Crafts — Dear Creatives

Inspiration Spotlight #Linkup 37 Crafts Diy Decor Recipes

19 Apr posted by Theresa Huse

Dear Creatives, Week 37 Inspiration Spotlight where you can link up your crafts, diy, decor, recipes & anything else you like! We all love seeing your lovely ideas, projects & posts. You can even share your blogging tips or just your blog. Then get social. Grab a little inspiration & some ideas for your weekend projects, meet a few bloggers & link up! Now it’s time to see who is in the spotlight!

In The Spotlight

Flower Pot Cake Tutorial

This lovely flower pot cake tutorial was shared by Sharon of Make it or Fix it . This is a perfect baking project for a spring gathering or even Mother’s day. Sharon shows step by step how you can do it. Sharon decided to leave her job in education when her son started kindergarten. Sharon had to get more thrifty with the change. She found that she could save money by exploring more recipes to fix, sewing and repairing more items, throwing down the gauntlet and repairing appliances, and even planting a garden. Since she had been helping friends she also decided to blog about all her fixings.

Duct Tape TrayTutorial

Now your going to need a tray to serve that cake on & I love this idea shared by Lisa of Hooplapalooza . You will love visiting her to see her final project look! Now you could also make it as a Mother’s Day gift & change the quote cards. Lisa shares how you can do this over at her blog. Lisa has a big sense of humor & it shows in her projects & writing style. You just have to smile when you visit her fun blog. A self proclaimed ”mad scientist” full time working nurse and mother of 2. racing addict hubby. loves anything that’s whimsical, light hearted, or has an overabundance of color.

Diy Pallet Bookcase Tutorial

I am sure Jen’s project will be popping up everywhere! This is a wonderful way to give a little flair to a bookcase & add to your home decor, or fix a tired old bookcase new again. Jen of Noting Grace shares exactly how you can recreate your very own. Jen a working stay at home mom with all boys. Jen Says, “ To escape the sometimes manly driven life of ‘Jen and the Boys’, I create. ” Jen Re-purposes furniture, decorates or redecorates & blogs about it. Jen loves to learn & try new things. Her next thing she’d love to conquer is photography. Self proclaimed joke cracker in the crowd willing to go that extra mile to make someone laugh or feel comfortable.

Here are a few more “shout outs” in case you missed these projects:

Blueberry Pie Recipe via Domestically Speaking
How to Make Mixed Media Art via I Dream of Jeanne Designs
Visit here to see all last week’s #36 LinkUp entries

Honestly I hate to stop there! So I’ll continue by tweeting & pinning entries. Thanks for linking up & hope you can all join in the party! Don’t forget to tell your friends & share the button so more people can visit you & others. Have a great week ahead & I can’t wait to see what you have been up to!

Now it’s your turn!

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Kids #Crafting Projects for Playtime or Because #Free Patterns & Tutorials

17 Apr posted by Theresa Huse

Dear Creatives, I’ve been looking for a few craft projects that I can make for smaller kids. One of my older daughters is about to have a baby in May so I know I’ll be driving up for a visit. Since I don’t get to visit as much as I like I always like to bring a little treat, trinket or hand crafted item to share with the kiddos when I go. Today I thought I would share a few crafting projects that caught my eye that would be fun for them & keep them busy playing along side the busy new mom.

Source: kimboscrafts.blogspot.com via Deborah on Pinterest

I love the idea of making a traveling dollhouse. Sammie had one made by my mom & loved it. I can see my dear little Audrey carrying this around with her favorite dolls & ponies. The construction process doesn’t look to difficult either you can find the how she made hers over at A Girl and A Glue Gun : Fabric Doll House She got the full pattern & tutorial from UK lass in US: Fabric Pattern & Tutorial.

