Patriotic Projects: Star Wreath by Oink!

Here's a great patriotic project, just in time for Memorial Day.  I found it via Pinterest this morning.   You can find the full tutorial on Oink! The Blog hosted by Piggy Bank Parties.

She provides all the directions, and you can even print the paper right on the site.  It's a very easy design, and the tutorial is great.

I can't wait to make one!

While you're there, check out the different party ideas.  I love their motto..a little piggy bank + a little inspiration = a Piggy Bank Party!

Independence Day Craft Idea: Joann Cape Discovery

I love birdhouses.  Every time I see new ones at Joann, I pick them up.  They offer a lot of possibilities for starting at just over $1.   Look at all these choices:

With Independence Day coming up in the U.S., I've been wanting to do some patriotic projects.  On a recent Joann's shopping trip, I found a birdhouse that sort of looked like a rocket to me, so it "sparked" my imagination.  (sorry for the bad pun, I couldn't resist).  

Using a bunch of red, white and blue accents, I ended up with 2 fun birdhouses perfect for the holidays.  I was planning to decorate my china cupboard for summer beginning with Memorial Day weekend, and this project really got me in the mood to start.  BTW, if you look closely at my Halloween post about the china cupboard, you'll see some spooky birdhouses I did then.

For the rocket version, I sprinkled red glitter on the top, and painted the base blue.  I then added Independence Day-themed garlands to make it even more sparkly.  After I made that one, I had to do another, so the book-page covered birdhouse was born. That snazzy red, white and blue ric rac was a thrift store find.  A cupcake topper American flag was the perfect addition.

I placed each on a cupcake wrapper placed on top of candlestick to give them some height.  I'll share pics of my final display when it's complete.  

If you want to make some summer craft creations of your own, Joann has a huge tutorial section, with lots of fun ideas.   Here's the Joann inspiration Tiki Birdhouse with my versions, side by side.

If you're not already signed up for Joann coupons, do it here.  You'll get a 20% off coupon when you sign up.  

Disclosure: Please note: I was not financially compensated for this post.  I received  supplies for review purposes.  As with all content on my blog, the above project and comments are completely my own, based on my own experience.

Friday Favorites: Ball Jars and A Beautiful Mess App

Two great finds this week- combined here!  I'd heard that Ball was going to be launched vintage inspired blue Mason jars, but didn't know if they'd show up locally.  So happy to find them at Target yesterday.  I thought $9.99 for six was a little spendy, but as a longtime fan, I decided I HAD to have them.  (BTW, they're also at Amazon, but more expensive.)

They're really beautiful, and have a special anniversary imprint.  Great blue color.

Now, what to do with them?  Definitely for decor, not canning.  Bet they'd look great with a candle inside.  I'm happy just to look at them.

   

The second find of the week was Elsie and Emma's new iPhone app, a Beautiful Mess.  It's an easy photo editing program that allows you to add fun stuff for your photos, like doodles, and borders and cool fonts.  Only 99 cents, and you can add more photos, doodles, etc. too.  LOVE it!

I expect to have a ton of fun with this!  Heck I even like their logo, and the app is super easy.  I only wish I could use it on my PC, too. Hint, Hint, E&E.  

Adventures in PomPom Land: Craft Book Review

Adventures in PomPom Land by Lark Crafts is a roundup of tons of cute little creatures you can make from PomPoms.

Brings me back to my childhood, when I started my entrepreneurial crafty ways by making pompom chicks for 25 cents each.  My neighbor bought them from me to give to her dance students.

This book's projects are a bit more advanced.  In fact, Adventures in PomPom Land has 25 different critter projects you can made from handmade pompoms.  My favorites are the snow and the snowman couple, the lop-eared bunny, the bluebird and the lamb.

The book has a great overview on how to make the pom-pom bases with just a piece of cardboard.  I have to say I prefer using my Clover pom-pom tool, as it gives a more consistent look.

I do like how the author uses a number of creative techniques to add details (check out that fluffy tail on the bluebird).

So, if you want to take your pom pom creations to the next level, give this book a look.

Disclosure: Please note: I was not financially compensated for this post.  I received a copy of the book for review purposes.  As with all content on my blog, the above review is completely my own, based on my own experience.

Drive-By Lilac Snatching?

Confession time.  Depending on your perspective, I may have committed a crime today.  I prefer to think of it as community outreach.


Background:  I love lilacs - they're my all-time favorite flower and scent.  Growing up, our neighbors had a lilac bush that grew along our shared fence.  Each year, around my birthday in April, it bloomed, and I would cut a few stems and bring them into my room (which was painted lilac purple, BTW).

Even after I moved away, I'd still visit my parents and cut a few stems each year.  After my parents passed away, my sister moved into the house where the lilac bush grew, so I was able to continue to get my yearly lilac fix.

Except for this year.  The old lilac bush finally died.  No pretty purple flowers for me this year.  So, I've been on the lookout for a new candidate.

Driving home in the rain today, I noticed a property that had 3 lilac bushes in full bloom.  Coincidentally, there was also a dirt road running alongside them.  So, after a moment's hesitation and a quick U-turn, I drove up beside the bush and snipped a few branches.  In case you're wondering, yes, I do keep a pair of scissors in my car -- they've come in handy on numerous occasions.  Although, now I suppose they are evidence (as is this post :)

I don't think the person who lived in the house would really mind - besides, it was sort of a free pruning, right?  

If it was a crime, I don't believe there's a jury in the world that would convict me.  I'd just show them pictures of me in my lilac bedroom, and they'd understand, right?