by Samantha Kelly

This is a fun decoration that has dual purpose… ghosts on one side and snowmen on the other. Use your creativity to create any fun faces you come up with. Don’t let this example hinder your creative juices.

(Get The Patterns Here – Large Snowman/Ghost, Small Snowman/Ghost)

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by Kara Sommer

These wonderful cans are quick to make and require few supplies. They are versatile and can be used for any occasion. How about using them for birthday party favors, thank you gifts, or visiting teaching handouts? Just remember to use a can that does not have a rounded bottom because the safety edge can opener can’t “hook” on.

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by Kara Sommer

I love to read! I read most anything I can get my hands on. Here is a super cute idea for decorating your favorite books. Or, perhaps you could encourage your kids to read too by fitting a new book with a cover made especially for them. This is also great for sprucing up a plain old journal. Add a pocket and you will always have a pen handy! Be creative by adding lots of embellishments. These make simple but great gifts.

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by Kara Sommer

The art of needlework, or stitchery, has been around a long time. Women sewed out of necessity. Without machines to do it for them or stores where they could buy ready made things, they stitched and sewed by hand the clothes, the quilts, and other textiles their families needed. If they wanted anything embellished, they would embroider it.

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by Kara Sommer

I love a great fixer-upper project. I take a lot of pride in my “before and afters.” This time I decided to take a set of lamps that were plain, simple, and uninteresting (not to mention inexpensive) and dress them up a bit. I did this by spray painting them gold and then rubbing a gel stain over it to make them look antique. I updated the lamp shades by gluing lace to them. I also added a beaded by-the-yard trim to complete the look.

This project was easy and fun. Now the lamps don’t seem so plain, simple, or uninteresting anymore. (They are still inexpensive!) Dress up something in your home with a little paint and creativity. It goes a long way!

by Kara Sommer

Twenty or so years ago, these Easter baskets were a popular project. Today, their simple charm can still bring a smile to anyone’s face. Try making the baskets all different sizes and fill them with anything festive. Or make a creative display by filling a bowl with several smaller “eggs” made of different colors.

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