Dinner Flags

From's jordananneferney's Flickr set "Church Spring Party."
As someone who likes to know what she's about to eat, I love the adorable flags on these sandwiches. What else could I put flags on? Dinner tonight? Maybe.

Party Hat Party

From "Church Spring Party 2008" from Oh Happy Day.
Jordan throws the best parties. So simple, yet so creative and so fun. Rob's and my birthdays are too close together to get to celebrate on my own, but if I did, I'd have party hats this year!! The red's striking, but we don't do red in my house--something about collegiate team rivalries. In honor of my birthday, we'd have to do green!

***Edited to add further instructions from Jordan:
"Materials Needed: Exacto knife, Cutting Board, Cardstock, Scotch Tape, Tissue Paper, and Floral Wire.
I looked at a few stores for party hats that were all one color but all I could find were large hats. I think that hats look much cuter on the small side, so I made my own. I bought a pack of small hats and made a template. Here is the template of a party hat to print out if you need one. Just print it out and use it to cut out the shape onto cardstock.
After you cut out the shape put the tab through the slit and tape it down on the inside. You can decorate the hats anyway you want but I will show you two that I made. The first one is the flower hat. Follow below to make the napkin ring-sized pompoms. Then poke a small hole with your exacto knife where you want to put the flower. Tape the wire on the inside of the hat. Attach ribbons and voila! The second type you just measure out a two inch wide strip of tissue paper the length of the bottom of the hat. Double up the tissue and fold it in half. Then cut it 2/3 of the way through to create the fringe. Wrap it around the bottom of the hat with the fringe facing upwards. Scrunch the fringe so it is fluffy. Then take some leftover fringe and wrap it around the floral wire, scrunch it up so it is fluffy. Then put the wire through the hole at the top and tape it on the inside. Add ribbons and there you have it!"

From Martha Stewart Crafts:

"Napkin Rings
With just a few changes, these follow the same steps as the hanging pom-poms.
1. Stack four sheets of tissue. Cut a 10-by-5-inch rectangle, going through all layers. Make 3/8-inch-wide accordion folds.
2. Fold an 18-inch piece of floral wire in half, slip over center of tissue, and twist to secure. Trim ends of tissue.
3. Separate layers, pulling away from center one at a time.
4. Bend wire into a loop to fit around napkin, and twist end around loop to secure."

The round balloons can be found here: http://www.ttballoons.com/tuftex_balloon_color_chart.htm

Home Sweet Home

Images from Something's Hiding in Here's "home sweet home" set. Love, love, love their style. Here's a couple details that I might able to incorporate one day.

If I'm ever lucky enough to have a really tall wall like this, the birds take the edge off without being extremely loud and obnoxious. Maybe I could find some Blik decals that would work?
Oh, how I love the swing in the bedroom. It's unexpected but yet still cozy. It needs a good view though. Something's Hiding in Here is lucky to have a wall of floor-ceiling windows that her swing looks out over.

DIY Crib Project

Melissa's DIY Crib Project from Design*Sponge's DIY Contest.
Apparently there was a lot of "discussion" about the safety of this crib. But I love, love, love anyway. I love the wide slats and I love that it sits right on the floor. As a height-challenged person, I hate cribs with tall legs. When I was baby-sitting, I always had to "toss" (maybe drop is a better word) the baby in because I was so short.

Also, my daddy made my crib for me (and later my sister)--and I would love for Rob to help in a similar endeavor.

Here's the directions with Grace's safety commentary:
"Material Costs (approximate):

Wood and hardware: $80
High density foam: $10
Bumper pad kit: $15
1 yard of oilcloth: $6
3 yards of decorative cotton fabric: $15

First, we went to the hardware store and bought all of our supplies; 3/4 inch plywood for the base, 1″x3″ boards for the frame for the base, casters, 1″x2″ boards for the external framework, 1/2″x6″ and 1/2″x8″ boards for the slats (slats should be placed no more than 2 3/8″ apart and none should be loose or missing) and two solid wood pieces to close the front and back of the crib (please see note below). If you plan on doing this project or something similar, you’ll want to draw out detailed plans ahead of time and bring a calculator with you to the hardware store to figure out quantity. Remember that lumber is labeled according to its PRE milled size, e.g. a 1×3 is really 3/4″x2 1/2″.

