Easter Crafting

I’m so glad it’s almost Easter, and I’m thrilled that it’s finally starting to feel like Spring outside.  For a minute there I was worried we might have snow on Easter.  Today I spent some time working on a few decorations for Sunday.
 

I made these little treat bags using paper shopping bags, old envelopes and washi tape.  They were really simple to make.  I created the pattern by taking apart a paper trinket bag and tracing it onto some cardstock.  Later this week they will get stuffed with tissue paper, plastic grass and candy.  I can’t wait to hand them out to my family.

In addition to those, I made some pom poms that I plan to string together for garland.  This was my first time making them.  I always see them on my Pinterest feed and being incorporated into all sorts of projects, but I never took the time to figure out how to make them.  It was super easy!

Another project I worked on today was a small centerpiece for one of our tables.  It’s a work in progress.  Usually I’m not of fan of artificial décor like fake fruit and flowers, but I actually work with these foam eggs quite a bit.  There’s something about them that appeals to me and blends in with the colors I like to use.  As for the flower, I’m still unsure of how I feel about it, but for now it’s helping me brainstorm.

Four Favorite Blogs

When I read that decor8 was hosting a hashtag party to celebrate those we appreciate in the blog world, I knew right away which bloggers I wanted to 'hug.'  These four blogs are all ones I started reading last year, and they quickly became my favorite to visit.  Reading them has become a part of my daily routine, and I can always look forward to the insight, inspiration, and cheer they provide.  So here is a big #bloghug, high-five, and hooray to the four of you!

Hello Sandwich
Being the washi tape addict that I am, it didn't take but one glance for me to fall in love with this blog.  Some of my favorite posts are of the amazing mt factory and school.  If you're ever feeling at a loss for craft inspiration, this is the place to visit.  With all the pages of vibrant paper projects, it's no wonder Hello Sandwich has authored several craft books.  She also shares many beautiful photos of Tokyo. 

b for bonnie
 I found my way to Bonnie Tsang's blog after seeing her lovely photography portfolio.  Aside from sharing beautiful photos with readers, you will also find plenty of posts on fashion and design.  One of my guilty pleasures is food photography, and I always look forward to new photos from restaurants.

This past December I was deeply moved by the post 9 years on the ever of her birthday.  It was so inspirational and heartwarming, and just what I needed to read at the time.  There was so much that resonated with me and I'm very thankful to her for sharing her experiences with us.

send more mail
If you're a fan of ephemera and snail mail, you will be in heaven on this blog, scrolling through endless pictures of written correspondence.  I'm an avid collector of stamps and postcards and love looking at through this blog as much as I love sorting through my own albums.  Have you sent any snail mail lately?

fabrickaz+idees
Love zakka and textiles?  You need this  blog in your life.  It's completely dedicated to sewing housewares and sweet soft objects.  I really admire the non-stop freedom to created this blog promotes.  Besides seeing completed projects, you get a step by step look at the creative process, from the uncut vintage fabric to the potholders waiting to be sewn shut.  You will definitely be moved to want to make something.



[images are from their corresponding blogs: hello sandwich, b for bonnie, send more mail, and fabrickaz+idees]

DIY // Elementary Kid Inspired Valentines

Today it finally snowed!  I was beginning to worry that we wouldn’t get any snow here at all this winter, but I woke up this morning to a cold room filled with soft light from the window.  My inner-kid immediately recognized the signs of snow and I pulled back the curtain for a quick glance at the white covered back yard before going back to sleep.

It’s funny how that child-like wonder of snow has stuck with me, even as an adult.  Winter was always an exciting time of year filled with holiday parties in class and hopes of school cancellations.  The feeling stayed with me throughout the day and got me thinking about another favorite thing about winter that’s coming up: Valentine’s Day.

Do you remember the little valentines you have to fold in half that come in the cardboard boxes?  I loved those things when I was little.  They always come in designs of cute cartoons.  In school we would make little ‘mail boxes’ from paper bags to tape to our desks.  Did anyone else do that?  On Valentine’s Day we would have a small party where everyone would deliver cards into the mail boxes.  At the end of the day they would be filled with lots of little cardboard valentines.

 Feeling nostalgic, I decided to make some of my own.  All you need are index cards and whatever supplies you would like for decorating.  Fold the index cards in half, then have fun decorating them inside and out.  This is a great project to do with kids, or you can make them for your friends and family to smile back on those childhood days.

Recommended Supplies:

3” x 5” assorted color index cards

deco and washi tapes

die cut hearts

glue stick

bone folder (for scoring the folded card)

rubber stamps

scrap papers and magazines

kid safe scissors

assorted stickers

Murakami Artist Trading Card

Anyone else make artist trading cards?  I started creating and collecting them about four years ago.  They’re really great for when you have an idea you want to work out for a larger piece or for when you feel like doing a little collage work, and they make terrific snail mail.  Here’s a Haruki Murakami inspired one I made and mailed out the other day – with matching envelope!

DIY // Chic & Discreet Prescription Containers

It’s called the medicine cabinet, but experts say that’s the worse place to store your pills.  The heat and moisture generated in the bathroom can break down medicine and make it less effective.  So, where do you keep all those prescription bottles where they will be out of sight, but still convenient to access?

 

Tea tins provide a perfect cool, dry, and light proof environment for storing your meds.  After you’re done with your favorite bag or loose leaf tea, keep the container!  I prefer ones that come in a square shape because I can fit at least four pill bottles in them.  Round containers give you space for about three – and if they’re tall containers, you can always stack them.

All you need for this project is a nice tin and your favorite roll of washi or deco tape.  Most tea tins already have fancy package design, but I still like to deck mine out a little.  Find a cute tape that compliments the tin and use it to line the top and bottom edges.  If the container has a label, border your tape around it.  Put a little tape around the rim of the lid, or across the top, for a unified appearance. 

Once your new container is decorated you can transfer your pill bottles into it. Now you can store your meds on your bedside table, kitchen cabinet, or shelf without having it looking like a mini pharmacy.  This also keeps nosy house guests and visitors from checking out your prescriptions.

For meds that you need to take on the go, you can create a mini version of these containers by cleaning out lip gloss or other small cosmetic tins.  Since these are so small I just put a little washi tape around the lid.  Transfer the pills you need to take with you inside and pop your new pill case in your bag or purse.

Don’t have the kind of containers you want at home?  This is a great project for thrift store or flea market finds.  Hunt down some small vintage tins and aluminum containers.  Japanese candy tins also work great for this.  As usual, you want to keep all prescriptions out of reach of children and pets.

Enjoy!