summertime crafts

There's a saying that summertime is when teachers become normal people again. I believe this to be true. During the school year, being an effective demands an incredible amount of energy from a person and requires even more time. The summertime break is essential- for rest, relaxation, chance to make a little extra moolah, and time to pursue the things that bring you happiness that you don't normally have time to accomplish.

For me, this means crafting. I feel most like myself when I'm creating something, and I so enjoy DIY projects- for my home, classroom, presents, friends, you name it. During the school year, I just can't seem to rationalize craft time when there's a pile of essays to be graded and a week's worth of lesson plans to be written.

The photos in this post are of little DIY projects I made for our home over summer break. Many of my crafts are spin-offs of posts I found online and pinned on Pinterest. My goal is always to either use materials found around the house or to only buy materials only when they're on sale, create something with a purpose in mind, and always add a little "Mallory flair". Enjoy the photos!

Dinner Meal Board with weekly interchangeable cards

 Wedding polaroid photo display

Incorporating shells my parents and I collected in our Floridian hometown, I present The Darcy summer mantle.

Also, a "JOY" burlap banner that I have since removed after my husband and brothers told me it looked too "Christmassy". It will make a reappearance later. 

 Lots of scrapbook paper and modpodge...DIY projects are best when watching Classic Hollywood movies starring gorgeous actresses...

 ...or listening to "Greatest Hits" by Whitney Houston, of course!

(P.S. How much do I love when I visit JoAnn Fabrics on fabric clearance day?!)

 Classroom curtains...more classroom pics to come, don't you worry!

 We made these canvas bags at a BCN Women's Ministry Pinterest Party at my church. Cute, huh?

 Finally found a use for those mini chalkboards from our wedding reception photobooth.

 Hanging above our bed...still thinking of painting the "D" orange?

 Mal & Jon photo collage in our bedroom.

 Free scripture printables framed in Dollar Store frames. As we walk down the stairs to leave for the day, what a great reminder of God' presence in our lives!

Our entry table, given to us by my Granny and Paw Paw. It was already decorated with teal and orange accents, so I decided to paint it orange. I love.

Free printables from a blog that I stalk. Fell in love with the prints, and put them in white IKEA frames I already had and needed a special use. These are in our downstairs half bath.

School officially starts this week, and although my realistic side knows that "busy" is about to be an understatement, I am determined to balance my time better this year. I believe it's important to facilitate our creative sides- putting our artsy ideas into action.

The only thing is, our townhouse is now full; the walls are covered as much as they can be without being considered "tacky". So now the question is... who wants Mal to create for them some crafty crafts???

Happy Sunday!