DIY Project List

As usual, my list of DIY projects is far longer than then free time I can scrounge up. Here's what I'd like to make, hopefully I'll be able to try my hand at most of these lovely projects!

Brushstroke glazed bowls by Creature Comforts

Tassel Earring by IHOD

Dipped Wooden Utensils by House of Earnest

Naturally Dyed Beads by SWOON

Butterfly Tree by Sweet Paul

How about you? What DIY projects are on your list?

Jewelry Workshop

If you're in Greenville, you should definitely attend this jewelry workshop hosted by Jen Moreau. Jen's fabric jewelry is lovely, and this is sure to be a fun evening. Check out the ICP blog for more details!

Embellished Onesies

Since my niece, Pearl, was born 3 weeks early, she was too small to fit in any of the clothes her momma had prepared for her. So the day before she came home from the hospital I dashed around trying to find preemie clothes, which are harder to locate than you would think. I was able to pick up a couple of outfits and a pack of plain onesies. Of course I couldn't resist prettying them up a little...

 bright pink yo-yo 

 gold ric-rac

silver woodgrain bow 

black pom-poms

big floppy grellow flower

All made from scraps of fabric or trims. 

I just handstitched them on the onsesie below the collar, quick and simple.

 Oh, and a pair of tiny socks with tulle pom-poms.

An in-progress shot.

Making little things for babies is such fun,
I'm sure this won't be the last Pearl receives!

Crafty Feast

Life is a whirlwind.

I will try to drop by on Monday with an update on where in the world I've been.

Crafty Feast, this weekend.

I'll be there.

Come visit!

Etsy Craft Party

Let me just say that the Etsy Global Craft Party was soooooo much fun. We had a great group turn out, fabulous food, wonderful projects being worked on, and marvelous conversation. I don't think we can wait another whole year to do it again, so we'll try and host another one in the coming months. Here's a look at the splendid evening...

Check out the recap on the ICP Blog, and see the rest of the photos here!

You're Invited to a Craft Party!

Etsy is orchestrating the second annual Global Craft Party this Friday, June 10th. If you're in the area, please join us for the Greenville edition! Our craft party will be held at the fabulous Dapper Ink space, just outside downtown. Bring your own craft project to work on and a snack or drink to share. Please RSVP via email or the Facebook event so we can plan for seating.

Greenville to far away? Hold your own craft party! Check out the Etsy info here.

The Gilded Bee

The Gilded Bee is marvelous. The Gilded Bee is addicting. The Gilded Bee is "paperie haberdashery. Things you'll find here: millinery flowers and leaves, lovely paper goods and scrapbook embellishments, jewelry and craft supplies, twine and ribbons and trims and tinsel, beads and cabochons, butterflies and miniatures, delicious gift wrap and kits, wedding pretties and all things small and curious."

Take a look! (all photos by The Gilded Bee)

Yes, The Gilded Bee is fabulous, and I want it all.

From top:

Aqua Blue Wired Pom Pom Garland, $3.49

 Pewter Vintage Paper Lace, $7.65

Sweet Peach Satin Ribbon, $4.89

Spring is the Thing Butterfly Wrap Kit, $2.99

Mint Green Ruffled Crepe Garland, $4.99

Bubblegum Pink Sequin Trim, $2.99

Cream Millinery Flower Bouquet, $3.89

Surprise Eggs

I suppose I should start thinking about Easter, it is only a few days away. At least I have my menu planned! And it's about time those lingering Christmas decorations got put away (I'm looking at you, dusty candy canes.)

In the meantime, here's some sweet egg projects I've seen in blogging land. It would appear filled eggs are all the rage this year. Hurry up and make some so you can be cool too!

Smashing eggs never sounded so hip! This fun activity was spotted on Oh Happy Day by Rebecca Wright. Basically, a whole bunch of eggs are filled with something normal-ish, like cereal, but one egg is filled with something special, like glitter or confetti. The eggs are hidden and found like a typical Easter egg hunt, and then the fun begins. All the players get to smash their eggs onto other's heads. Whoever's head is christened with the glitter wins a prize, like a chocolate bunny. Check out the full project instructions and some photos of the egg smashing!

This egg is filled with something sweeter than candy, a heartfelt note. Found on Poppytalk via Going Home to Roost, there's step-by-step photos on how to empty the egg and package it up pretty.

Heart of Light demonstrates her version of the equally lovely project by Not Martha. These eggs are filled with candy, and would delight any recipient.

