Thanksgiving Tree

I've had this one on my to-do list for a long time... well, this year is the year (Kimi, get that Silhouette warmed up).

This Thanksgiving Tree would be a fun activity to do with the kids this week in preparation for Thanksgiving.  Young ones can even draw pictures of what they're thankful for.  You could even do it on turkey day while you wait for the food & need to keep the kids occupied.  Fabulous idea from Skip to My Lou... a great way to count your blessings.  And you get a darling centerpiece out of it :)

Young Women Values Subway Art **Free Download**

Happy 11.11.11 to you!!  Here's a free download to celebrate!  No it has nothing to do with today, I have just been wanting to make a YW values subway art and finally got around to it.  Click HERE for the download :)

printable Keep Calm and Scary On **FREE DOWNLOAD**

Love the Keep Calm signage out there... I thought this Halloween version, Keep Calm and Scary On, from Craftily Ever After was fabulous!!!  Thanks to Jessica for the free download!

Clutter-Free Entryway

I think this would be totally perfect for Missy's house (and mine).  Check out the entryway organizing potential from iheart organizing- love her blog, SO inspiring!

Printable 9 Be's **Free Download**

LOVE this free printable of President Hinckley's 9 "BE"s... fun fonts and a clean look (just my style).  Thanks to Key Lime digital designs for the free download!!

Stenciled Cupcake Stand

This one is so stinkin' cute, it speaks for itself.  Love, love, love this stenciled cupcake stand (if you love the aqua paint, you should check out Shelley's aqua door).  Seriously.So.Adorable (but would you expect any less from The House of Smiths?).  Can't wait to try this one.

School Paper Organizing (with a free download!!)

 Anyone that knows me, knows that I completely lack the organizing gene.  And paperwork is my kryptonite.  I just don't know what to do with the endless incoming paper, so it just piles up.  The thought of adding school papers back into the mess makes me reach for the Mylanta (or the Xanax).  Seriously.

I love this mail organizer (also perfect for holding the homework assignments in progress), but I was thrilled to see this school paper organizer from iHeart Organizing for all those reports and cute art projects I just can't toss (and report cards).  Just a simple file box, but Jen provides the free download for the labels and the coversheets (hooray!).  One file box for each kid - one folder for each grade.  Neatly labeled, neatly contained.  Love it.  Thank you, thank you, Jen!  So glad you came to my rescue!!

Ruffled Streamers

Wow - who'd have thought that you could turn plain ol' paper streamers into darling ruffled ones?  Apparently Dana at Made (wish I could say it was me).  Thanks for the fun inspiration!  Click HERE for the link.

4th of July Subway Art **Free Download**

I love this Fourth of July Subway Art... I think the fonts are just perfect for Independence Day.  Kudos to Jamie at The Crafting Chicks for the free download - thanks for doing all the work for us!

40 Sucks

I loved this idea the instant that I saw it.  The gallon size jar is SO cute- I can't wait to pick one up next time I'm at Wal-Mart.  Thanks to Blue Cricket Design for this 40 Sucks birthday gift idea.  My Mom turns '40' (or something like that) next month- I can't wait to make one for her!!

Thumbtack Balls - Vase Filler

Well, now if these just aren't the cutest things I've seen in a long time...
check out these adorable Thumbtack Balls.  Pretty sure I can think of a million places to put these and in a million different colors (blush & bashful, anyone?)  I think a few metallic ones would look cute with the other decorative balls in my front room.  DEFINITELY a craft to do SOON.

Anyone else have a stash of colored brads from old-school scrapbooking days?  I bet they'd work too (and then you wouldn't have to paint them!).  So glad I stumbled across Landee See, Landee Do - what a darling blog... and thanks for the inspiration!!

Bottle Cap Candles

These Bottle Cap Candles are such an ingenious way to upcycle and make an adorable decoration.  I love her separate colors, but I have a bunch of broken crayons that I think I'll use - the swirled look might be really cute!

I really love the idea of using them outdoors (they'd be a cute addition to your next BBQ), so I think it would be great to add a few drops of essential oils to ward off bugs.

Here are some essential oils that help repel insects:
•cinnamon oil (mosquitoes)
•lemon eucalyptus or regular eucalyptus oil (mosquitoes and ticks)
•citronella oil (mosquitoes and biting flies)
 
Thanks to Linda at Crafaholics Anonymous for another fabulous idea!!

General Conference Idea

I'm loving these cute General Conference Buckets from Brown Paper Packages. Plus, I LOVE a good excuse to buy Easter candy (Starburst Jelly Beans, Cadbury Mini Eggs, Reeses Pieces Eggs.... yummy)!!!

Decorating Easter Eggs - 7 Fun Techniques

Looking for some fun new ideas for decorating eggs?  Look no further.  Crafts by Amanda shares how to make all 7 of these pictured eggs HERE.

Disneyland Countdown

We're going to Disneyland in about a month and I spent the weekend scouring the internet for ideas for a countdown.  I knew what I wanted because I remembered seeing it not too long ago- luckily I was able to find it again!  Thanks to The Crafting Chicks for the free template & download for this darling Disneyland Countdown.  Unfortunately you do have to use PSE or some other form of photo editing software because they are not jpegs, but templates to make your own (on account of the fact that you need to purchase your own digital scrapbook paper).  I was not in a creative mood and just purchased/downloaded the same papers Jamie used- it turned out so cute, I can't wait to start using it!!

Arts & Crafts Caddy

Missy and I are always on the lookout for good ways to organize.  I'm loving this idea from Angry Julie Monday for this Arts & Crafts Caddy.  So cute & practical.  I also think it would be a pretty clever way to make a small herb garden to put on my patio table.

Cloth Napkin Pillow Covers (no sew)

Centsational Girl has a great tutorial for making these beautiful pillow covers from cloth napkins she found at World Market.  She shows how to make them without sewing, but if sewing is easier for you, I'm sure you could do it that way too.  Aren't these amazing??

Framed Bow Board

Check out this darling framed bow board from iCandy handmade... so cute!  This would make a great gift idea for a baby shower!!

Kissing Balls (Pomanders)

Looking for a cute, inexpensive way to add a little color to your decor?  You should think about making these kissing balls.  Aren't they beautiful??  Click HERE for the tutorial from Amy at The Idea Room. These make me think of spring... can't wait to make some!
Sidenote: she got the idea here - where you can also find a quick history of Pomanders or "Flower Kissing Balls."

Interchangeable Crochet Flower Headband

Jill from Women Who Do It All is sharing the free pattern for this adorable Interchangeable Crochet Flower Headband.  Love it!!  You know what I'm going to be busy doing...