It’s that time of the year again…Valentines Day is approaching. Want to know a secret? shh..but up until the past few years I have avoided Valentines Day like the plague. I have valid reasons….bad things happen to me on that day. For example one year I managed to knock myself out while attempting to pick up an earring back. However, I have a man who was determined to at least make me acknowledge the date, so here we are. Two years later…and I’m making Valentines Day crafts! So you should thank my Brainy hubby for the cuteness you see below 
Take a closer look… isn’t this little birdy I found in good ’ole MSClipArt just adorable?
Click to download template: csmurfnap_valbird
New to Napkin Wraps? No worries, visit this post for step-by-step instructions on how to use my napkin wrap templates!
So, what about you? What crafty fun do you have in store for Valentines Day? or is it possible anyone else out there has Valentines Day horror stories to share? 
Sometimes I get questions about changing up my original “blue flower” napkin wrap template and sometimes if I’m not busy I’ll volunteer to whip up a new one. This template is the result of one of those requests. I love the color orange and would have never thought to pair it with a shade of red…but I think it looks fab!
Click to download template: csmurfnap_redorange
New to Napkin Wraps? No worries, visit this post for step-by-step instructions on how to use my napkin wrap templates!
PS…Best of luck Heidi and make sure to send us photos of your napkin wraps in action!
I know my posting has been light the past few weeks, big projects at work have demanded all my “crafty” time as well as the work day…but there is a light at the end of the tunnel (that and Monday is the deadline).
In the meantime, I have a question for all you super crafty people out there: I’m in the market for a new sewing machine. My old machine has served me well, but I spend more time fighting with it than sewing with it now. It was a hand-me-down when my mom upgraded her “beach house machine” 13 years ago. It has survived a college student wanting to make a Halloween costume, numerous clothing fixes, a first-time homeowner needing to update the new place on a budget, and a 30-something bride who took on way too much DIY. So, now it’s time to donate it to a local charity and upgrade.
My goal for 2010 is to start the process of learning to quilt, something I wish I’d spent the time learning from my grandmother instead of being annoyed with her most of the time. After all, she taught me to sew (and how I wished I’d never stopped after she taught me)! I learned how to sew on my grandmother’s Pedal powered Singer. I can’t tell you how much I annoyed her to let me “play” with it when I was little. At first I just thought the pedal was fun…then I realized all those quilts in the closet had come together with it’s help. So in the afternoons after I had finished my homework she would slowly try to teach me the ropes. I had to be an annoying student. You see I have this desire to grasp a new concept and it be perfect the first try. I’m an overachiever that way and get really frustrated when that doesn’t happen. Slowly I was able to work the pedal and manage a somewhat straight line. I honestly can’t remember anything useful we made during those lessons but I remember loving to dig around in her quilting scraps for the next two pieces I would sew together. I wasn’t allowed to use my mom’s electric machine (the ones with the knee operated switch instead of a pedal) until I had mastered the old foot powered Singer, then sadly I left it behind. Sadly, my grandparents house with the hanging quilting rack and beautiful old Singer burned 16 years ago and the Singer was badly damaged. I wrote it off as lost, never realizing my grandmother refused to let it be taken to the dump when the cleanup began. She had my grandfather store it in a storage area of the barn where we found it last year after my grandmother passed away. Now the fire and 15 years in a barn have taken its toll on the old beauty, but I’m convinced I’m going to bring it back to life in someway. I’ve also decided that I failed miserably at having my grandmother teach me her beautiful quilting skills, but this year I’m going to start the process of trying to learn the basics…and for that I’m going to need a sewing machine that I can love as much as grandma loved hers (or at least one that doesn’t anger me on regular basis).
(photo w/permission of MyMarkDesigns)
So talk to me, tell me your thoughts on the current batch of sewing machines out there. I’m looking for something not too expensive, or fancy. No embroidery, just your basic sewing machine but one I could use for my 2010 goal of learning to quilt. What say you?
Earlier today I posted about using old Crystal Light plastic containers to make cheap and safe “big girl” candles for my friend’s little girl. Afterwards I remembered I had never shown you how I use these containers in my craft room/office for storage. Before I had all my pens/pencils in a large flower pot on my desk, but I was NEVER able to find the specific type of writing utensil I was looking for. Now, I know right where they are…and they look stylish sitting on the shelf as well.
Supplies & Materials:
- Plastic Powdered Drink tubes (ex. Crystal Light)
- Clear Address Labels
- Computer & Printer
- Scrapbook Paper
- Double-Sided tape or Xyron Machine
- Scissors or Paper Cutter
Directions:
- Start out by cleaning the plastic container and removing all labels. Dry throughly afterwards.
