Wicked Awesome Mudroom

"A Wicked Awesome Mudroom" from The Shabby Nest, found via OhDeedoh
"Wendy transformed a simple closet into a rather charming mudroom for her family complete with bench, hooks designated for each child with photographs, and a basket for shoes.
Wendy and her husband started the project by lining the closet with bead board- a favorite classic look. Underneath the bench is a cubby for shoes. We love how Wendy transformed a blah laundry basket into a really cute basket with a chalkboard and some ribbon. It's so easy to go out and buy a new basket or container, but so much more creative to use something you already have.
The bench cushion actually involved an old crib mattress and an electric carving knife! Throw on some fabric and some cute Ikea pillows- and voila. Finally, Wendy laminated photos of her kids and thumb tacked them next to each hook."

Accent Lamp

Accent Lamp from CicadaHome's Etsy shop

"This is an altered item. The lamp itself is an IKEA Grono accent lamp. It is made of frosted glass, with a candle bulb base. The linen shade -or sleeve- is an original textile design by Michelle Engel Bencsko exclusively for Cicada Studio."

Together Art

"Special Delivery" by Dawn found via lovelydesign
What an simply but beautiful collage! What other words could be used? Sharilyn is framing this one and hanging in her kitchen. Might be nice in a foyer as well.

Rainy day playdough

Rainy Day Playdough from Little Birdie Secrets
This is an awesome (and cheap!) gift for preschoolers and early elementary kids. Add a couple of fun cookie cutters, and you're set!

Here's the recipe:
"Make the mix and put it in a sealable sandwich bag. Sew a simple drawstring bag, drop in the mix, and cinch it with coordinating ribbon. Print out the directions and attach by punching a hole and threading the ribbon through it. Makes a great gift!

Rainy Day Playdough mix:

• 1 cup of flour
• ½ cup of salt
• 2 tablespoons of Cream of Tartar

Directions to include with your gift:


"Rainy Day Playdough

Place Rain Day Playdough mix in a saucepan.

In a measuring cup mix together:
* 1 cup water (add drops of food coloring to this)
* 1 Tbsp. oil

Pour ingredients into saucepan with mix and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. The dough will look like a "big mistake" at first, but keep going. The heat and stirring will solidify the mixture and the dough will soon begin to make a big ball and stick together. Turn off the stove and remove pan from heat. Place dough on the counter and knead a few minutes until it's done. Have fun!"

Commenter Michelle even shared a gluten-free recipe:
"1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup light corn syrup
1 1/4 cups powdered milk
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar"

HELLO party gifts

"Jasper's HELLO Party Gifts" found via OhDeedoh.
For Jasper's 1st birthday, his mother made party favor tee-shirts from iron-on transfers. What a cute and pretty cheap gift for a kid's party.
What about for an adult party? Could the same idea be adapted for adults?