Crafts — Dear Creatives

Winter Woodland Diy Crushes

close up Woodland ornaments_ #shop_Theresa Huse 2013

Today this is what I am loving & must admit I am having Winter Diy Crushes! I have a whole list of projects coming, but am waiting for some of my supplies to arrive & ones I have created have to be edited. The one thing that is hard about living in a rural area is not being by where you can get your supplies easily. Of course I hit up the craft store when I was visiting up north & in the city but, thinking we’d be back again prior to leaving didn’t get supplies, “sigh.” Today just a short round up of projects I am loving & you might like to think about making too. Along with where to purchase some woodland supplies & fabrics for your woodland crushes! I happen to be dreaming of a diy woodland Christmas! Do you have a theme yet for your decor?

Photo Credits: Alice Patterson Photography The Sweetest Occasion: Diy Gold Leaf Pine Cone Garland

There isn’t anything I love using more than nature in my winter & holiday decor. Of course adding my favorite gold, silver & glitter is just icing on the cake! Design + styling by Cyd Converse for The Sweetest Occasion.

Woodland Bookmarks

When it comes to winter you just can’t get enough reading under a cozy blanket as far as we are concerned. If you are like us you just might enjoy this free Woodland Printable from Ellinee.com Who wouldn’t love these marking the pages on the books your reading? Sometimes there is nothing like holding a book & turning pages add in the cute woodland bookmarks & smile.

Felted Woodland Mushrooms

I must admit I have never tried felting. Have you? These are felted woodland mushrooms I found on Etsy created by Anca whose shop is called BalloonHighway I am just swooning over them. You’ll find them in a host of colors & she even has felted acorns. Can’t you just see these on a Christmas tree or a little winter vignette?

Whimsical Woodland Nest Ornament

Another thing I love is whimsy in winter & holiday decor. You can find this & other whimsical woodland items at Fairyfolk on Etsy. All these winter woodland ideas has me swooning for a woodland holiday this year!

Today’s Woodland Post is being brought to you by Fabric.com You can find supplies, woodland fabrics, yarns, templates & so much more for your holiday crafting & sewing! Whether it’s woodland or something else!

Fiskars Shape Template Woodland

Embellish scrapbooks, cards or paper crafts, make fabric appliqués, make custom stencil patterns and design accents for clay projects. Clear shape templates make it easy to crop images and align shapes perfectly. A built-in grid pattern makes layout simple and quick. Use shape templates with Fiskars Ultra Shape Xpress Shape Cutter too for paper crafting projects. Shapes can also be traced on any material and cut with scissors or craft knife. Stencil measures 12” X 12”.

I just love this Woodland Print called Woodland Tails Animal Cross Cream by RJR Fashion Fabrics. Which also comes in a green that is pretty too & of course there are pages of other woodland materials. Two other favorites just click images to see larger on Fabrics.com:

Woodland Critters Shelf Stripe Beige by Spectrix

& Woodland Pals Tossed Deer Nature by Kaufman. I would love to line a basket with it or create a cuff on a burlap Christmas stocking. What would you make with any of these fabrics?

Ready to save on supplies: Fabric.com…See The Deal of The Day!

What kind of holidays are you crafting up?

You may enjoy these posts:

Wrapping up your holidays (with woodland holiday wrapping paper ideas)
Woodland Themed Place Cards

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Thankful Words of Wisdom to Create By

28 Nov posted by Theresa Huse

Today I just wanted to take a moment to thank all my readers & those that share their posts on the weekly link up that I have here I look forward to continually seeing what you bring to the table for crafting & through inspiring each other.

I know many times when inspiration isn’t flowing that I can look at past Inspiration Spotlight parties & find something I haven’t tried yet or made by visiting your links. Whether it be a diy, craft, decor, ideas or tutorials, recipes & more…. Many times I have seen my blog friends advance or get recognized & cheered them on. Yes, it is nice to be recognized & am the times I have been. I want to share some of the reasons I love what I do & ways to stay postive as I go along.

