blah to TADA!

Birthday Cards

2012-01-30T05:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday Friends!

Do you still receive birthday cards? I'm ecstatic to say I still do. And because I love that feeling of being remembered and knowing all the trouble a friend went through to send that birthday card, I enjoy giving out birthday cards too. This week, I'll show you some of the ones I made, starting with this one:

blah: tissue paper remnants

blah: CD envelopes left over from this

Christmas project

Using a butterfly craft punch, I made a symphony of butterflies out of the tissue paper.

Then I put them {make a lot} inside the envelope. From this view, you can't quite decipher that the blue paper are butterfly cut-outs.

Adding a single, contrasting butterfly begs the question, "Why only one?"

But when the envelope is opened, this is the desired effect.

A bit messy, but doesn't the birthday girl deserve a shower of confetti on her special day?

Add a small note in the flurry flutter and tell me if that doesn't make anyone smile!

Pinterest!

2012-01-27T05:00:00.003-05:00

Have you heard about Pinterest? It's an on-line pin board where you can organize images that you find from all over the web.

Like the mood boards I featured all week, Pinterest allows you to gather together pictures to help you design, decorate and dream.

You can check other people's pin boards, and if you are fascinated with what they pinned, you can "like" or comment on the image and even re-pin it on your own pin board, provided that you have an account. To do this, you have to request for an invitation {I'm still waiting for mine...sigh}. Another cool feature -- the source {ex. blog post} where the photo came from appears with the photo/pin, giving credit to the person who thought of it! So to my dear readers who found blah to TADA! through my projects posted on Pinterest, thanks for visiting me here.

It's also a social networking site and like blogging or Twitter where you can "follow" someone {subscribe to their posts} or they can "follow" you.

I can spend hours just looking through various pin boards! In fact, let me go and do that now. Have a fun Friday and a glorious weekend!

Pages Upon Pages of Inspiration

2012-01-26T05:00:00.001-05:00

Since the start of the week, I've been raving about mood boards and illustrating how they aren't strictly the bulletin board variety. Many people who design for a living use mood boards. Yes, even chefs. In creating a menu, plating a dish or making a cookbook, a series of sketches and pictures contribute in making the food look beautiful. After all, we eat with our eyes first.

Organic baker Sarah Magid, in her cookbook Organic and Chic, showcases the beginnings of a luscious cake with a few drawings.

Like a dress or a piece of furniture, the initial design is the direction in which the cake comes to life. It will also be the basis of approval for the person requesting it.

So have I convinced you that mood boards are they right way to begin any project? Mood boards keep you organized!

blah: a stack of magazine clippings

TADA!: assemble an inspiration book

using a three-ring binder

Add some dividers, paper & some plastic pockets.

Fill the pockets with pictures or fabric.

Make lists & floor plans on the paper.

You can also punch holes on actual tear sheets

and add them to the binder.

Watch your binder grow thicker as the

project progresses.

And use it as a guidebook for all the people involved.

Enjoy your Thursday!

Idea Notebook

2012-01-25T05:00:00.001-05:00

Ever make a mood board? It's an efficient and exciting way to begin the design process. A lot of fashion designers start their collection with a mood board:

Kate Spade

J. Crew

Tory Burch

Mood boards don't necessarily have to be a cork board. I like to use a notebook or journal because I can take it anywhere. It doesn't have to be fancy, I use 79 cent school notebooks!

This is my blog idea notebook. I made a blog calendar to help me plot themes for the coming weeks and blah to TADAs! for the day. March 2012 has yet to be filled up. I was to shy to show you January because it has sketches in the tiny boxes and notes all over the margins. Eeeep!

I fill the other pages with magazine clippings. This method works so much better than stuffing them in an envelope. That's blah.

The cut-outs {and some sketches} are visual cues for future crafting.

Even if the holidays are far away, it's never too early to gather pictures! TADA!

Motivation Board

2012-01-24T05:00:00.002-05:00

Howdy everyone! This week, I'm writing about mood boards and how they can help you bring your projects into fruition. I know that sounds quite lofty, but a mood board is basically a blank page, a clean slate where you can tack on scraps of ideas and bits of inspiration.

Here are samples of mood boards I found on the Pottery Barn site:

Use a mood board to plan a party.

Create designs for stationery with the help of a mood board.

Decide on colors for your home or clothing line.

Show off progress & remind yourself of upcoming activities.

Use it to prepare meals and menus.

Use a mood board to plan your wedding.

If you don't have a frame or bulletin board,

make one or use a blank wall.

But if you have very little space, here's a tip:

blah: a 2011 desk calendar

Remove the pages so you're left with the

cardboard tent.

TADA! -- Instant mood board!

Stick on photos or in this case,

words of motivation.

Use this as your own personal cheering squad

to make your 2012 goals a reality!

Mood Boards

2012-01-23T05:00:00.001-05:00

The New Year symbolizes fresh starts and taking on exciting projects. But where do you begin? Let's start with a mood board! Mood boards are our theme for the week.

When the book Decorate was launched in August last year, the book tour stopped in New York City.

The book is packed with many delightful pegs to create a space filled with comfort and personality.

We got to meet Holly Becker, the author of the book and the blog. She's as vibrant as the flowers she wears on her lapel and so relatable to many of us creatives, bloggers and regular gals who want to make our surroundings beautiful.

We got to indulge in some sweets, sparkling water and wine while having our books signed. We also marveled at the merchandise in Anthropologie Soho, where the event took place.

One of the highlights was a short talk on how to make a mood board. The evening's guests were Marcia and Paul of Zia Priven lighting. They discussed how mood boards help them design their light fixtures. In the photo, Paul holds up a crystal bracelet which was a jumping off point to create the gorgeous H20 chandelier. It's true that you'll find inspiration everywhere!

