Momma birdie necklaces

 This weekend, Ann Voskamp posted about how

Joy nests in the encircling Grace of God.

What a beautiful way to think of joy and God's sweet gift of Grace.
...such inspiring words...

Ann also added a link to a tutorial for making these sweet nest necklaces:

Thank you, Sarah Ortega!

I have always wanted one of these nest necklaces.
Inspired by Ann and by Sarah's easy directions... I had to make one myself!

I bought two kinds of silver wire and two kinds of beads

and got to work.

I really enjoyed myself making these necklaces.
It was so much more fun than cleaning the house!

If you have read Ann Voskamp's book "One Thousand Gifts,"

do head over to read her recent post on what she was able to give as a result of her profits.

The story of Pastor Saul will fill your heart.

♥
I hope you have been having a wonderful week..
Here in the northeast, we've been spoiled with our weather...
I think that will change as we enter into the weekend,

but ohhhh

I am so grateful for this easing into winter!

Make some snow of your own!

One of my students taught me how to make these pretty paper snowflakes.

We made giant ones using 8 x 8" squares.

Here's how you make them!

To make a paper star or snowflake

step 1:  Get ready.
You will need six sheets of paper, scissors, tape {stapler optional}

step 2:  Cut.
Fold paper to make a perfect square and cut off excess.

step 3:  Fold again to make a smaller triangle.

step 4:  Open triangle and make 5 - 6 cuts toward the center fold.
Do not go all the way to the fold; leave 1/4 inch uncut.

step 5:  Do the same on the other side.
{If you feel brave, you can make easier symetrical cuts by keeping the paper folded}

step 6:  Open the paper completely to reveal all the cuts.

Step 7:  Start taping.
Gather the centermost diamond and tape the points together

Step 8:  Flip the paper over and tape the next diamond together.

Step 9:  Flip again and tape the next diamond.

Step 10. Continue this until finished.

Step 11: Make 5 more...and gather all 6 parts and staple or tape them together.

Step 12: Roll a little tape {or staple} the sides together.

Here are a couple of YouTube links that will walk you through it.

They are so much fun to make!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gr23zSj9ro
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gr23zSj9ro

Hang up your starry snowflakes from windows all around the house! 

Wouldn't they be great to hang in a room decorated for a winter birthday party!?!!