Momathon Blog

Free Printables: Happy Mother's Day Cards

Hello, friends. Mother's Day is almost here so I'm offering two free printable cards (and a printable A2 envelope) I designed. The cards feature photos by the talented D Sharon Pruitt. Link to download the printables below.

Looking for a last-minute card? Printables are easy to use. All you need for this craft is the free down loadable PDF file, 8.5"x11" card stock paper, glue or double-sided tape, and scissors. You can also embellish the card with glitter. Directions for assembling the card are on the PDF.

Link to the down loadable PDF and directions for printing and assembling the card in the steps below.

DIY: Retro Fabric Patterns from Little Golden Books

I'm already dreaming of fun ways to use this adorable Poky Little Puppy fabric. I loved the Little Golden Book illustrations as a kid and now I can't wait to sew a pillow or a small tote featuring this pup! Perfect for a kid's room—or for grownups too!

Artists: Wall Art Design Challenge at UncommonGoods.com

 

Do you dream of selling your artwork at UncommonGoods? Now is the perfect time to enter your original artwork in a contest sponsored by UncommonGoods for a chance to produce a limited edition run of prints to be sold by UncommonGoods this summer.

GRAND PRIZE: $500 + 5% royalties on a limited edition of 100 prints

DEADLINE: April 26, 2012 at 11:59 PM

HOW IT WORKS: According to UncommonGoods: 

We'll pick our favorite entries to share with customers on our Community Voting App. Our guest judges will choose a winning design from among the top vote-getting entries. We'll announce the winner in May. Your art should tell a story, be intelligent, and show your creative individuality. Take a look at some of our other art for inspiration. We don't have a set aesthetic - we want to see yours.

QUESTIONS? UncommonGoods is an online retailer that specializes in handmade, eco-friendly and uniquely designed gifts and accessories. You can find out more about the mission of UncommonGoods.com here. Find the contest rules on this pdf. You can send an email to: art-contest@uncommongoods.com

(Diptic image above features the following artwork as seen on UncommonGoods: PLACES IN AMERICA WALL ART, SONGBIRD BOX PRINT, DO WHAT YOU WANT WALL ART, YOU SIMPLY GLOW WALL ART)

DIY: That's a Wrap

My favorite gift wrap often includes personalized embellishments. I wrapped this package for my daughter's birthday. I think the gold leaf letter K—her initial—is a nice contrast with the simple brown wrapping paper and twine.

How to do it:

• Wrap the gift in brown butcher block paper (available in a roll at office supply stores)

• Use twine as the gift wrap ribbon

• Add a personalized embellishment. In this gift wrap project, I wanted to use my daughter's first initial and I found a golden letter K that can be displayed in her room after the package is opened. A wide selection of letters can be found at craft stores.

Image above by  me, Chris Olson. 

Free Printable: Easter Bunny Gift Box

 

Hello, friends. Today I'm offering a free printable Easter gift box file for you to download. The digital PDF file includes one Easter pillow box designed by me and featuring a vintage card. Great for filling with candy or other surprises for an Easter basket. 

Printables are easy to use. All you need for this craft is the free downloadable PDF file, 8.5"x11" card stock paper, glue or double-sided tap, and scissors. You can also embellish the box with glitter. After I printed copies of the boxes at home, I added a hint of white glitter to the bunny ears. 

 Link to the downloadable PDF and directions for printing and assembling the box in the steps below.

DIY: Sunshine Bead Necklace

My mouth waters when I walk into a bead store. So many bead options. So many amazing colors. My Sunshine Necklace bead project is easy to do if you enjoy mixing and matching 3 or more bead styles on your bead cord. I also included decorative beads such as a tabular beads to add some dimension and variety. Perhaps the best part about making this necklace is you can make up your own pattern. Anything goes! I suggest limiting the larger decorative bead to every 24th to 32nd bead. I like to use sterling silver findings—clasps, crimps, and jump rings—but you can use a less expensive type also. A silk bead cord with an attached "needle" makes beading a snap. Select a silk bead cord with the proper strength/weight for the beads you want to include and the length of the necklace. You can make the necklace a variety of lengths. I like to have the finished piece approximately 18" or if I want to loop it and make it a double necklace I will make it up to 32" long. Remember to allow for some extra silk cord due to the knots at the end and the cord you trim off. Also, the clasp and tab will add some length to the necklace.

See the supply list below. Let me know about your beading projects on Facebook or in the comments. Happy beading!

Images above by me, Chris Olson.  Feel free to pin this image tutorial on Pinterest as long as the pin links back to my blog post.

Building Your Brand on Etsy

How does Janell Anderson of Prunella Soap on ETSY make her shop stand out? Unique photos, lovely products, and pretty packaging are just a few reasons.

