03 October 2021

Apple-picking to Welcome Autumn

The air is crisp and cool, a sign that Autumn has arrived!


Decorations start to appear on lawns and door steps.


And a visit to the farm cannot be missed!


Being close to nature can be reviving and the kids can feed the animals.


There are corn mazes...


There's pumpkin picking...


And pumpkin decorating.


But my favorite activity is apple picking!


We ride horse-drawn wagons to get to the apple trees...


And get an extensive tour of the grounds.


Then we arrive at the orchard and disembark from the wagon.


We scout the trees...


And find the ripe ones...


Then fill our bags with what we found.


Back on the wagon after a fun afternoon of apple picking...TADA! 



Our bags were weighed, we paid, and brought our apples home.


I just had to paint this still life...TADA!


I loved the coloring of this leaf, I painted a version of it, too.

And after the watercolor session, it was time to eat the apples:


These are caramelized apples on French toast...


And this is an apple carrot quick bread...TADA!

The new season reminds us of life cycles and how we must embrace change. Here's wishing that these changes will turn our lives from "blah" to "TADA!"

26 September 2021

What to Do with those fortunes in Fortune Cookies

Hey, hey, I'm excited to see you today!

crafty uses for fortune cookie fortunes

Maybe you've had your share of fortune cookies, free on nights we depend on Chinese take-out or delivery?

crafty uses for fortune cookie fortunes

I do love to snack on them.

crafty uses for fortune cookie fortunes

And I can't resist the fortune inside.

fortune cookies, fortunes, Chinese food, cookies, blah to TADA, crafting with fortune cookies, fortune cookie crafts

Sometimes it provides wisdom.

fortune cookies, fortunes, Chinese food, cookies, blah to TADA, crafting with fortune cookies, fortune cookie crafts

Or a prophecy.

fortune cookies, fortunes, Chinese food, cookies, blah to TADA, crafting with fortune cookies, fortune cookie crafts

Or even an affirmation.

fortune cookies, fortunes, Chinese food, cookies, blah to TADA, crafting with fortune cookies, fortune cookie crafts

And some will make you wonder..."Ummm...what?"

fortune cookies, fortunes, Chinese food, cookies, blah to TADA, crafting with fortune cookies, fortune cookie crafts

I don't know if I'm being superstitious, but I've saved all my fortunes.

Here are a few ways to turn these paper fortunes from blah to TADA!:

pearl bracelet, gift wrapping, blah to TADA, gift wrapping ideas

Let's say we're wrapping a present like this pretty pearl bangle. It's tucked inside a mesh pouch but I want to protect it a little bit more, both to cushion it and to add a layer of surprise. We can wrap it in paper...

fortune cookies, fortunes, Chinese food, cookies, blah to TADA, crafting with fortune cookies, fortune cookie crafts, gift wrapping ideas

Or we can use the fortunes to do that job. It's like sharing your "good fortune" to your friend...TADA!

Here is another idea if you're into paper crafts:

fortune cookies, fortunes, Chinese food, cookies, blah to TADA, crafting with fortune cookies, fortune cookie crafts, greeting card, snail mail, handmade card, scrapbooking, paper crafts

With stickers and ephemera, use the fortunes to decorate handmade cards or scrapbook pages.

fortune cookies, fortunes, Chinese food, cookies, blah to TADA, crafting with fortune cookies, fortune cookie crafts, greeting card, snail mail, handmade card, scrapbooking, paper crafts, butterflies

If it's a good reminder for you, it's a good reminder for others, too.

fortune cookies, fortunes, Chinese food, cookies, blah to TADA, crafting with fortune cookies, fortune cookie crafts, greeting card, snail mail, handmade card, scrapbooking, paper crafts

Let the fortune do the talking...TADA!

That is how I turned ordinary fortune sheets from blah to TADA!

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19 September 2021

Tin Transformations Part 2

Howdy everyone!

I have a thing for tin containers. I've talked about it last week and transformed many others in the past (you can read about them here, here, and here).


What's not to love? They're sturdy, provide an air tight-seal, and are very useful for storage. 



