Sunny Days

Finally, some sunshine around these parts!  While we haven’t had to bear the harsh winter storms of the northeast, it has been particularly gloomy and cold here lately. I took advantage of the sunshine to plant some paperwhites.

I’ve never grown any indoor bulbs before, so this will be an experiment!

I’m not even sure if it’s the right time to plant them, am I a little late?

Hopefully not, and some green will start sprouting up soon!

I’m keeping my green thumbs crossed!

Shop Update

Just a quick update to let y’all know I have a couple new specials going on in my Etsy shop right now.

SPECIAL #1:

Buy three travel tumblers, GET ONE FREE!  Buy four travel tumblers, GET TWO FREE!! 

This is a great opportunity to stock up on gifts or get a complete set for yourself!

I have both Fleur de Lis and Mardi Gras styles listed in my shop, but I can do just about any pattern/style insert you need, just ask!

SPECIAL #2:

Buy any Travel Tumbler or Sports Bottle, and get an extra insert for FREE!

This means you can pick TWO inserts….one for everyday and one for a holiday, birthday, special occasion, etc.!  Once again, I’ll work with you to create the perfect custom item just for you.

To take advantage of these specials, just visit my Etsy shop or send me an email to Christy@EmbellishedBayou.com.  Also, make sure you “like” my Facebook page to get updates on all specials and new products!

Stay tuned, I’m planning a BIG sale on frames and tins soon!

 

 

Friday Faves

A few of my favorite “guilty pleasures” from the past few weeks….

What I’m watching:

What I’m reading:

What I’m eating/drinking:

What I’m working on:

What are your faves this week?

Craft Craze of 2011

Last year I wondered what the craft craze of 2010 would be, so I thought it would be fun to look back and then make my predictions for 2011.

I received a few theories such as “patterns”, “repurposing”, and “monograms”.  Some of those were right on, as we saw the reuse, recycle and repurpose trend continue in the craft and decorating world.  I featured my friend’s shutter turned wall art as a prime example:

and also salvaged auto glass used as a unique vase filler:

Monograms were also indeed popular in 2010, seen in projects such as pillows, furniture, wreaths, and wall art.

Image credit

Image credit

Image credit

Image credit

So what do you think the craft craze of 2011 will be?  I definitely think that personalized crafts will continue to be popular, as will the repurpose and reuse trend.  I’m also seeing lots of people going crazy for their Silhouettes and Cricuts, so I’m sure we’ll continue to see plenty of creative projects using those.  I can’t wait to hear your ideas in the comments!

I Confess…

…I’ve been a bad blogger!!  To be honest, I just haven’t felt inspired to post lately.  The crafting has been on hold since before Christmas and I can’t seem to get my mojo back.

I have been working on a few new things for my Etsy shop for Mardi Gras, so be sure and stop by to check them out!

Hopefully I’ll be back to a more regular schedule by next week!

A Fresh Start: DIY Memo Board

Well, it is a brand new year and for many that means a time to make a fresh start.  I typically don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I know for many one goal is to get organized.  This was the case for a good friend of mine who wanted to de-clutter the front of her refrigerator.  So I knew the perfect Christmas gift for her would be a “new” memo board where she could display photos, her daughter’s artwork, and other important information. 

I had just the thrift store frame in my stash to transform:

Sorry little angels, but you’ve got to go bye-bye!

The first thing I did was remove the artwork from the frame and give the frame a couple coats of brown spray paint.  Then I distressed the frame a bit with some sandpaper.  No photos of those steps, but I’m sure you get the idea.

Then I purchased a piece of sheet metal from Lowe’s.  Make sure you don’t get aluminum because it’s not magnetic.  They sell pre-cut sheets, but I had to trim one with tin snips to fit my frame’s measurements.

I found some cute fabric at Hobby Lobby and just hot glued it to cover the sheet metal.

Then I popped the whole thing back in the frame and used some small nails to hold it in.

The finishing touch were these coordinating magnets:

You can find the glass marbles at any craft or dollar store, and then modge podge scrapbook paper to the back and hot glue on a magnet.

Voila! Instant organization!

Here’s another look at the

BEFORE:

and AFTER:

What are some of your goals for the new year?  I’ll be linking this post to the following parties: