Menswear Easter Bunny - Tutorial

Happy Easter, everyone! This post was originally posted Easter of 2012, but since the blog has grown quite tremendously since then, I thought it deserved another shot at the big time :) Enjoy!

"We're going to be seeing the in-laws later this afternoon and I cannot wait to see our nephew. Julian is a bit shy of 2 years old and such a little cutie. His parents are trying to limit his candy intake, so rather than a normal chocolate bunny, I decided it would be nice to make him a teeny tiny stuffed animal -- perfect for his little hands.

DIY Washi Tape Tray

A year ago, I shared the book page banner that I put in our bedroom and as you can see from those pictures, all of the room is neutral. Guess what? It still is. I'm a little embarrassed to even admit that I'm incredibly scared of introducing color into our decor. When I found a bright red floating frame on clearance at Target, I knew it was due time that I went out on a limb. That frame became a fun springtime jewelry tray and all it took were a few strips of washi tape.

Isn't that red just perfect? It's so eye-catching and contrasts the beige and white in the best way possible.

Printable Chevron Bookplates

I just realized that I never shared my last guest post from Sumo's Sweet Stuff. If you didn't have a chance to check out the Chevron Bookplate Printable when it was originally posted, here it is! Then again, if you're Anja from Cocalores, then you definitely already saw it and I love you for stopping by once more. Last month I posted some lunch notes for your little munchkins but these bookplates are all for you. Bookplates? How archaic! Well, not anymore. This pretty chevron variety is modern, preppy, and fun. 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower Chalkboard Printables

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I had seen The Perks of Being a Wallflower with the Mr. Let me just say that I super-duper-big-red-puffy-heart loved it. Back in high school, it was one of those books that spoke to me. Even as an adult, the movie just ever so perfectly resonated with me.

Whether or not you feel the need to pick up a copy of the book and read every. last. word., at least you'll get a dose of some of Stephen Chbosky's brilliance in two chalkboard art printables.

Week 1 Voting is LIVE @ SYTYC

Come one, come all! The Week 1 projects are waiting for you at So You Think You're Crafty!

As with the audition round, I can't spill the beans but maybe, just maybe, you'll love my project, too. Please note that there are some minor programming glitches and those of you (including myself) with Chrome or Firefox are having issues being able to click links and vote in that post. Don't panic anyone, everything is fine and dandy with the use of Internet Explorer, though so try it in there if you can.

Now, please head on over and take a gander... pretty please? Any guesses as to which project is mine? I can't wait to reveal after the polls have closed!

Insta Replay Monday #26

Oh my goodness. Best weekend in a long, long time :) Why? It was the Mr.'s brother's wedding! While it was a bit cold and breezy, it was an incredibly sunny day for a March wedding -- almost as if God was shining every bit of his light down on the happy couple.

The groom and his stunning bride brought me to tears more times than I care to remember. As Best Man, the Mr. gave quite a heart-felt toast that still makes my eyes water just thinking about it. Maybe it's the fact that now that I'm married and I know the kind of happiness and love that come from fully committing yourself to someone, weddings make me the sappiest of saps.

Paper Source Knock-off: Watercolor Stripes Stationery

I came across these gorgeous watercolor letterpress cards at Paper Source a few weeks ago and kept going back to add them to my mental "must buy" list. I just couldn't justify $24.95 for SIX note cards. Instead I turned to the craft store and got a high quality letterpress cardstock set on clearance for $2.99 (enough for 12!) and made my own.

Bird & Nest Mixed Media Canvas Art

I haven't posted a craft fail ever. Well, that's about to change. Usually I can tell when it's time to just toss a bad project but this was the first time where I just kept going and going and it just got worse and worse. Don't believe me? Take a look.

Even the Mr., with his heart of gold, couldn't say anything nice about it. It started as a "well baby, it's not that bad -- I like it." And gradually (after a ton of coaxing from me to tell me the truth) it became "well maybe you should change the big bird, and that little bird just doesn't match, and add something up there, and maybe change up the nest a bit." So pretty much, start over. HAHA.

Insta Replay Monday #25

Good morning, everyone! Did you have a nice St. Patrick's day? Did you even celebrate it? We are not those kind of people so we were not out bar hopping or pinching the non-green wearers. Instead, we had a weekend full of fun celebrating the Mr. turning 29! (Sorry for putting your age out there, baby!) Unfortunately, this weekend flew by and it's Monday again.

Highlights from this week?

Well, it's not a positive one, but it snowed. Ugh. I love winter but I'm so over it. 

I finished a DIY Link (from The Legend of Zelda) pillow for the Mr.

I started running again.

We had a big company-wide anniversary dinner for one of the managers on Thursday night

I stepped into a thrift store for the first time in over a year (thus the picture of the hexagonal table below! It was the ONLY good find but unfortunately would not fit in my car)

I got an autographed copy of Amy Atlas' Sweet Designs book

Surprise St. Paddy's day food on our doorstep from the best neighbor ever

Oh and yeah, did I mention it was the Mr.'s birthday? I may have been more excited than him!

** We had to cancel our original plans for the city because it was raining and then snowing so we spent the day locally -- breakfast at the diner, tons of snuggling and birthday presents, yummy cannoli cake, Dave & Busters for some gaming and drinks, walking around the KOP mall, and a delicious dinner at Benihana

(please note that I did not magically double my weight since last week -- I was having a ton of fun playing with the FatBooth app on my phone... haha)

Anywho -- come back later this week for some simple watercolor notecards and a little something inspired by one of my new favorite movies!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

I'm linking to:

Tatertots & Jello | S3 | Classy Clutter | I Heart Nap Time | Mine for the Making | Flamingo Toes | Craftomaniac | Shabby Creek Cottage | My Girlish Whims | Stone Gable | Young and Crafty | Nifty Thrifty Things

DIY Mini Felt Gnomes

Last week on Instagram, you probably noticed a few nods to gnome culture. It's probably got something to do with my fascination with all woodland things but I adore those little guys. I looked everywhere for miniature gnomes but besides ordering them online (which I don't have the patience for when I'm crafting), I decided to create my own. 

