Love in the Form of Art.

So, I like to do massive creative art projects that take up the whole kitchen table/living room floor/where ever I decide to begin working...
I always make things for my husband Ryan. 
He, however, consistently reminds me that "Your art projects are more for YOU than for ME..." 

And, he is right. 

I so look forward to Christmas, his birthday and our wedding anniversary just so that I can concoct something new and exciting.

I have yet to blog about any of these fine works of art, so here they are... for your viewing & copying pleasure.

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

Shortly after we started "officially" dating, I knew we were going to get married. Our relationship was very on/off and dragged out so long that once he asked me to be his girlfriend for reals this time, I knew it was inevitable. That's when the art projects began.

I got this idea from a roommate whose boyfriend made her a "message in a bottle" using scrap paper and a mason jar to write her love notes while she was gone all summer. I loved the idea, but went a little more formal with it.

I bought lots of different types of scrapbook paper and cut them into small strips. Each day, I wrote a little note about activities we were involved in, memorable dates, future plans, and overall my feelings for Ryan. I kept these papers with me all the time - at school, work, etc. so that I would always follow through. I compiled them all in a jar I bought at Hobby Lobby, that I then decorated.

Over the course of 8 months, I added in wrist bands from ice skating on one of our favorite dates, movie ticket stubs, and anything else memorable. When he finally asked me to marry him, I gave him the jar as an engagement present? That's not really normal, I know. But he loved it. We stayed up all night reading the papers and laughing until we couldn't breathe at funny memories, quotes and inside jokes. It is such a precious thing to us now. And how fun will it be for our kids to read someday?
                                                       
                                              52 REASONS I LOVE YOU

I got this idea from a friend who sent me a picture of some playing cards with the title on the front "52 Reasons I Love You." I have seen it done where people typed out the reasons and glued them to the cards. That seemed kinda boring, so I did it this way...

ANNIVERSARY YEAR BOOK 

This one was not a messy project. I did the whole thing on Walmart.com. Sounds kinda trashy, but they have a great selection of book styles and options. Most importantly, great prices. 

Throughout the first year of marriage, I kept notes in my phone of funny things Ryan would say. He is one of the funniest people I know. I compiled the most memorable quotes or comments and typed them into the book next to pictures that related in some way or another. I documented little things in our daily lives, holidays, where we lived during that year, vacations we took, new additions to the family, etc. 

I surprised him with it on our anniversary and we again laughed so hard we cried reading all of the quotes and reliving the memories. It will be a keepsake and a tradition for years to come. I plan on making an anniversary year book every year from now on. 

The next one I can't blog about yet because it's currently wrapped under the Christmas tree. I am really really really tempted to unwrap it and take pictures of it so I can share it with all of you, but I will wait a few more weeks! 
Plus, I wouldn't want Ryan to find out about it. Since, ya know, he reads my blogs all the time... right. 

Anyway,  
I hope this motivates whoever is reading this to do fun art projects for your family. 
It really is rewarding! 

- K. H.