- Measure the height of your plastic container.
- Using your scissors or paper-cutter cut a piece of scrapbook paper to the correct height.
- Wrap paper around your container and make a small mark where the edges meet (adding .25 inch to allow for a better seal/overlap).
- Using your scissors or paper-cutter cut the piece of scrapbook paper to the correct width. Use this piece as a template to cut other pieces for more containers.
- If using an Xyron machine run your pieces of cut scrapbook paper through the machine.
- Carefully remove the backing from the paper and carefully wrap it around the plastic container, taking care to smooth out to prevent any air bubbles. (If using double-sided tape run a piece down the height of the container and attach one end of the paper. Then attach another piece of double-sided tape to the inside of the finishing edge and carefully smooth around so that the paper is smooth and the edges are sealed).
- Using your word processor of choice, print out your clear labels for each container
- Apply your labels and fill up your containers with their new contents.
Cost Breakdown:
- Plastic Powdered Beverage Containers – Free from recycle bin
- Scrapbook Paper – Free, leftover from wedding
- Clear Mailing Labels- Free, leftover from wedding
Total: FREE
Bonus: These are so easy to make they would make a fun crafty project for the kiddos as well! You could also cut a small hole in the lid to make a stylish coin jar!
I have a friend with a growing 5-year-old…one who decided she wanted some big girl candles for her room. Obviously candles aren’t the best solution for a 5 year old, and battery operated candles are quite pricey for something that might lose its appeal quite quickly. So I had an idea: use some leftover battery operated tea lights to whip her up some cheaper “big girl” candles
Materials:
- Plastic Powdered Drink tubes (ex. Crystal Light)
- Battery Operated Tea Light (1 per plastic tube)
- Scrapbook Paper
- Double-Sided tape or Xyron Machine
- Scissors or Paper Cutter
Directions:
- Start out by cleaning the plastic container and removing all labels. Dry throughly afterwards.
- Measure the height of your plastic container.
- Using your scissors or paper-cutter cut a piece of scrapbook paper to the correct height.
- Wrap paper around your container and make a small mark where the edges meet (adding .25 inch to allow for a better seal/overlap).
- Using your scissors or paper-cutter cut the piece of scrapbook paper to the correct width. Use this piece as a template to cut other pieces for more containers.
- If using an Xyron machine run your pieces of cut scrapbook paper through the machine.
- Carefully remove the backing from the paper and carefully wrap it around the plastic container, taking care to smooth out to prevent any air bubbles. (If using double-sided tape run a piece down the height of the container and attach one end of the paper. Then attach another piece of double-sided tape to the inside of the finishing edge and carefully smooth around so that the paper is smooth and the edges are sealed).
- Drop in 1 or 2 battery operated votives and display your “big girl candles”.
Cost Breakdown:
- Plastic Powdered Beverage Containers – Free from recycle bin
- Scrapbook Paper – Free (or $1 from Target Dollar section)
- Battery Operated Tea Lights – Free, leftover from wedding (or $1 for 2 at Dollar Tree)
Total: FREE (or $1.50)
Bonus: These are so easy to make they would make a fun crafty project for the kiddos as well!
So now you know how the story started…and I was off to turn my plain dress into a cute little 1st family christmas portrait dress. I have to admit it up front…I failed miserably. The good news is I had decided to practice with some spare fabric (which is always a good idea if you are unsure about a particular project) so other than some time and hurt pride nothing was lost. So I did the next best thing to making it myself, I called in a pro. She takes apart and reconstructs wedding dresses for a living so I knew she had the skills, but wondered if she had the time. Thankfully during my wedding dress alterations she met my sis and adorable niece, so when she heard what I was up to she was ready to start that very day.
So I gathered up the supplies, a few photos, and headed over to Ms.O’s house:
and she took this:
and even used the original zipper to create this:
Now, I now you’re saying that’s not the same dress as the pattern…and you are correct. I picked a pattern I felt I could work with, but Ms.O doesn’t have my sewing restrictions. So she used that pattern and a photo of the flower girl dresses from my sister’s wedding and recreated it for my niece. Isn’t is sweet? I love it, and so does my sis (she cried, which made me cry).
Price Breakdown: For the pattern, thread, cleaning costs for the original dress, and seamstress work = right under $50.00
And the fun news is there is enough fabric left to make a little something for any future little ones they are blessed with, even if it’s just a flower headband for a newborn.
