DIY Stocking Stuffers

I made some stocking stuffers for the non-kids in my family.

Pinterest gave me some great ideas, including this "Neighbor Gift" from Dandee Designs. I combined that idea with another Pin, about how to get the Williams-Sonoma store smell from One More Moore. Rosemary grows in everyone's front yard in LA, so I gathered a few sprigs here and there on my walks with Maisie. Sprouts sells vanilla beans, and I dehydrated some lemon slices (without a dehydrator) using this tutorial from Heather's Dish. I got the cellophane bags at Target ($2 for 20) and printed up some labels. I'm also giving these to my co-workers. Here's to a lovely smelling home.

The other little gift I made was a "Cord Cuff" inspired by this DIY from Rambling Designs. The interior design company my mom works for had a plethora of this paisley fabric. I used it, as well as my grandmother's buttons, to make the cuffs. I figured everyone could use a little less clutter in the kitchen. 

Here's where my best DIY intentions took a turn for the unfortunate:

My intention was to make these dryer balls from Crunchy Betty's DIY. Yeah, that didn't go so well. I forgot the most important step, which was to put the balls in some knotted off pantyhose before washing them. I started off with 15 balls. I ended up with 8. The rest unravelled. I still have hopes to turn this sad pile of fail into some dryer balls for myself. Because apparently I was a depression era survivor in another lifetime, and never throw anything away. 

Happy Holidays! I hope your DIY gifts went better than you had planned :)

Recipes via Pinterest

The weekend is for trying out Pinterest pins, I think. All week, I sit in my little cubicle... just waiting until the weekend when I actually have time to try that low-fat coconut whipped cream recipe. 

This weekend I made a Hummus made from cauliflower, Beetballs (yes, they are what they sound like) and for dessert, a gluten-free and vegan version of these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles.

All three were great, especially if you are vegan or gluten-free.... and even if you are not.

What recipes did you try that you would recommend? 

Wedding Card Folder

Two things... 1. My birthday present from my darling husband this year was a Silhouette CAMEO and so far, I'M LOVING IT! I have made cards, heat transfers, lettering for my scrapbook. And that brings me to point 2. I have been working on our "Engagement, Wedding and Honeymoon" scrapbook. I saved everything: the champagne label from the night we got engaged to the room key from the wedding night to the plane tickets to Kauai for our honeymoon. I also saved the cards. All of them. Engagement, Shower, Wedding. I thought I was going to put the cards into the scrapbook, but doing so made it more of a scrap "fan" meaning it wouldn't close. 


Then I saw this pin on pinterest about making a wedding card album. Perfect solution! Except many of my cards were odd shaped and intricate. Plus, my husband was worried about being able to open and read them with the ring in them. And lastly, I didn't want to punch holes in my lovely cards (I know, I'm nuts!) So I decided to take the basic idea of the card album, but adapt it for my own needs. 


What I came up with is a folder, like the plain ones people put their receipts in for taxes.... but cuter! I am planning on posting a tutorial soon, because I used this basic technique to make a mail "catch-all" at our entry-way. I used a Dover graphic for the design on the top and bottom. If you haven't already, I recommend signing up for their FREE samples, which they send weekly. They also have great royalty-free graphics for affordable prices. 


Bringing it back around, I used my new Silhouette to cut out the design and letters. I wanted the letters to show shadow, because I like the way the paper-cutting looks. I might have to glue them down soon though, they are a looking little loosey-goosey. 

 

Coley on Pinterest

I just joined Pinterest and I am already addicted. I am seeing things out in the real world that I wish I could pin. This morning when I got dressed, I realized what I was wearing, the way I did my hair and makeup.... everything was heavily influenced by what I had pinned the previous day. It inspired me to make this.

I will probably make more as I get more into the scene. Any phrases that come to your mind? How has Pinterest influenced you? 

Font by LatinoType on Font Squirrel


Update- I made two more...

    

Dream font by Pablo Impallari via font squirrel

Decorate font by smeltery via font squirrel

Paper bag texture by spoon graphics

Cloud texture by sixrevisions