Having a shop with a clear brand message is the key to getting noticed and remembered. What are the core values of your shop? Once you know what your brand values are, you can explore the details of what makes your brand stand out from the rest. What is your brand style? According to Janell, Prunella Soap's brand style is minimalist, playful and good clean fun. Next consider the packaging and other materials—they should mirror the appearance of your brand.

Putting the message of your brand into words takes time and patience. If you can be a fearless editor and tweak the wording until you find the essence of your brand, then you will have the pitch to attract customers. 

Here is how she puts these core values and keywords into her Etsy shop description.

Prunella is vegan cold process soap made with organic ingredients in Portland, Oregon. It is made utilizing the old-fashioned method of soap making and cures for a minimum of four weeks from the time it is made until it’s available for sale. Eco-friendly, super sudsy and wonderful for your skin!

Perfect phrasing, don't you think? Learn how she did it, and how you can do it in this short ETSY video. Also, check out the FREE Etsy Success Symposium: Get Found today, Friday, March 30th.

Image above by me, Chris Olson. Photo from Prunella Soap video on ETSY.

Lovely Links: Lemonade, Chalk Lettering, and Zooey

 



Hope you are having an AMAZING and lovely spring weekend. Sunny and warmer here makes me think spring is almost here. 

Lovely links:

• Just in time for spring and Mother's Day, the "Lemonade Roses" fine art print above at Etsy.

• Perfect musical pairing with a tall glass of lemonade, listen to the music of Zooey Deschanel (She & Him) and similar artists on Pandora Radio

• Lemonade and sidewalk chalk is a warm weather fave. If you like the chalk lettering you will enjoy the WSJ.com interview with Dana Tanamachi. Check out the WSJ video below.

 Lemonade Rose image by Luna Blue Studio on Etsy.

DIY: 50 "Weekend Knitting" Projects

Melanie Falick's lovely knitting book will keep you busy and inspired for many weekends.

Knitting is therapeutic in so many ways. I love to keep busy with my hands doing a handmade project while watching TV or sitting outside watching my kids and dogs play. Picking out new yarn colors and textures that will go together for a specific knitting a pattern is a fun twist on picking out a paint colors for my illustration and design work.

Quick knitting projects always appeal to me and author Melanie Falick and photographer Ericka McConnell have assembled beautiful book with both easy-to-do as well as some more challenging projects in Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas. The book also includes a sweet selection of favorite weekend recipes and even movies that feature knitting.

(Photo credits: Weekend Knitting images assembled in a collage by me to give you a glimpse of the wonderful projects in this book.)

DIY: Sewing Projects for a Handmade Weekend

Designer and blogger Heather Ross includes a variety of lovely "weekend" sewing projects for you, your kids, and your home in her book Weekend Sewing: More Than 40 Projects and Ideas for Inspired Stitching. Some projects will only take a couple of hours to make, others are a bit more lengthy. Her pullout patterns in the back of the book make this book very sew-friendly! The step-by-step illustrations for how to sew the projects are adorable and useful. She even includes a handy "Sewing Basics" section and a comprehensive resources section.

If you like to sew for little ones, Ross dedicates an entire section to sewing for kids--including  Ruby's Bloomers, Smocked Sundress, Kai's Shirt, Patchwork-Trimmed Baby Blanket, Huck Finn Pants, Flower Girl Dress, and Lucy's Kimono. 

Here is a sampling of a few more of her sewing projects to make home decor and clothing for adults: Everything Tote, Fat Quarter Napkins, Guest-Room Slippers, Weekend-Away Travel Bag, Quick Garden Gloves, All-Weekend Sundress, Town Bag, Summer Blouse, Pajamas For Everyone, and a Kimono Dress. You can download her Quick Garden Gloves Pattern on her blog here. And you can follow Ross on Twitter here: @HRossTweets. If you want to attend one of her workshops, here's the link.

Time for me to return to my sewing machine. But first, maybe I need to whip up her recipe for Vanilla Ice Cream with Vermont Maple Syrup. Hope you are inspired to sew too. 

 

Free Printable Gift Tags: English and French Sayings

Hello, friends. Handmade tags are wonderful to have on hand to attach to a gift so today I'm offering a free printable gift tag file for you to download. The digital PDF file includes 9 designs I created. Great for packaged gifts--and several tags with a L-O-V-E theme are perfect for Valentines. The 3" x 2" tags include the following sayings in a versatile graphite hue font: happy birthday, cheers, to, and I love you. Plus these sayings in French:  bonjour, je t'aime, and l'amour. The Valentine-y tags also have light pink hearts. The back side of the tags is left blank for you to write on.

