An Divine Idea

The ideas I get for bulletin boards come in multiple forms. It could be a picture, a graphic, a verse or song that triggers an image, etc. No matter how they come I know that it is God who gives me the idea and the ability to make it come into existence on the board.

It was March 10, 2013 Sunday morning service. Our pastor was doing a series "Journey to the Cross". I remember growing up there being an evangelistic tract with a picture that had man on one side, God on the other and the cross as the bridge between. Of course, through the years, I've seen variations of this theme. That morning in church on my sermon notes, I sketched this idea for a possible upcoming board. 

Toward the end of summer I knew a new board would need to go up soon, so I took out this sketch along with a few other ideas. I decided (well, God chose) to make this sketch "come to life". So, I asked one of the elders from our church if he could give me some verses I could use on the board regarding man's condition, Jesus' payment and God's feelings toward man. He returned his copy of my little sketch with quite a selection of verses. 

This is the result of that idea and little sketch.

Now, for a brief detour of thought. I always like to give details regarding the materials used for the boards in case someone has the desire to recreate them. For this board, I used pieces of left over black, white and red bulletin board paper. On the red portion, I layered red cellophane that would be used for wrapping gift baskets. 

The title words, man and God, along with the verses were cut using my Cricut cutter.

The cross is an element I used on two other bulletin boards at the church. It was crafted by a gentleman at the church using balsa wood that was stained. On the cross, I layered pieces of parchment paper and wrote portions of the verse from John 14:6 "I AM the way the truth the life" in bronze metallic sharpie. I aged the edges of the parchment using a brown stamp pad and dauber. 

Now to get back on track. When showing the condition of man and how we need to come through Jesus to have access to God, many familiar verses come to mind John 14:6; John 3:16, etc. What I appreciated was that the elder, who gave me the verse options, gave me verses I had never even thought of in this context. 

The verse used for man is Ephesians 2:1 "And you were dead in trespasses and sins". The verse used for God, when I read it,  I knew it was meant for this board. It is I John 3:1 "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God..." Why I felt strongly about using this verse is how the "see what kind of love" refers back to the cross and the bridge Jesus' death has made for sinful man to a pure and holy God allowing us to be His children. Although a simple board in in elements, it's message speaks in volumes.

Now I know that all of these ideas and the execution of these boards are a gift that God has bestowed upon me in order to bring Him glory. I don't need verbal affirmation that this was the right board at the right time. But let me tell you, God knows when to speak to me in order to affirm that He is working in me and through me. This "idea" came to mind when our former pastor, who only just retired at the end of September, was still our Shepherd. The board was completed and up last Sunday and do you know that our new pastor's message related to every part of this board. As God spoke through him, God spoke to my heart, not only of this amazing gift of love, Christ's death, that allows me to be His child but also that I am using the talents He has given me for His glory. I pray that I will continue bring Him glory through this ministry. 

As always, thanks for stopping by!

I Love When Autumn Comes Indoors

For me it is an understatement to say, "I love the fall season". If only one season could exist, I would choose autumn. This year I was late in getting the seasonal decorations displayed in our home. The task was on my "to do" list for many weeks but other projects took precedence. Finally, one Saturday I put the decorations at the top of the list and took action. 

I started in the living room. My goal was not to have to buy any new decor this year using the items I have in a different way. The fireplace and mantle tend to be the place that I always begin. Last year, I used the swag of leaves in a basket outdoors with artificial gourds. This year I brought it indoors and wrapped it on the iron scroll work that hangs above the mantle. Usually I would scatter the wooden pumpkins through the house but I saw on Pinterest how one person filled their fireplace with pumpkins, so I did my own version of that by placing the pumpkins in front of the fireplace opening. I love the look of candles glowing this time of year so I placed a few of my lantern/candle holders on the mantle. To say I am pleased with the outcome is an understatement.

