Teacher Name Signs

It has been awhile since I did much painting, but I really enjoyed making this little project. This is my second year in the Rainbow Kids Room at my school and I decided I would make a sign for outside our classroom door as a gift for the teacher with whom I work. She loved it and I think it turned out great. The colors are so vibrant and the rainbow fits in perfectly with our theme.

The size of the canvas board is 12 x16. Once I decided on the design, I used a pencil to draw it in. I just used basic acrylic paints to add all the color. Then I used a black paint pen out outline all of the different colors in the painting. That gave it a much more crisp look. Then I added the name in the corner by cutting vinyl on my Silhouette machine. In the past I have had trouble getting the ribbon to attach to the back using hot glue and other options. So, this time I had my handy-dandy hubby use his drill to make two small holes in the top so that I could thread the ribbon through and tie in a bow. It worked great.

Here is a close up of the painting. Sorry that it's a little blurry. I was in a hurry. Again, this was a really fun project and hopefully I will get to make more for other people in the future. If you would be interested in a sign, just let me know. Prices vary based on size and design.

Pink Lemonade Pie

What would summer be without a slice of refreshing Pink Lemonade Pie? It's cold, it's sweet, it's tart all in one. This is such a super simple pie to make and it only takes 4 ingredients!

Here's what you will need:

6 oz. can frozen pink lemonade concentrate (thawed)
14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed
1 graham cracker crust

Combine first 3 ingredients and pour into crust. Place in freezer to set before serving. Store in freezer.

I often us around 8 oz. of pink lemonade concentrate to make it more tart and I also add a drop or two of red food coloring to make it more pink.

Depending upon the size of your graham cracker crust, you may have some filling left over. The last time I made this pie, I had some left over, so I just poured it into a small bowl and served it with these cute little alphabet and numbers animal cracker-type cookies. It was a big hit. You could also serve it with graham crackers or graham cracker sticks. My kids especially liked eating it as a dip.

Enjoy!

Customized Clip Boards for Back-to-School

Here is the fun clip board I made for my son to take Back-to-School this fall. This was my first time to work with "mirror" images, so it was a fun adventure, but I think it turned out well. (All lettering is on the back side of the clip board so that the front of the clip board is smooth for writing.) The possibilities are endless with these clear clip boards. I'm currently working on one for my daughter with a "cheerleading" theme. I'll be sure to post the pictures of hers when I get it finished.

If you would be interested in a custom clip board for your child for back to school, just let me know. They are $15. I have just about any color vinyl imaginable and the design/lettering possibilities are endless! I have the clip boards in stock, so I can get it done before school starts.

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Sour Cream Pound Cake

Several years back, while we were still living in Alabama near my brother, we went to his house for dinner with friends. For dessert, his assistant from work brought this INCREDIBLE cake. It is unbelievably moist and oh so chocolaty! She graciously shared the recipe with me and it has been a favorite of ours ever since. This recipe truly is my "go to" cake recipe for whenever I need to bring a dessert to work or just need my chocolate fix and don't want to go to a lot of trouble. I know this will surely become a favorite of yours, as well.

Here is what you need:

1 pkg devil's food cake mix
1 (3.9oz) pkg instant chocolate pudding mix
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 pkg. semi sweet miniature chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Spray bundt pan with cooking spray.

3. Combine everything except the chocolate chips in a large mixing bowl. Mix on low for 1 minute, then increase speed to medium for 2 minutes. Batter will be very thick.

4. Fold in the chocolate chips.

5. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Do not over bake! (If you test with a knife, it may come out covered in chocolate due to all of the chocolate chips in the cake. Just make sure the actual cake batter is done)

6. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then run a knife around the edges of the cake. Turn out onto cake plate. We like to eat it while it's still warm from the oven!

Enjoy!

Teacher Treats

It's that time of year again! Time for all the kiddos (and their teachers) to head back to the classroom. I am gearing up for another year of kindergarten. The kids are so sweet and a lot of fun, but sometimes I just need an afternoon "chocolate break." So, this year I thought I would keep my own stash of chocolaty goodness at my desk...in case of "chocolate" emergencies, of course. Here is the cute little half gallon cookie jar that I decorated. I used my handy dandy Silhouette machine to cut the vinyl design and then just added a fun polka dot ribbon on top.

Next, I went to my local Kroger store and purchased several kinds of my favorite candy that were on sale. Thanks to this cute jar, I will have a special sweet treat to enjoy during my afternoon breaks. Now let's just hope that my own kiddos don't spot the candy and eat it before I even take it to school! Perhaps I'd better hide it...


If you would like for me to make you a cute little jar like this for your child's teacher on the first day of school, just give me a call! (501-223-9515) You can choose your color and design. The cost is $15 and the jar measures 8" high by 5.5" wide. (Candy and ribbon not included).

I will have more Back-To-School gift items posted in the next day or so. Perfect for new teachers, college students and first day of school "happy" gifts. Some of the items I am working on include: customized clip boards, buckets, plastic tubs, etc. As always, I can personalized items that you bring to me, as well. Contact me today for more information.