Here's the mood board that Holly came up with: a collection of fabric, ribbon, paint chips and magazine tear sheets that convey the look and the feeling you want for a room. The mood board zeroes in on what you're attracted to and is a practical tool for you and your interior designer. Let's try it out this week and turn our blah, disorganized thoughts into TADA! results!

Pantry Inventory

2012-01-20T05:00:00.001-05:00

Hey, hey, happy Friday!

This week, I shared some thoughts on being more eco-friendly at home. These are simple ideas that anyone can do. Today, it's all about food storage.

How's your pantry situation? I must admit, sometimes I forget what's in my pantry, so I'm left with food items past their expiration date. What a waste. Definitely blah!

My solution? Blah scrap paper!

I use the blank side of the paper to make a list of what's currently inside my pantry. I attach this list to the inside of my pantry door.

I do the same for the cupboards where I store kitchen & cleaning staples and bathroom necessities.

Same with the contents of my freezer & refrigerator.

Once I use up the items, I cross them off the list.

I add to the list whatever new item is introduced.

This way, I have a running inventory of food and the stuff lurking in the back of the freezer are not forgotten. This makes meal preparation easier {get creative with what you have on hand!}. Plus the crossed out items are what I need to get on my next trip to the market or grocery.

As an added detail, make a master list of pantry staples that you have and save it as a file on your computer or mobile phone. Refer to it when trying new recipes or planning meals -- it will instantly tell you what you have or don't have without having to rummage around. Update it regularly and allow it to help you avoid wasting food.

I wish you all a weekend full of fun & sunshine!

A Soapy Situation

2012-01-19T05:00:00.006-05:00

I'm cleaning up my act and finding ways to

minimize the extras I use at home.

Take for example, liquid soap:

Don't get me wrong, I love using them,

but once the bottle is empty, it goes

to the bin. Very blah.

My solution -- I'll opt for the big refill

packs/bottles and reuse these existing

dispensers by pouring the soap into them.

Less plastic in the long run.

Another option is to commit to decorative

liquid soap pumps like these. They're not

only pretty, they'll last forever.

TADA!

Green and Clean

2012-01-18T05:00:00.002-05:00

I'm trying to cut down on the cleaning products I use. This is not only environmentally responsible, it's money saving and frees up space in my cupboards, too.

Here's something I'm doing my best to

use less of: paper towels.

Even if they're made of recycled paper,

they're harder to break down compared

to other paper products. Blah!

I found these small towels at the dollar store.

I use them as cleaning rags.

Another option is to use your old, blah towels.

These are absorbent and the texture works wonderfully when scrubbing off nasty stains. Just throw them in the washing machine & then reuse them. TADA!

Spray away the Germs

2012-01-17T05:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Tuesday! In the recent years, I've started to become more consciously afraid of germs because I know they can make you sick. I think I'm in the less extreme end of the germaphobe scale, since I don't mind handshakes {versus fist bumps} and I can still open public doorknobs without getting queasy.

I do have a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a pack of hand wipes in my bag. I use the hand sanitizer before and after eating, when I cough or sneeze or after I use the ATM. I use the hand wipes for instances like cleaning the tray tables on airplanes, the telephone and remote control devices in hotel rooms...you just never know who was there before you!

As mentioned in this post, I like to keep empty cosmetic bottles, clean them up and use them again. I'm doing the same for these blah fragrance spritz bottles.

I fill them with rubbing alcohol.

Here's my spray bottle, properly labeled. I use it at home to disinfect doorknobs and handles. I can also carry it in my bag as an alternative to sanitizer and wipes! TADA!

A Shiny New Year

2012-01-16T05:00:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year once again dear friends! I'm now back to regular programming. I like to escort the New Year with thoughts of optimism and plenty, thus the positive words I shared with you in the previous weeks. I hope they gave you that little push to make 2012 the best year yet.

Let's see. What have I been up to? Well, I've been fighting jet lag after a memorable holiday trip to see family. When I'm awake in the wee hours of the morning, I make lists -- grocery lists, things to do, books to read, movies to see, blog ideas...I've even updated my Christmas gift list already. I also made a list of things I hope for this year. They're not New Year's resolutions -- I don't really keep the ones I make. But the few items on that "hope list" require something powerful: COURAGE. As I've told you here, I can be a worrisome mess, and I'd like to change that because I know, everything will be okay.

As for blah to TADA!, I'm working on new ideas about crafting, recycling, thrifting, shopping, even cooking/entertaining, and little things you can do around the house to make Mama Earth smile.

One thing I'm doing at home is using up whatever commercial cleaners I have in my cupboard. These, while very effective, can be harsh and smelly. So blah.

I'd like to go back to basics.

I've started using white distilled vinegar and

baking soda for cleaning. TADA!

They're inexpensive, environment-friendly,

non-toxic and they get the job done.

The acetic acid in vinegar can kill most mildew, bacteria and germs. I combine 1 cup distilled white vinegar and 1 cup water in a spray bottle and use it like any regular cleaning product. You'll find more tips on using vinegar for cleaning, laundry and gardening here.

I keep baking soda on hand for my baking needs, but I buy extra cartons to put in the fridge and freezer {to keep odors away} and another to use for cleaning. I pour the contents in a re-used plastic container {TADA!} with a tight-fitting lid and label accordingly. I use a tablespoon to scoop out the amount I need to bring back the shine to stove tops, faucets, sinks, handles, cutlery and even jewelry. You can also use this with the vinegar-water solution as a scrub for stubborn stains. Check this out for more ways to clean with baking soda.

My dear friends, whether you are new visitors or have been with me since I started blogging in 2009, thank you for visiting! Thank you for your comments, e-mails and showing my little blog some love. Let's make this New Year TADA!, okay?

All in the Mind

2012-01-13T05:00:00.001-05:00

A creative soul made this print & sells it on Etsy.

