Holiday Hiatus

Sorry for the gap in posts but the busy holiday season has kept me quite busy. Stay tuned for new posts...

A blizzard of snowflake ornaments

My Christmas tree is already decorated and yes its not even Thanksgiving yet! It's hard not to get sucked into the holiday spirit when they are playing Christmas music on the radio, every department store is decorated from the floor to the ceiling in red and green decorations, and the weather outside feels more like winter than fall.

 

The theme of my tree for years has been snowflakes and this year I am attempting to make a few of my own snowflake ornaments. I did some searching for designs and finally found a few on the Better Homes and Gardens website. The first one, pictured above, is the Beaded Snowflake Ornament. The directions are easy to follow and can be found on the previous link. The finished product looks professional and makes a beautiful addition to any tree.

 

The next design I found on Better Homes and Gardens was the Jingle Bell Snowflake (pictured above). Decorating with jingle bells are a great way to incorporate simple and practical items into a unique holiday ornament. If you want to match your Jingle Bell Snowflakes to your color scheme just use colored bells. They might be harder to find at your local craft store so I would suggest doing a search on Etsy in their supplies section.

All of these are inexpensive to make and supplies can be found at your local craft store such as Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Jo-Ann Fabrics, or online at Esty.

Photos courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Holiday Decorations

I recently discovered Craft Junkie 28's shop on Etsy and fell in love with her ideas for each holiday season. Every season is unique in style with a combination of scrapbook paper, paint, and glitter among other craft items. I love how she incorporates a graphical image like in the picture above. She uses a turkey in place of the letter a in the word thanks. You can find the give thanks design here. The Thanksgiving letters cost $28.00 plus $8.00 shipping. Don't delay these won't last long!

Sweet and simple with a button O full of the Christmas spirit. The HO HO HO set cost $28.00 plus $8.00 shipping.

Finally, the Snowman set can be enjoyed all winter long. The cost is $33.00 plus $9.00 shipping. If you are interested in purchasing more than one item the shipping charges are discounted. Make sure to check out all the other items that Craft Junkie 28 has to offer!

Photos courtesy of Craft Junkie 28

Christmas Card Clothesline

Little Creative Maven can now be found on Etsy! I recently opened my own shop to sell some of my own homemade items. It is still a work in progress so keep checking back for more items. Above and below are pictures and descriptions of my latest handy work.

Hang your treasured Christmas cards in style with this simple and elegant holiday clothesline. This set includes eighteen standard wood clothespins with snowflake details and nine feet of silver ribbon. Display your holiday cards by stringing them along your fireplace mantle or down the banister. Include your own garland for a more festive look.

 

Photos courtesy of little creative maven.

Thanksgiving...the forgotten holiday

Even though after Halloween department stores begin to display Christmas decorations let's not forget about the holiday in between, Thanksgiving. This simple but elegant reminder of what Thanksgiving is about would look great on a shelf or mantel. You can find these cute blocks on Etsy by the seller Sassytalk. They will cost you $25 plus shipping but hurry these won't last long!

Another elegant decoration idea is provided by Bekah Jennings. She designs the cutest banners for every holiday but the simple message of Thankful would be perfect for Thanksgiving. The banner measures 40 inches long and costs $19 plus shipping.

Finally, this whimsical wreath will adorn your front door with the spirit of fall. The colors of autumn and the tiny pumpkins enable you to keep this festive decoration out until Thanksgiving. The wreath was created by Twoinspireyou and can also be found on Etsy. The cost is $60 plus shipping.

Photos courtesy of Sassytalk, Bekah Jennings, Twoinspireyou

Unique Holiday Helpers

Check out these festive wine coasters. The cute pumpkin design fits over your stemware to add a little holiday flair while guests don't have to worry about placing their glass on your hardwood furniture. The coasters shown above can be found on Etsy, created by Dimmalimm. A set of pumpkin coasters consist of eight and are available in eight different colors. The coasters cost $30 plus shipping.

Photo courtesy of Dimmalimm

October = Opal

Celebrate the month of October by wearing opals. The ring above was found on Etsy. The seller, Bogigi, specializes in retro, vintage and antique jewelry. The opal ring is set in 10 kt. gold and will cost you $249 plus $12 shipping.

