Momathon Blog

Hello, March!

Hi, friends. I can hardly believe it is March already—almost Spring! It was sunny and sixty-something here yesterday, but the snow is blowing down off the mountain today! Yikes! That's Colorado weather in March.

Do you have Spring fever? I've got a few DIY and craft ideas to get you in the mood for spring and all the loveliness of March.

1) Visit a greenhouse. Even if it is just for ideas and not shopping for plants. A little hot house humidity does wonders for the soul. The GREEN-crazy photo above—sans fancy photo filters—was taken by me at a local nursery.

2) Make a moss shamrock wreath via the oh-so clever Brittany at The House That Lars Built. 

3) Celebrate the awesome friendships in your life. Ideas all month-long on Joy's sweetest blog Frock Files. To start it off today, her post is all about the art of making a care package.

4) Turn plastic Easter eggs into a funky modern spring bouquet via my favorite idea girl, Haeley at Design Improvised. Her easy-peasy craft tutorial sounds fun to do. A great activity to get the kids involved.

Have fun! 

PS. Since I started writing this post we now have over an inch of the white fluffy stuff on the ground. I'm living in a snow globe!

DIY Inspiration: Sewing with Sarai Mitnick at Colette Patterns

My mom was a home-ec teacher so I started sewing—or really playing—with one of her older Singer sewing machines when I was about six or seven. She stored a big box of fabric remnants in the closet for me to use in my sewing creations. When I wanted to make something really adventurous, I remember going to my neighbor to get fabric remnants from their daughter's fancy and often sparkly prom dresses. 

Fast forward a few years—don't ask me to specify—and I still love to sew. One of my sources of inspiration are the "little sewing epiphanies" via Sarai Mitnick at Colette Patterns. Her book Colette Sewing Handbook is an amazing guide for sewers of almost any skill level to create your own unique wardrobe: 

"Five simple fundamentals can help you perfect any sewing project: a thoughtful plan, a precise pattern, a fantastic fit, a beautiful fabric, and a fine finish. With these five core ideas,The Colette Sewing Handbook shows you how to start sewing the wardrobe of your dreams." 

 

I'm a fan of the classic lines of Colette patterns. My favorite patterns by Sarai are the double-breasted Anise jacket and the simple slim Clover pants—so amazing because they both go with practically anything. (See images above.) Sarai even ranks the sewing level needed for her patterns. The jacket is best for intermediate level sewers and the pants are beginner and above skill level. 

Even though Sarai's sewing handbook says on the cover it is for the new seamstress, I think the detailed information she gives about how to finish a garment places it on the must-have list for sewers of ANY skill level.

Monica Lee interviews Sarai Mitnick 

I love a good behind-the-scenes story about artists and finding out how creatives get their start in the biz. That's probably why I'm a huge fan of Monica Lee's video interviews at SmartCreativeWomen.com. Recently she interviewed Sarai Mitnick from Colette Patterns on how and why she started her own pattern company.  

Be social. Get the latest Facebook updates from Monica Lee at Smart Creative Women and Sarai Mitnick at her page Colette Patterns.

IMAGE: The sweet double-breasted Anise jacket and Clover pants via Colette Patterns.

 

Holiday DIY: Free Printable Christmas Tags

Add some vintage charm with calligraphy-style artwork featuring a Christmas dove, reindeer and a snowflake with this set of 8 tags (4 unique designs). The downloadable PDF includes a set of tags designed by me that feature a holiday greeting paired with black and white vintage artwork that is hand tinted by me in a light minty green.

Attach the tags on a gift box or bag with a piece of twine or ribbon. Or tape the tags to a gift or a plate of cookies. Easy to print and cut out. 

This set of tags will look great printed on any of your favorite card stock paper—plus printing the tags won’t drain your printer of gobs of colored ink. The only color featured on the tag is a light mint green.

This printable holiday gift tag PDF includes:

• 8 gift tags (approx 2.5" by 3.5" rectangles)
• Finished tags have printing on one side and are blank on the reverse side for you to write on.
• Tag greetings include "Peace" "Merry Christmas" and "Love and Joy."