It's so positive that I'm not surprised

why it's been re-incarnated in

different media.

Believe & achieve my lovelies!

Have an awesome weekend, too.

You'll Be Okay

2012-01-12T05:00:00.001-05:00

Whatever our current situation,

here's something to remember:

Yes You Can!

2012-01-11T05:00:00.001-05:00

Some thoughts as we begin a new year:

Thoughts on Creativity

2012-01-10T05:00:00.001-05:00

This is quite comforting --

failure is okay.

Have a great day!

A Week of Inspiring Thoughts

2012-01-09T05:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday!

I am so grateful for this New Year.

I'm in brainstorm mode right now and

I can't wait to share exciting new

blah to TADA! ideas.

All this week, I'll continue to

share words that can push

us to make this the best

year yet!

Hooray for Normal Everydays

2012-01-06T05:00:00.002-05:00

I found this quote on the web and I can

only agree with its truth:

Cherish your normal every days

and have a wonderful weekend!

Strive to be Happy

2012-01-05T05:00:00.002-05:00

I'm gearing up for a new year of crafts & ideas

but this week, I wanted to fill my thoughts

with all things positive. I hope these

words inspire you too!

Goals for the New Year

2012-01-04T05:00:00.001-05:00

As we begin a new year,

let's think about this:

Be Happy in 2010

2012-01-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

I wish we all follow our passion this new year!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T05:00:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year My Dears!

I have a bunch of blah to TADA! ideas

as we begin 2012. But let's take it

slow and start with positive words

that we can carry throughout

the year.

A Charm Bracelet for 2011

2011-12-30T05:00:00.002-05:00

I love the allure of a charm bracelet. One that you build yourself and tells the story of you. The charms can be expensive, quirky or collected over time.

The charm bracelet I created was inexpensive but still lovingly assembled, meaningful and will be a piece of heirloom jewelry that will remind me of 2011.

My year was peppered with a few heartaches, but it also finished with many sighs of relief. That's why I picked this charm -- an angel wing. I know that each of us has a guardian angel who protects and defends us. A being who's got our back and our best interests at hand. A bodyguard who will be with us in the high and low points of our life.

As the year comes to a close, I am grateful for all that I have been blessed with -- yes, even the sad events. I'm looking forward to the New Year with much enthusiasm and optimism.

And I promise you, I'll continue to turn

blahs into TADAs!

Happy New Year dear Friends!

Asking for a Sign

2011-12-29T05:00:00.001-05:00

If you've been reading my posts since the start of the week, you already know my year-end craft project. If you just tuned in, I made a charm bracelet:

I used some beads, invisible string and gold clasps.

In between the beads, I added some gold-toned charms, each one whispering a tale of what my 2011 was like.

It was generally a peaceful year marked with the passing of loved ones and a few health issues. How can I call my year "peaceful" even with tragedy? I could have easily anointed this year as "terrible" or "a year I would like to forget", but I am accepting that everything can't be shiny, happy 24/7.

I'm deeply spiritual and would like to uphold hope and faith in my life. But sometimes, it isn't easy. Especially when I'm afraid or worried or upset. Then I pray. I asked God for a sign that everything will be alright. He spoke loud and clear.

God showed me a rose. Not just one, but many in different forms -- fresh ones at the deli, a sculpture at a museum, a design on a stained glass window, an ad in the newspaper. Then I read this passage from the Bible {Isaiah 41: 10,13}:

Do not be afraid - I am with you!

I am your God - let nothing terrify you!

I will make you strong and help you;

I will protect and save you.

I am the Lord your God;

I strengthen you and tell you,

Do not be afraid; I will help you.

And that's why I have this rose on my bracelet -- it's a reminder of God's reassuring love.

Tree of Life

2011-12-28T05:00:00.001-05:00

Thanks for stopping by today!

I'm taking a pause and reflecting on the year that was. And if you're a crafter like me, this is a great excuse to craft.

I made this bracelet with charms marking

important events of my year.

One of the charms is this vibrant tree.

I look at it as a symbol of stability & longevity.

You see, this year I had a few minor health issues. I try to live a healthy lifestyle but sometimes, sickness can hit you out of the blue. And it's times like these when you value "normal days" -- days when you are strong enough to go through your daily routine without having to worry about aches or pains.

It's also this year that many loved ones and friends are battling health problems like heart ailments and cancer. It sucks. I worry for them and keep them in my prayers.

Health is a gift to be cherished.

This tree will remind me to never,

ever take it for granted.

Hope to see you back tomorrow!

Thoughts of Love

2011-12-27T05:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

As the year comes to a close, I'm looking

back at the highlights of my 2011.

Look, I even made a charm bracelet:

Each charm represents a significant event.

Today, it's all about this heart in an envelope. I think it represents thoughtfulness -- one of the best qualities of my Uncle O. Uncle O is my dad's brother who loved to travel. He'd always send us a postcard from where he'd been or a greeting card to send some birthday love. Out of the blue, he would also call just to say hello. This October, Uncle O passed away.

I know, another death. It's heart-breaking. I hope I'm not making you depressed; I just wanted to honor his memory.

To my Uncle O -- this charm will always

remind me of your kind & gentle spirit.

Party on!

My Year in Review

2011-12-26T05:00:00.002-05:00

I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas!

It's the last week of 2011 and I always get

nostalgic at this time of year.

My 2011 was a quiet ride on the highway

but with a few rattling bumps along the way.

To mark the significant events of my 2011,

I crafted this bracelet.

I made it out of inexpensive charms...

...and a string of beads.

{I happen to like black accessories,

thus the color}

Everyday this week, I'll tell you the story

behind each charm.

The first charm is for my father-in-law, Daddy Y.

Sadly, we lost him in March.

