Things I've Learned Living Overseas- #1

How to Be Crafty

 Settling our family down a world away from America has taught all of us many things- how to use chopsticks, the cheapest places to buy cheese, how to haggle in a night market, and how to bake from scratch. One thing I never thought living overseas would teach me was "how to be crafty." 

Chloe's birthday is coming up next week and we decided to do a big party for her this year. The big box stores don't carry much in the way of birthday supplies and there is no such thing as a Hobby Lobby but a little creativity and a lot of lead time yielded these picture frame party favors.  Each child decorates their frame at the party and then has a memorable party favor to add their own favorite pic. (The pic above shows the completed frames ready for child-decorating.)

Step 1: Three months in advance, order scrapbooking paper and stickers online and have your mother-in-law mail the supplies to you.  Thanks, Nana!

Step 2. Spend two months searching for black card stock and glue stick at every store that sells lots of random junk.

Step 3: Spend three weeks making one picture frame for every kid.  (Actually, they were really easy to make.  Instructions are below.)

Living overseas does present its challenges but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Picture Frame Instructions

Supplies

1 piece of 8.5x11 heavy cardstock

Ruler

Exacto knife

Craft Glue

Cut the cardstock in half width-wise (Hamburger fold).  take one half of the cardstock and measure 1" from  every edge.  Draw a rectangle opening and cut out using the exacto knife. Reserve this rectangular piece to use as a stand.  Glue the edges of the two halves of cardstock together leaving the top open to add a picture.  Grab the reserved rectangle and cut one of the short edges into a triangle.  Fold over about 1/4" and glue it to the back of the picture frame.  After all the glue dries decorate the front of the frame and insert your favorite pic. Voila!  You're Crafty!