girls weekend

"Girls just wanna have fun do uninterrupted crafts...ohh, girls just wanna do crafts!"

Well, girls weekend was a success! And how could it not be with this view? We had been planning this weekend since August. Months ago we polled the group to find a weekend that would work for everyone...4 months later we had the first weekend that worked. Let me explain the "big bestie, little bestie" situation. There are 7 of us. Me and my 2 best friends {big besties...named for age rather than size, thank you very much} and then my sister and her 3 best friends who are 2 years younger {hence the "little" besties}. We all grew up together, even though us biggins were older, cooler, and way more mature than the littles. Anyway, our good friend Nikki {one of the little besties} is having a baby girl SOON, so we had to get together for one last hoo-rah before baby Caroline arrives and cramps our style. Just kidding. But seriously, we probably won't get to do this for a while. Apparently our "hoo-rah" comes in the form of yarn, hot glue guns, and a crock-pot. Hey everyone is different. Two years ago girls weekend consisted of a trip to Vegas...this year its a quiet crafting weekend at the lake...next year....knitting at the Senior citizens center? Don't judge. It was a much needed weekend and the rules were simple:

1. Everyone be prepared to teach the group a craft and bring the supplies to do so.

2. Strict dress code: sweat pants, no make-up, and no real bras for the entire weekend. 

Due to rule #2, people were strict about not letting me take their picture, but I did manage to snap this gem: 

Crafting is serious business. Get your wreath face on. {Don't hate me, Meg}

We celebrated Meg's {big bestie} birthday with dinner and Sprinkles cupcakes. Other activities on the agenda: cooked a big breakfast, went on a walk through the forest, spied on the bachelorette party next door, sat on the dock for 'happy hour', learned about pregnancy, and made some stuff. First up...

Mason Jar Snow Globes

We were smart and started off the day right with a simple craft, as not to get discouraged. They turned out super cute! Tutorial here. Mine is on my coffee table right now. Whew, one craft down, that was easy. Little did we know what was up next...

Yarn Wreaths with Felt Flowers

Now don't get me wrong, these turned out awesome!! However, wrapping that yarn around the wreath is time...con...sume...ing. So much so that we had to take a lunch break and come back later to finish. But, like I said, it turned out so cute and festive! It's hanging on my shoe closet door. That's right, I have a shoe closet...because I am riiiiich! If you want one of your own {wreath that is, not a shoe closet} look here. We wrapped up the night with another easy one...

Bird + Antler Gift Tags

Nothings says, "Merry Christmas" like stocky birds with antlers! They will be going on all 30 of our gifts under the tree. Can't wait!  

Last up, 

Paint Sample Garland 

If you have a Lowe's or Home Depot close by and don't feel bad taking advantage of the paint department, this one is for you. We got a whole lotta 'free' paint samples and went to town. We made Christmas tree, a star, and an ornament garland. I don't have a tutorial, but it's pretty self-explanitory. Tips: get different shades of the same color. For example for the red we got candy apple reds, burgundy and even salmon. Trace your shape, cut it out and hole punch two holes in each shape to ensure it doesn't turn when you string it on the twine. 

It was such an enjoyable, relaxing weekend! I hope we can do it every year. Thanks Lindsey for being a gracious host and having us at your place. I am so blessed with wonderful friends to have  the joy of growing up and doing life together. From 4th grade recess to youth group mission trips to high school graduation to cowboy creeper to weddings and now babies! I'm glad to have you girls in my life. Let the generation of tiny besties begin!  

{How bad is it that I had to go back to 2009 to get this. 

It's official: we need to take more pics!}

LYLAS