I chose a set of golf clubs & a golf ball -- he was

an avid golfer. Everyday I think of him and miss

his hearty laugh, generous heart, zest for

living and inspiring courage.

If you've experienced death in a family,

you know that it leaves a

hole in your heart.

While we miss him dearly, we

know that Daddy Y is in good

company and winning many

rounds of golf up in heaven.

See you again tomorrow!

A Delicious Holiday

2011-12-23T05:00:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite indulgences during the

holidays & the winter months is

hot chocolate:

I'm an equal opportunity hot chocolate

lover -- thick, light, topped with

marshmallows or cream or with

cookies on the side. I love them all!

Are you still putting together

gifts for surprise guests or

instant meet-ups?

Here are a few more ideas

I found while browsing

on Pinterest:

A S'mores kit made of

graham crackers, chocolate

bars and marshmallows.

Reindeer pops made of peanut butter

cookies, chocolate, pretzels

and candy.

These packages of popcorn

are dressed up as snowmen.

The face and body are drawn

with a pen and the hat is

made of a glove & ribbon.

Cute don't you think?

May you have a happy weekend

and a truly Merry Christmas!

Here Come Santa's Reindeer

2011-12-22T05:00:00.001-05:00

Christmas is just around the corner.

Gasp! Are you all set?

Here's a stocking that hangs on one

of our doors...I added Santa which

was a gift embellishment.

Now doesn't the stocking

look more festive?

Even with limited time, you can

still do some blah to TADA!

Need some last minute gift ideas.

Here's some I found on Pinterest:

Beer bottles dressed up as reindeer!

Just use pipe cleaners, stick-on eyes

and pompoms.

A wash cloth transformed

into another reindeer.

You can use it to wrap bars of

soap or other bath products

to give away.

Reindeer pops that kids will love.

Made of marshmallows

dipped in chocolate and

dressed up with

pretzels & candy.

Printed with Love

2011-12-21T05:00:00.002-05:00

Do you give out holiday cards?

I love sending and receiving them!

This year, I sent out store bought cards.

There's nothing wrong with that.

When I can, I try to add a handmade

touch to my cards like these ornaments

from last year. But alas, sometimes

time isn't on our side.

I found these really cute prints on Pinterest:

A Christmas tree made of tiny foot prints

Another tree, this time, made with

hand prints

Check out these reindeer

also made of foot prints!

Ravishing Wreath Ideas

2011-12-20T05:00:00.002-05:00

Hello Lovelies!

I'm in the thick of wrapping presents.

Some go under the tree, while some

are to be shipped off to family and

friends faraway.

I'm recycling boxes & shredding my

own paper instead of buying

packing fillers.

As I do this, let me leave you

with some ideas to decorate

your door:

A wreath made of cinnamon

via dilly dallas

A wreath made of corks

via Good Housekeeping

A wreath made of twigs &

scrap fabric

via huckleberrygumbo

More ideas here.

Enjoy your day!

Christmas Inspiration

2011-12-19T05:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday!

I have to admit, this week is going to be

quite busy. I'm pretty sure you know

what I mean.

Take for instance, holiday baking that

needs to be packaged & given away.

That's why I've pulled some inspiration

from the web that I think are TADA!

For festive decorations for the

dining or coffee table:

A TADA! candy cane vase

Take a blah container and cover it

with candy canes {use tape to

secure them in place}.

Finish with a ribbon & fill

the vase with your

favorite blooms!

image c/o Ecopolitan Bride

Here's another idea:

Glass, berries & light

Fill glass receptacles with berries or

red candy. Add some candles

for instant TADA! & glamour!

image c/o 33 Shades of Green

See you tomorrow!

Decorations for Dessert

2011-12-16T05:00:00.001-05:00

As we celebrate Friday, here's a final idea

to turn this blah into a TADA!:

blah: used gift wrapper

TADA!: Delightful dessert toppers

They're easy to assemble: Glue gift wrap onto

cardboard and make desired shapes using a

decorative puncher. Attach one end of a

toothpick to the cardboard with tape or

a bead of hot glue.

Use on top of cake pops, brownies,

cupcakes or truffles.

Have a fun & yummy weekend!

Tiny Presents

2011-12-15T05:00:00.003-05:00

I have a crazy habit of keeping old gift wrap

especially if the designs are eye-catching.

So I guess you can picture me as I

open presents -- no tearing, creasing

and pieces of tape are slowly lifted to

preserve as much of the pattern

as possible.

blah: used gift wrap

TADA!: Tiny gift boxes for tiny treasures

I found small boxes that once contained staples,

tacks, paper clips. I wrapped them with the

good parts of the old gift wrap then

embellished with a monogram and ribbon.

I also lined the inside of the box with

green tissue paper.

TADA!, don't you think?

Holiday Tags Part 2

2011-12-14T05:00:00.002-05:00

Hello friends!

Used gift wrapper from Christmas past

can still be useful for Christmas future.

blah: old gift wrapper

TADA!: instant gift tags

Simply cut out designs from existing gift wrap

and glue them on card stock.

A handwritten greeting is always a nice touch

to a handmade tag!

Holiday Tags Part 1

2011-12-13T05:00:00.002-05:00

Our featured blah for the week:

A stack of used gift wrapper from last Christmas.

Let's give them a second chance, shall we?

Here's what happens with just some glue,

card stock, some punchers,

glitter stickers & string:

TADA! Cute gift tags!

Go crazy with color & print combinations

then write a cheerful message on the back.

New Uses for Old Gift Wrapper

2011-12-12T05:00:00.001-05:00

Thank you for visiting me today!

One of the things on your holiday shopping list

would be gift wrap. Don't you just love the

festive patterns available out there and

how pretty the gifts look when they're

all wrapped?

Sadly, once the gifts are opened,

the fancy gift wrap are banished

to the trash bin.

I know it's weird, but sometimes, I like to keep the

used gift wrap. It's just blah to throw them away!