Doily DIY

I've rounded up a few great craft tutorials using doilies... I want to try each and every one!

This glorious table runner uses vintage doilies
and was designed by under the sycamore. 

DIY instructions here!

These sweet drink parasols use paper doilies,
thanks to a tutorial by {papermash}.

DIY instructions here!

Ok, so this darling lace tape isn't made from a doily,
but it's so cute I let it slide. 

DIY instructions here!

 I love this light fixture made from doilies, and can't wait until I have the prefect spot for this project from Dos Family.

DIY instructions here!

How gorgeous is this little bowl? It's perfect for on a nightstand or in the bathroom to catch stray earrings or hairpins.
Tutorial by Sodapop Design, via Creature Comforts.

DIY instructions here, with English run-down here!

Catnip Valentine

I decided to take my own advice and adapt this idea for cat toys. I didn't have any felt on hand, so I used fabric scraps. I cut out some heart shapes with pinking shears, and sewed them up with embroidery thread. Before sewing them up completely, I stuffed them with cotton batting and dried catnip.

 The verdict? Kitties give 2 thumbs up. James likes to stick one under his head like a little pillow, Harrell loves batting them around, and Montreal just tries to hog them all and lick them to death.

Valentine Arrows

I just had to share one more Valentine project... these retro arrows from design*sponge are so awesome. I love that they're not too feminine, and would look very cool even after the holiday has passed. Get the DIY instructions here!

Valentines with Martha

As always, Martha Stewart is a never-ending fountain of good ideas when it comes to Valentine's Day. If you don't want to shell out for a purchased valentine card, or you prefer the handmade, here's some ideas for you to get crafty with.

From top, left to right:

Marbleized Valentines (marbleizing is so fun!)

Sentimental Valentine Wheel

Quilled Valentine Script (quilling is really easy and sooo pretty)

Quilled Valentine Hearts

Antique-style Valentine

Seed-starter Valentine

Valentine Cookies (or put a message on your cookies!)

Catnip Valentine (if you're not a knitter, apply the idea to these)

DIY Winter Miniatures

Here's a couple miniature winter scenes I created a couple years ago. I still enjoy them, so I thought I'd share the simple ideas with you.

Winter Scene Favor / Placecard

This DIY miniature winter scene is sure to delight! It serves as a placecard, and doubles as a favor when you tuck a sweet Christmas treat inside.

Materials: Miniature trees and deer, artificial snow (these three items came from local five and dime), favor box (party supply store), ribbon style paper tag (Martha Stewart, or cut out yourself).

Instructions: Attach trees to box top with hot glue. Attach snow to surrounding box top with spray fixative. Attach deer with hot glue. Fold tag in half, attach to sides of box top with white glue or hot glue. Place Christmas candy inside box. Let the guests enjoy!

This project was featured on design*sponge, and won me some cool prizes in a holdiay entertaining contest!

Winter Wonderland
This adorable winter scene serves as a delightful centerpiece or a pleasing accent to any holiday display.

Materials: cardboard cake round, miniature artificial trees, artificial snow, small woodland animal toy, printed phrase and birds (cut out of a magazine our print out online), hot glue.

Instructions: Attach trees to cardboard with hot glue, attach artificial snow to surround cardboard, nestle animal(s) into snow, attach with hot glue. Cut out printed birds and phrase, attach with hot glue.

Food Gifts + Giveaway Winner

First off, the winner of the Two Over Zero recipe card giveaway is commenter #3, Barbara! Congratulations, Barbara! I'll be emailing you shortly to get your mailing address. (The winner was chosen using random.org) You guys were totally making me drool with those scrumptious-sounding recipes you listed!

Here's how I'm using my Two Over Zero recipe cards...

I'm including them as a little extra with these boxes of treats I've packaged up. I didn't get it done in time for the photo, but I'll be using one of the cards to copy the recipe for one of the goodies. That way, the recipients get a box full of yummy sweets, and can recreate them too! I think they'll be a hit.

Neutral Wreath Roundup

I'm loving the look of neutral wreaths this season. Here are my top picks, I'd be happy to hang any one of these on my door!

1. Photo Wreath (DIY from Country Living)
2. Felted Wreath (West Elm, but no longer for sale)
3. Door Sweater (Cranny, $34.50)
4. Twinkling Doily Wreath (DIY from Martha Stewart)
5. Wings of Butterfly Wreath (Royal Buffet)