Happy Mother's Day

Happy Sunday! To all the loving, courageous, and patient women who have the name "Mom", I want to wish each of you: 

Happy Mother's Day! 

Please know how much we appreciate you in our lives. 

And for you crafters who are interested in how I made this "mom" paper cut, this is what I did: 

I cut a piece of construction paper in the shape of a heart. Then, with a pencil, I drew a simple design of hearts and the word "Mom".

I made the cut outs with a sharp pair of scissors. A craft knife will also do.

Isn't it cool how a sheet of paper can turn from blah to TADA!?

Something for Mom

It's Mother's Day on May 10th! What are you doing to surprise your mom? My mom and mother-in-law live far away but that's no excuse not to get them anything. Like a little kid, I'm made them cards for their special day.

I turned these blank cards from blah to TADA!

Here are a few items from my magical craft stash that helped me out. 

This pretty scrapbook paper is the star. I cut them out and attached them to the cards with adhesive foam dots for added dimension.

Craft stamps that spell out "Happy Mother's Day", glitter glue, and sticky gems finish the look.

Here's what it looks like from the side.

This other version uses watercolor.

I sent these cards a few weeks in advance via air mail. I hope they bring joy to my mom and mom-in-law.

Happy crafting to all of you and Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

Fun Fabric Decoupage

Hello sunshine! How are you my lovelies?

I've been very happy with the sunny weather the past few days. And I found a craft that matched the blossoming season.

I bought this at the craft store in the middle of winter (you're right, I was longing for warm weather).

It's a package filled with fabric die-cuts meant for fabric-to-fabric decoupage. I'm using the flowers to dress this up:

A blah-looking case for sunglasses.

Before beginning the craft, wash this with soap and water to remove fabric sizing. It's best to avoid using fabric softener or a dryer sheet so that the die-cuts will adhere well. You can use an iron to remove any wrinkles.

Once the surface was ready, I chose a few flowers and experimented on where to position them.

It's recommended to use a fabric-to-fabric decoupage glue but I didn't have that on hand. Instead, I used a permanent fabric glue.

Put a few drops of glue at the back of each die-cut. I used my fingers to spread the glue, but a paintbrush can be used, too.

Press the die-cut onto the chosen area and smooth out with your fingers. I added more glue on the top and edges of each die-cut for a firmer grip. I let this dry for at least an hour.

Then I did the same on the flip side using a different set of flowers.

I let this dry again, using a small bottle to prop up the fabric case. This allows both sides to dry without any side sticking on a surface.

And here is my sunglasses case all set for the spring and summer months. TADA!

And it's useful for eyeglasses, too.

Have a great week ahead!

Happy Earth Day

Let's do a little something for Mother Earth today!

Spring is Here

The trees are blossoming and the daffodils are fully awake. Spring has finally arrived! And what a beautiful day it was on Saturday -- no jackets or umbrellas required; only sundresses and sandals, just the way I like it. 

I chanced upon this door with a most colorful wreath:

Can you tell what the flowers are made of? The clever homeowner turned a blah egg carton into a welcoming decoration with some paint and hot glue. TADA!

Wishing you a week full of brilliant ideas!

Let The Fruits Do The Talking

Happy Wednesday! Thank you for visiting today.

This is my new purchase and current read. It's a new book by Joy Cho called "Oh Joy! 60 Ways to Create and Give Joy". I love its premise because I think crafting brings happiness to the one who crafts and also to the recipient of the craft. 

Joy thoughtfully wrote this inscription on my copy. She said she remembered me from her past book signings like this one. Blush. She's so kind. I'm not surprised why she has such a loyal following.

Here's one craft that I immediately tried out:

Little messages on fruit! Remove those brand labels stuck on them at the supermarket and replace them with thoughtful notes. 

Joy has templates in the book but here's my blah to TADA! twist on the idea:

I use blank sticker labels, rubber stamps and an ink pad.

I stamp out my message. It's short but sweet. 

Then I attach them right on the fruit:

Just to say "Good Morning".

Or when you need to be a cheerleader.

Or to wish your loved one well.

A simple gesture that's good for the tummy and the soul!

You can do the same with paint and markers, too. TADA!

Book Launch: Oh Joy! 60 Ways to Create and Give Joy

So yesterday, I mentioned that I attended a fun book launch. It had all these festive and fabulous elements, I have to share the details with you!

Joy Cho of the popular blog Oh Joy came out with a new book. She's a graphic artist, product designer for brands like Target and The Land of Nod, a certified foodie, a wife and mother to two adorable little girls.

She's an author of several inspiring books for the creative entrepreneur but this new book is all about crafts to make and give. It's right up my alley!

The party was at West Elm in New York City. The store, closed early for this private event, was decked out in style. Look at these shiny balloons!

There was a DJ.

A Champagne bar.

And frozen treats from Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream.

I chose a combination of salty caramel and chocolate ice cream. Then I topped it with Oreo-tasting "black gravel". 

This gorgeous floral backdrop and table covered in colorful contact paper were all based on ideas from the book.

And the highlight of the night was having Joy sign our books. 

She was kind enough to chat with everyone.

Yes, everyone who bought the book and stood in line!

It was one great party, indeed.

Tomorrow, I'll try out a project from the book. Stay tuned!