Paper Shamrock Bouquet

March 20, 2020 By Linda 7 Comments

If you told me in November that I would be pining for 2019 in mid-March, I would have laughed.

Impossible. I would have said.

That’s crazy. I would have exclaimed.

Never. Ever. Ever. I would have insisted.

And yet …

here I am pining for 2019.

2020 got off to a rocky start. What with dad in rehab in Florida and mom not really able to live on her own (though she would greatly contest that!).

So five weeks of 2020 were spent in Florida. And I missed a big chunk of my daughter’s winter break from her freshman year at college.

Then on March 2 I woke up and knew something was wrong …

very, very wrong.

I went to bed Sunday night feeling fine. Great even.

By Monday morning, I was down for the count.

Coughing.

Exhausted.

Throat on fire. Like I swallowed shards of glass.

And a very heavy chest. Like there was a boulder pressing down on my lungs.

It felt like overnight I developed pneumonia. And strep throat. And bronchitis.

I was wiped out.

The only thing I didn’t have was a fever.

On Wednesday of that week, I started to feel shortness of breath. Like I couldn’t catch my breath.

On Thursday it happened again. And again. So I called my husband and he took me to the hospital.

They ruled out pneumonia. A strep test wasn’t taken. And they determined I had laryngitis.

Laryngitis?

They gave me a one time steroid to help with the swelling in my throat. And sent me home.

There was nothing else they could do. It just needed to run it’s course.

And did it ever run it’s course.

After two weeks, I felt better but not 100%.

It’s now 19 days later and I’m finally feel healthy.

Now I debated sharing this project. I worked on it before I got sick. And thought perhaps of saving it for next year …

and then it hit me. St. Patrick’s Day returns every year. So let’s just say I’m out really far advance for 2021. 😉

P.S. I also figure I could use a little bit of four-leaf-clover luck this year!

How To Make A Paper Shamrock Bouquet

Start with some scrapbook paper.

Fold up bottom edge.

Outline half a heart on the fold. Make sure you don’t trace all the way to the bottom of the heart.

Here’s a link to a couple of shamrock heart templates.

Like so.

Fold the paper in half again along the half heart shape.

Cut out half heart shape.

Unfold.

Add a dab of glue to the good side of the paper.

Attach a second shamrock heart to form the four leaf clover.

Make a flat loop on the end of a strip of green floral wire.

Add a blob of hot glue and attach the wire.

All that’s left is to put your paper shamrock bouquet in a cute vase. I chose a pot of gold!

Let’s hope my luck picks up!

Though end of March isn’t looking too good either. I’ll fill you in next week!

St. Patrick’s Day Mantel Fantel

March 16, 2020 By Linda 4 Comments

I feel like that headline is over-promising. Too big and bold of a statement for what I’m actually showing you in today’s post …

and, dare I say, perhaps a little click bait-ee.

Though, does St. Patrick’s Day count as a click bait-able topic?

I suppose if I called it my St. Patrick’s Day novel Coronovirus mantel fantel that would have been click bait-ee. 😉

But now that I’m actively practicing hashtag StayHome (#StayHome) I thought I’d give the mantel a little St. Patrick’s Day spruce.

Oh who am I kidding with the #StayHome excuse. I’ve been #StayHome for decades and have been working on socially isolating myself for years …

I kid you not.

Especially once the kids moved from our neighborhood elementary school to high school. That’s when the playground interactions with the other parents abruptly stopped …

and the whole social isolation thing began.

Now, granted, I’ve always been a home body. It’s the Cancer in me.

Lazing about on the couch was a much coveted weekend activity of mine.

And ever since I started working from home after the birth of my son, I’ve fully adopted the #StayHome lifestyle.

When I told my husband that this whole #StayHome and socially isolating thing is a total no-brainer for me, he responded with a sad “awe.”

But no. It’s not sad. Truly.

