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!