Toot Your Horn Tuesday Party #10

Welcome everybody to Toot Your Horn Tuesday...my first time co-hosting with the lovely Debbie @ Debbie Does Creations!  If this is your first time visiting me, welcome...I hope you stay a while, browse the blog, as well as visit some of the fellow link ups. Since this is my first week co-hosting with Debbie, I won't be featuring anyone from last week's party.  You can hop on over on Mondays on both blogs to see who we feature. We both have different tastes and therefore you have a chance of being featured from both of us! How cool is that? You get double the exposure and both of us will be reviewing and commenting on all the wonderful projects you share.  So please, grab the new button, link up and start sharing.

I will also be sharing on my facebook page too...so, you might want to follow me there as well to ensure you don't miss anything!

Now, are you ready to party?

The rules for Toot Your Horn Tuesdays are simple:

1. Please follow both of your hostesses:  Debbie @ Debbie Does Creations and Me here @ Chronic Christian Crafter.  (Not a requirement, but we sure would like it...plus it would remind you to come back, check out features, and remind you to link up each week!)
2. Please grab our button and place it on your blog, party list, link back to our party somewhere so you can remember to come back and check if you have been featured each week; remember to link back up next week, etc....ALSO...so we can spread the word of the Toot Your Horn Tuesday Party!  
3. Please don't link up more than 3 links per party!
4. Please feel free to link up anything that you want that you are proud of (family friendly).  I especially want to encourage inspirational and encouraging posts as well as crafts, recipes, DIY.  ALL POSTS are welcome!

Party Button:

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Features will be posted each Monday before we start the next weeks party.  Both Debbie and I will run separate features, and we each have our unique feature buttons.  If I feature your post, my feature button can be found in the sidebar (along with the grabable code for the party button as well).

Glad you here to "Toot" your horn...let's get this party started.  Can't wait to see what you guys link up this week...so excited to be co-hosting with Debbie!

Guest Post...with Kim @ the Sasse life

Good afternoon, everybody!  I am very honored that Kim @ the Sasse life asked me to guest post with her today.  Recently, I was the lucky recipient of a contest, in which I won a month's ad space as well as a lovely "loved" brooch from Kim's new "loved" shop.  Kim is using some of her proceeds from the sales of her shop to increase suicide awareness.

I would love it if you would check out my post with Kim @ the Sasse life, and show her some love as well.  I posted about my use of her brooch (GORGEOUS) in my half bath decor...and, I included a little bit about why I think suicide awareness is a great cause due to some personal experiences.

I appreciate Kim for sponsoring the giveaway, allowing me to guest post, and increasing suicide awareness through her blog and shop.  So, please check it out...here's the link:

the Sasse life

Let me know what you think!!!

Blessings friends,

An Exciting Announcement!!!

Happy Friday, Everybody!  I have an exciting announcement to make.  I will now be co-hosting Toot Your Horn Tuesday with my friend Debbie @ Debbie Does Creations.  Debbie is AMAZING!  And, that is right...you will be able to link up your projects on either Debbie's blog or my blog here at Chronic Christian Crafter.  Debbie will be featuring her favorites over on Debbie Does Creations and I will be featuring my favorites of each week over here on Chronic Christian Crafter...double exposure...double features!  We are SO EXCITED!!!  

You may be asking "when does this start?"  Glad you asked!  This starts with next Tuesday's "Toot Your Horn Tuesday" link party!  

So, grab the new button, and come join in!  You can link your post up on Debbie's blog or my blog.  Are you as excited as we are?

We can't wait to see what you link up.  Previous party rules apply!!

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Personalized Family Sign...Beginning of Gallery Wall

I have been in awe of all of the beautiful gallery walls on Pinterest and blogland.  Everyone is SO CREATIVE in presentation and each gallery wall is SO UNIQUE to each individual family.  I have been inspired to create my own as well. This is the beginnings of our gallery wall as you enter our home:

The book page wreath might look familiar if you are one of my regular followers.  When I created it, I created it with the goal of integrating it in the gallery wall.  If you aren't one of my regular followers, and you wish to read about my book page wreath, you can read about it here.