I cut them into strips of varying lengths,

glue the edges together and pile them on

top of each other. Then I staple them to

form this paper ribbon.

TADA! It's all you need to dress up a plain gift box.

It's as decadent as store bought ribbon

but no need to pay full price.

Have a happy Monday!

Eco-Christmas

2011-12-09T05:00:00.002-05:00

Hello and Happy Friday!

I'm wrapping presents but I'm trying to

avoid using traditional wrapping paper.

I'm trying to save money and the

environment at the same time.

Thank goodness for these paper bags with

a holiday theme printed on them.

Throwing them away would be blah.

So I've turned them into small gift packets.

TADA!

It's all about looking for a design on the bag

that you want to highlight, and then simply

cutting, folding & securing the

edges with glue.

Add a homemade ribbon to spruce it up.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Red Envelopes

2011-12-08T05:00:00.001-05:00

In Chinese culture, there is a tradition of giving away red envelopes on special occasions like weddings and the New Year. Inside the envelope, you'll find money. The red color of the envelope represents luck & protection from evil spirits, while the money symbolizes prosperity.

With this tradition in mind and this project at hand:

Transforming a blah paper bag into

something TADA!

I came up with this idea:

More gift envelopes but in a

raging red & a cheerful wish.

I cut this part of the bag into a

rectangle, folded it to make an

envelope and glued the edges

together, leaving one edge as

the opening.

Here's what the back looks like.

So whether or not I put money inside,

I hope my friends receiving these

red envelopes will find 2012 filled

with luck, protection & prosperity!

Brown Paper Packages Tied up with String

2011-12-07T05:00:00.002-05:00

All this week, you'll see how many things I

can do with a brown paper bag:

Okay, let's limit the the "things"

to holiday gift wrap. In the past

two days, I made a few envelopes.

Today, this blah...

...becomes this TADA!

I cut out the most festive word on the bag,

attached it to cardboard

{from an empty cereal box},

punched a hole &

threaded some string.

TADA! Easy, breezy gift tag!

And how else to mark this season

but through celebration!

Wishful Packages

2011-12-06T05:00:00.001-05:00

I found a few paper bags from my stash of blahs:

This one's from Trader Joe's and in the attempt of

reusing, reducing and recycling, I'm transforming

the bag into small packages instead of buying

gift wrapper & gift bags for the holidays.

What was once blah...

...is now TADA!

All I did was cut the bag into smaller rectangles,

fold these into envelopes and glued

three edges together.

I left the top open to tuck in the gift.

Then, I'll seal it with tape, a note & a ribbon.

I'm quite sure that whoever receives

it will appreciate that I'm having

a truly green Christmas!

Paper Bags Turned Into Gift Wrap

2011-12-05T05:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday! In 2009, I created this post where I challenged myself to recycle a paper bag from Whole Foods.

Well, I'm at it again! Why waste a paper bag when you know someone slaved away over the graphic design, the approval, the printing and the delivery to each and every store? {So much work all for a bag!}

This week, let me show you how we

can break down these bags from

Whole Foods & Trader Joe's.

blah: a paper bag

{got to love the pops of color}

Select a section of the bag that's

attention-grabbing.

Cut, fold, assemble & paste, and

this is what happens:

TADA!: An envelope with a handle!

I would use it to wrap a gift card to a restaurant

or a small present for a food-loving friend.

More tomorrow!

Crafting a Blanket

2011-12-02T05:00:00.002-05:00

How are you my dears?

Do you recognize this Peanuts character popularized by Charles Schulz? He's Linus and he's known for carrying a security blanket. See how much comfort he's getting by snuggling his blanket and sucking his thumb? So cute.

Linus is the inspiration for Project Linus, an organization that provides "security through blankets", where handmade blankets are distributed to seriously ill and traumatized children, ages ranging from zero to 18.

Maybe you'd like to make a blanket for a child?

All blanket styles are welcome: quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans or receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. As long as they are new, handmade, washable and come from smoke-free environments.

For more information, you can check the Project Linus website, join or start a chapter in your area and spread a little love through blankets.

I hope you found my list of crafting for a cause helpful. If you know of other groups with the same mission, I'd love to hear about it. Meanwhile, I wish you a restful weekend!

Stitch and Craft

2011-12-01T05:00:00.003-05:00

There are different reasons why we craft. Whether we do it as a hobby or as a business, we find joy while making something with our hands and a have a sense of fulfillment when we finish. Some of us craft to help others just like Craft Hope. It's a group of crafters headed by Jade Sims who make handmade gifts for those who need them.

The most recent project the group completed

was turning blah pairs of socks...

...into TADA! sock monkeys!

{photo c/o Craft Hope}

These sock monkeys will go to children who lost their homes in the Texas wildfires. Their past projects include dresses made out of pillowcases sent to an orphanage in Mexico, dolls made for orphans in Nicaragua and baby blankets for newborns in India.

I thought this concept was mind blowing... a humble craft that brings hope across the world! If you browse their pictures, you'll see how many kind crafters enthusiastically take part.

They've completed their projects for 2011 but I think we should be involved next year! If you're interested, keep checking the Craft Hope website or Facebook page, look under "Current Projects", leave a comment and start crafting...because I know that the dolls that we sewed, the hats we crocheted and the quilts that we assembled will change a child's life.