All you need is the PDF file, 8.5"x11" card stock paper, a printer, hole punch. To attach the tags to a gift use ribbon, yarn, or twine. You can also embellish the cards with glitter. I added a hint of pink glitter to the hearts after I printed them.

Here is a link to the PDF file that you may download and print. Please use these for personal use only. Thanks!

Feed your creative soul with the craft book Weekend Handmade

Turn your weekend into a creative weekend with a copy of Weekend Handmade featuring more than 40 projects and ideas for inspired living. Written by Kelly Wilkinson of the popular Make grow gather blog, the book includes an eclectic mix of projects in three sections: "Make offers projects to wear or decorate with; Grow presents projects inspired by gardens, fields, and farmers markets; and Gather spotlights projects that enrich casual get-togethers." You can find out how to make Kelly's Pressed Floral Luminaria project below.

What I like about this book:

• variety of craft skills covering paper crafts, sewing, gardening/outdoors
• each project includes step-by-step directions illustrated with splendid photos and line drawings
• can be completed in a few hours or over the course of a weekend
• unique "weekend" project ideas make this perfect book for both the experienced crafter and newbies
• useful resource section at the end of the book

Here are a few of my favorite page spreads from the book: 

Winter Blossom Cowl

Adas Story Box

Botanical Note Cards

Bohemian Necklace

DIY Gift: Rose and Grapefruit Oil Bath Salts

 

Looking for a fun gift to give your mom, sister or a friend on Valentines? Give the gift of pampering with this easy DIY gift you can make at home.  I have several recipes for bath salts, but I like this one best from Martha Stewart's magazine Whole Living. Stewart got the recipe from Bettijo Hirschi, founder of Bath by Bettijo. I also like the bath salt and shower scrub recipe by Kelly Wilkinson in her book I reviewed. (In Kelly's book she also shows you how to make a lovely label for the bath salts jar.)

The recipe below is similar to Martha's recipe, I made some changes to make it easy for you to whip up a batch with your kids helping. Also, remember some bath salts can irritate young children's skin, so this is not to be used in a child's bath.

Rose and Grapefruit Oil Bath Salts

Ingredients to make approximate 2-3 jars of bath salts:

• 4 cups sea salt (or kosher salt)
• 1 cup Epsom salts
• 1 cup baking soda (optional)
• 3/4 cup dried rose--or calendula, citrus rinds
• 2-3 drops soap coloring (optional)
• 3/4 tsp. grapefruit essential oil--or bergamot oil
• 2 or 3 air-tight jars like a mason jar to hold bath salts and labels or tags

(Note: This recipe makes a large amount. If you want to make a smaller amount, just divide this recipe in half)

Directions

1. Combine the dry ingredients: sea salt, epsom salt, and baking soda in a mixing bowl or a large ziplock baggie. 

NOTE: If you are doing this with kids, try mixing it up in a large ziplock baggie. Seal it tightly! And knead it.

2. Add essential oils (This is the fun part--pick the scents you like best!).

3. Add petals or citrus.

4. Let the mixture rest. After it rests for an hour or two, check to see if the scent is what you wanted. If you want to add scent, only add ONE drop at a time, then let it rest and check it again.

5. Divide the mixture into air-tight jars. Attach a label

How to use the bath salts: Just add one or three spoonfuls to the bath.

Just Add Glitter (Video)

I love glitter. More is better. Can you ever have too much of it? Glitter generally makes people happy. Some of my favorite blogs talk a great deal about glittery things--The Pretty Blog on Pinterest, Design is mine, Rue, Design Mom, {frolic!}, sfgirlbybay, and The Etsy Blog.

So where does glitter come from? Here's a short sparkling video from my friends at Etsy via the amazing Retronaut .

All That Glitters: The History of Shiny Things from Etsy on Vimeo.

Valentine-y things for you

 

Valentine's Day has always been one of my faves, so it isn't surprising I keep adding new heart-worthy Etsy items to my Salt and Paper Designs  shop.

I love printables. Here are just a few of mine for Valentines:

Pink Flower Printable Gift Box 

Eiffel Tower Printable Gift Box

Valentine Yorkie Set "Be Mine" and "Hello Love"

Valentine Yorkie printable envelope

Minty Heart Valentine Postcard with Envelope at LunaBlueStudio

Weekend Inspiration

Happy Friday! Hope you had a great week. Now it's time to kick back and enjoy a long weekend. What are you going to do for fun? I will be busy with my kids. Hope to sneak in some window shopping in between errands. And I will be giving one of my dogs some extra TLC since she is recovering from surgery. (We are counting down the days until her cast comes off!)

Before the weekend zips by, take a few moments to pamper yourself too. Remember, friend, you are BEAUTIFUL!

