Two Shades of Pink

Easy Fabric Flip Flops

2012-03-09T13:05:00.002-05:00

Spring is almost here which means a fun wardrobe change like sandals and flip flops to show those toes!

Although us Floridians wear flip flops all year...even when I wear a sweater you can see me sporting the flops. :) I have...I think...1,002 pairs of them. OK. Maybe not that many but I have more than I can count. Dressy, casual, beachy, girly, whatever. And my crafty self loved the idea of making my own using fabric scraps to make them custom and super fun.

I had the privilege to speak to a fabulous group of women last week for a local MOPS group about gift giving ideas for Spring. This was one of the projects I shared and I figured I could share an easy peasy tutorial using flips flops for my girls. (It's been WAY TOO LONG since I did one).

Oh and sorry if the flip flops don't look pristine. They were worn a few times by my little pinks until I snagged them to pretty them up. :) Here goes...

I know there are other fun tutorials out there by taking the whole thong out and just using fabric...so cute! Check out this one and this one from The Mother Huddle which are FABULOUS! I just happen to prefer the support these give while making them feel a bit more comfortable and a whole lot prettier.

Oh, and please know I will be getting back to visiting all of you very soon. Life has gotten VERY busy for me so sadly I have not been able to visit all you fabulous friends in A LONG WHILE! Just know I appreciate every one of you who read my blog even with YOUR busy lives and schedules and it means so much to me knowing you come to visit again and again.

Hugs all my fabulous friends!

linking to:

tatertots and jello

lolly jane

crafty scrappy happy

it's overflowing

A Pretty Baby Shower

2012-02-26T13:16:00.004-05:00

Happy Sunday y'all!

It has been a jam packed week over here with all the baby shower planning. But yesterday was the day and we had such a lovely time. So I just wanted to share some of the fun things I made to put this party together. I don't have a lot of photos because playing the hostess makes it hard to pick up a camera.

My friend Laura made these amazing cupcakes...they are SO GOOD! And I love that the cupcake picks were really tall. I like the look. I made them from a curtain panel I thrifted and some buttons.

I know you have seen me do a paper doily garland before but maybe it is still exciting since I added buttons? Hmmm...

Yes. Yes, I believe it is in fact thrilling to see a paper doily garland and now with added buttons.

I made this with bakers twine and double sided tape. So easy. And I used what I had on hand to cut costs too. Thrifty and thrilling. Oh yeah.

This was the only decent shot (even with an arm in the pic and looking a tad overexposed) I got of the embroidery hoop art hung over the fireplace. Thought you might want a peek. :)

This is my BFF opening my gift to her. I am smitten with this diaper/messenger bag from the etsy shop, ikabags. I love, love these bags and I am so getting one for me! Here are some of my favorites...

Stripes make me ridiculously happy.

The shop is from France so you will pay extra for shipping but the quality of these handmade bags are amazing! I love them and wished I owned about 10 of them.

Now back to other party details...:)

I made these cards for all the guests to write a prayer, blessing, or well wishing for the baby and Kelly. They are made with scrapbook paper and embellished with bakers twine and buttons. I had so much fun making these!

I found the frame on the side of the road ready for the trash during a little ride to look at Christmas lights back in December. Since my arm is still weak, I had my husband do the work of sanding, painting and adding the chicken wire to the frame. Then I just hung the cards with little wood clothespins.

Here are a bunch filled out. Aren't they so pretty like this?

The favors waiting by the front door were 4 oz mason jars filled with sugar scrub. A friend and I put these together and made two batches to fill 24 jars. One batch (doubled the original recipe) was 5 cups of sugar, 2 cups of olive oil, and 8 tablespoons of lemon juice. I got the recipe from Stephanie Lynn over at Under the Table and Dreaming. Her original recipe makes 12 oz so we just doubled it to save time.

I would have tied them up with string and pretty labels but with around 22 women there, I was just plain done in! And I figured the pretty tops were enough. :)

So happy I got to share this with all of you wonderful friends.

Have a fabulous day!

P.S. Sometime today or tomorrow, check out sweet Kimberly's blog who will be doing a series on parties all week. A great bunch of bloggers are sharing tips and tricks and I think some of my ideas will be included today..

Go check it out!:)

Embroidery Hoop Wall Art

2012-02-21T12:50:00.004-05:00

Well here I go again. I am in PARTY MODE. I am planning a baby shower for my very best friend in the whole wide world this Saturday. Kelly is having her 3rd child and it is her first GIRL! Being a girl mom myself, I am pretty excited and can't wait to meet her precious daughter.

So one project I have done is this HUGE embroidery hoop wall art. I think it is 2 ft in diameter. Kelly is naming her daughter Elizabeth Joy and I thought it would be so sweet to make something to both decorate for the shower and also bring home for the baby's room walls. I plan on putting it above my fireplace since it is pretty large.

Here's a photo with my lens cap so you can see how big it is.

I used a pink and white striped bed sheet as the background fabric and free handed the name lightly in pencil. I then just embroidered over the lettering with a back stitch.

The flowers are made from fabric scraps and all have a button for the center which ties into my "Cute as a Button" theme.

I hope to show you more and I am praying Kelly listens to me since I banned her from my blog for the week. :) I think this idea has lots of potential for other creative word fun! Hmmmm...I need to find a way to do this somewhere in my craft room. :)

Happy Crafting my sweet friends!

A Day Shopping in My Old Neighborhood

2012-02-10T23:58:00.000-05:00

Today was one of those days where I wonder why I don't have more like them. After dropping off my oldest child at school, I decided to spend the day in my old neighborhood in Dunedin, FL.

(not my house but wish it had been)

Dunedin is a fabulous historic town with cottage homes and perfect rocking chair front porches along brick paved streets. It is right near the water where you have view of Clearwater Beach. The town sports a fabulous downtown area with restaurants, antique shops, and boutiques. There are a ton of weekend activities like antique and craft festivals, a weekly farmers market, and holiday celebrations.

And we used to live in walking distance to downtown.

I miss it.

But...we rented because a place like this is pretty touristy, and can be pricey. But I miss being able to walk downtown for dinner and an ice cream cone, or walk to the library. We even had an AMAZING playground and park in walking distance next to the marina. It really is a sweet place to live.

So today I took my Ella to that very park after knowing exactly where to park before the crowds came. Local knowledge is rather handy. :) And I decided to take photos of my day to let y'all get to know me a little bit better. So come shopping with me.

And I did get permission from all the shop owners to take photos.

First we hit the Farmer's market which is always packed. Produce, cheese, fresh bread, homemade salsa, gourmet coffee and jams, fresh flowers and plants...all just fabulous. I about fell face first into those pastries there.

This place, Merchants on Main, is pretty sweet with so many beautiful antiques. I fell in love with that ticking bolster pillow white tool box looking thing. Oh that round table! And I was so bummed when this woman scored this chippy blue window frame with hooks on it. I even made suggestions how she could use it! I am either really nice or highly stupid. (wink)

This antique place is called Knot on Main Street and actually had another location ON MAIN STREET but it closed. And this just reopened after BURNING DOWN! Talk about a town with some resilient local merchants!! I love this place and was actually on the hunt for something specific. No go but these old windows, chalkboard frames, and crates were talking to me and making my heart so happy. I ached to take it all home with me. And that dresser still might!

Then there is this amazing shop, Rainbow's End Quilt Shoppe. It is the largest quilt shop in Florida and they boast 20,000 bolts of fabric. I walked in and almost fell over! They carry every designer I have ever heard of and it is so GORGEOUS...a total happy place for me. And I bought nothing. If I bought anything...I would have spent $500 in 2 minutes. But I did love those little handmade cinch bags tied together like a little garland. How cute is that? (top left photo) ♥

Well, there were more places I visited and I could show you my daughter Ella swinging on the swings or eating an ice cream cone but are you even interested? Well, heck...I'll share anyway.
Here's Ella enjoying our day...

Such a fun day doing what I love with someone I love.

Can't get better then that. :)

A Sweet Valentine Breakfast

2012-02-07T13:04:00.007-05:00

Oh Happy Day!

♥ I am actually writing a post! ♥

It feels so good to be using both my arms and crafting again. I have to tell you that all your emails to see how I am doing has filled my heart to overflowing. It never ceases to amaze me that blogging has brought so many of you beautiful friends into my life. To sum up, I am about 70% healed and I am about to start a little physical therapy to get this old elbow to straighten. But I am doing great!

So getting a little crafting in has been soothing to my soul! I feel like I am using a part of my brain that was lying dormant this past month. And I have to tell ya...Valentine's Day is one of my FAVORITE holidays to create for...maybe it is being a mom to girls? Or my love of red and pink? Who knows but this particular project was fun because I used my favorite method of crafting: USE WHAT YOU HAVE to make it SIMPLE.

I came up with a little Valentine breakfast for Daddy (or Hubby ♥). Obviously, the men in our lives may possibly get the short end of the stick on this particular love day so what better way to celebrate them? And a little attention to detail makes this oh so fun!

Your first little project is this easy DIY tray made from a large picture frame. Attach two handles by screwing it in on the sides and put pretty fabric or a Valentine message inside the glass and you have a perfect tray for your breakfast!

Next, I gave some coffee mugs a little "heart." A fabric heart, that is. As many of you know, I will cover anything with fabric or yarn if I am able. And how fun to make an everyday mug festive that can be removed later?

I cut out some hearts from scrap fabric and used my little Xyron sticker maker.

Then I simply attached them to the mugs. Um, so simple I probably did not need photos. :)

Now fill your pretty mug (In this case we used tea since that is what my husband and I drink). I also attached a pretty paper tag made from scraps with a fabric heart.

Just another personal touch to add more looooove.

These heart skewers are made with fabric and yarn wrapped pipe cleaners.

Here's a quick how to:

1. Wrap a strip of fabric tightly around your pipe cleaner. The color does not matter with fabric but with yarn, try to match the color because the yarn is so thin.

2. Secure the ends with some fabric glue ensuring you can't see the end of the pipe cleaner and form a heart.
3. Trim a bamboo skewer to size to twist your heart onto.
4. Twist the ends around the skewer tightly and glue to your skewer.
5. You have a pretty DIY heart!

Pop your cute skewers into some yummy chocolate chip scones (a favorite at our house) or use them in cupcakes or on a cake. Add these cute heart doilies colored by the kiddos for an extra dash of sweetness.

Cut some from flowers from your yard (if you are from Florida like me), make your own from fabric or paper, or of course you can buy some! My friend gave these pretties to me when she brought me dinner and covered it with a little sweater sleeve. Just perfect!

And look...it's a little water bottle! How smart! (thanks Lisa!)

Wasn't this fun?

I hope you like all the simple ideas to make Valentine's Day special. Husband's and daddy's deserve a little extra love and thought and what better way then with some yummy goodies and precious touches from the little ones?

Hugs and loads of blessings to each of you!

♥XO♥

linking to:
show and share
creative me @ the southern institute
oopsey daisy
the 36th avenue
lollyjane
a crafty soiree
tatertots and jello weekend wrap up
be different...act normal
under the table and dreaming

DIY Arrow Valentines

2012-01-16T18:50:00.000-05:00

Did you all think I forgot you? Could never happen...you are all so dear to me. But I have been trying to let this broken arm heal and it has made me a bit restless. I actually walked around the block the other day and just basked in the glorious solidarity of it. Meaning...I was alone!! And my girls became dreadfully sick. I truly wish you could see me propelling my one armed self out of bed at all hours of the night. My husband yells at me to lay down but those are my babies...broken arm or not I have to take care of them. :)

So I got in some crafting. I almost did not post these. Taking photos was totally challenging and one arm crafting is just plain hilarious! But then I figured with all the flaws, it might impress some of you that I did these one handed. Well, one handed with some right handed holding of objects. So take these with a grain of salt and hopefully you can at least come away a wee bit inspired.

These are made with wood dowels painted white. I glued fabric, felt, and lace arrow heads and "feathers" while wrapping the middles with odds and ends like pieces of measuring tape, washi tape, yarn, and ribbon. I love the look of the random numbers from the measuring tape. Really fun.

I attached these painted wooden tags tied on with bakers twine. From left to right the hearts are made from red ticking, pink yarn, red felt, and white lace.

A message is easily written on the back to your special Valentine. These would make great gift embellishments or even use as clues for a scavenger hunt. Leave them around the house attached to little treats for your spouse or kids. They were a ton of fun to make and I bet more so with two hands!

I have more fun ideas coming...slowly. But they will come. :)

I am also dreadfully notorious for sharing big news here on the blog and then show up with a craft and never mention anything else. So here is the latest on my arm...I have an appointment Thursday and I am praying I can be cleared to DRIVE! I am pain free and can move a lot better but the arm is atrophied so I am working on that. I do not have a true cast. Just a splint and ace bandage that I can take off to shower and work on moving my arm. I am assuming some PT is in my near future.

We have had neighbors and friends blessing our family with meals, driving Cati home from school, and just loving our family up. I am humbled by our friends and church family.

But the reality of it all set in this week when I found out from a neighbor that the paramedics said people typically don't survive a fall like that. Then yesterday my husband was up in the attic and I literally started crying in a full fledged panic. Those who know me in real life know this is not really me. I guess seeing the ceiling move and buckle as my husband walked around that hole FREAKED ME OUT!

Here's a pic of me and my girls so you can see I am doing ok. And here's some things I noticed while looking at this photo...because a photo can tell quite a story...

1. Apparently when I take a leave of absence as home manager, pictures and lampshades go askew.Pillows flung wherever. Stuff on tables and floors. Utter chaos to this neat freak.
2. Batwing sleeved shirt + full arm cast thing = ENORMOUS guns in photo op. Stellar.
3. Hands down...those are my most favorite, most comfortable jeans. Ever.
4. That long hair was cut Saturday. I have tried to make this appointment stay put since October. I was thinking shorter, bolder layers and realized I can't even style it. So it's now shorter and all one length. Who knew a broken arm would impose itself on my style?
5. Fuller face indicates all resting, and constant eating makes Jess a bigger girl. Yikes.Time to walk around the block again. But my friends make good food and it all tastes sooooooo good. :)
6. Those are the two sweetest girls in the whole wide world. My heart just squeezed in my chest looking at them in this pic.

