Ways to Stay Creative, Part 1

I was out at the shops one spring afternoon and I stumbled upon a wall decoration. It's one of those motivational posters that you'd hang in your office or studio. I found the advice rather helpful, I have to share them with you. Here goes:

 1. Make lists.

2. Carry a notebook everywhere.

3.Try free writing.

4. Get away from the computer.

5. Quit beating yourself up.

6. Take breaks.

7. Sing in the shower.

8. Drink coffee.

Easy, right? More tomorrow!

Creativity

I found this powerful quote about creativity on Pinterest :

I bet a lot of us can relate to what Mr. MacLeod is saying. I certainly can. Creativity, whether we are pursuing it or still trying to find it, usually takes a backseat as we deal with everyday life -- getting good grades, paying the bills, raising the kids. But we crave it. We need it as a means of self expression.

This week on the blog, let's explore ways on how to be more creative. After all, creativity is turning blah into TADA!

Colorful Keyrings

I hope you're having a wonderful day!

Last time, I made a key ring out of a pompom. I think it's a nice token gift for classmates or teachers. But what if we take this pompom to the next level?

Like adding more pompoms and lots of wooden beads painted in different colors:

 Even add some ribbon scraps and strands of embroidery thread:

With these blah materials on hand, we can replicate these TADA! beauties:

via tabletonic

via tabletonic

via Anthropologie

I can't help but swoon. This is a weekend project I can't wait to get my hands on!

Have a happy Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Embellished with Pompoms

I like to bring my own bags to the supermarket. They're sturdy, carry more things than a regular plastic bag, and it's a TADA! way to clean up our planet. 

I also have a similar basket like this for trips to the farmer's market {for days when I pretend to be a French girl, teehee}. It can fit a lot of produce, baked goods and even a few potted herbs. But sometimes, I feel it looks a little blah.

Then a light bulb moment happened when I came across these beach basket totes:

via JADEtribe

via JADEtribe

via JADEtribe

I can dress up my market basket with some yarn tassels and handmade pompoms, perhaps? I think that will be blah to TADA!

Puffy Wreaths

Let's say you're trying your hand at making pompoms. And you find it relaxing. And before you know it, you've got a pile of pompoms on your bedroom floor. How do you turn this from blah to TADA!? Well, these images can answer that question:

via loverly

Turn it them into a wreath -- one where stuffed animals can hang around in.

via lulu carter

Here's another version using a Styrofoam round covered in fabric, accented with multi-color pompoms.

via Pinterest

Or what about a monochromatic wreath that's soft to the touch and soothing to the eyes?

via Small for Big

There's also the option of making a chandelier.

via wander with style

And a pompom garland is simply TADA!

Wishing you all a bright and beautiful day!

A Hostess Present

When invited to someone's home for a dinner party or backyard barbecue, it's always TADA! to bring a hostess present. It's a thoughtful gesture that says, "Thanks for the invitation."

I like to give something that's unique and useful. It also helps to tailor-fit the gift to the hosts -- do their tastes lean towards modern or traditional? Do they like mellow colors or bright hues? Without asking them, you'll find your answers by observation -- how they dress, or if you've been invited to their home before, how they decorate.

I found these wooden serving spoons from my travels. They're beautifully crafted with a mother of pearl accent at the edges. They're ideal for a couple who love to cook and entertain.

Instead of wrapping them, I just used some yarn and pompoms to dress them up.

The pompoms can be purchased at a craft store or you can easily make them yourself.

Attach a handwritten note and TADA!, you've got yourself a hostess present!

More Pompoms

Hello lovelies! Just a few pretty photos today: 

An indoor trellis at Anthropologie is TADA! The flowers aren't real but I have to show you what they're made of:

They're clusters of pompoms! I like the ombre' effect of mixing reds, pinks, salmon and white to make them look lifelike.

Here's another unique window decoration:

Colorful pompoms hanging from a tree branch at Craftland. Doesn't this make you smile?

We've crafted with pompoms before but hey, I have a few more ways to transform them from blah to TADA! If you can, pop in everyday this week to see the ideas.