To use this printable, you will need:

• Computer and Printer
• Sheets of 8.5" x 11" card stock paper
• Paper cutter or scissors
• Adobe Reader (If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download it for free at get.adobe.com/reader)

The downloadable PDF (see link below) contains 1 page that includes 8 tags—2 tags of each of the 4 designs shown above. 

I Heart Handmade {The Linden Tree Shop}

The Linden Tree Shop in Minneapolis is a specialty craft store that celebrates the goodness of all things handmade.

The shop is a gathering place for seasoned crafters and newbies. Shop owner Melissa Pederson sells fabulous designer fabric—by Michael Miller, Kaffe Fassett, Amy Butler, and many more—as well as unique fabric designed by local artists via custom fabric maker Spoonflower. If you want to learn how to sew or brush up on your skills, the store offers personalized sewing classes for children and adults. If you like to quilt this is your go to shop with quilting supplies and patterns.

Making handmade gifts for the holidays is a personal fave. The shop sells brilliant DIY kits with sewing patterns and fabric for making a variety of chic items from bags, to bibs, to head bands, to doll clothes, and much more. As you know, I like no-fuss crafts, so on a recent trip to Minneapolis my daughter and I bought several kits to make gifts that will only take a few hours or less to whip up.

Forty-plus local artists also sell their handmade goods in the shop, including stationery, custom fabric, unique sewing patterns, jewelry, children's clothing, natural soaps and candles, earth-friendly crayons made from soy and non-toxic mineral pigments, and cozy quilts and blankets that will be treasured and used for decades. 

Looking for DIY  inspiration and the latest news on this shop? Like shop on Facebook and follow it on Twitter and Pinterest.

 

Images: THE LINDEN TREE SHOP graphic by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Free Printable: Gift Tags {Vintage Fabric}

Do you heart vintage? Vintage fabric was my inspiration for these gift tag printables—free to download at the end of this post.

The downloadable PDF (see link below) contains 1 page that includes 6 tags—2 tags of each of the 3 designs shown above. 

Easy Handmade Gifts to Sew

Are you looking for inspiration for making gifts that you can sew in an afternoon or less? I am always on the look out for fuss-free sewing projects. And I like projects that are very forgiving—because I will probably make a few mistakes in the process. Above all, I want to have fun while sewing. 

Recently I shared in a post one of my favorite new sewing books by Nicole Blum and Debra Immergut called Improv Sewing. Besides loads of lovely fashions to sew, this book is packed with pretty gifts to make. Here are just a few of the many projects in their book: little star mittens, a reversible belt, a simple jersey shawl, vintage hankie tissue case, blanket stitched armies.

BEADED CUFF

I am going to try the beaded cuff bracelet from the book this weekend. All it takes is a 5" x 8" scrap of fabric—I'm going to recycle some fabric from an old t-shirt. Plus you'll need 2 sets of pearl snaps, thread, seed beads, and a needle and thread. The project requires a sewing machine to zigzag stitch around the pre-folded bracelet.

In a nutshell, here's how: To form a finished edge, on both of the 8" sides, fold in 1/2" to the wrong side. Then press the folded edges. Now fold the fold the fabric in thirds—the finished cuff will be approximately 1-1/2" wide. Do a neat zigzag stitch close to the edges to form the bracelet. Then add the snaps and embellish with beads.

Easy peasy! Check back and see how my project turns out.

. . . . . . .

This is not a sponsored post. I am featuring this post because I love what these gals have created. 

CONNECT WITH DIY EXPERTS & AUTHORS NICOLE AND DEBRA

• The book blog Improv Diary
• On Facebook: Improv Sewing
• Nicole's blog: One Golden Apple
• Debra's blog: evergood workshop
• Nicole on Twitter @nicoleblum
• Debra on Twitter: @debraimmergut
• Book trailer (video): Watch the Improv Sewing book trailer here on YouTube.

Image: IMPROV SEWING image by me, Chris Olson, featuring pages from the book. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

Here's another DIY post you might be interested in too:

DIY: Improv Sewing

 

 

Social Media Doodle App

Yesterday I mentioned a new app for doodle lovers. Doodle.ly for iPad is a sketchbook app that turns your iPad into a doodle canvas for sharing on Facebook and Twitter. You can see what Doodle.ly doodlers are creating here. If you like to doodle on paper, then this is a great app for you—and your kids. Check out my list of things I like about the app below. Plus I have some suggestions for ways get the most out of doodling using this app.

