E is for Easter Eggs

Easter is almost here!

Today is Maundy Thursday, an important part of the Christian high Holy Week. Tomorrow is Good Friday, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and Sunday is Easter, or Resurrection Sunday.

Are you coloring eggs for Easter?

Egg decorating is a treasured tradition in Christian homes around the world. From dyeing to decoupage, stickers to stenciling, ribbons to ruffles, and marbling to merry mayhem, coloring Easter eggs is a highlight of this spring holiday for many.

Once you’ve dyed or decorated your Easter eggs, you can host your own egg hunt!

What Easter egg crafts and customs does your family enjoy each year? Why not leave a comment with your holiday hints?

Happy Easter from Practically at Home!

Last year’s A to Z post: Echoes of Elvis

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D is for Decoupage

Did you ever dabble in decoupage?

This creative craft offers imaginative individuals an intriguing way to preserve special pictures, stamps or other images on boxes, ceramic jars, dishes, Easter eggs, frames, holiday ornaments, wooden plaques, tables, or other bases.

The artwork is covered and protected by several layers of varnish or another sealer.

The French word “decoupage” may be loosely translated as “cut-out.”

I’m no expert on decoupage, although I have experimented with such crafts.

Here are a few helpful how-to’s on decoupage, published by some particularly crafty friends and writing colleagues:

How to Make Decoupage Glue – Darlene Michaud

This is a craft recipe to make decoupage glue. You can use decoupage glue for many paper craft projects. You and your kids will have fun using this decoupage glue in arts and craft projects!

Decorating Ideas Using Mod Podge Decoupage – Rebecca Wrenn

Inexpensive decoupage decorating ideas are limited only by your imagination. Anyone can create original, one-of-a-kind decoupage decor using Mod Podge. It glues, dries clear, seals and finishes - all in one process.

How to Use Decoupage to Give Furniture a Hand-painted Look – Donna Kay

Decoupage can be used to give furniture an expensive hand-painted look for a fraction of the cost. This technique has been popular since the 17th century and it's not difficult to do.

Decorative Decoupage Egg Craft Project – Jennifer Wagner

Decoupage crafts are super easy to make and a great idea for beginning and advanced crafters alike. Learn how to make beautiful decoupage eggs for any occasion.

Brighten Your Home with Decoupage – A. Hermitt

Decoupage is an age old art form that has been around for centuries. It is returning to popularity as a great way to spruce up your older furniture and accent pieces.

April is National Decorating Month in the U.S., an ideal time to try a new craft project, such as decoupage.

Last year’s A to Z post: Do You Dare to Deceive?

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Feel free to follow on GooglePlus and Twitter. You are also invited to join this writer's fan page, as well as the Chicago Etiquette Examiner, Madison Holidays Examiner, Equestrian Examiner and Madison Equestrian Examiner on Facebook.

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Great Outdoors Month

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Great Outdoors Month

June is Great Outdoors Month. What a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get outside and get fit. How about a bike ride, an invigorating game of badminton, a beach volleyball match, a healthy al fresco meal or a swim in the surf? Let’s all go outside and have some fresh-air fun.

How will you celebrate this fresh-air occasion?

Got other suggestions for Great Outdoors Month? 

What will you do outside in June? Please leave a comment, and let us know about your Great Outdoors Month ideas!

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For Saturday Six:

Question: If you were sent to an island what six items would you take with you and why?

1) My family (four of us)

2) My Bible

3) Our pets (two dogs and a cat)

4) Our horses

. . . OK, that’s already way-ay past six. Since cell phones and computers would probably be out of the question, I guess that pretty much sums it up.

For Saturday Social (#56)

Question: Do you have any exciting news to share?

Yes, I absolutely do have exciting news to share. See the blog entry below this post, or click here to find out.

For Smiley Saturday

Question: So, tell us, when was the last time you painted something? Other than a wall … And how was the experience for you?

Although I have painted several rooms in our home, as well as various pieces of furniture, my favorite projects have been basement murals. Over the years, I have done several of these for birthday parties and special events. Watch for a future post on this.

Kids Crafts - Marble Painting

Kids Crafts - Marble Painting

Need some creative gift wrapping papers for Valentine's Day?

Roll 'em!

Marbleized papers are extremely popular, even for grownups. Elegant marble-designed notepapers are available in the finest stationery stores. Marble papers are available for purchase online at Dick Blick Art, Paper Pronto, Paper Studio and other e-tailers. Scrapbooking stores and sites (Chic Scrapbooks, Memory Villa, Scrapbook Clearinghouse, Stampin' Up and more) also offer marbled goods.

And yet, marbled papers are so simple and fun to make! Use real marbles from your child’s collection, or pick up a big bag at the discount store. Kids of all ages love this kinetic craft!

Even toddlers and preschoolers can get into the act, rolling and swirling their favorite colors into artistic abstract marble painting designs. Here's all you need: plain papers, paint, marbles and a few empty shirt boxes.

Click here for easy instructions!

Want to read more? Click here to see "Kids Crafts - Marble Painting." Or click here to subscribe to an RSS feed for this writer's helpful Helium content.

Paint an Indoor Paradise!

Paint an Indoor Paradise!

A child's bedroom can be an indoor haven, a fortified castle or even a jazzy jungle. What is your child's ideal indoor dream theme?

Does your child love American Girl dolls, Dora the Explorer, GI Joe, Hannah Montana, the Indianapolis 500, LEGOs, Major League Baseball, Pirates of the Caribbean, Ratatouille, or Veggie Tales? You may be surprised what you can create, if you use your imagination (and possibly some clipart).

Wallpapering can be quite costly. This is also a risky prospect. A child's personal interests and tastes can change quickly. Why shell out a small fortune on designer papers, when your son or daughter will probably lose interest in the design within a year or two?

You can create a unique and memorable room without spending a king's ransom. In fact, it is amazing what you can do with a few cans of paint and some great ideas!

Click here for practical pointers on painting, using borders and decals, stenciling, tracing, and even freehand drawing.

Want more information? Click here to see the full online article, "Paint an Indoor Paradise!." Or click here to subscribe to an RSS feed for this writer's helpful Helium content.