A few things:
The amazing homeless lab mix Oscar that I wrote about recently may have a new home soon. Cross your fingers. I will keep you updated. Special mommy hugs to everyone who spread the word about this dog.

As you know I have two shops on Etsy, LunaBlueStudio and SaltandPaperDesigns. I just added a new printable note card set with my cheery cat illustration. You can check it out on Etsy here.

Note about the photo at the top of this post: I have always admired the flower boxes at this Minneapolis shop. Recently I decided to do some window "redecorating" with a special message just for you. (This photo illustration is by me, Chris Olson.) 

 

DIY: Knit Your Own Dog

Combine a love of knitting and dogs and who can resist this craft book: Knit Your Own Dog. Authors Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne transform yarn into pedigree pooches in 25 easy-to-follow knitting patterns.

Here are just a few of the 25 dogs included: Afghan Hound, Dachshund, Jack Russell, Portuguese Water Hound (Hello, Bo Obama), Pug, Corgi, and Lab.

Perfect for dog lovers, this user-friendly craft book also includes sections on knitting hints and methods. Thanks to the editors at the Guardian.co.uk, the link to the pattern for the Jack Russell Terrier is here.

You can find the book here:

• Amazon.com: Knit Your Own Dog
• BARNES & NOBLE: Knit Your Own Dog
• Best in Show: Knit Your Own Dog
• Guardian bookshop: Knit Your Own Dog

Photos: Knit Your Own Dog.

DIY: Epsom Salt Snow Candles

After such a mild start to January, I am ready for some snow! I am hoping the storm this weekend brings a layer of the white stuff. Even if it doesn't snow, this sparkly DIY candle craft will create a shimmery winter mood in your home.

Espom Salt Snow Candle

Supplies: 

• Epsom salt
• Modge Podge
• Pillar candles--any color works, I like white or a light creamy color
• Shallow baking pan or a similar pan with edges

Directions:

1) Pour a layer of epsom salt into a shallow baking pan.

2) Use a sponge brush to coat the side of a candle with Modge Podge.

3) Before the Modge Podge dries, quickly roll the candle in the epsom salt to create a light snowy layer on your candle.

4) Let candle with snowy coating dry completely before using the candle.

5) To help the candle burn evenly, place the candle in a cylinder vase suitable for candles.

(Photo by me, Chris Olson.)

DIY: Free Vintage Santa Pillow Box Printable

Hello Friends! Hope you are having a nice Monday. I created a little Christmas DIY gift for you. Just click on this PDF link to download my Vintage Santa pillow box printable. Directions for assembly in the steps below.

DIY: Amethyst & Pearl Earrings

 

One of my favorite parts of making my own jewelry is recycling cool pieces from broken or vintage jewelry. I love the polished amethyst stones from a necklace combined with the creamy pearls off a bracelet.

Supplies:

• small round nose pliers
• small flush wire cutters
• ruler
• chain segments (pick a size you like on existing jewelry)
• silver headpins
• silver earring hooks
• recycled pieces from old jewelry: pearls, semiprecious stones

 Photo by me, Chris Olson

DIY: Vintage holiday ornament tutorial

Brrrrr! The snow is falling and even though the calendar says October it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas outside. Blame the snowflakes on my holiday craft mood. I found a sweet vintage Christmas ornament tutorial by Julia Stainton. Love the fact the project uses Studio Multi-Medium Gloss and Studio Artist Brushes by my art instructor and DIY guru Claudine Hellmuth. Check out the vintage ornament tutorial here.

It's So Etsy: "Let It Snow" embroidery

 

We are expecting a big snowstorm this week and it is not even Halloween yet. So when I saw this cute embroidered "Let It Snow" wall decor by Danielle on Etsy I had to share it with you. 

You can find more embroidered hoop wall art, initial necklaces and more at her online shop The Merriweather Council.

"Let It Snow" details:

• "Let it snow" hand stitched in an icy light blue cotton floss on creamy white cotton fabric
• stretched in a 5 inch wooden embroidery hoop
• $40

I also adore Danielle's "This Is My Happy Place" embroidered hoop wall art (see below).

Photos: via Danielle's shop on Etsy,  merriweathercouncil

Crafts: Do you miss Mary Engelbriet's HOME COMPANION magazine?

I am a huge fan of Mary Engelbreit and I cried three years ago when I heard publication of her HOME COMPANION magazine was ending.

If you want to her to bring back the magazine, check out this Mary Engelbreit link. Here's the scoop from her website:

It’s still a very risky business to put a magazine out in these tough economic times, so to convince a publisher and advertisers that this would indeed be a worthy endeavor, we need you to write in and tell us why you’d like to subscribe to the magazine again.  A petition, if you will.  Because if we can show that a gajillion people want the Home Companion, need the Home Companion, will BUY the Home Companion– we will have a better chance of success.

