Crafting Momma

Dec 28

I'm getting as many posts in as I can before the New Year. Then I can focus on my 2018 Goals. and leave 2017 in 2017.

As I was planning my crafts for Christmas, I came across a possible project that involved transferring photos to wood. I thought it looked intriguing, but didn't know if I'd follow through. 

I decided to try it out in December. I waited until after Nanowrimo. It's a long process, but I'm glad I did it. They worked out well.

They made fantastic presents (if I do say so myself), and hopefully some day I can try to sell them with photos of Saskatoon or with personalised photos that people want on wood. I am proud of myself for trying this project out. The reaction from people I've gifted them to has been well worth it.

I'll add photos of the project, and some finished pieces. If anybody wants to learn more (or buy some), send me a message.

Keep in mind, I'm still perfecting my Photo Transferring skills.

Here I am, working my newly learned magic.

My helper and supporter picked up some wood for me, and cut it. Although when he's gone, I'll have to do it on my own. We used a couple different types of wood. Thin and thick (although I'm sure that's not the specific terms of which is which.)

This is the thin.

This were my first choices for photos. This was before they were transferred to the board. Basically, everything I needed is in the photo. (Plus a few other things to help get them on like a paint brush and a ruler.) 

 There is a bit more to it than I'm showing, of course. It takes a couple days to complete, but basically it turns into this. It takes patience and time.
I didn't used to have the patience, but something about having a kid teaches me a little more about how important it is.

Here are some finished products. I've done a few more than what I'm posting, but this is what they're turning out like. I've had only one that I scrapped completely and started over on, but I blame the wood for that. 
I'm really excited about this. It gives me a chance to do something with my photos, and gives me a break from writing. (Although I'm still doing that, and still loving it.) It's just nice to have hobbies and goals. 
Maybe selling these won't work out - I am not a selling person - but at least it's something I enjoy. I like having things in my life. I guess it's what I miss about working, but am able to find in different ways - variety. A change in my day to day life. I can be a mom, and I can create and write. It's sort of amazing. 

This is one of the first ones I did. Unfortunately, I didn't clean it as well as I needed to. Lesson learned.

I did more crafts than the the Wood Photos for presents, but these ones meant the most. They were fun to do, and exciting to see how they turned out.l. I have spent a lot of years ordering photos on canvas or metal, but now I'll be doing them myself. (Although I'll need a bigger house soon.)

Okay, one post down, I've got a few more coming your way, but this is all I can do tonight. I have to get to my editing. I'll be sharing my kid's stories soon enough. I think. I haven't decided.

I'm trying to get as much into the last few days of 2017 as I can: writing, blogging, reading, organizing my house, and spending time with my family. It's working out well so far. 

Happy Thursday! 

By the way, I FINALLY updated my book blog. One book out of more than 20 is now posted. I finished it today, and loved it so much I wanted to post about it. Here's the link: The Child Finder

“Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.”

― Jane Yolen

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Also, check out my ongoing book blog:  Proud Bookworm at: http://bookserinread.blogspot.ca/ 

I occasionally do guest Mom posts for a local Mommy Connections blog. Check them out, and others here:
 http://www.mommyconnections.ca/saskatoon/category/mommy-connections-news/

Blogs I used to write on but not being updated:

http://lifeisgoodandhereisproof.blogspot.ca/

and

http://erinlm.blogspot.ca/

Happy Holidays

Dec 25, 2017

Writing:
I have so much to say, and so many different things to write about, but I think I want to read tonight. I'll make this a shorter post. Plus, I have to do a post soon about writing 200 days in a row. (I'm at day 199).

This is me writing on day 199. It's festive writing because of the hat. I did a bit of editing while Anthony played with his gifts.

But that's enough about the 200 days because I'm not there yet. And I'll probably just do one for the end of December. (My New Year plans including reading and writing because that's basically perfect.)

Christmas

Photos are still to come (when I'm more awake), but this year, as I've said, I made a lot of my presents. I actually loved it. Mostly because they weren't all entirely crappy crafts. Some of them were pretty awesome.

Last night, after Anthony went to bed, I gave the first gifts to my family. I wrote children's stories for each of my family members. Cute little stories about Anthony and his grandma/grandpa/aunt/dad. I think I may share them in a different post. They aren't really good, but they're fun, and rhyming is hard so I'm proud of them for the rhymes. Haha. I've never been a poet. This proves it. They all enjoyed it though. I even did a reading for each of the four stories. 

The stocking stuffers included homemade ornaments, hot chocolate mix (kind of homemade), and Anthony crafts. Once again, I'll try to share those another time. The photos I mean.

