The Inspiration Board: creative party [135]

From my archives | Gift Card Storage Box

Happy New Year’s Eve! Are you ready to ring in 2014? I hope 2013 was a good year for you and that 2014 brings you even greater blessings. I’m looking forward to the new year and to continuing to share creativity with all of you. The sharing goes two ways and I always look forward to the Inspiration Board and the amazing projects that you share here.

Now on to the creative party.

INKLING: new year’s resolution printable

A little new year printable for you just in time for your New Year’s Eve party. Simply download the file, print out and cut them out.  Resolutions can be big or small. From life changing healthier choices to simple things like, being kinder, getting more sleep, or taking more time for yourself. Not having a party? Fill them out yourself or with your family. Roll them up and store them away until next year and see how well you did.

The Inspiration Board: creative party spotlight ~134~

Has everyone recovered from the hustle and bustle of Christmas? I think I need a few more days…  I went ahead and hosted the Inspiration Board link party this week even though it fell on Christmas Eve and I was so happy that so many people came by and shared projects. Thank you to everyone who took the time to swing by during this busy week.

If you didn’t have a chance to stop by, here’s what I shared here at homework.

A cookie round up {some of my blogger friend’s best recipes}  |  A Christmas Message  |  Easy New Year’s Eve Confetti Straws

Now on to the projects in the spotlight this week!

CELEBRATIONS: New Year’s Eve Confetti Straws

Every year I try to come up with a new way to package up confetti for New Year’s Eve. That way, everyone just gets a small handful and the confetti and glitter clean up is somewhat manageable. Besides, the package makes it all the more fun.

CELEBRATIONS: Merry Christmas

The Inspiration Board: creative party [134]

From my archives | New Year’s Resolution Goal Sheets

Welcome to The Inspiration Board Creative Party! For many of us, it's Christmas Eve and even though I know a lot of you are preparing, wrapping, cooking and baking, I wanted to go ahead and have the link party for those of you who may not celebrate Christmas or for those of you who have time to stop by.

Happy Holidays ~ Merry Christmas ~ I'm so grateful for another year of blogging and sharing creativity with all of you.

Now on to the creative party. I can't wait to see what you're going to share.

GOOD TASTE: Christmas Cookie Round up

There’s only a few days left until Christmas but if you’re in the baking mood, I have a round up of 26 fantastic cookie recipes that some blogger friends shared with me. These are all of their best recipes, some passed down from generations and some fun and some simple. There is something for everyone. Take a look and click through to the original post to find the recipes.

EXTRA CREDIT: Holiday Your Way at Bed Bath & Beyond

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bed Bath & Beyond for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The holidays extend past Christmas with celebrations going through New Years and beyond. Bed Bath & Beyond has you covered with Holiday Your Way– a destination for inspiration, ideas and solutions for the holiday season. You’ll find delicious Holiday Recipes, Holiday Entertaining tips and how-tos and loads of inspiration, like the champagne punch pictured above.

The Inspiration Board: creative party spotlight ~133~

Happy Friday everyone! Ready or not, next week is Christmas. Here’s the reality at my house: a tree that’s not decorated and only has lights on the top half because all our strands died, my traditional décor of a nutcrackers and evergreen swags are still in the garage and there’s no cute bowl of trendy pastel ornaments on the table. But, I have finished shopping (phew), we have our traditional plan to head to my parents on Christmas day and at some point I’ll break out the iron so that we can be wrinkle-free at Church. So I guess the reality is, I am ready for Christmas.

In case you didn’t get a chance to stop by this week, here is what I shared.

Animal Snow Globe  |  Wood Veneer Labels  |  Fall Clearance Wreath to Christmas Wreath  |  P.F. Changs

While I look for my iron and start wrapping gifts, enjoy the projects in the spotlight this week.

GOOD TASTE: Holiday Sweets at P.F. Changs

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of P.F. Changs for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

There’s a reason that P.F. Chang’s sells 8,250,000 Lettuce Wraps per year. They are good! Have you ever been to P.F. Changs? It’s one of my favorite restaurants and definitely my favorite for Asian cuisine.