Do you miss the magazine? Vote today!

DIY: Letterpress art you create using an iPad app

Letterpress is an art I both admire and fear as an artist. Letterpress is the oldest form of printing. Think Gutenberg printing back in 15th century. In a very general summary, this process produces a print by inking a surface with raised letters and then presses this to a printing substrate to reproduce an image in reverse. 

   

Creating letterpress artwork takes loads of practice with more than your average amount of artistic intuition. Now a virtual letterpress version via the iTunes store is avaialable with the LetterMPress iPad app ($5.99) and a Mac version ($9.99). 

Summer collage

 

 

Summer is the perfect time to try something new and get creative. So this month I am testing out collages in an online class taught by the fabulous instructor Claudine Hellmuth at Big Picture Classes. The boating collage above is my first attempt. Lotsa fun!

Art: by me, Chris Olson

Jersey knit bracelet–a cool craft for you and your kids via V and Co.

 

via www.vanessachristenson.com

Vanessa Christenson has a knack for finding the chic and hip new styles and turning them into DIY projects. L-O-V-E her blog V and Co.

You can find the complete directions with helpful photos for creating the jersey knit bracelet on her blog V and Co how to: jersey knit bracelet.

Looking for more crafty ideas? Soon you can find more of Vanessa's work in a lovely book that will be available in June: Fresh Fabric Treats: 16 Yummy Projects to Sew from Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes & More with Your Favorite Moda Bake Shop Designers.

Like V and Co. on Facebook.

Follow vanessa christenson (vchristenson) on Twitter.

Indulge in some retail therapy at Vanessa's shop: V and Co the shop.

 

Photos: via www.vanessachristenson.com

Knit a baby cap, help a newborn with Save the Children

Gabrielle over at DesignMom.com brought to my attention the very cool baby cap knitting project organized by Save the Children. According to the organization:

In many developing countries, something as simple as a knit or crocheted cap can help the baby keep warm, which is key to helping newborns survive.

Save the Children is looking for volunteer knitters. Directions for knitting the caps at this link. Caps you knit will be sent to Save the Children’s newborn health programs in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

 

 

It's so Etsy: Down2Earth handmade jewelry

   

I have two relatives with birthdays coming up and I'm thinking of buying them each a piece of hand-hammered and hand-stamped jewelry created by Michell Mathis, an Etsy artist and mother of two. The handmade jewelry is available at down2earthjewelry at Etsy. All jewelry is made of natural and vintage materials and gift packaged in an earthy brown box made of 100% recycled materials.

For more beautiful handmade items at Etsy, check out Momathon's Etsy faves.

Photo above is a screenshot of the Mathis online Etsy store, down2earthjewelry. Sending a special shout out to my best bud and a craft guru, Kathy, who introduced me to this jewelry. 

It's So Etsy: Honey Drop Earrings

 

These honey drop earrings look delish! Etsy jewlelry designer Nanette Bevan says it best: my earrings "look as though amber honey is slipping off a spoon, just catching the light." 

The handmade glass drops measure 30 x 10 mm. The entire earring from the arc of the sterling ear wire to the bottom of the luscious drop measures 47 mm. $28. Bevan has more delectible earrings and other jewelry in her Etsy shop.

 

 

Bevan is a member of the Creative Glass Guild of Etsy (CGGE) www.cgge.org. For more about her jewelry visit her blog: Nanette Bevan. 

For more of my handmade favorites, check out Momathon loves Etsy.

DIY: Homemade sugar bliss lip scrub

 

Feeling a bit flaky? I know the feeling. In the morning when I put on layer after layer of my favorite cotton candy gloss, sometimes the flakiness won't go away. 

If you are longing for the days when your lips felt soft and smooth, then try this homemade lip scrub to make your lips ultra kissable. The sugar in the recipe exfoliates and softens your lips and the Vaseline moisturizes and soothes your lips. 

Sugar Bliss Lip Scrub:

• Moisturize your lips generously with Vaseline or generic petroleum jelly.
• Add a tsp. of sugar into a small bowl.
• Lightly moisten your finger in water and dip it into the sugar.
• Apply sugar to both the upper and lower lips with your finger.
• Gently rub the sugar into the Vaseline for about 30 seconds in a circular motion and you will remove the dry, flaky skin.
• Rinse off your lips with warm (not cold) water.
• Dry off your lips and add your favorite lip gloss or lipstick.

(Lip photo by Apdk on Flickr)

I also posted this DIY lip scrub recipe in April.

For more recipes, click on Momathon recipes.

I also posted this DIY lip scrub recipe in April.

For more recipes, click on Momathon recipes.

It's so Etsy: Keep Calm and Eat a Cupcake

A twist on the "Keep Calm and Carry On" World War II poster from England. 