Crafting a Card

2011-11-30T05:00:00.003-05:00

One of the things I like to make are greeting cards. They are fun to do and even more fun to give away. Here are some I've made in the past year from blah materials:

made from scraps of felt

created from old magazine pages

handmade using salt dough and old make-up

If you also fancy making greeting cards, may I encourage you to make some for a few seniors? I came across the organization called DOROT at a the Winter's Eve event in New York City last year. A table was set up at the shops at Columbus Circle and everyone was encouraged to decorate a card. I was very pleased to make one, if only to cheer up an elderly brother/sister. I later found out that DOROT encourages volunteerism and they have a greeting card program throughout they year. If you are interested, you'll find the guidelines here. If you can't find the time this holiday season, maybe you can make some next year {birthday cards will be gladly accepted}. Once you've made the card/s, you can mail them with a volunteer return form {download it from here} to:

DOROT

Attn: Card Making Project
171 West 85th Street

New York, NY 10024

Just imagine the smiles that will result from the cards you make!

Crafting a Cake

2011-11-29T05:00:00.001-05:00

Hi there everyone!

What was your favorite birthday memory as a child? I always remember birthday cakes, making a wish and blowing candles. It made me feel special when family and friends surrounded me at the table and sang me "Happy Birthday to you." I love birthday cakes, no matter how old the birthday celebrator is.

That's one of the reasons I learned how to bake cakes. I even took a cake decorating class last year.

Here's the first cake I ever decorated. I need a little more practice. It's a good skill to have and a homemade cake is always TADA!, don't you think?

And since we're focusing on crafting for a cause this week, let me tell you about Sweet Blessings. It's a non-profit organization that hopes to provide a happy birthday for children aged 5 to 14 living in poverty or going through life-threatening illnesses. The kind folks behind Sweet Blessings do this by making birthday cakes for these kids. Here's a sample:

They're not the grocery store-bought cakes as you can see. They're fun, colorful, multi-tiered and made of fondant! A cake that will surely make a child's birthday extra, extra special. And you know what? These cakes are made, decorated and delivered by volunteers! Hooray for that!

Now if only I lived in the area {they're based in Lexington, Kentucky}, I would gladly help out. Maybe this can serve as an inspiration for you to do something similar in the city that you live in -- at a hospital, an orphanage or school. But if you're generous, you can make a donation to Sweet Blessings, too.

May you have a wonderful day!

Crafting for a Cause

2011-11-28T05:00:00.005-05:00

Happy new week everyone!

It's officially the start of the holiday season and I'm thinking you're crossing off names on your gift list and starting to decorate your homes.

I'm not sure if crafting is on your To Do list, unless you're making presents to give away or selling them at craft fairs. It's a super busy season after all.

But what if it's crafting for a cause? Would you find time to do it? This week, I'll give you a few options to give some love away during the holidays.

Would you like to craft a letter?

Write a letter to Santa Claus & help make

wishes come true.

With childlike faith and wonder, write Santa a letter, put it in an envelope addressed to Santa At The North Pole. Put a stamp on it and take it to a Macy's Department Store in your town.

Look for the big red mailbox and drop in your letter. Macy's will count all the letters in the mailbox and for each letter received, they will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation {up to $1,000,000!}. Then, the letters will be delivered to the Post Office for mailing to Santa.

Together, we'll collect a million reasons to believe!

Make this a family activity...who knows, Santa may just grant your wish for being an awfully good girl/boy! That's definitely TADA!

Thank You Friday

2011-11-25T05:00:00.002-05:00

I hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving!

I wish you many, many more reasons

to say "Thanks".

Have a happy shopping weekend!

Giving Thanks

2011-11-24T05:00:00.001-05:00

We are celebrating Thanksgiving and next to Christmas, Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday. I like it because I get to participate: watching the life-size balloons at the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, preparing Thanksgiving dinner {even if I'm just a guest at the party} and saying a prayer of thanks for life's provisions. How many of these things do you do when Labor Day or Memorial Day comes around? At Thanksgiving, I feel truly engaged.

"Thank You" is one of the best things anyone can ever hear and even say. That's why I'm starting a tradition of sending a thank you letter to a random person who has turned my life from blah to TADA!.

I've dipped my hand in my greeting card box and selected these Thank You cards. I already delivered them to two special people: Nurse Monika and Nurse Anne Marie. You see, I had a medical procedure in October. Don't worry, nothing life-threatening. I'm blessed to say that the procedure went well and I'm in good health. Hooray! But that was a scary period for me, filling me with anxiety. Monika and Anne Marie were kind, gentle, enthusiastic. They made me feel safe and reassured me that I was going to be alright. Isn't that what anyone needs when one is afraid? Plus they were very busy. They could have easily ignored me or taken a business-like stance, but they didn't. I just had to say THANK YOU to them and I said so in my Thank You cards.

Many people do their jobs 100% but don't get any appreciation at all. If they made your day easier and did so cheerfully, why not say THANK YOU? It's not hard at all. Thanksgiving Day is the perfect day to do it.

I hope to make this THANK YOU CARD a yearly tradition, as often as I can {not just on Thanksgiving}.

To all of you, dear readers, THANK YOU for being the TADA! to my blog and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Hostess Presents

2011-11-23T05:00:00.002-05:00

It's Thanksgiving tomorrow and we've been invited to a cousin's house to feast on turkey, side dishes too many to count on your fingers, and of course sinful dessert! Now, when you're invited to a party, it's always TADA! to bring a hostess present, be it a bottle of wine, a sweet treat or a vase of flowers. I'm sharing a few more ideas for the parties you'll be attending now that the holidays are here.

For a couple who love to entertain...

...a bouquet of chopsticks they can use for an

Asian-themed party!

I got this set from a trip to Bangkok a few years back.

Whenever you travel, it's always a good idea to take

home unique souvenirs like this that can be used

as presents, favors or prizes.

Here's a better look at the wooden chopsticks,

with pouches made of fancy fabric and

elephant accents.

Another beautiful and useful gift

is a throw:

Pick a color that your host adores

and have it monogrammed if the

shop allows it.

Throws come in handy as an accent to

a chair or couch, and can easily pulled

over when reading or watching TV.

And finally, every home needs

a set of coasters:

These ones are made of linen and

are personalized with the recipient's

family initials.

