Happy Birthday, Evan

My baby boy turned 22! Happy Birthday to the best boy ever!

 Package wrapped in tissue paper with black jewelry wire. I attached the green circles so they would "dangle" and drew the letters of his name on each circle. He loved it!

Birdhouse from Children's Book

Here's a birdhouse I made from foam core board and a children's Little Golden Book

I first saw the idea on Daily Danny. His version uses a ready-made wooden house but I didn't have one and, like a lot of us out there, I'm trying to use what I already have for crafting from my existing stash. So, I had some foam core and used that instead. Just simple shapes, glued and Mod Podged. Simple.

Vintage Stool Redo

This is my decoupaged stool. I used the comics pages from the Sunday newspaper to cover it.

My neighbors put the stool out for the trash and I snagged it. They haven't seen the "new" version yet. Sorry I don't have "before" pictures but it was basically a gray metal stool with lots of paint spatters and stains. Not worth the work it would have taken to "restore" it. But I loved the shape and size of it so....

So, I decoupaged it and then added several coats of acrylic because it will live in my kitchen and I need to be able to wipe it off. I added the little black feet to the legs so they wouldn't scratch the floor.

Here's what the back looks like. It was tricky getting the paper into all those crevices, but - if you get it wet enough the paper mold itself to the surfaces.

So - what do you think? Easy weekend project (have to allow for dry time between coats of decoupage and acrylic).

Make a Cardigan into a Pillow

Surely we all have an old cardigan that we love that's past its prime. Just can't part with it but it's not "wearable"?. Here's an idea that I love from Annalea Hart. Turn that cardigan into a pillow!

Pillowcase Bag

I have made pillowcase dresses (see here and here) but never a bag. This looks quick and easy and would be a great way to actually use up some pretty pillowcases - the ones you like but they don't match your bed, etc. This idea from Martha Stewart.

Japan

Dear Japan,
Ancient society of meticulous, artistic disciplined people,

My heart goes out to each of you for your devastating loss. I am confident you will recover quickly and with dignity, as you always do.
photo via

Rolled Book Pages Letters

Who knew one could do so much with books - besides read that is. Here, we see rolled pages made into initials. Pure genius - may have to try this one! See how it was done by Little Things Bring Smiles.

Awesome Wall Art

This wall art is stunning and high-impact. Take a look at how this amazing piece was created at The Cre8tive Outlet.

Tinfoil Furniture Redo

I couldn't believe this night stand redo when I saw it. I have some pretty gnarly pieces of furniture and I may just have to give this a shot.

Before

After

 

Done with tinfoil! Or - aluminum foil if you will. Cool, huh? Check out Vintage Revivals for the full story. Great job!

Spring Pomander

I can't wait for Spring. We've had temperatures here approaching the 80s but also lows in the 30s and 40s. Living on the coast has its unique weather issues, weather being one of them Within the same week it's been cold enough for gloves and warm enough for flip flops. Anyway, my bulbs are coming up in my tiny little urban patch (see my house here) and this pomander is very spring-like, so thanks Whipperberry for the tutorial.

Happy Birthday Card/Box

Who wouldn't want to receive this beautiful birthday greeting via Mark Montano? LOVE the butterflies!

Dimensional Vase

This project look so easy and has a most effective outcome.
Make this:

from this:

Some tissue paper and a little hot glue. Find out how over at Make the Best of Things.