This particular one was once filled with yummy baked goods. It's now empty and I've cleaned it up with a dry cloth.


Then I painted it with several coats of acrylic, letting the tin dry in between coats.


Here is my tin in mysterious matte black. But it still looks a little blah.



I saw this mural on the door of a restaurant's ladies room. I found it so cheerful! I think it reminded me of a sunny place like California, Florida or maybe even Spain.  


Inspired by these oranges, I painted some on the lid of my tin. 


Because pencil is invisible on blank paint, I sketched using white acrylic paint.


Then I added color -- this watercolor palette worked quite well.


I added some shading and detail with more paint.


Just a hint of an orange orchard.


Designate it for crafting supplies. Make it into a sewing kit. Or use it to wrap gifts instead of the traditional box and wrapping paper.


And that is how I turned a tin container from blah to TADA!

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12 September 2021

Tin Transformations Part 1

Hello guys! 

I like to reuse packaging for different purposes like gift wrapping, Easter baskets, hostess gifts, or holiday boxes.  

Whenever I come across an almost-empty container, I try to dream up ways on how they can be recycled. 


Such is the case for this tiny tin, once a container for cranberry-flavored lip balm.


I cleaned it with a damp cloth and dried it really well to avoid any rust-formation.


I painted it with black acrylic to cover the label. Now, I am left with a blank slate.

The American Goldfinch is common at feeders, where it takes primarily sunflower and nyjer. Spring males are brilliant yellow and shiny black with a bit of white. Females and all winter birds are more dull but identifiable by their conical bill; pointed, notched tail, wingbars, and lack of streaking. www.youtube.com/...
via Pinterest

I had just watched the movie "The Goldfinch", based on the book by Donna Tartt. And the story is inspired by an actual painting

I thought I'd challenge myself to paint a goldfinch.


First, I made a sketch with white acrylic paint.


Then I added detail with more paint...TADA!


I can use this little tin to store my sewing pins and small craft materials.


And that is how I turned an empty tin form blah to TADA!

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05 September 2021

Treasures from the Trash: A Bench

I love a good bench! It's welcoming and it says "come sit a while", "chill", "hang-out." 

I love it even more when it's free!

I found this by the curbside. While the leather is peeling, its overall shape is intact. Paint and new upholstery are all it needs for its transformation from blah to TADA!

I would choose a neutral-colored fabric for the cushion and update the legs in a dark stain: 

West Elm bench
via West Elm 

All Modern, Valera Button Tufted Upholstered Bench
via All Modern


Veronica Ivory Linen Bench, BHG.com
via bhg.com

Here are possible ways to use the bench:

entryway lighting ideas, Station Home
via Station Home
Put it by the entry way where the family can easily wear their shoes before heading out.

Tablet Charme Blonde Rectangular Ottoman - Ottomans - Article | Modern, Mid-Century and Scandinavian Furniture
via Article.com
When guests come, they can deposit their bags here instead of on the floor or on the living room couch. 

Black Wave Poster, Ocean Wave Print, Black and White Minimalist Sea Wave Wall Art, Surf Wave Portrait, Surfer gift, surf vintage poster
via Etsy

I like it leaning against a wall for extra seating in the living room.


my scandinavian home: The home of a Danish interior designer
via My Scandinavian Home

Or position it by a sunny window, making a cozy reading nook.


bed, bedroom, bench in bedroom, uses for benches, Trendir.com
via Trendir.com

In sleeping quarters, a common way to use it is below the bed for seating and extra storage. 

30+ Amazing Closets Design And Decor Ideas For Women #decoratingideas #decoratinghomecheap #decoration, Warna Home
via WarnaHome

If you have a walk-in closet, a bench comes in handy when planning outfits and packing for trips...or just sitting and admiring your pretty clothes!

Wall-mounted Ikea 'Alex' drawers & 'Sigurd' bench, Leva and Bo
via Leva & Bo

Use it for a dressing table, spacious enough for "mommy and me" afternoons or make-up sessions with your best friend.   


modern neutral dining room | house tour on coco kelley
via Coco and Kelly

It also provides a more laid back vibe in the dining room...TADA!

If you found a bench like this one, what would you do with it?