Again, the Cancer in me loves to #StayHome. And a great weekend for me is when I don’t even drive the car! 🙂

And as for my so-called St. Patrick’s Day mantel fantel, I simply traced a shamrock cookie cutter shape onto gold, glittery paper and cut it out. Then I just attached to a thin wood dowel with tape.

Easy.

And not at all click bait-ee 🙂

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Lavender Soap DIY Recipe

February 27, 2020 By Linda 4 Comments

Lavender Soap DIY Recipe – Easy Homemade Soap Recipe.

Lavender Soap DIY Recipe - How to make soap at home. Easy soap recipe.

Are you a fancy soap person?

Because, honestly, I’m not.

I didn’t grow up in a fancy soap household. And when I did visit a fancy soap household, I didn’t really know if you could/should use the fancy soap.

Are you supposed to use the fancy soap?

And don’t even get me started on the fancy towels. 😉

So why am I making fancy soap today?

Good question. I’m not really sure …

Perhaps I aspire to become a fancy soap person?

Or perhaps I came across some homemade soap projects on Pinterest and thought, “oh, that looks fun. And easy. And great smelling!”

So here I am. Making some fancy-fun-and-easy-great-smelling homemade soap!

Lavender Soap DIY Recipe

Materials*

1 lb Goat’s Milk Melt & Pour Base

1-2 TBSP Dried Lavender

Lavender Oil (I found mine at Michael’s but here are some choices on Amazon)

Silicone Soap Molds

*includes some affiliate links.

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How to make soap. How to make lavender soap. DIY soap recipe. Easy soap recipe. Lavender for soap making. Lavender scent for soap making.

Cut 1 lb of goat’s milk melt & pour soap mix (1/2 of the 2 lb brick) into squares.

Melt in microwave for 30 seconds. Remove & stir and keep microwaving for 10 second intervals until full melted.

Add 15 drops of lavender to melted goat’s milk.

Add a tablespoon of lavender to melted goat’s milk.

Add a second tablespoon to goat’s milk mix (optional).

Ladle into silicon soap form.

Let it set up overnight.

And that’s it! Now you too can be a fancy soap person.

Though I’m still unsure if I should/could use it? 😉

Pin It!

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Embroidery Hoop Winter Wreath

February 20, 2020 By Linda 5 Comments

Embroidery Hoop Winter Wreath – Wreath Ideas with Embroidery Hoops.

I’m not sure what I should talk about today. Because I have two things on my mind that are completely and totally unrelated.

One is my new obsession with embroidery hoop wreaths.

I think this may need to be the last embroidery hoop wreath I make for a while. Because it feels like I make one every other month …

though, honestly, this is only the second one I’ve share.

I think all those other ones “I made” were just ideas. And inspiration pinned to my Pinterest boards. Ideas and inspirations that never became creations.

The other thing on my mind today is my parents.

Because, honestly, they’ve been on my mind daily since my father fell and his hospital stay and his rehab stay. Etc., etc.

But today the training wheels are off.

Today is the first day my parents are 100% on their own …

since that fall/hospital stay/rehab/etc.

They are on their own in Florida. Their children (my brother and sister and I) all live hundreds of miles away.

So today — and the day after and the day after and on and on — I await the call from Life Alert (yes, we installed the “help I’ve fallen and can’t get up” service in their home).

It’s not even an “if” the call comes. But more of a “when.”

With the big question being: What happens next?

Was it simply an assist from a fall?

Will there be a hospital stay?

A rehab stint?

So many unknowns.

So in the meanwhile — while I await the inevitable call — I distract myself with embroidery hoop wreaths.

How To Make Embroidery Hoop Winter Wreath

Materials*

Embroidery Hoop

Faux Evergreen Sprigs

Faux Eucalyptus

Painted Pine Cones

Wire Cutters

Floral Wire

Floral Tape

*includes some affiliate links.

Start with faux evergreen sprigs.