Don't forget to take a gift when you're

invited to a party. It's definitely the

polite thing to do!

A Pretty Pie Topper

2011-11-22T05:00:00.002-05:00

For Thanksgiving, I'm planning to bake a pie. Possibly pumpkin since I've never made one before and it's one of the traditional pies you'll find on the Thanksgiving table. In the past, we served store bought and they were really good. This year, we'll try a homemade one. Mmmm.

I have all the ingredients and I've got my trusted pie plate which I use when making quiches and graham crust pies. I've also been thinking of how to decorate it.

Maybe use mini leaf-shaped cookie cutters

like this one from Martha Stewart?

Instead of covering the top, I'll keep

the leaves on the edges.

Another version using scalloped circle

cutters, also from Martha Stewart.

Pumpkin pies don't have a lattice top

but I'll remember this modern lattice

when making an apple pie

or berry tart in the future.

But here's another idea I'm leaning towards:

It's a fun & festive pie topper made from skewers,

ribbon, paper, cut-outs and alphabet pasta!

Hooray Jordan for creating this.

I like what it says, too:

Have a grateful heart

Be conscious of your treasures

Definitely TADA! in my book!

Centerpiece Ideas for Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T05:00:00.003-05:00

I hope your weekend was divine!

This Thursday, we're celebrating Thanksgiving here in the U.S., a holiday marked with a gathering of family and friends, one that may involve travel, hours of preparing a hearty turkey dinner and personal traditions like watching the spectacular Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year, here is a round-up of easy centerpieces to add a festive touch to your table. They make use of old jars & bottles that are quite blah, but with a little magic, they become TADA!

Fill old bottles with assorted floral bouquets; even if the flowers are from the corner deli or supermarket, when the same varieties are clustered together, the look is elevated! This idea is from the girls at Sunday Suppers.

Jordan, over at Oh Happy Day, created these personalized vases that can be used as seating cards at a wedding or place cards at a dinner party. What's even more special is that guests can take these home!

Check out this easy way to brighten up glass votive holders just by adding dry corn kernels. A lovely concept by Amanda Joy of Joy Ever After.

I'm in love with this D-I-Y chandelier made of flowers, candles, jars and twine. So dreamy on a summer night outdoors and still romantic when placed indoors on Thanksgiving night. Found this on the BZ Events blog.

Here's another version that's hung on a blank wall, discovered in the Ruffled blog. Match the flowers to the season like autumn leaves, red roses and orange mums for fall. You can fill the bottles with some acorns and twigs, too.

As you've seen in these examples, making a centerpiece or floral arrangement need not be blah, hard or fussy when entertaining for the holidays.

Block Printing

2011-11-18T05:00:00.002-05:00

I hope you're having a good Friday!

This week was all about blah to TADA!

crafts inspired by this book:

If you haven't had the chance to check it out, you might want to go to the library or order yourself a copy. You'll enjoy the house tours and DIY projects that you can implement in your home to make it even more vibrant and comfortable.

Today, these are my pegs:

A block-printed duvet by Kate Pruitt; the block

print "stamp" is made from scrap cardboard

Stamped fabric curtains by Clara Klein; this

"stamp" is made of craft foam

Instead of rummaging for materials in

my craft bin, I've sought the vegetable

bin in fridge instead.

We'll use some lettuce!

We normally cut off the bottom and just throw it away.

But if you take a look, it has a pretty pattern.

Use this as the "stamp" and dip it in a shallow

puddle of paint.

Here it is on paper -- doesn't it look

like a blushing rose?

Use it as a recurring pattern on paper bags.

Now, a blah paper bag is a TADA!

A neat idea for the holidays!

Experiment with other fruits or vegetables,

as well as colors of paint.

Have a superb weekend!

Spring flowers in Autumn

2011-11-17T05:00:00.002-05:00

E-readers and tablet computers are all the rage these days. And while I appreciate the convenience and thrill of these gadgets, I'm still drawn to books. I still like snooping around bookstores for new releases and old favorites.

As I've mentioned this week, one book that I picked up recently is Design Sponge at Home written by blogger Grace Bonney. The pages dance with things for a beautiful, but still personal and comfortable home.

I've been having a ball trying out the crafts outlined in the book. Today, I'm making something inspired by this:

Ink jet transfers on placemats, a project by Kate Pruitt

Instead of placemats, I'm putting photo

transfers on this blah canvas bag.

I picked hi-resolution photos that I took myself. I love to take photos of flowers and now that the cold months have arrived, I wanted to keep a little reminder of the coming spring, thus these pink blooms.

I printed the photos on ink jet paper.

Then I cut around the designs and planned the layout.

Then I peeled off the paper backing, positioned the design

on the bag {facing up}, covered it with overlay paper

and ironed away for several minutes

with firm pressure.

A blah bag is now TADA!

A vibrant reminder of spring as autumn fades

and winter begins.

Display Dome

2011-11-16T05:00:00.002-05:00

Hey, hey, how are you today?

I'm gathering a few crafty ideas from this book.

Today, I'm doing a mash-up of

three different projects:

recycled cake stands by Kate Pruitt

log dome display jar by Kate Pruitt

butterfly dome by Jessica Oreck

Here's what we need:

blah: an empty glass jar

blah: a glass base for a pillar candle & a candle stick

When you put them together...

TADA!: Instant display dome!

But let's add something inside

to make it even more TADA!

blah: butterflies made with a butterfly puncher

and old magazine pages

Sandwich a piece of wire between two butterfly

cutouts using all purpose glue.

Use varying lengths of wire,

then allow these to dry.

Meanwhile, make a base for the butterflies.

Trace the mouth of the glass jar on a piece

of Styrofoam and cut around it using

a blade or X-acto knife.

Stick in the wire, making sure each

butterfly is visible.

