Candy in a Clear Case

Today's post is inspired by this candy shop. They sell their gourmet candy in these clear boxes:

via Crains

via automtk

via Prime Living

Aren't they gorgeous? The colors of the candy really shine through. They're like edible jewels!

Here's how we'll turn blah to TADA!

I have this clear case. It's now sad and empty.

I think it's worthy of a new life.

Just add some candy! I chose M&M's.

I made some handpainted labels using these materials.

And look, the box is ready to be given away:

For whatever occasion or reason, this candy in a box is sure to bring a smile on your loved one's face. TADA!

Furoshiki Fun

Furoshiki is the Japanese art of gift wrapping using a piece of cloth. Let's take a look:

via Ecoshiki

via One Million Women

via Ecoshiki

via Ecoshiki

via Omiyage Blogs

Aren't they beautiful? There's no need for scissors, tape or paper. You just need a piece of fabric like a vintage scarf, antique handkerchief, or fabric scraps that can be used over and over again. An impressive craft that turns blah to TADA!

Designer Spotlight: Kendra Dandy

So I was outlet shopping one weekend and I stumbled upon these scarves:

I almost died. I love, love, love these prints! They're playful, are inspired by mundane objects, and don't take themselves too seriously. It's like they had a point of view.

How awesome that the designer is credited on the label! 

I was instantly a fan. I just had to check out her work. Here are some of the cuteness she has created:

via Anthropologie

via Anthropologie

via Society6

via Society6

via Society6

via Society6

via Society6

I think Kendra Dandy turns blah to TADA! 

To learn more about her work, you can go here, here and here.

Photography Books

Hello there fellow crafters! I'd like to share a book that you might be interested in.

The Crafter's Guide to Taking Great Photos is a generous resource if you're a blogger or own a shop selling handmade goods. Most likely you are a multi-tasker with "photographer" as part of your many titles. It's always good to improve our photography skills so that our products will shine, right? Inside, there are many tips and tricks dispensed by our people -- the crafters!

This book, on the other hand, is a thrift store find. It's pretty outdated because it teaches you photography using film. I know, it's old school! I just thought it was cool to have because this is where photography began.

I hope you'll take really nice photos this week. If you have any book recommendations, send them my way!

Bottle Cover Crafts

The items that we use everyday like food and beauty products come in bottles. Once empty and before sending these off to recycling, let's use them for some crafting!   

Today, we're using these bottle covers. Just detach them from their bottles and clean them well.

We'll need some paint in different colors.

Pour the paint onto paper plates and assign a bottle cover for each color.

We'll use the bottle cover like a craft stamp. Simply dip it in the paint and stamp it on a sheet of paper (I'm using white tissue).

I like that this cover's spout provides an easy grip.

I made as many circles to cover the paper.

Now for the next color.

And add another color. Once happy with the pattern, let the paint dry for a few hours.

Here's how I turned a sheet of tissue from blah to TADA!

There are many ways to use your handprinted paper. I like to use it for wrapping gifts. 

I repurposed a bottle cover and I made some plain tissue a lot prettier. That's hitting two birds with one stone. TADA!

Happy Mother's Day

To all the loving Moms out there, sending you our love and gratitude!

Simple Storage Solutions

I hope everyone is doing great this Monday! Today I'd like to show you one of my favorite ways to store little things around the home. I use plastic boxes with built-in compartments. I have many kinds. Here, I'll show you:

I use them to keep a variety of pins -- safety pins, straight pins, hairpins. I keep this in the bathroom because that's where I'll usually need it. Like when I'm getting dressed and then realize I have a missing button or a broken hem. Or when I'm fixing my hair. And when in a hurry, what an immense time saver to have what you need right at your fingertips!

Here's another one that serves as my first aid kit. It's sturdy and spacious.

I have little ones, too, where I keep occasional necessities like rubber bands, pushpins, and paperclips.

These cases are also perfect for crafting. Remember my calligraphy kit?

I also like to use them to corral my cake decorating supplies. Sure, I can use this, but this plastic box can house more stuff, including the bigger piping tips.

These boxes can be sourced from craft stores, dollar stores, and stores specializing in home organization.

I really believe that little touches like these can turn your life from blah to TADA!