A Platter Full of Pretties

Polymer Elegance in Aqua Blue

I am sorry it took so long but good things come to those who wait so here it is. As before I have created these using polymer clay. Each set has a necklace, earrings, a ring, and two hair pins. Each set comes in a variety of colors as well as different flowers to choose from. They are perfect for every occasion. Be sure to check out my Creations page.

Yay! School Starts.

For all us parents, we look so forward to hearing the words, School Starts. Our kids dread those same words but in the end they are happy to see their friends again. Never had trouble with Joshua going to school, he loves it although some day things may change but they haven't yet. Mickey on the other hand, hated HATED  school. Though she saw her friends she wished she could be in bed, now she's home schooled and hates it. She complains about not being able to see her old chums. No win situation! We parents who have home schooled kids have the benefits of being around our children throughout the whole day and it can be both a curse or a blessing depending on what kind of child you have. Mickey and I once got into an argument over Napoleon Bonaparte of all things! She was upset that she had to learn about an old dead guy as she put it. Now we just laugh and laugh but it was a serious matter that she did not want to read about a dead old guy and I had to listen to her cause she would follow me around and argue her case. I couldn't say, Yeah I know how you feel cause I myself hated American History and I myself thought it to be quite boring. What would have that helped? She would have won. Sometimes I think Mickey will be a great Litigator because she sure can argue. Boy can she argue a point. Well on to another year and she got a Trigonometry book, Lord help me.

New Blog, New Start.

I have been meaning to update my blog for some time and have been finally able to do it. Yay! It was actually quite simple, which is surprising since I suck at technology, haha. Well I hope you like it. Drop a line and let me know. Still in the process of designing a website so that has been taking longer than I thought it would. Been contemplating on asking my brother-in-law but he's so busy and I don't like making people feel obligated.  Well I am doing another sleep over so nighty night.

More Polymer Creations Coming Soon.

Okay so I know I am Lara Crafty Murphy and the headline states Handmade Crafts From the Heart but since I began working with polymer clay I can't get enough so I will be making more crafts with polymer. There is just so much that can be made with polymer. So far I have made a business card holder, earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, beads, miniature food charms, polymer people, and there is still so much more I want to make. For those of you who have never heard of polymer clay it is often referred to as bake-clay. It is called Sculpey Original, Sculpey II,  Sculpey III, Studio by Sculpey,  FIMO Classic,  FIMO Soft, PREMO, Pardo, Cernit, and KATO. They come in a variety of colors and so it makes it easy to get carried away. Poor Terry, My husband Terry is very supportive of my crafting adventures and he knows that the polymer adventure is just beginning

New Creations In The Making

Sorry that I haven't blogged in so long, I have been busy with new creations, I feel like I have come a long way from my first creations, my children as polymer clay and I progress further as I go. I have also been going through some rough patches but with God's help I can make it through. Well I am off to Joann fabrics, they have polymer clay 50% off. Awesome! Usually I stock up when I can. I am also in the process of creating a website so that also has taken a lot of my time up, so when I am satisfied with that I will have that up and running since I have so many questions on the prices of creations and what colors, etc. It is very helpful that if I run into a block my brother-in-law designs websites, too. Right now though I am trying to do it myself, kinda a sense of accomplishment for me. Well until next time, many blessings.

Long time no write.

Today is my hubby's 43rd birthday. He took the day off  but still had to get up early for a dentist appointment. He opened up his gifts which are a t-shirt Mickayla decorated, along with her card. He got five t-shirts and a 3-d poster of the Avenger's which Joshua picked out. The kids were so anxious for him to open his gifts it was like Christmas again. Well didn't spend much time creating but we did go on a cold cold water slide. Talk to ya later. More to come. Gonna do some crafting tonight while Terry goes to softball uless it finally warms up.

If At First You Don't Suceed, Dust Yourself Off And Try Again.

