01 December 2024

Five Things for December

Hooray, we made it to the last month of the year! 

wreath, DIY wreath, Christmas decorations, DIY Christmas, blah to TADA, crafts, handmade, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

When the holidays come around, I hang a wreath on our front door. Every year, I give it a new look using ornaments that I already have on hand such as capiz parols from the Philippines, winterberries, foraged pinecones, a silver ribbon, and a butterfly. In the past, I've decorated it with a candy-theme and an all-red theme. I encourage you to tweak the look of your plain wreath and turn it from blah to TADA! 

National Christmas Tree, Washington DC, Christmas tree, Washington Monument, Christmas in DC, blah to TADA, travel, Christmas traditions

If you have some vacation days that you need to use, visit a new town to check out their holiday decorations. The National Christmas Tree is located in Washington, DC., right across The White House and the Washington Monument. You can't see it in this photo but it's surrounded by smaller Christmas trees representing each of the United States. Some places I would love to visit are Bethlehem, Pennsylvania known as "Christmas City" or any of the cities on this list that are filled with Christmas charm.

Hanukkah, Hannukah traditons, Jewish Festival of Lights, children's book, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

The holidays are also an opportunity to learn about celebrations that we didn't grow up with. For me, it's Hannukah (Jewish Festival of Lights). Books like this one can be read to the young ones in the family and it would be fun to try out the recipes, too...TADA!

ornaments made from recycled materials, Christmas balls, Christmas ornaments, NVC Artisans of Hope, made in the Philippines, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias
NVC Artisans of Hope

These Christmas tree ornaments are made of 126 discarded coffee capsules...TADA! They are crafted by a non-profit organization in the Philippines and the proceeds of their shop are used to fight hunger and poverty. May these inspire us to make our own ornaments using recycled materials or to consider charitable giving this season.   

vintage cookbook, cookbook, Argosy Books, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

My very thoughtful cousin gave me this vintage cookbook that she found at Argosy Books. Cookbooks like this give me a glimpse of the past. I am now considering making retro dishes and cocktails for Christmas and New Year's Eve!

I know December is hectic for many of us -- here's wishing you lots of energy and a little "me" time to relish the holidays!

24 November 2024

DIY Advent Calendar Part 2

Hello everyone!

Last week, I turned an empty Advent Calendar Box from blah to TADA!

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I received this Advent Calendar as a gift. It's a countdown to Christmas beginning December 1. You are to open a door every day and behind each door is a piece of milk chocolate in holiday shapes like bells and wrapped presents. It's a delicious tradition that creates anticipation.

But after all the chocolates were consumed, I kept the box and I just had to create my own Advent Calendar.  

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I opted for something more permanent that can be used every year. I made tiny ornaments out of air dry clay that were inspired by botanical sun prints...TADA! The blue shade of the ornaments also match the blue box. 

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

There are a total of 24 blue ornaments and one white ornament representing Christmas Day. As with tradition, a door from the Advent Calendar is opened daily and an ornament is revealed.

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Hang the ornaments on a small Christmas tree like this one (this was a purchase from Target many years ago).

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Perhaps make a wish, say a prayer or set an intention as a new ornament is added to the tree. This quiet moment allows mindful reflection during the holidays.

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Display the Christmas tree with its tiny handmade ornaments on a mantel or office desk and make unboxing of the Advent Calendar an annual affair.

We've created something meaningful and long lasting out of an empty Advent Calendar box. That's blah to TADA!

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17 November 2024

DIY Advent Calendar Part 1

Thank you for stopping by! 

Today it's all about Advent Calendars. I know it's only November but because there's a good amount of preparation involved for this to be ready by the first of December, let's start early. 

Advent Calendars are boxes made of wood or paper that has 24 or 25 doors. The idea is to open a door each day before December 25 to count down the days before Christmas. There's usually a surprise tucked inside the door. It creates anticipation, helps keep track of days, and you are rewarded for your patience. You get to open a small gift each day until Christmas day when it's time to open the gifts under your tree.

There are many versions of Advent Calendars and the cute ones I've seen are those with jam, perfumeLego, Play-Doh, and Sesame Street books.  

But the more common Advent Calendars (and less expensive option, too) are filled with chocolate: 

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

This was a gift from a dear cousin last year. Behind each door was a small square of milk chocolate. It's a perfect December tradition that I open after dinner where the chocolate serves as dessert.

But when all the chocolate has been eaten and the box is empty, you know that I won't throw it away just yet. I'll turn the empty Advent Calendar box from blah to TADA!