 

Keep Calm and Eat a Cupcake necklace pendant from repurposed Scrabble tiles (3/4") is available at PrettyWhimsical on Etsy. $6.95

Can you really make money on ETSY?

I frequently post about some of my favorite Etsy.com artists and their handmade products. I have a small store on Etsy also. So far, my Etsy experience has been fun, but not very profitable. My other work projects end up taking most of my time and my Luna Blue Studio projects on Etsy do not get the marketing/networking push from me that they deserve. My store is down to only 4 items. After I read Inc. Magazine's article, How to Make Money on Etsy, I realize I definitely need to make some changes.

According to Inc., handmade arts and crafts is growing in popularity. Artists need to invest time and energy to get noticed: "It takes a village to build a business, and that's especially true online."

If an artist wants to get noticed on Etsy, she needs to think of her online store as window shopping for the products--in order to catch a shopper's attention, artists need to make sure product photos and descriptions are top notch. Also, the name you give each item is so important because it is the key to getting noticed and shorter titles are better than longer. Remember to make the tags relevant--the tags help potential buyers find you in a search. Keeping new items coming into your store is key to getting noticed because the most recently listed items show up in search results first.

For more tips, check out the Inc. article: How to Make Money on Etsy.

 
 

It's so Etsy: Plant a wildflower garden

 

 

In honor of earth week...

Spring is here. Something about digging in the dirt makes me smile. Gardening mixes therapy with sunshine! So grab some seeds and a shovel. 

One of the best parts of gardening is the fact you don't need a lot of space. A corner garden with some sunshine works. Or plant seeds in a container garden on your patio or deck.  Planting seeds is a fun activity for the whole family. My kids love to design their own gardens. Keeping the plants happy with regular watering teaches responsibility too.

The Thebearfootshaman shop on Etsy offers a beautiful Wildflower Garden Seed Mix to Attract Birds. The mix contains:

Purple Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, Bachelor Buttons, Purple Prairie Clover, Mexican Hat, Rocky Mountain Beeplant, Sulphur Flower, Butterfly Plant, Indian Blanket, Goldenrod, Penstemon, Aster, Liatris, Cosmos, Daisy, Bee Balm, Blue Flax, Larkspur, Lupine, Sunflower, and Coreopsis. 

Go to this link to check out the Wildflower Garden Seed Mix. $3.29.

(Photo of wildflowers from the Etsy page of Thebearfootshaman)

DIY: Homemade sugar bliss lip scrub

 

 

Feeling a bit flaky? I know the feeling. In the morning when I put on layer after layer of my favorite cotton candy gloss, sometimes the flakiness won't go away. 

If you are longing for the days when your lips felt soft and smooth, then try this homemade lip scrub to make your lips ultra kissable. The sugar in the recipe exfoliates and softens your lips and the Vaseline moisturizes and soothes your lips. 

Sugar Bliss Lip Scrub:

• Moisturize your lips generously with Vaseline or generic petroleum jelly.
• Add a tsp. of sugar into a small bowl.
• Lightly moisten your finger in water and dip it into the sugar.
• Apply sugar to both the upper and lower lips with your finger.
• Gently rub the sugar into the Vaseline for about 30 seconds in a circular motion and you will remove the dry, flaky skin.
• Rinse off your lips with warm (not cold) water.
• Dry off your lips and add your favorite lip gloss or lipstick.

(Lip photo by Apdk on Flickr)

Make your own gremlin dolls--just don't call them ugly

Gremlin dolls are mutant plush dolls with any number of funky button eyes, some big white teeth or fangs, and crazy yarn hair. In the gremlin doll world, the crazier, the better. 

 

  (Photo of Jeero by Walknboston: 
 http://www.flickr.com/photos/walkn/)

The popular Uglydolls like Jeero featured above started the trend to adopt the craziest doll possible.

Make your own gremlin doll

On their blog, Rosie and Anna show how to make their own version of these crazy creatures they call Chelsea Dolls. In their video below they take you step-by-step through this easy sewing project. On their website they include complete sewing instructions plus a PDF pattern for the doll.

In a future post I'll share some of my gremlin doll creations. My favorites are the "ugly" gremlin royalty--Queen Bex and King Lexi.

DIY no-sew tutu by Gabrielle @ DesignMom.com

Yep, I admit my weakness. I am obsessed with craft projects and anything with loads of fluffy tulle. 

 

Gabrielle offers step-by-step directions and great photos showing how to make this no-sew tutu on her blog Design Mom. Perfect DIY gift to make for kids. Love the fact you can adjust the length of the tutu pattern easily.

