How to Make a Cover Photo for Facebook Timeline

With Facebook converting all pages to Timeline this weekend, I thought it was time that I make a cover photo for my page and take the plunge.  It was so incredibly simple that I figured I'd share it with blogland, just in case anyone was having trouble.

This is my way of doing the timeline, and really is quite simple.  I am not a computer genius or even a techy person, just a blogger who tries to DIY some computer things to save a few bucks.  Please forgive me if I don't use the correct terminology or state the obvious.

On that note, I did figure out how to do a screenshot but still haven't mastered writing on the screenshots to give clearer instructions.  Maybe one day I will learn how to do that and update the photos, but for now, you'll have to read my words and connect it to the photos.  Sorry!

Here we go!

You will need to download Picasa Photo Software.  This is a free program from Google, and it's my favorite photo editing tool.  It's not the most user friendly one I've ever seen, but it's manageable and free.  There was a recent update that now offers a lot more features for editing, but I haven't explored all of those yet.

Once you have the software, select twelve or so of your favorite pictures from your blog.  I chose to use the photos from my most popular posts, in hopes that people will come to my Facebook page and realize, "Oh yeah!  She's the girl that did that cool thing I saw on (insert popular website here)."  You can use any photos you want; this was just my simple marketing strategy.

So, get your twelve pics and put them in a folder.

Open Picasa.  Allow it to search your computer for photos, and when it finishes, find the folder with the twelve pics you selected.

Click "Create" on the top menu bar, and then click "Picture Collage".

On the left menu, select "Picture Pile" and change the settings to No Border (photo on far left) and Solid Color.  It will literally throw all of your selected photos into a big pile.

Then start adjusting the size and angle of your photos with the circle tool.  You will need to click on the photo, then when the circle pops up, zoom in or out to adjust size, and move the hand on the right to adjust the angle.  Click and drag the photo to the right spot.

Once all your photos are aligned the way you choose, click Create Collage.  This takes a few minutes for your computer to do.

When your collage is created, add some text or other effects to it.  Click apply.

Then, crop your photo.  This makes it easier to position when you upload to Facebook.  Click crop, then manual, then highlight the area you wish to crop in your photo.  Click apply.

Click Export (at the bottom) to save your photo to a file on your computer.

Go to your Facebook page and click "select cover photo" or "update cover photo".  Upload your pic and wow all your friends!  While you're at it, be sure to like my page, too!

Please let me know if you have any questions- I do not claim to be an expert in this, but wanted to post this to help any other bloggers out there.  Hope it all makes sense!

Favorite Things Friday

It's Friday again!

1.  My friend Esther is doing this Salad in a Jar experiement and it's really amazing how long this salad stays fresh.  I'm thinking of trying this once my vacation is over!

2.  Hancock Fabrics Clean Sweep Sale.  Now through April 1, you can save 30% on fabrics from Hancock.  This is a great way to stock up if your stash is low!

I can't believe the number of fabrics that are on sale less than $5/yard!  These dragonflies, ballerina shoes, and school buses are gorgeous!!

In addition, use coupon code ETZNU for an additional 20% off your order!

3.  Sermons by David Platt.  Hubby and I listened to these on our drive up to Alabama and were blown away. Listen and enjoy, or rather, listen and be convicted.  (I love all his sermons, but particularly recommend the ones on Materialism, found at the link above - preached October 2011.)

Share your favorites below!

Vacation Projects

I failed to announce my vacation here on blogland, but the hubby, kids and I are taking the week off and visiting family in the Heart of Dixie.  Although I don't have any actual blog posts scheduled, I thought I'd share what I've been doing the past few days.

We drove up early (way too early - 3 AM) on Monday morning.  Before we even got to the interstate, my 4 year old was asking if we were still in Florida!  Once the sun came up, I used my Knifty Knitter and completed a few rows in my daughter's hat.  Then, we took a new route through south Georgia and I stopped to admire the cows and horses.  It was great entertainment for the kids, too, and my 4 year old swears he saw a gorilla!  We finally arrived mid-day on Monday and spend the rest of the day relaxing, napping, and letting the kids get their energy out.