I also made some really great gifts (if I do say so myself). I loved making them, and am thinking of maybe trying to sell some when I get better at it. I transferred photos onto wood. I'll share those in an entirely different post at some point. When I'm ready. 

I seem to have a lot of posts coming up in the future, which basically means they may not all happen.

And of course, Anthony got some wonderful gifts. Lots of car related ones. Clint and I got him a car he can get in and Fred Flinstone drive. I've been REALLY excited to give them to him. 

Even though, he's too little to do all the Santa stuff, it didn't stop me from getting him to help me with a note to Santa, and putting out cookies for him.

You will notice the dog, just waiting to steal one of Santa's cookies. He got one. Which was too bad because Anthony was actually putting them all on the plate.

And of course, Santa left him a note as well. He also included a couple of photos of himself to keep the magic alive.

And Anthony's new vehicles:

And quickly, here are the next two photo prompt photos.

Day 24:

No Peeking

Stockings (No Peeking)

Day 25

My People

This is the only photo of all My People. I love them like crazy, and am so happy to have spent a wonderful day with the five of them. (Six including the puppy.) 

That's all for now. I'll be back soon.

Happy Holidays. Thanks for reading.

“Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.”

― Jane Yolen

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Also, check out my ongoing book blog:  Proud Bookworm at: http://bookserinread.blogspot.ca/ 

I occasionally do guest Mom posts for a local Mommy Connections blog. Check them out, and others here:
 http://www.mommyconnections.ca/saskatoon/category/mommy-connections-news/

Blogs I used to write on but not being updated:

http://lifeisgoodandhereisproof.blogspot.ca/

and

http://erinlm.blogspot.ca/

Five Days!!!! Oops. Two Days

December 23, 2017

I planned to write this when there were five days until Christmas, but I either chose sleep, Netflix, Christmas present making/wrapping, or my baby woke up.

I planned to write a post the next day (Dec 21st) about something completely different (not photos), but I didn't get that done either. I save my blogging until EVERYTHING else is done, and lately, nothing gets done until 11. That one will wait until the New Year.

We are now at two days until Christmas. It will be Christmas Eve tomorrow. We've travelled to the town I grew up in, and are at my parents house.

Tonight I finished the last of my presents for family. I'll be sharing them in the future as well.

I'm going to jump straight into my December Photos. 

Day 16

Lights

Lights. And reflections of lights. I don't do a lot of decorating outside, but I love the houses that do. We put these on our window this year. I love them. (They look better from the outside.)

Day 17

Cards

I finally got some. Including two from the school near my house. They have the kids write them. It's sweet.

Day 18

Holiday

I got this for my mentee for a Christmas gift. It's not a big present, but I made sure we got a matching one for our tree. Hopefully she has a wonderful holiday, as I'm sure my family will as well.

Day 19

Tradition

With a one year old, just learning about Christmas, we can start brand new traditions. I can't wait until he figures out Christmas, and gets excited about it all. Decorating the tree with his momma is a must have tradition. He'll also be leaving some cookies out for Santa with a lovely letter. (I'll help him this year.)

Day 20

The Tree (Which is funny because the two photos before this were also the tree.)

I think the hardest part about Christmas away from our home is not being able to celebrate at our own tree. I want to get a real tree next year when Anthony can remember it more. Every kid should have a real tree at least once. Our tree isn't perfect, but most of the decorations have a story.

Day 21

Where I Stand

On December 21st, I left the house to go visit a friend, and the moon was just a sliver. I tried to take a photo, but as you can see it didn't quite work out. All I wanted to do was stand and look at it. It was a beautiful sight. Standing still, and feeling the gratitude is a great thing. 

Day 22

Stockings

None of them match, and we don't have them hung up on the chimney with care. (I just dug them out of the box I packed them in to bring with us.) We also have Santa Sacks. Mine is the one with the tree. It came from my grandma. I'll never stop using it. I hope Anthony's stocking stays with him as well. I searched for the perfect one last year (and my Mom sewed his name on it.)

Day 23

PJs

Christmas Footsie PJ Pants. Enough said. Jealous?

I'm all caught up again. I'll probably do another post either on Christmas Day, or on Boxing day. It depends how tired I am on either of those days.

Happy Holidays, everybody! 

“Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.”

― Jane Yolen

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Also, check out my ongoing book blog:  Proud Bookworm at: http://bookserinread.blogspot.ca/ 

I occasionally do guest Mom posts for a local Mommy Connections blog. Check them out, and others here:
 http://www.mommyconnections.ca/saskatoon/category/mommy-connections-news/

Blogs I used to write on but not being updated:

http://lifeisgoodandhereisproof.blogspot.ca/

and

http://erinlm.blogspot.ca/

My life in Photo Prompts

December 15, 2017

I'm behind. I seem to have missed a week. This month has been busy. I've been working really hard and getting everything on my list done. I've done pretty well.