I'll repurpose the box into a new Advent Calendar but instead of chocolate, I'll put tiny handmade ornaments that I can use year after year.

Advent Calendar with Air Dry Clay Ornaments, Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, Crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I'm using air dry clay for this project...no baking involved! But as an alternative, you can use salt dough clay. 

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I shaped the air dry clay into these tiny pendants. Each one is less than an inch tall and only a quarter of an inch thick. I also put them on a sheet of wax or parchment paper to make it easy to peel off in case they stick.


I used the back end of a paintbrush to make very distinct holes on each one. I left these out to dry and harden for a few days.

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Don't forget to return the remaining air dry clay in its packaging and store in an air-tight container so that it stays pliable for next use. 

cyanotype, botanical prints, indigo print, Etsy, nature crafts, ferns, plants, flowers
Sun prints via Etsy

I wasn't sure how I would decorate the ornaments but these botanical sun prints really caught my fancy.

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Once the pendants hardened, it was time to paint. I used watercolor to add an indigo shade to the air dry clay ornaments. I like how the paint didn't dry evenly -- very similar to the sun print paper

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

With a small paintbrush and white acrylic paint, I drew on some botanical prints. I'm veering away from the traditional Christmas themes and colors, using spring references instead: ferns, flowers, and first blooms. These remind me of the Baby Jesus and the new life He promises. 

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Here are my air dry clay ornaments...TADA! I made 24 blue ones and one white one for Christmas Day. The painting on this white one is an Easter lily, another symbol for birth and rebirth.  

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

With the aid of a needle, I strung on some white embroidery thread through each hole. 

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

The thread was long enough to tie into a bow. Look, the ornaments are more festive!

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

The Advent Calendar box came with this plastic tray. After cleaning the tray, I tucked an ornament into each square. 

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Then I slid the plastic tray back into the Advent Calendar box.

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor,Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

If you peek in each door, you'll see the ornament inside...TADA!

Advent Calendar, air dry clay, air dry clay beads, blah to TADA, Christmas decor, Christmas traditions, Christmas Tree, crayola model magic, ornament, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Since the perforated doors have been opened, I used stickers (or washi tape) to keep the flaps in place and prevent the ornaments from falling out.


I found new use for an empty Advent Calendar box. I can share this with my family or pass it along to a friend so she can start a Christmas tradition.

That is how I turned blah to TADA!

Please stop by next week for a decorating idea using the ornaments from this Advent Calendar.

I wish you all a surprising week ahead and please subscribe here if you'd like my future blog posts right in your inbox.

10 November 2024

Tote Bag Stories: A Tote Bag for Wine Bottles

When you're off to a party bringing a bottle of wine, how do you carry it? Do you bring it as is or wrapped in cute packaging



But if you were bringing more than one bottle? In my mind, a wine bag like this one would be ideal. It's made of sturdy canvas, has six compartments to keep the bottles from bumping into each other (less chance for breakage), and can be thrown in the washing machine in between uses. 

But why buy when we can D.I.Y.?

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, corkscrew, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I own many reusable canvas totes and I chose this one because it has a food/dining theme.

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, corkscrew, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I also like it because the fabric is thicker and it's gusseted, allowing the bottom of the bag to stand on its own. 

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, tape measure, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I'm going to make three compartments. I measure the bag and divide it into three equal sections. I use a pencil to make light markings on the bag.

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, scissors, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Then I stitch the front part of the bag to the back part of the bag together with a back stitch

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, corkscrew, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Use thread that matches the color of the bag or a totally different color to give it an accent. I sewed this by hand but you may use a sewing machine if you prefer.

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, corkscrew, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

The compartments snugly fit three bottles of wine (or non-alcoholic beverages)...TADA!

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, corkscrew, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

It's a clever idea to include a small corkscrew in the bag...TADA! 

corkscrew, wine stopper, canvas bag, wine, wine bag, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Tuck the corkscrew inside a small canvas pouch and throw in a wine stopper or two just in case you don't finish the wine. A tight seal from the wine stopper will prevent spills and keep the wine fresher longer.

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, corkscrew, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Reusable water bottles (one for each member of the family) can also fit in this bag.

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, corkscrew, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

With a little measuring and sewing, this canvas bag finds new purpose and is ready for any picnic, party, potluck or BYOB (bring your own bottle/booze/beverage) event.

reusable bag, bag for wine, wine bag, reusable water bottle, sewing, needle and thread, hostess gift ideas, corkscrew, fabric crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

This bag, together with the wine inside, makes a thoughtful hostess gift, too!