Remove the festive red beads. This is a winter wreath. Not a Christmas wreath.

Give those little faux pine cones a splash of white paint. To make them look snowy. For winter.

Use thin wire to attach faux eucalyptus to hoop.

Remember that you have green floral wire and use that to attach the faux evergreen sprigs.

Cover all that wire with green floral tape.

Wrap floral wire around end of painted pine cone.

Attach to wreath.

Add two more painted pine cones.

Finish with a jute bow. And hang.

And while I wait on that inevitable Life Alert call, I’ll be plotting out what my spring embroidery hoop wreath will look like …

😉

Pin It!

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Neutral Valentine Decor & Craft Ideas

February 13, 2020 By Linda 3 Comments

Neutral Valentine Decor & Craft Ideas – Valentine’s Day in Gray, White, Burlap, Beige.

Do you have any special plans for Valentine’s Day?

A romantic dinner?

A special gift …

maybe even something handmade created with your blood, sweat, tears and love?

Or are you more of a big batch of chocolate chip cookies, a vat of ice cream, a bottle of wine and a rom-com for two kind of person?

Or one? 😉

Me? What am I doing on Valentine’s Day, you ask.

There will be washing of sheets and towels, packing, packing, packing and a flight from Florida to Chicago that lands on February 14 …

get this …

at 11:59 PM!

Why yes, that does sound like the saddest Valentine’s Day. Ever.

So while I spend my Valentine’s Day doing laundry, packing and running through airports, I thought I’d share some of my most recent, neutral Valentine decor & craft ideas with you all …

Yarn Wrapped Hearts

Fabric Stuffed Hearts … on Sticks!

White Rose Heart Wreath

Easy Heart Cut Out Mason Jar

Simple Valentine Table for Two

DIY Stamped Heart Wrapping Paper

Fabric Stuffed Hearts

February 6, 2020 By Linda 5 Comments

Fabric Stuffed Hearts – Valentine’s Day Craft Ideas – Neutral Valentine Decor.

Remember when I found the cutest little pumpkins on sticks at my local grocery store?

No?

Well, you can see them at this link …

Go. Go on. What are you waiting for? Go and take a peek …

and then come right back so we can gush about how adorable those little pumpkins on sticks are. And how we wish we thought of putting little pumpkins on sticks.

And question why-oh-why didn’t we think to put little pumpkins on sticks?!?

We may even be inspired to create a little pumpkins on a sticks happy dance.

And when we’re done gushing and dancing and questioning why-oh-why we were not the creative-little-pumpkin-on-a-stick-genius, we can come to the realization that each and every holiday now needs a little (fill-in-the-blank) on a stick to go with it!

Christmas. And Easter. And Fourth of July (okay, Fourth of July already has things on sticks). And St. Pat’s Day. And Valentine’s Day …

of course! Valentine’s Day!

Little hearts on sticks seemed a no-brainer.

Even better: I used leftover fabric scraps and leftover batting. All I needed to purchase was the sticks (ie. dowels) which I found at Michael’s for the whopping price of $.59 per stick!

How To Make Fabric Stuffed Hearts

Materials

Fabric

Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter

Dowels

Batting

Sewing Machine

Hot Glue Gun

Pencil

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Start with two squares of fabric and a heart shaped cookie cutter.

Trace outline of heart onto fabric squares.

Pin the two pieces of fabric together.

Cut out heart leaving a 1/2″ seam allowance outside of heart outline.

Pin wrong sides together.

Sew with 1/2″ seam; leave 3/4″-1″ opening. (For the hearts on sticks version, leave the opening at the bottom “v” of the heart; see dowel insertion picture).

Stuff heart with batting. I used the eraser end of a pencil to help push batting through opening.

Pin opening.

Sew opening closed.

For hearts on sticks, you’ll leave the opening at the bottom of the heart. Insert dowel into heart through batting.

Use hot glue gun to close opening and secure heart to stick/dowel.