To the left of the fireplace, we have a CD cabinet. Usually I would do a flower arrangement for the dining room table but chose to make one and place it here in this "alcove". In the vase covering the artificial flowers stems, is Spanish moss, a small artificial pumpkin and some mini pine cones. Surrounding the base of the vase, are some artificial gourds. There is a funny story about this arrangement. When I finished it and was walking it through the living room toward the cabinet Matt was following me and said very seriously, "Is that your best idea?" I have to say I was a little taken back by his comment. I asked him what he meant by that to which he replied again, "Is that your best idea?" I guess my kids have come to expect more from me when it comes to my creations. Even with Matt's unexplained comment, I'm so pleased with how this looks.

I do have a few other fall themed vignettes on tables in the living room but did not photograph them. What I love is how the whole look makes the room have that fall warmth I love!

In the dining room, I used a "vased" candle for the table centerpiece. Surrounding the candle is Spanish moss topped with artificial acorns and pine cones. On top of the computer cabinet, I places 3 different sized artificial pumpkins.  I kept the decorations very simple in here as we utilize this room not only for meals but homework and some craft projects that "spill out" of my craft room. 

The only other area that I had left to decorate was the window sill of the the dining room picture window. I purchased a long metal tray several years ago which fits perfectly on the sill. I filled it using 3 wooden pumpkins and laid some acrylic fall colored leaves in the tray.

As for the outdoor fall decor (which I don't have pictures of), last year Dave and the kids carved artificial pumpkins so we don't have to carve new ones each year. I did take the kids to get real pumpkins, Emily and I placed ours outside but Matt chose to keep his in his room. The only other decor are autumn themed flags, and two metal corn cob stakes.....oh and of course, the front and back doors both have wreaths.

One thing I love about the fall decor is that it stays out for not only October but the majority of November (we put up our Christmas decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving). Now the smell of my Yankee Candle apple cider candle and the taste of warm apple cider make the whole fall ambiance come together. Ahhh...yummy autumn, so glad you are here!

Welcome Fall! Trees and Falling Leaves

As most of you know, I have the amazing privilege of being a stay at home mom. I constantly keep busy keeping our home and family activities running like a fine oiled machine. My family coordinating is supplemented with home projects, crafting and for the last 3 years creating bulletin boards for our church, another local church and our kid's school. I'd say I keep myself busy! 

The day before the school year began I was approached about teaching an arts and crafts class for one period every Friday alternating weekly between the 3rd & 4th grade. Although this is right up my alley, I took the time to talk to Dave and pray about it before saying "yes". I also gathered some ideas and showed them to the principal, making sure we were on the same page regarding arts & crafts before I accepted. 

Well, today was my 4th class and we completed our second project. The first project was more of a "test" project checking out the classes, seeing how they learn and getting my bearing on how to teach art seeing I've never done this. Yes, I'm a crafter and you would think showing someone how to do something would be easy but that isn't the case. Add in the fact that I'm teaching 8, 9 and 10 year olds....well you get the idea, there is a learning curve here I am still adjusting.

The project we finished today were paper bag trees. This is an idea I found at the Pikadilly Charm blog.

She provides step by step picture instructions. 

Here is a picture of our trees prior to getting their leaves.

We used extra large lunch bags which helped produce a longer tree trunk. Basically you cut vertical strips from the top of the bag about 2/3's down the length of the bag (the strips are used to create the branches), open the bag, then twist the middle of the bag to create the trunk. The branches are made by twisting 2 or three of the strips together. 

Prior to class, I ripped strips of yellow, orange and red paper into small squares. The kids glued these onto their trees representing leaves. If they wanted, they could make the paper pieces smaller. There was no set plan on how many leaves or what color needed to be used. It was to be their creation. 

This is one of my favorite trees. The kids got to take these home today. The 3rd grade still need to dress their trees and then both classes will be starting another tree project only this time instead of paper, we will be using paint. After that we will have a few weeks before Thanksgiving, having just enough time to make mini cornucopias. 