DIY: 3 Steps to Create Ribbon Letters

If you like to scrapbook or add embellishments to note cards, then including styled hand lettering is a fun addition. One of the easiest lettering options to try is ribbon lettering. My mom first taught me the ribbon lettering technique when I was a kid. The OH HAPPY DAY letter art above started out just black and white, then I added the color. (I was was inspired by @jordanferney blog called OH HAPPY DAY.)

Want to try some lettering? First, don't worry about rules. Have fun! Play with letters, doodle a bit, and see what styles you like. The best part of ribbon lettering is you can make the letters as unique as you want. Plus you can try it with printing or cursive handwriting. Check out my tutorial below.

 

The graphic I created above gives the 3 basic steps to create each letter. One tip to make the lettering stand out is to make the foundation for each letter a bit wider than you normally write. The wider your letters, the more noticeable the ribbons will be. The narrower or tighter your letters, the smaller your ribbons will be.

When you get to step 3 above, you can draw the ribbon edge line on either the outside or the inside of each letter. If you draw the line on the outside of the edge of a letter you will need to add a little "bridge" to close the top and the bottom of the ribbon. Does that make sense? If you have any questions, just add them to the comment sections.

Have fun! And if you want, try this activity with your kids. That is how I learned to make interesting letters—with my mom. xo Chris O.

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Images: OH HAPPY DAY and 3 STEPS TO CREATE RIBBON LETTERS images are by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

 

DO YOU LIKE TO DO CRAFTS WITH YOUR KIDS?

You might be interested in the following "quiet time" craft activity to do with kids:

Fill in the Loop Doodles for Kids

DIY: Improv Sewing

Freestyle sewing has always interested me—especially when I want to create something quickly that really fits me. With 101 easy projects, the new sewing book by Nicole Blum and Debra Immergut, Improv Sewing, is the perfect addition a DIY library. 

The book's fast, fun, and fearless sewing projects include dresses, tunics, scarves, skirts, accessories, pillows, curtains, and more. Today's post features clothing projects. You can read more about creating decor items and gifts using the book in a future post. Be sure to watch the book trailer below for more inspiration.

CONNECT WITH NICOLE AND DEBRA

The book blog Improv Diary

On Facebook: Improv Sewing

Nicole's blog: One Golden Apple

Debra's blog: evergood workshop

Nicole on Twitter @nicoleblum

Debra on Twitter: @debraimmergut

BOOK TRAILER

Watch the Improv Sewing book trailer below or view it here on YouTube.

 

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Image: IMPROV SEWING image by me, Chris Olson, featuring pages from the book. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

 

DIY: Summer Crafts for Kids

Spending time at the beach is always fun, but we all know having a few rainy day activities is a smart idea too. Here are a few of my faves. Just click on the link below each image for craft details.

1) GIANT CANVAS PAINTINGS

Source: warmhotchocolate.com via Julee on Pinterest

2) LIQUID SIDEWALK CHALK

Source: domesticcharm.blogspot.com via Design on Pinterest

A new twist on sidewalk art—make your own liquid sidewalk chalk!

3) VOTIVE CANDLES

Source: fellowfellow.com via Julee on Pinterest

This votive candle craft project below is great for older kids. Plus, I like the fact you can make the candle family-friendly and extra safe by using this votive with battery-operated tea lights.

 

4) FILL IN THE DOODLE LOOPS

 

Are you looking for a fun "quite time" craft activity to do with your kids that even works while sitting in church or while you wait for an appointment. All you need is a sheet of paper—almost any size works—and a few pens or markers. Try the doodle activity with step by step directions here. 

 

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Images:

• SEASIDE and DOODLE WITH KIDS images above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post.

• All of the kid craft ideas are Pinterest images—included with their sources below each image. Just click on the link for details.  

 

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!

18 Days of Instagram Filters: Day 7 with Lo-Fi Filter

If you like a dreamy quality to your photos, try the Lo-Fi (Lomo-fi) filter on the Instagram app. With a hint of a blurry effect and saturated colors (especially greens and yellows), this app is great for enhancing floral shots, landscapes and even food styling. For more examples of my Instagram photos with Lo-Fi filters click here.

