Happy Thanksgiving!

There are so many things to be thankful for, it's hard for me to even express my gratitude this year. Suffice it so say that I am thankful for health and happiness -- both mine, and for the health and happiness of those I love. Wishing you all a delightful day full of blessings!

Groovy Pastel Christmas Wreath

Here's the wreath I told you about a few days ago -- I am so excited about it! It was super-easy to do! First, I started with a plain white styrofoam wreath form. I wrapped it with foil garland (it took almost 2 strands of garland to cover the whole form). I secured it with straight pins, but you could also use a glue gun if you prefer. Once it was wrapped, it looked like this:

Then I got out my trusty glue gun, and hot glued small balls to right onto the wreath. I took apart a ball garland to do this, because the size and color of the balls were perfect for my project. But you could also use vintage ornaments or really anything you like. I tried to space the colors evenly around the wreath. This part of the project actually went very quickly!


When finished, this wreath was very lightweight. I added a bow made from some yummy vintage pink velvet ribbon, and hung it above the fireplace. I like it so much, I'm thinking of making a much larger one for the foyer! Stay tuned for a tour of more holiday decorations!

My Latest Obsession

I found this tinsel garland quite by accident one day recently at Target. I was pushing my cart through the Christmas aisles, and sadly, wasn't finding too much to get excited about. Then I saw it -- and it spoke to me! It's silvery, glittery, light as a feather, with a wonderfully retro vintage vibe -- I can't adequately describe it except to say that it's FABULOUS. I've been to two different Targets since then to get more. I've made a wreath with it (which I'll show you in a few days -- LOVE IT!), I've draped it over the fireplace, and I've got lots of other ideas. So, if this tinsel garland speaks to you, too, run out and get yourself some, before it's all gone. (If you live in my town, I might have already swiped it all.)
Happy (early) Holidays!

Get Ready for a Huge Sale!

I'm excited to announce that I've decided to join the Etsy Black Friday Weekend sale event! I'm going to offer FREE SHIPPING on all orders placed Friday, November 27 - Monday, November 30, 2009. To get details on other shops participating in this sale, check out the sale blog:
http://wwsalemadness.blogspot.com/
Happy Shopping!

Sweet Angels and Reindeer Christmas Journal

A few weeks ago at an estate sale I found this darling children's magazine from the 1950's. It wasn't in very good condition, but the illustration on the cover was just so darling that I had to bring it home. I knew I wanted to do something with it, but couldn't stand to lose the original, so I made a color copy of the illustration onto cardstock, and voila! The idea for a new journal was born.

This time I chose a lined journal, instead of my usual watercolor paper journal. I decided to try something different, with the idea in mind that someone might want a more traditional journal instead of a journal intended for art journaling. I covered the front and back with yellow cardstock, and then added the vintage illustration (which I had already added glitter to because, well, I can't help myself with the glitter). Usually, I like to layer a lot of vintage papers and vintage laces on top of my journals, but with this one I decided to keep it simple because I didn't want to take away from the illustration. I added felt trim and some vintage lace to make a frame. Finally, I glued on a few vintage foil holly leaves (a find of Kari's from awhile back) and a little more sparkle.

A fun project that has already got me in the Christmas mood! I feel a Christmas crafting blitz coming on....

Oh, one last thing: Go Horned Frogs!!! Is that a BCS Bowl Game I smell???

New Lace Sneak Peeks!

I had one of those wonderful days yesterday, when I found some FABULOUS lace! Really, it's so great, I can't wait to get it into the shop. Here are a few peeks -- should be in the etsy shop by the end of the weekend:

A Birthday Crown

Full disclosure here -- this post is really about how I've dropped the ball in a BIG way when it comes to my youngest daughter's birthday. She turns 6 tomorrow, which is very exciting, but for some reason this was not at all on the family radar until about 7 days ago. Usually, I've got the party planned and invitations in the mail weeks in advance, but this year, not so much.

As a result, her party won't be until early December, and I've been feeling a whopping dose of Mom guilt for dropping the ball. To try to make it up to her, we're having a special family dinner tomorrow on her birthday. She gets to pick the menu -- well, sort of. She announced the menu would be "Cake!" So we had to lay down a few menu ground rules. Anyway, partly to try to assuage my guilt, and partly because I thought it would be fun, I decided to make her a special birthday crown to wear during dinner. I love the way it turned out, and it was EASY!

Here are the basics: I cut out a crown shape on cardstock using my Cricut. I cut it as large as it would go -- which was about 8 inches. You could also just trace a crown shape or cut one free-hand. I added some strips of cardstock to the back just to firm it up a bit. Then I layered more papers, some tatting, fun shapes, attached velvet flowers with brads, added a few grand adhesive stickers, and ta da! A crown! I'm going to glue a ribbon to each side so that it can be tied together to stay on. Easy, and hopefully, a big hit with the little one!