First off I would like to appologize. I failed at trying to stay consistent. There is alot happening in my life these days, not saying that is an excuse but I have had a lot going on. Have a new consumer who moved in Anna's old room and let's just say things have been quite different. I am trying to just get a decent night's sleep. As always the Murphy camping was a blast but my mother-in-law and father-in-law could not be there due to his knee surgery, they were missed. As well as Terry's sister Eileen and her eleven children, well nine now; one is in Spain and another moved out on her own and doesn't see us very often, so there would only have been nine of the eleven there. Still brainstorming ideas so when I make some new creations I will post some pictures. I still have to put my camera pics on the computer so then I will be able to post some pics then also. Well I will try to be better in the future.

The Early Post

Okay so I know I said I would be posting at 12 noon but today is gonna be busy so I gotta do it now. I have been up since 6am and I am trying to get a head start on creating. I love my job but lately I have been thinking of starting a business of my own selling my creations, THINKING not ACTING, yet anyway. I have began to tweak a website but have not yet published it due to my photo problems. I told ya before, I am not savvy when it comes to that sort of thing but my husband is so I'd ask him. No luck in house searching so Terry and I decided to just fix up our home now, Mickey is not happy but I think if we fix our's up she might like it better. My son Joshua wants to go to Walmart for a game so I will check out some more ideas while there, then maybe stop by Joann's to get a shadow box and start my sister's present. Busy, busy, busy. Terry's 43rd Birthday is on the 26th so I gotta find that hat on-line! He wants another Pink Floyd hat, my husband loves Pink Floyd and he just likes the music. Being 6 years younger I thought it was strange when we first began dating but it has grown on me, too.  Well onto crafting so I have some product and also some pics for all of you. Hope you have a wonderful day and find time to use your God-given talents in whatever you achieve.

Made these from polymer clay. There are hair pins, barrettes, earrings, and a ring. They can be made in any color. Please excuse the grainy photo, I really need to start using my camera more. These were taken with my phone. Let me know what you think. I will continue to create more items. Polymer clay is my new addiction. I love the different colors it comes in and have been using it quite often. Well sorry also for the late post but my teenage daughter is destined to have us move and would not give up the computer. 

Gonna Be Some Changes.

Sorry it has been so long, had a lot going on. I know that's no excuse. So I appologize. There are gonna be some changes to my blog. I am still gonna write on crafting but my posts will be as follows: Sunday-Friday I will have my posts up at 12 noon, except on Tuesdays where they will be up at 4pm, this is due to me being scheduled 10am-2pm on Tuesdays and rush hour traffic. So there you go. Everyday except Tuesdays my posts will be up at 12 noon and on Tuesdays they will be up at 4pm. Of course this excludes today but this will start tomorrow so you can look for that. This is because of consistency and I have found that I was not consistent on my blog and so I would just put it off and then kept putting it off. So I am working on being dependable. So that I can be there for you readers. I will try to have more pictures with better visability and more creations, too.

Thank You To All.

I would like to take this time to say Thanks to everyone who picked my new creations on the Pin It Monday Hop Pinterest Party at www.pursuitoffunctionalhome.com.
 It was so nice to hear from all of you. As requested I will be posting more creations I have made with polymer clay very soon. So thank you again all who picked me and also thank you all who commented on how much you loved the sets. More to come so stay tuned! 

In Memory of Wonderful Anna

Sorry it has been so long, but I have been dealing with the death of one of my clients, Anna, who past away June 4th, 2013 of  Stage Four Pancreatic Cancer, it took only 10 days from the day she was diagnosed to pass away, during that time myself as well as many others worked around the clock to monitor her pain level and make sure she was comfortable when she passed. She was only 63. I am still coping as Anna touched many lives including mine. In my line of work I have dealt with many sad times but this is the first death I have had to deal with since I worked as a NAR on the Alzheimer's, Dementia unit when I was in my early twenties. Now being 37 it still is hard. This has been a shock and tragedy to us all as it was such a short time. I still love what I do and even more since I have been able to witness the love and support of the company I work for. Everyone showed so much care and love to her in her last days and I just smile when I imagine her without pain or suffering and walking on the streets of Gold in heaven. Anna was a wonderful, caring person and I am just so blessed to have been able to have gotten the chance to know her and work with her. Anna you will be missed but I know I will see you again.

New Creations!

I made these cute necklaces in a variety of different colors and shapes.

