Journal Happy

I do so love a journal. My most popular blog post by far is this journal. Lately, I've designed another simple project that allows me to create thoughtful, customized gifts for family (and self, to be honest). Should be doable for both the whimsical and the serious crafters. By my 3rd one, the steps from start to constructed (not customized notebook) took about 30 minutes.

I'm posting the tutorial for the basic book. How you customize is limitless.

When Pigs Fly: A Babied Up Christmas

Every year since moving into this home, I've made a new set of ornaments. The first year our lack of dollars inspired me. Since, the feeling of something homespun and unique brings me back to the tradition. Now, as the momma of a 3 month old, I wanted the ornaments to represent this new special place in life.

The state of things: baby gift or pregnancy reveal idea

Let's say you have two friends who conquered states lines to fall in love, and now they're making a baby. And, you're into the DIY gift thing. AND, their shower is just around the corner. My friend, I have a solution for you.

OR, let's say YOU conquered states lines and are looking for a way to reveal the results to family. Perhaps you want to mail them a unique little reveal gift. My friend, I have a solution for you, too! ;)

Here's how it came about:

The Brooke Cowl

A good friend has been craving something warm and brown for winter. Sounds cozy to me. I finally got around to making it happen for her. Turns out, she'll have lots of options for how she wears this thing (and now I want one).

If you want to know how to make one--it takes about four White Collar shows, or one movie long to make. A two-hour craft for a 3-way style? works for me. Instructions below.

Peter Pan Collar Inspired Necklace

I love that book. Peter Pan, that is. I have yet to figure out what it has to do with the popular collar style. Except both rock. So... I decided to see what I could do with mixing a collar style with jewelry. I came up with two styles (so far), and I'll share my how to with you.

Leather or not you like it... DIY Journal Tutorial

Today, a dream came true. Some dream of beaches, castles, zombies (my husband and his sister), etc. I dream of working up the courage and imagination to create my own leather journals.

Note: You can make these without any special tools at all. Any part-time crafter like me can pull 'em together.

Thanks to an extra long weekend, the darker, more mysterious back ways of Hobby Lobby, and dismantling a crafter's block, you get to see my dream unfold.

This will be a long tutorial, but the length belies the simplicity of the project.

When Pigs Fly: stamp tutorial

I'm really getting into carving my own stamps. It's intricate, satisfying, and if you're a klutz and crave more excitement in your crafting life, dangerous (totally sliced my own thumb open--cut away from the body!). I'm laying out the process for making this flying pig, today.

1. I am NOT a photographer
2. I'm way too impatient to wait until daylight to get better lighting
3. The other carvings I made from pink erasers (pack of 5 or 6 @ the Dollar Store)