Butterfly Wreath from Recycled Security Envelopes

I think I'll start saving up security envelopes to make this cute butterfly wreath from recycled materials (in this case, security envelopes). I might add a red ribbon or some other red accent to make it patriotic as that tends to be my theme for summer decor. You can read the directions on how to make the wreath here.

Happy Memorial Day! 

Fantastic Add A Closet Craft / Home Improvement Project

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I've got three huge Sauder cabinets in my bedroom serving as a quasi closet and I've been wondering how to turn that area into more of an attractive and actual closet looking space without having construction done in my bedroom. This looks like it would work! I'd just have shelves going all the way across instead of a workspace behind the curtains. So exciting! Now I just have to get hubby to agree. 
Project instructions available here:  http://prudentbaby.com/2011/04/prudent-home/the-craft-room-redesign-project-hidden-workstation-2/.

Happy crafting!

Hair Clip & Accessory Board Craft Project

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A Facebook friend posted a link to this "hair clip board" project today and I thought it'd be great for organizing my barrette and hair clip collection (I have an inordinate amount of hair accessories). I'll either need to use a larger frame or set my ribbons further apart because I'd be making it for adult sized hair accessories instead of baby accessories but it should be easy to adapt the instructions to my needs.

Instructions are available here http://prudentbaby.com/2011/09/baby-kid/make-your-own-hair-clip-board-2/ if you want to make your own. I have a frame and ribbon on hand so I'll just need to sort through my fabric stash and see if there's something that will go well in my vanity area. This looks like a nice and easy rainy day project. Happy crafting!

Japanese Kimono Doll Bookmarks

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Saw these at http://www.angsandy.blogspot.com/2012/04/kimono-doll-bookmarks.html today and thought they'd be fantastic bookmarks and maybe even make nice little mailable (in a regular envelope) gifts. The web address above has a complete tutorial on how to make the cute little Japanese kimono doll bookmarks if you want to make your own. Happy crafting!

Lawn Ladybugs (Bowling Ball Art)

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Thanks to a recent post by my Facebook friend Alan Cook I now am on the lookout for free or really cheap bowling balls so I can make my own posse of lawn ladybugs. Aren't they adorable? I'm thinking of sticking with the red and blue colors as our house is white and I like a patriotic look but the assortment above looks fun and inviting. You can read more about it here. Happy crafting!

The Big Book of Holiday Paper Crafts

I totally enjoyed perusing this thick book of paper craft ideas. They have a huge Valentine's Day section which will help with ideas for next year's Valentines for Hospitalized Veterans project as well as ideas for almost every major American holiday.

The cute card above was in the valentine section but I'll likely make a version of it for my hubby before then. 

This one too. My hubby doesn't go crazy for cards but I like making them.

 Love the animal card ideas.

 I have some little felt scraps that would work wonderfully for the flower and butterfly ideas here.

I thought this would work great for the veterans too.

In case you wondered what kind of supplies are needed for the cards here's a sampling from one of the Halloween cards.

I love this owl card. The book includes a template for it too.

 Cute Halloween paper craft ideas.

 I want to move toward more homemade crafts (versus store bought) and thought these tags were adorable.

 Love the bird and the tree. Not sure about the color scheme but that's easily changed.

Kissing birds, wiener dogs and a merry owl. Adorable!

Hope you enjoyed my mini tour and review of the Big Book of Holiday Crafts. Happy crafting!

Valentines for Hospitalized Veterans

I used the handles from a beautiful but beat up Christmas gift bag to make the heart.

This card was made with materials generously donated by Stampin' Up representatives Amy Lindberg and Stephanie Littlefield. Thank you ladies!

I've been busy making valentines for hospitalized veterans for the USO's Miles of Smiles program. Here are photos of a few of my projects. I'm hoping that the love poured into them will bless the veterans even though I have a ways to go in learning valentine making skills. Some of the valentines are cards, as above, and some are more like flyers, using a whole sheet of paper, as below.

Inspired by http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/be-my-valentine-animal-lovers-664701/

Inspired by: http://familyfun.go.com/assets/cms/crafts/carrot-stamp-catepillar-card-valentines-day-craft-photo-80-FF0201VALENA13.jpg

Inspired by: https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcSoa-gyKAIyxC3oJ4_sP_sW7VxoJsdIiSx9K6TRfivu2DeA_Eta

Inspired by: http://familyfun.go.com/assets/cms/crafts/give-a-hoot-valentines-day-craft-photo-80-FF0210VALENW02.jpg