Photo courtesy of Bogigi

Thanksgiving Place Settings

In need for an idea for Thanksgiving place settings? Better Homes and Gardens has a festive and simple idea for your dinning room table. I've included the instructions below or you can follow the link to the actual page on the Better Homes and Gardens website.

What You Need:

• 3-inch terra-cotta flowerpot
• Crafting foam in black, yellow, green, and purple
• Scissors
• Acrylic paints in black, white, red, green, and blue
• Thick white crafts glue
• Black fabric paint pen

Instructions:

1. Paint the entire pot black and allow it to dry. Choose a color to paint the band around the top of the pot. Let it dry. Make white dots on the rest of the pot by dipping the handle of a paintbrush in white paint and dotting onto the surface.
2. Cut a circle from black foam. Cut it about 1/2 inch wider all around than the pot opening. Use an appropriate size dish, cup, or lid to trace. Place a small amount of glue on the rim of the pot and glue onto the black foam circle.
3. To make the buckle, measure the width of the band of the pot (the portion painted a different color). Cut a rectangle out of foam that measures about 1/8 inch deeper than the band on the pot. Glue it to the band. Let the glue dry.
4. Use a black paint pen to write the guest's name on the colored band. Allow it to dry before using.

Photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

October = Think Pink

It is now October so wear pink to show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness. Be sure to be on the lookout at the grocery and retail stores as well as restaurants for ways to donate to breast cancer research.

One of my favorites is the Pink Ribbon Bagel sold at Panera Bread. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the Panera Pink Ribbon Bagels will benefit breast cancer causes nationwide.

Also, make sure to save your pink lids from Yoplait Yogurt's Save Lids to Save Lives campaign. Mail in your pink lids by December 31, 2009 and Yoplait will donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, up to $1.5 million. The guaranteed donation is at least $500,000.

Off the cuff style

In the need for a pair of cuff links? Show off your favorite city or simply wear your passport on your sleeve with these unique cuff links by DLK Designs found on Etsy. Pictured above is a small sampling of designs available but custom orders are welcomed. The cuff links cost $50 plus shipping. These would definitely make a unique gift for a groom or his groomsmen.

These sterling silver one of a kind keepsake cuff links are hand stamped by Tiny Tokens Designs. The cuff links can be customized with names, a wedding date or whatever else you want imprinted. These cuff links cost $70 plus shipping.

Photos courtesy of DLK & Tiny Tokens Designs

The Last Song

The #1 bestselling author, Nicholas Sparks, has released his next book The Last Song. It debuted #1 on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists. As an avid reader of his work, Nicholas definitely did not disappoint. The story takes place in Wilmington, North Carolina and the tale is about about family drama and the power of love, especially young love.

If you are a new reader of Nicholas Sparks you should begin with his first book, The Notebook. Here are a list of all of his books and the order in which they should be read:

The Notebook*
The Wedding (Sequel to The Notebook)
Message in a Bottle*
A Walk to Remember*
The Rescue
A Bend in the Road
Nights in Rodanthe*
The Guardian
Three Weeks with My Brother
True Believer
At First Sight (Sequel to True Believer)
Dear John** - Release date Feb. 2010
The Choice
The Lucky One** - In production
The Last Song** - Release date 2010

*Indicates made into a movie
**Indicates soon to be released


Photo courtesy of Barnes & Noble

Whoooo's ready for Halloween?

Even though Halloween is still over a month away I found some decorating ideas for your Halloween party. If you want to throw a great party you must plan ahead! The decorative banner above can be found on Etsy by Bekah Jennings. It is 50 inches long and would look great hanging from your fireplace mantel. The handmade banner costs $24.00 plus shipping.

 

The skeleton plates pictured above will sure to be a hit at your party. The set of four square plates could be used for appetizers or desserts. The plates measure 6" with skeletons in four different poses and cost $40.00 plus shipping. 

 

In addition to the skeleton plates this spider set will make your place settings complete. The set of four plates can be either round or square. The plates measure 6.5" with spiders perched in the corner and cost $40.00 plus shipping. 

