Busy as a bee!

Hope everyone had a Fabulous Christmas!

I've taken a few days off from blogging to get some things done...I've been working on some new crafts and DIY things that I am so excited about! I can't wait to show them off! I should have some ready to post later on in the week!

I love Scrapbooking!

Here is another scrapbook page...just thought I would upload one while working on some crafts! I love using different printed papers on a page. I usually stick to papers and a 3-D embellishment on a page - I'm not the biggest fan of flat stickers.

Hope you enjoy!

Awesome Giveaway @ Sassafras Stuff!!!

Head on over to Sassafras Stuff - she is celebrating her 100th post with an awesome giveaway!

The giveaway includes the following:

~ vintage basket
~ vintage 152 page RECORD book.....while the outside cover is a little worse for wear, the inside reveals 152 pristine pages never before written in!
~ new french script spiral bound scrapbook or journal
~ vintage Royal Staffordshire brown and white transferware creamer
~ small cream silk rosette pin
~ new white ceramic pear
~ "Eau de toe" lavender filled sachets for your shoes
~ round fleur de lis box with Earthworks brand lotion and perfume
~ plum currant Bluewick brand votive candle
~ lacy crocheted gloves
~ Eiffel Tower dish towel
~ photocopy of vintage Christmas postcard

I've Been Featured!!

Hey Guys...I've been featured at today on two different blogs!!!!! My glass beaded ornaments are featured over at Someday Crafts!!!!! My pinwheel ornaments are featured over at The Remodelaholic!!!!! Go check them out!

Pom-Pom Wreath!!

Finally finished my pom-pom wreath!! For a tutorial on how to make the pom-poms go here.
I used three colors (that matched my Christmas Decor) but you can use as many as you like. I also used different sized pom-poms. Once you get the pom-poms made just tie them on a Styrofoam circle/wreath. I did a final trim once I got them attached...I love how it looks vintage!

Pinwheel Ornament

I love to make things with scrapbook paper... These are super easy and really cute.


First make a pattern - after several times of trial and error I came up with this shape:

Then just trace it on the back of printed paper and cut it out (I used a hole puncher to make the holes on the ends and in the middle) I cut out four shapes, 2 of each print:

Then place the middle hole on to a brad, making sure to alternate the prints.
Fold one side of the shape towards the middle and push the brad through the previously punched hole. Do this with all of the remaining sides making sure to alternate the prints just like before.
Just fold over the brad to secure it and ta da! a pinwheel ornament:

Our Peacock Christmas Tree!

Here's our Peacock Tree and one of my favorite ornaments.



I love, love our tree. It is covered in blue, green and goldish brown ornaments and peacocks...so pretty.

Go check out The DIY Showoff for fun linky parties!

Scrapbooky Monday

Sorry for the lack of post in the past few days...it's the end of the quarter and I'm in the middle of finals ( 1 down 2 to go). I've yet to post any of my scrapbooking so I thought I would that today! I love scrapbooking - I get to incorporate my photography with my love of design. Hope you enjoy!

Awesome Giveaways @ DIY Show Off!!

Awesome Giveaways!!! Go Check Them out!!!!

Mantel Decor

I do a lot of Christmas decorating - some for me and lots for other people. It is one of my favorite things to do during the Holidays. This is a mantel I did this year. First I wrapped some garland with lights. Then I attached balls of different shapes, colors (burgandies and golds), and textures to the garland with floral wire. Then I added the candle holders. And Voila...




Check out The DIY Showoff...great stuff and linky parties!!

Punched Paper Ornaments (super easy!)

I have tons and tons of paper scraps from Scrapbooking...a problem that has plagued me for a while. SO - i finally put them to use and made some really cute super easy ornaments.

Materials needed:
Styrofoam balls
paper
paper punchers
straight pins with colorful heads
ribbon

Punch paper into desired shape (I used different amounts depending on shape punched and size of ball)

Attach a loop of ribbon to the top with pins

Pin shapes onto ball overlapping the ribbon and layering the pieces:


Here is one I did with different paper and a different shape:



Go check out DIY Showoff...participate in the Linky Party!

Chair Redo

My desk/craft station is really tall so I needed a barstoolish type chair. I also wanted something with a back because I sit at my desk for long periods of time. Little did I realize that Grandma had just what I was looking for. I just needed updating...

I was a dummy and forgot to take a before picture - so you will just have to mentally visualize it :)

Before:

Scratched up pine colored wood, pink and seafoamy green Aztec printed seat cover (from the 80's).

After:

Candied Pecans

Try these easy Candied Pecans - perfect for gifts or parties. They taste just like pralines!


Ingredients

* 4 cups pecans, shelled
* 1 egg white
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 275°F.

With an electric mixer,beat egg white until stiff peaks form.

Add the sugar and vanilla and mix until thoroughly incorporated.

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.

Put pecans on an even layer on the sheet.

pour mixture over pecans and stir to coat.

Cook 15-20 minutes until coating has hardened.

Put on plate to cool.

Store in airtight container.

Upholstered Bench

Karl and I needed some extra seating at our new house. So - my Grandfather built us a bench out of an extra door he had laying around. Anytime I get the chance to upholster something I am really excited!

BEFORE:





AFTER:

Glass Beaded Ornaments

Anyone who knows me can vouch for the fact that I love peacocks...especially at Christmas. My tree is covered in peacocks and peacock colored ornaments (picture of tree to come later). Several years ago my bestie and I bought some round ornaments covered in beads that matched my tree. During a move from Atlanta to where I am now they got lost. SO - I made some!



Supplies needed:

- Styrofoam ball
- fire polished beads
- clear "string" of some sort (I used fishing line)
- glue
- ribbon for hanger
- lots of patience

Just string the beads ( I did a little at a time...I have ADD). I applied the glue first with a small paintbrush. Then I started applying the beads from the middle of the ball and went up and then started again at the middle and went down leaving a small space at one end for the ribbon hanger. Next I attached a loop of ribbon to the top with a little glue.

That's it...pretty easy!