summer hats

… for the days the sun actually comes out. Not sure what the weather is like where you are from but Kitchener ON is rather cold, and constantly rainy for middle of summer weather. but thinking positive will bring positive results. right?!

found these super cute tutorials for hats

Kids Bucket Hats :: Punkn

Eddie Cap :: Mushroom Villagers

if you are not skilled with ‘the sewing’ you can always take a look thru the wonders of etsy…

Brown Leaf Print :: McHats

Rainbow (with interchangeable flower in variety of colours) :: mamafamilias

Summer sweets bucket hat :: Cocollo

Green Crochet Cloche :: Sweetbriers

Flowers for mom!!

PomPom Yarn Flowers :: Domestifluff

Painted Flowers From Plastic Bottles

(photo via Martina-Craftyna, but no tutorial)

From what i can see, looking at the blue flower with orange polka dots, she used the mouth of the bottle as the center of the flower. each flower seems to be made following the same, but she has altered the cut style for each petal.

here is a possible tutorial to follow:

1. Cut of tops and bottoms of bottles and make a clean edge.

2. Divide into sections visually and cut from edge as far down as you can. Shape ‘petals’. Prime and let dry.

3. Wrap wire around neck of bottle to create stems. (i would start wrapping about 2″ into the wire. when wrapped about four times, twist the 2″ that we left hanging over to the long wire, to add strength to the stem.) or use a cork to plug the mouth, and insert wire right into the cork.

4. Make fine wire into three or four twisted pieces together, top each with small ‘found’ beads to create the stamins. Insert into cap area.

5. Paint with acrylic paints and spray with acrylic varnish for longer lasting finish if for outdoors.

looking for an artist

just came across this request in toronto craigslist…

I need to find an illustrator that can do that late 1970’s sci-fi movie poster art style. Hand or computer illustration is what i need. It’s for an album cover. Reply to: glasgowvallee@yahoo.ca

Looking for nature bits

In preparation for our Bloomin Earth Show (April 25th at Kitchener Market) we are gathering supplies for the craft imadeit will run…

things like:

• twigs
• bark
• pinecones
• acorns
• chestnuts
• leaves (if any survived)
• pebbles
• and anything else that may be lying around the lawn.
• PLUS milk or juice cartons

if you are local to us, please drop me a line if either we can come scavenge your yard, or if you can bring your collections to our show.

here’s a peek at our plans….

Recycled Nature Bird House :: Donna Erickson via MinnMoms

see more of donna’s craft and cooking tutorials

making spring

i am done with winter. the snowbanks are too high, and my short little self can no longer see over them when im driving. makes me a little crazy. and its cold. i want the spring. i want the flowers. i want to wake up to the birds chirping.

Since its just not enough to will spring onto us…i think we will try to create ’spring’ inside the house, starting with these paper flowers.

Paper Flowers Tutorial :: Wendy Chung of Dozi Design via Craftershock

Fabric Flower Garland Tutorial :: Katye Terry (this is love forever) via Creature Comforts

other springy things to buy or be inspired by…

Bunny+Flower Pillow * Tweet Pillow

Paper Wreath * Stained Glass Butterflies

Spring Plates * Vinyl Bird Sticker

Nest Tea Towel * Peanut Bird Ornament

Mixed Pattern Pillow * Button Flowers

funky finds for valentines

The man went shopping for my valentine’s gift today. these are some of the things that were on my “helpful list for the man”…  and called me 2 hours into it stating he couldnt find anything under $100. “thats right.” i said. “what i want cannot be found at the mall!”

do something different this year and find something sweet, unique and totally handmade for the love of your life. even if you dont care for this particular holiday, show yourself how much you care about… you.

Fat lady sings notebook $25 from grrraphics

Vintage Looking Roses + Hearts Box $12 from Enfantjolie

Seduction Soap $4.25 from Sweet+Tranquil

Raku Heart Pendant $9.99 from Martha Lynn

Dry Erase Memo Board (perfect for leaving little love notes) $6.50 from BlackLilyPie

Pretty in Pink Ring $12 from The Ardent Sparrow

Hugs + Kisses Long Sleeve Baby Tee $15 from PotatoPatch

Owl Snap Pouch $13 from The Needlings

Hedgehogs in Love $20 from Beneath the Rowan Tree

Live, Laugh, Love $15 from Leather Made Nice

Would You Love Me Cufflinks $25 from Block Party Press

Red Button Earrings $3.50 from 5 and Under

Peace Rose Necklace $35 from ForTheCrossJewelry

“Edward Has My Heart” Pendant $15 from Beaddifferent

Diamonds in the Rough, Wrapped Ring $95 from Kate Szabone

Rainbow Love $50 from InBloom Designs

Arrow Necklace $17 from Greenerica

what tells them best that you think of them everyday, every moment?

think love… not just lovely.

Recycled Wrap

Recycled gift wrap on Flickr – Photo Sharing!.

Perfect Recycled Wrap :: Hanniabej’s

just remember to keep the recycling bin nearby –instead of stuffing all this paper in a garbage bag. Don’t forget to recycle this holiday.