I'll catch up with you soon friends. Hugs to each of you!

♥

Arm Update and Best of 2011

2011-12-31T21:15:00.000-05:00

I just have to say that all of you are some of the sweetest people I have ever encountered. All your sweet comments about my broken arm are permanently embedded in my heart! You mean so much to me and the friendships I have developed through blogging are a treasure to me. If I could, I would write every single one of you a special note, but all this typing with my left hand takes a bit of time so I am thanking you in this post. I love you and I am so thankful to have you in my life. I truly believe the blogging community is one of the most supportive and encouraging. I so appreciate you.

Just so you know, I keep falling asleep as I type this. Too funny.

So the arm. Yesterday I had surgery to put a metal plate in (kind of like a bracket) to hold the bone in place. This helps it to heal faster too. They were hoping not to go that route but this was a pretty bad break and the only solution. It went great and now I'm officially on the mend.

Last night was a little tough with all the pain but I woke up feeling pretty good. I'm trying to only take pain medication as needed because it makes me so loopy and sleepy. My Ella climbed into bed with me last night and held my good arm like a teddy bear the entire time which is so unlike her.It was so precious...it reminded me that these innocent little hearts need reassuring that their Mommy is ok and they still need some snuggles and hugs so that all is right with their world. And my incredible, gentle, and sweet husband is taking such good care of me and there is no on else who could give me better care. I love and appreciate him. And wasn't his post just the cutest?

I'm kinda sad that it will be awhile until I can post an actual craft again, but I knew I could come up with a photo collage of my favorite projects of 2011. A wireless mouse and laptop make life easy for this newly left-handed girl, :)

Here are my personal favorites:

clockwise from top left:

white ruffle wreath made from an old bed skirt

twine and chiffon napkin rings made from pvc pipe

fabric leaf and flower vine part 1 and part 2

twig and paper leaf place cards

fabric coil wrapped coasters

clockwise from top left:

mason jar sippy cups here and here

crazy cans game with beanbags made of ipod cozies

old fashioned ring toss game

fabric bird cage

yarn wrapped pumpkins and gourds

clockwise from top left:

pink felt ruffle garland

pine cone flower garland

textured ball garland

heart garland

clockwise from top left:

pom pom gift tags

aqua and red packaging

vintage and natural packaging

peppermint and lace packaging

pretty teacher gift and pencil coaster

Happy, Happy New Year Sweet And Dear Friends!!!

So I broke my arm today.

2011-12-29T03:07:00.000-05:00

My right arm too.
And believe it or not, that in itself is a blessing.

Here's the story in a nutshell. I was putting Christmas decorations away. We store them in our attic which is above the garage. From the high peaks in our house, there is a nice tall walkway down the middle of the attic. However, in the middle of that is a 2' x 2' foot hole, which for some reason is missing plywood to walk on (who knows why) where you do not want to step. I must have forgotten that important point along the way because while putting boxes away I stepped in that spot, busted through the drywall and fell 10 feet to the cement floor of my garage.

(note, the shade of blue...aka Brandon her husband... in the house is typing this, and getting a little queasy as he does, but not like she can type right now. Although even with one hand and pain killers she could do a better job than me).

Somehow, only my arm was broken, no damage to my elbow or shoulder, no damage to my ribs nor did I hit my head. The hand of God truly was around me as I took that fall. This could have been so much worse.

Now I lay in my bed, arm in a splint planning on going to an orthopedic specialist in the morning. Chances are they will do surgery to put a plate in to aid the healing of my arm. But for now, I imagine the crafts will have to take a back seat as I heal, rest and promise my hubby that I never, never ever go up there again.

If parts of this sound nothing like my wife, it is because she feel asleep, and I took free reign of the post. please don't hold my lack of good sentence formation against her. She is definitely the creative, brilliant writer in this family. By the way, we had been texting earlier in the day about her putting away the decorations. One of her last texts to me said: But a perfect day to climb that ladder (referring to the one to the attic). I am not digging the irony at all...
Please keep my beautiful wife in your prayers.

Simple New Years Horn Favor

2011-12-28T09:50:00.002-05:00

Well hey there sweet friends!

I am hoping you had an amazing Christmas and enjoyed every memory making moment. Ours was absolutely lovely until sickness fell over all of us. I have completely lost my voice! But I still have my blog voice so I still can write! Woo Hoo!

I am on a creative hiatus at the moment. To be honest, I am enjoying just being a mom and a wife. Keeping house. Photographing the girls instead of pretty things (though they are 2 of the prettiest things I have ever seen ♥).

In the meantime, since I am contracted each holiday to make cute favors, I thought I would share another one I did for New Years.

I ordered a bulk amount of silver party horns and decided to make a little mini subway art styled card to attach to each one with some pink ribbon. For those I used Avery's printable post cards. I'm not even sure I did the subway art correctly...I kind of crammed some phrases together until I liked it. :) But it turned out cute so that's all that matters.

I have to send all these favors all over the country so obviously they need to be mailed. I am always challenged to come up with a cost effective way to make and ship these favorss. To avoid being crushed, I filled the inside with filler. In case you like this idea to send to people, I included what I did.

1. I cut strips of tissue paper and stuffed them all the way in to the bottom.
2. They were filled about 3/4 way with tissue paper
3. The ends are pink crinkle filler paper for a little festive look.
4. Using a hole punch, i made two holes at the top for the ribbon.
5. I attached the card to the horn with a little bow.

So simple and a super fun way to wish a happy new year. Or even a fun birthday or New Years party invitation. They also would make great New Year party favors too (shown in top photo) as the countdown to midnight approaches.

Grab it, print it, use it!

Oh, and soon I will be taking down my bloggy Christmas decorations and going back to normal.

It feels like it all went by so fast!

Hopefully the New year will bring more fun ideas and tutorials to share with you.

And I may be adding a linky party to the crafty sea of linky parties!

What do you think?

Hugs!

A Last Minute Neighbor Gift

2011-12-21T16:45:00.005-05:00

We are in the home stretch now! It is UNBELIEVABLE to me that Christmas is 4 days away! Maybe because it is 80 degrees here? It just seemed fast this year. Really fast. So I think this is my last post until after Christmas. Gotta snuggle with those littles and my youngest has a fever today :( but is the happiest sick kid in the universe. I could just squeeze the stuffing out of her she is so sweet.

But in the meantime, let me share the little treats I made for my neighbors.

I have to give COMPLETE AND TOTAL PROPS to Jill of Meet the Dubiens and her adorable reindeer cookies above.

Now for mine...

For those of you have been long time readers know that I am...ahem...decorative icing challenged. As in...whenever I attempt it it looks...well...it's a debacle. Let me show you with photos from previous posts...

My 4th of July cookie flags.

My daughter's birthday cake.

You get the picture.

I am truly challenged and should be stopped if ever spotted wielding a pastry bag.

It just isn't pretty.

But when I saw those, cutie patootie reindeer, I figured those were pretty easy. It was one of the first things I pinned on Pinterest. Some antlers, 2 eyes and plop a nose on there. EASY PEASY!

Well,here they are!
They certainly don't look like Jill's but I think they are cute enough to give to my neighbors and still show my face in my hood.

I decided I would give each neighbor a dozen reindeer cookies. I had bought those cute little ceramic mini loaf pans at Michael's for a $1 each. Jill made her cutie gingerbread cookies but I made sugar cookies. I decided to make 11 with brown noses (chocolate chips) and 1 with a little Rudolph nose (a red M & M) as a little giftable treat. Too cute!

Here's the Sugar Cookie recipe:
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1 large egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
sugar for rolling cookies

Preheat oven to 350°. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together. Set aside.
Beat together sugar and butter until creamy.
Add egg and extract. Mix well. Add dry ingredients a little at a time.
Roll the dough into little balls and then roll into sugar placing them on parchment covered baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Make 8-10 minutes until edges are slightly browned. Cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes and then transfer to cooling rack.

And I think they turned out pretty adorable.

I made the tags with a 2 inch circle punch and Martha's snowflake punch that I found at Marshall's for $4.99. Marshall's and crafty goodies on the cheap? Who knew?

I wanted the snowflakes to be 3 dimensional so I folded one so the edges would be bent and glued it to the middle of another snowflake. My message was on the back of each circle.

I slid each one into a cellophane bag, tied it off with twine and the tag and that's it!

Another idea I had is to use a plate from the dollar store and a ceramic pen. Another great way to gift some cookies. You could also use the pen on those ceramic loaf pans too but I just did not have the time this week.

I wrote around the perimeter of my plate with parts of Christmas songs, favorite things I love about Christmas, traditions etc. I am not crazy about my handwriting but the finished plate looks really cute and I like the simplicity of the wording in black.

I bought two 99¢ solid color bandannas in red and white and used a fabric marker to draw snowflakes all over the white one which was super fun to just doodle for 30 minutes.

Then using my idea here, I wrapped the cookie plate with the bandanna and tied it off with a cute little snowflake embellishment. A great way to travel with a plate of cookies, pie, etc for the holidays.

Well that's it!

Knowing many of you, your neighbor gifts are already done but I thought I would still share.

Merry Christmas my Friends!

Red & Aqua Gift Wrap Ideas

2011-12-19T12:35:00.001-05:00

Hey sweet people! I wanted to share this post of blue and red packaging ideas I did last week over at The Shabby Creek Cottage. I wanted to repost it for you before Christmas got here and you had everything wrapped already! I am for reals just getting in the door (time check: 12:21 am) from Christmas shopping. Wow. I am the most last minute ever...I think I broke a personal record for procrastination.

So I figured, I am up...let me post those packaging ideas. And I think this may be the last one of the season. I am almost sad. I still might have some gift ideas to share but wondering if I will have time to blog about them. We shall see. I also wanted to apologize for not visiting and writing to a lot of you! I always like to reply to comments but I also want to see my children too. :) So know that after the holidays I should be back to my old blogging self, peeking in on you and saying hello with my emails.

I also hope to be doing some new things in the new year...like featuring some of you lovely bloggers and your projects. And maybe getting around to that Etsy shop I talk about but never get going on. Oh the possibilities of a new year. I think I am late night rambling...let's get on with it...

First up is one of my all time craft loves...yarn. I love working with it and you know what? I don't knit or crochet even a little bit. But I wish I did. This happy yarn flower is made just like a pom pom but you don't give it a haircut. Just wrap the yarn around spread fingers about 30 times. Slide the wrapped yarn off your fingers and tie a knot around the middle. Then kind of fluff out the loops and hot glue a fabric button to the center.

How much do I adore this Rudolph-esqe Bag?

I guess it depicts Rudolph all grown up after the bullying and problem years.

I found some clip art I liked and using image editing software, I made the image a silhouette, played with the color balance and saturation (I liked this color blue), and added tiny little polka dots. I then sized, printed and cut it out and glued it to a simple white bag. Since I don't have a fancy schmancy cutting machine (I hope, I hope, I hope it will be under the tree), I went old school.

Scissors. I am talking scissors, friends.

You can even print out the image on your bag. Just set your printer to the bags dimensions and print. My cheapo printer won't let me. Boo.

To embellish, I used a red button for the nose and tied the top closed with some red ribbon. The doily is used as a filler and when punching a hole in the bag, I punched the bag and doily together and threaded the ribbon through both to keep the doily from sliding inside the bag. Perfect for reindeer feed or fun little snacks.

I think this one is my favorite. I covered this one with red and white cupcake liners using a glue stick. EASY PEASY! To flatten them, I used a warm iron and spritzed them with water to prevent burning them. I love how they are randomly placed to look like big, fancy polka dots! The tie is a blue, felt ribbon.

I love the whimsy of this white spray painted cookie tin. Here, I used a cupcake liner again in the center. It is wrapped with a pom pom tie using blue baker's twine that was needle threaded with mini pom poms. The lollipop is made from the blue twine as well. To make the lollipop, I cut a 2 inch circle from card stock with a paper punch and spiraled the twine from the center while securing it with glue. After it dried, I glued the circle to an actual lollipop stick.

This cutie topper is made from shredded paper filler! Again, I used a 2 inch circle of card stock as the base. I attached double sided tape and in a sunburst formation, began attaching the strips of paper to form a circle. Once full, I trimmed it, glued it to a 4 inch doily and topped it off with a button.

This cracker style wrapped package is actually a paper towel roll! A great way to wrap smaller items and keep 'em guessing! Think candy, small toys, kitchen utensils, scarves, ties, jewelry, and CRAFT SUPPLIES! I just wrapped the tube with tissue paper and tied off each end with yarn filling the ends with the shredded filler. Three little pom poms sit happily on top. :)

I have a thing for pockets and putting them on a gift is a little unexpected but oh so fun! It is perfect for shirt boxes. I wrapped an extra piece of wrapping paper around the box while folding it in half to strengthen it. Using double sided tape, I attached a ribbon to the top of the pocket. The pocket is great for cards or other embellishments like this sparkly snowflake.

The festive, mini bunting wrapped around the top is made from baker's twine, red felt, craft lace, and tissue paper. I showed this to you before but not on an actual package. A perfect finish!

Merry Christmas and Happy Hugs my friends!

♥

Grandparent Mugs

2011-12-17T13:01:00.000-05:00

IF YOU ARE A GRANDPARENT OF MY CHILDREN: DISCONTINUE READING!

(and I love you very much)

Happy Saturday sweet friends!

This almost NEVER happens...me posting on a Saturday. But my daughter just got finished with these ridiculously cute mugs for our 3 sets of Grandparents and I HAD to share them with you.

Hopefully if any of you need a last minute gift idea, this might work for you. :)

We bought 6 plain white mugs last night and this morning we got to work!