So, if you have an old bridesmaid hiding out in the back of your closet give a thought to using it to make something for your friend’s little ones!
Something tells me that me Jane (27 Dresses) and I aren’t the only two gals in the world with a closet full of old bridesmaid dresses we had no idea what to do with! If you count being a flower girl at age 6, I’ve accumulated SEVEN wedding party dresses in my thirty-something years circling the sun. Interestingly enough the only one I’ve worn again was the only one that was cocktail/tea length. They vary in color and size from my teeny tiny size 2 days to a few years ago, and while I know I won’t wear them again I’ve still failed to give them away. They live in an upstairs closet folded carefully inside a large red piece of luggage we also never use. One of the oldest dresses in the group is from my little sister’s wedding back in the 90’s and was custom-made by a local seamstress. It’s cranberry and very simple in style, so while it wasn’t a “bad” bridesmaid dress it just wasn’t something I ever really had an occasion that it “fit”.
Until…I had an idea….
But first you need a little back story: I could go on all day about how awesome lil’sis and her husband are. They one of the few couples I know who illustrate the 1 Corinthians kind of love and are often who I refer to when I have moments when I wonder how relationships survive all the “bad stuff”. They have truly lived out their vows is so many ways. Sis has always been a baby loving kinda gal who wanted a house full of little ones, so after more than 8 years of no babies they decided to try to adopt. For those who aren’t familiar with it, adoption is a long tiring process. One with twists and turns that often equal 1 step forward, 10 steps back. After much time spent talking and praying together they decided to try for a Chinese adoption and entered into what was then a 1 year process. Then some things changed in China so again they were delayed, but yet they patiently waited for their little one. It’s painful to watch someone you love so much have to jump through millions of hoops to fulfill what they feel is their life’s calling. Finally they had all the paperwork filled out and were on a solid waiting list, with an estimated additional 2 year timeline. They would be getting a little girl and should be open to the possibility of twins (which sent my sis into sheer bliss, and equally freaked out her husband).
During this process Brainy proposed and we stated planning our wedding. Sis and I joked about me trying making each of my bridesmaids wear the dresses I had worn for their weddings (in true 27 Dresses fashion). We were giggling about how I could have my old dress chopped up to make her some sort of creation when it hit me….that’s EXACTLY what I should do with it. Only….not for her, for her future daughter(s). I was mid-move at the moment so I just tucked that idea away in the back of my head since I would have 2 years to find the dress, find a pattern, and find out how many cute little creations I’d need to make from it. Wedding planning went on, and soon my sis was helping plan a shower for me in our home town.
It’s funny how things have a way of working themselves out (or how God has a way of working them out for you)… It’s a long story how it all happened, and one which doesn’t need to be on the internet but around this time last year I received a call to tell me I had a new niece! I was speechless! A baby shower was quickly put into place since overnight they went from praying for a baby to having a bubbly, adorable, 6 month old…who looks so much like my sister did as a baby. In the rush and excitement I completely forgot about my wonderful plan. A few months later I had it all figured out. Their anniversary would be in the upcoming fall, shortly after my niece’s first birthday…that gave me plenty of time to whip something up. I bought this pattern from JoAnn’s during their $1 pattern sale and got to work.
Check back later for the before & after photos….
I hope you had a wonderful 2009 and are gearing up for an even better 2010! I know we are super excited to see what 2010 brings to our household (and no, that in no way implies a baby smurf)
Also I just realized that my little crafty home on the internet is nearing its 10,000th visitor which may seem small to some of you super bloggers out there, but to part-time me it’s a big surprise. So, I wanted to take a quick moment to THANK YOU for dropping by!! You’ve made this little part-time crafty gal wear a full-time smile today
In other exciting news we received our photo disk yesterday from our wedding…which means I finally have finished product photos for many of our DIY wedding projects! I’ll be working on putting those posts together in the upcoming few weeks, and finishing up several other projects that are awaiting finishing touches and photos.
So, Thank You for visiting my little internet home and Happy 2010!!
Today I spent a few moments wandering through the Christmas sales at a few local stores looking for nothing in particular…but last year it was a different story. You see we were planning a wedding and what better time to pick up things than when they are on clearance. Nope, we weren’t planning a Christmas wedding but you’d be surprised the things you can pick up this time of year. So I thought I’d quickly post a few of the ones we used or popped into my head while looking through the leftovers.
