crafts Archives - Page 12 of 15

Venus Ribbon Review/Giveaway

June 8, 2010 61 Comments

Here’s another fun giveaway for all you crafty chicks! Venus Ribbon offers a variety of fashionable ribbons for all your crafting projects. Their stock includes ribbons of all colors, patterns, styles, and motifs. These include polka dots, stripes, animal prints, sports themes, patriotic, checkered, plaid, solid colors, and more! If you’re thinking ahead for the holidays, they even have ribbons for Christmas, Halloween, and Valentines.

I received a 10 yard spool of ribbon in the pattern of my choice. I chose the reversible hot pink and white polka dot ribbon. I was impressed with the quality of the fabric and its vibrant colors. I plan to use this ribbon on at least one fashion project, which will be a pair of flip flops. And I’ll also be using this for other craft projects and possibly for some fancy gift ribbons.

I would definitely recommend this ribbon to anyone who makes hairbows or likes to add ribbons and bows to children’s fashions. It would also be ideal for home decor and craft projects or your homemade gifts. Here are just a few of the fun patterns available. Be sure to check out Venus Ribbon for more cute and colorful ribbons for your projects!

One of my readers will win a 10 yrd spool of ribbon in their favorite style. To enter, please visit Venus Ribbon and leave a comment on this post with your favorite pattern and what you would make with the ribbon.

Giveaway Closed. Winner: Birdie of Birdie Says.

-Jerri

Full Disclosure: I was not paid for this post. For hosting this giveaway, I received a free spool of ribbon. The giveaway prize is provided by Venus Ribbon. The opinions here are mine.

Filed Under: crafts, Giveaways, product review, Sponsors

Mousey Thrift Store Fix-up

May 20, 2010 3 Comments

As some of you know, I collect mouse ornaments and figurines. I found the little guy above at a thrift store for 50 cents! There was only one problem. The sugar on his spoon was missing, and the spoon was no longer attached properly to the bowl. But that, of course, didn’t stop me from getting him!

When I got home, my first thought was, “What am I going to use for the ‘sugar’?” And for some reason I just couldn’t think of anything. The easiest and most obvious choice seemed to be a piece of cotton ball, but I knew that would look dumb. So I asked my very smart hubby for help. I showed it to him, and asked what I could use for sugar. He looked at for a second, and almost immediately he said, “a packing peanut.” Why didn’t I think of that?

So I went to grab a packing peanut. I’m always getting packages in the mail, so we usually have a large supply! To attach the spoon back to the top of the sugar bowl, I simply used the hot glue gun. (I was going to gorilla glue, but it just wasn’t working.) And then I tore off a piece of peanut and used the hot glue to attach it to the spoon. Very quick and easy!

Here’s how it turned out. Very cute! And you can’t even tell it’s a packing peanut unless you pick it up and look really close. In my opinion, this was 50 cents well spent! So if you’re shopping at a yard sale or thrift store, and you find something you like, but it has a minor flaw or break, don’t get too disappointed. It just may be an easy fix!

-Jerri

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I’m posting a link to this post at:
It’s So Very Creative & It’s So Very Thrifty hosted by It’s So Very Cheri
Make it for Monday hosted by Cottage Instincts
Made it Mondays hosted by The Persimmon Perch
Making the World Cuter Monday hosted by Making the World Cuter
Make Your Monday hosted by Twice Remembered
Metamorphosis Monday hosted by Between Naps on the Porch
DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land
Market Yourself Monday is hosted by Sumos Sweet Stuff
Marketing Mondays and Sharing Ideas Wednesday is hosted by The Trendy Treehouse
What Your Working with Wednesday is hosted by Me and My Bucket
Show & Tell Wednesday is hosted by Blue Cricket Design
Tip Me Tuesday is hosted by Tip Junkie
Week End Review is hosted by Tator Tots & Jello
Star on Saturday is hosted by Craft-Werk
Penny Pinching Party is hosted by The Thrifty Home
Show & Tell Friday is hosted by Romantic Home

Filed Under: crafts, saving money

Spring Wreath Revamp

May 5, 2010 3 Comments

I’ve seen so many cute wreaths on other blogs and in the future I want to make my own completely “from scratch” but for the sake of saving money, I created this one using stuff that I already had.

