How To: Rose Water Mist

If you're feeling a little stressed (especially this holiday season) and you want to take a "me moment", do it with some Rose Water Mist. Rose water soothes and refreshes the skin.

The recipe comes from this book:

• Fll a clean spray bottle with rose water and store it in the fridge. You can find rose water at the international aisle of most grocery or healthfood stores.
• When you need a quick pick-me-up, just take the bottle, relax into your seat, close  your eyes, then mist your face.
• Take deep breaths and have a few relaxing moments all to yourself.

Merry Christmas

To you and yours,

Wishing you comfort and joy, abundance and laughter, gratitude and hope.

Cheers,
Claire 

Felt Gingerbread Men

Well hello there! I spied this idea at Anthropologie:

See the little gingerbread men hanging on to the mug's handle? I thought it was cool to make these if you had some scraps of felt, construction paper or cardstock. They make cute gift embellishments! I think it's blah to TADA!

A Christmas Stocking

Last week, I featured a wreath make-over. Today, let's give this stocking a new look:

It's a felt stocking that I paired with a Santa ornament. I didn't even buy any of these. They were part of the packaging of some gifts I received. I thought they looked good together. 

This year, I'm changing the look:

I added a Teddy Bear (a freebie at a party), wrapped an empty box to look like a present, and completed the look with a ribbon. TADA!

With a little bit or recycling and resourcefulness, you don't need to spend a lot for decorations.

A Wreath Re-Do

The holidays have arrived and it's time to decorate. Some people go all out with the tall tree, outdoor lights, and lawn ornaments. But if like me, you live in an apartment, it can be quite a challenge because of the lack of space.

At the very least, why not put up a wreath? It doesn't take much commitment and it brings cheer to those who dwell there and to everyone who visits.

Here's a basic wreath and door hanger that I got at the craft store. It's looking a little blah.

If you'll recall from a few years back, I turned it into TADA! by adding these salt dough ornaments. It's a candy-inspired wreath!

This year, I made a little change:

With a new ribbon, some berries and an ornament, my wreath is a little more grown-up. TADA! 

Craft Technique: Wood Burning

One sunny day, I went to Chinatown and I was able to buy these:

A few kitchen essentials: a pair of oven mitts, a spatula and pastry brushes. And I got all of these for less than $10! Let me show you how I turn them from blah to TADA!

I'm using this new tool in my craft arsenal. It's a burning tool that can be used for wood, leather, gourds and many other stuff. 

It comes with several screw-on tips and is powered electrically. To use it, it's held like a pencil. These tips and hand pressure will determine the design. I still have to get the hang of this, though.

Instead, I'm using these hot stamps alphabet set to add an initial.

While still unplugged, I screw the letter (my choice for this project is the letter "O") on the wood burning tool. I plug it to a socket, set it on its cradle, and let it heat up for a few minutes. Then I tested it on some scrap wood, applying even pressure and holding it still for several seconds.

Once I was comfotable, I decided on which part of the spatula I wanted the initial.

I chose to brand it on the handle.

As for the pastry brush, I made the initial more prominent.

Once done, I gathered everything together with a ribbon. 

I think this makes a nice hostess gift or a present for someone who just moved into a new home. TADA!

Happy Thanksgiving

Let's find some time today, amidst the hustle and bustle, to be thankful for all that we have. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

A Wreath of Gratitude

This week, we celebrate Thanksgiving. Amidst the flurry of the food preparations and family reunions, we should not forget to stop and be grateful.

 

via Country Living

This craft allows us to do that and even better, it invloves participation from the entire family. TADA!

A Handmade Box for Handmade Treats

The holidays are fast approaching and I can't help but think of my Christmas list.

Handmade is always a good idea, so allow me to share how this festive gift box is made.

I used this really cool tool, a scoring board for making boxes and envelopes.

I started with some cardstock, trimmed to a 7 inch by 7 inch square. I prepared two sheets, one for the lid and one for the bottom part of the box.

The scoring board comes with instructions and size guidelines depending on the size of box you need. 

I used the bone folder that came with the scoring board to mark some lines. "Scoring" just means "fold lines", which makes the box easier and neater to fold. 

The measurement for the lid is bigger than that of the bottom part.

When scoring is done, fold on the lines and cut four sides. 

Form the boxes and glue the ends together.

And now we have a gift box. TADA!

It can be used for any kind of wrapping. But if you like to bake, it's good for Christmas cookies. It's best to line the box with parchment paper to protect both the cookies and the box.

Fold the parchment paper...

Close the box...

And your handmade treats are ready to be given away!

Apple Maple Cake

Hello and Happy Monday!

Been apple picking lately and don't know what to do with all your excess fruit?

Bake this Apple Maple Buttermilk Cake. Bring it to a potluck or take it to the office. You'll be a star! TADA!

And speaking of apples, these apple-inspired crafts are oh-so adorable:

via Etsy

via Etsy

via Etsy

Have a good week, everyone!

Last Minute Halloween Costumes

Happy Halloween you guys! If you're in a panic for a Halloween costume, help is here.

Below are a few ideas using clothes and accessories you already have.

via Pinterest

"The Cowgirl"

via Color Me Courtney

"Snow White"

via Pinterest

"The Bandit"

via The Girls With Glasses

"The Hippie"

via Merrick's Art

"Mary Poppins"

Happy crafting and have a wonderful Halloween!

Halloween Decorations

I'll be honest, I'm not one to decorate my apartment for Halloween. But I will wear a witch's hat when giving out candy! That's how I roll.

But after seeing these simple ways to add a spooky vibe, Halloween decorating may just be on my agenda:

via Martha Stewart

A door full of creepy crawlies is easy to assemble with plastic spiders from the dollar store.

via Martha Stewart

This scary snake is made out of ribbon! It's a good way to turn ribbon scraps from blah to TADA!

via Better Homes and Gardens

Make a spider's web out of black electrical tape. Do this on a door, window, or wall.

Enjoy your Halloween preparations!

Illustrated Lists

Hi there! How was your weekend?

Last week, I baked from the book The Little Paris Kitchen.

It's by British cook and food writer Rachel Khoo.

What an honor to have met her during a book signing event! 

Apart from the recipes and photos, I was drawn to the illustrations inside:

Rachel drew these herself (she studied art in college and she takes a notebook everywhere she goes). Such a nice way to add an author's personal stamp to a book.

Inspired by these drawings, I made a few illustrations myself: 

 My regular lists have now been transformed from blah to TADA!