What I love about blogging, crafting & creating (Things I am thankful for) :

having blogging friends like you!
growing as a person by challenging ones self
continued learning
gaining new skills
connecting with the craft community
being able to share skills, diy,crafts & recipes with others
sharing classes, books & other helpful tips
& of course being inspired by others in the larger crafting community who I continually meet

I also wanted to share some reminders when it comes to art & crafts or any type of creativity. Here are some words of wisdom I try to live by to help me as I work daily;

ShopAnnShen

It’s so easy to compare ourselves. There is such talent everywhere! There is always someone bigger, better & well know than you.That’s ok! Remember don’t compare, it’s about enjoying the journey.

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Don’t let yourself hold you back from trying, learning, growing & becoming. Have dreams & goals. I am so hard on myself sometimes, are you?

Stephanie Ackerman

Make creativity a part of your daily life even if it’s only for an hour a day! Take the time to be creative. I often talk about setting aside the time, but you must also take the time you set aside! Forget the chores or …even for an hour or more! They aren’t going anywhere! Skip posting one day if you need to.

Neil Giaman

You will sew something wrong, you will spill paint, it will not look good, it may be backwards, something may rip, you might bend a nail, you may mispell what you type. Just do it, make it, create it, craft it, sew it, make mistakes & learn from it. The next thing you know is your are doing something! & you can blog it! & maybe someone will even like it, be helped by it, pin it, share it & best of all make it for themselves.

I hope you are able to spend time with friends & family. I feel blessed this year we are all together, which isn’t normally how things go. I will be back after the holiday weekend, but will post party tomorrow & when I can sneak away for a break. Until then wishing you the best with your families! Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

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Woodland Themed Squirrel Place Cards for Tablescapes #Diy

19 Nov posted by Theresa Huse

I just love woodland themes. I enjoy it for all seasons but, especially for winter. Since I’ve been making place cards for our Thanksgiving I decided to also make some up for another winter gathering. I might just have our holidays be a woodland theme this year.

I also made a woodland banner but, I’ll have to share that on another day. For these little place cards I used a wood card stock and a fall woodland paper that looks like it has acorns on the design. The papers came in a paper pack from Michaels Crafts called Harvest Delight by Recollections.

As you can see I did two opposites with the paper designs. There are six of each kind.

I used Cricut’s Design Studio to size designs
I then cut them with my Cricut
I folded the card at mid point mark
Use a bone folder to create a smooth crease
Then used a extra strong clear drying glue stick to bond the folded place card & squirrel together
Supply list below

& then here’s the backs. Leaving a spot for names on the tails or add an additional plain paper can be placed onto the back of the card for names if you wanted.

The insides of the place cards are blank too. These squirrels are ready for a gathering! How about you?

No matter which one you’d pick they would be a sweet addition to any table setting. For now or anytime during the holidays. Imagine a place setting with these all around. A lovely floral bouquet with branches, maybe some cut out wood trivets & a few ceramic or twig woodland creatures set about the table. Like the ones you’ve seen at Pier 1 Imports. & if you want to learn how to make the silver ware holders (shown in image) just visit this post for the tutorial: Burlap Utensil Holder Diy

Supplies used to make these Woodland Place Cards:

Affiliate offers & post brought to you by Cricut a small commission will be earned from your purchase if you decide to buy through these links. In turn this helps support my site & I thank you if you do decide to take advantage of any offers I love myself & have purchased or would buy.
Cricut Die Cut Machine – Cricut Expression
Cricut Craft Room Design Studio (free download for online software)
Cricut Cartridge (for squirrels) Winter Woodland Cartridge
Cricut Cartridge Plantin Schoolbook & also found in many other cartridges! (for place card)
Bone Folder
Harvest Delight Card Stock By Recollections 12 x 12 Sheets
Glue Stick (clear drying, extra strong)
Don’t forget to subscribe here to keep up to date with all the crafts, cooking & …

Today’s the last day to take advantage of this affiliate offer:30% off all Cricut digital cartridges! Use WINTER30 at checkout.

Don’t worry if you missed out you can still visit Cricut to see all the Daily Deals! Cricut Daily Deals

Do you own a Cricut?