I buy my ceramic paint pens at Michael's. I really like them but FYI...have had some that just won't flow any ink. So keep your receipt! Or I am just doing it wrong. Which is likely.

Our red pen would not work so Cati wanted to make green and blue hearts and I am so glad!

They turned out fabulous!We will wait 24 hours and then bake them in the oven at 300 degrees for 35 minutes.

I love that this can be for Valentine's Day, birthdays, Mother's/Father's Day, etc!

Aren't they just so precious?

I think I need a I ♥ Mommy one now. :)

These little paint pen projects might make another appearance since I have a few more neighbor gift ideas to share in the coming week.

You know...

...for those of you who are like me and wait until the very last minute to do just about everything.

Hugs to each of you!

this post sponsored by the lovely and talented Andrea at:

I'm so blessed to call her friend.

♥

Mini Mason Jar Hot Chocolate

2011-12-12T12:07:00.001-05:00

Hey there wonderful friends!

I wanted to share a quick and easy holiday cutie project perfect for the kids, parties, neighbor gifts, teachers, or just some family fun!

If you did not already know, I happen to have this "thing" for mason jars...even before they became trendy. :) So when I happened upon these 1/2 pint cuties (at Wal Mart) with red and white gingham lids, I snatched them up to use for Christmas or Valentine's Day! Just adorable.

This Christmas, I thought it would be so cute to make them into ready to serve hot chocolate drinks. I know this is not a new concept by any means but I really like the idea of them being all ready to go! Just add hot water or milk and you are ready to enjoy your yummy drinkable treat!

All you need is a cute tray or cookie tin, 1/2 pint mason jars, hot chocolate (from a packet or homemade), mini marshmallows, and peppermints. I will get to the spoons in a sec. :)

Just layer your goodies in your jar for a pretty presentation.

♥ (Seriously, I can't get over their itty bitty cuteness) ♥

I love the red and white. :)

Now for the chocolate dipped spoons as an added treat.
I bought these cute coffee spoons at Marshall's which are a perfect size because they are mini. I am really rocking the mini thing and loving it. You can use plastic spoons (the red ones would look festive) or even hit thrift stores to find pretty vintage ones.

I piped in the chocolate rather then dipping the spoons. Much neater! I melted the chocolate in a pyrex cup in the microwave. Using a baggie, I snipped the corner and piped the chocolate into each spoon. I used sprinkles, a red m & m, a mini marshmallow cut in half, and crushed candy cane to embellish these. I popped them in the fridge until set.

To package them, I used candy bags and cut them to size and tied them off with baker's twine.

Now just put it all on your tray and wrap them with a festive tag and you have yourself an amazing gift or party favor. I had hoped to have a printable tag for you but there were some kinks in the process and then time got away from me. But if I end up making one I will let you know and post it back on this post for you to download. But I can't make a promise! It's a crazy time of year!

So do you like the little spin on this fun little giftable treat? What are you all making for your neighbors or teachers? I can't believe this is the last week of school before Christmas break...I need to get moving so I would love to hear your ideas. I have an idea that I will share hopefully later this week.

xoxo

♥
this post sponsored by Miss Andrea at

Gift Wrap Inspiration: Ties & Tags

2011-12-09T00:09:00.000-05:00

Hello again lovelies! How I have missed you! I've been behind the scenes crafting but have had zero time to photograph or do a lot of tutorials. I sure do miss it! Good lighting during the day is hard to come by so my chances for quality photography are pretty limited. But I put together some more packaging ideas here and there and did little mini shoots for you with some gift wrap inspiration.

Today I am focusing on tying up those packages. What is it about embellishing that makes wrapping so fun? The delicious anticipation of what hides inside a package is glorious enough! Yet the extra prettiness of ribbons and bows make it even more delightful. So I fiddled around with some ideas to see what I could come up with.

Top Left: Oh yes...you knew I would have pom poms. Their whimsy and playful cutness are too wonderful to pass up. I loved making those pretty teal-ish, aqua-ish (what color is that?) for this tie that could also be a garland. The little white ones are store bought by the package and simply threaded with a needle onto baker's twine.

Top Right: Red and white bakers twine and some jingle bells. Simple. Perfect.

Bottom Left: This is simple grey thread and sequins. Add a little sparkle goodness with a pinch of simplicity.

Bottom Right: How about using paddle wire with some pretty beads and pearls? I simply slid some wire through the bead and twisted it to stay put. Pretty, pretty.

Some cute but earthy tags made of clay and wood. I am a total novice with polymer clay but experimented with food coloring to dye it (too lazy to go out and buy the different colors) and alpha stamps. I made some mistakes but I like the imperfect feel of them. Clockwise from left: Fruit of the Spirit tags (love, joy, peace patience...from Galatians 5:22-23), wood circle tags and twine, scallop and circle tags with stamped words, clay hearts and twine with lace imprint, and clay leaves in cool blues and greens with bakers twine.

That's all I have at the moment. I have other packaging in the works but the crickets on this blog were getting LOUD! So I had to post something for fear of worrying you! :)

Tonight I am decorating a table at church for a Women's Ministry Christmas Tea Saturday morning! Oh y'all know how I like a good tablescape! But I confess to winging this one and kind of pulling something together last minute. It is definitely not my usual (it's all about the details) approach but I hope to pull it off. I have spray painted, cut, tied, and glued stuff. And shopped my house once again. All in the last 2 days and throughout the process wondering when my procrastinating self will become proactive. I have no idea what it will look like but I promise to share it with you. Success or fail!

And I have more Christmas goodies up my sleeve too.

Honest to goodness.

Hugs and Christmas love!

Our Advent Calendar ♥

2011-11-29T21:12:00.004-05:00

You know, there is something to be said for creative inspiration born of necessity. And I have wanted to make an advent calendar but I was unsure how or where to put it. But my criteria was to make it, find a place for it, and use what I have but still try to make an impact.

So this is what I came up with. I love that it ended up looking like diorama but instead of a shoe box...I use an entire bookcase. To be more specific, I used a Billy Bookcase from IKEA. And the fact that I use the word "DIORAMA" further proves the geek girl that I am. At first, I felt a little crazy starting this project but now...

I am IN COMPLETE LOVE WITH IT!

Each numbered box is a take out box leftover from my Fortune Cookie Thanksgiving Favors.

To decorate the shelves I basically "shopped my house." I chose a red and white theme as my only criteria and just kind of threw things together from all over the house to make a sort of "scene" on each shelf to create the diorama look for the advent calendar.

The boxes contain an assortment of Christmas goodies like little chocolates, ornaments, stickers, or activities which I coordinated with my calendar. Those activities could be baking cookies, doing a Christmas craft, or our family tradition of getting in our pj's, and driving in our car to look at Christmas lights while drinking hot chocolate and eating popcorn. The girls literally talk about that one all year long. :o)

Within each box is also a little paper circle with an attribute of Jesus with a coordinating verse to read after we open each one. I got that amazing idea from Milk and Cookies and you can find a printable included with it which is what I used inside my boxes. I am really excited to do this with the girls!

You probably recognize some things I have done on the blog already this season. It gets kind of challenging incorporating a red and white theme so I literally pulled things out of nowhere if it fit the color scheme. Thread, buttons, doilies, little pots, yarn, etc.

Those little snowflakes back there are popped in a random bottle with sugar.

I am all for an "anything goes" mentality with free decor. :)

BOX #17 DOWN! BOX #17 DOWN!!!!!!

Whew. Box #17 made it back up. ;)

Some takeout boxes and ornaments bravely lost their lives during this project.

I think I love the randomness of it best of all. Like using ordinary objects such as spools of twine or a mitten gift card holder to make the color scheme work.

I'm also rather smitten with how some boxes are hung high, attached to the back of the bookcase or elevated by a candlestick or something. The varying heights make it look interesting and fun although I think I should have backed the bookcase with a red fabric or wrapping paper or something. It looks too washed out up close but as a whole I do think it looks very pretty. It is simple and fresh with the red and white.

I was going to do a separate post on these white trees but I wondered if y'all might be "treed" out by now. But if you are interested, I used felt, yarn, and paper flowers for those and used straight pins for all of them so I could reuse the cones at the end of the season.

Oooh...the final box. Are you supposed to do Christmas Day on an advent?

I see it both ways so I just went for it.

Are any of you weird like me and can actually SPARE a bookshelf for a project like this? I think it is a fun idea but I am sure I will do something new and different next year. And as we use each box, I will just decorate each shelf until we are done. Yippee! I get to keep decorating a little each week!

Merry, Merry & Fa La La

my sweet friends!

linking to:
clean and scentsible: the creative spark
the 36th avenue
southern lovely: show and share
tatertots and jello: weekend wrap up
what you want wednesday
crafty soiree
just something i whipped up: the girl creative
a sassy christmas: advent calendar link up

Wreath Chandelier + Ball Garland: TUTORIAL

2011-11-28T18:48:00.000-05:00

I guest posted a few weeks ago over at Stephanie Lynn's blog...Under the Table and Dreaming for her Handmade Holiday series. It was loads of fun and all the Christmas projects were so inspiring. I am posting this Wreath Chandy Tutorial here on my blog in case any of you missed it!

Let's dive into the tute! :)

1. In my eagerness to get started, I began wrapping my 16 inch wreath form of STYROFOAM™ Brand Foam with floral tape prior to taking a "before" photo. Sorry! But here is what you need:

1 16 inch (or larger) wreath form of STYROFOAM™ Brand Foam

2 packages (16 count ea.) 1 inch balls of STYROFOAM™ Brand Foam

fishing line

textured white spray paint

4 faux pine garlands

2. Begin wrapping your wreath form of STYROFOAM™ Brand Foam with one of your pine garlands.

3. Push each wrap tightly together to make it thick. Tuck ends under the wrapped pieces.
4. Here's your wreath wrapped with all 4 garlands.

5. To make the wreath look snowy, I used a textured spray paint that produces a flecked effect.
6. Lightly spray it with a sweeping motion but don't saturate it in one area or it will become too white.
7. When one side is dry, flip it over and do the other side.
8. It takes at least 3 hours to become completely dry and will be stiff to the touch.

After it was dry, my husband helped me tie 4 strands of silver cording I bought at Joann Fabrics (99¢ per yard) equidistantly around the wreath in between the wrapped layers of garland.

Push the garland back around the tied cording to hide the part that is tied.

We attached the ends to an O ring (or in my case...a key ring I had on hand) and hung it from a hook on our ceiling after measuring the distance from the ceiling to above the dining room table.

(I have cathedral ceilings which is why the hook is on an angle)

I ended up making 2 small garlands to crisscross underneath the chandelier using a 16 count package of 1 inch balls of STYROFOAM™ Brand Foam for each garland. You will also need Mod Podge, metallic crochet thread, scissors, the fishing line, and a yarn needle.

1. Begin by wrapping the 1 inch balls of STYROFOAM™ Brand Foam with silver crochet thread.
2. Wrap completely but don't worry if some of the white still shows.
3. Glue the ends with a bit of Mod Podge and let dry.
4. Thread each one onto fishing line using a thicker needle used for yarn.

I also strung silver bells to make this pretty garland. I tied a loop at either end of the fishing line to hang it up using ornament hooks.

Now for the fun part...decorate your chandelier! I used all silver ornaments to give it some sparkle.

Here's a shot underneath.
Yes, I totally laid on my back on the dining table to take it. Cool shot though, right? :)

It's so pretty hanging over the table and I love how festive it looks.

This does not even have to hang over a dining table. What about a front entry hall table or even in the kitchen? Lots of possibilities!

Hope you are inspired to add some sparkle over your table too!

I will be back this week for some more Christmas inspiration!

I am so Thankful for YOU!

2011-11-24T10:24:00.001-05:00

(feel free to grab this image and have fun)

Thanksgiving Fortune Cookie Favors

2011-11-21T11:18:00.000-05:00

I am going to take a little break from Christmasy fun to share these Thanksgiving Fortune Cookie Favors. Courtney, one of my sponsors, asked me to create some Thanksgiving favors for her Thirty-One consultants. I remembered Martha Stewart's fun little fortune cookies she made for Valentine's Day and thought they would make a great little Thanksgiving note to send along with a little takeout box.

Using card stock and some Fall graphics, I typed out the message "I'm So 'Fortunate' To Know You" and used that as the little fortune inside.

1. To make them, I cut out 4 inch circles out of brown felt. I cut floral wire slightly shorter then 4 inches and glued it to the center of the circle with brown satin ribbon glued on top.
2. After they dried I laid my fortune across the center face down.
3. I pulled two sides of the circle up so that the tops meet...
4. Using my two thumbs in the center, I bent the 1/2 circle in half again to form the fortune cookie shape.

I used raffia as a filler inside the takeout boxes and placed the fortune cookies on top.

Each box was tied off with a little, orange ribbon bow.

I added a 2 inch round label with a Turkey and a little thank you note from Courtney. These circle labels from Avery are awesome and there is so much potential with them. The turkey template is actually available on their site and I was able to edit it and customize the message. So fabulous!

I got them all shipped out last week and I personally think it would be such a sweet treat to get a small little box like this in the mail. I mean, who does not like mail??

-I like this idea so much especially for other occasions. How about having slips of paper for the whole family to write what they are thankful for and then putting them in little fortune cookies to open on Thanksgiving Day and read them around the table? You could plan ahead and ask family members to make theirs ahead of time. (A great idea for next year) :)

-Great favors or place cards for around the table too!

-Or what about using these for a fun little scavenger hunt in the little boxes? Perfect for a party, maybe even Christmas morning as clues to find hidden goodies, and of course Valentine's Day.

-How about a way to tell someone you love how special they are? A great "card" to send to someone far way like a college student or a loved one who just moved to a new place.

Hope you like this fun Thanksgiving idea and it's still packaging so it counts!

Thanksgiving Hugs & Blessings

I am so THANKFUL for each one of YOU!

♥

Wreath Chandelier and Ball Garland

2011-11-17T21:31:00.000-05:00

Hey Friends!