Tuesday I went to visit my Granny who is a seamstress extraordinaire and I begged her to fix my serger.  You see, it was given to me years ago and I put it on a shelf in the closet.  By the time I wanted to use it, the stitching was skipping and the needle was bent!  I tried fixing it on my own, but needed the help of someone older and wiser.... my Granny.  It was a sad moment in my vacation when she said, "I think it needs to be serviced."  Ugh.  I had spent hours working on it, thinking just one more adjustment or re-threading could make it work.  She looked at it for five minutes and knew it needed more help.  Oh, the wisdom that comes with years!  Nonetheless, my kids enjoyed visiting her and egg hunting in her backyard.

On Wednesday we visited with Grandma (seamstress extraordinaire #2) at the gardens and took Easter pics of the kids.  I bribed them to take good photos with a lunch and carousel ride at the mall afterwards.... and it worked!  I was so pleased with these pics that I can share with the grandparents.

After the mall, I went to Grandma's house and she de-cluttered her sewing room into my car.... of which I am most grateful.  I was more than happy to help her with a stash of zippers, velcro, fabric and trim.

Today has been a "stay at home" day, except for one quick trip out for some Claritin (for my allergy-prone husband) and a spool of lavender thread.  My mom helped me decorate a "trial" Dora cake for my daughter, and it turned out quite well.  Cake decorating is not my thing, so I have lots to learn.

This pendant bunting is going to be used at the Dora Birthday Party I am planning for my almost-three-year-old, and then later in her big-girl room.  I'm alternating the colors, so this photo is of the early stages of the project, but I'll be sure to post photos of the bunting soon.  It was incredibly easy!

Tomorrow holds a visit to a craft fair (how ironic that the one week I come to my hometown is the weekend of the craft fair?!?!?) and perhaps a few yard sales, lunch with a friend, dinner with family and more sewing, I'm sure.

A few projects I'd like to finish before this vacation is over:

• Sweater pillows for my sister
• Trial of an apron patter (making these in bulk for a friend this summer)
• Finish the edges of table toppers for a friend
• Fabric flowers for Dora party

What kind of projects do you plan for vacation?  Or do you get away from projects alltogether?  

I'll be back tomorrow for Favorite Things Friday!

Favorite Things Friday

TGIF!

Here's my faves from the past week:

1.  Boutique For A Week.  I can't say enough about this sale.  I know many of you are outside of the Central Florida region, but if you are anywhere near here, please take time to go to this amazing event.  It's a children's consignment sale that happens twice a year.  I shop there, sell there, volunteer there.  I just love everything about the experience.  Read my original review of this sale here and here.

2.  Pinterest Challenge Blog.  Thanks to all of you who voted for my Sewing Room Makeover on the Pinterest Challenge Blog.  I won!  Yeah!  I'll share my goodies once they arrive in the mail.  

3.  Microfiber Slipper Genie.  If you missed this post, you'll want to know why my new favorite shoes look like a mop.  I can't believe how amazing my floors look!

What are your favorite things from this past week?

The Secret to Clean Floors

Last week, I posted a cry for help and had pretty much given up hope of having clean floors.  Thanks to all your encouraging comments, I was able to muster up the strength to try one more time to clean my floors..... and it worked!

So today, I'm here to tell you how I cleaned my floors.  This may or may not work for you.  I can't promise that it will fix your floor cleaning problem, but I can share how I clean my floors and hope you can glean some wisdom from this information.

A little background:  I have laminate floors that look like hardwood.  They are single plank, with grooves between each plank.  They have a very high shine finish.  They are also approximately 18 months old.

I shared here how frustrated I was with the constant footprints, dirt, smudges and general dullness of the floors, and I begged for help.  You guys pitched in your tips and I am so grateful!

Ready to hear what worked for me?

First I vacuumed the floors really well.  I have a Dyson Vacuum that I LOVE!  It can clean anything, really!

Then, I cleaned the entire floors with my Shark Steam Mop.  I love how this mop uses water only, not harsh chemicals or fumes, to clean.

Next, I slipped on a pair of these Microfiber Cleaning Slippers and grabbed my Method Floor Cleaner.  This is the step that made all the difference, I'm confident!  Sure, the floors were clean after the vacuum and the shark mop, but they didn't shine and sparkle.