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Holiday Decor Made Easy With Cricut’s Holiday Bundle Offers +Free Cartridges!

7 Nov posted by Theresa Huse

It’s simply hard to believe that we are almost to Thanksgiving. I have a bit more early preparations to do for the upcoming festivities. I am helping my older daughter who is hosting this year. I’ll be making several paper-crafts to help with the decor & bringing a few early holiday gifts to send with those I won’t see for Christmas.Today besides sharing what I have made I am sharing a few things in the works & hoping to make before these weeks fly by.

I am also excited to bring you some affiliate offerings from Cricut today! They have so many cute things coming up for the holidays in the way of projects that you can easily fit in for decor or gifts. & if you don’t have a Cricut yet maybe it’s something to consider.

I love using my Cricut die cut machine. With their online Craft Studio software it’s easy to design your own items from the cartridges you own.

If you want to see how I created this project just visit here. Besides the banners I am making for her.I want to cut out some leaf decor & table seating cards for Thanksgiving our family is pretty big when we all get together. It’s nice to have certain things all figured out like seating, then the kids don’t fuss on who is where. I hope to share them with you soon.

I also love the idea of placing a little grateful take away gift. You can cut out boxes easily using the Cricut & fold them up in a snap. How sweet is that? If you don’t have a Cricut yet consider Reconditioned Cricut Expression + Library Fonts cartridge: Just $99.99! I have the Cricut Expression & love it! I wish I would of seen a deal like this when I got mine several years ago.

Right now this is such a great buy! Buy the Cricut Holiday Decor Bundle – ONLY $39.99! Normally $49.98 & with the bundle you get 2 cartridges.You don’t have to stop with Thanksgiving. You can get started with your holiday cards & there are several sales & bundles but, here is just one:Buy Cricut’s Creative Holiday Cards cartridge- ONLY $24.99!

I hope you enjoyed getting some ideas about ways you can easily get creative & start crafting with Cricut! Be sure to check out their daily deals & more! Oh, be sure to ask Santa for one if you don’t own one, wink!

Today’s Deals on Cricut.com

Do you enjoy paper-crafting?

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#Craftsy 48hr Flash Sale & New Online Class Offerings!

30 Oct posted by Theresa Huse

Craftsy is having a Spooktacular Halloween Craft Class Sale! If you missed the last Craftsy sale like I did then now is the time to think about adding a new class to your schedule. Remember if you can’t take it right now that’s ok, because once these classes are purchased you have full access to them forever & with a 100% Guarentee* See Craftsy for their complete terms. Signing up is easy. If you don’t have an account sign up for free. Purchase class of your choice & it goes directly to your home page for you to access at any time.

I am super excited to share this affiliate offer with you because this wasn’t expected & there are a few new classes that have been added to the mix.

This is a Craftsy 48 Hour Flash Sale from October 30th – 31st & a great Opportunity to purchase classes at a huge savings & watch them at your convience! It’s easy to find what your interested in go to all online classes, select catagory of interest & sale classes.That is just one of the ways to find them!

You’ll find classes in every catagory on sale at Craftsy from cake decorating with 28 classes on sale from basics to the business course.Then crafting classes such as knitting from sweaters to gloves & so many more! You will find classes on sale from each of these catagories listed below.

Craftsy Catagories:
Cake Decorating, Jewelry, Paper Crafts, Home & Garden, Spinning, ,Weaving, Fine Art, Photography, Embroidery, Food & Cooking, Crocheting, Knitting, Quilting, Sewing &
more! Free Classes at Craftsy Also Craftsy has added some new classes!

New Classes!

I am super excited to about the class on photographing flowers. If you have followed me for awhile you know that I love to take nature photography.Don’t forget about Craftsy’s free mini classes! It’s a great introduction how things are taught & you’ll see how easy it is to take online classes, learn something new & enjoy expanding on your craft skills!