And you’re done.

I don’t know about you, but I think we may need to create a little hearts on sticks happy dance. 😉

Pin It!

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Heart Cut Out Mason Jar Votive

February 4, 2020 By Linda 9 Comments

Heart Cut Out Mason Jar Votive – Easy Valentine Craft with Mason Jars, Scrapbook Paper.

Heart Cut Out Mason Jar Votive - Easy Valentine Craft with Mason Jars and Scrapbook Paper

It’s hard to imagine a time when I didn’t have a Valentine.

Oh, who am I kidding! Who could ever forget all those Valentine-less years in middle school. And high school. And college. And the majority of my twenties.

Sigh.

Those Valentine-less scars run deep!

Who could forget being assaulted with all things red and pink and hearts and flowers and chocolates in heart-shaped boxes from mid-January through mid-February. Seriously, you couldn’t swing a dead cat without being reminded that, once again, you would be spending Valentine’s Day — and night — alone.

All alone.

What’s really hard to imagine is that in four years time I’ll be at a half-way point where I’ve had equal Valentine-less and Valentine-full years …

wow!

My middle-school-high-school-college-twenties self could never have imagined that a life with more Valentines-full days than -less could ever exist for my sad-sack-loveless self!

And while this mason jar craft certainly features hearts, it doesn’t mean it’s just for the Valentine-full. The Valentine-less can certainly enjoy a little mason jar candlelight as they enjoy a Hallmark movie. Or perhaps something from the incomparable Nancy Meyers. 🙂

How To Make Heart Cut Out Mason Jar Votive

Materials*

Wide Mouth Mason Jar (16 oz. Pints)

Scrapbook Paper (12″ x 12″ sheet) – p.s. I found this blue & green heart design at Michael’s

Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter

Scissors

Paper Cutter (optional)

Tape

Ribbon (optional)

Tea Lights (or flame-less candles, your choice!)

*Includes some affiliate links

Start with 12″ x 12″ sheet of paper and a heart cookie cutter.

Cut a strip 3 1/4″ wide X 12″ long.

Trace heart in center of sheet of paper (I traced the inside of the cookie cutter).

Gently fold in half (try not to create a deep crease) and cut out heart shape.

Center heart on mason jar.

Tape in place.

Fold over excess paper and tape in place.

Add a ribbon.

Add candles.

Light.

Oh, and I kept this heart cut out mason jar votive craft nice and neutral so both the Valentine-full and Valentine-less can enjoy!

Pin It!

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Valentine’s Day Wrapping Paper DIY

January 30, 2020 By Linda 10 Comments

Valentine’s Day Wrapping Paper DIY – Easy Homemade Wrapping Paper Tutorial.

Valentine Day Wrapping Paper DIY - Homemade Wrapping Paper Tutorial for Valentine - Heart Wrapping Paper Made with Heart Stamps.

I like to wrap.

I know, I know. That sounds crazy.

And it’s wrap with a “w.” Not an “r” … 😉

But I really do enjoy it. And when I say it, I mean the whole process …

… the picking out the paper (or, in this case, the designing of the paper). The picking out of bows and ribbons and tags (or, in this case, improvising with baker’s twine and a heart cookie cutter).

There was a time (long ago when we were still a two-income family) when the neighbor’s children sold wrapping paper for a school fundraiser. And I would pour over that catalog.

For hours.

And I would place a big, fat, expensive order. Each and every year.

I may even have a few wrapping remnants from those big, fat, expensive orders somewhere in my basement! Ha!

But now that we’re a one(ish) family income I look for much more frugal ways to wrap and present my gifts. And using what I have (brown packing paper, heart stickers, baker’s twine and acrylic paint) I decided to make my own for Valentine’s Day …

How To Make Valentine’s Day Wrapping Paper DIY

Materials*

Brown Packing Paper

Foam Heart Stickers

Wine Cork

Matte Acrylic Paint (I used Red, White, Pink, Gray)

Gold Paint Pen

Baker’s Twine (optional)

*some affiliate links included.

