Fabric Pinwheel Tutorial

I finally made the tutorial for the fabric pinwheels. Once you make one, you're going to want to make a million.

Let's get started!

1. Gather your supplies which include:

• spray adhesive
• fabric
  
• paper
• scissors
• hole punch
• brad
• wire (floral wire works fine)
• wood skewer

2. Spray the back of your paper with spray adhesive. Be sure to cover surrounding areas to protect it from over spray. Spray adhesive is a nightmare to clean up so be sure to cover your area thoroughly.

3. Adhere the sticky side of your paper to the wrong side of your fabric.

4. Cut your fabric to desired size. It must be a square.

5. Cut an "x" in the paper from each corner. Stop each cut about 1/2" from center. Punch 1 hole in the center of the square and in the same corner of each cut section.

6. Gather each corner with a punched hole together placing your brad through them all to secure them to the back.

7. Attach your wooden skewer to the back by wrapping wire around the brad and skewer.

8. Admire your finished pinwheel and use it to decorate your next party!

Letterpress Bouquet Card

I designed this bouquet card to be used for any occasion. Use it to thank, congratulate, sympathize and just to send a friendly note. Our world is full of so much technology that it makes everything more convenient and less personal. I know I appreciate a handwritten card even more now.

Let's Celebrate!

I just added some new letterpress invitations to my Etsy shop. These invitations are perfect for any celebration from birthday parties to baby showers. Each one was printed and cut by hand. I also included a wrap around mailing label for each invitation to complete the look of the invitation. Those finishing touches really tie the whole invitation together and make it extra special!

BBQ

I had a bbq with some old college roommates as a farewell to a friend and her husband before they move out of state. I find any excuse I can to design and decorate. Who says you can only decorate for weddings and birthdays? I wanted to create something that was simple, not time consuming and could be done by anyone. A great party can still be done on limited time and expenses.

I was inspired by Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane - Porch Swing collection and went from there. I made generic labels for the drinks and an invitation that can be used for any occasion. The pinwheels were made by adhering the fabric to coordinating cardstock with spray adhesive. I wanted to use the fabric anywhere I could and thought they were perfect for pinwheels. I quickly made some felt flowers to go on each place setting, put some labels on the drinks and it was done.

The dessert was delicious and was so simple. I layered a cookie, hot fudge and ice cream in cupcake wrappers. Every body loved them and they were so easy. I'll post the recipe soon.

Enjoy hosting your own party for any occasion and celebration with these fun decorations!

FREE Bunny and Chick Easter Bags download

Here I am delivering the first FREE download on Green Lily Designs as promised! These little white paper bags have been waiting for the perfect project. I think you'll agree this bunny and chick are worth making. These would be great party favors or friendly gifts filled with treats for all to enjoy. If you want to see more free downloads on Green Lily Designs leave a comment and let me know.

Simply download the pattern, then print the bunny and chick on 3.5x6.5 inch white paper bags, cut around the ears and head and you're done. You can even add a little pom pom bum for a finishing touch.



*If you're printer won't allow you to print on the custom size, you can print on sticker paper and adhere it to the sacks.

Sneak Peek

Here's a little sneak peek of TWO FREE DOWNLOADS coming your way just in time for your Easter celebrations. Stay tuned...

Craft Your Heart Out

I hosted a craft day this past weekend with my in-laws. We ate and crafted all afternoon. It was fabulous! I thought I'd share these fun decorations with all of you available as a download here. Now you can host your own craft day with fun decorations too. Happy Crafting!



P.S. The delicious dessert crepes recipe shown can be found here. Thanks Linds!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I made this pin a month ago for St. Patrick's Day and today was finally the day!

Clover Pillow Box

My mom had a pattern for pillow boxes when I was younger and we always planned to make them but never did. So after 15 years, I finally decided to design one of my own as a little treat box for St. Patrick's Day. My little niece was thrilled to receive her clover pillow box. Not only was the treat inside great, but the box was fun too. She loved opening and closing it. I'll admit, I opened and closed it a few times too before giving it to her. It's just so fun to see it puff up and take shape.