CELEBRATIONS: holiday wreath from a fall wreath

Don’t you love a bargain? I always check out the clearance section after a holiday.

INKLING: Lifestyle Crafts Wood Labels {& A Giveaway}

Die Cut, Letterpress, Emboss… oh my! I’m super excited to share this with you. I’m on the Lifestyle Crafts Home and Organization Studio Design Team. I have a giant love of paper and paper crafting and have been wanting to challenge myself by making more detailed and intricate paper projects.

I’ll be slowly learning how to use the Lifestyle Crafts tools and I can’t wait to share all my projects with you. I hope you’ll enjoy learning how to die cut, letterpress and emboss with me. Look for projects specific to Lifestyle Crafts and We R Memory Keepers once or twice a month.

I also have a fun giveaway to celebrate this new venture. Details are at the bottom of the post.

The Inspiration Board: creative party [133]

From my archives | New Year’s Eve Countdown Confetti Boxes

Welcome to The Inspiration Board Creative Party! We're getting down to the wire everyone. We have about a week left to finish last minute Christmas prep. And even if those things don't get done, I'm going to remember this famous line from one of my absolute favorite authors.

"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more? -  Theodor Seuss Geisel

Now on to the creative party. I can't wait to see what you're going to share.

CELEBRATIONS: Animal Snow Globe

There have been a couple of trends that I love in the crafty world – snow globes made from jars and painted plastic animals. I decided to combine the two into a holiday stacked animal snow globe.

The Inspiration Board: creative party spotlight ~132~

Happy Friday the 13th friends. I’m not superstitious so I’m just going to ignore the fact that it’s Friday the 13th. In fact, I don’t even know why I’m talking about. How about just, Happy Friday Friends! That’s better.

Thank you to everyone who came by and left a comment, visited or shared a project this week. Seriously, the Inspiration Board was breathtaking. I’m blown away by your talent and creativity. And I have to say, I’m very jealous of all the beautiful holiday décor. I’m still not quite there but I’m determined to make this house merry and bright. If you didn’t get a chance to stop by this week, here is what I shared.

Glitter Tape Place Cards   |   Vintage Sewing Notions Display Board   |   Christmas Shadow Box

Now on to the projects featured this week.

ETCETERAS: Foam for the Holidays {vintage sewing board}

I finally have a few of my vintage sewing notions displayed thanks to the FloraCraft Foam for the Holidays promotion. FloraCraft is the maker of the original and genuine STYROFOAM^TM Brand Foam. If you’re a crafter or florist, then most likely you have used STYROFOAM^TM.

ETCETERAS: Happy Starts Here

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of ALPO® Brand Dog Food    for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you met Sammy? She’s my faithful companion and crafty assistant. A few months ago, she did her first product review for ALPO and she loved it.

ETCETERAS: Christmas Shadow Box

Shadow boxes are fun and the sky is the limit when deciding what to fill the little cubbies with. I think this little box will be constantly changing but for now I’m enjoying a few silver and white Christmas trinkets.

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From my archives – holiday house place cards

Happy Tuesday everyone! Time for the Inspiration Board Creative Party. I'm so excited to see what you've been up to. I have to confess, I'm still way behind on all things "holiday" and it doesn't look like I'm going to get ahead of the curve this year. Well, it will be a mad dash to the finish…

If you're new here, every Tuesday I host The Inspiration Board Creative Party where you can share your creativity and inspire others. On Friday, I feature projects from the link ups and I'd love to feature you. Whether this is your first visit or you've been stopping by for years, I so appreciate it.

Now on to the creative party. I can't wait to see what you're going to share.

CELEBRATIONS: Easy Glitter Tape Place Cards

Nothing dresses up a table like pretty place cards. It makes everyone feel special to have their name marking their reserved spot at the table. These glitter tape place cards are super quick and easy to make and will add a touch of glitter and elegance to my holiday table.