After cutting out the base to size, I reinforced the bottom with 1″x3″ boards cut at 45º angles at the corners. Then I cut out notches to fit the 1″x2″ boards to make the vertical frame. After cutting all of the vertical boards to length, I cut notches out of the top of the 1″x2″ boards for the cross bars. Before assembling everything, I sanded all of the wood until smooth (all wood should be sanded completely smooth and constructed without lips or overhangs that may catch baby’s clothes), then applied a few coats of child-safe wood finish (ask your local hardware store for non-toxic options available). Once assembled, I added the finishing touches of white paint to the exterior.

[PLEASE NOTE: Crib slats or spindles should be spaced no more than 2 3/8″ apart, and none should be loose or missing. In addition, the back and front of a crib should always be solid with no decorative cutouts. If you follow these instructions you’ll need to use additional wood to completely close each end of the crib]

I used the bumper pad kit (found at JoAnn Fabrics), and cut the pads to fit the dimensions of my crib/co sleeper. Bumpers should never be thick or pillow-like, if you choose to use them make sure they are thin and are removed when the child is old or large enough to stand (they can be used to climb out of the crib and there is a recorded risk of suffocation). I followed the pattern provided in the kit, making the appropriate adjustments to fit our crib design. For the mattress, I used a high density foam cut to fit snugly in the crib frame and to be no less than 26″ below the crib sides (if you can fit two fingers between the crib and the mattress the mattress is too small). Once it was cut to size, I made a cover for it by measuring the dimensions plus half the thickness of the pad, plus seam allowances. I inserted a zipper to the cover to allow for easy removal.

[PLEASE NOTE: the photo above was arranged and styled for a photoshoot. Cribs should always be placed away from windows to prevent children from potential danger with cords, curtains or blinds]

[PLEASE NOTE: Bumper pads have been linked to infant suffocation in some cases. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that, if you decide to use thin, non-pillow-like, bumpers you remove them when the baby begins to stand]"

Modern Monthly Photos

Modern Monthly Photos from Apartment Therapy: OhDeeDoh.
Another wonderful way to record the growth of your baby through his/her first year.

Patterned Vase

Patterned Vase by Making It Lovely.

When I was a kid I decoupaged a glass plate with a patterned napkin for my mom for a gift--it turned out really cool. This is a similar idea with a much more useful vase, and even more versatility since there's no glue involved. This might be what my friends get for Christmas this year!! Could I possibly etch the glass to make it even more personal?!?

"You’ll need a simple, straight-sided vase. If you plan on putting fresh flowers inside, you’ll need a smaller vase or container to fit inside and hold the water (I used a little flower pot). You’ll also need a large sheet of paper, scissors, a pencil, and some tape.

My flower pot only went about halfway down, so I trimmed my tulips to a length that would look good when they were set inside the larger vase.

I set the vase on its side, and rolled it along the paper, tracing the top and bottom arc with a pencil. Then I cut out the shape while Violet watched. :)

I set the paper inside the vase to check for fit. It was a little tall, so I just traced around the top with a pencil and then trimmed it down.

I set the smaller container inside, and that’s it! A simple, quick project."

Leather Case

Leather Case from the Blueprint blog.
Love this. Could totally see them lined up on a shelf, holding important papers. Maybe photos from a special trip.

Directions:
"Print this pattern out, and play around on a photocopier until it's the size you want (for my business-card cases, the template measures about nine inches across, from tip to tip). Then trace it onto leather. Using a mini hole-punch (the kind scrapbookers like), make small holes at each of the four tips, as shown on the pattern.
Now just fold the leather into an envelope shape: Bring the left and right flaps inward and line up the holes. Hold them together with a great little piece of hardware called a button-stud. Insert the back piece of the button-stud up through the holes in the flaps. Then fold the bottom flap of the envelope upward, securing its hole over the stud -- I also put some glue beneath the edges of this flap to help it stay flat. Now just screw on the front piece of the button-stud, and push it through the hold on the top flap."

Button studs found at: Standing Bear's Trading Post and Tandy Leather Factory

Button Bouquet

Antique button bottle bouquet from Morganevans34's etsy shop.
My mom and sister love antique buttons, so I keep my eyes out for cute crafts and gift ideas for them. This little vase is just the right amount of kitsch and design. I love it. Something to remember for later.

"brass wire connects to a bone button that secures the antique bottle."

Workspace Love

Beautiful workspace featured at kikki.K online magazine.
Using products from kikki.K, they have created a highly inspiring workspace. Add a large worktable and some major storage on the other walls of the room, and you've described my perfect workspace.

Color scheme is: White, natural Kraft, and Chocolate Cloth.
Furniture includes the kikki.K trestle table and a little wooden stool.
Floating shelves in the corner hold boxes, binders, and holders for current projects.

I just love the boldness of the white clock and the white lamp (the Knappa lamp from IKEA would do) against the brown wall.

Bunting Birthday

For a first birthday at Lovely Design.
Adelaide's party is the right amount of simplicity and design for a one-year birthday. The bold colors of the bunting set the stage for the event. I love the invitations, and how the fabric garland in the window quietly continues the theme.

Round and Round

Round and Round Party from DesignMom.
Oscar's birthday party looks so cool. So simple, but yet so very fun. Instead of licensed characters or even the obligatory princesses/trains, Oscar's mom hits the nail on the head. Every 3 year old loves circles!

Circle garlands punched from construction paper. Round paper lanterns. Circle confetti on the table. And then of course, all of the food was round as well. Round pb&j, cucumber & carrot rounds, circle crackers and pineapple rings. And then of course, cupcakes with round sprinkles. The favors were super bouncy balls wrapped in cellophane. And the activities: "Danced to "You Spin Me Right Round, Baby Right Round". Walked around a hula hoop while singing "The Big Black Bear" song. Sat in a circle with our feet together and rolled a ball around." Other round games include the Hokey Pokey and Twister.

What Inspires Me, pt. 2

• Grid paper
• Vintage travel posters
• Stark contrasts
• A pretty damask pattern
• White space
• Solving a problem

What inspires you?

Recycled Light Bulb vases

Recycled Light Bulb Vases from CasaSugar.

We switched to CFLs about a year ago, but being the clutter collectors that we are, we saved the old lightbulbs, you know, just in case... Well, I think I know what I'll be doing with them.

Supplies:

• A metal saw
• A light bulb
• 2 screwdrivers (small and large)
• A round file
  
• Metal wire (beading or fishing wire should work)

Here are the steps, translated from Esprit Cabane:

1. Saw the base of the screw cap with a metal saw, turning the bulb regularly, so you remove the electrical contact part.
2. Once the base of the screw cap is cut, insert a screwdriver and break the glass tube that sticks out (be careful).
3. Then, place a larger screwdriver in the cavity of glass, pushing down firmly, so the filament is separated from the bulb.
4. With a round file, enlarge the opening and take out the filament. The bulb should be empty now.
5. To create suspended vases, drill two holes by hand on both sides of the screw cap with a drill bit. The aluminum should pierce easily.
6. Slip metal wire (or fishing wire) through the holes that you punched and tie a knot on each side (like a purse strap).
7. Then suspend the vase from a hook, or wherever you like.
8. Put a little water in the bulb and then some flowers.

