For some, Valentine’s Day is a day of pinks and reds, chocolates and cakes, romance and candlelit dinners. But for others, it’s a day to rest, knowing that we have to be at Rite Aid very early the next morning to get the best pickins on the half-price candy. Binge-eating conversation hearts usually results in […]
In keeping with our cherished family tradition, after a dinner of turkey and yummy trimmings, we gathered ’round the table for our annual holiday craft. This year, I planned an easy version of the popular, old-fashioned, honeycomb paper ornaments. With pre-cut 4″ squares of holiday scrapbook paper in hand, each person began the process of […]
I recently purchased a sweet little book called Fa la la la Felt which has the most adorable patterns for handmade holiday decorations…45 to be exact. A sewing machine is optional, and the majority of the projects require just snippets of felt. I found these Matryoshka ornaments to be totally irresistible, and I couldn’t wait […]
One of my favorite childhood memories is wearing a new, pretty Easter dress along with matching, shiny, patent leather MaryJane’s. Add a fancy Easter bonnet and little white gloves, and I was ready for the runway. As I was glancing at some colorful fabrics, that fond memory sparked this idea and I started digging through […]
I’m not big on making New Year’s resolutions because I have an embarrassing history of not sticking to them. The ones that I’ve made in the past were always centered around: 1) house-cleaning and organization, 2) avoiding any foods that contain sugar (o-kay), and 3) exercising until I look like Jillian Michaels. Within a week, […]
I know what you’re thinking. “She’s got too much time on her hands.” Not true. HowEVER, there was a day not too long ago when (maybe I did have a wee bit too much time on my hands) I glanced over at my not-used-enough Cricut Expression, and I thought hmmmm. Three days and 150 gift […]
After our tummies are stuffed with turkey and trimmings, we all gather ’round for our annual Thanksgiving craft, which I’m responsible for planning and executing. This year, I decided to challenge the gang with a little hand-sewing. Nothing fancy, just a little up-and-down running stitch. Okay, okay. As a back up, I had the hot […]
As a young girl, I was always fascinated when my dear, Italian grandma would fumble through her huge pocketbook and pull out her little leather change purse. It had to weigh 2 lbs. and was stuffed with quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies. As we walked along the city streets, we’d always stop at the “candy […]
The daycare kids are in love with the PBS show “The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That“, so it seemed like the perfect theme for our end-of-the-year party. I found most of the party supplies at Birthday Express, and I had some luck with a display that I found at Michaels. Instead […]
Our dear little friend, Addison, turned “3” this month and, upon receiving an invitation to celebrate the occasion, I began to think about a special gift. Since she has a beautiful playroom with toys aplenty and a huge girly wardrobe, I thought I’d make her a custom tote bag for take-along arts and crafts. I […]
Besides pink Peeps, the things I love most about the Easter season are the promise of warmer breezes, the budding magnolia trees, and the tulip and daffodil pips that peek through the grass. Spring is my favorite season and Easter, for me, signals the official kick-off! I recently received, as a very special gift, this […]
I’ve decided to attack my enormous stash and turn some of that yarn into something useful! First up, I found an assortment of Patons Astra, a DK weight, 100% acrylic yarn, that I thought would make a sweet little baby blanket. The pattern for this classic granny square is everywhere, and it’s fun to explore […]
No. These are not cookies :0) They are actually Valentine’s heart pins that I helped the children create as a cute little gift for their moms. I purchased unfinished wooden hearts and applied a quick coat of platinum-colored spray paint, which took about 30 minutes to dry. I bought these Self-stick Gems, made by Darice, […]
I just LOVE this sweet pot holder pattern from Martha Stewart! I found the directions in the Martha Stewart Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts, but she also has it posted on her website. The two top pieces actually form a pocket for you to slip your hand into so you can bend it in […]
I am so ready for a little pink and red around the house! Winter white has been pounding us, so I thought I’d break out the pink cotton yarns and do something fun. I found the idea and inspiration for this heart garland here but, since I’m a more-is-more kinda girl, I just had to […]