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Harvest Halloween Sponsor #2 Paramore Art Works

September 25, 2011 Leave a Comment

It’s time to spotlight another Harvest Halloween sponsor.

Paramore Art Works is a unique Etsy shop, which offers handmade gift tags, word banners, potion bottles, and witches’ wands!

This is a fanstastic shop! The items have a sort of vintage, shabby-chic appeal, which I love! A couple of my favorite fall items are these cute tags, although I also love her Halloween garlands!

The thing that really makes Paramore Art Works stand out is their line of witches’ wands and potion bottles!  

What a great decor idea! Each bottle is adorned with cute tags and embellishments, making them perfect for a Halloween themed mantle or buffet. So fun!

The shop also has a lot of non-Halloween items which I wanted to highlight.  I really like their word banners like this one:

And they some very cute vintage and primitive tags featuring everything from from Wizard of Oz to Fleur de lis.  This set is one of my favorites:

Please go by Paramore Art Works and take a look around!

Giveaway! Beth at Paramore Art Works is offering a potion bottle of “Moon Dust” decorated with crusty gauze, twine, moss, and a spider. Perfect for a witches collection of potions!
How to Enter: The Harvest Halloween Giveaway will be posted and open for entries on Oct 14.

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Filed Under: crafts, decorating, fall, Giveaways, Halloween

Fall Letter Craft Tutorial

September 14, 2011 9 Comments
I love fall crafts and decor!  I made this shabby style fall craft the other day.  I guess you’d call it a wall hanging (even though I’ve hung it on the fridge).  But the concept behind my little fall letters could also be applied to banners, cards, place mats and more.




What You Need:
Black Felt 
Brown Paper or a paper sack
Faux Leaves
Sand paper (or scrapbook paper)
Black Marker or Alphabet Stickers for lettering
Hot Glue
Twine
Magnets (optional)
Directions:
1. Cut 4 squares of black felt.  Mine are 5 inches by 5 inches. 
2. Then cut 4 squares of brown paper. (I used a paper sack).  The size of the brown pieces will depend on how big your black pieces are and how big you want your black border to be.  For example, my brown squares are about a 1/4 of an inch (or so) smaller than the black squares.  But if I was using 10 inch black squares, I probably would make the brown squares about 9 inches.
3. Next crumple the brown squares to create the textured/wrinkled effect.  
4.  Use hot glue to affix the brown squares to the black felt squares.
5. Next position your leaves on top of the brown paper, and affix using hot glue.
6. Next cut out pieces of sand paper (or scrapbook paper) for your FALL letters.
7.  With a Sharpie draw a letter on each piece of paper and place them on top of the leaves using hot glue.  Or you can add stickers or chipboard letters if your prefer.

Directions and Methods for Display/Hanging
The next step depends on how you wish to use the letters.  Here are some options:
1. You could place your letters inside a frame.
2. Another option is to place the letters in a vertical or horizontal row and attach a piece of twine to the back of the letters using hot glue. (Or poke holes in the felt and weave the twine through to connect the letters). And then tie a piece of twine at the end(s) for hanging. (as in the very first picture)
3. As a third option you can attach magnets to the back of the letters for refrigerator hanging. (or you could even use tape).
4. Or you can do a combination of #2 and #3, which will allow you to hang this of the fridge (or somewhere else) in  a variety of ways.  (See examples below)

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I’m linking up at Tidy Mom and these parties.
Filed Under: crafts, decorating, fall, Halloween

Z-Access 3D Display Frame Review and Giveaway

September 13, 2011 3 Comments

Today I’ve got a great new display frame to share with you. The Z-Access 3D Rotating Display Frame is the perfect way to showcase your favorites items.  You can creatively display family photos and keepsakes, sports memorabilia, awards, collectibles, and more!

“With the Z-Access Display Frame  showcased treasures can be seen and felt from a variety of angles, while staying safely protected from moisture, dust and fingerprints – an interactive display experience display cases made with rigid glass or acrylic can’t offer! What sets the Z-Access™ Display Frame apart from traditional frames, display cases and shadow boxes, is its clear flexible frame inserts which gently conform around objects placed between them. The puncture-resistant, dual inserts fit securely within the hinged frame enabling treasured objects of virtually any shape, to be suspended in full view. Don’t let those treasured life memories stay tucked away another day, proudly share them with your family and friends by prominently displaying them in the Z-Access Display Frame today!”