The wreath was actually given to me by dad. It was on his front door for a while, and then it got transferred to the attic. And rather than selling it at a yardsale for $2 or something, he asked me if I wanted it. Of course I said yes! And since then the wreath has adorned our front door for the past 2 springs and summers. But I really wanted something a little different for spring…something to add a little more color, so I simply added some pink flowers and voila!

Here’s a picture of what the wreath looked like before. I love the berries, but some of them are starting to fall off. (Actually we got a glass door installed last year, and before it was installed the wreath was “exposed” to the outside, and birds frequently landed on it and tried to eat the berries, so I’m not surprised that they’re falling off.) And again, I felt that it needed some color.

I had these two flower springs on hand. I believe these were 94 cents at Wal-Mart. I added these to the wreath using the easiest method ever!

I thought I might want to do something different with the wreath in the future, so I didn’t even use glue. I simply cut the flowers, leaving about 3-4 inches of the stem. (You’ll need wire cutters for this.) And then I wove the stems in through the wreath. Very easy! And it looks so great from the outside!

-Jerri

Filed Under: crafts, decorating, Home/Garden, Wreaths

BassWoodStitchery

April 6, 2010 3 Comments

I’m excited to share my newest sponsor with you! BassWoodStitchery is owned and operated by Susie who produces home sewn and hand knit clothing, housewares and quilts from the woods of northern Minnesota.

Here’s what Susie had to say about herself and her shop, “I love to make things. I have a variety of items in my shop and hope to be adding more, especially my quilts. If someone was to ask me what my favorite color is, I’d have to say most all of them! There is such a satisfaction in creating something and seeing the results when it’s done,or the smile on someone’s face when they first see it. I would call it the best therapy there is!”

It’s clear that Susie has a real love for her sewing and quilting. Her use of rich colors and the intricate details in her work are a sign of true craftsmanship, fine design, and high quality. I was very impressed with all the items available at BassWoodStitchery. Her items are just fabulous! And the colors are so unique! I’m especially in love with her all her baby booties, ponchos, and snuggle buddies!

Susie’s also done an excellent job of making houseware products beautiful. Take a look at the dish cloth set above. Aren’t these adorable? I would love a set of these for my kitchen! How about you?

She even has a line of EcoFriendly Cotton Swiffer Covers. I love my swiffer, but the disposable covers are ridiculously expensive! So I was very pleased to see these reuseable crocheted Swiffer covers. What an excellent product idea! And here again, she has some lovely colors available!

Please stop by BassWoodStitchery and take a look at all of Susie’s handmade items!

-Jerri

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Making the World Cuter Monday hosted by Making the World Cuter
I’m Lovin It Fridays is hosted by Tidy Mom
Show & Tell Wednesday is hosted by Blue Cricket Design
Finer Things Friday is hosted by Amy’s Finer Things
I’m Lovin It Fridays is hosted by Tidy Mom
It’s So Very Creative & It’s So Very Thrifty hosted by It’s So Very Cheri
Market Yourself Monday is hosted by Sumos Sweet Stuff
Marketing Mondays and Sharing Ideas Wednesday is hosted by The Trendy Treehouse

Filed Under: cleaning, crafts, Giveaways, shopping, Sponsors

Friday Favorites – Week 5

March 25, 2010 6 Comments

I can’t believe it’s already week 5 of Friday Favorites! Thanks everyone for your participation! Don’t forget if you link up this week, you’re eligible for an extra entry in my Survival Seed giveaway!

Also, just a quick reminder, if you are a baker/food blogger, we’re having Sweet Thursday next week. The theme is Spring Desserts. If you’d like to be featured in the post, you can email me a link to your post by Wednesday of next week or you can participate via Mcklinky on the day of the event. Hope to see you there!

Now for this week’s features. Please grab my “featured” button if your post is here! Thanks!

This recipe looks right up my alley: Grilled Chicken Rio Grande from Nancy’s Daily Dish. Delicious!

