Inspiration File

A few fun things to share this week.

First up, How Does She did again and blew me away with a 2x4 craft.  I don't know why I am so drawn to a 2x4 but I just love the idea of taking something so basic and ending up with something amazing... and this one is!  Check out this 2x4 snowman.  Cutest thing ever!  I love the none traditional colors... I love the nose and the paper buttons... I just love the whole thing!

Next up, Sugar Bee showed us how to make these adorable Christmas tree hair clips.  They are SO cute and look really easy to do.  I'm going to have to make some.  Plus this is a fun and affordable gift idea, love that!

And finally, Crazy Domestic made these melted snowman cookies.  Maybe I have a thing for snowmen, but I think these are to die for cute!  How great would these be to give to neighbors or friends... or me?  I sure am going to hate when Christmas is over and I have to go back on a diet, but for now I'm making a whole bunch of these cuties!

Well, that's it for now.  If you were featured don't forget to grab a button. 

Inspiration File

Only a couple things to share this week.  To be honest, this week has been SO busy that I have barely had time to go through my blog roll! 

Frist of all, did everyone see the corn husk table runner over at It's always a party at the Parkers?  Holy Gorgeousness!!!!  Okay, so the whole table is pretty amazing.  I know where I'm going for Thanksgiving Dinner! (sorry Mom)


I also found a new blog to follow,  Vintage Wanna Bee.  Everything over there is seriously adorable but I'm loving her princess inspired accessories.  She's done a bunch of princesses but my favorite (I think) is the "Giselle."  But be sure to hope on over and check them all out.  You'll have a hard time deciding which your going to make first!

Well, ta ta for now.  Be sure to grab a button if you were featured. 

Dish towels that stay put!

I like to hang a dish towel over the handle of my oven door. When I have a dish towel out and ready, I end up using way less paper towels. This is good for the environment and good for my pocketbook. However, my 18 month old daughter WILL NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE! After picking them up for the hundredth time I decided I needed a solution. I remember my Mom having a towel with a crocheted top that buttoned to keep them in place, so I decided to make a more contemporary version of that. So, what do you think?



Want to make your own?

Supplies:

4 dish towels (one you will sacrifice for the binding and straps... I will refer to this towel as the secondary towel)
6 buttons
Sewing notions



Step 1: Fold your dish towel how you want it to hang. I folded the two sides into the middle and then the whole thing in half. Then cut out of your secondary towel a strip the width of your folded towel and about 4 to 5 inches long. Also cut out two pieces the width and length you want your straps.

Step 2: Pin your towel so that it stays in place while you work with it. Just be sure to place the pins low enough not to get in your way.

Step 3: I decided to leave my edges raw. (lazy) The edges will fray but I was okay with that. To keep them from fraying to much though, I did a zigzag stitch all around the perimeter of my pieces. If you want a cleaner look, you should cut your fabric a little larger and hem.

Step 4: Attach your straps to the back of you binding piece. I did this by sewing a square.

Step 5: Sew a button hole on the end of your strap. This was my first experience making a button hole and it was surprisingly easy.

Step 6: Align your binding with your towel. Make sure the straps are in the back and the binding is even on both sides. Pin and then sew in place by making another square around the binding.

Step 7: Hand sew on your buttons and your done!

There you have it. A dish towel that stays put!



So which one is your fave? (And no, I will not actual hang them all at once!)

Simple updates make me happy!

My new curtains inspired me to update the center piece on my kitchen table.

I took the bowl that I had my winter pine cones in and removed the stand, placed it on top of a teal cloth napkin and a spring garland, and then placed three pillar candles in the center. I then surrounded the candles with glass marbles. It looks so fresh and pretty!

Now if only spring would get here already!


*Designer Tip: When decorating with candles be sure to burn them for a few minutes so they lose that "just out of the wrapper" look.