Photos courtesy of Customsepia and Bekah Jennings

Fun with Typography

I just found some fun typography art on Etsy today. The artwork is by Stephen Fowler of Gemini Studio Art. The one pictured above is a collage of famous Chicago streets that measures 10 x 20 x 1.5 " it costs $89 plus shipping. Also included in his street collection are San Fransisco, Denver, New York, Boston, St. Louis and Boston.

Stephen has created this unique piece for any baseball fan. This piece features the names of famous American baseball stadiums. It measures 20x20" and costs $195 plus shipping.

One of the final pieces I enjoyed was this Chicago White Sox golden retriever. You can also find a variety of dogs with the Cubs, Red Sox and Yankees on their hats. The piece measures 12x12" and costs $77 plus shipping.

Photos courtesy of Gemini Studio Art

Wonderful Graffiti

Freshen up the walls in your home with some Wonderful Graffiti. Search their expansive database of designs or get inspired and create your own custom design. Below are a few of my favorites.

Family Definition
46"w x 72.5"h size shown. Primary text color is Latte, secondary text color is White. For custom colors and sizes, email help@wonderfulgraffiti.com or call 877-557-5675.

 Life

"Life isn't a matter of milestones but of moments." This quote by Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy is shown in Chocolate (primary color) and White (secondary color.) Size shown: 48" x 16". For custom sizes and colors, email help@wonderfulgraffiti.com or call 877-557-5675.

Laundry Definition

Note the subtle (or not so subtle) suggestion in the middle of this definition. Due to popular demand, we added a new size to fit laundry room soffits, or that funky long wall area right above the washer/dryer. 52.5"w x 28.5"h size shown in Chocolate. See our Definitions Collection for more definition designs. For custom colors and sizes, email help@wonderfulgraffiti.com or call 877-557-5675.

 

 A Place In Our Hearts (Pink)

Decorate a wall over a crib or changing table with the large version, or embellish a wall of baby photos with a smaller size. For custom colors and sizes, email help@wonderfulgraffiti.com or call 877-557-5675.

Photos courtesy of Wonderful Graffiti

U2

U2 is kicking off their North American portion of the 360 tour this weekend in Chicago! Can't wait to be there Saturday night!

Photo courtesy of U2

Easy Fall Centerpiece

In need of a fall centerpiece for your next party? Better Homes and Gardens has a whole list of ideas on their website. The pumpkin candle featured above is so inexpensive and incredibly easy to execute. Here is a list of the supplies and instructions from BHG.

Supplies

• Medium-size pumpkin
• 6-inch pillar candle
• Sprigs of bittersweet, preserved leaves, vines, or artificial berries
• Sharp knife
• Marker

Instructions

1. Snap or cut the stem off the top of the pumpkin. Placing the bottom end of the pillar candle on the top of the pumpkin, tightly trace the perimeter of the candle's bottom with a marker.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut vertically just inside the traced outline. The cut portion can then be discarded.
3. Wedge the candle securely inside. If you've cut the hole a bit too large, simply place a can or other object inside the pumpkin as a base for the candle. If necessary, keep the candle from tipping by wedging one end of a vine in between the candle and the cut edge.
4. Tuck in a few leaves and sprigs of vine around the base of the candle.

Photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Every girl crazy bout a sharp dressed pumpkin...

Do you hate carving pumpkins every year or lack a little creativity? I've recently come across a few ideas that might make pumpkin season a little easier and a little more creative! Pier 1 Imports has a few great ideas for this years pumpkin decorating like the Little Black Cat pictured above. All you have to do is simply purchase a pumpkin and place it on the stand. It really is that easy and adorable. The cost is $12.95 and they also have a skeleton.

If your style is a little more Wicked Witch of the West you might enjoy the witch legs featured above. They can also be found at Pier 1 Imports but it will cost you a little more at $35. For an added touch you could buy or make a little black witch hat to sit on top of your pumpkin to cover the stem!

Finally, if a spider is what you are looking for try this one I found at Amazon. With its eight wrought iron legs and google eyes it will make any shaped pumpkin look like a festive and friendly arachnid. Currently the spider is out of stock due to its popularity but hopefully they will get more in stock for the Halloween season.

Update: I recently purchased this spider at an art fair. Once the mum is done blooming I plan on putting a pumpkin in its place.

