Hot Chocolate

It's been unbearably cold these past few weeks. Some days there is snow, some days are sunny, but the temperature is always, always below zero. Blah. 

But it's February -- that time of year when it's alright to reward oneself with chocolate for all the cold weather we have to endure. 

So I braved the blustery weather and made a beeline at City Bakery where they're having their annual Hot Chocolate Festival. TADA!

There's a new flavor for each day of the month.

This one is the Espresso Hot Chocolate. You can't really taste the espresso but it does bring out the chocolate flavor more. You can get a shot just like this one or purchase a regular coffee cup size.

Homemade marshmallows are optional but always a decadent treat.

Tomorrow, please stop by for a craft that's all about chocolate. Have a nice day!

Sweets for My Sweet

It's Valentine's Day this Saturday! Do you have exciting plans?

I found these conversation hearts at the supermarket.  

They are a gift in themselves but I thought it would be fun to craft with them.

Over the years, new hearts have been added carrying Spanish words and texting shortcuts.

They are like fortune cookies, you'll never know which "fortune" or "words of admiration" you'll get!

Instead of sprinkles, why not put them on cupcakes?

They're sweet, adorable, and they deliver the message to your special someone. TADA!

Stripey Jewelry

Happy February! Here's a craft that I know little girls or ladies will enjoy making. 

It's made out of these striped paper straws that have been the rage in the past couple of years. They're photogenic and bring a bit of nostalgia to any table. But instead of using them for drinks, let's turn them into jewelry:

This necklace will keep you occupied on a snow day. Make several to give away to classmates, teachers, and BFFs.

I learned how to make this at the Renegade Craft Fair last December. You can find the tutorial here. 

Hand-Stamped Tags

Happy Monday friends! Today I'd like to share with you a cool craft tip that you can use for gift tags or labels for your handmade products.

All we need are an ink pad and a set of alphabet stamps.

Well, make that two or even three sets. Sometimes, you'll need two or more of the same vowel in one word. These alphabet stamps are very inexpensive anyway (less than $2 per set at the craft store). 

Using the alphabet stamps, spell out the words you need and secure them together with washi or masking tape.

Add some ink and press it on a paper tag or sticker label.

Instant tags that you can further customize with more stamps or your own handwriting. TADA!

Colorful Hearts

I'm that type of girl who loves to receive birthday cards and I do love to send them out, too. While it's easy to run to the card section of the department store, I take that extra step of making the birthday cards myself.

Today, I'm turning this blank card from blah to TADA!

I'm using this heart-shaped cookie cutter to trace a pattern.

I'll play around with my favorite watercolor palette.

First, with my paintbrush, I apply a wash of water on the paper. Immediately, I add some color. I like how the pigment gradually spreads and how it bleeds into the color beside it.

This has some magical tie-dye effect.

Here are the designs I came up with. I positioned the heart differently on each card and used colors that each recipient would favor.  

And then, another layer with rubber stamps is in order.

I'll personalize it some more based on the friend who will receive it. 

Maybe this has inspired you to make your own greeting cards -- your own version of blah to TADA!

Theft Time

It's a brand new year and I was wondering if you make any resolutions? I don't since keeping them is quite the challenge. But I do like to make lists like new crafts to learn, books to read, recipes to try. 

Here's a book that I'm reading. It's quick to finish, quite insightful, grabs you with the title, and encourages you to steal ideas.

I took a calligraphy class late last year and the only way to get better is to practice. Here are some quotes in the book that jumped up at me:

 

 

Did some of these words resonate with you? Whatever art form you are pursuing, I hope you find ways to improve it this year (yes, even if you have to steal). 

Have a great week, everyone!

A Fresh Start

How are you feeling now that 2015 has just begun? There's a saying, "The days are long, the years are short" and I can only agree. While I remember everything about 2014, it seems to have whizzed by so quickly!

Here is my 2015 planner. I still write everything down. I'm old school like that. I'm filling it with appointments, to do lists, blog posts, and article ideas. I'm also jotting down daily highlights I call, "This Made My Day" and "The 5 Things I'm thankful for Today". I'll begin and end each day with this journal of sorts.

Here is a quote I found on Pinterest. I like it a lot. I hope you like it, too.

May you have a beautiful and blessed 2015!