Winter into Spring Double Grapevine Wreath Tutorial

I've found that I have a decorative lull on my front door just after the Christmas holiday.  It no longer seems appropriate to display my Noel sign, but it seems too early to put up my Spring wreath.

So I decided to display a double wreath that can be decorated for two seasons and extend the time that my wreath is on my door.  I decorated the smaller wreath with Winter berries, and the larger wreath with Spring blooms, and tied the two with white and burlap ribbons.  I think it really is a clever way to span the seasons and display my wreath for a longer time.

I really love it!  You can find the directions on how to make a similar wreath on my Hubpages!

Seashells Birdhouse Welcome Wreath

I'm slow getting back into the blogging routine, but I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!!  I did and will be sharing a couple of crafts that I made and received as Christmas gifts this year.

First up - this seashell birdhouse wreath I made for my mother.  They have a beach cottage and I thought that a seashell wreath would be a perfect addition to their place.  I forgot to take any photos before I sent it to my Mom and only got this kind of crappy photo while we were visiting with my parents, but you get the idea.

My Mom's seashell wreath is based on this Spring wreath I made for myself, using a birdhouse, artificial flowers, and a garden trellis.  I just replaced the flowers with seashells.  You can see more photos and get the directions on my Hubpages.  Let's all start thinking of Spring!

Handmade Holiday Mantle Display

Ta-da!  The holiday mantle is complete... for now.  The wreath you've seen before, but this is the first time I've put everything together on the mantle - including this new project (which I just love):

I've listed the links to all of these items on my Hometalk page.  I hope you check it out and enjoy!

Polymer Clay "Knit Stitch" Box and Brooch

I just posted this tutorial on how to make a polymer clay notions or trinket box with a knit stitch design on my Hubpages.

I used the same technique to make a "knit" brooch.  I trimmed my clay design to fit in a brooch blank.  Then I added the "fuzzy" saying by rolling a small egg of clay, flattening it with a dowel, then using alphabet stamps to add the lettering.  I made this little word oval separately and didn't stick it over my knit stitches until I had it right.  I'm not going to lie - it took several tries to get the lettering lined up and centered on my oval.

Why I chose the word "fuzzy"?  I couldn't say.  It kinda refers to knitting and seemed funny at the time :)

Once my clay piece was baked and cooled, I glued it into a wooden brooch blank from artbase on etsy.  Their pieces are lovely.  I made another pin with one of their brooch pieces here.

Check out my knitting polymer clay tutorial and make your own!!

17 Repurposed, Recycled, & Upcycled Christmas Craft Ideas

http://www.hometalk.com/b/1762473/17-incredible-repurposed-christmas-crafts

The good people at Hometalk were kind enough to ask me to put together a clipboard of some of my favorite Repurposed Christmas Crafts off of their site.  I was THRILLED to do so and found SO MANY great repurposed/recycled/upcycled holiday craft ideas!

Where to begin...driftwood, rusted springs, bottle caps, bits and pieces of random stuff - just amazing!  I especially love the Christmas Tree crafts, some of which (admittedly) are mine:

But there are a lot of wonderful, creative, exciting projects to explore.  Check out my board here, and start pinning and crafting for the holidays!  Enjoy!!

Getting My Holiday Season Started: Christmas Display Made from Tomato Cage

After a bit of a hiatus from crafting, I'm getting an early start on some of my Christmas projects.

First up:  a festive display for Christmas ornaments, favorite holiday cards, or fun family photos (I've used all three!).   This charming display would make a wonderful table centerpiece.  And your friends and family will be amazed that it's made from a basic tomato cage from the garden.

Find more pics and instructions on my Hubpages.

Latest Project: Anthro-Inspired Handmade Tree with Paper Flowers

I love to mix different colors and textures from different materials in a lot of my craft projects.  For this handmade tree decoration, I combined the rustic quality of twine with the charm and color of little paper flowers with button centers, then added just a little more interest with a little felt applique bird.

I really love the finished result.  I think this charming tree has a little bit of vintage inspiration that you often find in the home accessories sold at stores like Anthropologie and Pottery Barn.

And this tree decoration could be used in so many ways.  It would be beautiful as part of a wedding centerpiece, made with only white flowers and details.  Or with more pastels colors for a bridal lunch or baby shower.  So many options!  You can find the directions and more photos on my Hubpages!