Come see me over at Under the Table and Dreaming for a fun Handmade Holidays series where I share the tutorial to make this Wreath Chandelier and the little Ball Garland underneath. There are some pretty incredible Christmas posts to get your holiday inspiration on! Just click the button and you are there!

DIY Fabric and Paper Twist Ties

2011-11-16T17:31:00.001-05:00

Just a quick tutorial to share how to make festive twist ties. The possibilities are endless with this packaging DIY. I love the idea of custom twistie ties...you can customize them to your packaging. These cuties are perfect for food gifts, sweet little favors, or tiny stocking stuffers.

I actually experimented with all of these and I ended up liking the fabric and paper the best. The washi tape works well too but if you twist these TOO much the paper can rip. So if you want to use paper, use more then two layers and make sure your twist tie is not too thick. I was not a fan of the wrapping paper. It was too thin. Grosgrain ribbon was really hard to glue together but the eyelet ribbon above worked great. But my ultimate go to material for this is definitely: Fabric scraps. But try different things out and see how it works for you and school me on your mad tricks and tips. :)

Fabric scraps, scrapbook paper/cardstock, ribbon, washi or paper tape

Fabric and/or craft glue
scissors

paddle wire (or other kind of floral wire)

The process is pretty simple. Cut out strips to desired length, cut some paddle wire and fold in half (if desired), line the fabric with glue and fold over. You could also lay an additional layer of fabric on the top but be sure you are thorough with sealing it closed with glue.

With washi tape I just folded it over and it stuck together.

Did that even require mentioning?

And of course with paper, I used craft glue but a very thin layer to seal it closed. I found if I made it too gooey, the paper would soften and tear.

I decided to wrap these cute coasters and use a coordinating twist tie. I got on the bandwagon of these fun tile coasters made with mod podge and scrapbook paper and seriously...the easiest craft on the planet. And such an awesome result. The ceramic tiles cost me 16¢ at Home Depot and I used paper I had on hand.

I wrapped them up and used a matching twist tie. Now I have a cute, coordinating package.

And sorry to be so blog absent lately. I have 2 more deadlines by Thanksgiving to meet and I am rushing to get them done. I will fit a few more goodies in through Thanksgiving so I hope and pray you are up on your blog reading!

I will be...we literally have NO PLANS FOR THANKSGIVING! Ours kind of changed last minute. One of you can invite me over and I will bring a yummy dessert. Maybe an apple cream cheese tart from Martha that I have made for YEARS. It is truly a blissful caloric experience.

Oh and if you have flyer miles for a family of four that would help too.

And clothes for cold winter if you live where it cold.

And maybe a lesson on etiquette since I am asking myself to your Thanksgiving.

I'm done now.

Happy Packaging!
♥

This post brought to you by:

Pom Pom + Washi Tape Gift Tags

2011-11-10T13:35:00.001-05:00

So my preoccupation with all things yarn continues. And as most of you probably already know...making a pom pom can be rather addicting. They are so fun, so colorful, and I thought to myself...something this fun should be on a stick. Seriously, aren't things cuter on a stick?

So that is just what I did.

After gluing them on lollipop sticks I added some washi tape for a sweet little message.

{Oh and I have already made several sets of these for my soon to happen shop!}

I also decided that making little pockets on a gift would crank up the cuteness factor.

To make the pockets I used leftover paint chips.

I used washi tape and double sided tape to secure the pockets.

This one I just folded over and taped the edges but left a little space by the fold for the stick to slide into.

So fun!

But of course my favorite is with a little bit of simplicity.

Just taping it to the gift with some extra washi tape.

This makes me happy. :)

Would any of you be willing to purchase gift tags like these?

(I'm curious) :)

I know I would which is why I made them. And I really don't mind sharing them with you.

It's more fun to share.

Right?

♥

Pretty Packages: Natural & Vintage

2011-11-07T15:24:00.001-05:00

A whole new round of packaging ideas to try! As much as I love the peppermint and lace theme, this one also makes my heart beat just a little faster. I find myself uncontrollably drawn to vintage fabrics, natural textures, and I love the shabby and worn look of burlap. So I came up with a few more packaging designs to share.

I kept a neutral palette using brown and white kraft paper and also a brown paper bag. The embellishments are made using wonderfully different textures like lace, vintage fabrics, satin, a paper doily, a wood tag, a clay tag, raffia, twine and burlap.

This simple paper bag is secured with a fabric wrapped dowel ties on both ends with twine. I folded the paper bag closed and using a hole punch, made two holes and slid the dowel through the holes. Then I wrapped the bag vertically with satin and lace ribbon and tied it off.

The tag is made of camphor wood from the tree in my front yard. I actually made these over a few weeks and every time my girls went outside to play, I would just start sawing. :) I made about 50 circles from a branch and drilled holes in them to create tags. The wood tag is stamped with mini alpha stamps and threaded with twine.

I love this one a lot too. This is a clay tag and using a CLEAN set of alpha stamps, I made the word rejoice and used twine as well. It is wrapped with ripped strips of vintage fabric and just tied around a few times.

Here's the same fabric around a large wooden spool and used as a ribbon in the center. I love all the frayed edges so much! I also wrapped a paper doily around the one edge. The spool is tied on by the selvedge edge of the fabric. (I waste nothing!)

How crazy fun is this raffia pom pom? I was staring at this huge bag of raffia and thought of making a pom pom out of it would be just ADORABLE! I love how it ended up turning out so spiky and sweet. A smaller paper doily girls it up a bit and softens the look. :)

Oh this fabric bow is what truly makes my heart go pitter patter. I adore this particular one so much (that I saved it for last) because it appeals to my love of texture. I just roughly cut several strips of fabric (lace, burlap, linen, satin) and piled it all in a big stack. Then I tied it off tightly with some twine threaded with a wooden bead and then kind of fluffed it out into an almost flower pattern.

I just loooooove pretty, pretty packaging!

Hugs!

♥

P.S. I heard a rumor that I might...just might...have an ETSY shop opening with some packaging goodies like the ones I will be sharing over the next few weeks. But it might just be a rumor. We shall see.

(check out sweet Andrea's guest post at 36th Avenue woo hoo!)

Pretty Packages: Peppermint and Lace Theme

2011-11-04T02:36:00.001-04:00

WOO HOO! I get to show you my first packaging idea of the season! This one is my favorite combination and the colors feel festive and happy!

I have bestowed my pretty packages with a theme I like to call Peppermint & Lace which inspired my...

CHRISTMAS BLOG MAKEOVER!

I already decorated around here...can you stand it?

My precious friend Amy who did my original design...more then came through for me on this one. When I came to her with an idea, she literally wowed me once again with her fabulous, "perfect for me" style.

I could not be more smitten with it...or her! Thanks sweet Amy!

Over the next few months I hope to share different styles and ideas of packaging with you since packaging happens to be one of my heart loves. Don't you think a pretty package is like getting an extra special treat in addition to the goody inside? And who does not need fun wrapping ideas and other Christmas craft inspiration?

I DO! I DO!

Now let's talk packaging!

First up...this little bag is made from waxed tissue paper. Does it look familiar to some of you? Yep...I wrapped the deli sandwiches in this for my girl's picnic party and I decided to craft up the leftovers.

Add some bakers twine and stuff it with a little doily...

you got yourself the cutest little bag in the whole wide world.

This little ruffle bow was made with polka dot wrapping paper and the striped wax paper. I decoupaged a little wood bead with it and wrapped it around the box several times with baker's twine.

This little box is probably my favorite.

I decoupaged a button this time and used the twine for this simple wrap job. And I added a little lace flag as an embellishment.

Oh and the box? I spray painted the blue snowman cookie tin white. Perfection.

Hello there little white lunch bag! Who would have thought a humble white bag could get so much love and attention, right? The top is just folded over with a piece of wrapping paper and clipped closed with two mini clothespins holding a twine bow. I added a little square of scrapbook paper with a glue stick to make a pocket and stuffed it with lace and added a white yarn pom pom on a lollipop stick wrapped with twine.

The end of the twine holds a little wooden spool.

Here's a little bunting I made to wrap around a larger gift like a shirt box made from twine, red felt, the striped wax paper, and lace. I just adore it!

I would love to hear what you guys think of this themed packaging!

Other packaging styles and ideas to come...

HUGS & Smiles!!

xoxo

♥
this post sponsored by:

A Portable Gift Wrap Station: 3 Simple Ideas

2011-11-02T15:30:00.002-04:00

I have been waiting and waiting and waiting to do Christmas posts for an ENTIRE YEAR! And I know Halloween is barely over but I just can't wait any longer. I have an inspiration board full of envelopes, receipts, and grocery lists full of ideas that would come to me and I would scribble them down before I forgot them. Now I get to put them into fun posts over the next few months.

I am a bit giddy about it. ♥

So what better way to kick off my Christmasy stuff then a post about getting organized with all our pretty holiday wrapping supplies? I, for one, feel absolutely ready to conquer ANYTHING when I get organized. So I came up 3 ideas using what I have around the house and I am so excited to share them with you wonderful friends!

Number 1: Market Cart
I found this cutie at a yard sale. This fun find was needing some major TLC. I bought him for $5 bucks and after some sanding, a fresh coat of spray paint with a kind of undefinable color that I totally adore (called Catalina Mist) it's got a fresher look! I even wrapped the handle with some thick, comfy yarn (until I can make a fabric handle) for more simple character. I love how roomy it is for all my wrapping paper and supplies. I thought another great find would be one of those small vintage wire grocery carts for storage. That would be cuuuuute!

I rigged a little dowel rod for twine and ribbon in the middle.

One end holds scissors, tape, and some other ribbon...

...the other side has some washi tape and a little bucket full of tags.

The white bucket holds tissue paper, bags and other wrapping supplies.

I absolutely love my little portable wrapping cart and it has a nice little home in my craft room!

♥

Number 2: Shallow Metal Wire Basket
Obviously, not everyone has a wheeled market cart. So I came up with a more attainable idea. This basket is from IKEA and is actually one of the powder coated steel basket drawers. But you can buy them separately and use one of these as a nice wrapping caddy to stow under a bed or at the bottom of a closet until you need it.
Just thread your trusty dowel through the holes to keep your ribbon and twine handy and all your other essentials are at arms reach. And with the basket being shallow, you can see everything at a glance.

Number 3: White Wastebasket

Simple is sometimes best. Just pile your wrapping gear in an inexpensive white wire waste basket and you are all set! Use a dowel standing up on end for your ribbon and twine.

Throw in a little pencil case with scissors, tape, and some tags. There you go! Simple and perfect to stow in the corner out of the way.

Now that we have ideas to get organized, I will be back tomorrow or the next with some pretty packaging ideas. I can't WAIT to share them with you! I can't promise to post every day. But I promise to share as many ideas as I can with you. This is going to be fun...I just know it!

Merry Hugs!

♥

this post sponsored by:

Andrea's blog has some beautiful projects ♥

linking to:

the 36th avenue

show and share

a crafty soiree

It's beginning...

2011-11-01T23:27:00.000-04:00

...to look a lot like Christmas around here!

Stayed tuned my sweet friends...

the fun starts tomorrow!

♥

Pretty Lanterns: Diffuse Light with Lace & Fabric

2011-10-26T20:27:00.003-04:00

I feel like I am coming home after a really long trip...I've missed all of you so much! I realized I have not had a fun DIY in a while for you guys so I had to remedy that right away. I am gearing up for the Christmas issue for Good Living Magazine so today's little project was one of the projects for it.

Lucky lovelies...you get a bit of Christmas fun a little early!

Actually, this will be a warm up to November where I will begin sharing pretty packaging ideas throughout the month. I can't promise it daily but I will try to do a bunch for some fun wrapping inspiration!

But back to these pretty little lanterns!

I am excited about this one because I am also planning my table for the upcoming Christmas Tea at our church. I think these lanterns in varying sizes would look lovely as a centerpiece. These ones above were actually my little practice ones. :) My husband and I were at Lowe's this weekend and spotted a bunch of these lanterns on clearance at $1.08 a piece! We literally filled up the cart with them and we bought over 20 of them. I know I will find just the perfect thing for them...oooh I can't wait!

I had this little project in mind for awhile now so I knew some spray paint love was in order.

So I brightened them up a bit with white and found my happy place.

Sigh. I just ♥ white spray paint.

Now for adding fabric to the removable glass panels.

1. I actually used craft lace and a sparkly organza material to cover the glass.
2. I used Mod Podge but I tend to be a bit heavy handed with it.
3. You can use a paint brush to spread it on.
4. But I prefer to get all messy and use my fingers.

After spreading the glue, smooth your fabric onto the glass. Wait until they are completely dry before placing them back into your lantern.

BTW...You really don't have to be precise when you cut out the pieces of fabric. Just lay the glass on top of the fabric and cut around it. The edges are hidden on the inside.

Be sure to place them inside with the fabric on the outside of the glass.

They look so pretty with the tea lights in them!

I love how the lace one is more see through but the organza diffuses the light with a soft glow.

I can't wait to do this for the Christmas Tea tablescape with the different sized lanterns.

Other Ideas: You could also use Vellum paper or the the plastic paper like I used for the lemonade mason jars at the girl's birthday party. Tissue paper would work too and look lovely with that diffused glow look to it. Wrap lace around glass votives or even large vases and place larger candles in them. So, so, so pretty. I might lace up every glass container I own!

I promise to be back soon...HUGS!

♥

P.S. I almost forgot...today I am at my sweet friend Tonya's blog with a guest post sharing the story of my faith for her 31 days series. 15 years ago today I met my Savior...♥

linking to:
the 36th avenue
a crafty soiree
show and share with southern lovely
someday crafts: whatever goes wednesday

Happy Owl-O-Ween Cards and Bookmarks

2011-10-20T17:23:00.000-04:00

There is something about the cuteness of anything owl that always draws me in the Fall. So I was totally excited when my new friend Courtney contracted me to design some Holiday goodies for her Thirty-one consultants for both Halloween and Thanksgiving. I was pretty excited. But knowing I needed to make 100, my goal was to make it cute but easy for me to turnaround. Plus, I wanted something happy and not too spooky. So these colorful and fun owl cabochon bookmarks seemed like the perfect solution.

