Affirmations for the New Year

Another year is coming to an end. Sigh. 

For our new beginning tomorrow, maybe we can add some affirmations as part of our routine? Let me share a few samples that I picked up from the book, "In the Company of Women":

I say the following affirmation first thing every morning:

"God goes before me making things smooth and easy; clearing my way. No person, place or thing or outside condition can affect me. I am power. I am worthy. I am free. I am creative. I am unique. I am confident. And so it is." - Carla Hall (Chef and TV Host)

"I have been doing a gratitude list for the last year. Every day I think of three things that I accomplished or experienced the day before that I am grateful for. The trick is to think about each one in full so that it doesn't become rote; with each thing that I am grateful for, I have to expand upon it to think about why I feel grateful. It's a nice way to start the day and a reminder that although some days I feel like I'm barely raising the dust, I am actually moving mountains." - Karen Young (Product Designer and Entrepreneur)

Whether it's one line or an entire paragraph, borrowed words or something we've written, affirmations will surely attract positivity in our day, our week, our year.  

Happy New Year everyone!

A Christmas Greeting

Merry Christmas everyone!

Whether you were naughty or nice this year, I hope you will have a delicious day and something special to open under the tree. 

Have a memorable holiday!

Two Angels

Hi guys, I haven't told you this but 2018 was another sad year. 

In April, my father passed away -- 6 days after my birthday and 15 months after my mother's death. It's hard for me to even write this post but this event is etched heavily in my heart and will be the one thing that defines 2018 for me. 

This Christmas, my brothers and I are orphans. And while we're all grown up, married, and independent, it's difficult not having our parents around.

Last Christmas, I made this angel ornament to represent Mama who's now our angel in heaven. The heart she holds is Papa, and the three smaller hearts are me and my brothers. 

I wasn't expecting to make another angel so soon.

As I had mentioned in last year's "100 Day Project", arts and crafts has been my distraction for loneliness. So today, I'll show you how I made my new angel ornament.

It's basically a clothespin doll dressed up with felt and fabric.

I used a wooden bead for the head and a permanent marker to draw the hair and face.

For the angel's robes: white fabric trimmed, folded, and secured in place with hot glue.

I made arms using the same fabric.

 Angel wings cut out from felt plus a shimmery outline using glitter glue.

Little red hearts to represent the family.

The biggest heart represents Mama. 

And the little hearts are the children, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.

Then I glued on the angel wings and fashioned a loop so I can hang the ornament on the Christmas Tree.

Mama and Papa are together now. We have two angels in heaven watching over us.

Holiday Greens

Hey ho! Or should I say Ho-ho-ho? If you're still at a loss on what to give your friends or co-workers for the holidays, I've got an idea for you.

Why not some small potted plants? Succulents to be exact because they're low-maintenance and are a very lovely addition to a desk, shelf, or coffee table. They're eco-friendly and they're gifts that keep on giving: clean air, good vibes, something to care for (in a not-so needy way).

I got these at my farmer's market. You can also check a garden store for the best variety.

I'm using some craft stamps and an ink pad to add a handmade touch.

Make as many tags as you need.

Cut them to size and punch a hole in the corner. You can even personalize it with a handwritten message and a short list on how to care for their new plant.

Attach the tag on the pot.

And everyone will be dreaming of a green Christmas...TADA!

Easy Holiday Gift Tags

I know these days are busy, so thank you for stopping by to read my post! 

Today, I'm playing with these craft stamps. The theme is just positive: joy, love, peace, and hope. 

These can be used anytime of the year, but more appropriately for the holiday season when we want to spread good wishes.

I'm recycling some cardboard (the one that's unprinted on both sides). I used a craft punch to make the circle but if you don't have one, use a bottle or can, trace this on the cardboard, and cut around it.

Stamp the image on the cardboard.

TADA! Joy with all its flourishes!

Punch a hole on top and add some ribbon or baker's twine.

Easy, instant tags for all your carefully chosen and beautifully wrapped gifts...TADA!

How To: Holiday Gift Box

Hi there! How is your holiday shopping coming along? Today, I've got some inspiration for gift wrapping.

It starts with cheese...

I was ready to throw this box away. It packaged individally-wrapped cheese wedges. Then I thought, "This makes a good candidate for a blah to TADA! project".

I really liked its shape and the cardboard is quite sturdy.

I took off the sticker labels on both sides and replaced them with these festive cardboard circles (made from scrapbook paper and traced with a can).

I used All Purpose Glue to attach them to the box.

While letting this dry, I made some embellishments:

An image using rubber stamps, an ink pad, and kraft paper.

I cut around the image and attached it to the box with more glue.

With some natural twine, I made a handle.

I inserted it through the existing hole and made a few knots to secure it.

Inside, I tucked in a little present (wrapped in gift tissue).

And here is my holiday gift box...TADA!

Washi tape on the outer rim will keep the box closed until Christmas Eve.

Happy shopping, happy wrapping!