Day of the Dead-Sugar Skull

I did it! I finished my first painting in years! Even though in my eyes it looks like something a 2 year old would paint I refuse to critique and criticize myself over this piece. I made it in dedication of family members that have passed on. Death is something I find myself talking about often. Not in terms of "When I'm going to die" but in remembrance of close family/friends that I think of daily. This painting is for each and every loved one I have lost.

For those of you that do not understand the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead or Sugar Skulls you are missing out on a very meaningful holiday. Allow me to enlighten you with a link to Wikipedia.

My finished painting. November 1-2 I will have a little shrine set up with candles, photos and poems of my departed...along with this piece. 

In other news: Here is the most  recently discussed topic in Craft Happily's Facebook Group.

"Yarn Wrapped Pipe Cleaner Words" on Blogher.com

New and newsworthy:

"2,000 suspended dandelions" by unruly things

How cool is this?!?!

Also from the Group - Jade has asked the question: "Do you all have any suggestions for an easy craft a 6 year old could make for Christmas presents? I've been thinking of something like magnets, but don't really know. Thanks!" Several of you have responded but I know there are a lot of ideas to share! Any thoughts?

Until next time Craft Happily.

DIY-Dixie Cup Light Garland

Hello everyone! Hope you are well for this Monday night. I have been a busy bee lately and the proof is in the pudding - or rather the blog post! Could someone enlighten me on why we have that silly saying? Were there imitation puddings and Jell-O's comeback was this slogan? I know it's way off track but it raises a good question!

Yes - as I was saying I have been busy. One of the very first pictures I pinned on Pinterest was a Dixie Cup Garland Tutorial from Hey Gorgeous. The more I thought about this idea the more I wanted to give it a go. In the original How-To they wrapped their cups in scrap paper but I happened to be lucky enough to find a cool pattern on the bathroom Dixie Cups. If you don't like the design or you are wanting to have a certain "Theme" (AKA: Christmas, Halloween, Wedding, Birthday) then by all means cut scrap paper and wrap away!

In the original tutorial they marked the bottom of the cups with a x in pencil...I did not lol. Call me lazy but I wanted to make this as simple as possible...so I eyed where my x should go and cut away with a straight blade knife.

Once I had enough cups cut to cover the amount of lights I wanted covered I pushed the light through the x. Note: You can cut 100 cups to cover an 100 count string of lights, but I see no use in this due to the fact some of them will be hidden.

Please ignore the dirty fingernails, as you must get dirty to play!

And voila!

A 200 count of Dixie Cups was less than $3, so this is a very affordable DIY...and just look at how cute it turned out?!?!?!

Thoughts? Have a tutorial to share? We would love to hear from you and for you to join our group on Facebook!

PS: I started a paper.li today called "Crafting Daily" Be sure to check it out daily to see the latest blogs/tutorials and crafts from around the web!












Easy DIY Halloween Decor-How Does She

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything to the blog but I wanted to share this awesome tutorial with everyone before bed.

I LOVE How Does She? and all their site has to offer. I rarely subscribe to newsletters but this is one site I get excited to see new emails from. One of the pages they shared was the tutorial below. I'm not able to focus my time and energy on decorating for Halloween as I have done in the past ((sadness)) so when I find EASY decor options such as this I know I have struck gold!

"But Mika what supplies do I need for such an awesome project?" You ask - styrophome balls, hot glue gun/pins and dense garland. That's it! And this could also be used for Thanksgiving and Christmas (Christmas tree ornament anyone!?!?!)

I'm clearly too excited for such an easy peasy project; but that's the way it's going to be.

Head over to How Does She? and read all about DIY Halloween Decor

Any Halloween ideas you'd like to share? Don't be shy! Comment/email crafthappily (at) hotmail (dot) com. Join our group on Facebook

Until next time; Craft Happily!