First I designed the card using this completely fun owl clip art from the Etsy shop KPMDoodles Digital Clip Art. My idea was to have these cute little owls look like they are sitting on the branch on the card.

I ordered the owl cabochons from Suppliesagogo (I love saying that name) and the bookmark clips are from Everything Ribbons. As for putting them together, I just hot glued each owl cabochon to the top of each button clip. Not sure if that is how you do it but that is how I did it...worked for me! :)

To attach the bookmark clip tot the card, I made two slits with a craft knife above and below the branch so I could slide both sections of the paper clip in it.

Like this.

The clip stays in the back so that nothing hides the front of the card.

I tied raffia around each bookmark clip to give it more Fall flair. :)

Here is the whole lot of them!

These would be a great idea to do for your children's friends or classmates too!

It is quick and easy and inexpensive!

Such a fun Halloween project!

Happy Owl-O-Ween

hugs to all of you!

This post sponsored by:

Speaking of cabochons...check out Popalicious Too for some amazing variety on cabochons and other fabric buttons. And I have to be honest...I would have ordered from her in a heartbeat! Her selection is unbelievable...she even has cute little owl ones too.

DIY Twig Votive

2011-10-17T11:48:00.001-04:00

Here is a simple and quick project to tackle in an hour. I showed you a sneek peek of this in the post showing all my Fall projects around the home. And this one is going to be a FOR SURE repeat project for me.

I got inspired by these from Martha Stewart who made this twig vase. But I thought this idea would be lovely to make a votive and have the candle light peeking through the twigs inside the glass. So I grabbed some twigs from the backyard, some glass votives and a glue gun and got to work.

Seriously...this probably does not even need a tutorial. I mean, all you do is take some sticks and hot glue to glass. SIMPLE! Do this all the way around and put them as close together as you can.

Fill in the gaps with thinner sticks to make it look fuller. I like the look of different lengths at the top.
Gives it a more organic looky-loo to it.

Pop a tea light in there, wrap with twine and leaves...done! A great idea is to recycle your glass candles or buy some glass votives and. vases from the dollar store for a little collection or tablescape.

And I want to try this using mason jars and hang them!

Happy Crafting my precious friends!

P.S. Sorry I have been so absent from this blog and from your blogs! And I have even dropped the ball returning emails. PLEASE FORGIVE ME! I have been so busy with upcoming projects that I can't share with you JUST YET. Just know I appreciate every one of you and I will do my best to visit you soon.

Stunning Velvet Plush Pumpkins

2011-10-12T14:35:00.001-04:00

First off...I did NOT make these.

But I DID win them. So I had to share. Funny that I don't really enter giveaways. But I had to enter this one over at the Lettered Cottage. I mean, look at them! And amazingly enough...out of 2000 entries...I won. They are from this amazing shop called LoveFeast Table. They have these for sale in their shop while offering several gorgeous color combinations. They were made by Plush Pumpkin and they are truly divine.

Oh my word I had no idea how one could have this deep abiding affection for pumpkins. I believe they are the most beautiful pumpkins in the whole universe. Truly.

Velvet pumpkins with real pumpkin stems??!!

Plushy and pretty in these delicious colors called Stone, Mushroom, Platinum, Sapphire, Snow and Dew??!

They just about did me in as I opened my box with more giddiness then what would be considered cool. I often wonder if my husband looks back on our courtship and has admiration for the savvy way I hid my ever present nerdiness until after the wedding.

Look at this teeny one my 3 year old is holding...is he not the cutest little thing?

The little care card says that because they are made with natural materials it is probably best to keep them out year round or store them in an air tight container. I have never considered having pumpkins out all year but these beauties I think may be a year round treat for the eyes at this house.

If you love these and wish to pin them...I suggest pinning or bookmarking them from the LoveFeast Table website where I won the giveaway. Thanks a bunch!

Share the Pumpkin L♥VE

This post brought to you by:

PS. Andrea, owner of The Cottage Market just posted these gorgeous shabby pumpkins she made. Please visit her blog and take a peek.

Fall Decor: A Tour of My Little Home

2011-10-09T23:00:00.000-04:00

I first need to preface this post with a honest disclaimer and it is this...

I DO NOT LIVE IN A MODEL HOME.

But I wish I did.

Those who know me well, know that I have a a manic tendency to be a perfectionist when it comes to my home. Yet it is not perfect nor do I rock magazine worthy style. But as most of you know making a house a home is a work in progress that simply never ends.

I will let you in on another fact-a-roo about me...I know I write a CRAFT blog but I actually used to study interior design. Sadly, after moving here...I had to let it go and of course life takes you down a new course that you don't anticipate. And I still need to learn so much about decorating. But I hope to add more decor content to my blog at some point in the future by sharing various projects I hope to tackle.

Now I have to confess something. There is something so vulnerable about sharing your STYLE. Crafts feel safe to me because they cross over tastes and preferences. But DECOR is such a personal, subjective thing. It says so much about you or a way of living. So I seldom share my home on my blog because...well...I feel so exposed. I mean, it's MY HOUSE! My sanctuary and where I live. Of course there are a gazillion things I would change but I do love my home.

So. I have decided to be brave.

Today I am taking the plunge to share a little of my home with you My 1600 square foot house is small but cozy. I am not showing you bedrooms because...I don't decorate those with Fallish things. The rest is kind of one big room. And I did not clean up for my pictures. I figured you would appreciate signs of real life since I do live one and I do not live inside this little computer and make stuff all day. :)

I also thought it would be fun for you to see a lot of these Fall DIY's I have made put into use in my home. I have a lot of photos so I put them in story boards so you won't doze off while viewing. :)

First off...note the STACK of TWO laundry baskets on that little antique bench on the right. Yep. That is because I am the biggest laundry procrastinator and I need two baskets just to get it all together. And the little table and chairs indicate that children do live here. See? No model home. Just one filled with real life and oodles of love. ♥

This is the view from my front door. You just step in and you are in the middle of my living room. All the Fall decorations make it so warm and inviting. Can you see some of the things I have done on the blog? On top of the bookcases is my little Fall vignette with my fabric bird cage. And I found new homes for my little dollar tree wreaths that I swapped out for the apple baskets. I put one over the fireplace and one on my mirror in the dining room.

I will just go ahead and show you the rest of my living room. My over sized couch and chair are almost 10 years old and I fear getting new ones because there is a real chance I will put plastic on them and make my children snuggle on what feels like saran wrap. But if they spill on these...I don't worry about it. And I buy pillow covers from IKEA for $5 each and just swap them out. They don't even match and I really don't care. OK. Yes I do. But my chronic problem is if a pillow goes on clearance somewhere, I buy it planning on doing something with it and then I just never get to it. :)

Here are some close ups of little fall things around the house. From the left going clockwise...1. The leaves hang above my dining room french doors. I attached fishing line to dollar store leaves using a needle, tied them off and hung them with scotch tape. 2. The white pumpkins are from our pumpkin patch visit. I love the pop of green from the fresh stems since we had just cut them that day. Below the pumpkins are the leaf frames I made with the yarn wrapped gourds and pumpkins. Those frames are actually hiding speakers behind them on top of the armoire. 3. I keep my dining room table simple with a runner, some pumpkins, a vase full of orange goodness (with a little scarecrow cutie peeking out) and some velvet leaves in a long silver platter. 4. On the hearth are some stone fruit and a painting I picked up at an antique store and some orange pumpkins from the U-Pick patch. The flowers are from my sweet hubs who loves Fall as much as I do. :) 5. My fireplace can sometimes depress me since I long for a mantel. But I try to add drama when I can and I found a huge branch that fell from the big tree in my front yard during a wind storm. The girls helped me paint it white and I made fabric leaves for it and hot glued them to it. I hung it with fishing line as well.

And now I added my pine cone garland and it happily hangs right above the fireplace.

I am a little behind on Fall tablescape planning because it is one of my favorite things to do. You guys remember my napkin tags, right? And I get giddy when I pull out these colorful Fall bowls which I use through Thanksgiving. And this little votive was (inspired by Martha's twig vase) made with sticks from my backyard and hot glued to a glass votive. I wrapped it with twine and faux leaves. Easy peasy!

I have been having tons of fun with the gazillion pine cones we have found. The girls and I painted them different colors with a fabulous mommy/daughter craft time. I hung some up in our kitchen window by using eyelet screws (used to hang picture frames) and tying ribbon onto them. And we put some others in a simple basket on the coffee table in the living room.

And here is some handmade goodness sprinkled around the house too.

1. Those yarn apples are the ones I made last year for Cati's school party. 2. A green apple made from an old sweater 3. These pumpkins on my front porch are the fake orange ones and I painted them this pretty grey white color and distressed them with green, blue and brown to match my house. 4. Cati is holding her paper mache pumpkin we made last year as a kid craft. 5. I don't know why but I put out that cute little dog every Fall. And the fabric pumpkin was born of one of those days I used up some scraps and made something. 6. The leaf and fabric pom garland is from my living room vignette. I used coordinating fabric and made stuffie-like leaves and poms and hung it over two sliding doors that I removed from a bookshelf.

THAT CONCLUDES MY NOVEL LENGTH POST OF FALL PHOTOS.

Honest.

Well I hope you are inspired a bit with the little things I have done around the house. I had lots of fun sharing this with you and I wish I could have so many of you ladies over for coffee and a little craft-together session. Thanks for peeking around my house and truly caring about my little space in the blog world. It means so much that you come here.

One more thing...another big breath...I am now accepting sponsors for my site.

If you are interested please see my rates and reader stats here or email me at twoshadesof pink (at) gmail (dot) com.

Hugs and may blessings sweet friends!

♥

Pine Cone Flower Garland

2011-10-05T18:28:00.008-04:00

PINE CONE FLOWERS...LOVE!

This is such a pretty DIY! I love that this simple garland is an easy one! All you need are pine cones, some felt, garden shears, hot glue, wood beads, twine and paint (optional).

And in all honesty...my obsession with garlands needed to be fed for the Fall Season. :)

Our neighborhood is full of long leaf pine trees so we have pine cones EVERYWHERE. It has been fun hunting for pine cones with my girls and teaching them how to find pine trees. And I must say I crack up when my youngest daughter points to a palm tree and calls it a pine tree because they have "pointy" branches. It really is weird to have palm trees and pine trees next to each other in Florida.

I digress. So. It would not be the Fall season without throwing some pine cone love in the crafty mix.

Now gather a bunch of pine cones. The bigger the better. Grab some wood beads and cut out about a dozen 2 inch felt circles.

1. Using the garden shears, cut all the little sections off the pine cone.

2. Hot glue them around the felt circle in a flower pattern (as if they were petals) until you get to the middle.

3. I tried using the biggest pieces on the outside edge (found towards the bottom of your pine cone) and the smaller pieces towards the middle.

Instead of filling the middle with smaller pieces, use one of your wood beads as the center of your flower to make them look different.

I decided to paint some of them white for a bit of rustic distressing added to it.

It nicely satisfies my cottage style heart.

♥

And please don't tell me it looks Christmasy.

Let's pretend it doesn't.

I almost did not post this because I thought it looked Christmasy but then I figured no one else has to paint them or use white if they did not want to.

So I posted it. Yay me. :)
Postscript: I have already seen this pinned 3x under the category Christmas. Sigh. So be it. :)

To create the garland I just hot glued twine to the top of the felt circles (they are slightly heavy) on the back while spacing my flowers out evenly. I ended up using about 5-6 pine cones to make 12 flowers.

So pretty!

I hope you make some pretty pine cone flowers too!

Let me know if you do!

Hugs to all of you Fellow Fall Lovin' friends!

♥
linking to:
crafty soiree...yesterday on tuesday
southern lovely
someday crafts
tea rose home
the creative spark...clean and scentsible
somewhat simple
creative me monday...the southern institute
the 36th avenue
jaqs studio
tatertots and jello
be different...act normal...show and tell
under the table and dreaming

Fall Door Decor: Apple Bushel Baskets

2011-09-30T21:55:00.005-04:00

Well Happy Fall Y'all! I hope each of you are well on your way to getting your Fall decorating on...I can't seem to stop this year. By the time I am done and sit back to look at it all...I will probably be taking it all down and putting up Christmas stuff!

Actually...this apple basket project has been on my mind for awhile. I think it is due to the fact that I have these completely UNINSPIRED wreaths on my door. Oh they were just fine for our first Fall after we moved into this house a little over a year ago. I had been in a quandary because we suddenly had a double door entry. So I just made 2 wreaths with dollar store bunches of leaves and left it at that. I do really like them but they are lacking a bit in personality.

Fallish? Check.
Doors covered? Check.
Totally loving it? Hmmm...not so much.

But this year I wanted to go a totally different route. So I came up with these apple baskets to hang on the doors. They ended up surprisingly easy and quick. And so unique and versatile!
I am still not 100% positive I am in LOVE with them for door decor but I decided if I come up with a better door plan...they are still PERFECTLY useable elsewhere.

Here's how I did it...

I just realized I spelled raffia wrong through this entire post. I have moved on. :)

The first thing to do is make the fun little Apple Sign (or SIGNS if you have 2 doors like me). Just take your simple wood square plaque (snagged it for.99) and glue 4 craft sticks to it to form a frame. Do this by hot gluing the top and bottom and then the left and right sides. Then it is time to paint them.

I have no idea if my painting technique has a name. I would have loved to take photos for you but my hands were covered in paint and I was not picking up my fancy schmancy camera. Here's what I do...

I start by layering with 3-4 coats of different colors of paint. Next, I dry brush over each layer with white paint to distress it. In this case I used blue and green layers to match my front door and the apples.