What kid doesn’t like to toss on an apron pretend to cook, work at their pretend shop or just color or paint in one? I had made Audrey the cutest apron but, Eli is almost at the age I can make him one & this tutorial with how to make the pattern is one that can be easily adapted for a boy. Just by the choice of material & a few alterations. You can find out how to make one yourself with a great tutorial & free pattern over at Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom’s free; Kids Apron Tutorial

If all else fails & I run out of time I can do a quick print of some paper dolls for them. These Strawberry Shortcake ones would be perfect! Now you don’t need a reason to click & print for free there are plenty of evenings when the kids could play with these while winding down from the day. Printable Strawberry Shortcake Paper Dolls & Clothes

Now Krissy’s kiddos are the age where they love playing with dolls. This little doll diaper & wipes tutorial at Craftaholics Anonymous & made by Christina of 2 little Hooligans would be a perfect addition to their playtime. Christina also has the cutest kids tool belt tutorial & some others on her site.

I love this cute little diy bookmark from Madame Citron . I just love her illustrations & how cute they look peeking out from the book. Young readers & young at heart are sure to want to make one or two.

& of course I had a request to make some felt play food for their kitchen play time, but I will have to devote a whole post to those patterns & inspiration. So stay tuned! If you have something to link up or share add them in the comments or to the link party via last Friday’s linkup post (& grab some more crafting ideas) or via the submit page.

What is the last thing you crafted for the kids?

Don’t forget to visit the projects/freebies page for more crafts & you can always search the blogs via topics & from the search.

Be sure to follow along I’d love to get to know you better.

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Filed Under: Crafts

“Lilies” Arrangements, Decor & Event Ideas

16 Apr posted by Theresa Huse

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of iBulb for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Dear Creatives, I am passionate about flowers & having them in my everyday life from photographing them to growing them. I also love using them in decor whether potted or in vases placing them on display either on a table or mantle. I have also done events where long lasting flowers are needed. One of my favorite types are lilies.

Whether you are purchasing them for a special occasion, to grow them or for an event such as a wedding, baby shower or special holiday you can purchase potted bulbs at the grocery store, garden center or even your local flower shop. Dutch flower bulbs & flowers are something you can use year round in your decor or event planning. Lilies will give you amazing results. Let me share some examples of ways you can use lilies in your displays & decor for your events & gatherings.

Some lilies can last as long as 7- 14 days cut.

Putting lilies in small or large crystal vases in areas where the sun reflects light can make a big impact. This type of use is perfect for special occasions such as weddings or engagement parties & gatherings that are more intimate.Or use larger crystal vases including more flowers.

Use of color can create a mood for at home or for your events. Decide on a color scheme & pick out flowers. By use of color shemes you can vary the look & mood. Try picking complimentary colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. Or Analogous colors that are in the same family of color. Or even a triadic where three colors are apposing on the color wheel.

When working with lilies or other flowers be careful for the head of the flower. You can nestle flower stalks against one another building your arrangement while holding them in your hand. Placing flowers into groups & not forcing them too tightly. You can eyeball the height. Trim ends at an angle. When ready place them in a vase half full of water & add some flora (which helps preserve them). Change water every three days at a minamum. Keep out of heat & cold to prolong their lasting.

Have you created floral arrangements with lilies?

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Paper-Crafting Spring Banners & Flowers

9 Apr posted by Theresa Huse

Dear Creatives, I recently have been paper-crafting making some spring banners &. I am sharing just a few that I have made the other day. I used my Cricut to cut out the lettering & tag. I used to use stencils & write or cut them out. I love having a Cricut it makes it so simple for creating banners. I gathered up some pretty papers I had & went to work. Just load the paper, select size & cuts, previewing as you go along & cut. Then you carefully take your paper off the mat & begin to put your banner together.

No hole punch needed for this one tag as it cuts it for you, although you can’t see it due to the pretty glitter clothespins I used. Here’s a close up of the papers I picked. Then I used a natural colored twine & glittery clothespins. I used the Plantin-SchoolBook-Cartridge which is a very versatile font which can be used for many projects. You can also see the New releases from Cricut! Cartridges, fonts & cute ideas in their project center, which will have you making things in no time flat if your new to Cricut. Do you have a Cricut?

You can see on the second banner I made I just strung the twine across the front for a different look & used rectangles. I picked a pretty orange floral print paper with the contrasting rosy color. Sammie was swinging on the swing in the yard listening to music when I was working on this project. You can see my first signs of spring with blooming roses. They are so pretty & fragrant!

I couldn’t help but, be inspired by the blooms in my yard. I took the time to take a few photographs. I hope it’s starting to feel like spring where you are! If you’d like to see my other spring photographs just visit my portfolio site. I hope to get some better banner photos soon as I get a few others done, but had to give you a sneak peek!