Painted Door Mat

Painted Door Mat, from DIY: Home and Garden. I love door mat projects. That sounds silly, but I really do. The bold graphics on this one just caught my eye. Here are the directions:

YOU WILL NEED:
• 4 different colours of spray paint
• A coir doormat, 40cm x 65cm
• Cutting mat (or your kitchen cutting board)
• 10cm diameter cardboard mail tube
• Access to a computer, printer (and photocopier if necessary)
• Ruler, scissors, craft knife and coloured felt pens
• Double-sided tape and 18mm masking tape

1 Choose a plain typeface on your computer – we used Ariel – and type in capital letters: WELCOME HOME. Enlarge it to 300-point type and print out. (If your computer won’t allow you to do this, enlarge the letters on the photocopier till they are approx. 7.5cm high.) You will need three sets of type, so you have enough for spares. Cut out the letters into individual rectangles and back them with double-sided tape. Cut to shape.





2 Take the mailing tube and measure off into 7cm wide sections. You will need at least six. These form the circle stencil and small spray booths. Cut into sections with the craft knife.








3 Take the coir mat and place the tape around all edges. Using your tube sections as a measuring guide, create a grid with the masking tape to create 12 squares.









4 Draw up a grid using the letters and the felt pens as a guide to the order of the letters and colours. Peel off the backing from the letters and place them in the centre of each square on the mat according to your guide. Place the cardboard tubes over the letters and spray one colour at a time. Spray remaining circles and allow to dry thoroughly. Peel off masking tape and letters to reveal the pattern.

Photo Pencils

Photo Pencils, tutorial by Photojojo.
I'm adding this to my stash of cool, creative gifts from photos. Might be a great present for my littlest cousin.

"Step 1: Print your photo

Choose a photo that doesn’t have too much fine detail. Portraits work well, as do landscapes.

Using your favorite image editing software, crop your chosen photo to 5×6 inches.

Print 3 copies on plain (not photo) paper.*

*If you don’t have a computer and/or printer, you can use 3 copies of a 5×7 photo. However, the stiff photo paper will be harder to wrap around the pencils. You might try wrapping the strips around the pencils, securing them with rubber bands, and leaving them overnight before trying to glue them in place.

Step 2: Mark the back of the photo

Divide the photo into four 1.25 inch wide sections (lengthwise), using a pencil and ruler.

Step 3: Cut your photo into strips

Cut along the three lines you just drew to slice each photo in four.

You should end up with three identical copies of each strip. You’ll use strip A for the first three pencils, strip B for the next three, and so on.

Step 4: Apply glue to the back of each strip

Apply glue to the back of the first strip, being careful not to get any glue on the front of the picture.

Step 5: Wrap the strip around the pencil

Attach a piece of tape to the front of the strip. The tape should be as long as the strip; you’ll use it to tape the free edge of the strip down once it’s wrapped around the pencil.

Wrap the strip lengthwise around your first pencil. (We found it easiest to place the strip on the table, put the pencil on top and roll.) Tape down the free edge of the strip.

Step 6: Lather, Rinse, Repeat

Repeat the process for the rest of the eleven strips and pencils.

Now line up your pencils, and rotate them so that the picture aligns across the row of pencils.

Is that cool or what?"

Personalized Baby Mobile

Baby Mobile, "Oh Baby" by In(side) the Loop. Baby Bennett received this personalized mobile for his nursery. With pictures and photos (even his sonogram) on one side and patterned Japanese paper on the other, this turned out to be an awesome baby shower gift. Must remember this one when my friends start having babies.

Playroom Loft

"Look! Eco-Friendly Playroom" from Apartment Therapy: Ohdeedoh. This creative playroom was designed by Erica-Lynn Huberty. This photo is of the full-sized loft daybed overhead an enclosed ship-themed playhouse.I can only imagine how much fun my sister and I would have had with a cool space like that. We did just fine with the double-sided kitchen that my dad built for us for Christmas one year.

When we have kids, I know that Rob will have so much fun designing a fun playplace for them.