I love to integrate positive messages and scripture throughout my home...that has clearly been evidenced by some of my projects that I've featured and posted here on my blog.  My gallery wall is no different.  I'm crazy about my vinyl saying (this was the ONLY thing I had on this wall for a while, but it felt "so very lonely"). I was also pleased when I was able to purchase my "Love, Faith and Hope" plaques.  

I'm the bargain shopper...you know I'm always looking for those deals, right?  While I love everything up here...all was either made by me or purchased at yard sale, second hand, etc.  That is the name of the game around here!

One of my favorite pieces in the gallery wall is a sign that I made of our name and the year that we were married "established" (with some finishing touches by my husband, best teammate ever). 

I'll give you a short run down on how I made this sign:

1. We purchased a large piece of wood, and then cut it to the length that we needed.  (I used the other piece for a sign for a Christmas present...actually it was shown here).
2. Sand wood to prepare for paint.
3. Paint base coat and let dry. Paint 2 times.
4. Measure center of board.  Tape stencil down with stencil tape.  Begin painting emblem with stencil paint brush.
5. Measure out stenciled letters as well as spaces so that the letters in name are evenly spaced after the emblem is fully dry. Paint and stencil letters utilizing same technique as emblem stencil.  (This process is tricky as you must wait for each to dry, ensure they are evenly spread apart, level, etc.).  I taped a level piece of painters tape along the bottom to keep a straight line as reference.  The letters took a few days as I would wait in between letters for drying.  I'm sure there is a better way...this was just the method that I used on this sign.
6. Repeat the method on the "established" letters and numbers...only choose smaller stencils and numbers
7. Go back and touch up from bleed through of stencils, etc.
8. Hang picture hanger on back to hang.

I was VERY PLEASED with the outcome of the stenciling, and the overall sign, AND I would make many more.  I enjoyed it.  However, it wasn't one of my "quick and easy" projects!  But, it IS one of my projects that I am very proud of, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Here is another view of the gallery wall.  Like I said, it is still "in progress".  We are still "adding to", but we don't want to have it "too busy", so we are trying to be very conscientious about what we put up there.  Especially, since it is the big vaulted wall to the right as you enter our home...so what do you think?

Hope you were inspired.  Hope you have a wonderful, blessed week.



 Each week I may link up at the parties located at my tab located on my blog love tab here. Feel free to check these lovely sites out! Also linked up here:

Updated Return Vent...Amazing What a Little Paint Will Do!!!

Don't you love projects that come together fairly easy...the "big bang for your buck projects"?  Who doesn't?  I grew tired of seeing my white return vent, that never seemed to "look clean"...not to mention the vent is on the wall right as you enter our house.  What a greeting, right?  So, what did I do...I decided to paint it!  Here it was in all its glory before:

Materials for this projects:

• Painters tape 
• Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint (purchased on sale @ Hobby Lobby-LOVE!!)
• Clorox wipes (to give a good cleaning before painting)
• Plastic sheeting (to put on floor as a protectant)
• Wall paint (okay...I didn't tape off "quite enough" and some of the spray paint got on wall so my wonderful husband did touch up...as usual he came in and put the finishing touches on the project...I guess that is why we are such a good team!!) 

Honestly, this was such an easy project (most of my projects are...have you noticed?).  However, I LOVE the difference!!!  If you try this at home...be careful when cleaning...those edges are sharp, and I sliced my fingers...not once, not twice...but THREE times!!!  Here are the super easy directions:

1. Clean the vent.  I'll also say here that I left my old filter in (it was time for a change) so that it would catch the spray paint from going into the vent area.  Then, after I was finished, I simply changed the filter.
2. Tape several rows of painters tape around the vent to protect wall from spray paint.
3. Paint several light coats of paint.  I believe I painted 3.  The third coat was just a few touch ups.  You want to do light coats in order to prevent  dripping, etc.
4. After paint is dry, remove painters tape.  Then, have your husband (just kidding...you can do touch ups...I was just SO LUCKY) touch up wall paint if necessary.

