Friday, September 28, 2012

The Inspiration Board: link party spotlight ~69~

Thank you for sharing all your beautiful projects on the Inspiration Board this week. I’m in awe of all your creativity. If you came by to visit, I hope you were as inspired as I was.

Today is the last Friday of September and fall is officially here. As we pack away the beachy décor, shells, nautical, pretty pastels and white and wave goodbye to summer we can enjoy these beautiful projects in the spotlight this week.



Branch-Candle-Centerpiece-1-682x1024
It’s no secret that I love twigs and branches. Marty’s Musings ushers in fall with a fantastic branch candle centerpiece. Berries, pumpkins and pinecones complete the table centerpiece.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Giveaway: downtown tape {washi love}

I love Washi Tape. It’s a new found love. I’ve known about Washi Tape for a long time but only recently discovered how fun it is to use on projects.


Blog Downtown Tape collage 1Photo sources: 1.  Wedding Soaps  2. Book Spine  3. Atlas Tape
Like these projects above. The Washi Tape adds just the perfect touch of embellishment and color. 

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Inkling: moving in circles with StampingGear

I used to love playing with Spirograph. Do they still make that toy? The one where you can draw all kinds of cool circles that create designs? Well, I got to test out a new craft supply called StampingGear and it took me back to those fun days.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

The Inspiration Board: link party [69]


 Fall leaves from my archives


Happy Friday! I’m so happy you’re joining me for the Inspiration Board link party. Whether you’re linking up a project or visiting for inspiration I want to thank you for taking the time to stop by. I know how busy life gets and I truly appreciate each and every visit, comment and link.


What have you been creating? Are you making Halloween costumes and décor? Getting ready for Thanksgiving? If you’re really organized you may be working on holiday projects already. Whatever it is, I can’t wait to see.  I’ll be going through the links and featuring some on Friday.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Inkling: fall colors {mustard yellow & grey printables}

I’m still transitioning to fall. I haven’t quite embraced deep oranges and browns yet but I’m getting there. And since I’m taking baby steps toward autumn, I thought I’d make something mustard yellow and grey.

Friday, September 21, 2012

The Inspiration Board: link party spotlight ~68~

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Inspiration Board this week. All the projects were fantastic. The beautiful fall projects were so inspiring as well as all the recipes, home décor, diy and crafts. I can’t thank you enough for including me on your link party list. I truly appreciate it. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and hope to see you again next week.

Here are a few projects in the spotlight this week.


 
IMG_9157Lucy of Craftberry Bush amazes again. Her spin on the newest trend of using plastic spoons in crafts takes it to another level. Humble plastic spoons become an artichoke vase. Absolutely wonderful.



Thursday, September 20, 2012

Sew & Tell: sentimental vintage treasure

My friend recently gave me a bag of vintage linens and sewing notions that were her late mother’s. Although they were treasured items she had no need for them and told me to make some pretty things with them.




Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Etceteras: vacation inspiration with room 77


Thank you to Room 77 for sponsoring my post.

Room 77 is an intelligent and easy to use hotel search engine that allows travelers to find and book the best rates from across the Web in one fast and simple search.

Beach Inspiration Summer is over. School has started. Raise your hand if you took a fantastic vacation recently. Note: my hand is not raised. I did travel this summer but it wasn’t for a relaxing vacation – trust me, I came home exhausted. This year, I’m going to plan ahead and start researching for our next real vacation. And you know how much I love the beach and the inspiration it provides for creativity. Some of my favorite beachy projects are above.



Tuesday, September 18, 2012

The Inspiration Board: link party [68]


Hello friends! It’s my favorite day and I’m so happy you’re joining me for the Inspiration Board link party. Whether you’re linking up a project or visiting for inspiration I want to thank you for taking the time to stop by. I know how busy life gets and I truly appreciate each and every visit, comment and link.

Are you in full fall mode? I can’t wait to see what you’ve been creating. I’ll be going through the projects and featuring some on Friday.

