I love you because…

A few months ago, I decided to find out what all the fuss over Pinerest was about. I resisted for a long time, not because I had any idea what it was, but because I’m aware that I do not always spend my time wisely. Back in 2005, I discovered that there were these blogs out there all about sewing, crafting, and photography. I think I spent an entire summer reading articles about those things instead of doing any sewing, crafting, or photography of my own. Whoops!

I get inspired by color, design, textures, form– I love looking at pretty spaces and further refining my style. Pinning photos via Pinterest has been a fun way to collect ideas for the future, as well as get inspired for different photography related projects. (And I haven’t gotten sucked in to the detriment of my family… yet!)

I recently saw a project where someone had framed a piece of paper that said “I love you because ________.” The idea is that you can write on the line with a dry erase marker and then easily erase and write another message.

This appealed to me for a couple of reasons– 1) I live with someone that I love a whole bunch, but I’m not great about leaving him notes or sending him texts to tell him, 2) I love being crafty and making things, and 3) I love dry erase markers!!

I decided to make one for me and Michael. I wasn’t sure if he was going to play along, but he’s usually pretty supportive of my craftiness, so I thought I would give it a shot. And let me just tell you that I have LOVED having this hanging in my kitchen! Walking in and seeing a message that he’s written for me just makes my day. Sometimes I even take a photo of his note before erasing it– just so I can go back and read it again!

This Christmas, I made a few of these to give as gifts– I figured why not spread the love, ya know? Once I created the design in Photoshop, it was pretty easy to change the color and print them on photo paper. I did end up wearing gloves as I assembled the frames… I have some fingerprint-phobic friends (you know who you are!) Then I wrapped them in brown paper, used some jute string, and made some fun bows out of old text book pages. It was a crafty girl’s dream!

Want your very own “I love you because ______” frame?? You are in luck! I’m including a link to my design– feel free to print it off, frame it, and hang it in your own kitchen. Just be prepared for lots of lovey, heart-warming feelings to overcome you as you walk in to pour a glass of milk and you are reminded how much you are loved!