Crafting in Utah

While in Utah during Thanksgiving my sisters and I did a little crafting. One of my sisters got the initial idea from Tim Holtz and we adapted it to work for us.
First we started with plain cheap plastic pumpkin from either the thrift store or dollar store. We were in both so I don't remember exactly where we picked them up.

Next we used heavy foil sheets that we found at either Hobby Lobby or Michaels (be sure to use your 40% off coupon) and added the double sided sticky sheets on the back. We cut the sheets in about 2" strips so they would mold it better around the pumpkins. Next we ran them through my sisters Cuttlebug using whichever embossing folder we preferred. Warning we had to cut a small slit in the center of the connected end of the folder so we could slide the strips through. This allowed us to emboss the whole strip evenly. Make sure not to cut the folder completely apart or it will slide around when you put it through the Cuttlebug the pattern will be messed up.

Once I embossed all my strips, we peeled the back off the embossed strips so we could mold them around the pumpkins. Be careful to only allow a part to touch at a time so you can mold it into the crevices. Next we used alcohol inks to bring color to our pumpkins. We tried to use harvest colors since this was a Thanksgiving craft.

We just put little dots of the ink on the foil covered pumpkin then spread it lightly with a dry crafting brush. We layered our colors by doing one color at a time and placing the dots at random spots and brushing in random directions until the pumpkins was covered.

Next we used our black ink pad to make the embossing to pop. We simply lightly rubbed the ink pad all over the pumpkin.

For the finishing touches we used embossing ink, powders and die cut leaves & flourishes from the Cuttlebug die cuts to decorate the top. My sister even used iridescent tiny beads glued on the ends to make the leaves really sparkle. We then gathered these onto a platter to decorate the table during our Thanksgiving meal .

We had so much fun you should try it too.

Sister's share time

Sisters are meant for sharing memories & experiences like these.

In & Out Burger

In & Out Burger was our first stop on our way to bargain craft shopping. This day just keeps getting better & better.

Unique Utah experiences

I am setting around the kitchen table in may sister's amazing house putting together a puzzle in our pajamas. In this relaxing mountainous setting we have created cool crafts, watched chick flicks and gorged ourselves on peanut M & M's. This is a holiday that dreams are made of. Soon we will head off the the craft stores and thrift stores today for those bargain finds, then head back to the craft room to make more exciting creations.
Of course we have stopped long enough to think about what the next meal should be and plan the Thanksgiving dinner. We will somehow squeeze in shopping for the thanksgiving meal, but that is not our #1 priority.

Home in America

Finally back in the US. I'm tired and looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight. The trip home was long but uneventful. We had a nice lay over in Tokyo, where we able to hang out in the Admiral's club, freshen up and fill up on some yummy snacks.

Vietnam trip

Wi-fi services has been very limited the last couple of days, so I am just now able to upload post from over the last couple of days. We had an incredible meal at A La Carte in Hanoi Vietnam during our last day in that amazing country. One of the co-owners is a former exchange student, Nam Dang. It is probably the greatest meal I have ever eaten in Vietnam and I have had some pretty tasty dishes. We arrived at the airport without incident and board right on time. We are currently in Tokyo Japan waiting for our next flight which will take us back to the US.

Successful Vietnam Teacher's Conference

It was evident from the beginning that God has gone before us. He has been at work here in Vietnam and we were able to be willing participants to follow his lead as we hosted the teachers conference. He made our every path smooth so that every obstacle was brought down and the conference was a rousing success. We rose early the first morning for day 1 of the conference. At 6:45 we departed to do final touches on our rooms that we set up the day before. There was much anticipation and excitement in the air as the teachers and administrators of the Bac Ha area began to arrive. After the Director of Education, Mr. Sang, challenged the teachers, Vicky welcomed everyone and made introductions of the teaching team with their translators. Next Niki set the tone for the conference as she introduced the theme “Be the Change” by telling the story about Charlie the caterpillar. In every one of my sessions we had rapt attention as Rick read the story about “Mr Wolf’s Pancakes” and enthusiastic cheers when James, our skillet master, asked if they were ready to make pancakes. Everywhere I looked the teams worked together like a glove to bringing smiles, excitement and a new vigor to change teaching methods in the classroom after they returned home. Although, it seemed quite easy to keep the attendees engaged when the our theme revolved around experiencing pancakes then using this experience to discover how we can use it when teaching Science, History, Math and Language Arts. Every game and race was wrought with laughter. Even our translators became more comfortable and willing to jump in to help us get our message across.

As the conference wound down their were still smiles and praises all around. Mr. Sang, one of the teachers, Vicky and Thao gave closing remarks of appreciation. Then Kari read the story “A Special Teacher” which left many eyes with tears in the room. Niki also reiterated her challenge to “Be the Change” and 9 of us released fluttering paper butterflies into the room. We then boarded the vans tired but with peace in our hearts knowing we just saw God do amazing things for the lives of the teachers and children of Bac Ha.

Building Cattle Barns

It is Wednesday morning here. We are catching up on correspondence and preparing for the conference tomorrow.

Amazing Sites & Great Relationships

We have been in Vietnam several days working and have been amazed at the beauty that surrounds us up in the North. We have helped start 5 water buffalo corals. Today after helping start the fifth water buffalo coral in the morning we taught English to about 80 children ranging in at from about 6-14 in the afternoon.
The food in Bac Ha is delicious. We really feel spoiled. For breakfast every morning in the hotel they have a buffet set out that has eggs, fried rice, noodles, breads fruit and yesterday we had crepes with banana & chocolate syrup. The lunches and dinners are so large with so many different dishes it is hard to remember them all.
I found that our new friends here are very resourceful and kind. They work very hard, are generous with their smiles.