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03 November 2024

Five Things for November

Hello November! I welcome this season of warmth and coziness, and I make sure to spend some quiet time before the holiday season begins. 

autumn, fall, fall leaves, autumn leaves, leaves, shadows, blah to TADA, photo by Claire mercado-Obias

Oh the joy of autumn! I love to take long walks in the cool, crisp air and marvel at the red, orange, and yellow wardrobe of the trees around me. This time outdoors prompts me to collect leaves for crafting or to create a painting...TADA!

elections, U.S. Elections, alphabet stamps, rubber stamps, craft stamps, bunting, scrapbook paper, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

The U.S. elections happen this month (November 5). A gentle reminder to exercise this most solemn right to vote and make your voice heard. 

pie, dessert, Thanksgiving, pumpkin, homemade pie, Claire Saffitz, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

November is also the month we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States. Most of the time, I'll make pie -- apple or pumpkin are the runaway favorites...TADA!

watercolor, handmade card, brush lettering, calligraphy, hand lettering, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, handmade, crafts, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

And since we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving, let's really pause and count all the things in our life that we are grateful for. An attitude of gratitude always turns the "blah to TADA!"

socks with croissants, socks with waffles, socks with eggs, printed socks, Old Navy, socks, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

November is the beginning of party season! Whenever my husband and I are invited to a friend's house, we always make sure that we're wearing nice socks. Sometimes they have a "no shoes in the home" policy and we're fine with that. Here are some of the socks in my collection: croissants! heart-shaped waffles! sunny side-up eggs! Aren't they cute? Shopping for socks (or getting them as presents) does turn my day from "blah to TADA!"

Speaking of parties, let's not forget the hostess gift. A few ideas include: a thoughtfully-wrapped pie server, a personalized gift basket, and handmade gift tags...TADA! 

I wish you all a lovely November!

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27 October 2024

Sketchbook Practice: Inspired by End Papers

Welcome back to my blog!

I maintain a sketchbook practice. It's something I've had for several years now.

sketchbook, Sketchbook Revival, sketchbook practice, watercolor, art, birds, blobs to birds, Terry Runyan, fineliner pen, blah to TADA

An inexpensive spiral watercolor sketchbook is all it really is. I try to make time for it each day. I'll make a small sketch if I only have 10 minutes, or a bigger drawing during the laid back hours of the weekend.

Sometimes, it's difficult to start when faced with a blank page. Some of my solutions: painting using prompts, nature themes, and mundane objects

Another idea is based on END PAPERS. Say what? 

End papers are defined this way: The endpaper, also called endsheet, forms the connection between the book cover and the book block. It is itself often a design feature of a book, but also a technically necessary part for the durability. Thus, the endpaper is often reinforced by a strip of fabric in the spine. Of course, endpapers do not always have to be white... definition is from here.


I really loved the book "Things to Look Forward To" by Sophie Blackall. The swoon-worthy illustrations begin when you open the book:


This is what the end papers of "Things to Look Forward To" looks like. The drawings are hints to the title: babies, a cup of coffee or tea, and reading a beloved book.

The images are so playful and I like the red-on-pink color combination because you don't see this everyday.


So I'll try this color combination, too. On a page of my sketchbook, I painted it with a layer of water. Then I added several coats of pink watercolor and I let the page dry for a few hours.


With a red colored pencil, I drew my favorite candies when I was a child. They may not be familiar because these are local brands from the Philippines. 
  • "Lipps" were red candies that colored my lips (like I was wearing lipstick) 
  • "Nipps" are similar to M&M's 
  • Chocolate Coins in their shiny wrapping were always a hit
  • "Curly Topps" are milk chocolates with a curly swirl 
  • "Butterball" candies tasted like popcorn 
  • Pink Cotton Candy was a birthday party treat (it was mesmerizing to watch the machine attendant spin this confection out of sugar)
  • Serg's Milk Chocolate Bars and Chocolate Eggs 
  • Lollipops in different flavors 
  • "Choco Knots" are chocolate covered pretzels
  • "Orange Swits" are orange-flavored gummies


Some of these candies no longer exist. That's why I thought it important to document them in my sketchbook. It helped jog my memory and I'm feeling lots of nostalgia right now.

So you see, inspiration from end papers and memory keeping are just some of the ways we can turn a blank sketchbook page from "blah to TADA!" 

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