THE INSPIRATION BOARD: creative party spotlight ~131~

Baby it’s cold outside! Well, some of you may be laughing at me because here in Southern California it’s about 60 degrees in the day and in the forties at night. But for me that’s bone-chilling cold! And now that the weather has officially turned into winter I really feel like it’s the holidays and can get into the spirit of things. If you didn’t get a chance to stop by this week, here is what I shared.

Brown Paper Packages Advent  |  Embroidery Hoop Holiday Wall Hanging  |  Dimensional Magic Christmas Ornaments

Now on to the projects in the spotlight this week. There were so many beautiful and inspiration projects linked up this week. It’s always hard to pick which projects to feature and this week was even harder. Thank you to everyone who visited, commented and shared a project this week.

CELEBRATIONS: Embroidery Hoop Wall Hanging

It’s beginning to look… a little more like Christmas around here.

CELEBRATIONS: Glitter Ornament with Dimensional Magic

Oh... hello December, where did you come from? It's sort of strange to rush into the holiday season when you still have Thanksgiving leftovers in your refrigerator. But here we are and I lucked out and happen to have a holiday ornament post all ready to go. I participated in UCreate's Handmade Ornament Series a few weeks ago and now is a perfect time to reshare my ornament. Of course, I couldn’t resist using a little glitter to start off my holiday crafting season.

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From my archives | Cameo Holiday Candles

Happy Holiday Season everyone! I'm so excited that it's Tuesday and time for The Inspiration Board Creative Party because I know it will be brimming with all kinds of holiday creativity. If you're new here, every Tuesday I host The Inspiration Board Creative Party where you can share your creativity and inspire others. On Friday, I feature projects from the link ups and I'd love to feature you. Whether this is your first visit or you've been stopping by for years, I so appreciate it.

Now on to the creative party. I can't wait to see what you're going to share.

CELEBRATIONS: Brown Paper Packages Advent

Phew… I barely finished this year’s Advent Countdown in time. We’re on day 2 so I probably should have had this all done a week ago. But a week ago I was thinking about turkey and stuffing. With not much time, I went with a simple concept this year inspired by the classic lyrics “brown paper packages tied up with string…”

The Inspiration Board: creative party spotlight ~130~

Happy Friday everyone! For my U.S. friends, do you have a gravy hangover too? Oh my goodness – everything was so good but I showed no restraint what-so-ever. Even though it was a holiday week here, The Inspiration Board was still jam packed with goodies. Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by this week, left a comment or shared a project. I’m always amazed at your talent and always so grateful that you choose to share it here. Thank you!

In case you didn’t have a chance to drop by this week, here’s what I shared.

A beautiful card I received | 15 Unique Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas | Faux Vintage Lace Napkin Rings

And now on to the projects in the spotlight this week:

GOOD TASTE: 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Leftover Round Up

Happy Thanksgiving to my U.S. friends! Whether you live in the United States or not, these Thanksgiving leftover ideas will come in handy at some point.

Enjoy the day, don’t eat too much (yeah, right…) and file these recipes away so that you can enjoy the leftovers in a unique way!

INTRODUCTIONS: A simple comment {Hello Lovely}

I’ve met many people through my blog and many, many through my Tuesday link party. One of the reasons I love hosting a link party is to not only see all the beautiful projects that get linked up but to be able to feature some of the projects every Friday. I know a lot of blogs are doing away with link parties, some are combining parties into mega or super-sized parties but for now, I’m planning on keeping my party simple. I like being able to read through the comments, visit all the links and form relationships.

ACCESSORIES: Initials, Inc. Overview and Giveaway

I wanted pass along an opportunity to you that sounds like a great way to work from home with fantastic earning potential, award winning training and a product line that is very current. It’s called Initials, Inc. The company was founded by two sisters, who gave up their careers for family and began an embroidery and monogramming business.

The Inspiration Board: creative party [130]

From my archives | 5 minute faux snow globe

Oh dear... we're in the last week of November. How did that happen? Here in the U.S. turkeys are being brined, bread is waiting to be turned into yummy buttery stuffing, there are pies to bake, and loads of side dishes to prepare. It's one of the most wonderful feasts of the year and I can't wait!

