’s blog. if so, welcome! i get sooo many emails asking for more details on how my best friend nicole did this, so i thought i’d just post it again with a few more helpful hints and some more detailed pictures. i have had a canvas all ready to do this project, i even have the wall for it picked out, but i haven’t taken the plunge yet. maybe this’ll help me finally get to it!

Here is how she did it (in her words, with lots of my own added in that are italicized)…

1. get a huge canvas. nicole’s was 30″ x 40″. mine is a little smaller, but not much. get it on sale please. Paint the canvas (you see the paint on the border and on the sides). its best if the canvas is wrapped all around the edges rather than the exposed wood. just paint it sloppily – no need to be perfect, just make sure all the edges are covered.

2. Spend a whole lot of time at the paper store picking out paper you cannot resist. nicole felt some of her papers, although she loves them, were maybe a bit to dark or had too much contrast in them for the final writing to come out really clear. so remember: less contrast, not too dark. got it?

3. Write your rules. Be careful of what you put. My kids often refer to the canvas. My favorite is…”Daddy, hug mommy”. A rule is a rule, ya know? I should have put HUSBAND- MASSAGE YOUR WIFE’S BACK DAILY. check out the links above to the blogs. they also have a few suggestions for rules. i think i will steal most of mine, but add in things like, “tummy to the table”.

4. Now, cut that beautiful paper into strips. I varied the widths, used “torn” scissors, scalloped scissors, and so on. Use glue, mod podge, or spray adhesive to lay it out on the canvas. i would definitely recommend mod podge the most on this.

5. I then went on to the computer and typed all the rules in different fonts. I am a font junky thanks to lindsey’s sister, Jennifer, showing us how to download free fonts. Do it…get hooked! It is easy and wonderful! just google “free fonts” and you’ll get more than you’ll ever need.

6. I printed them and “eyed” or copied them onto my papers with black and white paint pens.
and here’s where all the questions come in: “the canvas is obviously wider than standard 12 x 12 paper. how did she fit this in the printer/get the words on?” she cut her paper in half – it’s not actually one long strip. you can kind of see it in the pic below where it says “forgiveness is mandatory”. maybe she taped them together in the middle? i’ve done that a bunch, and if you are really careful it will work and you can still carefully take the tape off when you’re done. just make sure to change the settings on your computer for your page layout before you print to allow for a larger paper size. when she says she “eyed” them, she did just that. she’d print out the rule in a font she wanted on plain paper, then look at it and copy it with a paint pen directly onto her fancy paper. most of us can’t do that. she’s just good. but i would still print it on one long strip of paper and go over it again with a paint pen just to thicken up the font’s lines. just a thought – i think that’s what she did.

***edited to add!!!: do a layer of mod podge on your canvas, add paper, smooth out, then let dry. then add another layer of mod podge on top to seal. let dry, then add another. it will still probably be a little bubbly.****

7. Cover that baby in mod podge and make your man hang it! do a couple few layers of mod podge. did you know there are different sheens of mod podge? i think nicole prefers matte, but there are also ones with more gloss to them.

fall stuff

can't believe it is almost Christmas! Trying to make the most of every moment, yet keeping it simple.

camping

enjoying the water park

kayaking with the kiddos

marshmallows

first things first (getting cozy)

taking a break from racing bikes down a big hill near our cabin

right before going back to work we took time out for a family weekend of camping. the kids had a blast making new friends, riding bikes, using the bathhouse and spending lots of time outdoors. we were fortunate to have awesome neighbors which made for an even better weekend. it was such a fun time and we hope to do it again next summer (without the chiggers)!

In the Summertime. . .

naps become necessary
fun evenings are spent with cousins

one must maintain one's skills

picnics are enjoyed with friends

mornings are spent at Grommet Island

What Summer is Made of. . .

being silly at the beach

playing in the surf

projects at the art center

dirty feet

cool drinks by the pool

fourth of July with family

sand castles

evening picnics with good friends

pickin' crabs

my favorite meal

lots of sand

mornings at Grommet Island

painting and eating cookie dough

Lucy

Henry and I stopped at the library today and picked up a few books. One of those was a step into reading version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for Claire. I had forgotten until opening the book just how many people have told us that Claire looks like Lucy. If you have ever seen the movie, it is quite uncanny the resemblance.

Let it snow!

Claire, Mommy and Eli

Eli is loving the snow and lack of cars on the road.

Mediterranean Avenue

Henry and Daddy

Seamus the Snowman

First time playing in the snow

"We've only made sand angels"

"It's freezin cold out here!"

We have had so much fun out in the snow. Claire immediately fell down and started rolling around like crazy. Henry, well . . .not so much. He did not care for it at all on Saturday, but today he stayed out for a while. We had dinner at our neighbor's house last night and the kids had a blast! Finally, Virginia Beach had snow.

40

Yep, it's true. I turned 40 this past Friday. How that happened, still not sure. I feel like I blinked my eyes and here it was. It was an awesome weekend (which started on Thursday) filled with celebrations and lots of cake with dear friends and family. Thanks to everyone for making my 40th so special.

Thanks Pop-Pop!

We just returned from the most wonderful lunch at Cobalt Grill. Henry and I picked Claire up from school and met my dad and Chris. Can I just say that the sesame seared tuna over pad thai noodles was simply amazing! I wish I had taken more photos, but did not even think about it until we were leaving. This is when Henry and Claire decided to demonstrate their musical ability. I will also say that this was such a breath of fresh air after the morning we had yesterday with my sweet little boy. Stay tuned as there will be more to come on that crazy day.

Thanks Pop-Pop, we love you!

Fall Happenings

How can you not just love fall?! By far my favorite time of the year, especially being at home with the kids. We have been having such a great time. Fall festivals, many parades and fun times with friends and family celebrating birthdays and other special occasions. Not to mention pumpkin cakes, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin bread and of course, pumpkin ale. I just wish this season would linger a bit longer.

Henry and Chris at one of the many Neptune parades.

PDS Fall Festival

This is as good as it gets in regard to photos

Roasting marshmallows

mmm, mmm

Summer (part 1)

The Aquarium with Auntie Rebekah

Chris and Fiona

The Cousins

Picnic at the zoo

In the aviary with Daddy

We have been having a great summer! Lots of time at the beach, pool, zoo and aquarium with friends and family. I can't believe it is nearing the end of July. More pictures coming soon.