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.

Candy Love

If you think wreaths are just for the holidays, maybe I can convince you otherwise? It's a simple decor that can be put up for any occasion like a birthday {instead of balloons and buntings} or upcoming events like Valentine's. And they're a pinch to make with easy to find materials. Let me show you how.

 blah: empty cardboard box

 Cut out two identical hearts using the box.

Glue these together {with hot glue} to form 

a super sturdy single heart.

Got a bag of candy on hand? 

Attach these to the cardboard with double-sided tape.

Loop on a piece of ribbon as a hanging device.

This doubles as a sweet gift and decoration

for those that you hold dear.

TADA!

Thoughts of February

Oh my! February already? Instead of getting frazzled over the things I didn't accomplish in January, I will welcome this new month with some decorations, the blah to TADA! way. 

 blah: plastic shopping bags

 Cut them up and turn them into carnations {tutorial here}.

Glue the flowers onto cardboard and add a bow. Match the colors of the plastic bags and ribbon to whatever it is you're celebrating: Chinese New Year {red and gold} or Valentine's {red, pink and white}. Hang this on your front door or office space for a festive touch. TADA!

Printed Balloons

Instead of plain balloons, why not try printed ones?

That's exactly what I'm using my craft punch for. I tore off printed pages from a holiday catalog and punched out these balloons. Sexy, no? Then, I turned them into birthday cards for my besties. All I used were card stock, a paper trimmer, glue, a pen {to draw the tails}, and double-sided tape so the balloons look like they're really floating. With these simple materials, I've turned blah into TADA!:

Black, white and yellow.

Balloons peeking out from the flap.

Open to see more balloons and a surprise message!

Here's one for another fabulous lady:

Some pink and animal print won't hurt anyone.

Open the card for another set of a balloons and

an area where you can tell your friend 

everything you love about her.

Wasn't that fun?

I put each card I made into these glassine envelopes, and I'm ready for all my friends' birthdays this year. I wish you all a wonderful weekend!