These gnomes were born from materials that just about any craftaholic would have on hand: felt, yarn, a toilet paper roll, and a pompom. 

Mini Bunny & Chick Burlap Sacks

We had a gorgeous weekend -- sunshine, warm weather, and birds chirping. It is Spring at last! I guess that means that Easter is right around the corner. We don't really decorate for Easter but I try to get some Spring stuff out around the house. First thing was a bouquet of tulips, then I made the mason jar photo frame, and now onto some mini burlap treat bags.

Insta Replay Monday #24

Eeep. It's Monday. This has been such an incredible weekend -- not because of anything huge but simply because. The weather was lovely, the company I had was incredible, and the time that passed was just what I needed.

Highlights from this week?

Lots of best friend time -- I was one lucky lady.

A quick Target stop on Friday after work and asked my Instagram friends to vote on a dressing room ensemble (they said yes, so it looks I'll be stopping tonight!)

On Saturday morning I met bestie, her fiance, and her mother for brunch and her first bridal dress fitting!

Quinn and I went out on The Perkiomen Trail -- twice

While the Mr. was at his brother's bachelor party I had a night just for me -- crafting, chick flicks, drinks with the bestie, and HomeGoods!

Last night we watched The Life of Pi and it was beautiful to say the least

Check back tomorrow for the cutest Easter treat bags you ever did see :)

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Glitter & Leather Bunting Necklace

On Monday I mentioned that I was auditioning for Season 15 of the So You Think You're Crafty competition and simply having the opportunity to do so kind of made my day/week/month/life. Just in case you missed the good news on Facebook, I made it through the auditions and will be a Season 15 Crafter!! To any of you who went and voted, I really truly appreciate it!

For my audition craft, I sort of procrastinated.. wait, I lie. I DEFINITELY procrastinated. The day the submissions were due, I had yet to create anything so I had to limit myself. It had to be something small and it would have to use things I already had on hand. I decided that adding a pretty little necklace to my collection was the best route to go.. That's where this glittered leather pennant necklace comes in!

Bottle Cap Memory Matching Game

Remember when I got my Pick Your Plum grab box way back when and did that awesome video? It took me awhile to decide how to use those decorative bottle caps and I finally came up with a great kid-friendly project. Remember the memory card games from when you were little? Now your kiddos can have this handy-dandy travel-sized bottle cap memory matching game in their stash.

Visit me at Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Knock knock.

-Who's there?

Honey bee!

-Honey bee, who?

Honey, be a dear and stop by and visit Sumo's Sweet Stuff! 

Corniness aside, I'm sharing my second printable with Summer's crowd today. Come see for yourself!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

How to: Paper Bow + Free Template

A couple of weeks ago I shared a tutorial for crepe paper flowers and today you'll see another easy gift topper idea: a paper bow. I know how hard it can be to get a perfect bow with ribbon, but with paper, it's almost error-proof (and there is no fraying, yay!). Using my template, a sheet of your favorite scrapbook paper, a few dabs of glue and a sliver of tape, you will have the prettiest bow on the block.

The So You Think You're Crafty Auditions are LIVE

Hey everyone -- big news!

I'm not sure if you already follow the So You Think You're Crafty competition, if not you're really missing out. It's a 10 week long craft-off  where YOU get to vote for your favorite projects and the top bloggers move on to the next round. I was lucky enough to be selected to audition for a spot in Season 15 and it's kind of the biggest news this little blog has seen in awhile. If you have a moment to spare, pleaseeee head on over to the Season 15 Audition Page and take a look at the thirteen projects listed. Rather than simply vote for your favorite or least favorite, you get to rank each between the #1 and #13 spots! When you're done submitting your picks, you'll immediately see the results. There are only 10 spots in the actual competition so three of us contestants won't make it to Round 1 and I really truly hope that I'm not one of them.

I can't tell you which project is mine but I'll cross my fingers that even if it isn't your favorite (afterall, there are some FANTASTIC submissions), it'll at least be in your Top 10.

Thank you so much and lots of love to each and every one of you!!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Insta Replay Monday #23

So I'm getting pretty fed up with the weather around here. One day it's sunny and slightly warmer than the day before and the next day, snow is in the forecast. At least we had a nice weekend -- no rain and chilly, yet bearable, temperatures. 

Highlights from this week?

Well, let's just say that it was a LONG week and a very short weekend. 

I did get to babysit my three favorite kids though

I also got a few new shirts and a necklace from J.Crew thanks to the Mr.

I started Sunday off right with some birthday present shopping for the Mr. and a venti mocha frappuccino 

We also watched The Perks of Being a Wallflower which was ah-maze-ing

I got so many projects done this weekend which was easy because I did my best to really stay disconnected from the computer. One was previewed on Instagram... I wonder what it will be! Haha.

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

I'm linking to:

Tatertots & Jello | S3 | Classy Clutter | I Heart Nap Time | Mine for the Making | Flamingo Toes | Craftomaniac | Shabby Creek Cottage | My Girlish Whims | Stone Gable | Young and Crafty | Nifty Thrifty Things