{you’re special…birthday jar}

Jan
25
4
you're special birthday mason jar

One of my best friends in all the world had a birthday this week.  And not just any birthday...the big 30!!!!  I left her 6 months ago when we moved to Texas, and I was SO sad that I was going to miss this milestone. I knew I wanted to send her something to really celebrate this particular birthday, and let her know how special she is to me.  So...I made her a birthday jar! It's just a simple pint-size mason jar, but it's what's inside that really counts.  Tucked away inside the jar are 30 things (one for each year) about her that I love---special memories, characteristics, qualities, talents, and all those things that make a friendship what they are.  I thought it was the perfect … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Crafts, Birthdays, Crafts, Father's Day, Gift Ideas, Home & Family, Mother's Day, Thinking of You, Weddings | 4 Comments


{diy burlap stockings with crap i’ve made}

Dec
06
9
burlap stocking 1 copy

I have forever loved burlap Christmas stockings, and I decided now was the time to do it! Since sewing is not my best talent, lol, I knew exactly where to turn.  Char, my friend over at Crap I've Made, is a supremely talented seamstress, and she very kindly sent me a pattern and fabulous tutorial I could easily follow.  I LOVE LOVE how they turned out.  Simple, understated, and perfect.  I love this pattern because anyone can do it.  It uses the selvaged edge of the burlap for the top of the stocking, which gives it a nice looking finish without hemming...and easier, too!  The actual sewing is quick; cutting the burlap and interfacing will take you the most amount of time, but … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas, Crafts, Gift Ideas, Holiday Projects, Sewing, Weddings | 9 Comments


{diy personalized mugs & dishes} great gift idea!

Nov
05
12
diy personalized mug and dishes

With the holidays quickly approaching (Thanksgiving is in 3 weeks???), it's the time for easy and simple gift giving ideas and decor projects.  How about personalized mugs for gift giving, and personalized dishes for serving, decor, and everyday use?  You won't believe how simple it is to do,  and they can both be done very inexpensively. I've been wanting to try the porcelain paint pens you can find at Michael's or other hobby stores that are made specifically for porcelain/ceramic dishes, and once cured, are dishwasher safe.  I finally tried it, and I LOVE it! I found these simple white bowls at the dollar store for $1 each a few years ago, and it was time for a little face lift! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Crafts, Christmas, Crafts, DIY Decor, Entertaining, For the Home, Gift Ideas, Holiday Projects, Mother's Day, Silhouette, Teachers, Thinking of You, Weddings | 12 Comments


{DIY baggage tags} with free printable!

May
31
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baggage tags header--brown paper packages

It's summer! Our family has some big trips coming up in the next few months, and I wanted to create some fun and easy baggage tags for all of our luggage. When we fly, we usually leave our stroller and car seats at door of the plane, and then pick them up when we get off.  Tying a cute baggage tag around them will add one more step in an effort to making sure our stuff doesn't get lost!  I also wanted  needed a cute tag for my pink polka dot luggage, lol.These tags will take less than 5 minutes to make, are super inexpensive, and are perfect on everything from kids' backpacks to strollers! Of course I went with a monogram, because I'm slightly obsessed.  :)  Here's how you … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Birthdays, Crafts, Gift Ideas, Home & Family, Mother's Day, Printables, Thinking of You, Weddings |


{handprint aprons for mother’s day}

May
02
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apron 2 copy

If you are my mother, or my husband's mother, please do not read any further.  ☺ Sometimes it seems like the years past faster than the days do, and capturing little handprints are like freezing a moment in time. When my oldest was small, I made an apron with his handprint on it for my dad for Father's Day.  I still LOVE seeing his tiny little hand on that apron.  ♥ This year I decided to make them for my mother and mother-in-law--perfect for Mother's Day! This is an easy and super fun project---the hardest part will be trying to get the handprints in the right places with a minimum of wiggling! I love gifts that the kids can contribute to, and it created some really … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Clothing & Accessories, Crafts, Father's Day, Gift Ideas, Kids' Crafts, Mother's Day, Sewing, Silhouette, Teachers, Weddings |


{wood pallet photo display}

Feb
23
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family pallet 1 copy

I recently acquired a bunch of wood pallets, and I couldn't wait to get going on a list of projects that I had in mind for them.  I had a vision of using them to display family photos, and there was a blank spot in my house that would be a perfect place for it to settle in.  I love love love the end result!  The clothespins make it extremely versatile, and I can switch pictures in and out whenever I like.  I've clipped our most recent family pictures, but I thought about displaying past photos that were taken during the current season or holiday. It would be so fun to feature old Halloween pictures at Halloween, Christmas pictures at Christmas time, etc. Where can you find … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Crafts, Crafts, DIY Decor, For the Home, Gift Ideas, Mother's Day, Re-purpose & Refinish, Silhouette, Weddings |


{heart tea towels}

Feb
11
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heart towel 7 copy

I just love decorating for Valentine's Day, and I especially love when I can make something that's darling, inexpensive, AND simple to make.  Today I have the cutest heart tea towels to show you, and they fit all of the criteria above. It took me less than 20 minutes to make all three, and I {love} them. I read on another stitching project that it was so easy it almost seemed like cheating--and I have to agree!  Their simplicity just adds to their charm, and they will be perfect in my kitchen! These would also make adorable gifts... {Sponge Heart Tea Towel} Supplies:  sponge, flour sack dishtowel, fabric paint, foam stamps Directions: 1.  Cut out a heart from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decor, For the Home, Gift Ideas, Holiday Projects, Teachers, Valentine's Day, Weddings |


{christmas memories binder}

Jan
04
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card binder front new copy

We finally took down our Christmas decorations yesterday.  I think I was in denial that Christmas was really over--I just wasn't ready.  I wish I could leave my tree up all year long--I love it.  Some of my other favorite things to look at during the holiday season are all the Christmas cards we receive from family and friends.I started a Christmas memories binder about 10 years ago, and it has been so fun to look back through the years and see how people have changed and families have grown, including our own. This year we outgrew the original binder, and it was finally time to start another one. If you're looking for a way to keep your Christmas cards organized, and have a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas, For the Home, Gift Ideas, Holiday Projects, Home & Family, Organization, Weddings |


{holiday windows & frames}

Oct
25
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give thanks

Okay, so you all know how much I love windows.  My husband jokes that pretty soon I'm going to have as many on the inside of my house as I do on the outside.  ☺ I absolutely love how these turned out. If you don't have a window, you can use any frame, which I also did. I took a window, and turned it into a darling piece of holiday decor, then used the same method on a frame to make a thankful dry erase board.  The process is easy to do, and can be completed in a day--that's my kind of project! ITEMS YOU NEED: window or frame painters tape newspaper or other paper spray paint vinyl lettering DIRECTIONS: 1.  If you need to paint your the outside … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Birthdays, Christmas, Crafts, DIY Decor, For the Home, Gift Ideas, Holiday Projects, Silhouette, Thanksgiving, Weddings |


{chalkboard coasters}

Oct
20
8
coasters with ribbon number 3-logo

The holidays are quickly arriving, which means wonderful times with family and friends.  I love to come up with ways to make this time of year special, and I find that the simple touches are really the things that can make the biggest difference. These DIY tile coasters are one of those simple touches. They are perfect for your holiday table or party, and since you can make them into a mini chalkboard, can act as placards for your guests. Using colors to match your Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas tables would be darling! Looking for a fun and different hostess gift?  Anyone would love to receive these, and they are so simple to make, you will love them too! I made a few … [Read more...]

Filed Under: All Crafts, Birthdays, Crafts, DIY Decor, For the Home, Gift Ideas, Mother's Day, Teachers, Weddings |