I know I am having fun, I hope the kids are enjoying the class too. 

Repurposing is Key!

When I started "creating" bulletin boards, I enjoyed the task of taking one down and putting up a new one. Those feelings have changed.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the task of creating and installing new boards. It is the taking down and disposing of the old one that has gotten a little more difficult. Over the three years of creating bulletin boards, the elements created have become more involved making them harder to part with. 

Thankfully, on the recent "makeover" of bulletin board outside the school office of HCS (my kid's school), I was able to reuse elements that were being replaced with new items on the school's side entrance board. 

This is a picture of the previous information board that was outside the school office.

The perpetual calendar was a concept we wanted to continue; however, we decided that the box top fundraising information was not being utilized accordingly and needed to be eliminated. Although not shown here, the senior class tribute area was completed. The decision was made to do a different application for this year, so that also needed to be eliminated.

The first task was to create a new calendar. In order to make it useful for many years, I decided to put it on foam board. This way if the background needs to be changed the calendar can be used again. This was not the case of the previous calendar, it was created directly on the background paper.

Using a large piece of foam board, I measured out equal boxes for the days of week. Because some events occur over the weekend, Saturday and Sunday were included on the calendar. I also created two additional horizontal columns so that all days of the month will appear no matter when they fall. In each square, there is a clear adhesive pocket which can hold a 3x5 card and also a small repositionable dot that the date can be attached to.

I'm able to reuse all of the month titles and date numbers created last year. The school emblem, which was used for the senior's tribute, was placed by the month placard.

It was so nice reusing items but the main repurposing was the "Words of HCS" game board that was being used on the school's side entrance bulletin board. We placed the game title, game board and academic achievement boards (Principal's List, Dean's List & Honor Roll) here. This is information that is more relevant to parents and students who usually pass by this area close to the school office. 

The last thing I did was take the "Words of HCS" ABC border and place it throughout the board to giving it a little color and drawing your eye through the entire board. 

It gives me great joy to be able to reuse these elements. Yes, repurposing is key!!! 

Time Flies.....when you're creating a bulletin board

I apologize for how long it has been since my last post. I've been very busy getting several bulletin boards created and installed. 

The one that took the most amount of time was for my kid's school, Hackensack Christian School. Over a year ago, I had created a board for their side entrance. This year I wanted to change it to a board that could be in place for several years and serve as a primary "advertisement" for the school. What better promotes a school than the school itself, so using pictures I started "creating" a foam board replica of the school's front facade. 

To make sure the school adequately fit the size of the bulletin board (which is quite large), I split it into 5 sections.

The first step in the process was penciling on the foam board all of the window and door openings. You can see in the picture above one window section prior to cutting. All openings were cut using an exacto knife.

Here is a picture of all 5 sections with the openings cut out. This was a time consuming process but not the most time consuming part of this project. 

I made the decision to create the brick facade using colored pencils. First, I outlined all of the trim work and colored that in with a yellow tinted color. Then using a tan colored pencil, I drew all of the lines for the bricks. Using 4 different brown/red shades, I alternated coloring in all the bricks. I did not count how many bricks there were in all, all I will say is that I was outlining and coloring for days.

Here is a picture of the school's entrance section colored in.

Although the coloring process took several days, the outcome was worth all of the work.

This past Monday I installed the new bulletin board. The school was the first item put in place. Then, I created a banner highlighting the school's verse for the year using poster/banner paper. I wrote the verse freehand in pencil, then went over with black marker. To give it that parchment look, I used a dauber and an ink pad to "color" the banner. Finally, I used my Cricut to cut the other letters and secured them to the board. The school emblem I made last year for another board and used it here.  

Last year, we did a tribute section to the graduating seniors on the bulletin board outside the school office. This year we will be placing pictures of the seniors in the windows of the school. 

When I first had the idea of creating this board, I wasn't quite sure I could make it all work together or up to my expectations. I am happy to say that I am very pleased with the end result.