If you’d like to get creative with a Cricut but you don’t want to buy a new one you can Get $100 OFF the Reconditioned Cricut Expression Machine!

Has spring come your way yet? What are you crafting up this spring?

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Spring Into Savings! Creative Online Classes Sew,Knit, Crochet,Jewelry…

7 Apr posted by Theresa Huse

Craftsy is having a spring sale!! Just a quick reminder you won’t want to miss the savings if you are ready to take an online crafting class. As I mentioned Thursday about the jewelry class that is on sale I didn’t know they would be having specials on so many more crafting, sewing & creative classes on April 5, 2013- April 8, 2013 this is Craftsy’s big spring sale.

A different set of Craftsy classes will be on sale each day, up to 75% off their normal price. Don’t see the class you want on sale? Check back tomorrow – a fresh pick of courses will be on sale!

Again, if you read Thursday’s post you know I am excited for the jewelry class, but I am heading over to see what else I’d like to take. I am ready to try something new! How about you? I love that the classes are guaranteed & you get to keep them, they don’t expire!! Perfect for going back to when you need to refresh what you learned or save to watch & make when you have more time! I hope you don’t miss out on this great opportunity to get the class of your choice for a great price!

To see all the classes on sale visit Craftsy

Have you ever taken a Craftsy class?

Thursday’s Post about Jewelry class I am wanting to take.

Inspiration Spotlight #Linkup 35 Crafts, Diy, Decor, Recipes….

5 Apr posted by Theresa Huse

Dear Creatives, Drop by to link up & add in your newest posts; crafting, diy, decor, recipes, photography, art, blog tips, anything goes! Don’t have anything new, no worries share a favorite post that you think we’d like to see. Hope you had a great Easter this past week are ready to be inspired to get making, doing & creative this week! Now onto the features & then it’s your turn to link up your posts!

In The Spotlight

Flower Power Ring Tutorial

Now if you think you can’t make this think again. Rena Klingenberg – jewelry artist shares just how with an amazing video tutorial. I know you can improvise a few tools too, she mentions how & when you see the simplicity you will take your favorite buttons & be making them into jewelry PS. if you missed it this week I also shared a jewelry making class that is on sale! But, let me tell you a bit more about Rena her humble beginnings started from her love handmade jewelry! Many years ago her lifelong obsession with earrings led her to start collecting beads and making my own earrings….You can find out more about her by visiting her site, where she also has a blog you can visit & see her tutorial. Maybe this will get you making a button ring!? I hope so!

Diy Drawer Organizing

Spring cleaning & organizing time is here. Now your thinking how can this be creative? Well Selene shares a creative solution to not spending a fortune on wood drawer dividers. If you’d like to see how this project was done you’ll just have to visit her. Maybe you can have a drawer this pretty & never buy plastic organizers again! You can visit Selene at Restoration Beauty Selene claims to be a girly girl married to an all manly man, a proud mommy to an energetic 2 year old girl. Her blog is a window into her life’s obsessions; you will find home DIY projects, beauty tips & reviews, tips on organization, and cleaning solutions.

Diy Chocolate Eggs

I know Easter has past (& I hope you all had a nice one) but, this simple idea of making your own molded chocolate is something that can be made with any style or shaped mold & not just for Easter! Maybe you have always wanted to make candy, but were afraid? Maybe someone you want to give pretty chocolates to has a diary allergy. This is a pretty simple solution & could be fun to make a gifts anytime. I can see grabbing a flower mold or ….Thanks to Jessica sharing how easy it is maybe you’ll give it a try! & When you visit Jessica at Sunny Stitching you can peek around at all her lovely crochet too! Jessica loves to share all that she is making. She spend loads of time with her little girl and little guy, teaches part-time at a local American school, and has recently opened a shop on Etsy.

In case you missed last week’s party & you’d like to see all the entries you can visit here to see all the other great ideas: Inspiration Spotlight #34
As always I’ll be tweeting & pinning entries!
Now it’s your turn to button up!

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Online Jewelry Making Class

4 Apr posted by Theresa Huse

Dear Creatives, Have you ever wanted to learn how to make jewelry? The kind that doesn’t cost you a fortune to make or learn? Well I am excited for two reasons. Right now this Online Jewelry Making Class is on sale. It is an online class! Yeah, I don’t have time to drive to a class & love that it offers you the ability to learn it from home. When you buy it you have access for ever! & it’s 100% guaranteed. Let me tell you about this Epoxy Jewelry making class being offered on Craftsy.

Hey, don’t worry if this jewelry making class isn’t for you they have Daily Crafting Deals But, why am I excited out about this class? Two reasons; one I’d love to take it myself at the current sale price of $19.99 vs $39.99. At either price is a great price!! I looked at taking a similar class this summer in Petaluma, CA (& 5 hrs.away) & it was over $150. with registration fees, travel expenses…on top of it! & if you are creative I know that you can take these class skills & spread your wings making even more items when you get good with making things. Maybe even sell things down the road. Again if, you rather check out all Craftsy classes here is where you can see them all listed in one spot & even look at their sales class list.

What you get in the class;

How to mix, color, shape and mold epoxy clay
How to add clay, crystals and found objects to bezels
How to make filigree, armatures and free-form shapes
Paper and photo transfer techniques
Finishing touches like polish and findings

& much, much more. visit to watch video about the class & view what has been shared by members who have taken the class! Over 1000 people have taken this class. Don’t miss out on all the classes right now during Craftsy Sale

I just have to say I am so excited about this class. I have been wanting to find something new to do & this is perfect for me. I hope you find a class that suits your creative needs by visiting Craftsy & seeing what they are offering right now. When I get started I will be sure to share photos!

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INSPIRATION SPOTLIGHT #LINKUP 34 CRAFTS,DIY,DECOR,RECIPES…

29 Mar posted by Theresa Huse

Dear Creatives, Drop by to link up & add in your newest posts; crafting, diy, decor, recipes, photography, art, blog tips, anything goes! Some perfect last minute ideas & tips for Easter have been shared this past week. & if you missed yesterday’s post I shared a round up of some freebies, diys & crafts that are easy for anyone looking for ideas that can be put together quick for Easter also. The post also has where you can grab some free Easter coloring pages to print for kids. What ever your crafting & cooking up I hope you find time to share it here! Now onto the spotlight!

Cheesecake-Filled Chocolate Easter Eggs

Oh this Easter Cadbury Egg Candy recipe knock off looks amazingly good. The recipe was submitted from Grace at Butter & Eggs. Grace loves baking, photography, and old books. She also loves Converse All Stars and Hobbits es. She also loves pretty summer dresses, Macs, and the beach……

Marbled Eggs Dye Recipe

When it comes to dying Easter eggs who doesn’t love fun & easy? Or at least having great results from an easy way to dye eggs. This simple Easter Egg Marbled Egg Dye Recipe will make the process so much easier than anything I have tried so far & thanks to Kathy at the Chicken Chick that is just what I’ll do this year. How about you? Kathy’s site is all about chicks – chickens & she also shares recipes along with some diy s.

Easter Egg Flower Centerpiece

I just love this idea that Crystelle created using eggs to make little vases. Perfect for tea roses or other flowers. I thought it was perfect & easy to do for Easter! She even puts them in egg cups. So if you have the perfect little hard/soft boiled egg cup you’ll love to take a peek at how to create your own. Thanks for creating this tutorial Crytelle! You can find her at CrystelleBoutique where she always enjoys creating something. & She say’s she just can’t help herself: ideas are always popping up in her head.

Now if your busy because of Easter this weekend don’t worry you have until next Thurs. @ 530pm PST to drop by & enter your post links!! As always, I am tweeting & pinning entries. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter!! & happy week ahead.

If you missed last weeks you can visit it right here to see all the other great ideas:Inspiration Spotlight #33

Now it’s your turn!

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Easter Freebies Diy’s & #Crafts

28 Mar posted by Theresa Huse

Dear Creatives, I am sharing free Easter printable s & a round up of some other Spring & Easter goodies for you! Just in time for adding to your last minute or day of Easter fun! These diy’s will have you making some last minute decorating & gifting in no time flat!

