Christmas Stars from Paper Bags: Video Tutorial

This is the best and easiest video tutorial I have ever seen. You can make Christmas stars from brown paper lunch bags and craft glue. You will need scissors and ribbon for hanging. Nothing else. The hardest part is waiting for the glue to dry. Found on Instagram @clausdalby.

Needle Felted Duckling Love

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This is just too adorable. Hope it brightens your day. I have no intention of ever trying this craft but in case you are interested in how it's done, here is a YouTube Tutorial for making a simple owl.

Trees with Long Shadows

I love this wonderful linocut by Australian artist, Anita Laurence, entitled Winter II. I have always thought it would be fun to learn this craft but sadly I am not at all artistic in this way. Have a great weekend. xo

Cutest Handmade Bear

The hand stitching makes this bear so very lovable and adorable. Some lucky child is going to be thrilled with this huggable stuffed animal. Handmade toys and gifts are the best! via

Handmade Pitcher for Watering Plants

I went to an antiques show last week to benefit a local firehouse.

The firemen's wives had their own booth full of donated goods with inexpensive prices. The lady that sold this to me said she knew the lady that made it and the big funky spout was for watering plants. The leaf design is on the reverse too. I have plants in every window up in the attic and the blue and white was perfect with my curtains, so I bought it for $5.00 and love it. It's ever so much nicer than the plastic squeeze bottle I had been using. Smile.

Contemporary Snowy Owl Tavern Sign

Fabulous work by Heidi Howard

A Favorite Lamp in My Cottage

One of a pair of lamps made for me by a friend as a housewarming gift for my cottage when I first moved in. Reverse decoupage worked from the inside of the glass hurricane and the glass was painted last. 

Garden Desserts

These edible garden desserts are so charming, aren't they? The sand on the bottom layer must be crushed shortbread or other white cookies, chocolate pudding for the middle, topped by crushed chocolate cookies. I spy Oreo cookies in the background. How fun! The mint sprouts with the garden markers complete the gardening theme with potting shed items scattered around.

Needle Felted Grey Hare / Rabbit

So charming. This was made from a kit.

No, I am not going to make one but I love this.

From Etsy.

The Art of The Silversmith

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Antique sterling creamer circa 1880. 

Yes, please, I'd like a little cream in my coffee and the creamer in my purse.

Extraordinary Ampersand

WOW. This is so creative and really beautiful in every way. via 

Hot Water Bottle Cover from An Old Sweater

Start looking for old sweaters at rummage sales, thrift shops, garage sales, etc. to make covers for your hot water bottle. These would make great gifts for all the people in your life that you want to be nice and warm and cozy when they tuck into bed at night this winter. This one looks so easy...no pattern required. No zippers or buttons or buttonholes either. Nice.



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Canning Jar Sewing Kit

This is such a cute idea. I never thought about making a sewing kit out of a canning jar, did you? I found this image over at My Island Wedding. All you would have to do is pad the jar seal and top it with a decorative fabric, apply a bead of hot glue to the inside edge of the outer ring, snap it back together and there you are. These would be great to carry around with you if you are working on one special project. Sewing on buttons? Put them all in the jar along with your smallest sewing scissors, needle and thread, beeswax (I always wax my thread before sewing on buttons) and any other small items you might need. The possibilities are endless. Nice inexpensive idea for gifts too.




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Valentine's Day Paperweight

Isn't this decoupaged glass paperweight the best desk accessory you've seen lately? Wouldn't it be great to give or receive as a Valentine present? Two days away and counting until February 14th (Valentine's Day). Available here. Actually, I think it's the perfect gift for any occasion.

You still have time to make one. I'm pretty sure they have the paperweight blanks at Michaels. Get out your Mod Podge and decoupage away. How-To instructions here.




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