When each coat got tacky I would paint on another one. Then I covered those layers with a brown color. When the brown got tacky I would basically begin rubbing the paint off with my fingers by pushing and rolling the paint into flakes. My goal was to make it look like like different coasts of paint chipped off over time. Then I would dry brush that too. The letters were just stenciled with alpha stamps and when dry I dry brushed over those with white paint to look faded.

The last step is nailing the framed sign (the nails are all crazy on purpose because they were too long but I like the effect) into the wooden stake.

Now for the basket. This is where you use your floral foam. 1. I, of course, am ~~cheap~~ thrifty and use what I have on hand and found this square of styrofoam in some box. The styro/floral foam will anchor your sign in the basket. 2. I cut mine in half since I needed two. 3. Place it where you want your sign to go. I wanted mine towards the back but make sure you position it where the handle can still be used to hang it up if you choose to. 4. Stick your sign in there. Awesome.

1. Now stabilize your foam with crumpled newspaper so it can't move or fall over.

2. Lightly fill the newspaper to about 3/4 full but don't pack it too tightly.

3. Fill the top with raffia until the newspaper is covered.

Now for your apples. Obviously we need to make sure the apples don't roll out of the basket. Since these are made of styrofoam, it makes it easy to push skewers through them and stick them through the raffia and newspaper. I used 4 inch ones but regular ones would probably make them even more stable. In the above shot, I show you how I poked them through a different part of each apple (blunt side in, point side out) so that in the basket, they look natural like they were just dumped in there.

I think my favorite part was arranging them in there. It was so much fun and even my 5 year old helped me.

Just wanted to show you it really works. :)

Then I just cut a length of the burlap garland, looped it through the handle and tacked the ends to the tops of my doors.

So simple and fun. And I think pretty unique too!

How cute would these be with bunches of pumpkins and gourds in them? Or pinecones and leaves?

What do you think?

Hugs to all of you!
Just know I appreciate each and every one of you. Your comments. Your pins. Your friendship.

And I wanted to extend a special thank you to all the lovely features and comments for my yarn wrapped gourds and pumpkins. I am completely humbled and overwhelmed by such encouragement.
You all bless me so much.

P.S. I am so excited I have to share...we are going to a REAL pumpkin patch tomorrow! We have not done that in all the 8 years we have lived in Florida. These are the times I miss living further north. I will take lots of pictures and share them with you! And we are getting a cool front...85!
That is like long sleeve weather down here!

♥
linking to:
along for the ride
tatertots and jello
southern lovely
be different...act normal
under the table and dreaming
homework : inspiration board

Fall Leaf Napkin Tags

2011-09-26T23:21:00.000-04:00

You have no idea how many times I pushed back space and deleted the title of this post. What to call these was completely lost on me but I think the best title for them are TAGS.

So I came up with these super cutie patootie Leaf Tag Ties.

First off...these little leaves were made with simple modeling clay. Now before your eyes glaze over as mine did whenever I read about someone making things with this medium I beg you to keep reading for no other reason then you are already here...you might as well.

And as your friend...I'm asking. :)
And I am a nice girl.
And I may make you baked goods for obliging.
See? Nice.

No really...they turned out pretty darn cute after having the best time with this stuff.

I have never used clay. Ever. OK, in my college art classes I did but I was thinking of minoring in art so it kind of went with the territory. But pursuing it on my own? Nope. Yet I saw it in Wal Mart the other week and the next thing I knew it was in the buggy (cart). Had no idea what I was going to do other then the idea of grown up play doh intrigued me. Shape it and bake it? I'm in.

First, I bought some mini cookie cutters and paint from the new Martha Stewart Line from Michael's.I rolled out the dough and cut out my shapes.I created veins in the leaves and a little hole with a toothpick.

Baked them at 275 for about 20-30 minutes.

Once they cooled I painted them fun colors and painted the veining white with a toothpick.

The girls wanted in on the fun so they made and painted some too. ♥

After the paint dried, I just threaded strips of raffia through the holes and tied them around these fun and colorful napkins I use each Fall!
How stinkin' easy is that? Plus I completely adore that this can carry though to Thanksgiving.

There is some great potential in using this clay stuff. I have 8 gazillion ideas for making hostess gifts to give to neighbors and friends.

A mason jar or brown kraft box of goodies wrapped with these tags for holiday well wishing?

Perfection!

Seriously...be honest now...did you zone out on me or do you think this would be something you would try? It really is easy. It's like baking cookies and the painting is like icing. You just can't eat them. (which makes me only a little sad like when I finish one of those little chocolate pudding snacks...it seems over way too fast).

Happy Fall Crafting My Sweet Friends!

Oh and I have a few more Fall-y crafts coming your way.

Hope I don't overload you but this season is just way too fun!

♥

Yarn Wrapped Gourds & Pumpkins

2011-09-20T22:56:00.015-04:00

Aren't these just the coziest, cutest little things?

Almost makes me want to curl up and snuggle with them. Almost.

As a lot of you know...I love yarn crafts. Anything with texture. Yarn has so many possibilities and I believe these little $1 store pumpkins and gourds have been transformed into some pretty spectacular Fall decor pieces.

I bought those little mini gourds and pumpkins by the pack (5 in each) at the dollar tree and I think the bigger gourds and pumpkins are from Wal-mart at 97 cents each. All of them are FAKE PUMPKINS because I wanted each of them to last! I used different yarn gauges in ivory, green, and a mustard yellow to wrap them in different ways and make each one unique.This green pumpkin (which kinda ended up looking like an apple but I truly love it) was done simply by gluing the yarn around the base of the stem and then continuing to wind it around while applying glue. I prefer to use hot glue because it keeps it in place due to drying faster. Even though I'm used to working with a glue gun, I still burn myself at times so if this is a kid project for you...use craft glue like Mod Podge or Aleen's Tacky Glue. Craft glue really does work great but be careful not to press too hard as you conform the yarn to the shape because it can cause hard glue spots.

Also, I loved the real look of this stem so I left it as is.

These little gourds and tiny pumpkin make me smile too. Same technique as the green pumpkin but I just varied it a bit by going horizontal or vertical. The large gourd is wrapped in twine and the stem is wrapped in green embroidery floss. The smaller stems are made from twine bent in half and hot glued together. I frayed the ends and kind of smooshed it on the top of the pumpkin or gourd to make it look like it grew out of the top.

Oh, I love this white pumpkin so much. I twisted 4 strands of yarn together measuring them the length of the pumpkin from stem to bottom. It reminds me a bit of a cable knit sweater without the knitting. The green stem is wrapped with twine to add even more texture. Craft glue worked best with this technique too.

These are not exactly rosettes but they are similar to the way you make fabric ones. This mustard yellow pumpkin comes off sophisticated to me. I think these in all white would be striking with maybe some touches of green.

The tricky part in making this style is rolling them into TIGHT spirals and then using craft glue to put them on. Start by tying a knot at the end and then rolling it between your thumb and index finger. Once you get a spiral you like, they have to be pressed flat with glue. So hot glue does not work. Incidentally...my above pumpkin has been handled by two 3 year olds and a 5 year old. Hence some of the spirals coming loose.

The spiral rosettes are simple but it does take some time to finish one pumpkin. But I think the effect is completely worth it! :)

Hope you like another yarn wrapped project I came up with for Fall!

Do you see yourself making these too?

I would love to hear what you think. :)

Cozy Fall Hugs to all of you!

♥

linking to:
nest of posies
the diy show off
tip junkie: tip me tuesday
a crafty soiree: yesterday on tuesday
strut your stuff: somewhat simple
the 36th avenue
show and share with southern lovely
thrifty thursday
tatertots and jello
creative me monday
itsybitsypaper

Decorative Fabric Birdcage Tutorial

2011-09-16T00:29:00.003-04:00

In case you may have missed my post as part of Eighteen 25's Spooktacular, I wanted to repost and share my fabric birdcage tutorial.

Let's get right to it!

Here's the materials you need...

Oh and a glue gun! You need a glue gun too. :)
BTW...I actually do have larger bottles of fabric glue. I just like using the small ones for some reason.

Next...pick out some pretty, Fall colored fabric and you're all set to get started.

Cover your hoops with fabric:

1. Cut your fabric into several 1 inch long strips. I did this by folding over the 2 yards of fabric several times.
2. Separate both your embroidery hoops and wrap the fabric strips around both outer hoops but only one inner hoop. Leave the other one unwrapped. Wrap your ribbon spool too.
3. Now your hoops are wrapped (ignore the extra one shot in my photographic haste).

The bottom of your bird cage:

4. Now take another coordinating fabric and place a square of it over the unwrapped inner hoop and put the one covered outer hoop over the top and tighten it.

5. Trim the excess fabric and glue any loose fabric over the bottom edges.

Now to make your fabric covered wire:

6. You need your1 inch wide strips of fabric, 10 yds of floral wire cut in 2 ft lengths, and fabric glue.
7. Lay your wire in the middle of the strip and line a section of the top of the strip with fabric glue.
8. Pinch it closed as you work your way down the whole length of wire. I did this with 8 lengths of wire but you can do more. This is probably your only time consuming part. Trim any frays and excess fabric along the length to clean them up.

Now to form the top frame of the bird cage:

(I actually did the left example with uncovered wire so you could see it better)

9. Grab your ribbon spool and begin wrapping the ends of 4 wires around the ribbon spool at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions to anchor it. Once those wires were in place I could do the sections in between (where the dotted lines are).

10. It should like this at the top when you are done with the real thing.

11. Now you just slide one covered 12 inch embroidery hoop up the wires like putting on a skirt (wires on the INSIDE of the hoop. Hot glue them in place on the inside of the hoop.

Do the same thing with your second hoop ensuring it looks even in between them.

12.Stretch your wires as straight as you can to form the body of the cage. Hot glue them to the outside of your embroidery hoop at the bottom (the one with the coordinating fabric on it).

Even the wires until the cage looks straight and cut off excess so it does not fold underneath.

That's it!

Look at your pretty bird cage!

I even fancied it up with some girly little flower embellishments and clipped them to the side.

Then I made a little stuffed crow (though when I stared at it too long it started looking like a seal with a beak). I sewed him together with a quick blanket stitch and sewed two eyes with orange embroidery floss.

To anchor my crow I added a shorter length of fabric wire, wrapped it around the sides to make a perch and then threaded a line of fishing line from the top of the cage, down through the bird, out the bottom and sewed him to his little perch bar.
But you really could just buy a crow from the craft store, name him something cute like "Cornelius," show him his new home, and call it a day.

Here's a printable with templates to make the flowers and crow.

Click to download

(designed for personal use only..thanks!)

Hope you like my little fabric birdcage and are inspired to make one yourself. There are so many variations to make this...use wood dowels for the body to make it more realistic...spray paint it a fun color...I adore all the possibilities! And a great idea for different seasons too!

Have a great weekend sweet friends!

♥
linking to:
nest of posies
the diy show off

Fabric Leaf Frames

2011-09-15T14:42:00.000-04:00

Happy Fall Y'all!

Honest to goodness I am just plain giddy to be actually posting an actual post.
And awake to blog about it.

The busyness of this year's schedule has shocked me and I never realized how much I need crafting as an outlet. So all my projects are taking longer but I have a bunch up my sleeve for the Fall season. I hope, I hope, I hope I can get to them and share them here with you wonderful friends.

All righty. Enough of me going on about my schedule.

This little project appeals to the seasonal decorator in me that I am shocked I have become. But I embrace it with ridiculous gusto. If you would have told me I would have taken frames that held other things...and changed them each season...I would have laughed. Usually, if I nailed it to the wall...it stayed there until it fell from my hasty handy work or I moved.

But now it irks me to have a pastel or summer looking frame of prettiness on the wall mocking me in my sea of orange, green, yellow, and brown things.

So I take them down and Fall-ify it. Oh yes. I made up that verb word.

For this project, I began by backing both of these frames with burlap. I then cut and embroidered (I use that term loosely) leaves to it using faux decorative ones as templates. I gave them a little dimension with some polyfil (no batting in the house) and used color coordinated embroidery floss. Because it is a little three dimensional I removed the glass for this frame.

I love to hand sew things and my style is primitive and childlike. I love the look of imperfect stitches and I freehand my letters. This totally would have been the word LEAVES but like I said...I free hand and ran out of space. LEAF it is.

This leaf I found in my sewing box that I made with fabric scraps and felt but I do not remember for what.

So putting this frame together took me all of two minutes.

Hooray for fast and hoarding my stash!

If you are not a sewer you could do this with scrapbook paper, real (or faux) leaves, or just cut out the fabric and use it on the glass without a backing . A fun and easy project without too much prep or time needed.
I do have more to share and I am hoping I can get another post out soon!

Oh and I have to know...do any of you do seasonal decorating?
Or am I in danger of having 10 boxes for each season filled with yard sale fodder because I can't stop my seasonal decorating mania? You have my permission to then commence with a blog intervention for me.

I will see it for it is...your love for me to stop the madness. :)

Smiles & Hugs!

♥

Remember 9-11

2011-09-11T09:30:00.000-04:00

Remember...

For the almost 3000 people who died 10 years ago...mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, brothers, sisters, friends. For those who lost their lives due to hijacked planes that crashed in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania; people from many nations, faiths and backgrounds.

Remember...

For those deeply affected by the loss of their loved ones and are still trying to live their lives after the devastation of that day. For those who may not have known someone personally who perished but still mourn the terror that was inflicted upon our country and our hearts that day.

Remember...

The way our country united together in a way that was unlike anything we had ever seen in this lifetime. We wore our patriotism with pride and we all seemed to pass one another...though strangers...with a smile and recognition that we were in this together. The way our country is supposed to be.

Remember...

As life moves further from this day there is a tendency for that same strong conviction to fade...but we can still endeavor to uphold the strength of the United States of America through prayer and a united front.

Remember.

♥

Guest Posting Today at Eighteen 25!

2011-09-10T10:44:00.000-04:00

Happy Saturday Friends!

Just wanted to let you know that I am guest posting at Eighteen 25's annual Spooktacular today.