Made from polymer clay and then adorned with bows  ( also made from polymer) and a chain, these are sure to be eye candy for every woman and teen. They are a HUGE hit in my neighborhood and my daughter has been taking in all sorts of orders and everyone has been asking where she and I got them. I told them they are from Lara Crafty Murphy.blogspot.com  then I handed them my business card. Here's the thing. These are so cute and light weight and they can be worn with just about anything. I can make them in a variety of different colors and some I have antiqued like the matching set below.

This I made and I loved the way they turned out. It will look excellent with my new dress I got for an evening out with my hubby.

 

 

Made with matching bracelet and some have rings as in the one below. Bright colors are the rave for summer so you're sure to draw attention in mint green.

 

This one comes with a necklace, a bracelet, and a ring in Ocean Blue.

This one also comes with a necklace, bracelet, and a ring in Bubble Gum Pink.

These are custom made to your preference and each comes with three or four accessories because we ladies like the whole shabang. They can be worn together or seperate, either way they are so cute and you're sure to be the envy of your gal pals.

 



Busy, Busy, Busy.

Sorry haven't written for awhile but with weddings and graduations coming up I am trying to stay on top of things but have not been able to keep up. I am also working longer work hours and cannot write all the time. I will try to keep up better and post new ideas. Until then many blessings.

Learning A New Craft.

This weekend my 7 year old Joshua saw a picture of polymer creations. The lady had made some bow rings and mustache bling and he showed it to me. He looked at me with his baby blues and said, " Mom, I know you can do it! Think how happy Mickayla will be if you could make those." Joshua is so sweet and he is always thinking of his older sister, how could I say no. So he and I watched some YouTube tutorials and the next day I bought some polymer clay. I have been making charms left and right and now am working on some key chain charms.Below are some creations of my children. Mickayla, my 14 year old, then Joshua who is 7 holding a Wii remote, and then Jonah who is 14 1/2 months with his diaper and sippy cup. I think they are good for my first try, ha ha. More to come. Many blessings until then.

Crafting Gives Freedom

OK,  so I have to tell ya I am a newbie to this blogging thing. I have tried a lot of things to perk up my blog and I will probably be trying out more in the future. I started this blog because I wanted to share ideas about crafting that I have picked up along the way and teach new crafts. I am myself self-taught and usually what happens is I see something that sparks an interest and I just try it.Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't but that's life. You learn by making mistakes. I love doing crafts. There's just a sense of freedom even when there is chaos around you. It calms me, it keeps me sane. I have a sense of belonging. Crafting also helps me to feel better about myself; accomplishment. The best thing about crafting is that there is no right or wrong way to create, it's like your the artist and the inspiration around you is your palette. Anyone can create beauty. I like to look at the past for inspiration, I love vintage. There's just something about that era. Something romantic, something innocent and pure. I am going to try more vintage crafts. My plans are to do Melissa's, my niece, wedding shadow box, also been asked to do another shadow box for my boss Veniesha, and I still have to make pillows for our new bedding. I also want to make a large supply of cards, exploding purse cards, boxes, and more so that if I ever go to a craft fair I am prepared; however, that will have to wait for now. June 29th isn't far off and I need to have that gift done as well as a card. I will start that tomorrow. Then I will do Veniesha's next. I will take really good pictures to show the final result. Until then, many blessings to you all.

My Greatest Creations

Kayla's hero, my  handsome husband Terry

Kayla, Joshua, and Jonah

My greatest creations are my children, actually our creations. My oldest is Mickayla, Kayla for short. She is 14 going on 20, ha ha. She is the exact opposite of me. I am classy and crafty and she is relaxed and laid back. We are total opposites. She loves music and I love crafting. My motto is,' why buy it when I can make it?', her's is, 'why make it when I can buy it?' Eventhough she is a typical teenager she still has heart. 

Joshua with his little buddy Jonah.

Then there's Joshua. He is 7 years old and the sweetest kid you could ever meet. He has a love for everyone that he meets and goes out of his way for everyone. He is a great big brother to Jonah and very honest. He tells on himself even if it means he will be punished. Joshua is very supportive of everything I do, he likes when I make things for him especially.