 

Monday, September 17, 2012

Inkling: brown bag wreath {faux bay leaves}


I love those bay leaf wreaths that you can buy. I’m sure that they smell wonderful and it’s a nice idea to be able to pluck a bay leaf from your wreath when you’re cooking. But they can be pricey. Even buying fresh bay leaves and making your own wreath can add up. Here’s a way to get the look for less.


Friday, September 14, 2012

The Inspiration Board: link party spotlight ~67~


Thank you to everyone who came by to visit or shared a project on the Inspiration Board this week. With so many link parties available, I honored that I’m on your party list. I hope you found some fun projects to add to your list – I know I did. Hot projects seem to be; organization, fall décor and lots of food.

Here are a few beautiful and inspiring projects in the spotlight this week.


Boys Room_13A gorgeous airplane image transfer on wood by Classy Clutter. Learn how to transfer an inkjet printed image onto a surface. Imagine the possibilities!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Etceteras: getting ready for fall


I’m really trying to get in the mood for fall. But it’s really hard to get motivated when it’s still so hot outside. It’s sort of like shopping for sweaters when it’s 90 degrees outside.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Inkling: canvas prints with scrapbooking attitude


Do you scrapbook? Even if you don’t, this new product called Scrapbooking Attitude has plenty of applications for all kinds of crafters. The product was just introduced at the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) so it’s brand new and ready for all your creative ideas.


Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The Inspiration Board: link party [67]




Inspiration {orange}Orange & White Rose Potpourri



Hello friends! It’s my favorite day and I’m so happy you’re joining me for the Inspiration Board link party. Whether you’re linking up a project or visiting for inspiration I want to thank you for taking the time to stop by. I know how busy life gets and I truly appreciate each and every visit, comment and link.

Monday, September 10, 2012

The Dirt: an inspired herb pot

I’ve been brainstorming holiday gift ideas lately and created this pretty blue herb pot that was inspired by a picture I saw recently.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

The Dirt: forcing bulbs for holiday color

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Scotts Miracle-Gro for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.


Even though we barely waved goodbye to summer, you know what happens once we hit September… our lives get even busier and the holidays are here before we even know it. This year, I’m planning ahead. I want to give gifts of beautiful paper white narcissus and red amaryllis. I am also envisioning a beautiful blooming centerpiece.

P_100630990We always think of bulbs as a spring flower but you can cheat nature by forcing the bulbs. All you have to do is have them hibernate a little earlier and then depending on when you wake them up you’ll have fall and winter blooms.

Friday, September 7, 2012

The Inspiration Board: link party spotlight ~66~ {plus a new sponsor giveaway}


This post is brought to you by Wholeport.

logo
Have you shopped at Wholeport for craft supplies? You need to check them out. They have a wonderful assortment of beads, buttons, trim, molds, kits and much more.

Enjoy the beautiful features and then scroll to the bottom of this post to enter a giveaway from Wholeport.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you everyone for linking up your beautiful projects on the Inspiration Board this week. For some of you my blog may have appeared messed up with parts missing for several days. If you sent me an email or comment about the problem, I truly appreciate it. It appears to only have affected Internet Explorer readers and I’m hoping the problem is fixed. Please let me know if you see anything strange.

For those of you able to link up – thank you, thank you! All the projects were amazing. Here are a few in the spotlight this week.


 
Hutch108cForever Decorating was busy doing what she does - decorating. A beautiful display of silver, chickens and all types of fall goodies.

 
Painted-Drop-Cloth-Soap-WrapsI have got to get on the drop cloth train. I’ve seen so many wonderful projects made with drop cloths. Here’s a great way to use up smaller pieces. Painted drop cloth soap wraps by Live Laugh Rowe.  


