Saying "Hello" to Spring ~ Bee's Knees Wreath Tutorial

I wasn't planning to make a new wreath this spring, but as the weather got nicer, I decided I needed to celebrate with some fresh flowers to welcome visitors to our door.

 So I went to the store and bought some artificial pansies,some burlap and lace ribbon, and made this wreath.  (You can find a tutorial to make a similar wreath on my Hubpages.)

This flower wreath was fine, but I wanted to add some more color and fun. So I headed to my craft supplies for some paint and bubble wrap.

And ta-da!  I made this fun bee-friendly sign to hang in the middle of my wreath.  This sign was easy to make.  I have posted all the directions with photos on Hometalk.

I love how the finished sign came out and I smile every time I see my spring wreath hanging on my door :)  Check it out on Hometalk!

Crafting Crossover: Free Knitting Pattern for Confetti Cup Cozy

Many of you may not know that I also have a knitting blog called Fiber For Thought.  Well, I do.  There, I share information on all things knitting and yarn-y, including free knitting patterns.

And I just posted my latest free knitting pattern for my Confetti Fringe Cup Cozy, along with a similar pattern for the Confetti Fringe Pillow Cover.  I love these two patterns, particularly this cute and colorful cup cozy.  It's a quick and easy pattern and oh so satisfying :)  I think it's the perfect spring pick me up to brighten up your table, desk, or day! 

Check out these patterns and more on my knitting blog!

Recycled Birdhouse Planter or Flower Vase - Celebrating Spring with a New Tutorial and a Blog Hop!

Spring is on its way and I'm thrilled to celebrate its arrival with a new tutorial and a DIY My Spring Blog Hop!  #DIYMySpring

A new season is great inspiration for a new craft project, like this Recycled Birdhouse Planter or Flower Vase.

We're starting to have more sunny days than not, and I've noticed the soft sunlight coming through our front windows now.  I realized that this window area might be the perfect place to put some pretty African violet plants.  My mom always had African violets growing in her windows and I love their little blooms and soft colors.  But, alas, I'm not very good with houseplants.  I have more of an orange thumb than a green thumb (sad face).

So I thought if I made a pretty planter, maybe no one would notice that my plant was dying (LOL)  I came upon the idea to reuse a birdhouse as a vessel that could serve as a planter or a flower vase.

I "crafted" my recycled birdhouse out of household items, but you could also use a pre-made birdhouse as the base for your planter or flower vase.  I have all the directions with photos for making either a planter or flower vase on on my Hubpages!

Once you have your basic birdhouse, there's lots of fun ways to add details and personality.  I decorated my birdhouse with stencils and a sweet little bird made from clay.  You can find a full tutorial to make your own here on my Hubpages.  These cute birds are so fun to decorate with stamps and buttons.

This spring project is only one of many featured on Hometalk, as part of their DIY My Spring Blog Hop!  Please take a moment and check out all the other wonderful home decorating and craft ideas and watch for the hashtag #DIYMySpring!