Wall Art Inspiration

When I'm out and about, I always find an idea that I'd like to re-create. But when time doesn't permit it or materials aren't handy, I like to file them away until I'm ready to craft.

Here are some of those ideas:

via West Elm 

This wall fixture is made of paper circles. Won't be cool to make something similar using empty paper towel rolls cut to size?

via West Elm 

Here's another one that reminds me of lace. They're papercuts! I would like to try them on a smaller scale, using a smaller frame.

via West Elm 

These flowers are made of very thin pieces of wood. I envision using any kind of paper like scrapbook paper in a thematic palette (ex. blues, yellows, pinks) or pages from an old book.

I hope these have left you wanting to create your own wall art for your space. Have a great week ahead!

Inspiration Monday

No crafts today, just a little quote that I think is quite powerful:

via ETSY

Let's work on conquering our fears and living our dreams!

A Canister for Cupcake Liners

I love Pinterest! One of  the cutest ideas I've seen are these nifty ways to store cupcake liners:

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

They are genius as a storage solution, and equally inventive as a gift for a buddy who loves to bake.

 I happen to squirrel away cupcake papers like these.

I usually get them at the end of season sale when they are marked down to 50%-75% off the original price.

As my collection grows (and diminishes since I'll be using these for yummy baked treats), I will keep them safe in this glass jar:

I can't wait to fill it with plain ones and printed ones! I think it will be TADA!

Jars of different sizes can also be used to organize things around the house. Want a few ideas? Get them here.

Beaded Sashes

Well hello there! I don't know about you, but I adore these soft ands sparkly sashes: 

They are wedding accessories but they can certainly be worn even after the big day to turn a simple party dress from blah to TADA!

Inspired by these sashes, I made my own...

I found this sitting in my closet. It's a metallic silver sash from a crepe material. It's long enough to be used as a belt or it can be knotted as a headband. 

I also have this collection of pins and brooches which I purchased in thriftstores around New York City.

I don't use them as often as I'd like, but here's a good excuse to take them out:

New life for old things...I also call it, blah to TADA!

Wishes for the New Year

I stumbled upon these two iconic sculptures in New York City and I thought they were fitting to start the New Year.

May our 2016 be filled with these!

Macy's Holiday Windows

Hi there! I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas celebration.

Today, I'm sharing a few photos from my romp to Macy's in Herald Square. 

 I absolutely love their theme this year...The Peanuts Gang is front and center!

Sweet, sweet Linus.

         
Are they not adorable?!

Even the USPS came out with these forever stamps...perfect for Christmas correspondence.

And attaching to those letters to Santa Claus!

Please savor the remaining days of 2015.
I wish you all a spectacular New Year!

Inspiration from the Food52 Holiday Market

Hello! How is your week coming along? Are you in a mad scramble in preparation for Christmas? We're all caught up in the holiday rush but I have a few photos to share from my visit to the Food52 pop-up shop over the weekend.

Maybe these photos will spark some holiday creativity:

No fire place? No problem! Use a faux mantle and an electric fire.

The wooden pegboard reminds me of Julia Child -- a great idea for
organizing the kitchen or craftroom.

Projecting a movie on a white wall plus a string of lights
for a fun outdoor party.

A simple table setting and gift packaging on brown paper bags.

Incorporating nature (dried leaves) in gift giving.

I think these ideas turn blah to TADA!

Wishing you a spectacular week. Happy Holidays!

Origami Ornaments

Hey guys! How was your weekend? I'm so into the holiday spirit and I'm seeing a lot of inspiring decorations like this one:

It's a Christmas tree with a Japanese theme. The ornaments are origami.

Look at these kimonos! Aren't they adorable?

And the tree topper is a paper crane. TADA!

If you'd like to make some kimono ornaments, you can check out the tutorial right here.
And the crane has easy to follow instructions here.

Happy decorating!

A Handmade Wreath

I am on Christmas decorating mode! I've put up pine wreaths and garlands, decked them out with ribbon and lights and handmade ornaments. 

Here's a wreath I saw at a home decorating shop:

It would be a nice holiday craft, don't you think?

It's made of pages from an old book. Each one is rolled up like a scroll and tied with twine. The edges of the scrolls are dipped in glue and finished off with silver glitter. Then the scrolls are attached to a wire wreath with hot glue. A pretty bow can be used to hang the wreath to a door or window. TADA!

Have a great week, folks!

Advent Calendar Ideas

I hope all of you had a nice Thanksgiving weekend. Now, Chirstmas is upon us.

A friend of mine and I were talking about advent calendars and how she wanted to make one for her two year old.

And that's all I've been thinking about. Advent calendars.

The idea is to make a countdown to Christmas day. It's exciting because a small gift is opened each day (day 1 to day 24). But I do like the idea of an activity that the whole family can enjoy, or performing a random act of kindness, or reading a new book leading up to Christmas.

Here are a few cool ideas:

via everyday miracles

Using matchboxes

via lapin blu

Gifts hanging from an embroidery ring (or wreath)

via gotlandsliv

Lunch bags

via oh happy day

Trees and tiny boxes

via la petite cuisine

Using a tree branch

via the fox and star

Origami paper and washi tape

via hometalk

A shoe organizer

via parents

A baking pan and colorful paper

I hope you're feeling inspired to make your own using everyday materials that turn blah to TADA!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

This Thursday, we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. I guess like Christmas, it can get muddled with all the dinner preparations and shopping deals. 

Before things got busy, I took time over the weekend to take a walk in Central Park and think about everything I'm thankful for, expecially for good health and new opportunities.

  

I also wrote a few thank you notes to some dear friends.

And later this week, I'll bake some pie.

I hope we don't forget that it's about togetherness and being grateful for all that we have.

Have a good week, everyone!