I just love birds! And monkey themed paper too? Excellent! This Little Birdy Craft comes from No Money Mama

More birds on this cute easter tree from Bird Crafts

I really want to make these: Artsy Clothes Pins from Monkey See Monkey Do

And I love this handbag from my newest sponsor Nancy’s Bags Etc

Let the party begin! Link up your favorite posts below! Don’t forget to post my link or button so that others can come by and join the fun!

-Jerri

Filed Under: crafts, Friday Favorites, recipes

Nancy’s Bags Etc.

March 24, 2010 4 Comments

Want to make a fashion statement with your own one of a kind handbag? Then you’ll love my newest sponsor, a fabulous etsy shop called Nancy’s Bags Etc. Nancy offers gorgeous bags for all your various needs. You’ll find handmade purses, yoga tote bags, organizers, and medium size tote bags. These are very chic and stylish, and they come in a variety of colors and designs.Nancy has been sewing since childhood–everything from pillows and quilts to clothing. Her new love is making bags, and when you look through her stock it’s obvious that a lot of love and care goes into each bag. From the pattern design, to the fabric selection, and until the last stitch is sewed, her bags are uniquely designed with quality craftsmanship in mind.

Here are just a couple of Nancy’s creations. I love the detail work that goes into this spring purse with flower, and the cotton purse for spring with it’s bold, bright colors, just makes me want to go out for a walk in the sunshine!

Whatever your taste, you’re sure to find a bag for you. So head on over to Nancy’s Bags Etc. and pick out your favorite for spring time! Also, check out Nancy’s other shop Designs in Stained Glass for some cute additions to your home decor.

-Jerri

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Filed Under: crafts, fashion, shopping, Sponsors

Homemade Easter Garland

March 10, 2010 10 Comments

After Christmas the kitchen cabinets looked so bare! So I added a little garland from the craft store for Valentines. Then I was fortunate to win some homemade Valentine Garland from Liz at Hoosier Homemade. It was such a cute prize that it inspired me to make my own garland for Easter. I don’t sew or anything. In fact, I’m not very crafty at all. (Although I am getting better!) So I took Liz’s design and did my own variation on it. (Sorry the pics aren’t any better. Our house doesn’t have the best light. Plus, I’ve decided that I’m in need of a new camera. I always thought I had a pretty good one until my niece got one for Christmas, and the megapixels were about 2x better than mine. I had no idea how much cameras had impoved….then again, I should have known, since I’ve had the camera now for 3 yrs…but I digress! Sorry!) Let’s just get to the tutorial…

Here’s What You’ll Need:
Scrapbook paper. (I used 4 different colors, but I only used half the sheet of paper on each.)
Ribbon
Stencils or cookie cutters
scissors
glue or tape
pen or pencil

Garland Tutorial:

-Use cookie cutters or stencils to trace shapes onto the back of scrapbook paper. You can use a single shape or multiple shapes. (I used an egg shape and two different flower shapes. And again, I used 4 different color patterns and about a half a sheet of paper of each pattern.)

-Next take your scissors and cut out the shapes. (I made 24 cut outs for a seven and a half foot string of garland)

–Cut off a line of ribbon. Make the ribbon as long as you like. I suggest cutting off at least a foot more than the intended length. (I made a 7 1/2 foot garland, but I actually cut about 8 1/2 foot of ribbon off. I used the extra length on each end to wrap it around the “edging” on the top of the cabinets.)

-Now attach the shapes to the ribbon. (I placed them about an inch apart from each other.)

-There are a few different methods you can use for this. Liz actually sewed the cutouts to the ribbon. I, however, am not a seamstress and decided to use a short cut method. I used tape to attach the shapes. I used two small pieces of tape on each shape (making a t or x with the tape on the back of each shape.) I used two pieces to make sure it was secured, and put them on there cross-ways so that the garland would be more flexible/movable. For this step you could also mod podge or a glue gun if you prefer. (I just used tape because it’s quicker, there’s no mess, and it would allow me to make adjustments if I needed to.)

-Then hang your garland and enjoy!

-Jerri

Filed Under: crafts, decorating, Easter

Friday Favorites – Week 2

March 4, 2010 7 Comments

Happy Friday! Time to highlight some of the items posted last week in our first Friday Favorites event! If you are featured, feel free to grab my “Featured at Simply Sweet Home” badge. This week I chose some craft projects to feature, but keep in mind that you can post a link to ANY of your posts. It can be recipes, decor, housekeeping/organizing, projects, tips, product reviews, a post about your kids, your dog/cat, your thoughts….basically anything you want to share with us!