I'm just going to jump into my December Photo Prompts. I have already done from the 1st to the 5th. I've got a lot to add.

December 6

Giving

I try to give when I can. On December 6th, I didn't have a lot of 'giving' photos. But I do have one of me reading to my kids. I'm giving Anthony the love of books, and he gives back everyday with love and kisses, and teaching his mom patience. 

December 7

Countdown

It's really a count-up. As I said before, I have been keeping track of the days I've written. I'm almost at 200. So I'm counting up to 200 days in a row. This was day 180. (I think). It seems like there are always times to countdown to the important moments. Like Christmas, birthdays, or New Year. Instead, I just want to make every moment important. Like me writing while watching my child be adorable.

December 8

Shopping

Shopping for my family's presents and stocking stuffers (to help Santa.) But actually, I went shopping for craft supplies to make homemade presents. I'm pretty proud of them.

December 9

Decorations 

I decorated my kid.

December 10

Handmade

I've been making A LOT of handmade gifts, but I can't share them so my mom (who I think reads this) doesn't find out what I've been making. I have had craft dates/kid play dates with my friend and her daughter to do one Christmas craft a week. This is a tree I made out of a pine cone. I've become a Pinterest Mom this year.  

December 11

Wrapping

I didn't actually start wrapping until the next day, but here it is. My start to Christmas wrapping. I'm a horrible wrapper, but hide it well. 

December 12

Believe

He met Santa for the second time (he was 6 months the first time) on December 12th. I hope he believes for as long as he can. Not in Santa necessarily, but in the Magic of Christmas. 

December 13

Music

We've always got Christmas music playing in the background lately. Or anything we can sing or dance to. 

December 14

In the Mail

This is actually a Christmas bag I decorated. The tree is a craft I made with my mentee. I haven't received a lot of Christmas cards in the mail. Sending them is my favourite thing, but I haven't had the time or budget to send any this year. I'll send some randomly in the New Year. Mail is great whenever it's sent.

December 15

Blessings

Any day I get to send with this kid is a blessing.

That's it for now. Not really much of a blog post other than the photos. I enjoy catching up in my posts, but I don't have a lot to say today. I'm exhausted, but I wanted to post. I wanted to share my photos. Soon, I'll have more time, and hopefully more sleep so I'll be able to post more.

Plus, I'm getting closer to my 200 days in a row of writing. There will be a post for that. I will be writing through the holidays.

Happy Friday, all.

“Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.”

― Jane Yolen

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Also, check out my ongoing book blog:  Proud Bookworm at: http://bookserinread.blogspot.ca/ 

I occasionally do guest Mom posts for a local Mommy Connections blog. Check them out, and others here:
 http://www.mommyconnections.ca/saskatoon/category/mommy-connections-news/

Blogs I used to write on but not being updated:

http://lifeisgoodandhereisproof.blogspot.ca/

and

http://erinlm.blogspot.ca/

Keeping Busy

December 5, 2017

Today, I was a photographer for a day. Maybe it will end up being more than a day. We'll see.

I took some photos for a wonderful local business called Fitbump. I have spoken before about it in my posts, but just to quickly recap my thoughts on this place: all moms or expecting moms should go. It's a place to exercise, but it's more that that. It's a community. A lovely, kind, and non-judging one. It's one of my favourite places to be.

This was my first time taking photos for somebody else. I've always loved photography, and taking photos. If I could do something with my photography, that would be great. One thing at a time though. I still need to check them out, and see how they look, and I have to learn how to edit photos. Lots to do.

I left Anthony with Clint when I went to take the photos. I had a blast. It was fun taking them, but also, it felt nice having a job. Even if it was only for one day. I, obviously, need a job that allows me to be at home with Anthony, or bring him places with me most of the time. I wasn't enjoying my job before Maternity leave, and I love being a stay at home mom. I don't regret my decision at all, but it felt good. It felt productive to get out of the house and do something for me. I'm so glad I got the opportunity, and I'm glad it was to do something I love. 

I'm super busy this month. It's funny because I was excited for November to end so I could take a break. It hasn't worked that way. I like it. I like being busy. I enjoy having jobs for myself.

I'm proud of myself for everything I'm accomplishing. Even if it's something as little as crafts for stocking stuffers. It's something.

So this month, I am still editing at least 1000 words a day. I'm trying out some photography. I'm working on actual photo projects for presents. I'm making as many lovely crafts as I can for presents. I'm writing. I'm hoping to get Christmas cards done this year, but I honestly don't think they're top priority this year - it is pricey to send tons of cards, and time consuming to get them ready.

