Halloween Gift Bags

Hello guys! Because it's the season of critters and candy, a Halloween craft is but appropriate.

It's a kid-friendly one where they can stamp, stamp, stamp to their heart's content.

All we need are a paper bag (saved from a shopping trip), Halloween-themed craft stamps, and a black ink pad.

Just press the image all over the bag and add some fancy lettering (you can put the child's name, too).

Use this bag to collect candy on Halloween or fill it with treats to give away...TADA! 

Here's one the I made last year, or this one and this one from a few years back. 

Happy Halloween!

Crafting with Twigs

During the fall, the sidewalks are abundant with leaves and twigs. I notice these as I wait at the bus stop, and my mind races with ideas on how to possibly craft with them.

Here are a few ways I've turned twigs from blah to TADA!:

A macrame' wall hanging. It's traditionally made with rope but yarn was what I had on hand.  

Another wall decor using a weaving technique.

Here's another idea:

We'll need a twig.

And some fabric remnants...no sewing necessary. The frayed edges add rustic personality.

And fabric markers. It's a clever application for brush calligraphy or bounce lettering.

With hand stitching, sew a pocket for the twig.

A few meters of thread makes for an instant hanging device.

A simple decoration that can be personalized for the home or dorm room...TADA!

How to Make a Pin Cushion

Do you like to sew? Or maybe you know a few friends who enjoy sewing. Well, a pin cushion is an essential tool to have on hand.

Today, let me show you how to make one.

This project is a smart way to use fabric remnants. This orange linen was left over from an embroidered botanical wall art.  I just cut two rectangles out of it.

Because the fabric looks a little blah, I'm adding a print using a craft stamp and ink pad.

This simple design adds some character already. 

Pin the two rectangles together (print facing inside).

And stitch around it by hand or with a sewing machine but make sure to leave a half-an-inch opening.

Turn the fabric inside out and push the corners out with a pencil. Stuff this with fiberfill through the opening and close the hole with handstitching.

And here is our pretty pin cushion...TADA!

Zip It Up

Whoever invented zip-top bags is a hero in my book! I use them for all around storage and they're handy for travel. 

I thought, maybe, there would be ways to prolong its one-time use. Here's an idea:

Cut off the zipper part of the bag. Clean it with soap and hot water, and let it dry completely. 

With this, we'll make a zip-top gift bag...TADA!

I used scrapbook paper but you can use gift wrap remnants or old magazine pages. 

Measure the paper to match the size of the zip top (adding a quarter to half an inch margin).

Fold the paper in half and make a crease. Add some glue to close the paper's edges and attach the paper to the zip top.

See, it looks like a bag now. Allow the glue dry for several minutes.

Then bring out the washi tape! And the stickers!

And the craft stamps, ink pads, and watercolor!

And fill it with cute stationery to give to your best buddy...TADA!

Power Words

Whenever I visit a bookstore or a gift shop, I can't help but stop at the "Quotable" rack.

The positive words and good vibes serve as a much needed pep talk.

"Quotable" started as a collection of greeting cards and over the years, the line has expanded to include magnets, notebooks, and mugs.

They also have these cute square pouches.

They're functional and a powerful daily reminder.

With this as inspiration, I'm turning this plain pouch from blah to TADA!

I bought it ready made. The exterior is made of linen and the inside has a bright print. 

I made some lines as a guide.

Then I drew some freehand fonts.

I originally wanted to use ink (ex. fabric pens) but I was afraid of mistakes that I couldn't erase. Instead, I used embroidery.

My pouch says "What you make matters". It's a quote I got from the #100DayProject. It's an affirmation I return to whenever I'm experiencing self doubt.

I made a little tassle with the leftover thread.

Here is my hand-embroidered pouch...TADA!

How about you, what are your favorite quotes?

Hello Autumn!

Another change in season. It's this time when I think that time flies by so quickly. Would you indulge me in some of my favorite fall traditions?  

A road trip to the country to revel in the cooler air.

Stopping by the farm store for seasonal produce, apple cider, and freshly baked pies.

Apple cider doughnuts in all its forms: plain, powdered, dipped in cinnamon sugar, and even the indulgent maple bacon variety.

A visit to the orchards for an afternoon of apple picking.

Oh Autumn, I'm delighted that you've arrived! 

Summer by the Water

I hope you all had a beautiful summer. Before we transition into a new season, I'd like to share a few photos of my trips to the water.

A tranquil bay in Long Island...

There's a seasonal shack selling seafood sandwiches.

Summer is never complete without chowder, lobster rolls and clam strips!

Another trip with some friends at a cabin by the lake:

It was calm and peaceful, a total change from our daily life.

The evenings were breezy and beautiful.

We followed everything stated on this lake house sign!

Even if I was on vacation, I couldn't help but craft. Here are the inspirations and my creations:

A garden filled with late summer Black-eyed Susans.

I picked a few and pressed them in between some heavy books. I like how the petals tuned into a deep yellow. I might add these to a shadow box or turn it into a pendant. 

These were really good bottles of wine that we enjoyed over meals that we cooked. I took a picture for future reference. 

I even saved a label to include in my travel journal...TADA!

My journal page made with sketches, stamps, and ephemera.

Here's another trip, this time by the beach:

I brought my watercolor pad and paints so I could practice. Painting water and waves is something I still have to work on.

I wish I had this view everyday. Being by the beach is always relaxing and rejuvenating.

A little souvenir from a day at the beach...TADA!