 

From everything I read, I concluded that the best option was to clean the floors with the vacuum/steam mop method and then use a cloth to dry the floors.  Most websites suggested drying with a cloth on my hands and  knees!  Now, I love a clean home, but I am not Cinderella and I do not have the time or energy to get on my hands and knees to dry the floors.  Forgive me if that's a little rude, but I do not have any desire to spend my days on the floor cleaning!

Enter my new best friend- Microfiber Slippers.  These things are amazing!  After my floors were clean and free of dirt and dust, I simply squirted the Method Floor Cleaner and "danced" all over my floors with my new shoes!  I can't tell you how easy (and fun!) this was!  I couldn't believe I was getting in exercise and cleaning at the same time!  My husband came inside and laughed, of course, but even 24 hours later, he still thinks our floors look amazing.  

Anyone else tried these slippers?  How do you use them to clean your home?

Pick Your Plum- Bobby Pins Today Only!

I just ordered two sets of these gorgeous bobby pins!  I mentioned before that I have quite the obsession with bobby pins, and when they are decorative like this, well, I just can't resist.

Today only, Pick Your Plum has these three varities of bobby pins for only $1.99 per set of six.  Shipping is low and is the same price no matter how many you order.

I have personally ordered from Pick Your Plum numerous times and have always been pleased with their fast shipping, product quality and extraordinary value.  If you love bobby pins like I do (or know someone who does), don't miss out on this deal.  It's only for today.

Photo credit:  Pick Your Plum

Snap-On Hanging Dishtowels- Easter Version

Last December, I made a good handful of Hanging Dishtowels for A Handmade Holiday Open House.  I was shocked when they didn't sell.  Not even one.

Then, I was even more shocked when I listed them in my Etsy shop and they sold out (except for a few remaining Christmas prints)!  I learned a good lesson:  different items will appeal to different crowds at different times.  Selling handmade is sometimes hard to predict, but learning as you go is so very important!

So, I've added another good handful of Hanging Dishtowels to my shop now.  Not only are they functional, but they are made to encourage you to celebrate the Resurrection this Easter.

This fabric contains words and phrases such as, "He is Risen", "Redeemer", "Prince of Peace", etc.  It's made with the prayer that even the simplest act of washing and drying your hands will remind you of Christ's sacrifice so you could have life.

Questions about that?  Click here, or email me (gabrielsgoodtidings AT gmail DOT com).

Snapshot Sunday

The Bobbin 

(we have a love-hate relationship)

Favorite Things Friday

Happy weekend, everyone!

I'm super late on posting this week's Favorite Things Friday, but I have a good excuse!  I've been wearing my RN hat all week, but not only at my job.... at home.  My husband got a bad infection and we've been fighting it all week.  Today it culminated with a blackout episode in the car (I was driving, not him!), a second doctor visit, and multiple prescriptions for antibiotics, including a shot I have to administer!  Now, I've given hundreds (maybe even thousands?) of shots to kids, but never to a family member, so this is new for me!

Nonetheless, my favorite things this week are my family!  I'm so grateful for medications that promote healing, for those who helped to keep my kids while I took care of my husband, for the nursing knowledge to know when things are "going south".  Most of all, I'm grateful that a day is coming when all sickness will be gone and I will meet my Great Physician face to face!

My brain is too mush to think about any other faves from this week, but I'd love to see all of yours!

No rules really, just some basic guidelines-

:: Link up anything that you've been working on this week.  It can be a recipe, craft project, devotion, kid friendly crafting, organization, really whatever you want to share!

:: I'd love for you to grab my button to share on your blog- It would make my day!  :)

:: Leave comments for others if you have time- we all love visitors and comments.

:: I reserve the right to remove any links that are inappropriate.

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Let's Party!

Egg Container Storage

There are times when storage and organization make perfect sense.  Other times I find uses for things in places I never imagined.

I've had a problem in our Master Bath for a while-- my small items such as earrings, bobby pins and bracelets were falling into little hands and disappearing!  I wanted something to corral these supplies, but I didn't just want a glass dish where they would all merge together.  That would defeat the purpose and it surely wouldn't stay organized!

I found this charming glass egg carton at Target last week and knew it would be my solution to this problem!  I love the red color, since that is the accent color in our newly remodeled master bath, and I love the shape and petite size of this piece.

It looks a little orange-y in this photo, but the color really is a perfect match!  I can put earrings in one egg section, bobby pins in another (when they're not on my magnetic strip, of course!), and anything else that needs a temporary home in the other egg sections.