The frames come in 3 different types: The 6″x4″ 3D Stand Alone Frame, the 6″x4″ Slim Line 3D Rotating Frame, and the 6″x4″ Executive Rotating Frame in Frame.
Within the 6” x 4” frame size you can display items with volumes up to thirty-seven cubic inches (approximately items 5” x 3” x 2.5”), and the frame can hold items weighing up to three pounds.

Here’s a demonstration to show you how easy it is to place your favorite items inside your frame:

My Thoughts: As someone with a lot of collectibles and keepsake items, I love this frame! I normally put my keepsakes in my China cabinet, but with this frame I can now take select items and display them on my desk, a shelf, or any other area of the house for better viewing, and I don’t have to worry about them collecting dust.

I also love how quick and easy it is to place your items in the display frame.  It’s much easier than mounting your items in traditional shadow frames, which often requires using adhesives that can damage your collectibles. And the Z-Access frame you can remove your items from the frame at any time.  And it’s also more convenient and way less expensive than sending your items off to be professionally framed.

If you’re looking for a better way to display your memories and collectibles, you should definitely consider this frame!

Buy it! You can purchase all Z-Access Display Frames online at Displayit3D.com.

Connect:  Also, check out DispalyIt3D on Facebook and Twitter.

Win it! One Simply Sweet Home reader will win a Z-Access Display frame.

Mandatory Entry:  To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form below.



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Filed Under: crafts, decorating, Giveaways

Fall Leaf Jar

September 8, 2011 16 Comments

At Christmas I just love jars filled with Christmas balls, so last year I took the idea and applied it to fall. 
It turned out really cute, and the best part of all is that I didn’t have to spend a dime. I already had the gold Christmas balls that I used.  And the leaves actually fell off of some fall garland that I had. Rather than throw them away, I figured why not use them for craft materials!

What You Need:
A Glass or Plastic Jar(s)
Christmas Balls in Gold or Fall Colors
Faux Fall Leaves
Or other fall-ish items (gourds, etc.)
Directions:  Just layer your balls and leaves inside your jar as desired.  I suggest starting with a few balls and then place your leaves in and around them as a filler.

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I’m linking up at Tidy Mom and these parties.
Filed Under: crafts, decorating, fall

Free Fall Printables

September 6, 2011 14 Comments

A cold front of wind and rain came our way yesterday, and today it’s actually 71 degrees in our house without any air conditioning!  I’m know the fall season doesn’t officially begin for another couple of weeks, and we’ll probably have a few more hot days ahead, but today I’m officially in the mood for fall!

To ring in, what is in so many ways, my favorite season, I’ve got some free fall printables for you! Hope you enjoy!

Fall Subway Art from Betty Crocker Wannabe

Fall Favor Tags from it is what it is
Fall Worksheets from All Kids Network 
(about 20 different fall worksheets are available)
Give Thanks Printables from TomKat Studio

Fall/Thanksgiving Subway Art from Blooming Homestead

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I’m linking up at Tidy Mom and these parties.
Filed Under: decorating, fall, Freebie, party ideas, Printables, Thanksgiving

Inspired Bedrooms

August 24, 2011 10 Comments

Following the theme from the past couple of weeks, today I’ve got some inspired bedroom decor to share with you. I found all these on the absolutely fabulous site Pinterest, which is now my go-to site for blogging and other creative inspiration!  
The first picture (above) is actually from anEtsy shop called Atilla Design. I actually found it several weeks ago on Pinterest and was just looking for an excuse to share it, so here it is! lol. Hope you enjoy all my selections!

Love the bright and bold colors of this Modern Bedroom from Craftaholics Anonymous

I found a lot of classical and vintage inspired rooms at Simplified Bee.
A chic, modern bedroom with rich colors from HGTV
Modern bedroom with a touch of classic elegance at Decor Pad
I thought this one had an interesting mix of modern, vintage, and shabby chic stylings.  It’s from House of Turquoise.
And finally here’s a shabby chic beach bedroom from NewPhotosGalleries.

This post is sponsored by The Trendy Boutique.  The place for trendy, fun, and affordable shopping!  Check out everything they have to offer from watches to photo jewelry and hand stamped jewelry.  And even design your very own flip flops and hand bags!  Find all the accessories you need  for summer and back to school!

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I’m linking up at Tidy Mom and these parties.
Filed Under: decorating, Home/Garden

Bedroom Makeover

July 27, 2011 6 Comments
I recently did a slight revamp in our bedroom….nothing fancy, just a new bedspread and curtains.  I love the bedspread that we had, but we’ve been using for a while, and I thought the room could use a splash of color.

