Valentines Chair Pouches

So who forgot to tell me Valentine's Day is only a few weeks away!?  With the kitchen, design work, Alt. and one crazy little girl who is one month away from 1, I completely forgot that it is quickly approaching!  I loved these pouches when I saw them in Pottery Barn and really like this adaptation from The Polka Dot Chair.  I'm not making any promises, but after this week, I hope to at least make one thing for Valentine's Day.  Once this week is over, I *think* things may calm down around here!

{old Pottery Barn}

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Doll House Suitcase

I posted a few weeks ago about my friends Stacy's cute felt animal headbands she made for her daughter.  Well I had to share this other project she made for her little girl.  A handmade doll, a suitcase home and some clothes and accessories.  I can't wait until Rilo is a bit older, so she can appreciate fun gifts like this!

That is one stylish little doll!  To see and read more about Stacy's doll and doll house, see here.

Trader Joe's Wrapping Paper

For many more reasons than I can probably even count, I wish there was a Trader Joe's somewhere in this state.  Most recently it's because I would love to utilize their bags to use as wrapping paper, just like I spotted over at Mer Mag. 

I picked up the best brown paper with a great floral pattern at the Dollar Store.  I just ran out and am crossing my fingers they still have it.  I am thinking about by several rolls...I want to use it for everything and anything all year long!

DIY Stocking Holders

This year Adam and I were on the hunt for stocking holders!  However, we were striking out left and right every where we looked.  Nothing screamed "us".  Plus, most were in sets and were rather pricey.  Our family is not near complete, so what happens if we buy a set, and next year we have another addition to our family?!  We would just have to cross our fingers the set was still around, or splurge on another set.  Anyway, all these factors led us to the decision to just make quick temporary ones.

We stopped by Hobby Lobby and grabbed 3 little wooden boxes and then browsed their knob section.  We decided on white monogrammed knobs.  Using silver spray paint we had left over from the summer, we sprayed each box.  Then we (and when I say "we" in all of this, I really mean Adam...just thought I should give him the credit he deserves) drilled a small hole in each box and screwed in the knobs.  Ta da!  Simple and extremely inexpensive stocking holders.

They hold the stockings up really well, but for a fun touch and some added weight, I threw in some Hershey Kisses!

And an inside view.

I think they are the perfect solution for this year!  I only wish I had finished up new stockings to hang on them.  Oh well, next year I guess!  

Hope you finish up all your last minute Christmas details so you can enjoy the next week!  Or maybe that's just my own wishful thinking...Happy weekend!

Wrapping Paper Holders

Ever since I saw a similar idea from Martha Stewart, I knew I needed something to hold my wrapping paper.  And I even had the perfect spot!  Next to my desk/craft area is a odd side door that NEVER gets used.  We've toyed with the idea of drywalling it, but it would be a big pain.  So instead, I will put the door to good use.

This project was cheap and probably took less than 10 minutes to complete.  I bought the dowels at Hobby Lobby for $0.99 and the hooks at Home Depot for $0.79!  And now I have a nice place to keep my wrapping paper.  I can't wait to put some of my favorite ones on there, after the holidays are over!

Sheena's Advent Calendar

Sheena whipped up a tutorial for an adorable envelope Advent calendar.  Who needs to buy one when there are so many easy DIY ones around?!  I already made my calendar, but I kind of want to make some envelopes just because they're so darn cute!

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Full tutorial here.

Advent Calendar

I have almost finished up making this advent calendar I saw in a Country Living magazine last year.  It cost a whopping $3.  The matchboxes I found are a little on the small side, so I'm going to be on the look out for a bigger size.  I'm also looking for a small numbered stamp set to put numbers on each box.  Has anyone seen a small stamp set that might work? 

I am borrowing Jordan's idea to fill the calendar with slips of paper with activities for the month.  She has activities like drink hot chocolate, go ice skating, drive around see the lights.  To see her full list, click here.

