Weekend DIY Links

So, do you already have your weekend crafting projects lined up? If not, how about a little "link love" for a few DIY projects using ribbons.

1. Everyone has at least one boring lampshade somewhere around the house that is just begging for a makeover. Why not add a few ribbons for this super criss-cross DIY lampshade.
2. Is it still a little cold in your part of the world, that weekend pleasures include snuggled up with a good book? Why not make this super easy, super sweet bookmark.
3. Don't know what to do with those leftover ribbon scraps? This ribbon vase would add cheer to any corner of the home.
4. Favorite fabric, mixed with favorite ribbons, and framed in a sewing hoop... doesn't get any easier than that.

So what are you waiting for? TGIF!

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All Wrapped Up

Since I'm on the topic of ribbons, I thought it might be nice to share another "non-sewing" ribbon project. I guess this really is not project at all, but a simple way to add a little pep to wrapped gifts.


I really love plain or natural looking items such as brown cardstock, like I use for my thank you cards, jute twine, or just simple packing paper. Why not let the details of a well packed gift stand out instead of the paper itself?

I've had lots of fun with this great adhesive peel and stick paper from K & Company. Just simply find a cute dye cutter stamp and then the paper works just like a sticker and can be used to hold ribbons or other paper items in place. I'm sure that many of you on this side of the pond might recognize this great retro inspired ribbon from Jolijou.

One, two, three... Done!

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Renaissance Ribbons II

When I first spotted the strong turquoises, vibrant oranges, and deep reds with unique folk art designs, I was instantly drawn to these fantastic ribbons by Sue Spargo for Renaissance Ribbons. It is quite obvious in her designs how much her environments and past places she has lived, such as South Africa, England, and now the U.S., has influenced her designs.

Not only does Sue design ribbons, but also many folk art quilt patterns, books, and uses a variety of mediums to embellish and enhance her quilt masterpieces. I love how nicely these ribbons work with Anna Maria Horner's "Hugs & Kisses" fabrics.

... so can you tell that ribbons might be my topic of choice for a bit? You don't mind, do you?

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No Sewing Required

I absolutely love the challenge of using traditional sewing items for non-sewing projects. I realize that there are many out there that love ribbons, trimmings, buttons, and fabrics, but don't like to sew or simply just don't have the time. With a super active little one myself, I know how precious creative time can be.

While looking for supplies for another project, I stumbled onto these ribbons crimps. Such a nice way to finish off those unfinished edges. A simple clasp, add a simple charm, and these fantastic Anna Maria Horner ribbons are turned into a simple and lovely bracelet.

No sewing required... how great is that?

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Renaissance Ribbons

When I first heard that Anna Maria Horner was coming out with her own ribbons, I think it would go without saying that I was super excited. Then when I found out that Renaissance Ribbons would be producing them, I was even more excited. I would probably consider RR to be the Cadillac, the Rolls Royce, if you will, of the ribbon world. The quality is oh so divine... and I mean divine, not to mention the range of patterns and colors that they offer. Take a look at these scrumptious beauties...

These ribbons coordinate so perfectly with Anna's LouLouThi collection, and I suspect that there might be several that will work with her upcoming collection. (keeping my fingers crossed that it is released this spring) So, are you already dreaming of projects accented with these luscious trimmings? I know I am.

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A Little Color

I've been kicking around a certain project now for the last several months, and now I finally feel like I am coming into the home stretch. Working with color, as it should be very obvious, is a passion of mine. But I have to admit that when it comes to really fine details, it is not the easiest thing.

One could not imagine how many million shades of blue there are, or green, and, and, and. One slide too many towards yellow and one could end up with a really ugly pea soup green. Slide a little too far to the blue side and one ends up with a boring mint color that reminds one of funny tasting candy in a retirement home. But it looks like things are getting narrowed down and the end is now in sight. Now that the hard part is over, it still looks like a little more waiting until the final product lands on my desk. But as I guess they say... good things come to those who wait, right?

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Just Popping In

We've not even come into March yet, and already I am thinking about what projects I have in mind for our show in June. Wanna little sneak peek? I had actually started this around the same time that I was working on the fun, but practical shopping totes. It's a slight variation with a little less basic form and a little more feminine shape... I'm sure you recognize the Anna Maria Horner fabrics.

I guess I have so much that I would like to accomplish before then, and the ideas for projects are darting around in my head like ping pong balls in a final duel, so it should be interesting to see which ones win out. I know I'm not the only one... so, how do you decide which sewing projects you want to work on first, and which ones have to take the back seat?