I’ve been enrolled in several classes & finished a few. If you’ve been a regular reader you’ve seen the Raspberry Jam I made from taking the class Jam & Marmalade under food & craft. I’ve also been working on my photography with the Shoot It class that I took. I have signed up for quite a few classes & as I complete one go onto the next. Next up for me is Perfect Pizza at home & Fabric Patterning. The Perfect Pizza at Home was a free mini class when you visit you can see if it’s still available or what is. Free Classes at Craftsy I try to take advantage of as many sales & freebies as I can.Not only is it fun learning, but I love sharing my new skills with Sammie. I also love sharing what I make with you!

I hope you find the time to take a look & possibly take advantage of this great sale & remember they make great gifts for the creative, foodies, teens or just anyone interested in learning a new skill.

What type of crafting classes would you like to try taking?

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Festive Fall Round-Up of DIY s & Ideas

29 Oct posted by Theresa Huse

Lots of fun seasonal & holiday things have been catching my eye lately. I just haven’t had time to do a round up in awhile, but today is the day! Hopefully you’ll find inspiration from this to create your own. I am always so overwhelmed with the talent that is abound in our crafting, creative & food community! Not to mention the generous nature the share, create tutorials & give a freebie here or there. I hope you enjoy todays round-up!

Festive Fall Round-up get ready to get your craft on!

There is still time to create a fall wreath! I loved this Fall Wreath Diy

I love meals you can throw together quickly & bake. That gives me more time for crafting & doing other things. I don’t know about you but, Mexican food is one of our favorites in our home. This dish reminds me of our fav fast food Mexican Pizza but in a cassarole form. If your like us you’ll love to try this Chicken Tostada Casserole from AmandasCookin.

This Thanksgiving there is going to be quite a few kids at our gathering, many who are little as our family is growing. I was so inspired by this cute idea I know we just have to make this diy for the kids tables & let them have some festive fun! Thanks to Liz at Hoozier Homemade you can too with her Woodland Creatures Mask Tutorial.

& here’s a few more crafty, sewing ideas perfect for fall fun & making!

Sewing Diy- Quilted Circle Coasters
Diy Gourd Drum for kids or decor
Sewing Diy Bohemian Fabric Feather Headress perfect for kids playing
Printables Free Printable Jam Tags

Then I saw this thoughtful article on Do I need all this? About giving to the needy & pairing down. I know this is something I want to work on in my home. Becky of Organizing Made Fun shares how you can give to the needy & where. She also shares some organizing tips. Giving to the needy & giving from your abundance with Novemeber coming up it is the perfect time to remember to be grateful & give not only now but, all year long!

Before you know it we’ll be on our way to creating holiday crafts. I am super excited to share this affiliate offer for a Felt Holiday with Betz White.

Fab Felt Holiday Crafts

What festive, fun fall projects are you working on or wanting to work on?

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A Is For Autumn & Another Fall Banner to Love!

2 Oct posted by Theresa Huse

I managed to create another banner this past week. Paper crafting is something I love to do, its fun putting together the pretty papers with earthy twines or pretty ribbons. Finding the right combinations that just seem to fall into place. Sometimes it’s trial & error as I have tripped over my own choices many a time. I am inspired by creative paper crafters out there. There are some that work by hand, paper cutting which is a true art & then like this project today which is done with a die cut machine & putting all the elements together yourself. I did create the design cuts with Cricut’s online studio.

I just love this autumn paper with leaves that came from a pack of paper called Autumn Splendor by DCWV. I don’t know about you but, I am smitten with paper designs, pattern & textures. Then adding different thicknesses, textures of twine or using a pretty ribbon, adding glitter it’s all icing on the cake!

I haven’t had too much time for creating this past week. I had decided to sign up for Alt Summit for Everyone, its an online blogging course. I was really glad I did although anytime I leave an inspiring conference or online class it leaves my head spinning! Ideas, to do lists…& talented folks everywhere. Writing about so many topics such as design, fashion, photography, styling, crafting or just articulating their niche finding the success in their creative place online.