How have you organized with "out of the box" items?

Similar Target Egg Crate available online here.

See our full Master Bath Remodel here.

See my bobby pin magnetic storage here.

Glass Etching for a Wedding Gift

Last week I had an incredible excuse to learn a new skill.  A friend from church is getting married soon, and I wanted to glass etch some dishes for her bridal shower.  I had seen this art in the craft blog world a couple of times, but had yet to try it.  It's very similar to the freezer paper stenciling I did about a year ago, but with etching cream instead of paint.

I borrowed a Cricut from a friend at work and boy, was that a lifesaver!  I used the Cricut to cut on contact paper and then stuck the contact paper to the dishes.

Once the paper was stuck to the dishes, I filled in the lettering with Armour Etching Cream.  I was a little paranoid while using this cream as I know it is very toxic and dangerous.  I etched most of these dishes after I got home from work at midnight, when I am most awake and alert.  (I manage a pediatric urgent care center that keeps me running and on my feet all night.  I'm exhausted when I get home, but full of adrenaline so it's the perfect time to work on projects like this!)

I wore gloves, made sure to keep the dishes near the stainless steel sink, and just be very, very attentive to this small yet powerful bottle at all times.

The steps to follow are really simple:

1.  Cut your design out of contact paper.  Use a Cricut, Silhouette, or Exacto Knife to do this.
2.  Stick it on the glass.
3.  Fill with Etching Cream, using necessary precautions so you don't end up in ICU!
4.  Wait 10 minutes.
5.  Scrape off cream (you can reuse it, so put it back in the bottle!).
6.  Repeat steps 3, 4 and 5.
7.  Rinse with cold water.
8.  Remove contact paper.
9.  Admire and enjoy!

The hardest part for me was waiting the ten minutes..... no surprise for Mrs. Impatient!

But, good things come to those who wait, right?

Mr & Mrs coffee mugs

A collection of two nesting pyrex dishes with the bride's new last name

This is a great way to take a basic wedding gift and add a touch of personal and handmade.

My brain is already thinking of other ways to use this skill:
:: Pick up glass dishes at thrift stores and etch a family name or word of encouragement.  Use this dish to deliver meals to a new mom, grieving family, or an ill friend.  Allow them to keep the dish as a gift.
::  Etch vases for a wedding, birthday, tea or shower.
::  Add a border to a mirror for a different look.

Anyone else ever used etching cream?  What other ideas do you have for this fantastic stuff?  Any suggestions on how to convince my husband to get my a Cricut?  :)

Snapshot Sunday

The Rotary Mat

Pick Your Plum Deal Today- Adorable Boy Ties!

You guys know that it's rare to find adorable things for boys in the crafty world, right?

Well, today only, Pick Your Plum has these precious boy ties which fit sizes 6 months to 8 years.  I'm getting one for Easter, and for many Easters to come.

This will likely sell out quickly, so don't delay!  Go here to purchase.

Favorite Things Friday - Now With A Link Party!

This week's Favorite Things Friday features YOU!

I'll share my three faves, but then it's your turn.  {More details below.}

My top three:

1.  The Plaid Barn.  This is a fairly new daily deal site for crafters, but I'm already in love.  Their recent deals are incredible supplies at rock-bottom prices.  

2.  This tomato soup recipe.  I've made it countless times, both for my own family and for others, and it's always a hit.  I do omit the stick of butter and sometimes lessen the whipping cream, depending on how healthy I'm feeling.  :)

3.  Glass Etching Cream.  I can't share all the details now, but I'm learning how amazing this stuff is and can't wait to share a new project with you next week!

And now for the link party!

No rules really, just some basic guidelines-

:: Link up anything that you've been working on this week.  It can be a recipe, craft project, devotion, kid friendly crafting, organization, really whatever you want to share!

:: I'd love for you to grab my button to share on your blog- It would make my day!  :)

:: Leave comments for others if you have time- we all love visitors and comments.

:: I reserve the right to remove any links that are inappropriate.

<a href="http://gabrielsgoodtidings.blogspot.com"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQV7c210keE/TyYhTfycDXI/AAAAAAAACYo/o8qH1FhLpb8/s200/blank.JPG" alt="Grab My Button" width="125" height="125" /></a>

Let's Party!