I am beyond honored to be asked to participate with the INSPIRING and AMAZING group of bloggers contributing to this month long series.

So if you would like...peek in on this little DIY Fabric Birdcage for some lovely Fall decor!

I have Never Done a Jewelry Craft...So Be Gentle!

2011-09-08T15:01:00.000-04:00

Do any of you incredibly creative and crafty people suffer from the same ailment that I have?

It's called..."I can SO make that-ITIS."

I see things and I am convinced I can make not only the exact same way but maybe even better.

Wow. Talk about my BIG crafty head.

Here's what happened. I am in a cute store. Francesca's.

Know it?

It's kinda like poor man's Anthropologie in bite size form. Love.

Anyway...I adore all the jewelry...funky and fun. I spotted some earrings that had fabric ruffles on them. Loved the concept but they were kind of busy looking. So I was inspired by the idea but wanted to change it around. No clear vision mind you. I just wanted ruffles and maybe some fun color.

But where to begin?

I did not want to purchase jewelry making stuff since I have no idea what I am doing.

But the other day, I'm at Walmart and found these inexpensive earrings perfect for my first try.

So I got to work to give these ultra, blindingly shiny, metal things some personality and flair.

They turned out so cute...until I PUT THEM ON.

It looked exactly like I spray painted and sewed ruffles to a pair of inexpensive earrings.

In 1984. And kept them.

Stellar.

But how cute would it be as a necklace?

Oh, I think this actually could work!

I think I have to rework this a bit. I have never, ever made a necklace for myself to wear. I'm just a see, like, and buy it kind of girl. Consider this my bling practice run.

Still...it is fun to be creative and share it with you. Even if it is a bit of a craft fail I'm going to wear it proud. :)

Do you ever have any funny craftastrophe's? Tell me I am not alone.:)

Hugs!

♥

First Day of School!

2011-09-06T18:57:00.001-04:00

Just had to share with all of you precious friends! :)

Visit Becky Lee's blog for these fabulous digi school freebies to download.

Feature: Amy J. from Delightful Distractions

2011-08-31T21:39:00.001-04:00

I'm sure you have noticed my blog recently got a tiny makeover with my new happy banner. Well I am excited to introduce you to the lovely Amy J. from Delightful Distractions who made it for me!

Amy started following my blog a little while back and as always...I need to peek in everyone's blog who decides to follow me....and the moment I did...I was hooked.

Amy's incredible blog is chock full of her incredible sense of style, graphic design skills, and inspiration galore. Plus...she exudes oodles of friendliness and warmth in her writing voice with her transparent posts.

Oh and read her twins story but grab a box of tissues. An incredible testimony and her faith encourages me so much.

After seeing some of her Etsy shop and graphic design talent I was completely in love! I knew we shared some of the same design tastes. She combines a delightful merging of a love for vintage with a fresh modern feel. I am in such awe of her skills which prompted me to ask her if she had ever considered blog design.

When she decided to work with me I felt like it was Christmas morning! I can't tell you how happy I am with my perfect banner and buttons. I love how they illustrate my love of garlands, birds, and lots of color! It makes me happy every time I see it! And for icing on the cake...she was amazing to work with...so patient and really saw my style immediately!

I admire her work so much like the above nursery prints using scripture verses. If I ever have another baby these will certainly grace the nursery walls! :)

She is also VERY crafty and I absolutely love how she shows us how to make our own washi tape out of mailing labels using one of her many lovely free printables.

Oh and these adorable printable menus to play restaurant with the kiddos!

Or these perfectly sweet labels that I used for the girl's picnic party!

And such brilliance sharing ideas like using old books as picture frame mats covered in fabric!

Now if that does not speak to my fabric loving heart...I don't know what does!

And her decor style...oh be still my heart! Fresh vintage style again. I love Amy's idea to cover those chrome legged kitchen chairs with a vintage tablecloth that her mother in law helped cover. Brilliant! Or her daughter's gorgeous bedroom! Seriously, I could stare at her blog all day.

Please say hello to the lovely Amy.

I promise you won't be disappointed.

P.S. She even has an awesome new chore chart printable.

See?

Oodles of awesomeness.

And Amy?

Thank you so very much for making my blog pretty. :)

I am thrilled to share you with so many of my other friends who I'm sure will just love your blog like I do. :)

Fall Flashback

2011-08-30T16:16:00.001-04:00

I promise I have not been trapped under something heavy in my absence. I seriously have so many behind the scenes things I have been working on...various projects that I hope to share with you soon. I have even been...ready? Organizing and decorating my new...CRAFT/HOMESCHOOL ROOM!

Oh the bliss of it all. ♥

Not to mention school starts for my oldest and both my girls are playing soccer. I am just plain old busy.

But I figured I could share some crafts I did last year for Fall. It's my favorite, most happy inducing time of year! But being in sunny Florida I gotta put forth the effort to make it feel like Fall. I even make it smell all cinnamony. Or sporting the fake pumpkins outside (boo to that). Real ones would be a squishy mess in a week. I should call the Fall decor inside of my house "Autumn Erupted" or something.

And I do get real pumpkins at the pumpkin patch and put them inside. I need the real pumpkins.

Yarn Leaf Mobile

But this one is probably once of my most favorite crafts. I love anything that has to do with yarn and I even have one in the works coming to you soon. :)

And incidentally...this craft is in this year's 100 days of Holidays at Parents.com. I always feel weird mentioning features in a post but I had this post going already so I figured I might as well mention it. :)

Apple Plates

I was one of the room mom's for Cati's class last year and got to do the parties. The first one I did was an apple theme. I think fruit themed decorating has untapped happiness potential. :) These are just regular dollar store plates and I used white, green, and tan card stock to make them into apples and a little sharpie for the seeds.

Apple Garland

Who would not love a pom pom apple and some twine with paper leaves? Simple too.

You can check out those crafts posts here.

Apple Cupcakes

These were made with a combination of cake icing and cookie icing (to make them look like shiny apples) pretzels for the stems, and RIPS candy cut into leaves. Peek in on this one here.

Hope this leaves you with a little bit of inspiration (even though they are oldies but goodies) and to assure you that I am still here doing my crafty thing.

Hugs!

"TEA"cher Gift: Pencil Coaster with Coffee Mug

2011-08-18T17:41:00.009-04:00

Hey friends! I have missed you!

You may be glad to know I have officially switched from birthday party mode back to CRAFT mode. I am excited to have new ideas swirling around in my head and I pray I have time to actually make them happen.

The first thing on my craft agenda was this cute gift for Cati's kindergarten teacher. For those of you new to reading my blog, Cati attends a small Christian school where she attend 3 days a week and then I homeschool her 2 days a week. The school is set up this way and all the families follow this curriculum with their children. We love it. And because we are a small school, we all know each other and Cati already knows her teacher and she knows her. Which is NICE!

So I happen to know that her teacher is an avid scrapbooker and appreciates a little creativity. I decided to make her a gift just to bless her as we come back to school to start the new year. I for one appreciate all the hard work teachers invest and I want her to know we appreciate and pray for her.

I came up with an idea to make a Pencil Coaster and give a fun coffee mug with some tea for the "TEA"cher. Fun, right? It is a simple project which everyone likes!

First...find some pencils. :)

I think I found these pretty pencils in the dollar section of Target. I'm glad I grabbed several packs.

I have to be honest...Pretty + Pink= Me

So the first thing I did was take these pretty pencils and figured out that 14 of them cut to about 4 inches in length would give me an almost perfect square shape to create a coaster. I then asked hubby to saw them for me with some light sanding on the ends.

He does not bat an eye at my crafty requests. If I ask him to saw some pencils in half...he loves me enough to just do it without more information. I
'm crazy about that guy.

They were the right length I needed and they cut really clean. :)

Now to glue them together...I used E6000 glue but any heavy duty glue would work here like super glue or gorilla glue (which I happened to be out of).

I lined them up with the number stamped thingys you see in the above pic facing one way tot be the bottom of the coaster.

(what are those for anyway?)

I glued each pencil one at a time to another pencil using a line of glue down its entire length. The glue was flexible so if I was a little off in lining it up, I could fix it right away. Not a luxury with something like hot glue. I then let it set overnight to cure.

I think it turned out so cute!

Next I grabbed a rotary cutter, cutting mat and some leftover cork shelf liner I had on hand and cut it to size of about 3.5 inches to glue to the bottom of the coaster.

It did NOT turn out that way I measure but nothing I ever do with math turns out correctly. But honest to goodness I did try.

I peeled off the backing of the shelf liner and added more glue to secure it to the coaster.
(wow. sorry for the grainy shots here)

It will do. Totally not to the measurements that I attempted.

Do as I say. Not as I do. :)

I found the coffee mug and this adorable canister of ginger peach tea at Marshall's. How excited was I that it had the vintagey looking label with kids in front of a school chalkboard?! So sweet! And the colors were all working together too. I just love when things work out like that. :)

I put the canister in the yellow bag and folded the top over. Then I used a 4 inch doily and folded that over the top of the bag and punched a hole through the fold.

I made this cute little tag on cardstock to attach to the bag and tie with the ribbon.

Now Cati has a cute teacher gift for the first day of school!

I would love to hear what you think!

Hugs my friends!

♥
P.S. Did you wonder what you could do with the other ends of the pencils?

Why not do the same thing?
Or try sharpening the ends into dull points for a cute twist.

♥ I thinks this idea has lots of potential. ♥

linking to:
Tatertots and Jello
Creation Corner
Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Be Different...Act Normal
Under the Table and Dreaming
A Crafty Soiree
Clean and Scentsible: The Creative Spark

Snapshots of Our Little Picnic Party

2011-08-09T22:27:00.001-04:00

I love rain and thunderstorms. A whole lot. So it is a big deal that I am a little mad at Cumulonimbus right now.

Oh you may know him as Rain but I think our tight relationship gives me due cause to call him by his proper name. Like how everyone calls my oldest Cati but I usually call her Caitlyn or CATE when I am not happy. And Cumulonimbus caused quite a stir on Saturday as I finished decorating for the girl's birthday party and he decided to show up as soon as I was done.

And he was SO not invited.

But thankfully, as I commenced my breathing in and out of a paper bag...he decided to not overstay his welcome in time for the party. YIPPEE!

And Y'all? It was HOT.

But oh so fun. :)

Here are only a few shots that I could get. They are not very good so I fancied them up a bit to make them fun and hide the fact that there are only a few. I was attempting to be a good hostess and prevent my friends and family from melting.

Oh and the above photo is the table where everyone could make a picnic basket and take it back to their blanket. Fun, right?

We stuck to a simple menu:

Deli sandwiches from Publix

Homemade mac and cheese served in individual cups

Strawberry salad with candied walnuts in individual cups

Vegetable and Pita chips in small brown paper bags

Watermelon

The striped wax paper gives these a totally cute, homey look. Loved how they turned out!

I got here too late to snap a photo. The kids literally swarmed me when I brought out the lemonade in mason jars. This is what was left on a little end table that usually happily sits in my living room.

I meant to make a drinks sign but you gotta just know when to quit. The open drawers for the waters was a pretty nifty idea and I think I will do that again for some other entertaining endeavor I do.

Those of you have been reading here for the past 2 years know I do this every year and the recipe is super simple and somewhere on this blog but I will post it again so here you go...

You will need:

8 Ice cream sandwiches and 1/2 gallon of ice cream (I used chocolate) and a spring form pan.

For real. That is it. How stinkin simple is that?

The tricky part is the prep and only because things melt fast.

1. Cut you ice cream sandwiches in fourths. First lengthwise and then across to make four pieces each. The way I did this is to clear out the freezer for the cake(s) and then set a plate inside the freezer. I grabbed each sandwich one at a time and cut them and placed the cut pieces back onto the plate each time.

2. After they are all cut, begin lining them up around your spring from pan. It depends on what kind of pan you have but I recommend you keep it unlocked when doing this. Push each piece really close together, lock it and then put the spring form pan back in the freezer.

3. Thaw out your ice cream a bit on the counter to soften it up and then take out your spring form pan, and fill up the center with all the ice cream. I smoothed the top out and then froze it overnight.

4. I chose to put the hot fudge on it early and then freeze it again but you can do this right before serving (or whatever topping you would like). I made homemade whipped cream using whipping cream, confectioners sugar and a splash of vanilla. I eye ball everything. And then topped it off with a cherry.

Release it from the spring from pan right before you top it and serve.

Enjoy!

At the last minute, I decided to do a photo booth. I downloaded some fun mustache and glasses props and covered them with clear contact paper so they would last the whole party. I also made signs from some bubble labels I had already downloaded to feed my love of digital things. I put fun messages on the bubble labels, sized and printed them out and hot glued them to white cookie sticks. I found them at the Friendly Scrap and you can find the direct link for them here.
Here is a link to download the Colorful Lips & Mustache Set by The Paper Dolls Shop at Catch my Party.

I cannot find the link for the black glasses and mustache set because the download does not refer me back to a site. But here are a couple of other great great ones I found for you...
Oh Happy Day and this one too!
Lil Blue Boo
Living Locurto

The kids looked so cute and had a blast with them!

My lovely friend, Shelya, who is a professional photographer brought the background screen for me to use. She is such a sweetie! And the cutie girl in the bottom center, who should seriously have been paid $100 for all her help at the party, took all the photos of the kids. She did AMAZING!

And some shots of my girls I got at a restaurant. This was the end of their party packed birthday weekend.

Happy Birthday to my precious, sweet girls.

When I have more photos to show you...I will.

But hopefully I will have new projects to share soon!

Favors and Decorations, and Pretty Things...Oh My!

2011-08-02T17:32:00.002-04:00

I know. It probably makes no sense that I take a two week hiatus and then just launch into a post like nothing happened.

I have to tell you I needed that break. I know it sounds crazy but as my girls both had approaching birthdays I was suddenly hit with the finality of MOMENTS. Call it a moment of clarity. That these precious moments can pass without you even noticing and there is no getting them back. I would look into those sweet faces and realize that time is literally warp speeding by me.