But, finding a little time to create this banner was slipped in. Ya! I did glitter my mini clothes pins myself, as explained in previous paper-crafting post. I am falling in love with designing fall banner. I hope you enjoy seeing them as much as I enjoy making them. On each side of autumn is a pumpkin & twine long enough to hang at a fire place. I used my Cricut to make them to see exactly what cut cartridges I am using & other details such as twines, glittering the mini clothes pins (& why I do it myself)…

Visit this post: Fall Banners PS: Don’t forget to share your posts here at the party if you have something to share! ! & of course if you want a banner just email me for details. I know I’m not done yet having fun coming up with ideas for pretty fall banners.

Disclosure: This is an affiliate link should you visit & purchase something I will earn a small comission to help maintain my site.

Thanks to for making it so easy!

Have you been doing some fall crafting?

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Filed Under: Paper-Crafts

Fall Banner Easily Made: #Paper-Crafting

19 Sep posted by Theresa Huse

Hope this finds you well today! I am sharing a paper-crafts project today.I started working on a few banners. So far one Halloween, three fall. I managed to get a few photos of one of them. I am loving the ones I have made so far. Fall is my favorite time of year! Banners, burlap, pumpkins, wind rustling, falling leaves & all the beautiful colors of autumn. I did create some traditional banners, but I also am playing with color. This one fits nicely with my decor & new bird cage covers. If you missed them just scroll down the side bar.

For this banner I used mini clothes pins I purchased & had at home, hence the mix match. But, I have since bought & glittered my own as I am doing multiple banners. It’s cheaper that way. The average price is $2.99 for 12 glittered. Stringing the banner was easy I used a lovely twine & pinned the tags to it. Material list to help you at bottom of post.

I used a pretty blue lightly accented paper, for the background & lettering a fall pattern.

These little pumpkins do have slits in them & at times a little sunlight peaks through.

The banners I am making are all made with my Cricut. Don’t worry if you don’t have a Cricut yet you can still make fall banners I have plenty of how to’s on my projects – crafts page! If you can’t find a banner template online email me & I will draw one & add it to this post for you! & you can cut them by hand. And for lettering if you cut by hand just use a stencil onto paper to cut them out.

Today’s post was brought to you by my lovely Sponsor Cricut! Please visit them if you like.

Cricut’s Free Cut of the Week!

What I love about my Cricut is the online Cricut Craft Studio making it so easy to design on your computer & cut out your designs. Cricut also has free cut’s of the week! If you own one or want to see what I am talking about visit to see this week’s Cut of the Week. You can also rent, buy indivdual images, buy bundles…

For this banner project I used the:

Cricut Expression Machine (right now: Halloween Bundle for $139.99 vs. $165.99 this is a refurbished machine & catridge pkg. such a deal!)
I used the online Craft Studio which is free you just load program onto your computer once you purchase any machine, but it’s not necessary if you don’t want to.Personally it makes it so easy for designing.

Cartridges used:

Gypsy Wanderings for the pumpkin
Plaintain Schoolbook for the tag
Plantain Schoolbook for lettering (which you typically receive when you purchase your machine) Any fonts you have will work!

Other items:

Mini Spring Clothespins 1 3/4″-24/Pkg
Koch 5480307 520-Feet Jute Twisted 3 Ply Twine, Natural
Martha Stewart Crafts Glitter, Desert, 3-Pack
Elmer’s E4020 CraftBond Repositionable Glue Sticks, 4 Sticks per Pack, 6 Grams per Stick, Clear
EK Success Cutter Bee Precision-Cut Scissors (the best small paper scissors I have ever found!)

Right now on sale is this Halloween Cartridge
Get the Cricut Create Machine for ONLY $129.99

Do you have a Cricut or other die cut machine? Have you made a fall banner yet this year?

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#Free Pattern Round-Up Crafting, Knitting & More + Big Craftsy Sale! Up to 75% Off

18 Sep posted by Theresa Huse

I created a round up of free patterns from Craftsy. I also wanted to share with you about their big sale going on until Sat 9-21 ! It’s a huge sale on classes, yarn & fabric up to 75% off!You are sure to find something you have been wanting to learn that’s on sale or even a class you bookmarked that maybe was to expensive full price. Classes on sale have a huge range from $9.99, $14.99 & up! Which beats the typical $39.99- $59.99. I know I am headed there this week. I can’t wait to share what class I end up getting & then projects I finish from it. This is also a great time to pick up classes to gift to someone you know who loves crafting, sewing or any of the many catagories of classes they have! Below are some of the free online classes. Then I will also share where to get your sale classes & more.