Here’s a before picture:

And here’s the after:

And here’s a closeup of the bedspread: green with red/pink and white/tan flowers.

What do you think?

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I’m linking up at Tidy Mom and these parties.
Filed Under: decorating, Home/Garden

Summer Pinwheel and Burlap Wreath

July 13, 2011 17 Comments
I think pinwheels are so cute and fun for the summer!  Several weeks ago while making my flag wreath, I also put this little pinwheel wreath together.
Since it’s made using the scrapbook paper of your choice, it’s a very versatile project.  And I made fairly easy by using “flat pinwheels.”  Hope you enjoy this tutorial.

What You Need:
1 Embroidery Hoop (mine is 12 inches)
Scrapbook Paper
Burlap (or your choice of material)
Hot Glue Gun
Glue stick
Ribbon

Tutorial:
1.  Choose some coordinating scrapbook papers (preferably with designs on both sides).  I used 3 different sheets for mine, but you could use more or less.  Cut your paper into 5 inch squares.  You’ll need about six for a 12 inch wreath.  (By the way, the paper that I used came out of a kit from Scrapbook Circle which I actually won last year through a blog giveaway. Yay!)
2.  Using scissors, cut your paper starting and the corner, and cutting toward the center, stopping about 1/2 an inch from the center.  Do this at each corner.  Next you need to fold one of the corners over, folding flat toward the center, and repeat with the remaining corners. Use glue stick so that pinwheel shape stays in place. (Or if you don’t want flat pinwheels, you can fold them over without folding flat and secure the pinwheel with a brad.)
3.  Next cover your embroidery hoop with burlap or your choice of fabric.  Use the hot glue gun to secure your fabric to the hoop.
4.  Now use your glue stick to attach the pinwheels to the wreath.
5.  Finally add some ribbon for hanging, and you’re done!

This post is sponsored by Cutie Patootie Creations. Why settle for the same “cookie cutter” party invites, when you can have something custom created for you?  Cutie Patooties has unique invitations in a variety of fun styles and themes.  And they have all the matching decorations and supplies you need to get your party on! Check out Cutie Patootie Creations today, and get started planning your perfect party!

I’m linking up at these crafty parties and Tidy Mom.

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Filed Under: crafts, decorating, summer, Wreaths

Ornament Shop Review

July 12, 2011 1 Comment
I got another mouse ornament to add to my collection! This cute ornament came from OrnamentShop.com. They offer ornaments in a variety of styles and themes, including Graduate Christmas Ornaments, Teacher Ornament, Graduate Christmas Ornaments,and Engagement Ornaments.  And if you’re celebrating Christmas in July on your blog, check out their blog for some great Christmas Ideas.
The ornament I received from OrnamentShop.com features an adorable mouse couple, sitting atop a candy cane.  It is made of polymer clay, which gives it a really whimsical look.
And it’s personalized! One each side of the mouse couple is a snowflake which I had our first names put on, and then hanging beneath the candy cane is a little holly berry adorned sign which I got our last name put on.  Very cute!
And here’s a few more personalized items that I really like at this site:
Meow Cat Ornament
Snowman Baby Girl Ornament
Snowman Couple Ornament
Gingerbread Family Ornament
Frog Family Ornament

Check out Ornamentshop.com for these and more adorable ornaments!

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Disclosure:  I received a free ornament for review purposes.  I was in no other way compensated for this post. The opinions are my own.
Filed Under: Christmas, decorating, product review

Country Style, Shabby Chic 4th of July Wreath

June 22, 2011 6 Comments
My mom gave me this wreath. Isn’t it cute?  I have this on my door right now for 4th of July, but I really love decor like this year round because I adore the country style!

To make this wreath, you start with a vine wreath.  Next a string of garland featuring small metal stars was added.  Also strung on this garland are some small bells, which are painted red or blue.  I’ve seen similar garlands sold at decor retailers (perhaps Pottery Barn or Current), so I’m sure you could find something similar with a simple internet search.  Or you could go the less expensive route and buy some wire/foil type garland from Wal-mart or the dollar store.
Next wooden hearts and stars were painted and added to the wreath using hot glue.  The ribbon at the bottom can be tied and then added also using hot glue, or you can loop the ribbon through the vine and then tie it in lieu of glue.

Finally the star and welcome sign are suspended down the middle using a simple wire wrapping technique.  And another wire is wrapped around the top for easy hanging.

I’m linking up at these parties.

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Filed Under: crafts, decorating, Misc Holidays, Patriotic, Wreaths
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