Traveling Fairy House

This tiny Traveling Fairy House is a matchbox! There are various versions of this but I like this one from Polka Dot Daze.

Paper Gift Topper

LOVE this idea. I actually found this a while back and could not remember where I saw it - then I lost it! So glad I found it again - might have guessed it was Martha's people.
Paper gift topper from the crafts dept. of Martha Stewart

Driftwood Boats

Craftberry Bush is one of my most favorite blogs. Everyday she comes up with simple, great ideas. I live on the coast and there is a marina at the end of my block. I love boats and nautical things. I think these would be simple to make and they are so pretty. See how at Craftberry Bush.

DIY Floor Covering

Isn't this floor covering awesome? Fawnda made it herself using Masonite (is that the same thing as MDF? She also provided a detailed how-to. See it here at Fireflies & Jellybeans. 

DIY Map Lantern

Of course you could use any paper you want  - some ideas
- one solid color in different hues
- multiple solid colors
- scrap paper
- magazine pages
- but I like the idea of using circles cut from maps to make this pendant lamp. See more from Paisley Sprouts

DIY Flip Flops

More inspiration from The Mother Huddle.

I'm going to try this one right away! She calls these the "Knot So Hard Flip Flip Flops".

Twirling Whilst Standing Still Skirt

What little girl can resist a twirling skirt?! My daughter had an elastic-waist twirling skirt that she wore for years. I'm talking 5 or 6 years. It started out hitting her knees, but several years later, it was a mini skirt. Get the full tutorial at The Mother Huddle.

DIY Tutu Table Skirt

This tulle "tutu" table is quite stunning and could be done in any color or combination of colors. Sweet Craft Cakes shows us how it's done.

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.

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.

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.

The Long-Reach Gizmo Gadget - For Kids

What a cool project for the kids. The Long-Reach Gizmo. You can get the full tutorial at BKids.

MikoDesigns blog is one of my favorites. She is so creative and generous. Here is a tutorial for making a doll poncho. Enjoy!

DIY: Princess Pavillion Tent

What kid wouldn't love this adorable Princess Pavillion tent - completely designed and handmade by Lier.
She used a round card table and pretty fabrics for details like doors, windows and a potted plant.
She says, " If anyone wants to make
this, hit the garage sales for used quilts/duvet covers or
sheets- they are the cheapest way to procure large pieces of fabric."
I imagine most of us have spare sheets and scrap fabrics that would work too.
I have talked about the generosity of bloggers before, and this is a perfect example.
Lier provides complete instructions on how to make this tent, plus more instructions on how to make a similar tent into a rocket ship. Plus - she provides links to more tent projects.
For more, visit Ikat Bag's blog.
via Ohdeedoh.

Making Flowers from Paper

Here is my first attempt at making paper flowers.
I see these all over the place on the internet and I thought it looked pretty simple.
Plus - as you have seen - I love bare branches for decorating.
I used these little branches I collected at my mom's house (where there are a million trees on her property) and glued these pinkies on with a glue gun. I think they ended up looking like camellias

I did this vignette on my mantle a few weeks ago (yes, it's time to change it!) before any of my flowers started blooming when I was in desperate need of something "floral" to weed out the winter cobwebs.

Off came the dark greens and pine cones and wintery things and out came white and pink just for spring.

If you would like to know how I made these just let me know and I'll post a tutorial - or at least I'll attempt to.

In the meantime, do you like these little cuties?
Here's a tutorial for making these paper flowers from Marie Claire Idees.

DIY Recycle Project: Cardboard Tube into Lamp Shade

When I first saw this lamp I thought it was wire, then I found out it was paper!
Isnt't this a clever way to recycle?



Patricia has used the cardboard tube from paper towels to make this graphic-y looking lamp shade.
I like the plain cardboard look - but since (I think) it looks like wire I wonder if you couldn't paint the cardboard with metallic paint - if that's the look you want. Or any other color for that matter...what do you think?

What you need to make this project:
2 paper towel cardboard tubes
scissors
glue
paper
tape
glass hurricane (to cover)
You can get the complete instructions for this project here at A Little Hut.

How To: Make a Zippered Pouch

Syko (one of my absolute favorite artists!) has provided a neat tutorial on how to make a zippered pouch like this one.

Link: How to make a zippered pouch.

Recycle an Old Book into a Paper Vase

If you're like me you hate to get rid an old book. I don't care so much about the new ones - we give those to the library.
But old books - different story.
Recycle them into "vases"?
Look at these cool vases made from old books! What a neat way to add texture to a display. I'm really going to have to try this one.
Sweet Paul makes it look so easy!
Recycle an old book into a paper vase tutorial here, via Sweet Paul.
Photo by Ellen Silverman

Man's Shirt Recycled into Girl's Dress

Dana has a great tutorial on how to make a girl's dress from a man's shirt.
Her instructions are very thorough and easy to understand with lots of pictures.
Thanks, Dana, for this great idea! Adorable little dress and adorable little girl!
Dana's a very talented re-fashioner and you and you can see lots more of her great ideas on her blog, Made.