The Longest Day of the Year

Today is the first day of summer, which means it is the longest day out of the year!

This means my post can be extra long ; )

Here is a glimpse into the past few days...
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Yesterday was when all my projects and homework were due. 

{Here is one project I made}

It is supposed to represent a "balance beam" with my four steps (the four black squares) that lead to living a balanced life. The black squares are actually chalkboard and my envision would be to check them off each week to ensure that I am incorporating family, friends, faith, and relaxation into my balanced life!

Over the weekend, I was busy spending quality time with my family who was in town from Florida :) It was really nice spending time together and one night, my aunt & I stayed in to do some budget friendly arts and crafts! Here is a tutorial of our project...

{Hand-made Clay Pens}

What you will need:

Oven-Bake Clay - Pens - Folded Poster Board - Cutting Tool - Wax Paper - Plastic Roller -Strong Hands :)

Step One
Roll one color of clay into a ball & then flatten it with a roller (try to get it as thin as you can)
**Repeat this step with another color clay**
Next, take the two pieces of flat clay and stack them on top of one another, cutting around the edges so that they are even.
Then take one end and roll the clay up (as if you were going to roll a rug to transport somewhere)

Step Two

Cut the clay into little pieces (as shown in the picture)

Step Three

Using pliers, pull the ink out of the pen

Step Four

Start taking the small clay pieces that you just cut & press them around the pen until the who pen case is covered...make sure the ink hole is not covered!
Then put the completed pens on the folded poster board

Step Five

 Place the folded poster board directly in the oven on 250degrees for 15minutes
(no cookie sheet or anything is needed...the poster board can actually sit right on the rack)

Step Six

Take the pens out of the oven & let cool for 5 minutes -
Once the pens have cooled, put the ink back into the pen
(You will never have to throw away the pen! You can just replace the ink )
You now have beautiful, handmade, creative pens to share :)

Overall, this past weekend/beginning of this week has been wonderful, spending time with my family! I don't get to see my aunt and uncle very often, so it's always a good time when the whole family is all together! 

Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.
-- Brad Henry

Hopefully I'll share some more things that I will be making over the summer
(I may not be artistic, but I like to tap in to my creative side & attempt things!)

What are some of your favorite arts and crafts?

xoxo
-erinj0