Reliable Remnants

My sole intention this week was to turn an old mouse pad from blah to TADA! I did just that using an adhesive drawer/shelf liner in a fancy print. I had so much paper left over, I decided to use it for other projects:

Lacquer box, storage container, clip board, mouse pad 

Don't worry, the items are spread out around the home and office so there's no print overkill. LOL!

The transformations have yielded some remnants...another opportunity for blah to TADA!

With a craft punch, I made these flower stickers.

They work as cute envelope seals!

May your weekend be fun and festive!

Superstar Storage

While puttering in our bedroom, I found this box:

It's an empty watch box. It's occupant is worn on a regular basis and hangs out on the nightstand, leaving this box forgotten, ignored. 

The box is quite attractive -- black, made of lacquer and the inside is lined in velvet. Maybe it's time to give it a little attention.

 

With a touch of adhesive paper, blah has been transformed into:

TADA! -- a trinket box that can be proudly

placed front and center on a coffee table.

My Crafty Container

Some fancy food gifts have the perk of being 

packaged in tin containers:

Maybe you received something like it over the holidays? Some are dressed in a charming print, while others blatantly have a brand splashed across it. No need to fear, blah to TADA! is here.

Cover the can in an up-to-the minute print using gift wrap or adhesive shelf liner.

Reuse the can for storing daily necessities like tea bags or loose tea. This keeps the freshness longer and adds a decorative touch to your desk or kitchen counter.

A Cute Clipboard

I bought these drawer/shelf liners with a 

modern color combination and print:

I used them yesterday to dress up a sad looking mouse pad. I have so much of it left over, I think I'll find many ways to finish it up.

blah: a clipboard that's seen better days.

 

TADA!: The same clipboard, all grown up.

Overwork and overuse it with lists and

photo inspirations!

Marvelous Mousepad

I hope you guys had a beautiful weekend! Today, I'm tackling a project that's been on my list since last year. It's quite minor, but given that I use it everyday, shouldn't it be pleasing to look at? 

Here it is -- it's this mouse pad.

It was a freebie and it's terribly blah.

I sought out these rolls of adhesive paper. They're really used as shelf/drawer liners, but just because they're made for that purpose, doesn't mean we can't use them for other stuff, right?

I traced around the mouse pad and cut it to size.

I removed the paper backing and gently attached it to the face of the mouse pad. I used a straight edge {ex. ruler or bone folder} to remove any air bubbles.

See the transformation -- from blah to TADA!

Can you blame me if I'm in love with my "new" mouse pad?

Love Letters

Today, I'm carrying over some love in the form of love letters -- old-fashioned wooing in a more modern format.

via Pookie and Jack

Various letters reincarnated as a cushion cover

via uncommon goods

Hand towels printed with loving prose

via uncommon goods

When the white towel is opened up, it looks

like a sheet of paper. I'm loving the 

typewriter font!

via Bueno Style

A miniature love note that can be worn 

close to your heart.

via country living

This one involves a little more work. First, you'll have to bake the cookies, cover it with icing, and then write a letter using these edible markers. Don't be too sentimental because unlike traditional love letters, this can't be stashed in a box under lock and key.

via For Such a Time Designs

Another option is to write the letter

and have it engraved.

Aren't these ideas blah to TADA!?

Have a joyful weekend!

Hearts and Kisses

Happy Valentine's Day! I've assembled a few more accessories that deliver that all important message, plus, they can be used all year round: 

No.1: Oui, oui to this delightful necklace
No.2: A clutch that's sealed with a kiss
No.3: Having this umbrella will make you wish for rain
No.4: Simple silver earrings
No.5: Always have kisses around your neck when 
wearing this scarf

Have a fun day, everyone!

Sweets for a Sweet Day

This Valentine's Day, will you be baking up a surprise for your special someone or some treats for the gang? Here's a little bit of inspiration to turn your hard labor from blah to TADA!:

No.1: An oven mitt dressed for the occasion

No. 2: Sprinkles for your cakes, brownies, cookies...the list goes on!

No. 3: An alternative to sprinkles, inspired by conversation candy

No.4: Pretty peppermint-print cupcake liners

No.5: Baker's twine for packages fresh from your kitchen  

Wishing you a wonderful time baking or eating!

Wear Your Heart

Heart prints and "love" themes are all the rage, especially in February. Here's a collection of things I wouldn't mind wearing all throughout the year:

No.1: Comfy shoes for warmer days
No.2: A bracelet that's just charming
No.3: Show off your kind, kind heart
No.4: A scarf with secret messages
No. 5: Pink hearts on white socks, 
why not?

Wishing you a heck of a lovely day!

A Week Full of Hearts

Happy Monday! Since it's Valentine's Day on Thursday, I'll have a heart-fest all this week.

via how about orange

Jessica made this adorable origami page marker, I had to try it out myself! I just followed these simple instructions.

It's a good way to turn scrap paper from blah to...

...TADA!

Here's how I would make it even more TADA!:

I've been cooking from this cookbook I recently bought and I think it makes a great gift for both the beginner or more advanced cook. I have a few ladies in mind that I want to give this to and when I do, I'll personalize them this way:

 I'll call attention to the yummy recipes I've tried

using the heart-shaped markers.

A tried and tested recipe is always appreciated,

don't you agree? 

Add a few more origami hearts on the 

cover flap to "wrap" the cookbook.

And of course, a little note!

Flags for Friends

I'm not sure how you feel about Valentine's Day. At our house, it's just an ordinary day. But I do like to craft and send some love, especially to people I don't know. Before you label me as some total weirdo, let me explain that these "strangers" are elderly New Yorkers, who, with the help of Etsy will be treated to a meal, some companionship and handmade Valentines. It's a yearly event called "Special Delivery: Share Your Love".

Here's the last of the bunch that I made:

 blah: unused chopsticks lurking in my kitchen drawer

TADA! -- instant greeting cards! 

I dressed up plain index cards and attached

these to half a chopstick with hot glue.

Bows made of yarn add a dainty finish.

These ones look like flags...if you feel the

love, wave it proudly.

May your weekend be breathtaking!

Messages on Sticks

Hi Everyone!

Remember the time I made TADA! pompoms 

out of blah ribbon spools? 

Well, I have another idea on how to use 
those homemade pompoms.

Let's add these blah chopsticks to the mix

{I've amassed a handful from take-out night}. 

Hot glue the pompom onto the chopstick,

and here's what happens:

Festive Valentine cards! TADA!

 To add color to the chopstick, I twirled a

ribbon around it and attached with glue.

 I wrote a cheerful message on paper,

decorated this with cut-outs and stickers,

then attached it to the chopstick with ribbon.

I think anyone's heart will leap when he or she 

gets one of these, especially the folks of 

Etsy's Special Delivery project!

Another way to use this idea -- turn them into 

TADA! party invitations.

Sweater Weather

When Valentine's Day approaches, you can very well count on me to make greeting cards in my signature blah to TADA! style. As in past years, I'll be participating in Etsy's "Special Delivery" project. Together with City Meals on Wheels, the good folks at Etsy will be delivering nutritious meals, handmade cards and companionship to elderly New Yorkers. Awesome, right?

Here are some of the cards I made:

 blah: pages from an old J. Crew catalog 

{I fell in love with these sweaters!}

blah: cardboard boxes 

Glue these together to form postcards, add a few mini hearts made from felt remnants, and write a message on the back. Slip each one inside an envelope and prepare to make someone smile. TADA!

It will sure make the recipient all fuzzy and warm. 

And you, as the maker/giver, are guaranteed

a happy feeling for your generosity.