So I jumped in and had the best time playing human choo choo train around the house, going swimming, watching the clouds change shape, sitting in a movie theater sharing popcorn and whispers, playing baby dolls, and lots and lots of snuggling. I don't plan on it ending. ♥

My Ella just had her 3rd birthday this past Friday. Which prompted this clarity I was referring to. I am still wrapping my mind around my youngest child being 3. No longer a baby. Lord willing, we will have more babies. Whether biological or adopted...I have no idea. But we want more children. And I have been hit with the fact that mine are just...GROWING. Like all the time. And I can't stop it. But I sure can enjoy the ride.

So. That is what I have been up to. Just enjoying my two girlies and loving my life. But in the meantime...I have also been hard at work preparing for this upcoming picnic party. I don't have tutorials for you but I will share some photos of the things I have made.

Hope you enjoy them!

Tissue Paper Pom Poms

I plan on hanging them from our big tree in the front yard.

I made a lot. :)

Fabric Ruffly Balls

These cuties are much smaller and I was also going to hang these from the trees.

But I did not make a lot (a little bit more time consuming) so I may not use them.

But who knows...so I included them for you to get a peek!

Pretty Paper Garlands

Paper doilies and scalloped garland made from a 2 inch circle punch with each circle folded over ribbon.

I used the paper that I used for the paper fans.

DIY Water Bottle Labels

These were fun. I customized these in power point from a template that I got from another blog awhile back and I can not remember where. I actually only wanted it for the measurements.

When I find it, I will put the link back here on the post.

I am too cheap to buy the waterproof label paper so I just wrapped them in packing tape.

I confess it looks a little ghetto on some of them but...whatever.

$1 Picnic Baskets

I found these at the dollar tree and I plan on serving each FAMILY their picnic dinner in them and labeling them for a personal touch. I initially wanted to serve everyone their picnic in boxes wrapped in twine but my husband convinced me this would have been a stressful prepping situation.

I really think the family baskets will be so cute!

I confess I am itching to spray paint them but I am trying to restrain myself. :)

Printable Labels from one of my favorite blogs...I will be introducing her to you VERY soon!

Juggling (Bean Bag) Balls Made from Balloons

I got this idea from Family Fun. They are made with two 9 inch balloons with the necks cut off and rice inside.

Using a funnel, fill up one balloon with rice, snip the neck. Then take another empty balloon, snip the neck off that one and stretch it over the filled one.

A really quick project!

These favors will be juggling balls for the boys and I think I may add chalk for the girls for hopscotch sets. I really wanted to make fabric bean bags for the girls but I made way too many juggling balls and again...trying to find BALANCE.

And FINALLY...for your entertainment at my total expense...here is the cake Ella and I made for her actual birthday.

I have said it before but...

Mistake 1: Using a cookie icing pen I happened to just find in the pantry. Expiration date unknown.

Mistake 2: Putting lid on cake plate before icing set. Hence letters that look creepy instead of happy.

Mistake 3: Attempting to fix letters with toothpick to regain legibility and royally messing it up even more.

Mistake 4: Not remembering my 3 year old can not read.

That is about it on what I have been up to. The party is this Saturday and I hope upon hope I have the time to photograph it for you. And I am also PRAYING THIS TROPICAL STORM NAMED EMILY (love that name, not the storm) MOVES FAR, FAR, FAR, INTO THE OCEAN AND AWAY FROM FLORIDA so that I don't have to move fifty people into my lovingly quaint but small house.

Or move them into my even smaller laundry room for shelter.

Which fits like two people. (It is the only room without windows)

Eeeeek!

I will have family in town this week so you may not hear from me until next week some time.

Until then my sweet friends...

Hugs to each of you! I have truly missed you!

♥

Interview Swap: Kelly Hicks Design and Photography

2011-07-20T15:16:00.001-04:00

I have such a treat for you guys today! You may already know Kelly and her fabulous blog but if you do not...you will now. This girl is nothing short of a powerhouse of talent. She is crafty and a complete design genius (a girl after my own heart), her photography is breathtaking, a total fashion savant and she is beautiful from the inside out!

Seriously...this girl is amazing!

Today we are swapping interviews and I can't wait for you to meet her! She is truly AMAZING!

How beautiful are she and her husband? Don't they look like models?

Good gracious..I miss my youthfulness.

This is more what my husband and I look like in a photo and without the intended distortion.

Yet somehow these 2 beautiful people pull this one off too.

Sometimes life is not as fair as I would like it to be. Sigh. (wink)

Let's meet the lovely Kelly...

1. Tell us a little bit about your blog. (What its focus is, what you incorporate in it etc.)‬

I see my blog as a creative journal of my work and life. The work I feature is a combination of freelance design projects, home projects, DIYs, photography, and personal art. But I also love that my blog has become a place for sharing life tidbits, inspiring myself, and improving my craft.

‪2. What do you find to be your biggest struggle as a blogger?‬
Finding the time! If I could blog everyday, I would. I do my best as a blogger to update frequently and to post quality content but at times life and commitments take over.

‪3. How would you describe yourself?‬
I'd like to think I'm pretty funny, but maybe fun to be around better describes me ;) Typically I'm optimistic about life and try to make the best of out every situation. Beyond that I would say I'm creative, determined, organized, thrifty, hopeful, and silly. I strive to follow after the Lord everyday and base my decisions on the faith I have in Him.

‪4. How have you seen God work through your blog?‬
Through encouragement. I have gotten such sweet notes from girls saying they have been encouraged in their walk with the Lord through my blog. It's amazing to think my blog could be used to bring glory to God's kingdom. My hope is that I could use my talents to honor God and show others to use their own talents. The Lord has given me encouragement and validation when I read those notes to keep pursuing my dreams!

‪5. Tell us something random about yourself.‬
I sneeze almost every time I go outside.

‪6. What was your most recent awkward moment?‬
I was ordering a mango smoothie but it came out mango boobie. My friends thought it was hilarious and of course so did the barista. I turned bright red and the whole night I heard "I'll have a boobie smoothie!"

‪7. Who do you find most inspirational?‬
Today it was the girl next to me on the plane who wrote a list of recommended restaurants for the stranger behind her. She overheard the man behind us saying he had never been to the destination we were going so she wrote a whole page of restaurants for him. I thought it was such a thoughtful gesture and one I wouldn't think of. It inspires me so much when I see others go out of their way to be kind. Even though this particular incident had nothing to do with art or design, I love the idea of art inspiring thoughtfulness.

‪8. What is your signature drink?‬
Fresh-squeezed lemonade. Even better when it's raspberry or strawberry lemonade.

‪9. Where do you live and what are the hot spots/your favorite places to go in the city you live in?‬
I live in Rochester, Minnesota, the town I grew up in. I don't live in the most exciting of places but the city is expanding. My must go-to restaurant is Chester's which has a cool atmosphere and awesome salads. I've recently been exploring all the thrift stores in town and the best one I've found so far is All in Vogue - it's huge!

‪10. What has been your favorite project and why?‬
That is a tough one but I think my favorite project has been the first wedding invitations I ever designed: http://kellyhicksdesign.com/2010/04/bright-vintage-y-wedding-invites/ The relationship I had with my bride was so great because our visions lined up perfectly. I was immediately inspired by what she told me about her wedding and the inspiration she shared with me. A good working client relationship always makes a project better!

‪11. What is better, a rope?‬
Yes, a rope is always better. For example, when you find yourself in a sticky situation of having to tie one end of it to a large fallen tree trunk and the other end to the back of your whimy Sonata. My husband and I found ourselves in this predicament. We drove 3 hours to a remote lake lot, it was getting dark, and we discovered a massive tree right across the driveway to the lot. We knew we still had to set up camp and were not about to drive all the way back at 10 at night. So we did what anyone would do with rope and that little Sonata pulled it right out of the way. You could say rope saved our lives.

Isn't she just sweet and so refreshingly funny! A breath of fresh air and such realness from an incredibly talented woman. Now you must go visit sweet Kelly and her fabulously inspirational blog.

My interview should be up too so maybe you can learn a few things you did not know about me too!

Go. Right now. Click.

More Picnic Party Games!

2011-07-18T12:43:00.001-04:00

Hi sweet friends and happy Monday to you!

This post might be a little long but these two games are way fun and super easy to make!

It is mostly photos anyway! I promise it will be worth it!

The Crazy Cans Game was actually the first one I made...even before the Old Fashioned Ring Toss. But I got sidetracked with other projects. And my sewing machine was not working.

So I finally sat down and I FIXED MY SEWING MACHINE!

Me!

All my myself!

I have no idea how but I do believe the hand of God moved during that process.

As for the CANS. I simply ate the food in them (wink), cleaned them out and painted them pretty pastel colors. Simple as that. This also took a few weeks time as I used 16 oz. cans of tomatoes. But the family got homemade tomato sauce and a nice chicken and tomatoes crock pot meal out of them. Hooray!

6 of these + Paint = DONE!

Now do you guys know what these are?

They are i-pod nano form fitted socks! Aren't they darling?

When I saw these cuties at the dollar tree about a year or two ago I had to grab these.

FYI: They do NOT stay on your ipod but I knew they would make a cute craft someday. I picked up a couple packs and I am kicking myself for not getting more because I have not seen them around in awhile.

And they make perfect bean bags for my Crazy Cans game.

I grabbed a funnel and a bag of rice and starting filling them up.

You can really stuff these things too!
But I made sure not to fill them all they way to the top so they would be squishy and light.
Then I closed them up with my sewing machine and that's it!

This one might be my favorite because I get to throw things and knock stuff over!
You know that is fun.

The girls got into it!
I think my Ella was having the most fun. :)

NEXT!

You guys know me. If I am going to make a game...I want it to be pretty.

I went to the dollar tree and bought a bunch of wooden spoons.

They are all different lengths but that is part of the fun.

I painted them pretty pastel colors but not too neatly. They look prettier distressed.

Then I used washi tape for the handles to girl them up a bit

(There will be boys at this party but it IS a party for girls)

I used Mod Podge to seal the paper on the handles.

So as a family we decided to try out the balloons and made a bunch.

The balloons ended up being a bit big for the spoons so we will make them smaller for the party.

But we had a great war on the front lawn! No photos of that, though. I was armed with A LOT of balloons. :)

I think these will be the last of the party games...I really don't have that big of a front yard!
But I will share more of my party ideas as they unfold.

I also wanted to let each of you know how much I appreciate you and all your sweet comments. They always make my day and encourage me so much.

I consider you all friends and I just wanted to say how much I appreciate you.
Hugs!
♥

Vintage Linens for a Perfect Picnic

2011-07-17T17:45:00.000-04:00

A quick post to say hi.

And to share the fact that I keep staring at all these pretty linens that simply make me smile. I found this lovely little thrift shop and picked up several floral patterned sheets that cost a maximum of $4. I tried my best to find flat sheets because my thought was to use these pretty sheets as picnic blankets.

That way I can have them at the ready as guests arrive and more then one family can share a blanket as they eat and chat. I love the different ones I found and I am excited to see how they will look in my front yard. :)

I am also pretty excited to find these beautiful vintage pillowcases...some for .50 a piece or a $1 a pair.

They will be perfect for the Sack Races I have planned. Fun, right?

Here are the girls trying out the pillowcases for sack races. :)

They loved it!

I know this was a quick one but I will be back some time this week for more party fun!

Guest Posting: Bugaboo, Mini, Mr, & Me...A Pretty Wrapped Up Picnic

2011-07-14T17:22:00.000-04:00

Hey guys! Take a peek over at Bugaboo, Mini, Mr, and Me where I am guest posting for her "Life's a Picnic" party this summer. I am sharing a couple of fabric wrapping ideas perfect for a picnic for two!

There is a whole bunch of fun picnic ideas as part of the linky party Kimberly has going until August.

If you have an idea you should join in on the fun too!

Come over and say hi!

Pretty Paper Party Things

2011-07-12T08:14:00.001-04:00

Hi sweet friends!
(say that title 5x really fast...Pretty Paper Party Things. So fun)

Today I have some more party ideas!
I have put together some paper type projects and I am excited to share them with you.

Since we are having a picnic during a Florida summer...it will be a tad warm. So what better idea is there then to make some girly fans!!

I hunted down a bracket frame image I liked, enlarged the image to make a paddle type fan and printed it out on card stock to be a sturdy template. I used 8 x 8 scrapbook card stock paper which fit it perfectly. I tried using 12 x 12 but I could only get one fan from the sheet and I felt that was a waste of paper.

I traced the template on the back of each sheet, cut it out and hot glued each one to a craft popsicle stick.

SO EASY! Took me one nap time to get it all done. :)

Here is a template to make your own.
Click here to download

Now our girly guests will be able to feel cool and say things like..."I declare!" in a southern accent.

(of which I do NOT have though many others say I do)

I am probably crazy for wrapping up utensils but I really think it adds an extra detail to a party to make it special. It also lets me buy inexpensive napkins and by wrapping them with 4 inch doilies and tying them off with twine...it makes for a lovely presentation.

I have to be honest that I was pretty much over the 4th of July Mason Jar Sippy Cups I made. I loved them but I was excited to do something else with them for this party! I had an idea and I went on a hunt and was so happy with what I found at Michael's in the scrapbook section...plastic paper. How genius is that? And it is SO PRETTY! I figured y'all would like to see my revamped jars...

I loved how the one sheet looks like lace and the other with dainty pink flowers. Perfect for my party theme and they are both clear and see through. The lace one reminds me of overhead projector sheets. Wow, that must age me, right? If you are wondering...I am 35. :) The pink flowered one is more thick and opaque. But perfect!

So I traced and cut the circles out and I am re-loving the jars again. LOVING THEM! And no mess too.

If the plastic paper thing was not to be found, I was going to hunt for plastic placemats or something. But I LOVE the look of these and I am so happy with how they turned out!

Happy Tuesday sweet friends!
♥ XOXO ♥