Images above by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with Lo-Fi Filter.

You can find other posts in this Guide to Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

Day 14: Hefe Filter

Day 15: Valencia Filter

Day 16: Nashville Filter

Day 17: 1977 Filter

Day 18: Kelvin Filter

GET THE LOOK series: Add Some Glam in Instagram

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Instagram photos by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

Painting DIY: How to Make a Chalkboard Wall

 

Benjamin Moore Paints

You can create a fun and functional chalkboard wall in almost any room with durable chalkboard paint that's designed to be erasable and washable. Be inventive! You can paint a small section of the wall to resemble a chalkboard or paint the entire wall for your kids (or you) to draw large murals. With this paint you turn any rectangular area into artistic scribble space. 

Benjamin Moore Paints

 
Helpful hints:

1) How much paint do you need for a specific room or wall? Use the Paint Calculator.

2) Pick the perfect color with a sample-sized can of paint that lets you test drive your favorite colors:

Find the perfect color using the online color samples, then go to the store to verify your choice with paint samples—or you can even order a sample online and have it shipped to you.

For example, look at the paint color samples online at Benjamin Moore. Remember your laptop monitor is not able to show the "true color"—the color you see on your laptop will not look the same as the paint color you will paint with. That's why ordering 16 oz. "sample color" paint cans will let you test out several colors at your home. Each sample paint can covers approximately two 4' X 4' or eight 2' x 2' areas.

Are you ready to paint now? Follow the step-by-step directions for painting a chalkboard wall below.

How to Add Depth of Field to a Photo with Instagram

In my Instagram post yesterday I used the X-Pro II Filter. Today I'm explaining in detail how to apply depth of field (DoF) feature in Instagram. See the graphic above for step-by-step directions. Be sure to try it out, it's fun. If you don't like the 3-D effect, you can go back to the normal focus by clicking on the "x" icon.

Images above by me, Chris Olson, using an iPhone 4 + Instagram with X-Pro II Filter.

You can find other posts in this Guide to Instagram series here:

Day 1: No Filter

Day 2: Amaro Filter

Day 3: Rise Filter

Day 4: Hudson Filter

Day 5: X-Pro II Filter

Day 6: Sierra Filter

Day 7: Lo-Fi Filter

Day 8: Earlybird Filter

Day 9: Sutro Filter

Day 10: Toaster Filter

Day 11: Brannan Filter

Day 12: Inkwell Filter

Day 13: Walden Filter

Day 14: Hefe Filter

Day 15: Valencia Filter

Day 16: Nashville Filter

Day 17: 1977 Filter

Day 18: Kelvin Filter

How to Add Depth of Field to a Photo with Instagram

Get The Look: Add Some Glam in Instagram

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All Instagram photos are by me, Chris Olson at Chris CoCo Media. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

DIY: How to Set a Table at a Formal Dinner

Elaborate place settings at formal events like a wedding can be daunting. If you can't decide if the bread plate you should eat from is on your left or right, then check out the handy cheat sheet illustration above. 

Image above by me featuring Villeroy & Boch New Wave Premium Platinum.

 

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.

Move over Instagram, make room for the Camera Awesome app

I've experimented with loads of photo apps to turn your iPhone or smartphone a better camera. The new Camera Awesome free app from SmugMug joins my list of personal faves for camera versatility and high performance, a list that includes the Instagram, Adobe Photoshop Express, and Camera+ apps. All of the apps listed here are free except the Camera+ app that costs $1.99. However, I will warn you the app is so much fun it is very tempting buy extra bonus features for the Camera Awesome— each set of nine additional (totally awesome) effects is 99 cents. The Hancock effect adds a layer of script and you can see it above.