Solid Color, Metallic, or non-holiday specific wrapping paper - I always buy clearance wrapping paper after Christmas and use it through-out the year for birthday presents, etc. Target has a wonderful selection of stripes, solids, plaids, and even pastel non-holiday specific wrapping paper in their holiday selection. But if you have a wedding coming up in the next 11 months think about it for…
- use to wrap wedding party gifts and then spice it up with clearance ribbon!
- thinking of doing DIY envelope liners…wrapping paper works great and you can get almost 100 from some larger rolls of wrapping paper. I especially love the thicker metallic wrapping paper from Hallmark as envelope liners!
Solid Color, Metallic, or non-holiday specific ribbon, raffia, and beaded garland - Because I like to dress up packages with grosgrain and other nice ribbons, I always buy clearance ribbon after Christmas & other holidays. I typically wait until it is 75% off and even through really picked over, I always find several rolls to use through-out the year for birthday presents, etc. This stash came in super handy last year when I was able to use raffia I had on hand for our rehearsal dinner centerpieces, and when wrapping groomsman gifts. Here again think solid colors, stripes, or metallic.
- use to spice up wedding party gifts
- use to hang various wedding signs (chair signs, etc)
- raffia works great with mason jars for a rustic theme and can be picked up for as low as a quarter right now!
- will your favors have tags attached? Now is a great time to pick up ribbon for that project as well
- what about your programs, will they be bound together with string or ribbon? Yep, thinking ahead can save you a few $$
Candles & LED Tea Lights- many stores have solid candles they mark down as part of their holiday clearance! You can find these really cheap at places that don’t typically carry them…like Home Depot.
- Solid colors like ivory, white and red (if it’s part of your theme) are often pennies in the clearance section. I picked up a large bag of tea lights last Christmas for $1.00 and we used them with our Ikea votive holders and mason jars come June.
- Need LED tea lights for votives or to light paper lanterns? Check out Home Depot, they have packages of 6 for $3
Decor & Various other items from Online Sources – You can often pick up other items like vases, votive, frames for table numbers etc. You just have to think outside the box. Here are a few links from various places to get you thinking
- Centerpiece photo boxes - Black or Walnut – $7.48 each – Use to hold photos and the table number and then drop a random container (even a tin can would work, since you won’t see it) in the middle to hold your DIY flows to tie it all together. Gift them to family members as fun pencil caddy for the office or sell them afterward and cut your costs even lower!
- Red Cupcake Stand – Great for a shower or cupcake display. Anyone having a red & turquoise wedding…this would be adorable on a turquoise table cloth or with turquoise cupcake wrappers. (edit: sold out online, but still in my local store)
- Envelope Liners – Don’t want to worry with making your own? Paper-Source has some really fun ones on Clearance!
- Martha Stewart Glittered Chandelier Cutouts – $19-24 – Gold and Sparkly and fun to hang from trees, rafters, etc. There is even a table top version
- Cocktail napkin holder $12.00 – This could be a fun addition to a signature drink bar setup, and then something you could actually use in your home afterwards!
- Monogrammed Lunch Tote – $9.00 – This would make a fun and useful bridesmaid or hostess gift and for this price you could also include a gift certificate to your favorite lunch hangout (for those days when you just need to go out to lunch)
- Envelopes, Paper, Etc. – Check out Paper Source’s sale section for some fun deals on envelopes, craft kits, program kits, labels, etc. I picked up our Save the Date envelopes this way last year, also if you live near a store they typically have a sale section in the store!
- Monogrammed Crystal ornament – $3.99 – You could use these as gift tags for bridesmaid’s gifts or even to hang on manzilla branches with table numbers on them.
- Red Square Vases – Great for someone with a red theme and come in various sizes!
- French Wire Cake Pedestal – $9.95 – I LOVE this and wish we had it back in June for our rehearsal dinner. I’m trying to convince myself I still need it for Thanksgiving, etc. It would be fun for a cake/pie buffet or to display cupcakes, etc.
Do you have any after-holiday shopping tips to help save money through-out the year…wedding planning or not?
And now time for the “tree edition” of the napkin wraps. Again, these work the same as my previous wraps, refer to this post for complete instructions. Merry Christmas from our Smurfy house to yours!
The first is a Set of Multi-Colored Trees
Click to download: csmurf_treenapkins
Or how about my favorite with green & blue trees
click to download template: csmurf_greenbluetreenapkins
and finally a winter wonderland with pale blue trees
click to download template: csmurf_palebluetreesnapkins
Check back tomorrow for my final Christmas project for this year: My version of these