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It Only Took Five

My husband and I had only been dating for one month the first time that he sent me flowers. When the doorbell rang and a big bouquet was presented to me, I said to myself... "I'm going to marry that guy!" Well, it took a little more than flowers to get me to agree, but let's just say that they helped.

Throughout the years I've gotten lots of flowers from my husband, but they have always been missing one thing... my favorite flower. It has kind of been a running joke with us, and I have told my husband multiple times that when he brings the bouquet which includes my favorite flower, that I would let him know.

Yesterday, my guy finally hit it... a bouquet for Valentine's Day which included my favorite flower... the simple, sweet, and yet cheerful DAISY.

... and it only took five years for him to find it. Smile.

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Weekend Project

I had originally started working on this project to enter a contest featuring tutorials for gifts to send to that "special someone" or for "love-themed" events such as weddings and engagement parties.

BUT... sometimes projects flop and just don't work out as you had them planned... you too? So my "Valentine's card" is a result of combining what didn't work out with a little bit of paper. I love mixed media projects and especially combining fabric and paper.

Valentine's Day is a really big day in the States, and while it seems to be working its way over to Germany, it is not as popular here. I have to admit that I never really was the biggest fan of Valentine's Day... especially during my single days. It was always a big slap in the face that I didn't have anyone on the biggest day of love. But now that I am married, my guy is relatively unfamiliar with the holiday and if I want flowers I have to tell him so. Sigh... what's a girl to do?

But I still wanted to share what could be a super easy project for the weekend... cut out a couple fabric shaped hearts, glue them on, outline them with a black marker, add a sweet charm, and write a special message to your love... for any time of the year. Happy weekend creating!

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Aufgepeppt!

Do you have a room in your house that every time you're in it, you only leave with a sigh and a headshake thinking "wow, is that ever a dull and boring room!"... but find that the even more frustrating part of it is that you have no idea what to do to fix it?

I guess this is how I have felt about our bathroom since the day we moved in (which is now going on four years!). As with all house renovations, it is about deciding what is most important on the remodeling list and what can I live with until I have the money to do something about it. Bathroom redo's are not cheap and since our "inherited" bathroom was clean and in good condition, we decided to just live with it. But I have always hated how dull and boring it was, and having angled walls and tiles from floor to ceiling did not leave very much room for adding any "pretties".

But now that my hubby has a little bit slower season with work, you can only imagine how many things he has on his "honey-do" list... and all it took was a simple shelf...

...and a framed print from an artist that I adore. A sweet present from a dear friend of mine. ( I told you a long time ago that I would show you what else Juliette sent me for our "Craft It Forward" action... here it is, an air-dry white clay ornament that she made. For me, "faith" is not just a word that I only think about at Christmas time)

... and we've needed a new clock ever since the little guy wanted to see if our old one could actually float. A simple touch of green with a favorite pretty flowered mirror.

... and of course I couldn't leave out a little touch of fabric with a couple bright and cheerful pinwheels.

... done. A simple, yet attractive accent wall and we said bye-bye to boring. I even got a confirmation from the little one when he noticed the new shelf the following day and let me know that he liked it with an "ohhhhh."

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Garden of Delights

Despite the fact that fact that the first tulips have arrived in the flower shops, it is hard to think that spring or summer could be on the way with the kind of cold that we are having. But it is the hope that winter will not last forever that gives spring part of its magic.

The new fabric collection "Garden of Delights" by Jules Davis for Blend fabrics is just the kind of collection that can instantly carry one to a warm summer day in the garden. With garden friends like squirrels, hummingbirds, and dragonflies, Jules fabrics hold a certain element of whimsy, but with elegant lines.

I'm really excited to whip up a few things with this garden friends filled collection. I have a few projects in mind...

... like this practical garden apron.

...or maybe adding a pretty little touch of color to my boring rubber garden boots.

So, are you ready for spring too?

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Burlap Love

You know that when things get quiet around here it is because I am doing things. Of course the hope is that the quiet precedes the giant flood of here's this thing I made, or just a little something I whipped up there, or oh, ah, look what one can do with.... But the not so romantic side of the real world is that sometimes things like inventory and major web system overhauls hold precedence over creating. Hmpfh! So since I have more unfinished projects on my desk than one could imagine, how about if I share what I would like to be doing if I weren't doing boring computer work.

I've always had a certain fascination with burlap. Somehow even though it can be a little rough and scratchy to the touch, it has always held a certain charm to me with a rustic simplicity that I find really appealing. Come on now... this stuff isn't just for feed sacks anymore.

1. What a great idea to print on burlap... oh, wow! What can one do with that?!? 2. This "Love" banner would be just perfect gift with Valentine's day just around the corner. 3. Sweet handmade gift tags just to say thank you are a great edition to any gift. 4. Burlap bird ornaments can be used in so many places.

