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!

Messages on Sticks

Hi Everyone!

Remember the time I made TADA! pompoms 

out of blah ribbon spools? 

Well, I have another idea on how to use 
those homemade pompoms.

Let's add these blah chopsticks to the mix

{I've amassed a handful from take-out night}. 

Hot glue the pompom onto the chopstick,

and here's what happens:

Festive Valentine cards! TADA!

 To add color to the chopstick, I twirled a

ribbon around it and attached with glue.

 I wrote a cheerful message on paper,

decorated this with cut-outs and stickers,

then attached it to the chopstick with ribbon.

I think anyone's heart will leap when he or she 

gets one of these, especially the folks of 

Etsy's Special Delivery project!

Another way to use this idea -- turn them into 

TADA! party invitations.

Sweater Weather

When Valentine's Day approaches, you can very well count on me to make greeting cards in my signature blah to TADA! style. As in past years, I'll be participating in Etsy's "Special Delivery" project. Together with City Meals on Wheels, the good folks at Etsy will be delivering nutritious meals, handmade cards and companionship to elderly New Yorkers. Awesome, right?

Here are some of the cards I made:

 blah: pages from an old J. Crew catalog 

{I fell in love with these sweaters!}

blah: cardboard boxes 

Glue these together to form postcards, add a few mini hearts made from felt remnants, and write a message on the back. Slip each one inside an envelope and prepare to make someone smile. TADA!

It will sure make the recipient all fuzzy and warm. 

And you, as the maker/giver, are guaranteed

a happy feeling for your generosity.