{halloween book countdown}

Sep
29
43
boo basket full

One of my great loves in life is reading, along with books of all kinds. I also love Halloween--not the scary, ghoulish, gory kind, but the fun costumes, trick or treating, sugar cookies, and pumpkins on the porch kind. To celebrate both of these, I created a Halloween Book Countdown---a really fun way to count down the 31 days to Halloween--starting with October 1st. I put together a list of some favorite Halloween books, along with some others I wanted to try, then headed to the library. (I'm working on collecting our own, but until then, the library is the perfect resource, and had all the titles I was looking for.) I found a black tub at Target in the holiday section, added some ribbon … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Babies & Children, Halloween, Holiday Projects, Home & Family |


{sneak peek}

Sep
28
10

Well, I made it. I finished my race, and had such a great time--I actually want to do it again! Not much chance for crafting though, and with my parents in town we've just been enjoying our time with them.However...I do have a sneak peek into the guest room I've been redoing. I will have more pics later this week, and even though I'll still have smaller touches to add, it will pretty much be finished!It's not often that I show you something that I haven't painted, in fact, I don't think it's ever happened. For those of you that strongly recommended I NOT paint this fabulous vintage sewing table I found, I took your advice. For now. :) I usually paint everything, but something made me … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized |


{friday favorites…craft coupons!}

Sep
24
11

I am a coupon girl. I love saving money on anything, including my craft supplies. I purchase a lot of my supplies at Joann Fabrics and Michaels, but usually only equipped with a handy 40% or 50% off coupon. It makes a HUGE difference. Both of these stores offer these coupons regularly, and if you sign up for their newsletters, the coupons will come right to your inbox. Where I live, they will each accept competitor's coupons, which I have taken advantage of many times. Ask at your local store--they may do the same.I also use Crazy About Deals, which has craft coupons from both of these stores and others. Right now there is a 50% off coupon at JoAnn's, and both a 40% off regular priced … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized |


{soap…all dressed up}

Sep
22
35
soap boo copy

This is a simple, totally cute way to dress up any kind of hand soap or lotion! holiday soaps & lotions in a guest bath or kitchen monogrammed soaps for home or personalized gifts personalized soaps for your kids' bathroom teacher gifts neighbor & friend gifts office gifts--or for your own! add the words "bath", "kitchen", etc. I just used very cheap (originally purple) hand soap that I found for about $1 each. That's the beauty of this project--it doesn't matter what the soap or lotion looks like, since it will be totally disguised when it's finished. I made three different kinds--a spooky soap for Halloween, one for Christmas, and one with a monogram. I also … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Birthdays, Christmas, For the Home, Gift Ideas, Halloween, Holiday Projects, Mother's Day, Teachers, Thinking of You, Weddings |


{easy preschool tote bags}

Sep
20
9
preschool bags k&e 2 copy

After my girls first year of preschool last year, I decided not to go with the traditional backpack again. So many of their projects are over-sized, and you just can't get very many things inside the small backpack that fits their frames. I just ended up carrying so much stuff, that I thought I would give something else a try. Enter in the lovely canvas tote bag! They really are so versatile, and can be used for so many things. The girls will now have these personalized bags that they can use after preschool is over, and even before that--perfect for taking in the car on trips, overnights, or any time they need to have a bag for their things. The straps easily fit over their shoulders, and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Babies & Children, Crafts, Home & Family, Silhouette |


{satin poppy hair clips}

Sep
18
12
poppies emma side 2 copy

I've had the stuff to make these forever, but just never got to them. This morning (the first day of preschool), when I was looking for something for my girls' hair , nothing I had was quite right. I decided it was time to get them made, and I'm so glad I did! It literally took me less than 10 minutes to make the pink poppies for this morning, and then I came home a finished off some more just as quickly. So, if you're like me, and haven't tried them, make them soon! And if you haven't seen them before, this is the time to try it. With the holidays coming up, these would look fabulous with holiday dresses and outfits. They are simple, inexpensive, and absolutely darling. Satin Poppy Hair … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Crafts, Babies & Children, Clothing & Accessories, Crafts |


{candy pumpkin bracelets}

Sep
11
28
pumpkin bracelet 2 copy

Here is my "spooktacular"post from yesterday, over at eighteen25: I was shopping last weekend, and saw the most adorable pumpkin bracelet in one of my favorite children's stores. I had to come home and try it, but in this super fun, candy version. These would be the perfect addition to any Halloween party--as a favor, or as a craft. It's also a really fun activity to do with your kids at home, and my girls loved to help. They are simple to make, and really inexpensive, making it easy to make a bunch, or just one! Candy Pumpkin Bracelets ITEMS YOU NEED: candy pumpkins dental floss needle, with large eye ribbon DIRECTIONS: 1. Cut off a long piece of floss. You … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Crafts, Halloween, Holiday Projects, Kids' Crafts |


{a school lunch treat}

Sep
08
12

School started for us yesterday, and we are now in the mode of making school lunches. I like to send a little treat in with them, and one of their favorites is O Henry Bars. They are delicious, easy-to-make, and perfect to tuck inside a lunch box or paper bag.After I make a batch, I like to cut them in to 2x2 inch-ish squares, wrap them in plastic wrap, and tie them with a cute ribbon. Then I can place them in a basket in the pantry, and they're ready for packing!O Henry Bars1 c. sugar1 c. Karo syrup2 c. peanut butter5 c. Rice Krispies6 oz. chocolate chips (1/2 bag)6 oz. butterscotch chips (1/2 bag)Bring the sugar and Karo syrup to a boil, then remove from the stove. Add the peanut … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized |


{poppyseed project winners}

Sep
08
2

Congratulations...to our winners of thePoppyseed Projects giveaway!FAMILY SIGN:PHOTO CUBES:E-mail me your info, and we'll get those out to you!Thanks again to Poppyseed Projects, for this fabulous giveaway! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized |


{2×4 wood pumpkin}

Sep
06
34
2x4 pumpkin-vertical copy

When I was making the flag blocks a few weeks ago, I thought it would be fun to make something for fall out of the remaining 2x4. I made them the same size as the flag blocks, but you could really make this in several sizes--by either stacking more pieces of wood, or by not cutting them as wide. How darling would a set of three pumpkins be, sitting on your porch, or on the hearth? I made them just like the flag blocks (click HERE for the tutorial), but kept the wood all the same size (7 inches wide) and painted them orange. Super simple, darling, and cheap. Can't beat that! P.S. Thanks to all of you who suggested I turn the blocks the other way! You'll see both vertical and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fall, Halloween, Holiday Projects, Thanksgiving |