Photos courtesy of Pier 1 Imports and Amazon

September = Sapphire

Instead of celebrating September with the usual sapphire birthstone why not change it up with the hues of sapphire with a pair of pumps. These Steve Madden Trinitie Pumps are suede with a 4.5" heel. They also come in plum, blush, black, grey and raspberry.

Price: $99.95

If you want to be a little more subtle why not try a unique sapphire hair accessory by Lulu Splendor. The one pictured above is a vintage inspired hair clip made with light sapphire blue and clear Swarovski crystals and cream pearls. Lulu Splendor also takes custom orders in case you are looking for a unique color combination.

Price: $25.00 ($2.50 shipping)

Photos courtesy of Steve Madden and Lulu Splendor

Fall is right around the corner...

Need a new trench coat for the fall? I found this one at Target for only $39.99 (Merona Military Trench Jacket in White). It also comes in black, dark and light blue.

Photo courtsey of Target

Tut tut looks like rain...

We've had so many rainy days this summer that I might need to invest in another pair of rain boots. I found these at J. Crew, Shiny Hunter® Wellington boots in wild peony.

Photo courtesy of J. Crew

I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle...

This is one of my final crushes for the summer, the Electra Navy 3i bicycle.

Photo courtesy of Electra

Hello, Cupcake!

Authors: Karen Tack & Alan Richardson
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Making cupcakes for your next party and need a few creative ideas? Look no further because Hello, Cupcake! is here. I received this book as a gift and absolutely love it because all of their designs are imaginative and are easy for a novice to replicate. The designs for the most part are easy to execute except for a few which require a little patience and determination. The absolute best thing about the book, no baking skills or fancy pastry equipment are required! Below are a few examples:

The picture above are Corn on the Cob. They are vanilla cupcakes with Jelly Bellys (assorted yellow, cream, and white colors) as the kernels, the butter are fruit chews (Laffy Taffy or Starbursts), and the salt & pepper are black and white sugar. These would be great for dessert at a BBQ. Don't forget the corn holders!

Finally they also include some delicious cupcake and frosting recipes in the last chapter in case you want to try a more homemade tasting recipe. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to liven up their ordinary cupcakes or to impress your friends and family!

If you enjoyed the book Hello, Cupcake! then you will love the new wall calendar for 2010 on sale now for $13.99


Photos courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Company

Coffee Cup Cozy

Give your dull coffee mug a makeover! These cute hand knitted mug cozies will brighten up an old coffee mug or give it a fresh new look. Each cozy has a cute button detail closure. This would make a great gift for anyone, especially a co-worker. These can be found exclusively on Etsy by pinkpetaldesigns.

Price: $7.00 (plus $4 .00 shipping)

Photo courtesy of pinkpetaldsigns

Books to Read: Wesley the Owl

A heartwarming story about a dedicated biologist, Stacey O'Brien, and an orphaned barn owl, Wesley, as they end up saving each others lives. If you loved the book Marley & Me then you will love this sweet tale about man's best friend having feathers rather than fur. I highly recommend adding Wesley the Owl to your list of books to read...you won't regret it!

Photo courtesy of Simon & Schuster

Vintage Inspired Jewelry

Today on Etsy, I found this designer on their "Pounce" section where they feature discovered and undiscovered sellers. I fell in love with this orange dahlia necklace (pictured above) due to its refreshing design and vibrant color. The designs were created by Vintage Inspired Jewelry. You can find rings, necklaces, earrings and even hair pins in an array of colors. They range in price from $14-$28 and would make a wonderful addition to your jewelry collection as a statement piece.


Photos courtesy of Vintage Inspired Jewelry

Adult Lunch Boxes

Who knew taking your lunch to work could look so chic? I remember back in grade school we would go to the store to pick out our new lunch box for the year. This used to be a highlight of back to school shopping since everyone would want the latest and greatest lunch box with matching thermos. (See photo)


This more grown up approach to taking your lunch to work is simple and practical. The brand Built has a large variety of sizes and not to mention colors/patterns to choose from. The one pictured is the french bull vine/raspberry sorbet and it costs $22.00. All their products are made from neoprene, the wetsuit material, which makes it light weight and durable. You can also find laptop sleeves, camera cases and diaper bags, just to name a few.

Photo courtesy of Built