simply sublime

Valentine's Day Crafts

I love Valentine's Day -- and I love Valentine's Day crafts!  So when PARADE magazine asked me to come up with some fun, easy projects (and templates) for readers, I was only too happy to oblige: 

IRON-ON CONVERSATION HEARTS

Check out the full instructions for this project on PARADE'S site, along with 12 downloadable Conversation Heart templates. Iron the hearts onto T-shirts, pillowcases, tote bags, even canvas sneakers to make a one-of-a-kind gift for everyone on your list.  And make sure to save the scraps from the iron on transfers for this next project:

HUGS AND KISSES GLOVES

You won't believe how easy these are...you can whip these up in about 15 minutes!  You'll find the instructions and templates here.

And here's one more:

HEART SHAPED CRAYONS

I've always wanted to try making crayons in silicone molds, and I found that it is so much easier than pouring (and cleaning up!) different colors of hot wax.  My daughter and I got kind of obsessed with making these. Visit PARADE'S site for the complete instructions and a link to the nifty silicone pan that we used.  

Happy Valentine's Day and XOXO!

 

Sew Easy Stockings

I whipped up these stockings, made from vintage sewing patterns, for this month's Country Living magazine.  

It was so much fun to hunt through my old patterns and play with the designs.  A big thank you to my friend Anne -- an amazing seamstress! -- for donating a bunch of patterns to help out with this project. You can find the directions on Country Living's website along with a stocking template and lots of other holiday craft ideas.  

Get Ready to Get Gifty!

Several months ago, I worked on some stories for two great publications:  Cloth, Paper, Scissors, and a special Christmas issue of Woman's Day. At the time, the holidays seemed SO far away...But with the arrival of these magazines in my mailbox (and on the newsstand!) -- I realize that Gift Giving Season is right around the corner.

I was just tickled to be included in Cloth, Paper, Scissors'  first annual Holiday issue.  The magazine is JAM PACKED with ideas from incredible artists -- you won't believe the number of how-to projects.  I got to work with Alisa Burke, Dorit Elisha, Beryl Taylor, and Mary Beth Volpini -- four unbelievably talented mixed media artists who agreed to let me turn their canvases into no-sew totes. The issue just came out, but you can catch a sneak peak here. 

And how fun to be in Woman's Day?!  Especially amidst these AWESOME bloggers: Kristen Magee of Domestifluff, Maya Donenfeld of Maya*Made, Marie LeBaron of Makes and Takes, and Holly Keller of Chez Beeper Bebe.  Honestly, I was totally honored to be included with these super talented ladies--whose blogs I adore! You have to check out their ideas for easy (and SO CUTE!) holiday projects.  I want to make every one of them.