Whatever it is, just link it up below! And don’t forget to include a link to my blog on your post so that other people can come participate!

Now take a look at this week’s featured posts:

Burlap Silhouette Throw Pillows from Jessica at Me and My Bucket

St. Patrick’s Day Banner from Kimberly at Attempting Creative

Mod Podge Magnet Board from Summer at Sumo’s Sweet Stuff

Easter Buckets from Tiffany at La*T*Da

Spring Letters from Punkin Seed Productions

I can’t wait to see your posts for this week! You have until Tuesday to link up!

-Jerri

Filed Under: crafts, Friday Favorites

Spring Earrings at Simply Sweet Creations

March 3, 2010 11 Comments

Today I’m showing off some of the latest earrings I’ve made. I spend of lot of time doing Simply Sweet Home and doing all my husband’s bookkeeping and other office stuff for his business, leaving me very little time to craft, let alone try to run a “successful” craft/jewelry shop, but I’m trying. It’s definitely a work in progress and a crazy balancing act which I’m still trying to figure out. Anyway, these are some of my latest earrings which will be on sale in my shop. Some of them are already listed and others will be listed this week or next. They’re all perfect for spring and I hope you’ll come by and take a look: http://jhrivers.etsy.com/

The first pair (above) are the Peachy Pearl Earrings.

These are the Creamy Dangle Earrings.

These are My Lucky Day Dangle Earrings.

These are the Pretty Princess Earrings.

These are the Spring Butterfly Earrings.

These are the Petite Blue Earrings.

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I’m posting a link to this post at:
It’s So Very Creative hosted by It’s So Very Cheri
Make it for Monday hosted by Cottage Instincts
Made it Mondays hosted by The Persimmon Perch
Making the World Cuter Monday hosted by Making the World Cuter
Make Your Monday hosted by Twice Remembered
Metamorphosis Monday hosted by Between Naps on the Porch
DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land
Market Yourself Monday is hosted by Sumos Sweet Stuff
Marketing Mondays is hosted by The Trendy Treehouse
What Your Working with Wednesday is hosted by Me and My Bucket
Tip Me Tuesday is hosted by Tip Junkie
Week End Review is hosted by Tator Tots & Jello
Star on Saturday is hosted by Craft-Werk

Filed Under: crafts, jewelry, Simply Sweet Creations, Work from Home

Crafts Made With Love

February 4, 2010 2 Comments

I realized it’s been a while since I rounded up some craft ideas to share, so I went over to BHG to take a look around. As usual I was very excited about what I found. Here are just a few Valentine Crafts that will brighten up your home and help you say I love you.
Here’s a cute and very simple idea. Have your children write the reasons they love someone, and put them all together with a cute tag to make this I Love You Jar.

Everyone gets chocolate at Valentine’s Day, but how about giving some Candy Bars with a twist? This craft combines your regular everday candy bar with paper crafting fun!

This work of art is made with chipboard. I love all the colors and patterns that have been brought together here. Just imagine making your own for Valentine’s Day or doing a similar project to coordinate with your home decor.

If you’re tired of giving flowers that just die a few days later, try this flower craft made with buttons and wire.

As someone who loves pictures, I’d love to try this Heart Picture Frame idea. All it takes is a little paint, some wooden hearts, and a little wire. Very cute! And just imagine all the other embellishments that you could use for projects like this!

Here’s something for all of our scrapbooking friends. This Scrapbook Wall Art measures 4 feet by 4 feet. I’ve heard of using your scrapbooking materials to create personalized wall art, but I’ve never seen it done quite like this. Very impressive!

-Jerri

Filed Under: crafts, Valentine's Day

Venus Ribbon Review/Giveaway

Mousey Thrift Store Fix-up

Spring Wreath Revamp

BassWoodStitchery

Friday Favorites – Week 5

Nancy’s Bags Etc.

Homemade Easter Garland

Friday Favorites – Week 2

Spring Earrings at Simply Sweet Creations

Crafts Made With Love

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