Your Ideas, My Projects!

There are a couple things that I am finding to be really great in my life: 1) That I can be gone for over a month, vacationing up a storm and not having to stress about what to create next for this blog...because it really doesn't matter. At all. The stress level is pretty much minimal when you don't "have" to blog, but instead "get" to blog. And 2) That I can always turn to people like you for some inspiration and ingenuity because sometimes, I just need a little shove in the creative department. Who doesn't?  

(Thanks for sticking around and not caring. I mean that in the most sincerest and flattered way possible!) 

That is when Pinterest comes in handy! Kind of. While Pinterest is by far the most inspiring site around, it only takes a few short minutes to be humbled and hit by the mighty realization that you may just not be the coolest crafter/dresser/decorator/chef around like you may have thought! I am always so amazed at how clever people are. Like, "HOLY CRAP" clever and "I WISH I HAD THOUGHT OF THAT" clever! I have found things that blow my mind, people who clearly think on a whole other level than I do, and projects to keep me busy until my hair turns gray. It's quite addicting and oh so thrilling! 

Do you care to join me on Pinterest? You can find me right HERE if you do.

I have been working on 2 projects this past week. One was found on Pinterest, and the other one I showed awhile back on this here very blog awhile back. I don't just show other people's projects for my health, ya know! I actually DO make them! 

The mini side ironing table was the brain child of Elizabeth at Oh Fransson

 and the sewing caddy was the brilliant idea of Joy over at How Joyful. 

Use a TV tray to make a mini ironing board to have next to you while sewing. This concept has changed my life! HINT: These TV trays can be found and are sold individually at Target for less than $10.00!!

Another HINT: If you don't already have a piece of scrap fabric for this project, when you go to buy some, simply buy a quilter's fat quarter. It fits it perfectly and usually costs less than $3! 

The sewing caddy can also be made from 2 fat quarters!

Pretty smart, eh?

 I sure do like all of you creative people! You keep my wheels spinning!

Top 5 Fave Tutorials List

Before I begin with my post, I would like to thank Tea Rose Home for featuring my Infinity Scarf. It was an honor and privilege to have my name even be a part of Sachiko's brilliant blog. Also, a big huge thanks to all the new followers that came my way this week because of it! Welcome - I am so glad to have you!

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Like many of you, I keep a list of tutorials and photos bookmarked on my computer. I absolutely love to discover new blogs and see what all is out there. When I stumble upon a new one I think to myself, "How on earth have I not heard of this one before!" And then I feel like I have been missing out. As if there was a fabulous party at the house down the street that I was unaware of and spent the evening watching the Hallmark Channel with a bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups in hand! I just feel like I have been missing out! So I am displaying some great tutorials for you to work on with me and maybe introducing you to some new blogs. Leave them a nice comment to let them know how awesome they are and how fun it is to be included in their party! 

Pinwheel Skirt by Elle Apparel. Um, hellllooooo! Could this skirt be any cuter? Wowza! I am not a great sewer, but her tutorial seems easy enough. I think I could actually hack my way through it! 

Sewing caddy by How Joyful. Heck yes! This is exactly what I need! I love that the pin cushion is removable. This is for sure on my list of crafting priorities! 

 Dainty Leather Clutch by I am Mamma, Hear me Roar via Lemon Squeezy Home. I just discovered Cheri (I know, I know! I'm a little slow sometimes!) and am loving so many of her tutorials! This clutch is calling my name. I think I'll add a wrist strap to mine! 

Fabric Slippers by Prudent Baby. Our house is freezing so before we can replace our 37 year old furnace, these are a must have in my home! 

Tea Wreath by Kojodesigns 

I don't drink tea so I am going to make this to hold my Christmas cards this year! I also think it would be a great idea to hold your child's artwork, family photos or momentos that you have picked up along your way in life! 

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I will be showing a new tutorial of mine next week and I will also be posting some of my favorite Halloween Tutorials that I spotted in blogland and bookmarked! Come back and visit me again! 

Mason Jar Possibilities

I recently returned from a youth camp where I was in charge of teaching several young women a new craft each day we were there. I wanted to choose something relatively easy and that the girls would want to hold onto even after camp was over. I decided to make these clever and ever so useful mason jar lanterns. The girls loved them and they used them each night as they found their way though the woods. They would also use the light to read by or write in their journals at night. I let them wrap the wire how they pleased and told them there was no wrong way to do it. It was fun to see the different results when given their freedom! As long as the wire was secure and the opening was not covered, they were good to go! Inspiration was pulled from here.
P.S. These are also really cute when filled with a little water and some flowers!

Materials you will need:

-Empty Canning Jar

-20 gage wire

-wire cutters

-needle nose pliers

-sand

-tea light candle

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Here are some other great ideas of how to transform your old canning jars into a DIY project!

Full tutorial for antique soap dispenser found at Heather Bullard. The antique glass and zinc lid is so pretty!

I little dirt never hurt! Transform your jar into a terrarium with a tutorial by Craftzine.

 

Cool off this summer with these jars-turned-glasses! Photo and info found on Brides.com. 

Lori Marie is the definition of clever! Glitter Globe tutorial found at Pretty Little Things.

Turn your canning jar into a pie for one! Tutorial found at Little Birdie Secrets. My secret is that I would eat it all in one sitting!

Organize your office or art space! Reclaimed wood, a canning jar and metal fasteners from a home improvement store is all you need to make this handy wall caddy! 

This is a similar concept with another useful purpose. You can purchase this adorable rack from Etsy seller Old New Again.

Keep your supplies handy for your next sewing project! Tutorial by Martha Stewart.

 

Shed some light on the subject with this pendant light tutorial from Design Sponge.