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!