Last but not ever least is Jonah. Although he is only 14 mos. He is full of energy and smiles. I bet his smile could light up the room. He is walking and talking and full of curiosity. Sometimes it is hard to craft around him because he is into everything as a toddler often is. 

Button Bracelet and Matching Ring.

Take card stock and apply Modpodge to protect the picture and this will also make it flexible to work with.

When the card stock is to your liking then cut a strip wide enough to fit around your bracelet and begin decoupaging the paper onto the bracelet.

To decoupage you just add the Modpodge to the bracelet surface then add the paper and a generous amount of Modpodge and using your fingers dip in water and gently smooth out bubbles.

Next add the buttons using the Quick Grip glue to bracelet top.

Add ribbon to inner side of bracelet then smooth out and let dry.

Matching Ring

1 ring bling

1 button

1 tube Quick Grip or quick drying glue adhesive.

Take button and apply Quick Grip glue to back then place onto ring bling. Wait til dry and voila!

Now you have a matching bracelet and ring set. Unique as the person who is wearing it.

Bedroom Finished, Onto Next Project!

Well we finished our bedroom, well I still need to shop for new bedding but the room is done, new flooring, painted, and the vanity and sink are in. Now it is on to the next project or shall I say projects. My niece is getting married June 29th so I must go to work on her gift which I am making. Don't get me wrong I could buy a gift and there is nothing wrong with buying gifts, but I am  Lara Crafty Murphy for a reason. If I didn't make her a gift she would think I was mad at her since my thing is to make gifts. Below is a gift I made in celebration of my mother LaVera. I also made two cards, one for my mom and one for a co-worker's mom. I will be doing a tutorial on this later this week so stay tuned. Remember to also visit my pal Judy at pursuitoffunctionalhome.com for her latest tips and ideas. She is wonderful! Again, Happy Mother's Day to all you Mother's and May God Bless.

Matching ring makes a set complete.

Crafter's Companion Frou Frou Mother's Day Card



 

Crafter's Companion Frou Frou Mother's Day Card

Bedroom Project

The reason I haven't written for a while is that I my husband and I are re-decorating our bedroom. So far we painted it; my daughter Mickayla did most of the painting due to my work schedule, then we put in a new toilet and bathroom tile, and now we just finished laying down the hard wood flooring. So exciting! Tomorrow we are going to go to Menard's and look at a sink and vanity, yay! I plan on making my own pillows using the new Crafter's Companion Frou Frou cd-rom I got in the mail and following a tutorial I saw on the site, also plan on decorating the bedding and accessories. I will be done soon and then will be posting more crafts and ideas. Until there Many blessings to you all.

3 Projects For Mother's Day




Beautiful and Elegant Padded Cigar Box Purse I Made



 

Exploding box for Mom.


 Every year for Mother's Day I go out of my way for the two important Ladies in my life, my Mother Vera and Mother-In-Law Marge. This year is no different then any other. It gets harder each year since my husband and I come from huge families; I from 10 kids and he from 12 kids so I am always coming up with new ideas. These are just a few I have done. 

 

Exploding Purse card open.

I hope that you find these inspiring and surprisingly they were not that hard to make. If you would like to learn how just comment and I can do a tutorial.  These can't be bought in any store and the element of surprise is definitely worth it! Till next time, Many blessings to you all.





 









Crafting Away.

 

My niece loves fairies so this is a card I made using Crafter's Companion's Flower Fairy  Range.



I have a lot of new creations on the brain. Sometimes it is hard to keep up. I will be posting them soon since I have just received my shipment from Crafter's Companion and boy am I amazed!

 In case you haven't heard of them, they are a company out of the UK and also in the US. You can check them out for yourself at www.crafterscompanion.co.uk and www.crafterscompanion.com for the US site.

If you love crafting as much as I do I highly recommend their products, you will not be disappointed. They have a large supply for all your paper crafting needs and now they even have beading!

I am making some creations using their products and will be posting pictures on my blog. Until then many blessings to you all!



My niece loves Tinker Bell so I made her this wrap around bracelet/ necklace and added some trinkets.

Her Tiner Bell shoes that I made for her.