So, what have you been up to? Thanksgiving prep, winter decor, holiday baking and more? Whatever it is, I can't wait to see.

CELEBRATIONS: Faux Vintage Lace Napkin Rings

I mentioned last week that this year, I’m not hosting Thanksgiving at my house (fist bumps everyone)! But when I do have large gatherings, I like to use napkin rings even if I’m not going to use cloth napkins.

The Inspiration Board: creative party spotlight ~129~

It’s the countdown to Thanksgiving prep here in the United States. This year, I’m not hosting Thanksgiving at my house (phew) so I only have a few dishes to prepare and take with me. Thanksgiving is really late this year so once it’s over I’ll be doing the panic dance trying to get ready for Christmas. It looks like most of you are in good shape since there were loads of holiday projects, recipes, and ideas linked up on The Inspiration Board this week. Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by, commented and shared a project this week.

If you didn’t get a chance to stop by here’s what I shared here on homework.

Smoothies  |  Peanut Butter Cookie Cups with Salted Caramel Ice Cream  |  2014 Owl Lover Calendar

PLUS

I have two super giveaways this week – click over to enter. A Kitchen Aid Mixer and $100 to Shutterfly.

Now on to the projects in the spotlight this week:

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EXTRA CREDIT: The Practical Photo gift {Shutterfly Giveaway}

Hey, friends! Last week, I shared with you my fun Sport Gift Bag that I’m planning on giving to the moms of my son’s teammates.

I ordered the bag from Shutterfly with an action shot and added some fun personalization. Over the past two weeks, you may have seen a number of other bloggers sharing about their own experiences with Shutterfly gifts this holiday season. If you missed some of those, be sure to check out LooksiSquare tomorrow for a very special collection showing you a variety of gift ideas for everyone on your holiday list!

INKLING: 2014 Owl Lover Calendar | Customizable Free Printable

It’s that calendar time of year and I’m so pleased to once again be able to share with you the Owl Lover Calendar from My Barn Owl. This is my fourth year sharing this free, customizable calendar and I look forward to it every year.

GOOD TASTE: Peanut Butter Cookie Cups with Salted Caramel Ice Cream

There are some days when I count my blessing even more than others. Like days when I get to to come up with a recipe using ice cream that was sent to me. Not just any old ice cream but Graeter’s ice cream. It’s my absolute favorite brand of ice cream. Graeter’s still makes their ice cream in a French Pot two gallons at a time and it’s rich and creamy and oh-so good.

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From my Archives | Frosty Apples

Welcome to the Inspiration Board Creative Party! Today's my favorite day when I get to see what all of you have been creating. If you're new here, every Tuesday I host The Inspiration Board Creative Party where you can share your creativity and inspire others. On Friday, I feature projects from the link ups and I'd love to feature you. Whether this is your first visit or you've been stopping by for years, I so appreciate it.

Now on to the creative party. What have you been working on? Decorating for the holidays, testing new recipes, feathering your nest? Whatever it is, I can't wait to see it. Stay awhile, enjoy the other links and the party.

And don't forget to enter my giveaway for a shiny red Kitchen Aid Mixer. Click here to enter.

CELEBRATIONS: Kitchen Aid Mixer Giveaway

It’s Christmas Baker's Edition Giveaway Event

Organized by: Mom Powered Media. Co-hosted by: Shannon's View from Here, My Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Life, Joans 5 Star Reviews, Sweetphi, Mommy Kat and Kids and Naturally Frugalicious.

I’m so excited for this giveaway. I joined a large group so that I could offer you a giveaway with a fantastic prize. Wouldn't this shiny red Kitchen Aid Mixer make your holidays jolly!

GOOD TASTE: Bolthouse Farms Juice

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Bolthouse Farms for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you like smoothies? They are so good and so good for you. I love a fresh smoothie but frankly, I don’t always have all the fresh fruit ingredients to make one. I mean, sometimes all I have left at the end of the week is one sad brown banana and that wouldn’t make a very fun smoothie. Plus, I don’t always have time to break out the blender.

The Inspiration Board: creative party spotlight ~128~

TGIF friends! We crafted, decorated, baked, cooked and diyed through another week. Oh my!

This time of year there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish everything. But by the looks of The Inspiration Board this week, you all have been very busy and VERY creative. A reader let me know that she had never clicked on so many links at a link party before and I have to agree – the projects were amazing! So thank you so much for sharing and visiting.

In case you didn’t have a chance to stop by this week, here is what I shared here on homework.

DIY Rubber Silicone Handles |  Cream Cheese, Turkey & Cranberry Crostini | Handmade Market Holiday Gift Guide | Personalized Sports Bag Gift

ETCETERAS: SPORTS GIFT BAG

This post is sponsored by Shutterfly in conjunction with Looksi Square. I received product compensation, but all opinions are my own.
My son has played sports his entire life. When he was younger he played football, basketball, volleyball and baseball. It was a never ending cycle of sporting events. I lost count of how many times I was the team mom.

GOOD TASTE: cranberry relish crostini

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Carton Smart for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you as excited about the tastes of Thanksgiving as I am? In anticipation, I’m trying out some new recipes and I thought this cranberry relish, cream cheese & turkey crostini would be a perfect Thanksgiving appetizer or even a Thanksgiving leftovers idea.

CELEBRATIONS: handmade market holiday gift guide

It's finally here. I’m so excited to share with you The first HANDMADE MARKET Holiday Gift Guide. The handmade products featured in this gift guide have been compiled from shops that linked up to my Handmade Market link party a few weeks ago. The party was a huge success and I’m excited to host future handmade market link ups. I’m happy to support handmade for the holidays and year round.

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From my archives | Vintage Tart Tin Place Cards

Welcome to the Inspiration Board Creative Party! I'm so happy that you're here. Whether you're just popping in, linking up projects or looking for a specific project, I hope you enjoy your visit. If you're new here, every Tuesday I host The Inspiration Board Creative Party where you can share your creativity and inspire others. On Friday, I feature projects from the link ups and I'd love to feature you.

Now on to the creative party. What have you been working on? Decorating for fall, testing new recipes, feathering your nest? Whatever it is, I can't wait to see it. Stay awhile, enjoy the other links and the party.

ETCETERAS: SUGRU FORM & FIX RUBBER

I was sent samples of the coolest new product. It’s like play dough for adults but even better because it dries into a silicone rubber.

The Inspiration Board: creative party spotlight ~127~

Welcome to the Inspiration Board Spotlight! There were so many beautiful projects linked up this week. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your projects here on homework. The fall themed ideas just make me want slow down, curl up in blanket and enjoy a book and some hot cider. But the reality is – it’s go time. It’s a mad dash through the holiday season and while I’ll enjoy decorating, baking, cooking and all the festivities, I doubt I’ll have time for that blanket and book scenario. How about you? Are you able to slow down the pace and have a few quiet moments? I hope so.

In case you didn’t have a chance to stop by this week, here’s a glimpse at what I shared.

Cooking with Leftovers {a weekly meal plan} | Gold Painted Pressed Fern |  Budget Bridal Décor  |  Thanksgiving Recipes

GOOD TASTE: Thanksgiving Recipes

I had to shuffle my schedule around and the project that I was going to share with you today isn’t quite ready. But since I was meal planning with my mother for our Thanksgiving dinner and going through my recipes, I’d thought I’d share some of our favorites with you. Some of these make a regular appearance on our Thanksgiving table. The spinach apple & glazed pecan salad, cranberry conserve, cheesecake bars and pecan mini tarts are always requested. A few others are new recipes that are also perfect for Thanksgiving.

FRESH LOOK: gold leaf {painted pressed ferns}

A few years ago I created some pressed fern art for my dining room. The ferns were a vibrant spring green and looked so fresh and clean.