A to Z with a little J

Onto baby gift #3 for 2013!  I don't know what I'm going to do when I run out of friends to make things for. They are the perfect excuse for some new crafty project I have been wanting to try.  This time I decided to make Wooden Name Blocks and I have to say it is probably the most fun project I have completed so far. What you will need: (1) 2x4 piece of lumber (try to pick one with the least blemishes, knots, splinters, etc.) Tape measure Saw (some places may be willing to cut it for you) Electric Sander (you could use just sanding paper but it would take a long time) Scrapbook paper Scissors Paint Brush Paint Glossy Mod Podge Spray Sealant Step 1: Determine the pattern for your wood blocks.  I sketched it out on a piece of paper first so I had and idea of what I wanted the scale and pattern to be.  From this I determined my blocks would be: 6", 5" and 4".  I also added the horizontal block at 8" (the width of the 2 blocks sitting on top). ...

UPDATE:  The invitation and party game are now available to purchase at my Etsy shop. https://www.etsy.com/shop/AbbyLynDesigns My first niece/nephew will be arriving in just a few short weeks.  I'm not one for surprises so the fact that my sister-in-law has decided to be "team green" and not find out the gender has driven me crazy.  I have to admit however the closer her due date comes the more exciting it is to finally find out what she is having.  So in typical Abby fashion I went into overdrive planning her baby shower and I couldn't be happier with the turn out. The Invitation The Spread The Cake I made a cupcake bouquet (which was not as easy as I expected).  Using a styrofoam ball on top of the metal bucket base and toothpicks to attach the cupcakes.  I found this idea on Pinterest and after my first trial was a disaster I went to YouTube and watched a few videos to help perfect the technique.  The cupcakes ar...