Start with brown packing paper, foam heart stickers and a wine cork.

Make a heart stamp using two foam hearts and wine cork.

Dip homemade stamp in paint. Dab/stamp off excess. Apply to brown packing paper.

Outline some hearts with gold paint pen.

Add an arrow.

Use a heart cookie cutter to outline a piece of your homemade wrap. Cut out heart, punch hole and use as gift tag.

Wrap with baker’s twine or ribbon. You’re choice!

And that, my friends, is what you would call a wrap! 🙂

Wasn’t that fun?

Have I turned you into a wrapping — and wrapping paper — fan like me?

Pin It!

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Winter Wreath with Painted Pine Cones & Buffalo Check Bows

January 28, 2020 By Linda 3 Comments

Winter Wreath with Painted Pine Cones & Buffalo Check – DIY Winter Wreath.

When I returned home from Florida in mid January, my house was still in full on Christmas mode.

And to really set the stage, my husband lit up all the twinkle lights to greet me after my late night flight home! 🙂

And when I say late night, I mean late late night. The cab dropped me off at 1 AM!

But all those twinkle lights greeting me after my late night flight made my heart sing.

Mostly because my two-and-a-half weeks in Florida were unbelievably stressful.

And mostly because leaving for Florida on the day after Christmas was a very abrupt, stark and unexpected end of my holiday …

which was a bit surprising since I spent much of December 2019 struggling to get in the Christmas spirit.

But landing in Florida on December 26th killed all Christmas spirit.

Sorry Floridians. But Christmas in warm(ish) weather is just not inspiring!

But now I’m back in Chicago. For now.

Okay, I’m back on the plane tomorrow for Florida.

But it’s still cold here. And it’s still winter here. So I needed a winter wreath for the front door.

Nothing Christmas-ee.

Just winter-ee …

Winter Wreath with Painted Pine Cones Tutorial

Start with a wreath form. I used a 14″ twig wreath. And fabric. You definitely want fabric. Or ribbon. Ribbon works too.

Personally, I used some leftover buffalo check in gray and white. I got my fabric from this Etsy shop …

Use that fabric (or ribbon) to tie a bow.

Tie two more bows. For a total of three.

Add faux eucalyptus sprigs. I got mine here (affiliate link). They easily tuck into the twigs on the wreath. No wires needed.

Add some faux roses. I’m pretty sure I got these from Michael’s. Again, like the eucalyptus, they just tuck into the twigs.

Finish with painted pine cones. Here’s a tutorial on how I painted mine. I attached using some floral wire.

And you’re done.

The only thing left is to hang it on your door!

Like so.

Pin It!

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Mason Jar Santa Suit Cozy

December 6, 2019 By Linda 12 Comments

Mason Jar Santa Suit Cozy – Christmas Mason Jar Craft with Duck Tape.

I’m going to be brutally honest with you …

I’m not feeling the fa la la love feels yet this year.

And don’t let this Christmas craft project fool you.

This is from last year. A project I made for Duck Tape that I featured on my other blog, Mason Jar Crafts Love.

It’s my very favorite Duck Tape project I’ve made. Of. All. Time.

And, no, I’m not getting paid again by Duck Tape to share it on this blog. Just to be crystal clear.

I’m sharing it in the hopes of jump starting my Christmas cheer.

You see, I don’t have a single tree up.

Gasp.

My dining table and side tables are still sporting pumpkins.

Double gasp!

And when the sun sets each night, my neighbors are shaming me with their twinkling Christmas tree reminders that I have no trees up.

Sigh.

But why? Why am I so bah humbug? The television has been tuned day and night to Lifetime and Hallmark and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Christmas movies since Halloween!

Perhaps I need a trip to downtown Chicago to try and spark a little Christmas cheer?