1-pm074Cute sweater pumpkins by Alderberry Hill. I love white pumpkins and these soft and fuzzy sweater pumpkins would look great in any décor.

 
spinach-and-artichoke-dipGame day food by Cookin Food. Truth be told, I could skip the game and the main course – just give me a bowl of this Spinach and Artichoke Dip and I’m one happy camper.

 
babynamesubwayartI love this baby subway art by It’s Always Autumn. The colors and font choices are so clean and pretty. My son is sixteen. Is it too late to for me to make one of these?

 
1DIY pillow 1These beautiful pillows by Creek Line House came from very humble beginnings. The trellis print pillow in the middle was originally one of those very, very flat seat cushions. Remove the foam and insert happy plumpness and you have a designer-look pillow.


giftcardpocketSweet and simple gift card pockets by The Life of Jennifer Dawn. Pretty fabrics and pinked edges are so much nicer than store-bought card holders. These would be great for business cards too!


Mini-Snickers-CheesecakeI can’t show these to my husband, unless I want to make them - which I might. Two of his favorite things are cheesecake and Snickers. Mini Snicker Cheesecakes by A Pumpkin and Princess. Oh, yum!

 
loveprint51Gorgeous embroidery sampler by Home Sweet Homemade. Each heart is a different stitch embroidered on upcycled paper. This is such a unique twist to the classic sampler. Beautiful and lovingly made.

 
Blueberry-DonutsPretty to look at and yummy to eat. Heart shaped blueberry donuts by Growing Up Gabel. The best part – these are baked donuts so I would not feel guilty eating one {or four}.

 
C4CCCE98-2A beautiful post by Kathe with an E. A birthday tea party for her late mother. The table is set beautifully with thoughtful treasured items. Truly lovely.



This week on the Inspiration Pinboard
{post labor day white}

Features 66_CollageSpeech Bobble Pendant – Monster Circus   |   Frosted Entry Windows – The Happier Homemaker   |   White & Ivory Organza Flowers – One Perfect Day    |   Sugar Scrub – RuthAnne with an E   |   Tufted Headboard – Stars and Sunshine

If you were in the spotlight, please feel free to grab a button.
homework

{ The Giveaway }

Wholeport just launched a brand new website and to celebrate the launch, they are offering a special 15% discount off everything on their site through September 20th. In addition to the discount, all orders will receive a special free gift as a thank you from Wholeport. 

6-001Here are some pretty items you’ll find at Wholeport.


Wholeport is also offering a prize to a homework reader. You could win a DIY quilting kit for an iPad case. Super cute! To enter the giveaway, simply use the Rafflecopter widget below.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Carolyn

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Homework: reading {artful halloween}

Is it too early? I wasn’t sure if I was ready for Halloween projects yet but the days fly by so quickly and I didn’t want to find myself the night before Halloween without any spooky decorations.

Fortunately, I received a book titled Artful Halloween by Susan Wasinger.


The book is filled with fun artful Halloween projects and ideas that are easy to create.


Blog Halloween Book-001I love these whimsical fabric ideas. A felt embroidered owl and a napkin stamped using a potato.


Blog Halloween Book-002Decorating pumpkins is a hot trend and there’s an entire section on pumpkins. Beautiful pumpkins with great tips and techniques.


Blog Halloween BookThese blood spattered paper flowers were right up my alley. I had all the materials on hand and the step-by-step instructions were easy to follow.

I decided to use my flowers in a spooky centerpiece and found a crow from last year.


And no word is spookier to me than Edgar Allen Poe’s use of the word “nevermore”.


Here are my blood spattered flowers. I used more of blood drip technique but they still scream “gory” to me.


Quoth the raven, "Nevermore."
For more information about the book Artful Halloween click here.


Thanks for visiting.
Carolyn
I received a complimentary copy of the Artful Halloween from Lark Crafts. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% mine.


P.S.
Check out today's BIG Pick Your Plum special



I link at the wonderful parties listed here and 
UndertheTableandDreaming Tip Junkie handmade projects Photobucket Photobucket 
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