Matching Tinker Bell purse made to match.

8 Steps To A Memorable Gift

Here are the items needed for this tutorial. You will need a shadow box of your choice of size, I used a 8 by 10 for mine.

You will need your photos and your selection of background, since this is a Rome theme I have chosen the St. Peter's Basilica because it is a well known Rome attraction.

The card stock I used is called European Travel and it can be found at Michael's craft store. 

I also bought Rome themed 3d embellishments which were $3.99 at Michael's.





Take your shadow box and take off the backing. My shadow box came with Velcro on the back, this came easy when it was time to add my background all I did was add the Velcro to the card stock and I was able to move it into place. Cut your card stock or background down so that it will fit into the shadow box.



 

If you'd like you can add 3d tabs to your background for a 3d effect as seen in the picture here. Notice how the St.Peter's Basilica grabs your attention?I also did this to the angel statue.
 


To add a 3d effect it is quite simple, just cut out your picture and add the 3d tabs.

 I used two pieces of the same card stock and just cut out the St.Peter's Basilica and the angel statue then added 3d tabs to make them stick out.

 I also did the same with the added photos and Rome embellishment. You can also add extra embellishments to the outside as I did here.

 
For an antiqued look you can also burn the edges of the paper, BE CAREFUL NOT TO LET THE FIRE GO TOO LONG OR YOUR PROJECT WILL GO UP IN SMOKE!!!!  Make sure you have supervision if you are not old enough.

When In Rome 2

  

I finished the Rome themed shadow box my co worker wanted me to make for her Mother's Day gift. It was so much fun doing it!






Below is the Colosseum themed easel card she asked me to make to match.

Colosseum themed easel card laying flat.

Colosseum themed easel card standing up.

  

  

When In Rome

Today I picked up my materials to make my co worker's Mother's Day gift. It is a Rome themed memory box. I went to Michael's craft store. She asked me to make a Rome themed shadow box and matching card. I will be posting the tutorial very soon so make sure to check back. Ciao!

  

  

Still Crafting Strong

I just got back from a wedding shower lastnight and they loved the card box, yay! I feel like I had been abandoning my blog and so thought I should write. Today I am going to go to the craft store and get the materials I need for a Wedding shadow box. I now know that the wedding colors are lime green and blue so I will need to incorporate that into my ideas. I will be posting some Mother's Day gift ideas as well and for those of you who would like to know how I make my creations, please comment below and I will do a tutorial on the creations you chose. I will begin by saying that I have a walker now! Jonah is walking and I am a proud mama. I will post more.

Crafty Is My Middlename

 

My wonderful husband Terry and Kayla




My greatest creations are my kids





Hello, and welcome to my blog. My name is Lara and I am  happily married and a mother of three. My husband Terry and children Kayla, Josh, and Jonah are my inspiration. I love making crafts and creations and I have been asked how I make my creations so I decided to post a blog.

Well how I got started in crafting was with decoupaging keepsake plates for family members then I slowly added new ideas and trades over the years. I truly believe that there is a God given talent in each of us that is trying to shine through and  I would like to share some craft creations and how-to tutorials as well as anything crafty that I have picked up or tried. I hope you find inspiration to create beauty and that your God given talents shine into the lives of the people you touch. I make creations God has gifted me in making and if there is anything that you would like to learn how to do I would be happy to help.

 Why the name? One of my passions is working with people with various disabilities and one of the individuals gave me this name last Tuesday,  March 19th, 2013 and it just stuck with me cause it totally describes me. At my work I am known for my crafts. I am asked to make various crafts for my co-workers and my individuals as well as their family. Every year I spend my time making corsages and boutonnieres for their home coming/prom dance. This event is a HUGE deal and they get all glitz and glamoured up. My corsages and boutonnieres are just a small part that goes into carrying out this night full of memories and I am delighted to be a part of it! I also have been asked to make diaper cakes and other keepsakes for co-workers who are expecting that little bundle of joy, getting married, or going through a tough time in life.

 I LOVE crafting. It is one of the things I do to keep sanity in this world we live in with all the changes. It is something I am passionate about and I would love to use my gifts and talents that God gave me rather than to keep them to myself.