We're spending a day and a half in Vegas.  Nicole and I are hitting up all the Savers in the area for some fun thrift shopping!

Felt Balls

Well, it looks like I need to order a big lot of felted balls because everywhere I look, I'm in love with a new project involving them!

This wreath from Pickles is darling.  I think I'm all wreathed out though...I currently have 5 around the house.  Yikes!

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And here's a felt garland from Jordan of Oh Happy Day.

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I love that these are not necessarily only holiday related too.  The bright colors can work for all year-round!

Yarn Wrapped Christmas Wreath

How was your Thanksgiving?  We ended up eating 2 Thanksgiving dinners...and we've been enjoying the leftovers ever since!  Saturday morning we chopped down our Christmas tree and finished up our decorating yesterday.  I also finished up some projects I've been working on, including this wreath.

A few weeks ago, Nicole and I started working on these yarn wrapped wreaths.  They are so simple to make, but they do take some time.  Plus, I had to go to 3 different stores until I found one with peacock feathers!  We have a gorgeous peacock tree skirt, so we're going with that color theme this year.  We started with that idea last year, but this year we're going all out.  Next year I think we'll go with a different color theme.

Anyway, here it is.  (I'm actually going to hang it in the living room.)

Inspired Co's Christmas Issue

I'm a firm believer in waiting until the day after Thanksgiving to start decorating and listening to Christmas music.  BUT, I have no qualms gathering lots of ideas and starting on some projects!  My sister-in-law Jamie sent me a link to Inspire Co.'s Christmas Issue.  It's an online flip-through magazine of the best Christmas ideas.  It's well over 100 pages of awesome holiday-ness!  You can check out the issue here (make sure to click on the image to view the full version).

I am in LOVE with these silhouette gift tags.

I now have about 5 more projects added to my growing list!  I can't believe the holiday season is just around the corner!

Bijou Market

I've been looking forward to the Bijou Market for the last couple of weeks.  I can't wait to grab some Christmas gifts!  They have the best of the best of local vendors with handmade gifts.  There's nothing like supporting locals!  Be sure to check out the blog to see a sample of the awesome products.  If you're in the area, you better be there this weekend!!

I'm pretty sure I'll be picking up a print or two from Sugar Fresh.   Love these!

Country Living: Halloween

I love these ideas from Country Living magazine. It makes me wish I was throwing a Halloween party. The white sheets over the chairs are perfect. It makes the room look eerie but not cheesy.

 See more ideas here.

Halloween Already?

I keep seeing talk of Halloween and thinking it is way too soon.  But I just realized it's the middle of September!!  So when I get home in a few weeks, I'll need to get my fall/Halloween stuff up right away.  And if I want anything new, I need to start making it now.  Here are some things I'm thinking of crafting:

I actually bought the gourds to do this last year, but never got around to it.

{Via Martha}

Simple.  Cheap.  Cute.

{Via Be Different Act Normal via Family Fun}

I really like these frames...I think you could do something like this for other holidays too! 

 {Via Tatortots and Jello}

Adam and I brainstormed and came up with a great family costume idea.  I think we'll keep it a surprise though!  I can't wait to begin making them.  Have you figured out what you will be this year?

Kid's Chair

I love when people come up with new ways to use old stuff.  How creative is this kid's chair made from old frames?  Seeing these kinds of projects always makes me take a second look at thrift items.  Full tutorial over on OhDeeDoh.

Felt House

I would've loved to play make-believe with the awesome card table felt house. There are 4 different sides: grocery store, ice cream shop, bank and post office. Such a great idea! Lots of sewing and lots of love definitely went into this!

{Found via OhDeeDoh via Sew Can Do}

Speaking of sewing, I checked my favorite fabric Etsy shop, Fabricworm and saw some beautiful new fabrics out. I have a love affair with fabric. I would buy them ALL if I could.

{images via Fabricworm}