Sunday, October 30, 2011
Day 18: Creative with Stamps
As we approach the holidays it always surprises me each year how much I spend on the extras. Not the gifts themselves but the wrapping paper, tape, cards, tissue paper, bags, gift tags and so much more. It really adds up.
There is an more inexpensive and creative way. It is easy and FUN to boot! I just recently fell in love with stamps. When deciding on my Etsy shop packaging I knew I wanted something beautiful but something that was cost effective and that I could do myself.
I found a small leaf stamp that with a coupon to my craft store ended up only costing me $2.00. I purchased some tissue paper and some unlined index cards. A blue ink pad also from my craft store (and also with a coupon only cost me about $3.00. So for less than ten dollars I created beautiful packaging with coordinating not cards to my customers.
This could easily be used on plain brown craft paper, paper bags, and like and you could have your own personalized wrapping paper. Those index cards could easily be turned into a gift tag with one click of a hole punch. That you could make year after year. There are thousands of stamps out there and I think a few shops on Etsy even will create custom stamps for you.
Have fun and be creative!
So far I have not needed to purchase a new ink pad and I have stamped it hundreds of times.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Day 17: Creative with Coasters
All you need is some fabric swatches and some cotton or polyfil batting. I like to use 5 inch by 5 inch squares.
Sew closely around the seams of the coaster to close the opening and give a uniform look. If giving as a gift, I like to tie up the set with a cute coordinating ribbon.
Day 16: Be Creative with Costumes
My son loves trains. Correction: he is obsessed with trains. Last year we managed a Steam Locomotive out of card board boxes. This year he wanted to be a Bullet Train. I wasn't sure where to start. Thankfully my husband was and stepped in to manage this project.
Two card board boxes. One can of white spray paint. Three pieces of black and yellow construction paper. One small bottle of green acrylic craft paint. Duct Tape.
Day 15: Be Creative...Snowman Style
Day 14: Be Creative...Pumpkin Edition
I have to admit this was only the second time in my life. It was so much fun. Even my hubby had a blast. The kids had a great time. The mess was not unmanageable. No knives for the kiddos but they had fun drawing faces and watching us do the carving.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
31 Days: Tomatoes in a Row (Day 13)
31 Days: Creative in the Kitchen (Day 12)
Sunday, October 23, 2011
31 Days: Catch Up
p.s. I finished my half marathon last weekend! I did it! I certainly wasn't the fastest or the strongest but I crossed that finish line. Now I'm hooked and looking for my next race to sign up.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
31 Days: Day 10 (Creative in the Kitchen)
So your not a painter? Don't like to sew? But I bet you have to eat right? I find some of my most inspirational moments in the kitchen. Most of the time I'm making some grand concoction out of leftovers and kitchen door condiments. Making the most out of what we have, there is that resourcefulness in me again.
For this meal I actually did some planning ahead and purchased some pantry staples like barley and lentils for hearty winter soups.
Aside from the chicken stock the soup was vegetarian. If you substituted vegetable stock it would be totally vegan.
Hearty Lentil Soup with a Touch of Barley
2 Carton of Chicken or Vegetable Stock
1 Medium Onion (Diced)
2 Cups Diced Carrot
2 Cloves of Garlic (Minced)
2 Stalks of Celery (About One Cup) Diced
1 Cup of Dried Lentils
2 Tbs of Olive Oil
We served our soup with some gooey grilled ham and cheese. Substitute the favorite soup sandwich of your choice.
Saute the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots in the olive oil until the onions become translucent. Add the lentils, salt, pepper, 2 small bay leaves. Continue saute for about 5-7 minutes on medium heat. Add two cartons of chicken or vegetable stock. Simmer on medium heat for about thirty minutes or until the lentils float and are tender. Enjoy.
What is a creative creation you've made in the kitchen. This is part of a 31 Day series on Being Creative.
Monday, October 10, 2011
31 Days: Day 9 (Resourcefulness)
Saturday, October 8, 2011
31 Days: Day 8 (An uphill battle)
But it is your mind that is scared. I believe your heart knows Who is creating. It is bigger than yourself. If you have the desire, if you have the talent, than you have been called to duty. You have been asked to fulfil a purpose.
The reward for the uphill battle is the view at the top. It's heavenly.
Friday, October 7, 2011
31 Days: Day 7 (Get some fresh air)
Thursday, October 6, 2011
31 Days: Day 6 and Daily Pic
This post never made it yesterday! Hopefully the rest of 24 days makes it on time! Today's lets be creative goes back outside with the camera. There are so many great photographic opportunities this time of year. Think of it: pumpkin patches, changing leaves, migrating birds, blooming mums....and that was just off the top of my head. The sun is actually shining in my neck of the woods today. So many things to be grateful for.
p.s. My Etsy shop, Blue Leaf Boutique is having a Columbus Day sale. Stop by and use coupon code: COLUMBUS25 for 25 percent off your purchase.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
31 Days: Day 5 (Beaded Hair Pins)
Today's "Be Creative" is a quick lesson on making cute little accessories for yourself , daughter or friend. You will need need:
- wire cutters
- 28 gauge craft or jewelry wire
- small and medium seed beads
- 2 Bobbi pins
First cut about a 12 inch length of jewelry wire. Count out 15 seed beads. Insert wire into the center whole of the beads. (Tip: pour the beads onto a piece of fabric so they don't roll away!) Bring the pieces of wire together and twist to make a loop or "petal." Repeat this process 5 times until you have 5 petals.
Next one end of the remaining wires and insert the medium to large size seed bead. Twist the wire around the other petals to center the bead in the middle of the petals to form a "stamen." Pull with wires taunt and twist several times to secure. Lastly take the remaining wires and insert in the "U" curve of the Bobbi pins. Wrap around the base several times to tightly secure the flower to the pin. Trim any excess wire. Voila! An adorable accessory! These make a great stocking stuffer!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
31 Days: Day 4
I want to share with you my Tufted Titmouse. Such a cute little bird. Such a cute little attitude. Kind of like the little one in pink feety pajamas. This was my sketch:
This was the finished watercolor:
A few years ago I was scared to death of watercolor. I swore by oil paint only. Two kids and much less time later. Watercolor is how I role. Much less set up time. Much less drying time. No chance of little fingers wanting to touch an unfinished painting. I hope you are inspired to try something new today!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
31 Days: Day 3 Pinterest
http://pinterest.com/blueleafdecor/dream-master-suite
What do you think? Love it, hate it? Suggestions?
Saturday, October 1, 2011
31 Days: Day 2 Backyard Beauties
This butterfly was being camera shy but at least it let me get a few shots of its wings.
31 Days: 31 Ways to be creative!
I am so excited this year to participate in the 31 Days event hosted by The Nester and the Inspired Room. For my "31 Days" posts I am circling around the theme of being creative. Because really at the heart of it, that is what it is all about right?
So everyday this month I will have a post about some creative pursuit of mine. It might be some embroidery from my shop or some photos for "The Daily Pic" or anything else that catches my fancy that day. Just something created by me, with my own two hands. I hope I inspire you to join along!
Today's post is my family pillow from my Etsy shop, Blue Leaf Boutique. It is a favorite of mine, because it is all about those that we love. Those that keep us grounded. Those that give us shelter. Enjoy!