The photo included in the post today was taken and/or processed with Camera Awesome. I tried to pick a very ordinary subject—a string of lights—and see if the app could "Awesomize" it. And, yes, that is the term the app makers use. Since I am a Photoshop geek, I wasn't sure if this iPhone app would be as versatile and tweakable as a I wanted. Turns out it was a great deal of fun to use. The so-called boring string of lights (I stood on a chair to take this shot) turned out kind of magical with the Hancock filter. I have to add one thing that I really love about this app, you can upload any photo in the app to post process. Here are my thoughts on the new app:

Camera Awesome 

• Camera app works with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S (an Android app is in development)
• Full-featured and full-powered camera app
• Free app comes with 36 free effects: presets, filters, textures, and frames
• Option to upgrade and buy more presets, a total of 297 presets available
• Image stabilization, burst mode, camera timer, and more
• Fast burst option for active shotss—camera can capture photos in quick sequences
• Works in video mode 
• All your photos can be shared on social media through the easy built-in sharing feature
• Option to use SmugMug photo archiving at full resolution 

Wordless Wednesday & Lovely Links

Stitch the Jack Russell Terrier has a great sense of humor and boundless energy to match. He's a friendly shelter dog who would be perfect in almost any family. He just needs lots of exercise. He is available for adoption at Pals Forever Animal Rescue in Colorado. (This photo was processed using the Camera Awesome app that I reviewed here.)

• Lovely Links •

Today I took another amazing ALT class with the awesome blogger Melanie at You Are My Fave and in class she mentioned her new "In the Box" series. This series is so cute. I know this isn't surprising because I am nuts about boxes. This week's post is adorable: Paris in a Box Is My Fave. 

If you are looking for a cute way to add a romantic glow to your dinner table, check out the cute Fellowfellow blog and Claire's votive candle tutorial. This DIY project combines fabric scraps, craft glue, and small jars to make Sweet DIY Votives. Because I know I am one of those moms who will always worry too much about just about anything, due to the fact the fabric lines the inside of the votive glass, I I would follow Claire's advice and stick to battery operated tea lights instead of real candles in this votive.

Photo above by me, Chris Olson.

Valentine Doodle: All You Need Is Love

 

Hello, friends. Hope your Valentine's Day is filled with sweet surprises because you're simply the best!

(Valentine doodle art by me, Chris Olson.)

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.

Recipe: Sugar Bliss Lip Scrub

 

Winter seems to do a number on my skin and my lips. In the morning when I put on layer after layer of my favorite lip gloss, my lips feel great for a while, but the flakiness always returns.The only trick I've found to restore my lips is a homemade lip scrub. 

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.

Recipe: 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) 

On my desk today

Thinking about Valentine-y hearts, bouquets of pink blossoms, and all things pretty today. I have a stash of glitter pens from Martha Stewart that I adore to use for embellishments on my art or an envelope I pop in the mail. Here is what’s on my desk today—a collection of items I am using in my illustration and design work. Check back next Friday for another collection.

A few things:

It's almost the weekend. Looking for some DIY inspiration? Check out my book reviews--loads of photos--featuring a selection of amazing decorating books here. 

February 14th is only 17 days away. You can find my Valentine printables at my shop Salt and Paper Designs on Etsy.

My post "What we end up saying when we point fingers" is a hot topic on the online community BlogHer. Join the conversation on BlogHer on Facebook.

Photos by me, Chris Olson. 

 

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.)

Instagram Crush

 

 
 

Is it possible to take too many pictures? I don't think so. My iPhone and a few dozen photo apps is a "good thing" as I think Martha would say. A favorite of mine is the free photo app Instagram that includes custom designed filters and borders such as XPro-II, Earlybird, Rise, Amaro, Hudson, Lomo-fi, Sutro, Toaster, Brannan, Inkwell, Walden, Hefe, Nashville, 1977, and more. Social media folks like the fact the app includes an option for instant sharing to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, Foursquare, and Posterous.

Photos above taken by me. Post processing via Instagram app. The dog featured is a shelter dog and I used Instagram to help him find a forever home. 

Printable Holiday Gift Box: Christmas Reindeer

I created another printable holiday gift box for you. This one features an adorable vintage image of a Christmas deer from my Luna Blue Studio printables collection. Just click on this Printable gift box link to download the gift box pictured above. The pillow box fits on 8.5" x 11" paper--you can scale down the size when printing to make a smaller box. (Complete directions on how to create the gift box using the printable are below.)

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.

