07 April 2014

Spring Awakening

Slowly, I am feeling spring's arrival. "Slowly" being the operative word. It's still very cold on most days and my winter outfits are still on rotation.

But it's almost seven in the evening and the sun is still out.

And look! The barren trees are beginning to blossom. A very exciting prospect!

While there is nary a flower in the neighbor's lawn or backyard, I found a truckload at Macy's:

This year's Macy's Flower Show.

This arrangement is TADA!

The same one from a different angle.

I truly loved being surrounded with flowers that I don't see everyday like these...




This is part of the store display -- not exactly the real variety but TADA! just the same.

And look at this lady in red!

Decked in scarlet blossoms, front and back.

I hope these photos brightened your day. Tomorrow, my version of flower preservation.

02 April 2014

Painted Beads

Happy Wednesday! I'm in a necklace-making mode this week.

Today, I'm adding color to these wooden beads.

I've chosen pink and silver from my paint stash.

Here are the beads after several coats of paint.

Once dry, string them on a chain, leather cording or ribbon.

The lonely silver bead is a bit of a rebel. There's always a naughty one in the family, right?

I wasn't expecting the paint to add some texture to the beads. But I'm slowly appreciating the crackle finish.  

The beads that were blah are now TADA!

Have a great week...see you on Monday!




31 March 2014

Joyful Jewelry

Ah, the promise of spring! It's that time of year when the dark, heavy winter coats are slowly put away in favor of lighter, more colorful frocks. Add to that, cheerful accessories.

That's why I'm in the mood to make necklaces!

I'm using these as materials. They were blah handles from paper shopping bags. Aren't the colors attractive?

To take them off, just remove the knots and slide them off the shopping bags. The crazy ends have to be tamed, though.

Cut these off and apply some glue to the ends to prevent unraveling.

Line up the cords and trim them to the same length. After choosing this alternating color pattern, I sewed the cords together with a needle and thread.

I sewed them tightly from end to end.

Look! It's shaping up to look like a necklace.

Gather the ends and insert them into these gold caps {add some glue inside the caps beforehand for a sturdy grip}. 

Here is what the ends should look like.

I'm adding a few rhinestones because a little bling is always TADA!

First, I decided where they should go. Once I was happy with the placement, I used some glue to keep the rhinestones in place.

Then I sewed them on with needle and thread to keep them secure.

I finished off with a gold chain that I attached to the caps. The length can be adjusted so the necklace can be worn like a choker or as a bib.

Presenting...a cute necklace that went from blah to TADA!

Using the same technique, you might want to make a knot bracelet, charm bracelet, bead necklace or barrette.

See you back on Wednesday for another necklace idea.




26 March 2014

A Spring Arrangement

Re-purposing glass jars is this week's theme.

Glass jars are one of the easiest things to recycle. It's no surprise why I have a cupboard filled with empty jars that I use for storage and crafting.

I found another version of this jar cover at Target. It has a grid top turning the task of flower arranging from blah to TADA!

Add some water to the glass jar.

Secure the lid and begin adding your favorite flowers.

This nifty grid keeps the flowers in place.

It makes it easy to create depth.

And adds volume even with only a few stems.

 And whichever angle you look; on top...

Or on either side, there's symmetry!

An easy and charming floral arrangement using an old jar and blooms from the supermarket. TADA!

You can also try looking at craft or garden stores for a product like this. Or you can try an onion sack like I did here.

Add a greeting card and it's instantly a hostess present or birthday gift.

Enjoy the rest of the week...see you back on Monday!


24 March 2014

Jar Transformations

Hello there everyone!

This week, I have two posts to share and they involve turning empty glass jars from blah to TADA!

The first step is to remove any labels on the jar and then clean it with soap and water.

I found this jar lid at the dollar section of Target! I'm pretty impressed with this line and suggested project ideas.

Just screw it on the jar, pop in a straw, and we have an adorable beverage glass. TADA!

I can't wait to set-up a bunch of these for outdoor gatherings for the spring and summer! 

See you on Wednesday for another crafty jar idea.



17 March 2014

Pour Easy

Hi there! I hope you guys are doing wonderful. I'm not sure if I've told you before, I'm a sucker for pretty packaging. Case in point:


This handsome bottle of cold brew coffee. Now Stumptown, in my opinion, creates some of the best caffeinated beverages. I love how the brand presents itself in its products and cafe branches -- cool, confident, uncomplicated, well thought of.  

These would be the same words I would use to describe this bottle.

I've kept this empty bottle. It's too good-looking to throw away.


After a thorough cleaning, I added a pouring spout.

I now use it everyday as an olive oil decanter, turning it from blah to TADA!