Artsy Chaos

We recently received this photo from Deanna who won the Camp Smartypants giveaway during the April Artsy Chaos Close to Home Camping and Nature Art Event.  Congrats again to Deanna for participating and we're thrilled that she loves her prizes from Camp Smartypants!! And since summer is in full swing, now is the time to revisit Rachel Beyer's tutorial on how to make a sit-upon cushion for all your outdoor and camping fun.  Rachel's blog is also full of fun ideas and crafting.  A great resource, check it out!!

As a former Girl Scout, I have lots of fun camp memories. I remember learning to tie knots, set up camp and to cook over the campfire. An essential Girl Scout tradition is making a sit-upon. A sit-upon is a homemade waterproof cushion. They are easy to make and I remember using them every time we did any activity while sitting on the bare ground, which most often was damp or scattered with uncomfortable sticks and pebbles. A sit-upon is great for sitting around the campfire, your backyard, or even a sporting event.  There are lots of ways to make a sit-upon. When I was a Brownie Girl Scout, we made ours from old vinyl tablecloths and foam. But in a pinch, you can use a plastic garbage bag and a stack of old newspapers for padding. To revisit this simple craft project, I decided to use a roll of vintage vinyl wallpaper I found at a thrift store and some foam I bought at my local craft store. Essential Supplies: Waterproof Material (vinyl tablecloth, or other store-bought viny...

Bright Colors?  CHECK!! Fun Designs?  CHECK!! Sense of Adventure?  CHECK CHECK CHECK!! Who remembers summer camp as a carefree time of friends, crafts, sunshine, and endless hours dreaming about your cute new 'crush'?  Well, I certainly do! It was such a happy, free time in life. Rachel at Camp Smartypants overwhelmingly brings back this feeling with her designs.  The first time I clicked into her Etsy shop it was like *BAM!* and I had to explore.   Camp Smartypants sells handmade women's clothing and accessories that anyone with a sense of spirit would be proud to wear and feel happy in the process.  We love the different pins and buttons that you can add not just to your lapel but to a backpack, bag, bandana, hair accessory and so much more.   Rachel crafts from her home in Oregon where she is inspired by summer camp adventures.  She learned early in life about crafting from her mother, grandmother and in girl scouts....