Here is a picture of the vent after I taped it off; before I began painting:

And, then my new vent:

I was so happy with the results...and it was one of those projects that didn't drag on forever.  Immediate results!  Cheap, easy, fast results!  I've seen several ideas to change the look of the vents (some very expensive, some not as expensive...but this worked for me)...what do you think?  Are you inspired?

Would love to know what you think...hope you are having a blessed week!



 Each week I may link up at the parties located at my tab located on my blog love tab here. Feel free to check these lovely sites out!

Prayer Chalkboard...from Old Estate Mirror

Prayer...something that I do throughout the day...to give me strength to face various trials and tribulations...to thank my maker for blessings...as well as to pray for my brothers and sisters that are hurting.  However, sometimes, I don't know if you are anything like me...but, sometimes I feel overwhelmed by those hurting around me (I might even be included).  Specific prayers might be needed to be lifted up for specific needs.  And, while I lift up my friends and family when I'm reminded...I have set a goal for myself to be MORE INTENTIONAL in my prayers for others.  When someone is struggling and asking for my prayers...I want to be intentional in my response and intentional in my constant mention to my father.

How, you may wonder, do I intend to become more intentional in my prayers for others?  I developed a Prayer Board...and my husband and I hung it in the "heart of the home"...in the kitchen, right beside my refrigerator.  Here is the finished Prayer Chalkboard:

My husband, Michael, was very excited to see this project come to fruition after I explained it to him...as he will be adding to the prayer board as well...it is for us both (to add and utilize).  As we know of specific needs of friends and family...the name/needs will be added.  As prayers are answered (even if answered in ways not initially expected)...we will praise God for his answered prayers and erase, etc.  This, I believe, will allow more intentional prayer for my brothers and sisters...and not blanket prayers as well as just praying for friends, family members as I remember, etc.

This project, as usual with most of my projects, was done on the thrifty side.  I purchased an old mirror from an estate sale to use for this project for just a few dollars.  Here it was before I started working on it:

To begin, I painted the gold frame out with a taupe paint (personal preference...just so that it would match our kitchen colors).  Next, I painted a primer straight onto the mirrored surface...this was so that chalkboard paint would adhere and not peel off.  After the primer dried...I painted 3 coats of chalkboard paint...yeah, I know seems like overkill...BUT, I was seeing brushstrokes...REALLY 3 coats was necessary!!  (By the way...the chalkboard paint was FREE!!...yeah, you heard me right FREE!!!  one of my wonderful friends gave me both the primer and chalkboard paint for free after she was done with a project...LOVE HER!!!)  Afterwards, my wonderful, patient, sure handed husband completely touch uped around the edges.  I then utilized some of my stencils to stencil "Prayers" with some of my colored chalk...I don't intend to ever erase this!

That is really all there is to it!  Honestly, one of those easy projects...but, I'm so happy with it...and, SO HAPPY with how it will help our family with intentional prayer life.  What are some ways that you utilize to be intentional with your prayer life...I would love to hear them!!  Many blessings friends,

"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer." 1 Peter 3: 12



 Each week I may link up at the parties located at my tab located on my blog love tab here. Feel free to check these lovely sites out! Also linking up with Rhoda's Thrifty Treasures party @ 

Ultimate Blog Party...Welcome Friends!!

I'm excited to join the Ultimate Blog Party that is being hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom.  I look forward to meeting some new blog friends.  Here is a little information about me and my blog:

My name is Erin, and I'm married to my best friend Michael. We are "parents" to our sweet Yorkshire Terrier "Bailey", and he believes he is king of the castle.

I love to craft and decorate.  To see some of my favorite DIY posts just click here.  I am also somewhat of a new blogger, but I am honored that I am been featured by some AMAZING bloggers.  To see these features and awards, just click here.  I craft...both to inspire, or if the Lord wills, to create an extra source of income for my family, and help my family out.

I am a Christian, and strive to live my life to glorify my Savior daily. This does not mean that I am perfect, as I am an imperfect human being.. I hope this blog is used to glorify, as living for my Lord and Savior is my main purpose in life.