Frame a photo and hang it–in less than one minute

 

Now you can add art to the walls–and even reposition the artwork–in just minutes with these innovative stick-on frames. Set of wall decal frames includes one 4 x 4 frame, four 4 x 6 frames, two 5 x 7 frames and one 8 x 10 frame. The frames are reusable with photos and photo quality paper, but only one-time use only with standard paper such as your kid artwork. Stick on Frames Gallery is available in pink or black at Land of Nod, $24.95 each set.

 

 

As easy as 1-2-3: 

1) Peel off the backing of these frames
2) Attach your photos
3) Stick on any smooth, non-textured wall.

 

Photos: Land of Nod. 

Go ahead, 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, $45.00)

Have fun!

(Photo: The Land of Nod)

Back for seconds: A version of this post was published earlier by me.

 

Want to create your own app? There is an app for that

 

 

Want to make your own iPhone app, but don't know all the fancy computer codes? Well, there is an app for that.

Thanks to several new apps, you can build an app without any training. Now creating an app is as easy as blogging.

Social media "drives" the apps so you will need at least one of the following: an RSS feed, blog feed, Twitter feed, Flickr feed, or videos posted on YouTube to supply the content. If you want to sell the app, after you create the app you need to register the app with iTunes or Google. These app maker apps offer the basic tools to make your app. If you want to build an app loaded with extras you will need some help from professional app creators, but the appmaker apps can offer suggestions for that too.

MyDeco.com DIY decorating tools help you design your home

You can shop furniture and homewares at MyDeco.com. But my favorite DIY decor feature are the interactive MyDeco interior design options using these handy tools:

• design a room with realistic 3D
• create a moodboard
• decorate a photo
• clip an image
• create a folder

MyDeco.com uses top retailers including: Zappos, Cath Kidston, Five Stripes, Design Public, Overstock, Ferm Living, Domestications, and many more.

For DIY help on the fly, try the MyDeco iPhone app. You can follow the latest style trends on the MyDeco Blog, or connect with MyDeco on Facebook and Twitter.

The modern and earthy Hemingway Designs kitchen featured in photo above.

Photos: MyDeco.com website images.

(Note: This is a product review. I do not receive compensation from the company for reviewing their product.)

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

It's so Etsy: new Etsy apps

Thanks to clever writers over at the blog Handmadeology, now you can find all the new ETSY apps in one place. To find out more, check out their post, New Etsy App Gallery.

Photo: Tools4Etsy and Handmadeology.

Gorgeous designs in Cartolina card app makes emails and texts print-worthy!

I love getting beautiful cards via snail mail, but I admit I can't wait to receive a personalized email or text from a friend using the Cartolina app. This app includes an assortment of Cartolina artwork perfect for birthdays, special events, and holidays.

Cartolina app features:
- allows you to send to multiple recipients--useful for announcements and invitations
- includes a calendar with automatic reminders so you don't miss a birthday or anniversary
- syncs with your iPhone or iPod touch calendar
- graphics are retina display ready for the latest generations of the iPhone and iPod touch
- supports multiple languages
- app costs $2.99

Here are just a few designs you can select. A Christmas card design is coming soon!

 

DIY Chalkboard Wall

 

Fun and functional, chalkboard paint turns a boring wall into a durable and washable chalkboard masterpiece. Check out Benjamin Moore's Studio Finishes Chalkboard (307) paint. 
(Photos: Apartment Therapy, TheNest.com)

DIY chalkboard ideas:

• Calendar: paint a large grid for a monthly or weekly calendar
• Kitchen updates: shopping lists, phone messages, recipes
• Creative space: for kids AND adults

See the directions to make a chalkboard wall below.

Cooking with kids: Ribbon Candy

 

Linda V. of Brisbane, Australia loves baking, decorating cakes and cookies, and party planning. Just reading her blog Bubble and Sweet makes my mouth water. Her recent blog post all about making Marshmallow Ribbon Candy is now on my new recipes to try list. Besides creating food in the yummiest colors, your kids will love to help out because making the candy is like an oh-so-cool (and edible) science experiment right in your kitchen. 

I think this recipe is a great one to try with older kids, but an adult should be supervising because you end up making a VERY HOT marshmallow lava bowl in the microwave.

