Valentine's Mantel

Hello!

I finally have something to post about so I'm back.  We have been battling the flu here first M and then Jacob.  Ugh, I'm sure hoping that I don't get it!  I got cabin fever this weekend and decided to redo the mantel.  I did something after Christmas and I never really loved it.  I haven't decorated for Valentine's Day since I was in elementary school but I thought it would be fun and bonus....I didn't spend a dime.  See, that craft closet does pay off! ;)

I made the burlap bunting and tissue paper tassels, the baby food jar candles were leftovers from M's first birthday, the Love print I won from a blog giveaway and never found a place for, the birdie I had and the large frame I bought for $6 at a thrift store a few weeks ago and the intended project fell through.

The bunting is just burlap with tissue paper hearts modge-podged on.  I made the tassels following these instructions and both only took around 30 minutes.

The heart chain is a pinterest find, which is so basic it's silly.  So there you have it!  My free festive Valentine's Day mantel.

Do you decorate for small holidays?

Toddler Friendly Christmas Tree

Happy Friday!

I wanted to share a quick project I just whipped up while M is napping.  I had a bunch of felt lying around and when I saw a felt tree for toddlers to decorate on Pinterest I had to give it a try.  I'm a bit worried about M and the tree this year so I am hoping I can direct her to this tree as one she can play with.

I took this pile of felt:

And turned it into this in just about an hour:

Oliver had to be in the shot!  The best part is that the ornaments all come off and because felt sticks to felt M can move them around and hopefully have fun decorating her tree.

I glued the tree to the wall with a bit of hot glue and the presents are attached as well!

Not too bad for an hour of time and completely free especially if it keeps M busy and out of the real tree!  Here's hoping!

Have a great weekend!

Memories

Hi all!

I had to share this lovely idea for memory keeping.  I need to make a few of these!

Source: elenakphotographyblog.com via Tiffany Skipper Rossics on Pinterest

A few shadow box frames and some basic crafting supplies are all you would need.

A Good Morning

Now this is what I call a good morning.

Coffee: check

James Taylor on iTunes: check

A Fall Craft: check

Cinnamon candle burning: check

A hint of Fall crispness in the air: check

Sweet baby M asleep in her swing: check

Love it!

Emily

Things I'm Thinking About

Hello!

I hope you all are staying cool. It's so farkin' hot here. I'm mostly staying inside:

1. because there is a heat index of 105 and above most days

2. I have a 6 week old

3. because I'm tired ;)

I have been trying in my free time to figure out Pinterest with not a lot of success. Luckily, I have found I'm not the only one having problem adding the Pin It button. I'm still enjoying doing searches and browsing around. A few of these images are from Pinterest but a few are ideas I have had bookmarked for awhile.

I need to try this braid!

found here

I might try to make these this week. I have a great friend visiting and I know she would help me eat/drink them! :)

found here

These are Popsicles served with Prosecco. A delicious, easy and the perfect summer treat!

found here

I'm eyeing this print from Etsy. We're from Ohio and it's where our heart will always belong

found here

I have been thinking about stenciling a wall in our dining room (which is a similar light gray). I even borrowed a large stencil in a graphic pattern from a friend.....I just need the time to do it!

I think this is so cute and would look great in a nursery or really anywhere to add a pop of color

found here

What projects are you thinking about? I'm ready to start something....I just need to decide which one!

Emily

Driftwood Mirror

Hello!

Have you seen the Driftwood Mirror that is floating around blogland? I first saw it when Holly from Life in the Fun Lane posted about it here. And then just now I ran across it again on Grace Happens. What a great idea!

Then I thought about it.....I live at the beach. I love all things beachy and natural. I like to craft. I could make my own driftwood mirror! And to top it off since I know we won't live here forever...how fun will it be to hang it in our new home (hopefully in Ohio) and say yeah, I made that with wood I collected on the beach. This is how my mind works..... :)

What about this circular one that Crate and Barrel is selling for $200!!

So, I think I'll be on the lookout for a cheap mirror the next time I'm at a thrift store and I'm going to officially start searching for driftwood!

Anyone else going to make a driftwood mirror?

Have a nice day!

Emily