Tag Archives: gifts

DIY Pearl Daisies

Here’s a quick DIY project that you can do to bring flowers into your décor while you wait for spring to bring the real deal. I originally posted this DIY Pearl Daisies project as part of my 52 week series,
Girls Want Pearls.

For today’s project I raided my button stash and grabbed some pearls, wire, and twigs from the yard to create…

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To create the daisy I simply threaded the wire through the back of the button and, using one long continuous strand of wire, threaded pearls on and looped each petal, twisting together in the back before creating the next loop. Then I attached the flower to the twig with wire.

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You can glue on lace or burlap leaves to complete the look.

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I like the juxtaposition of the rustic twig with the fancy pearls. I placed mine in a “vase” of corroded copper pipe to give it even more of a rustic feel. The look can be easily changed up by using buttons in various styles and colors. Have fun with it!

I’m really ready for winter to be over.
I miss my bicycle.
And green grass.
And fresh air.

Only 39 days until spring!

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Creative Way to Present a Gift Using Bag & Tissue

With Halloween just a few days away and the holidays approaching there will be many opportunities for goodies and gift giving. Today I have a tutorial that will show you a creative way to present a gift. It’s a twist on using a gift bag and tissue.

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I chose plain brown paper bags but you could use any solid color. My love for baby boo pumpkins inspired me to use tissue in an aged beige color. The pumpkin would be very cute in orange too.

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For the star I used a smaller bag. My plan was to use a matte gold tissue paper but the store I went to didn’t have it. They did have this beige and gold glitter paper so I decided to give it a try.

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Now for the very simple instructions and supply list.

1) Gift Bag
2) Tissue Paper
3) Scissors
4) Glue
5) Pencil

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Right click to save the above template to your computer and print it in the desired size

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Trace around the star onto the bag

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Cut tissue paper into 1 1/2 inch squares. You will need 35-50 depending on the size of your bag, etc. Crumple each square up into a ball and then open back up enough to pinch from the middle and create a sort of pointed blossom.

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Begin gluing blossoms in the center of the star, dotting the pointed end with glue and pressing onto bag. It won’t have defined edges during this part of the process but keep the bottom (glued portion) of each blossom within and against the pencil border.

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Once the glue has dried, define the star shape by pinching, pressing and scrunching the outer edges.
Any simple shape will work and the design could be adapted to fit any occasion.

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Here’s the template I used to create the pumpkin bag.
Feel free to use, pin and share!
Happy creating!

This week’s tip for A Little Bird Told Me is on a subject I loathe ~ cleaning.

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This is how I clean my oven door and it works beautifully!
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Linking with: Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson,The Scoop, Between Naps on the Porch, From My Front Porch to Yours, Cozy Little House, A Stroll Thru LifeIvy and Elephants, Shabby Art Boutique, French Country Cottage, Amaze Me Monday, VMG206, That DIY Party, Funky Junk Interiors, Savvy Southern Style, The Charm of Home, Vintage Charm

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Sugarplum Festival + A Little Bird Told Me

In case you were thinking that I’m ready to start talking about Christmas, I’m so not! I do however want to let you know about an event that I’ll be selling at. Sugarplum Festival is St. Joseph, Missouri’s annual kick off to the holiday season held at the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art.

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Great shopping, a “Deck the Halls” auction, wine tasting and a lunch café will get shoppers going on their lists for gifts and décor. I will be selling my jewelry and a few other goodies including these wood slice ornaments.

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I may be back later with a tutorial on these ornaments.

And now it’s time for A Little Bird Told Me where I share a weekly tip from my own bag of tricks.

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You’ll save many a calorie this way!

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In The Studio: Earrings for Summer and Fall

Hey there! I hope you’re enjoying the summer! When it’s not 95+ degrees I’ve been soaking in some vitamin D. I just got back from a mini getaway where I was able to relax and rejuvenate at a spa resort. It’s the first non-work getaway I’ve had in exactly one year and I was way overdue! Pedicures, full body massage, pool time and girl talk was just what I needed after the hard physical work of the weeks before. It was also a chance to clear my head and get a new perspective, away from some of the close and extended family issues that have been making my heart heavy the last few months. I haven’t shared anything about this on the blog. Maybe I will eventually but for now I’ll just say that when your family members are hurting, you hurt too.

I’ve been spending some time in my studio, not creating ~ boo! ~ but organizing. After the garage sale (which was a huge success and earned about 3/4 the cost of the new mattress I want to buy) my house was a shambles. I tore up my studio and storage area during the clear-out, where I keep a lot of my jewelry supplies and props but didn’t organize as I went, leaving it for afterwards. Once I get it completely whipped into shape I will be ready to get in there and create! In the meantime I want to share with you a couple of pairs of earrings that I will be putting in the shop soon.

The first pair is perfect for summer with its vintage lace and gold shimmer.
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These could be worn for day or night. I picture them with a sleeveless maxi + other gold accessories by day, or with a romantic summer dress, hair up and heels for a date night.

The second pair can be worn year round but I always think of leather in conjunction with fall.
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I hand cut the cross pieces from an old belt and gave them a turquoise patina. I added a Swarovski crystal in Pacific Opal to the center of each cross.

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A couple of months ago I shared part of the makeover going on in our kitchen/dining areas. I will soon be sharing some pictures of the rest of our kitchen and dining room, pre and post painting/updating/farmhouse-izing. Thanks for stopping by!

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In The Studio: Lace Ball Earrings

It’s been quite a while since I’ve shared what I’ve been making in my jewelry studio. That’s because I haven’t been in there for a while! Today I have four pairs of lace ball earrings that all started with a large wooden bead.

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I hand covered each wooden bead using antique lace scraps from my stash.

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Each pair was designed to be unique, pairing them with different baubles.

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I like to wear shorter styles some days and longer styles other days, depending on my mood and outfit, so I created some of each.

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For the above pair, I incorporated pieces of an antique wooden rosary.

All four designs are now available in my shop, hand crafted and one of a kind at $20 a pair.
Thanks for stopping by!

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Favorite Things Giveaway

Just popping in to let you know about a giveaway that is going on right now over at DIY Beautify + 9 other blogs.

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This is the BODY, HOME and OFFICE Pampering Pack, just one of the ten prize packages being given away by the ten participating blogs.

When Cindy asked me if I would be interested in giving one of my jewelry pieces I didn’t have to think twice. The piece I sent to be included in her package is very similar to this:

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Visit DIY Beautify to enter!

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