Crafty CAN Be Chic!

I'm pretty sure there's a 3rd grader still alive and well inside this recently turned 32 year old chick, because I LOVE an opportunity to pull out my scissors, glue gun and glitter and get my craft on!  Thanks to Pinterest, I'd seen my latest venture awhile back but had been waiting for a good rainy day to roll up my sleeves.  However, thanks to the streak of desert-sweltering days we've had recently, I decided to hide from the heat and settle in with my crafty ways in the safety of my air conditioning.  (My hair was pretty grateful to get a pass on the humidity, too...)  So anyway, here's what I made! 

It's a picture (duh). I'd seen this using 3 numbers, for dates that may have been memorable.  But, I went for a combo of letters that hold meaning for me.  (No, I don't LOVE the middle of the alphabet song...it's actually the first 2 initials of mine and the BF's first names and last names.  It's sort of become our nickname.  Don't roll your eyes cuz we're cheesy...you have to admit, it's kind of fun that it worked out that I'm LN and he's MO.  And, you know you'd totally do it, too!)

Want to make one of your own?  Super easy.  First, settle on your favorite combo of letters or numbers (the shorter the better, as I didn't see many frames that held more than 5 pictures). Then, collect the following items:

• Frame that holds multiple pictures (one picture opening per number/letter - mine was $5 from Wal-Mart!)
• Letter backgrounds of coordinating colors/patterns (scrapbook pages, wrapping paper, etc.)
• Your favorite digits! 

Now, you could probably use pre-cut stencil letters/numbers, but because I'm super cheap, I actually printed out 4 letters in large font on plain old computer paper and cut them out using a razor blade.  I wanted four different fonts, too, so this way I could pick and choose my favorite looks!  Hint: you may need to use scissors to clean up some of the edges left from the razor, and any little white bits left hanging on...just pull out your black Sharpie and blend!

The rest is pretty basic!  Cut and tape/glue squares of your different backgrounds behind each photo opening.  Then glue your letters/numbers to the front.  I used a glue stick to avoid any lumps and seepage from good ol' Elmer's.  Pop your creation back into the frame and voila! Your own little special piece of art!  

Last step: stand back and admire your handiwork.  And, the next time you host a party, be prepared to have others admire it, too!  See, those cutting and gluing skills really stick with you... ;)  Now, I want to see yours! Post a picture, here or on my twitter, and I'll be sure to add my compliments, too!  Happy crafting!