1. Let's not forget about the home with this awesome DIY headboard. 2. Burlap corkboard is simple and classic. 3. For that special party or wedding event, burlap can also add a romantic touch. 4. A simple band, simple flowers, and a simple candle is a super table decoration, perfect for all year round.

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Blend Fabrics

When I heard that Anna Griffin was launching a new company at the last Quilt Market, I just had to sit up. Anna Griffin has been known in the fabric industry for quite some time, but even longer in the wedding industry. This lady has her hands in quite a few pots, and it makes sense that she would also have her hand in a company that embraces well known artists and designers from around the world. Her co-founder, Joe Spiegelberg, brings just as much experience to the company having also founded Maude Asbury, a luxury gift company that carries everything from photo albums, picture frames, and magnet boards.

So I guess it would go without saying that I am really excited to add three new collections from this newly launched company called Blend... yes, that's right three! When I say excited, I really mean it.

Photo Source

The first collection is from Sarah Watts, illustrator/pattern designer, who describes her work as "quirky-southern-gothic-victorian". As interesting of a description as it might sound, Sarah's fabric collection "Feather n Stitch" will not disappoint.

Keep your eyes open for other new collections from Blend, found here.

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In the Bag

You may remember the sweet little mini bag/pencil cases I made using fabrics from Aneela Hoey's "Little Apples" collection. I ended up stuffing them with colored pencils, beads, "Hello Kitty" lip gloss, and other small trinkets for my other two nieces for Christmas. All girls just seem to love bags to keep their treasured keepsakes in.

As a coordinating present, I decided to put a little twist on the "shopper totes" that I had been turning out just a few weeks before. Simple sewing, simple lines, silver grommets accents, with sweet fabric made these matching drawstring book bags ultra cute.

Just in case you're looking... here's a really easy how-to video on how to make a drawstring backpack. Happy sewing!

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All Grown Up

Now that Christmas is over I can actually show a couple of presents that went out to some loved ones this year... I just couldn't spoil any surprises ahead of time with showing things off here.

When my oldest niece saw the collection from Lizzy House, she immediately fell in love with the cute foxes and adorable hedgehogs. For my younger niece I knew that pink would be the color of choice, but I wanted to do something a little more grown-up for my oldest niece... those pre-teen years can very much be a revolt of all things pink, purple, and ultra feminine.

I thought that a bold contrast of rich purple and vibrant orange was grown up enough without over doing it. I really want to delve into this collection a little deeper, but I've got several things in the works that might keep those project ideas on the backburner for now.

So, how many of your Christmas presents were handmade? Did you make them or did someone make something handmade for you?

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Das "Ja" Wort

It was a clear, crisp, and bright day in January... which is extremely unusual for weather in Northern Germany that time of year. But it was the perfect day to say "I do".

It seems a little hard for me to believe that it was just five years ago, and then on the other hand, it hardly feels like five years at all. Not that it has been difficult for me to stay with the man that I said "yes" to those few short years ago.... somehow he makes that easy for me. Perhaps it feels like an accomplishment, a milestone for having stood beside the one I promised the rest of my life to. As with every couple we have had our fair share of ups and downs, highs and lows, and many in between points... but I cannot think of another person in the world that I would want to share my "forever" with.

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Transition

It would seem as if I have been having a hard time transitioning into the New Year. It is as if I almost skipped the Christmas season and all of its creative possibilities and now am searching for a springboard into 2012. Things had been moving especially slow since being repeatedly under the weather put me so behind on all my holiday preparations, and now I have been trying to recover from the whirlwind of ending the year.

My family and friends have been the center point of the last weeks, which leaves me somewhat at a loss for words. Not that the moments have not been wonderful enough to share, but perhaps I wanted to savor them, save them for myself, and enjoy them without the pressure of writing about how wonderful those small, but meaningful moments have been.

I've been way to busy to think about lists, goals, or contemplative and reflective moments about the previous year... but there is, thank goodness, no time limit on when these things must be done. So for now, just a simple hello coming your way.

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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

friends
hugs and merry wishes
yumminess shared
naps
spicy apple cake savored in the dim candlelight
candles glowing, crackling, and dancing
the story where it all began
songs of rejoicing
smiles and laughter from loved ones millions of miles away brought to us through the wonders of modern technology
the joyful anticipation of discovering new things packed in bright paper
dinner by candlelight with my two favorite "boys"
nice wine in a nice glass
melodic tunes bringing back those special childhood memories
snuggly pajamas
snuggle time with the little guy
snuggle time with the big guy
surprises
deep sleep

taking it slow
five star breakfast
lazy day
family

ahhhh... Christmas!

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