Twins

I was asked by a friend of mine to make a baby announcement for one of her friends that just had twins. The babies were born very early and one didn't make it. My friend gave me this poem and asked that I put it on the announcement. Her sister had used the same poem on one of her birth announcements for twins. As I was designing this I found tears running down my face often. I just kept thinking of how hard this must be for all the families out there that have to go through hard trials like this in their lives. I'm posting this because I thought the poem used was a simple and effective way to share something that is so joyful and yet devastating at the same time. Maybe others will find this poem helpful in sharing their tragedy and blessing with others.

Please note that the babies' photos have been removed and all the information has been changed.

Leprechaun Treasure Hunt

I have a niece that loves Dora the Explorer. She is always asking her mom if they can go on an "adventure" after she watches the show. I had her in mind the entire time I designed this. Wouldn't it be fun as a child to go on a treasure hunt following clues from a leprechaun to his hidden treasure on St. Patrick's Day? Although you'll never catch the leprechaun, his treasure will be at the end. Everyone knows gold chocolate is way better than a leprechaun anyway.

This download comes with 10 clues for places around your house. You simply cut them out and hide them with your own "treasure" at the end. Your kids will love this. Now I just need to finish school so I can have some little treasure hunters of my own. :)

March Dollar Download

Clover Cupcake Toppers! These can also be used on cards, scrapbook pages, tags and many other things. They are so quick and simple to make. Just punch out each one using a 1 1/8" circle punch and adhere them to toothpicks. Enjoy adding a fun St. Patrick's Day theme to your cupcakes this month.

P. S. I got these cupcake beauties at Sweet Tooth Fairy. The service there was awesome! I love that place!

Letterpress Class

I have been itching to letterpress for almost a year now. This weekend I took a class at Rowley Press and LOVED it! I'll first just say we were spoiled rottin there. Leland, the owner, took us through and gave us the history of each of his letterpresses and taught us a bit about the history of letterpress. He showed us how each press was used and told us the benefits of using the different ones for certain jobs. All while he fed us bagels. Oh yes, it was a great beginning to the class. Food always is. It was then time to print! We walked over to the printer and there were printing aprons made just for us by Lady Danburry. We picked our ink color (the prettiest blue ever) and got to work. We each got to print and score 50 cards and they came with envelopes too! So for $75 we walked away with breakfast, a printing apron and 50 cards plus envelopes. The best part about Rowley Press is you can rent it out to print your own designs. Check them out. You will love me for it. I promise. My first letterpress project will be wedding invitations for my little sister. Wish me luck!

Featured on Calico & Co.

I received an email today from the blog Calico & Co. saying they had featured my coupon book on their website. I now have another print blog I'll enjoy following. Check out all the fun things they've featured.

Dream Come True

We all have those blogs we follow that show incredible talent. We dream one day that we will be one of those people featured alongside those we envy every day. Well today my dream came true! I clicked on papercrave as I do every day and scrolled through their post. This time I saw my own coupon book featured in one of the Valentine segments. I couldn't believe it! I wanted to scream out loud with excitement. I know it sounds silly and ridiculous, but let's face it, I am some times. Check out the blog. You'll love it! There's a wide variety of styles and things all made of paper.

He Loves Me!

He love me. He loves me not. HE LOVES ME!

I was driving home from work the other day and this idea just popped in my head. I walked in my door and sat right down at my computer. I had to bring my idea to life and see the final product.

This 5x7 print would look great next to a picture of you and the one you love. Custom colors are available to match any room in your home or office. A fun print that looks great displayed all year long.

Love Coupon Pocket Book (download)

Girls want to give sentimental gifts, while guys could care less. We have a desire to be crafty and show our love through the gifts we give. I came up with the gift idea of a coupon book for my husband for Valentines. I get to give something crafty and from the heart, and it's actually something useful for him. We're both happy!

Insert gift cards for date nights to their favorite restaurants, movie theaters, sporting events and favorite stores. Instead of writing out a bunch of coupons you'll never use, these are ones you'll actually redeem and you'll do it while spending time together.

Dollar Download!!!

So I thought it might be fun to have a different download each month that is only $1. I'm going to start things off with these Valentine Tags. Because it's downloadable, there is no shipping AND you can print as many as you want!!! Spread the love and enjoy!

Goodly Parents

I love this picture of my grandparents goofing around. My mom asked me to make this for all her sisters as a Christmas gift. A great reminder of how lucky we are to have a loving family.