From Yogurt Container to Halloween Treat Basket

Halloween is coming up and let's use this as an excuse for some crafty recycling.

Yogurt is a staple in our fridge and we like to sweeten it with honey, top it with fresh fruit and granola. But once all the yogurt is consumed, this empty tub is all that we have. Time to turn it from blah to TADA!

Several years ago, I made this Trick or Treat Bucket using a yogurt container, felt and a glue gun...TADA!

Here's another version of a Halloween basket also using the same materials...TADA! 

Earlier this year, I made an Easter Bunny basket using paint and ribbon to disguise the yogurt container...TADA! I thought, "Why not use the same basket but this time for Halloween?" That way, we can use it more than once.

Several coats of gray paint will erase the bunny face. Once dry, paint it with Halloween themes like ghosts, pumpkins or bats. Or decorate the basket with stickers. Or with simple brush lettering, the Easter basket is now a Halloween treat basket...TADA!

And that is how I turned an empty yogurt container from blah to TADA!

Have a Happy Halloween!

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Three Thoughts for July

Happy July Everyone!

Here are a few little thrills now that the summer months in the U.S. are in full swing:

1. Fourth of July Fireworks

Independence Day is always capped with a display of fireworks, the most popular being the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks live in New York City and broadcast on TV. Did you catch it? It's a show that never gets old, always leaving children and adults in awe.

Our town and the neighboring towns have our own fireworks display. It's usually held in a park where people can picnic and play, until it's dark enough for the light show to begin. A community gathering and a festive atmosphere turns the start of July from blah to TADA!

2. Books and Trips to the Beach

I'm all about summer reading lists and book recommendations. I take a book with me wherever I go (along with a handmade bookmark) -- it keeps me occupied when I have to wait and deters me from scrolling on my phone. Of course, reading on the beach is on top of the list around this time of year...TADA!

3. Always Have Snacks

I love me a good snack: chips, biscuits, cookies, trail mix, chocolate, candy, you name it! I'll always have some around so that I'm ready when the craving hits. That's why I got such a kick out of this storage solution/art installation:

I saw this candy cabinet at a department store and thought this would be a cool DIY project for furniture that needs a new lease on life like an old medicine cabinet. Just add the cheeky message, "In case of emergency break glass" using alphabet stickers, stencils or brush lettering...TADA!

Wishing you lots of thrills this July!

Five Things for October

Autumn rites and spooky vibes...that's one way to define October energy!

Plan a trip to the farm to pick some apples or pumpkins.

Then paint the pumpkins and make them part of your Halloween decor...TADA!

How cute is this Goldilocks and the Three Bears costume for a little girl? No need to buy...you can D.I.Y.! Find something similar in your girl's closet, make an easy apron, and add three teddy bears...TADA!

Halloween candy isn't just for kids! Which one is your favorite? I'd pick Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and KitKats first...TADA!

Before October ends, I'll definitely spend time outdoors to marvel at the colorful autumn leaves. The way Mari Andrew describes fall is true poetry!

May October bring you lots of treats!

Candy Heaven

How was your weekend folks? Mine was both relaxing (sleeping in and dining out), productive (crossing out a handful of items off my "To Do" list), and staying connected (chatting on the phone with my parents, my mom-in-law and a cousin who live far, far away). 

Just a little peek at what's in store on the blog this week:

Any guesses? Let's see if you're correct when you stop by tomorrow. Have a great day!

A Crafter's Paradise

Hello and Happy Friday!

Today's post is still about the Martha Stewart American Made craft event. There was a market where the makers/owners were present.

There was also an exhibit of the 2013 Honorees' beautiful products.

And what is a Martha Stewart event without craft sessions? Here, a demonstration of Martha's newest products like glass etching materials and decoupage kits {with an oil cloth finish!}.

I was able to score a bottle of paint! TADA!

There were also many interactive stations like braiding friendship bracelets...

Paper lace making using these cool craft punches...

And creating relief patterns using silicone molds and special clay.

There was also a DIY embroidery booth.

The beginnings of my project {it's still a work in progress since I didn't get to finish it at the event}.

We also got this bucket with retro candy.

And one of the most useful giveaways were these totes that were silk screened on the spot.

A little reminder that "American Made" is alive and well. And with creativity and hard work we, too, can be on the road to successful entrepreneurship.

Have an inspiring weekend!

Candy in a Can

I've got an idea that's fun, thoughtful and promotes recycling.

Our blah -- an empty and clean sardine can. 

Make a lid for the can using paper and paint. 

With scissors, shape the lid to fit the top of the can.

Add a ribbon loop that mimics a tab to open the lid. 

Tuck in a small bag of candy inside the can. 

I chose the gummy candy, Swedish Fish. I know these guys will be right at home in a sardine can! Another option is "Crackers in a Can" using Goldfish crackers.

Cover the surprise with the handmade lid. 

Glue in place. 

Now we've got a cute gift or party favor.

TADA!

Surprise Inside

When we were little, my brothers and I received Easter eggs from a very thoughtful aunt. They closely resembled this:

via Sugar4U

An egg made entirely of sugar, decorated with flowers and Easter characters like bunnies or chicks. Of course we'd try to eat them, but couldn't go as far as a few licks {they were too hard}. One of the best parts of the egg was that it was hollow and there were pieces of chocolate inside! Those we devoured without hesitation.

Because of this childhood memory, here's a round-up of Easter eggs that have a built-in surprise.

via Sugar4U

Another version of eggs made of sugar, this time with 

an Easter backyard vignette inside.

via Williams Sonoma

A papier mache' egg covered in vintage paper and 

filled with sweet treats.

via MiaPuPe

My heart melts over this bunny hatching out of a felted egg.

via Fairyfolk

More little rabbits hiding inside eggs.

via bySol

Crocheted eggs and lil' chicks.

via SesameSeedDesigns

Springtime gnomes resting in egg-shaped sleeping bags.

These are blah to TADA!, don't you agree?

Easter Baskets

Easter is this Sunday and I have a few blah to TADA! ideas this week in case you're in a crafting or entertaining mood.

blah: an empty egg carton {ain't the pink shade adorable?} 

With scissors, divide the carton in thirds.

Trim the edges so they're neat. 

Attach a handle {I used an old tissue box} with hot glue. Fill the crevices with confetti {I made these out of colorful plastic bags}.

For a more festive touch, I jazzed up the handle using an old plastic bag {first cut in a strip, then edges were scalloped.}  

The last step is to add the candy. TADA!

A perfect party favor for Easter!

Jar-ry, Jar-ry Night

Eeeep! It's Halloween tomorrow! If you celebrate it, are you ready? I have the treats but no decorations. Time to turn some blah into TADA!

If you have jars and vases gathering dust in the cupboard under the sink, now's a good time to take them out.

via Country Living

Add some black crow cut-outs inside the vase and

line these up on a mantle or shelf.

via Country Living

Make a Halloween terrarium using twigs, moss and frightening toys.

via Better Homes and Gardens

Dress up a glass bowl with a mask and fake eyes.

Fill it up with candy.

via Better Homes and Gardens

Add a faux face to a vase, add scoops of candy, and cover with a handmade witch's hat. Encourage guests to help themselves to what's inside.

via Better Homes and Gardens

Cover a jam jar with masking tape {jagged edges encouraged}, draw on a scary face, and add a votive {battery operated for safety} for a ghoulish glow on fright night.