Handmade Hellos

Isn't that a heart-warming title? It's not only the theme for this week's posts but the title of an actual book. Handmade Hellos is a collection of do-it-yourself greeting cards for life's exciting occasions. I have yet to grab a copy of this book but I certainly like the concept. In a world bombarded with texting, twittering and e-mailing, it's rare to receive a greeting card, let alone a handmade one. That's what makes it special.

Everyday this week I will attempt to to turn the fading art of letter writing from blah to Tada!

Today's inspiration comes from a spool of ribbon. After using up the ribbon, how can we re-purpose the spool? Why not make it into a letter?! I can see that quizzical look on your face. Here, let me explain:

We'll turn a piece of paper into a ribbon. Ruled notebook paper works well so we can easily cut along the lines .Then glue the ends together to form a long strip. To write the letter, you can either compose the letter on the computer first, then print it on notebook paper before cutting, or...

...Write the letter directly on the paper strip.

Roll the letter strip around the spool & secure both ends with tape.
Decorate the spool with stickers.

Make an envelope using a sheet of scrapbook paper.

Tuck in your letter and send it on its way!

Curious as to what I'll be making tomorrow?
You have to stop by to find out.
Happy Monday!

Easy Floral Arrangement

Hey, hey! It's Friday! Let me end the week with a final idea to turn an onion sack from blah to Tada!. It involves tapping into my inner Martha Stewart because today, we'll be arranging a bouquet of flowers.

This project works best with vases that have a wide opening.

Fill the vase with tepid water and sprinkle in some flower food.

Cut the onion sack about two times the size of the vase's opening.

Cover the mouth of the vase with the onion sack and secure with a rubber band.

Trim the edges and wrap a wide ribbon around it to conceal the rubber band
& the edges of the onion sack. This provides a clean look.

Trim the stems and remove the leaves of the flowers.

Insert the flowers in the holes of the onion sack.

Arrange the flowers to your liking -- use one kind of flower or a variety!

Add leaves around the arrangement to further cover the onion sack.

Tada! an easy floral arrangement without the use of a floral frog or foam.
Won't this be a perfect gift for Mom on Mother's Day?!

To all you Moms out there -- what would the world be without you?
You bring the Tada! to the everyday!
Happy Mother's Day!

Produce Sacks

Garlic isn't the only one sold in sacks. Even onions come in these strong & sturdy holders. Because their size is notches bigger than the garlic sack, here's how I turned them from blah to Tada!:

I snipped off the sealed tips and removed the labels. I closed one end using clear fisherman's twine/nylon thread (non-elastic) using an "insert & double knot" motion (you may use the sewing machine for this step). Just be sure that the end won't unravel and can carry several pounds of produce.

Tada! I made a pouch! I turned it inside-out and sewed on a ribbon so that I can close the open end.

Every time I go to the farmer's market or grocery store, I'll take this with me together with my reusable tote bag. I'll use it as a produce sack and stuff it with fruits & vegetables. That way, I'll be avoiding those clear plastic bags!

It's best to make several produce sacks that will allow you to segregate your purchases -- your farmer or grocer will be thankful since they have to weigh these, too!

How's that for a blah to Tada! idea?

Kitchen Loofah

Today, I'll show you another idea to transform an empty garlic sack
from blah to Tada!

Turn it into a loofah to clean root veggies like potatoes and yams. Tie at least two empty garlic sacks into a knot and use this to scrub the potato under running water.

Another easier option is to put the potato inside the sack and move the sack around under running water.

Both methods will exfoliate the potato of any soil and dirt...before you know it, they are ready to cook.

I can already see potato salad & baked sweet potato fries in my future.
See ya' all tomorrow!

Scrub, Rinse, Repeat

I'm giving a second life to this garlic sack.

I'll use it to dress up this brand new sponge.

I tie a knot at the end, pleased with the work I've done.

A simple sponge is now a scouring pad!
It will help me clean up greasy plates & crusty pans with so much ease.
That's what I call a blah to Tada!

See you again tomorrow!

Garlic Sacks

When I buy garlic they come in these tulle sacks that I don't seem to want to throw away. This week, I'll show you five ideas that take these garlic sacks from blah to Tada!.

Wrap the garlic sack around half of a lemon and secure with a piece of string or twisty-tie. Make several of these and serve with a seafood spread of fish, clams and lobster. The tulle netting makes squeezing out the juice easy while trapping the seeds and pulp!

Have a good week everyone!

More than just a Jar

I found this lovely vintage jar at a thrift store in Manhattan. I haven't used it yet. Maybe I'll start a collection of different sizes. Or maybe I can give it away.

I can fill it with my own personal blend of herbs & spices. I can already think of food-loving friends who will get a kick out of receiving this -- just in time for grilling season!

I can also fill it with colorful candy-coated chocolates to cheer up a buddy with the blues. Doesn't chocolate make everything better?

I've seen similar bottles in supermarkets & specialty food stores that contain sea salt, peppercorns or sprinkles. When the contents are used up, pour in little gifts (edible or not) and pass it on to someone you care about.

Gifts that don't cost much, those that are environmentally-responsible and gifts that are personal are often the ones remembered, appreciated and simply keep on giving.

Here's wishing you a healthy, happy Tada! weekend!