I do also have a chronic medical condition, which partially inspired the blog. So, I also share some lessons on life in general that I have picked up due to my illness, some spiritual devotionals, in addition to my craft ideas/DIY projects/home decorating ideas. You can read some of my encouragement/inspirational posts here.  You can also read more information that I have gathered/written on chronic illness here.

Apothecary Jars...For All Seasons!!!

I was so excited to stumble upon some beautiful wooden candlesticks at a yard sale recently.  As soon as I saw them, my wheels began turning and I knew EXACTLY what I wanted to do with my candlesticks...I wanted some apothecary jars.  I have seen several floating around Pinterest as well as blogland.  Before I get started on my tutorial, here is a picture of my finished apothecary jar project:

I enjoyed the "leathery" look and feel of the candlestick, so I decided to keep the candlestick the color/paint as is.  Here are some before pictures of materials, as well as a list of materials:

List of Materials:

• 3 varying sizes of candlesticks
• 3 glass globes (purchased @ Dollar Tree for $1/each)
• Twine
• 3 mini chalkboards on clothes pin 
• Hot Glue (to secure twine)
• Crazy Glue (to secure glass globes to candlesticks)
• Red and Black Balls (also purchased @ Dollar Tree)

Can you tell I love me some Dollar Tree?  I love to do things on the cheap...and, really if you watch and pay attention...yard sales and Dollar Tree/Store...that is the way to go!

These were honestly so easy and really self explanatory.  Therefore, I don't have several in between photos.  I wanted some apothecary jars that I could utilize year round, but change up the saying to "fit the season"...and if I want I can change out the "filling" to match the season as well.  (i.e. candy corn for Halloween, candy hearts for Valentine, etc.).  Red and black goes well with my decor, so I'm kind of in love with how this is working right now, and I like how I can just change out the sayings...right now it says "Spring has Sprung" for the current season!  

Here are instructions for you to recreate the look: 

1. Glue candlestick to base of  glass globe (I used super glue).  Allow to dry.
2. Wrap twine around glass globe and hot glue to hold in place. (I added the mini chalboard on clothes pin...this was personal preference)
3. Add filling in the glass globe.

Really...it is that easy!

You could also paint the candlesticks...as well as add lids.  In fact, I purchased the materials to make lids for these...but, it just wasn't working for me!  So...really it is personal preference!  

Hope this inspired you...let me know what project you might be working on...I so appreciate sharing with you and love hearing from you all.  Don't you love an easy tutorial?  I know I do...AND...I also LOVE good bargains!!!  Let me know what you've found recently!

Blessings friends,

 Each week I may link up at the parties located at my tab located on my blog love tab here. Feel free to check these lovely sites out! Also linking up with Rhoda's Thrifty Treasures party @

Finding "Purpose" In the Pain...Repost

I recently had the privilege of guest posting over with Stacy @ Finding Purpose in the Pain.  She has an incredible blog where she blogs about living with chronic pain from a Christian perspective, being a nanny and frugal living.  Following is a repost of my guest post:

Courtesy of www.timewarpwife.com

When I began praying and thinking about what to write for my guest post on Stacy's blog...my mind raced through so many topics...then, I settled on this one topic...PURPOSE!!!  Part of Stacy's blog title..."Finding PURPOSE in the Pain".  It was one of the main reasons I clicked over in the first place to read her blog...it caught my attention.  Anyone who has suffered with a chronic illness for any amount of time understands what we mean in wanting to find "purpose".

My Ginger Snap Crafts Features

I was honored to co-host Ginger's {wow me} Wednesday party @ Ginger Snap Crafts this past week.

Ginger is just the sweetest and her blog is so inspirational and creative!!!  This was a wonderful celebration of her blog celebrating its one year birthday...and WOW what a turnout!!!  There were SO MANY amazing projects and ideas linked up that my picking just a few to feature has been INCREDIBLY HARD...I don't know how Ginger does it each week...(I have so much more respect for hosts of parties now)...but, I've decided to highlight my top five!  Here are my favorites from the 634 linked up to the party!!!

He Gives Me Strength

"What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem."


A dear friend of mine recently sent me a card with this quote in it.  It hit me RIGHT SQUARE IN THE EYES...it was just the words I needed at JUST THE RIGHT TIME!  Ever had something happen like that?  I'm sure you have.