(Tutu Photo: Design Mom blog)

It's so Etsy: Polka dot Easter basket for toddlers

This cheerful Hippity Hop Bunny Dots basket is perfect for toddlers to gather eggs. Or fill it with decorated eggs--the perfect addition to a springtime dinner table. Fanciful citrus shades celebrate the season on this fully-lined Easter basket by Sew Gracious on Etsy. 

Each handmade basket is unique. Dimensions: 8" wide at the bottom, 6" deep, 6" tall at the highest point; excluding handles. ($18)

(Photo: SewGracious) 

 

Knitting for charities with author Debbie Macomber

 

 

Ever wonder how you and fellow knitters can raise funds for a charity by knitting? Avid knitter and bestselling author Debbie Macomber's book Knit Along with Debbie Macomber: Charity Guide for Knitters includes tips, knitting patterns, and guidance to help your craft bring comfort to individuals in need. ($16.95)

Book includes simple to intermediate knitting patterns that can be used to support newborns in hospitals, the military, and many more charities. Patterns include:

• knit blankets
• sweaters
• socks
• hats
• mittens
• slippers
• vests
• helmet liners

For more great reads, check out my reading list on Momathon books.

Knitting with author Debbie Macomber

 

In this unique craft series by Debbie Macomber, book lovers and knitters unite. Macomber's latest knitting book in the series, Knit Along with Debbie Macomber: Hannah's List, is the companion book to her novel in the popular Blossom Street Series. The book will be available March 8th. It includes 15 projects inspired by the characters in her book. This is her 10th book in the Knit Along with Debbie Macomber series. ($12.95)

A few of her other knitting books:

       

 
For more great reads, check out my reading list on Momathon books.

 

Kids, go ahead and doodle on the walls

The Frames wallpaper in the The Land of Nod collection is perfect for every kid who loves to draw--on the walls or on paper. Made for doodlers and young Picassos, hundreds of blank picture frames in a myriad of shapes and sizes cover the wallpaper. All you need to do is hand your kids (or the grownups) a box of markers. (Frames Wallpaper, $40.00)

Have fun!

(Photo: The Land of Nod)

So many reasons why I love Paris are found in the new book "Paris: Made by Hand"

Pia Jane Bijkerk is an internationally acclaimed stylist, photographer and author specializing in interiors, still life & food.  Her first book titled Paris: Made by Hand is available now. The photos in her book are so lovely. I want to live in her book! Time to book a flight to visit this city again.

Here is what Pia has to say about her new book on her blog:

"This is a book for lovers of all things handmade, the chic and unique, and of course Paris. In this book I take you off the tourist streets of this incredible city in search of Parisian artisans whose work is truly inspirational, and secreted studio boutiques filled with exquisite Parisian handmade treasures. I’ve been collecting these special addresses in my stylist’s little black book over the past couple of years and now with great delight, share them all with you in Paris: Made by Hand. Expect to see this fine city in a whole new light…"

It's so Etsy: Mary J. Maalouf Designs

 

Rich vibrant fabric can turn something ordinary into something amazing. Maybe that's why I love shopping for fabric. Today through the recommendation of a friend I discovered the wonderful fabrics by Mary J Maalouf. Mary is a designer who creates beautiful fabrics and makes lovely bags and cases available at her Etsy store. Mary also shares information about her craft in her blog (see image below).

 

 

It's so Etsy: Dew Drop Moonstone ring

Luminous. Dreamy. Fabulous. That's my take on the lovely Dew Drop Moonstone ring by OneGarnetGirl at her shop on Etsy. Ring features a 10mm (slightly less than 1/2 inch) white moonstone cabochon and bezel set in a sterling band. Available in size 6.5. $74.00.

Etsy is the place to find wonderful handmade items.

(image by onegarnetgirl on Etsy)
 

I spy a pumpkin...

(image by Paul Keleher)

 

(image by OilBac)

 

(image by norwichnut)

 

(image by farmerjulie)

 

(image by Sister72)

I don't have a pumpkin yet...

 

(image by tinyfrogle)

Every year I do the same thing. I wait too long to buy my Halloween pumpkin. I tell myself (and my kids) that I am waiting till I see the right one. Plus, I don't like storing the pumpkin at home because no matter where I put it, the pumpkin eventually rots. Yuck. 

So when should I pick my pumpkin? According to the pumpkin experts on the internet, here's the scoop: 

Step 1

In cold weather areas, pumpkin pickers should wait until the first frost has killed the pumpkin vines. BUT harvest before a heavy frost. 

Okay, I have already blown it. We have had two snowstorms in September/October in my area. The heavy frost has arrived!

If you are lucky enough to find a pumpkin unaffected by frost, you are ready for step two.