Gingerly insert the butterflies into

the glass jar and use the Styrofoam

base as a stopper.

Put this on top of the homemade pedestal.

Secure each section of the display dome

with hot glue, super glue or putty.

TADA! It's a butterfly dome display stand!

And it's pretty in every angle!

Greening the Indoors

2011-11-15T05:00:00.002-05:00

Design Sponge is a blog I visit regularly

and I got really excited when the book,

Design Sponge at Home, came out.

I perused it immediately and even

attended the book party!

I just had to try out the crafts in the

DIY Projects section.

One of the projects is making your own terrarium.

If you recall, I made my own TADA! terrarium

using blah jars & bottles earlier this year.

The book suggests using ferns and succulents. I have never tried planting succulents. I greatly considered them because they are fairly easy to maintain. So instead of a terrarium, I'm planting them in these ceramic pots:

I use them for growing herbs in the summer, but they're

empty & in storage the rest of the year.

So here I am, trying to grow succulents.

I'm starting off with a Jade plant that I

bought at the Union Square Farmer's Market.

TADA! Just the right amount of

green I need indoors.

Here's how I planted it:

My jade plant fresh from the market

I transferred it into my ceramic pot

Add some moisture

Then top it off with some moss and

white pebbles from Sprout Home.

I certainly hope it lasts throughout

the winter because something green

and alive helps chase the winter

blues away.

If you have any tips on growing

succulents, please send them my way.

Thanks!

My Current Read: Design Sponge at Home

2011-11-14T05:00:00.001-05:00

Hooray and Happy Monday!

I bet many of you already know about

Design Sponge, a splendid design blog

created by Grace Bonney.

Now, the blog is already a book!

{Cue applause}

I was one of the excited fans who pre-ordered it online and tore off the plastic packaging once it arrived my doorstep.

I breathed in the scent of the freshly printed pages and soaked in all the genius ideas for the home.

And how lucky that Grace gets to have a book tour all over the US & Canada! And it's not just any old boring book tour...there are partnerships with cool stores like West Elm and Anthropologie where she does the book signing, complete with craft sessions, food & drinks and pretty vignettes/backdrops created by Poppies and Posies. Let me show you:

The New York City book signing at West Elm

A lovely vignette showcasing Design Sponge style

using West Elm furniture & accessories

Detail of the photo booth backdrop; guests could pose with

funny cut-outs of hats, glasses & mustaches and then keep

the photo as a souvenir!

The crafting session during the New Jersey book signing

Grace taught eager guests how to customize

cloth items like these napkins

Grace Bonney, signing my book

It's beautifully written and is a wonderful resource

for inspiration. It's divided into 5 sections:

Sneak Peeks is one of my favorite parts of the blog and book...

...offering house/apartment tours

{Isn't there a voyeur in each one of us?!}

DIY Basics provides tutorials on sewing and

updating furniture

Learning to make a curtain panel or slip cover

would be a cool skill to master

Fresh flowers always enliven a room and

suggestions on how to make an arrangement is

the highlight in the chapter, Flower Workshop

I really like how old vessels are

turned from blah to TADA!

with just a few blooms

Before and After reassures you that it's alright

to rescue that chair from the curb or that

frame from the trash...

...because they can be brought back to

life with paint and a new purpose

And there's also DIY Projects which is my theme

for this week. Beginning tomorrow, I'll make some

crafts inspired by the ones from the book.

See you then!

Pop of Neon

2011-11-11T05:00:00.001-05:00

This week, we shined the spotlight on crafty fashion bloggers found via The Today Show. I really like it when bloggers get media attention because you know how creative and passionate bloggers are! I also appreciate how many people are so into do-it-yourself projects, whether it's to save money, save the environment, make something unique or simply to brag, "I made that!"

The easy-to-make accessories I featured this week all have a blah to TADA! angle of improving what you already have on hand. And here's a final one by Geneva, author of the blog A Pair & a Spare.

The inspiration: Sass and Bide's neon necklace

blah: an old necklace that needed sprucing up

TADA!: An attention-grabbing neck piece!

The instructions are simple.

You can find them here.

Think about using this paint technique with other blah jewelry you might have or to update the look of vases, plates or picture frames. With the right coat of paint, what was blah will become TADA!

May you all have a creative weekend!

Unlikely Earrings

2011-11-10T05:00:00.002-05:00

The Today Show lifestyle editor Bobbie Thomas produced a segment last week about making your own accessories inspired by high fashion. If you are a fashionista but are also into crafting and saving money, you would totally love this.

Today's craft is made out of bike tubes after a tire has gone flat. Now, that's blah to TADA! right there!

Inspiration: leaf-shaped dangling earrings

blah: used bicycle tubes

TADA!: one of a kind earrings!

Visit this site to see how Anna Brones made them.

Have a great Thursday!

A Skirt Make-over

2011-11-09T05:00:00.002-05:00

This week, I'm featuring a round-up of fashion-forward accessories headlined at the The Today Show. What's TADA! is that they are all handmade by very crafty bloggers.

Today, it's all about the bag.

The inspiration: this envelope bag

blah: an old, extra-large thrifted skirt made of suede

TADA!: a very sexy shoulder bag

You can follow this tutorial by

Veronika of Tick Tock Vintage.

Aren't you excited to make your own?

ID Necklace

2011-11-08T05:00:00.002-05:00

I picked up a few inspirations for D-I-Y accessories from

a segment at the TODAY show.

These ideas are too wonderful, I just had to

share them with you.

Let me begin with the inspiration:

The nameplate necklace made popular by Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Carrie Bradshaw, in the show Sex & the City.

blah: an expired credit card

TADA!: A necklace with your name on it!

This was the mastermind of Yuka, a thrifty shopaholic, entrepreneur and blogger. You can find out how to make your own by following these instructions.

Cool right?