Candy Corn Wreath (an upcycle)

One thing I've learned since starting my blog is this...

Everything is a possible craft. I think twice before throwing even the ugliest of uglies away.

Exhibit A:

I see the potential in things, which makes me an optimist.

Jeremy, are you reading this? I know you see my growing mound of future projects in the garage and you fear that I may need to seek professional aid. 

But I don't, because look! The pile is dwindling down! 

Please don't submit my name to the producers of "Hoarders."

Shared with: Today's Creative Blog, Sugar Bee Crafts, Li'l Luna, Tatertots and Jello

Happy Birthday Balloon Wreath

I started a new tradition...

My little stink will be four years old pretty soon so his picture is currently in the frame.

I used a wire wreath form and tied three packages of balloons (I think they were 72 count each) and some fabric scraps around the whole thing until it was nice and fluffy.

Then I hung a frame with a piece of wide ribbon.

I love it--what a great way to celebrate each family member!

A Simple Ribbon-Wreath

#1. Our date night was SO FUN!

I needed that night out (and thank you for the sweet comments and emails)!

Have you seen True Grit yet? (Probably so. I'm usually the last person to see a movie lately.)

We loved it!

#2. This is the cutest and easiest little heart wreath.

I bent a wire hanger into a heart shape and tied ribbons and bits of fabric all around, squishing them really tightly together to make it fluffy.

I had everything at home, too, which made it

FREE (my favorite word)!

Mexican Crescent Wreath Appetizer

This. Is. So. Yummy.

We eat a big ol' Mexi-feast (almost) every Christmas Eve and this appetizer has become a family favorite.


The wreath is made from crescent rolls, topped with a yummy Mexican spread, and decked out with chopped avocados, tomatoes, black olives and grated cheese.

To make the wreath, open 2 cans of crescent rolls and flatten them out using a rolling pin.

Slice the ends off, then cut each log into 16 strips.

Place a dish or glass upside-down on an ungreased cookie sheet and lay the strips in a wreath-shape around it.


Remove the glass and bake at 375 for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.

Cool completely, then add the spread (recipe below) and top with cheese and veggies.

Spread:
In a mixer, combine a block of cream cheese (at room temperature) with 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 2 T. taco seasoning.


Topping Options:
grated cheese, chopped tomatoes, chopped avocados, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, jalepenos


It's a crowd-pleaser! Feliz Navidad!



Linked To: seven thirty-three, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Sisters Stuff, Finding Fabulous

Chunky Pom-Pom Wreath and a Pom-Pom Tutorial

I am in love with pom-poms.

I'm even more in love with big, fat pom-poms.



This little habit all began with the baby mobile I whipped up a few weeks ago.

They're so festive and fun to make.

Want to learn how?


1. Start off with some chunky yarn. The thicker the yarn, the fuller the pom-pom.





2. Cut a strip of cardboard around 2" x 9".





3. Now cut a piece of yarn a little longer than your cardboard strip and lay in on top.
This will become your tie.





4. Now start wrapping the yarn around the middle, over the tie. 

5. I wrapped mine 125 times. For really thick yarn, you can do less. For thinner yarn, wrap more.

6. Using your tie string, make a knot to secure all the loops.

7. Holding your tie strings, pull the cardboard strip out.


8. Start cutting the loops.





9. Trim to make it fluffy and even. The shorter you trim it, the fluffier it will become.





Of course, if you're making giant pom-poms for the wreath, you don't want to trim them too short.

To make the pom-pom wreath:

Make 12 giant pom-poms using three different yarns. 

Tie them around a wire wreath form. 

Glue on pre-finished wooden letters.

Linked To: Tatertots and Jell-O, Keeping It Simple, The Girl Creative, Craft-O-Maniac, The DIY Show-off, Sugar Bee, seven thirty-three, Fingerprints on the Fridge, Sisters Stuff

Tutorial: C-U-T-E (And Easy) Autumn Wreath

Autumn is officially here! Bring on the cooler temps.

My mom and I recently made a fun little trip "into town" and wandered purposefully shopped through the craft store for about an hour.

When do I get to do that?! It was awesome!

Having recently seen this at Craftaholics Anonymous, we were inspired to create our own burlap tie wreaths for autumn.

Here's what I came up with:

I love, love, love how it turned out!

Want to make your own?

You'll need:

• a wire wreath form
• 1-1/3 yards of burlap in various fall colors. (I bought 1/3 yard in 5 colors, but ended up with a lot left over. I recommend doing 1/3 yard in 4 colors.)
• a wooden letter or word (My mom used a pre-cut WELCOME sign and it looked precious.)
• scrapbook paper
• Mod Podge and a paintbrush
• an exacto knife or scissors

Trace your letter and cut it out. 

Then paint the Mod Podge on your wooden letter and carefully place the paper cut-out on top, lining up the edges.

Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge on top and set aside to dry.

Cut the burlap into strips that are about 2" wide and about 12-15" long. Please don't stress about making these perfect. The messier, the better.

Start tying. Try to tie the left side over the right and the right side over the left to add poof.

Tightly pull the knot and twist the strips into different directions so they look random.

Tie on your adorable little letter.

Leopard print, I love you and I want you in my life more. Like on some shoes.

And there you have it. My door never looked so good. (This is actually my mom's door, but you know what I mean.)

Make this over the weekend. It's quick and fun. You'll be so glad you did.