Disclosure: This post does contain some affiliate links all opinions are 100% my own & I highly recommend Craftsy based on my own personal experience from taking classes, grabbing patterns & having a page where all my classes are located. Craftsy stands behind their classes with a 100% guarentee. You can read more about it on their site. Craftsy is one lovely sponsor making classes affordable to all!

I can’t believe my class I signed up for before is on sale for $9.99 from the $39.99 Jam & Marmalade the Blue Chair Way. I’ll be sharing some jam I just recently made soon! I made raspberry & then some with a combination of flavors. I am waiting to edit photos. You can see links at bottom of post for all sale classes! Classes on sale which range from home & garden, sewing, quilting, knitting, jewelry, cake decorating & more!

The Round up of free patterns:

Thatched Cottage Zip Up Case free Pattern (Knitting) Shown above
Apple jacket cozy (crochet)
Basic Jewellery Tools Pattern - In this tutorial, you will find a complete description of the basic tools needed to get you started making wire jewelry, how and when to use them, how to look after them and lots of useful tips to help you with your new hobby. With no less than 47 photos, I hope you will find this free tutorial a valuable resource.

Of course if you are looking to find more free patterns Craftsy is a great resource! In case you missed these easy to follow & find your free patterns here they are again!

Yes, I grabbed the zipper case for myself, hoping to pick up the needles & get better at knitting to do this project sometime. The apple jacket cozy as it is an easy beginner crochet pattern which I thought might make a fun teachers gift for the holidays. The Jewellery Tool Pattern: to get to know basic tools for wired jewelry making is right up Sammie’s interests in jewelry making. Since I don’t know too much jewelry I think it will be a good starting resource for us. I can’t wait to share her paracord project soon.

Saleabration Up to 75% off

Now onto the sale! Yes you can grab deals at the Craftsy Sale: Up to 75% Off All Courses, Fabric and Yarn! The list is too long to mention just head over to see what interests you & save some money by getting them on sale! It’s the perfect time to sign up or grab some supplies you might need. If you sign up for a class I’d love to know what one you decided on. Maybe you can share your finish project here on the weekly link up!

What classes are you interested in taking?

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Special Price on Unlimited Online Crafting, Jewelry & Sewing +Other Classes

10 Sep posted by Theresa Huse

Today I wanted to share a special going on for unlimited access to classes at CreativeBug. Right now & only in Sept. you can purchase & lock in the low rate of $9.99 a month for unlimited access to CreativeBug classes. Typically classes are anywhere from $9.99 – 19.99+ per class & a varied subscription rate. This is quite the savings. Not only that but, there are some free classes with 14 day trials. If you have ever wanted to take a few crafting classes & have them at your access now is the time to check out what is being offered & save some money if you decide to purchase a subscription at the reduced rate.

Creativebug classes

Disclosure: I am a CreativeBug affiliate. & there will be affiliate links in my post. These are 100% my honest opinions. If you choose to purchase a class it helps me to maintain my site by earning a small comission fee & I thank you in advance for your support.

I don’t limit myself to where I take classes or subscribe to them for viewing online. I look for classes I am interested in & that are affordable. I love to learn & stay creative. I love taking classes online. Then I can fit the classes into my schedule. Making learning easy! CreativeBug is another way I do that.

There are always classes that I find I want to take. A few that I have been eyeing for quite a while are the Boho Leather Cuff & Carving Rubber Stamps (this one is free right now with 14 day trial)Workshops.

There are over 200 Workshops to choose from!
New workshops added weekly
Any workshops, anytime

Whether you are looking for creative classes for yourself or as a gift the selections of the workshops at Creativebug are too numerous to list. Oh, they do have classes for kids too!
What will you make today? Inspiring arts and crafts video workshops on creativebug.com