First up some gift tag free printable s via The Graphics Fairy & created by PaperGravy

There is also an 8×8 digital paper. Both PDF’s you can print from & grab right here: Easter Printables

Source: craftyendeavor.com via Theresa on Pinterest

I love this Pretty egg garland. We just happen to have lots of misc pretty colors of embroidery threads & water balloons so I might just beat you to this Easter project created by Craftyendevors & make this with Sammie for Easter.

Source: simpleasthatblog.com via Theresa on Pinterest

Of course if you rather make a banner from paper this one from Rebecca at Simple As That is sharing a bunny template & you can see with a few bits of papers, string & buttons what a cute bunny banner you can have. I actually think I might make one for a spring baby banner for a little one that is sure to be cute as a button & soft as a bunny. You can grab the free bunny template from SimpleAsThat & on the same post is a link for how to if you need one.

Source: myfabulesslife.com via Theresa on Pinterest

We really aren’t having a big Easter gathering this year but, I do want to make a cute something for Sammie’s eggs & this idea is perfect. Taking part of a carton & making it pretty. She kind of has outgrown the Easter bunny. So decorating her plastic eggs with pretty papers & having her color a few real ones might just make the day a little more festive for the tween. You can see materials used right here for Recycled Egg Cartons via My Fabuless Life.+

I know that Sammie might not believe in the Easter bunny but, she would love some bunny cotton tails. You can grab the free printable for the packaging at the Idea Room.

Of course if you have little kids you need activities to keep them busy. Coloring can be a lot of fun for them in & out of the lines of course with their new crayons the Easter bunny might bring for them! & these Hello Kitty pages might just do the trick to make some bunny happy! Via HelloKittyColouring you’ll find lots to pick from! Go here to check out all the Hello Kitty Easter coloring pages

Be sure to visit tomorrow with more! & Inspiration Spotlight which is sure to have more diy & Easter ideas! If you missed it you can check out last Friday’s post IS#33! Feel free to link up your crafting ideas, recipes…also there is still time today or come back tomorrow for a new party full of inspiration.

Are you hosting or traveling for Easter? Or having a quiet one at home like us?

& if your looking for some really good Easter coupons to save you $ so you have more for crafting don’t forget to check out the click & print coupons page! Added bonus to your Easter! Here is just a sample of them:

$1.00 off SNICKERS Peanut Butter Square Miniatures

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Filed Under: Crafts, freebies, Paper-Crafts, printables

Inspiration Spotlight #LinkUp 33 Crafts,diy,decor,recipes…

22 Mar posted by Theresa Huse

Dear Creatives, Drop by to link up & add in your newest posts; crafting, diy, decor, recipes, photography, art, blog tips, anything goes! The party is still on but, I have to delay the features. My apologies, as some of you know I was under the weather the past few weeks, (trying to keep up the whole time) but am well now. Then a snowball of commitments, helping Sammie with a state report & catching up has occurred. I tried to visit a few, but then it just wasn’t going to happen. I am sure this has never happened to you, right?

I am going to share some things that are inspiring me right now. Then go get social adding in your links & visiting around to other blogs. I promise to catch up visiting over the weekend & coming week, having features next week! ( Sometimes things just get too hot too handle! & something s got to give.) First I’m sharing a Easter basket tutorial & then a paper cutting Easter bunny template & paper cutting class. Then it’s your turn to inspire us!

Source: nanacompany.typepad.com via Vintage, Shabby… on Pinterest

This super cute tutorial for a cloth Easter Basket. I’ve always been a big fan of Amy’s sewing projects. You might just like to sew one yourself with her Easter basket tutorial.

Source: elsita.typepad.com via Theresa on Pinterest

I have always been a huge fan of Elsa Mora who cuts paper in the most amazing ways.There is two times of year my sister in law from Germany cuts paper Christmas & Easter. I have always been fascinated by how detailed they both can get their paper cutting. If you live in Portland area Elsa is going to be holding a paper cutting summer class. If not swoon on or drop by Elsa’s Etsy shop for a wonderful template to cut a cute Easter bunny for yourself.

If you missed last weeks you can visit it right here: Inspiration Spotlight #32

Now it’s your turn!

Button Up!

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Thanks for coming! What will you be working on this weekend?