You see, she was wishing me a "happy birthday"...but, she did SO MUCH MORE!  As I've said in other posts, I suffer from a chronic illness...and this week has been quit trying physically.  After a while, this thorn can sometimes wear me out, and can begin to wear my weary soul...and, just when I needed it...I received just the jolt of encouragement I needed!  I believe God allows us to have experiences, friendships, struggles, etc. to develop and strengthen our faith.

"Storms make trees take deeper roots."  Dolly Parton

Ms. Dolly has some good "southern" knowledge to depart in that quote...I must agree!  I find comfort in the "strength" of trees.  That is why I utilize the symbol of a tree on my "blog button".  Even though they are tossed and turned through hail storms, tornadoes, thunderstorms and rain storms...the strong will "take deeper roots" and become "stronger".

In fact, NASA did an experiment in which they created a habitat and planted trees and flora in a bubble as an experiment to see if the plants would provide enough oxygen to sustain life on Mars.  Over time, the branches and leafs became brittle and began falling off of the tree.  The NASA scientists began wondering why this was happening, and soon realized that the wind and outside forces that a tree must endure in the environment are what makes it grow stronger, develop roots, become grounded, and outside forces are what gives it the "strength" to survive.  In the same vein...trials and tribulations in this life will make us "take deeper roots" and in turn cause us to become "stronger"!

Co Hosting...{Wow Me} Wednesday With Ginger Snap Crafts

This week, Ginger @ Ginger Snap Crafts is celebrating her blog's birthday.  To celebrate, she asked for co-hosts for her lovely {wow me} wednesday link party to share on their blogs and also show some features.  I feel honored to be one of Ginger's co-hosts for her birthday celebration.

I will be featuring and giving some shout outs of my favorites on my facebook page later this week.  Other co-hosts will also be featuring some of their favorite links as well.  Isn't this just the greatest idea?

You can link up on any of the Co-Host's blogs, and your link will show up on ALL of our blogs....WHAT GREAT EXPOSURE!

Here is the information from Ginger regarding her 1 year blog birthday {wow me} wednesday:

Welcome to {wow me} wednesday!


So glad YOU are here!


I'm Ginger from Ginger Snap Crafts
& TODAY I am celebrating my 1 year blog birthday
with 20 of my most fabulous blogging friends
 who are each co-hosting this week's party
& celebrating with all of YOU! Yay!

A special welcome & BIG thank you to my co-host:

Natalie from Johnny in a Dress
Randi from Dukes & Duchesses
Kim from Cups By Kim
Carrie from My Favorite Finds
Jane from Adventures in Dinner
Molly from Just a Little Creativity
Amy from Permanent Kisses
Shannah from Just Us Four
Keri from Shaken Together
Jenilyn from Grits & Giggles
Karah from The Space Between
Kimberly from The Night Owl Blog
Krissy from The Taylor House
Laura Beth from A Step in the Journey
Erin from Chronic Christian Crafter
Sara from Applestone Drive
Crystal from A Pumpkin & a Princess
Holly & Nat from My Sister's Suitcase
Steph from Crafting in the Rain
Jessica from Mom 4 Real

Please check out their amazing blogs!
I promise they don't disappoint! :)

I'll be featuring the top 5 from last week
with my other features on Thursday.

I'm also having a giveaway over
on my blog tonight to go along with our party.
So be sure to stop by & check it out.
It's big! :)

{Now on to the party!}

The “rules” are simple.

Please follow & visit as many of the co-host as you can.

Feel free to grab a {wow me} wednesday button
so you can party with us every week.

Must be something made by YOU.

Link up to your post, not your main blog.

{No etsy shops, giveaways or business links, please.}

Visit other links, make new friends & most of all have fun!

<center><a href="http://gingersnapcrafts.com/search/label/%7Bwow%20me%7D%20wednesday"><img border="0"src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFtfN67KadM/Tnsugs_MyyI/AAAAAAAAGwE/oWf6YALNB8I/s1600/wow-me.png"/></a></center> 

Can't wait to see what YOU link up!!!