diy napkin rings

I found this clever napkin ring tutorial in the latest issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

{Image from Better Homes & Gardens}

It's so simple ... just a paper towel roll and a craft punch. Why didn't I think of that?

I'll be celebrating my 1 year Etsyversary (yep, my shop is turning one) ... all next week so don't forget to stop by for tons-o-fun!

just something i'm crushing on

I hope you're having a wonderful week. Today I'm using the larger part of my little guys nap time to work on a new project for my shop. Hopefully it will be finished by next week ... just in time for my 1 year Etsyversary. Hooray!

{frames wallpaper available at The Land of Nod}

... and on a VERY unrelated note ... don't you love this wallpaper? Brilliant!

diy — security envelope matchbook notepads

... wow that sure is a long title.

As I mentioned in this post I have a new DIY project for you using security envelopes. I decided to transform my collection of beauties into these easy peasy matchbook notepads ... something that I can see myself using on a daily basis (being the obsessive note taker that I am) and that looks ever so lovely.

{pocket sized for your note taking enjoyment}

As you can see from the photo above I did not limit myself to just security envelopes ... junk mail also comes in fancy bright colors too :) Here are the 5 simple steps so you can make some for yourself.

Supplies you will need:
• envelopes or scrap paper for your notebook cover
• writing paper for your notebook pages
• stapler
• scissors
• ruler
• pencil

 

{click on image to enlarge}

I made my matchbook a slightly larger than the traditional size for more writing pleasure … you can make yours any size your little heart desires.

Perhaps when you get a bill in the mail today you won't be so disappointed … ok … lets not go to far ;)

 

taffy and carnivals

My husband calls this my taffy shirt ... because it reminds him of old fashioned taffy.

Well, old fashioned taffy reminds me of carnivals so here is one of my favorite prints by Alicia Bock.

{a fine way to spend the afternoon by Alicia Bock}

security envelope tutorials

Do I collect security envelopes? Who me? Yep! That’s right I admit it. But how can I help myself … look at all these great patterns from my stash.


I know I’m not the only one. This Flickr set by Joseph King is devoted completely to these fancy designs from all over the world!


But the real reason I started my collection in the first place is because I’ve seen so many fantastic projects using these envelopes lately … so wonderful that I’m sure they’ll send you running to your mailbox to start your own collection. Here are a few of my favorites:
• inside out security envelopes by Design Sponge
• tiny house by This Chicken
• packaging, cupcake toppers and garlands by Creature Comforts
• Plus … here are a million more options that I’m totally in love with featured on ‘IDo’-it-yourself found here and here.


With the popularity of it all i've decided to take a stab at my own DIY project. Check back on Thursday for the surprise tutorial.

i'm so very fond of you

I recently stumbled upon these scrumptious necklaces while perusing the many pages of Etsy.

1. aquamarine necklace by My Little Sunshine
2. brass bow tie necklace by Lillyella

3. cherry season necklace by Vadjutka
4. love necklace by Naomi Murrell

I know my husband will probably shake his head when he sees this post. I can hear him now ... "Really? Do you REALLY need ANOTHER necklace?" And my answer will be "yes ... yes I do and thank you for asking."

for your eyes only

Here is a little peek at a new printable mini book I'm currently working on for my shop.

{sketches waiting to be scanned}

I intended to keep the whole thing a secret until I was completely finished ... but I'm horrible at keeping a surprise to myself ... just ask my sweetheart ;)

a new addition to my kitchen

I stopped by the brand new General Store today with my mom-in-law. There, we spotted these cheerful potholders and she insisted that they come home with me.


By the way ... thanks again for spoiling me :)

Oh ... and I love how a playing card was used as the price tag—nice touch!

white lace printed kraft paper

Look what I bought at my local dollar store yesterday. Can you believe it? What an unbelievably fantastic find!

{white lace printed kraft paper from Dollar Tree}

Hurry on over to your local Dollar tree quick as can be ... I bet this stuff sells fast.

mystery diy revealed

As promised earlier ... here is the finished mystery project I've been working on.

{red pillow: recovered an old pillow I already had with fabric that belonged to my Grandmother and added blue bias tape maxi piping that I purchased for under a dollar}

To sew the envelope-back pillow I used this easy as pie tutorial from Apartment Therapy. I had so much fun making it (probably because I didn't screw it up along the way) that I decided to dress up a plain blue pillow I already had by adding some white ribbon as well.