Or maybe … just maybe … I’m procrastinating. Because the house needs a good cleaning before decor can be displayed.

Or maybe … just maybe … my Christmas decorations are a disorganized mess down in the bowels of the basement.

So here’s hoping that dusting off one of my all time favorite Christmas mason jar craft’s and sharing it here today could help jump start my Fa La La love …

as well as my procrastination and disorganization issues! 🙂

How To Make Mason Jar Santa Suit Cozy

Materials*

Regular Mouth Pint Size (16 oz.) Mason Jars

1.88″ White Duck Tape

1.88″ Red Duck Tape

Black Buttons

White Paper

Ruler

Scissor

Glue or Glue Gun (Optional)

*includes some affiliate links.

Cut a length of plain white copy paper 10 1/2″ by 2 3/4.” This will be the base for the Santa suit cozy.

Cover one side of the 10 1/2″ x 2 3/4″ white paper with white duck tape. I used 1.88″ duck tape and needed two strips that overlapped. Trim excess from ends.

Cut a strip of 1.88″ red Duck Tape about two inches longer than the cozy length (12 1/2″+ long). Lay down the center of the cozy, leaving a little less than a 1/2″ of white Duck Tape exposed on either side.

Trim the red tape on one end flush with the cozy length and leave about 1/2″ to 3/4″ extra length of red on the other end (this will be used to secure the cozy around the mason jar (see below)

Cut a small piece of duck tape and fold over itself, leaving sticky side up. Stick to two black buttons (you can also use glue or your hot glue gun for this step).

Attach buttons. And your mason jar Santa suit cozy is done!

These are removable and can be wipe down. So no need to worry about any spilled milk! 🙂

Pin It!

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Thanksgiving Dining Room

November 27, 2019 By Linda 2 Comments

Thanksgiving Dining Room – Thanksgiving Centerpiece & Table Setting.

I’m not hosting Thanksgiving this year …

but if I was, this is what my Thanksgiving dining room, table and centerpiece would look like.

And although I’m not hosting Thanksgiving, this is a monumental year.

And for many, many, many years following this year I will be hosting.

Indefinitely.

You see, my sister-in-law and her husband are moving. Opting for warmer climes in their retirement.

So she will be hosting this one last time … in the beautiful, cozy home where she raised her family … this year.

And after she leaves, our Thanksgiving celebration will become much, much, much more intimate. Mike and I and our kids. And Mike’s sister Sarah …

though I have the feeling she may travel at Thanksgiving time to visit her sister in the warmer climes that she loves so much.

There is something bittersweet about Thanksgiving this year.

I know this is a natural progression. Families expand. Families compress. And families expand again.

For my family, we’ve now entered the compression stage of life.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! 🙂

Thanksgiving Place Card Printable

November 7, 2019 By Linda 4 Comments

Thanksgiving Place Card Printable – Free Thanksgiving Printables.

Sometimes blog posts just write themselves. The words just flow. The ideas pour out my head faster than I can write. Or type.

And sometimes ….

sometimes I’ve got nothing. Just a big blank space in my head. Nada. Nothing. Nunca.

And then sometimes …

sometimes I’m in a DayQuil slash TheraFlu slash Aleve haze.

That’s the space I’m in this week.

It hit me this weekend. Out of nowhere.

Woke up Saturday feeling like my head weighed 150 pounds.

That was followed up with a massive, splitting headache. And sore throat. And swollen glands.

You get the picture.

All week long it’s been lingering in that place where I don’t feel quite right, but can still function.

Annoying.

So the still functioning part of me created some simple doodle art Thanksgiving place cards …

And the don’t feel quite right part of me is at a loss for words.

I blame the DayQuil slash TheraFlu slash Aleve haze.

The still functioning part of me created a second version of this doodle art Thanksgiving place card printable that you can attach to the napkin with some baker’s twine.

Like so …