Step 2

Let the pumpkin skin cure or harden by allowing the pumpkin to sit in the sun for about 10 days. (If you have less than 10 days till Halloween, don't sweat it. But pumpkin gurus warn against leaving the pumpkin inside for too long.)

Step 3

Never stack the pumpkin. Stacking causes bruising and rotting. 

This is a problem. Because I didn't pick a pumpkin at a pumpkin patch, I have to buy one at the grocery where they always STACK them in huge wooden crates.

Step 4

If you are lucky enough to find a pumpkin that was never stacked or exposed to a hard frost, then I must repeat myself: You are very lucky.

When you bring the lucky pumpkin home, the optimal temperature for storing the pumpkin is 50-60 degrees. This could be a problem for many of us because in October the temp is often below 50. Hint: If you can see your breath when you go out to pick up your newspaper in the morning, then it is probably too cold to keep it outside over night.

Step 5

If you have failed steps 1-4 like me, then don't despair. Jump in your minivan and go to Target or Michaels craft store and buy an artificial jack-o-lantern with lights in it. If you feel even the tiniest pangs of guilt over this, remind yourself that Halloween is all about having the house with the best candy and not pumpkins.  (Don't tell my kids I said that.)

Shop, Look, + Learn Art

The studio/shop Collage Collage just opened in Vancouver. This inspiring place is an art destination designed for kids that adults love too. Definitely on my to-do list next time I visit Vancouver. Owner Erin Bonnifero teaches art classes for kids and hosts crafty birthday parties. Based on the photos and descriptions I think the store is geared toward younger kids and elementary age students. Store features cool art supplies that you can try out. Be prepared to get messy. Plenty of gift items for crafty kids including hand made toys, books, music and more. 

 

(image by Collage Collage)

DIY: Sew fabric storage baskets

I am fixing up my work/craft room so I was excited to find an easy DIY pattern for making storage baskets by jcaroline creative. I love the Peapod and Flora fabric too. Sewing directions for a small and large basket here.

 

(image: jcaroline creative)

DIY Bean Bag Chair

Kids and adults love to sink into cozy bean bag chairs. My favorites are the ones with interesting fabrics. Now you can create your own comfy place to read a book with the bean bag chair tutorial by Joanna Armour. Check out the tutorial here.

The sewing directions look easy. You only need 3 yards of lining fabric, 3 yards for the outside cover, hook and loop tape, and bean bag pellets. Great photos included to help you complete your project.

image: bean bag chair made by Joanna Armour with michael miller fabrics

You can check out more sewing projects at the Making It Fun blog by Michael Miller Fabrics. Thanks also to the clever editors at the blog Apartment Therapy Ohdeedoh (home design for children) for featuring this sweet sewing project. You can view more cute fabrics for sewing projects at MichaelMillerFabrics.com

Summer Reading for Crafters

I love to make things: Sew, cook, draw, paint, knit, bead, and more. Reading a crafting book always motivates me to start a new project.

Now more and more women are turning their love of crafts into a business. Here are a few books that just might inspire you to do the same.

Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business

Meg Mateo Ilasco

Designer, writer and pro crafter Meg Mateo Ilasco offers a step-by-step guide to everything from developing products and naming the company to writing a business plan, applying for licenses, and paying taxes. 

My favorite part: In-depth interviews with such craft luminaries as Jonathan Adler, Lotta Jansdotter, Denyse Schmidt, and Jill Bliss provide inspiration and practical advice.

Country Living Crafting a Business: Make Money Doing What You Love

Kathie Fitzgerald

If you are thinking of starting a home-based craft business, this book by the editors of Country Living tells the real-life success stories of women artisans.

My favorite part: Even if you are only interested in one type of craft, the diversity of in-depth profiles featured in this book is a real plus. As crafters we can learn so much from successful women--from hand-weaving, doll making, and rug hooking to travel, interior design, and photography. Filled with great advice on how to get started, develop a saleable product, organize a company, market your goods, manage the finances, and handle staffing.

Momathon Fave: The Crafts Dept Blog

The folks at Martha Stewart have done it again. Another cool online resource for crafters or anyone who enjoys making things. 

The The Crafts Dept. blog is written by Marcie McGoldrick, Editorial Director, Crafts and Holiday at Martha Stewart.

Marcie develops new projects for Martha's magazines, books and show. Her blog is a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse of how crafts are developed for Martha Stewart. Her blog post for April 7th gave tips on throwing a girl's-night-in craft party to make headbands. What fun. 

According to an interview with Marcie on Etsy.com: 

"We thought that a blog would be a great way to share some of the other aspects of the craft department that don’t always make it onto the pages of the magazine — behind the scenes, inspiration, personal work etc. We also thought that it would be a great way to be a more active part of the crafting community as a whole. We are all pretty active as individuals but there is a different dynamic to the department as a group."