Watermelon Microwave S'mores

Watermelon just says summer to me and s'mores are one of my favorites too. So, combining them into one adorable treat, awesome! Whip up a batch of these easy microwave s'mores with your kids. It's a fun way to spend time together in the kitchen.

Earlier this month I got to participate in Summer Camp 2016 over on Design Dazzle. I shared these fun summer microwave s'mores, but, just in case you missed them over there:)

Summer Watercolor Printables

Simple seasonal prints add a quick and easy update to shelves or mantel decor. I shared my newest watercolor-inspired printables as a part of the Celebrate Summer series on Today's Creative Life earlier this summer. If you haven't had a chance to stop over and get your copy, I'm sharing them here today.

If you've been here before, you've probably noticed I love to craft, but most days I'm a photographer at heart. I'm happiest when I find ways to blend the two pastimes:)

Today I'm sharing a two summer watercolor-style printables with you that I created by editing a couple of my own photos from years past. One of the things I love most about digital photography is the freedom and tools to create a new image I can use in decorating or crafting that might look or feel completely different from the original photo, but is still my own vision.

Beach Party Microwave S'mores

S'mores are one of my favorite summer treats and when I can turn them into something this adorable, well, enough said. Gather the kids and make a batch of these gooey beach party microwave s’mores today. (You might even want to start planning a pool or beach party to show them off.)

I first shared these Beach Party S’mores Treats last month over on Landeelu. They'll be a sweet addition to your next beach (or pool) party, and there’s no bonfire required. Add some Frosted Flip-Flops Cookie Treats and some Sunny Summer Slush for a perfect pool party treat line-up. And the kids will love helping put it all together!

Frosted Flip-Flops Cookie Treats

Today I'm sharing a fun food idea that is perfect for a summer-themed kids' party. Make these frosted flip-flop cookies ahead of time or spread out the supplies and let the kids decorate their own. Either way, the results are adorable!

Several years ago my daughter hosted a summer team event at our home. At the time, we had seen a photo of some flip-flop cookies somewhere and decided to try our hand at our own version. Paired with some colorful fruit punch and bright straws she picked out at the grocery store, the flip-flop cookies were a hit and looked great too! For more of my fun party treat ideas, read 11+ Adorable S'mores & Holiday Treats.

DIY Stamped Condiment Spoons

Add an easy custom touch to your next summer BBQ, Taco Night, or Sundae Bar with this easy metal stamping project.

Custom-Stamped Condiment Spoons are a fun way to add a personal touch to your summer buffets. Last summer, we served hot dogs and lots of toppings over the 4th of July. With Memorial Day coming up, I thought I'd break this project out again! Grab some metal stamps and some inexpensive stainless steal teaspoons and make a set of your own for summer entertaining. So easy!!

Tips for Adding Text to Your Favorite Photos

Whether you're adding text to photos to boost your social media presence, creating inspirational wall art, or enhancing the stories in your family memory albums...these simple tips for adding text to your photos are sure to come in handy. (I've even included a couple free photos for you to download and practice!)

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If I'm working on my computer, Photoshop CC (part of the Adobe CC Photography Plan) and Photoshop Elements are still my go-to programs for editing and embellishing photos. That being said, with my iPhone almost always in reach and a love of Instagram, I find myself using apps on my phone for more and more of my workflow. Today I'm pointing out a few of my favorite apps for editing and embellishing photos. Snapseed is probably my favorite app for adjusting and editing photos on the go. I have to credit Chari over at Persnickety Prints for getting me hooked on that one. I really like the flexibility of working with layers, and once she pointed out the selective adjust tool, there was no going back! When I've got the look I want, I save to my camera roll and pull the photo into another app if I'm adding text. There are lots of great editing apps out there. My advice, try a few until you find one that works for you:)

Make It: Stamped and Beaded Garden Markers

Do you have a vegetable garden or know someone who does? It's on my very long list of things to do/try, but my sister has a beautiful garden and she's been hoping for some new plant markers for a while now:)

Stamped & Beaded Plant Marker Tutorial

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Supplies Needed for Your DIY Plant Markers

• 10" Zinc Garden Markers (or I found some at our local Bachman's garden center)
• 18-gauge wire (or thickness to fit your beads)
• Assorted glass seed beads (size 6/0 "E")
• Decorative Silver-toned beads (Butterfly and Dragonfly found at my local Michaels)
• Metal Alphabet Stamps (I used 1/4" stamps for the markers in the photo.)
• Hammer, small pliers/wire cutter, pencil, tape, and ruler.
• Acrylic sealer - optional

Make It: Color-Wrapped Mystery Braid Bracelet

Hello! Do any of you like to pack up a project or two when you travel? Or maybe you're looking for a few new projects to do at home while the kids are off school? With it being spring break season, I thought I'd pull out this fun bracelet idea that I first shared last summer on i heart naptime.

Many of you have probably made or received woven friendship bracelets. And, some of you have probably seen the mystery braid bracelets too! When I had my supplies pulled out one day last summer, I started wondering about making the Mystery Braid bracelet more colorful in some way. After a couple of false starts and a knotting lesson from my sister, I came up with this fun version.

What You Need:

Mystery Braid Bracelet kit (I found mine at Michael's)

Cotton Embroidery Floss (3 skeins in colors of your choice)

You'll also want a scissors and tapestry needle on hand for ending off each thread color.

Sunny Summer Slush

If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that this Sunny Summer Slush is one of my favorites. When we were growing up, my mom would make this yummy frozen treat for us on some of the hottest summer days. I made up a batch for my family just this week. Gather up your ingredients and pop a batch in the freezer so you're ready for the next heat wave!

Just Bloom: A Daisy of a Post & Free Photo Download

Recently I visited my sister's wildflower garden, camera in hand. It was a great place to practice with camera settings and composition. Read on for some tips and a link to summery printable wall art.

The daisies have taken over a bit, as you can see, but I think they made for some striking shots. I thought I'd share some of our favorites here.

Flowers in the garden provide countless opportunities for exploring composition. And, since flowers don't look away, frown, or need snack breaks, there's time to try out new or varied camera settings too!

Did you see how this shot changed? Similar composition and perspective, but the depth of field is much shallower. I like the painterly quality that the background took on.

Summer Colors Mason Jar Charms

Learn how to make a simple set of drink charms to fit your mason jars using simple supplies.

Supplies Needed to Make Mason Jar Drink Charms

• Large hair elastics
• Jump rings (I used 9mm)
• Assorted bubble charms
• Printed images to fit charms

For my charms, I used the Epiphany Crafts Shape Studio (Square 25) and the square two-sided charms. 

The EC Shape Studio comes in several shapes or I've seen other charms with press-in epoxy bubbles. Check the jewelry-making supplies aisle of your local craft store. (For an even easier and cheaper alternative, see the end of this post.)

Select an image for your charms and print to fit. I used my colorful daisy photos, but any favorite image or set of images will work. The square charms are two-sided so I created coordinating monogram squares for the reverse. 

After gluing the images to the charms, I attached the charms to matching hairbinders using 9mm jump rings. (Tip: Twist rather than pull the jump rings open and shut.)

Looking for a quicker alternative? Or perhaps you have a set of printable tags you'd like to use at your next event? Try this: attach paperclips to hairbinders using jump rings. 

Add your own tag to personalize or provide blank tags and a pen for guests to label their glass.

Enjoy! I'd love to see what you create. If you share on Instagram, tag me (@laurakingsburyjones) or use #leftonpeninsularoad so I'll see them!

Thanks for stopping by today!

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