Erin's Creative Energy

January 15, 2013

Organization

I have spent the last three full days cleaning up and organizing the garage. I got the itch. Nothing gross I promise. But, the *Itch* happens to me about 3-4 times per year where I go on a massive cleaning/organization spree. It will wipe me out in about a week's time, but I need to ride this wave if I want to see some serious progress happen. Sometimes when the itch hits, it is a little over the whole house, sometimes it is focused on one room. This time, the garage was the target.

I'm still in the process of cleaning/organizing/sorting/throwing out/etc., so I am going to leave you with a photo of one corner to show you how crazy I have gone in the last few days.

The before is so shameful! SHAMEFUL! At least now my husband and I can utilize the lathe and get our stock of pens done.

January 14, 2013

Tool Tip

Have you ever had to measure something with a tape measure and then had to bend the tape because the case got in the way?

Yeah, me too. Then I felt like an idiot when I discovered this. Flip over your tape measure.

Look right where I circled. It tells you the length of your tape measure. So, when you hit a wall, stop and then add the length of your tape measure. Mine is 3 1/2 inches.

Not all tape measures are equipped with this handy little info...but they seriously should be.

Does anyone else have a tape measure with this?

January 11, 2013

Top 12 Photos of 2012

I decided that I am going to recap my personal favorite photo of each month of last year. It was so hard to narrow it down to just one! But, each of these hold a special place in my heart.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

A photo a day is a huge commitment, but so worth it. It pushed me to learn my camera better, push my creative boundaries, carry my camera everywhere and learn how to capture not just photos, but moments.

For 2013, I will be doing a recap of my favorite photos at the end of each month instead of a 366 (365 since it's no longer a leap year). This year I am going to focus more on the quality of my photos.

January 9, 2013

Marker Caddy

For those of you with kids, don't you hate it how your kids lose marker caps? I swear I can sit there watching them color and they lose the caps. This marker caddy fixes that problem and it is incredibly easy to make.

I got this idea from my grandfather. He use to make them for all his grand kids and also use to sell them in craft fairs. I made a few changes, his was round, I took the easier way out and just used a 2x4.

You will need a package of washable markers, E-6000 glue, a 9/16 inch HSS drill bit, an untreated pine 2x4, sandpaper and your choice of a non-toxic finish. I used furniture wax.

Cut your 2x4 down to 8 inches. Use a ruler to mark off your spacing of where you will place your holes for the marker tops. I made a template in Photoshop. I am sharing it with you, but please only use it for personal use. Drill, your holes where the lines cross. Sand your wood to 220 grit. Then apply your finish, making sure not to get too much into the holes. Glue your markers in and let the glue cure for 24 hours.

It's a very easy project that doesn't take very long at all. I do them assembly line style and can knock out quite a few so I have some around when I get the last minute birthday invite. I usually pair it with a drawing pad.

And best of all...no more lost caps!

Once a marker dries out, replace that marker and don't worry about the cap because it isn't going anywhere. Just be aware that some small hands have a hard time snapping the marker down tight until the caps are broken in. So at the end of a color session, just make sure all the markers are seated tightly in their caps so the markers don't dry out.

Linking up at:
Sew Many Ways: Sew Darn Crafty Linky Party
Sugar Bee Crafts: Take A Look Tuesday

January 4, 2013

Photo 366 The Last Weeks

What an exhausting year. I will post more about my lessons learned for my photo 366, so I won't bore you with those now :) Glad that this is done and I can show you the end of my Photo 366, 2012.

December 18 - Colton had his Christmas program and I was so happy that my grandfather (Colton's Great grandfather) was able to attend. Thank you Aunt Bridgett and Katie for bringing him.

December 19 - Colton visited Santa and was not impressed. He wanted to go play with the cars and trains instead.

December 20 - The star on top of our Christmas tree.

December 21 - Maben munching on a cookie he decorated at his class winter party. Colton was photo bombing a kiss onto Maben.

December 22 - Our Christmas tree. I always admire the trees that look all pretty in photos with the white lights, but I love our tree and it's colorful lights.