(Here is how I feel about it all:) 

Still happy though. Busy is good.

And unrelated to everything I just wrote, here is my December photo project for my blog:

I'll do the first five days of the month. 

Dec 1st: A List

These are mostly just the writing goals. I've added WAY more to it since the first. One craft a day is excessive. Some take more than a day.

Dec 2nd: In My Mug

It's always coffee. Plus a little of my homemade coffee creamer. This was just made on the 2nd. It's delicious.

Dec 3rd: From My Window

This was from the car window on December 3rd. We were running errands on the foggiest day ever. 

Dec 4th: Something Red

I didn't take a photo of anything red on December 3rd. But a few days earlier I attempted a Christmas photo of my baby on a beautiful red blanket. (Made by Clint's Mom.) Don't judge my photography skills on this photo please.

Dec 5th: Holiday Movie

I don't have a photo of a holiday movie. But this is my kid lounging on the couch while one is on Netflix. He doesn't usually stay watching for more than 10 minutes. He loves anything with cars on it, but isn't so interested in Christmas.

That's it for tonight. Time for a bit of photo editing, or maybe a bit of sleep.

“Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.”

― Jane Yolen

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Also, check out my ongoing book blog:  Proud Bookworm at: http://bookserinread.blogspot.ca/ 

I occasionally do guest Mom posts for a local Mommy Connections blog. Check them out, and others here:
 http://www.mommyconnections.ca/saskatoon/category/mommy-connections-news/

Blogs I used to write on but not being updated:

http://lifeisgoodandhereisproof.blogspot.ca/

and

http://erinlm.blogspot.ca/

Goodbye Nanowrimo, Goodbye November

December 1, 2017

Great news. December is here, and I am finished Nanowrimo. I finished it one day early, and am so happy I did it!

I have a few things to do in this post. Talk about my Nanowrimo experience, make some important December goals, and post the rest of the photos. 

Nanowrimo

I'm going to be honest, I'm so glad it's over. I actually knew that I'd be able to finish it, but I had trouble keeping the motivation up at times.

Here's what I learned from doing Nanowrimo with a toddler:

• Writing at night is almost the only option.
• I really had to work on the procrastination. I forced myself to write the correct amount of words every night.
• I was exhausted. 
• I found out what can happen if I push myself. Yes, I've been writing every day for 175 days, but I haven't been pushing myself like I should. I need to be able to edit more than I have been, blog more than I have been, and write more than I have been. So I will.

December Goals

Which brings me to my Creative December Goals

• Push myself
• Edit 1000 words a day.
• Do one or two Christmas crafts a week (for presents)
• Cards/Christmas letter (I'm cutting back though.)
• One Blog Post a week
• Read. Read. Read. Read. Read. Read.
• Work on my newest Nanowrimo novel. I'm not giving myself a specific goal for this, I just don't want to leave the characters where they are. I owe it to them to finish it. (And then fix it because it's not quite where it should be yet. At all.)
• Do a December Photo prompt. Post here. (I'll post a weeks worth next week.)

And for the last of the 30-Day Gratitude Photo Challenge 
Nov 27
Sound:

This photo had a few different sounds. The sound of Christmas music on my Amazon Prime music app (I love it). Also, a few minutes after this photo was taken, it included the sound of the red Christmas decoration smashing on the floor. Turns out, I have a lot of learning to do when it comes to Children's photography. No smiles, and then quicker than ever he got up ran, and tossed it to the ground because he thought it was an actual ball. SMASH. Fun night. At least I had the Christmas music.

Nov 28

Comfort:

Anthony and I had a long and exhausting day. It was a comfort to just sit and play with him. We both had a chance to enjoy each other. He's pretty fun.

Nov 29

Art

It's art to me. Writing is art to me.

Nov 30

Love

I love this guy. (He did not love swimming that day, as you can see.) Also, side note, I LOVE my new haircut. Don't worry. I love the toddler more. I love my life. Simple as that. 

That's it gang. Stay tuned for my writing/photo updates as the month continues. Happy December!

“Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.”

― Jane Yolen

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them.

Also, check out my ongoing book blog:  Proud Bookworm at: http://bookserinread.blogspot.ca/ 

I occasionally do guest Mom posts for a local Mommy Connections blog. Check them out, and others here:
 http://www.mommyconnections.ca/saskatoon/category/mommy-connections-news/

Blogs I used to write on but not being updated:

http://lifeisgoodandhereisproof.blogspot.ca/

and

http://erinlm.blogspot.ca/