To make the ribbon candy, you first need to make the marshmallow fondant. Just four ingredients:

• sugar
• marshmallows
• Crisco
• water

For the complete recipe, check out Linda's Marshmallow Fondant Recipe online. After you make the fondant, follow her directions for coloring the fondant and rolling out the Marshmallow Ribbon Candy.

For more recipes for moms and kids, check out Momathon food and recipes.

Tips for planning birthday parties

Thanks to the talented graphic designer, mom of 6, and blogger Gabrielle Blair of Design Mom, I now have two more websites with DIY party planning advice. Follow Gabrielle on Twitter: @designmom.

Two party planning blogs:

Sara's Party Perfect is a blog by Sara Hicks Malone, a graphic designer, illustrator, and mom. She is a former art director for Martha Stewart Baby and Kids magazines. She includes party ideas for kids and grown-ups.

 

 

Hip Hip Hooray! daily blog is all about little kids and big celebrations. Blog includes party tips, resources and inspiration. Follow the Hip Hip Hooray! blog on Twitter: @hoorayblog

 

Find more party tips, craft ideas, and fun projects on my blog at Momathon DIY. 

Chocoholic alert: Grow your own chocolate mint plant

 

Mmmm, chocolate. I love the taste. I love the aroma. In fact just breathing in the scent of a freshly baked chocolate cake or cookie sometimes gets me over the cravings--at least for a minute or two.

Thanks to the hardy chocolate mint plant, now you can have your own chocolate factory on a windowsill or front porch with partial sun. I love the peppermint patty flavor and scent. Use the plant to add flavoring to many drinks and foods--just add the washed leaves to tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cakes, cookies, etc. I've even heard of cooks adding it as a secret ingredient in pesto. This versatile herb adds a zippy chocolate-peppermint flavor to icings for cakes and cookies. Even if you don't want to eat the leaves, the plant is a perfect all-natural aroma therapy herb.

The chocolate mint plant grows quickly and needs a large pot so it does not become root bound. Also, be careful not to burn the plant by exposing it to full sun. If you want to create new plants, the mint propagates easily from cuttings. 

For more gardening ideas, check out Momathon gardens.

It's so Etsy: Angel Kiss Organic Coffee

 

 

Perfect for iced coffees or hot in a mug, Angel Kiss organic coffee is a delicious mix of caramel pecan, butter rum, vanilla notes and a touch of cinnamon. Coffee orders are available ground or whole bean. Perfect for gift giving. You can even add a custom label. Each order comes with a simple recipe for making your own Lattes at home too. $11.45

Angel Kiss flavored coffee beans available at katherynmd's online store at Etsy.com--your place to buy and sell all things handmade.

Plants + Friends = Community Gardens

Today is earth day. Seasoned gardeners and newbies across the U.S. are starting community gardens with the help of American Community Gardening Association. If you are interested in how to set up a community garden this association has plenty of tips. On the website you can download PDF files on organizing a garden committee, how to choose a site, preparing a site, insurance, and managing the garden.

 

 

Kids naturally like to dig in the dirt. And they like creepy crawly things like the garden slugs in the photo above. Gardening is a great family activity. Give a kid some ownership of the project and you will be amazed at how much kids love to plant, water, and even weed their own garden. The Community Gardening Assoc. offers great ideas in Ten tips for gardening with kids.

(Photos: Monica R: Boy with garden hose; D Sharon Pruitt, Child With Handful of Garden Slugs)

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)

Move over cupcake, the macaroons are here

 

 
A new tasty treat is vying for the cupcakes top spot this year. Just in time for Easter. Could it be the coconut macaroon looks like the grass in your Easter basket. Or maybe we just love the outlandish unfoodly colors they come in--hot pink, sunshine orange, snowball white, and neon green. 

Macaroons are a classic French dessert. The first macaroons were an egg white and almond paste variety called almond meringues. The crisp crust and soft interior reminds me of the fabulous amaretti cookies so delicious with a latte.

Popular for the observation of Passover because they need no flour or leavening, the Italian Jews developed the coconut macaroons.

Recipe links:

Parisian Macaroons @ Martha Stewart

Coconut Macaroons II @ All Recipes

(Photo: Mezuni via Flickr)