Handmade Christmas And A New Year

Sorry for the hiatis but I'm sure everyone understands, the holiday season is crazy. Now that it is over it's time to get back to reality. Thankfully I had enough sense about me during the hustle and bustle to take pics of my finished projects a.k.a. Christmas presents. I'm not taking the time to edit them, center or brighten the colors. They were last minute shots and that suits to describe my life for the past month!

I have new ideas and plans for the New Year for this blog. As some of you know, my other blog is turning a year old January 1. I'm contemplating a name change to it and the direction I should head in. I'm excited for the New Year. Are you?

If you are looking for guidance for the new year, I suggest you check out SusannahConway.com and download/print a wonderful workbook.You can go directly to the blog post for the workbook here. As for me; 2011 was a terrible year. I had to work on so many issues at one time that my head was swimming from anxiety and exhaustion. I have spent the past month reflecting on where I have been and where I want to go. I'm in a much better place now. I'm still working through these pages, but thus far it has already been a tremendous help.

I'm curious if anyone else is using Susannah's workbook. If so, I'd love to hear from you and about your progress.

Here's to a wonderful year my dears full of happiness and success!

With much love,

Mika

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Give Old Shoes New Life-Notes from the Bench Tutorial

I came across a link on Twitter a few days ago for using fabric and Mod Podge to give an old pair of ballet flats new life. I have several pairs (as I grow older they are a staple in my wardrobe) but was curious if the Mod Podge really stood up to the test.

Take a look at the fabulous tutorial from Notes from the Bench. She provides a link to the original post with step by step directions that look easy as pie. I LOVE the fabric she chose for her flats. Purple is my favorite color and the geometrical design keeps it fresh.

I can't wait to try this out! Who knows I might re-fabric all of my flats! If you're going to dream, dream big!

How is everyone handling the holidays? Christmas shopping complete? Presents wrapped? If you are like me, you are far from finished!

Let's hope we can all keep our sanity this holiday season and remember to Craft Happily!

ATC Giveaway winner is...

It's November 28, 2011 at 6:00PM on the eastern coast which could only mean one thing; I have a winner to announce!

For those of you who missed the boat (so to speak) this was the prize:

Four Handmade Artist Trading Cards - or ATC's free to a good home.

I left the giveaway open for 2 weeks hoping to generate at least a smidgen of traffic; unfortunately this was not the case. Maybe it was the holiday, maybe people didn't understand the rules or maybe they just don't give a rats ass about 4 little cards that I worked very hard on? What ever the reason, I THANK each and every person who entered the contest.

The winner is: Nicole Capps! She was number 13 with her "Like" of Craft Happily!

Nicole if you would be so kind as to message me (on Facebook) your mailing address I will get those out to you this week.

As for the other 3 participants I will be sending you each a personalized atc as a token of my appreciation.

Congratulations to Nicole!

Thank you all for entering <3

Thanksgiving-ATC Giveaway

In honor of the "giving" in Thanksgiving I'm excited to announce Craft Happily's first Giveaway!

What makes this giveaway so special is the fact you (can) give the reward away. The prize are four handmade ATC cards! Some of you might be asking "What is an ATC card?" It's short for Artistic Trading Cards. The cards are mini works of art as their size is 2.5" x 3.5". You can use these for scrapbooking, collecting, display them as art, or give them to friends/family/artists in appreciation.

I chose four occasions Female Birthday, Male Birthday, Just Because and Christmas. They are small enough to fit in card envelopes or even used as a tag on a present.

For each entry please leave a SEPARATE comment letting me know you have completed each entry. I will be using random.org to choose the winner.

**Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment below - even if you say something nice**

#2 Entry: "Like" Craft Happily on Facebook


#3 Entry: "Like" Garnet Photography & Jewelry on Facebook


#4 Entry: Follow @CraftHappily on Twitter


#5 Entry: Follow Craft Happily on Google Friend Connect - Listed as "Followers" on the sidebar


#6 Entry: +1 this on Google by clicking the +1 button at the bottom of the post

#7 Entry: Join Craft Happily's Facebook Group


Optional entries that can be done DAILY and are worth 1 entry each:



*Share this post on Facebook -Remember to comment here to let me know!


*Share this post on Twitter - Please include your Twitter tag in your comment

*Vote for Craft Happily on picketfenceblogs.com by clicking "We're on the Fence!" button to the left - Remember to comment here to let me know!

Giveaway ends Monday November 28, 2011 at 6pm Eastern Time.
Giveaway is open to everyone. No rules on residency.
Winner will be announced on Twitter/Facebook and blog post. If you comment as Anonymous please leave your name and/or email address. Winner will have 48 hours to provide shipping information. If after 48 hours there is no response another entry at random will be chosen.  No purchase necessary – void where prohibited by law.

Good luck to everyone!

If you have questions/concerns I am always available through the above networks or you may email crafthappily(at)hotmail(dot)com

Kite Bow Organizer Tutorial

Ello Gov'na ((in my best attempt to be British)) I hope your day is/has been lovely and bright.

It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is a little over a week away! I'm not ready for Christmas! Of course I'm never ready. I'm a total procrastinator - spending the last 3 days trying to find a gift and wrap it! No thanks to the economy, this year just as last I will be making most of my gifts. I've bookmarked several to keep things 'fresh' and as we grow even closer to the holiday I will be sharing some of them with you.

I keep returning to a tutorial on Ruffles And Stuff's blog. "Kite Bow Organizer Tutorial" It is simply precious and easy! Metal clothes hanger, fabric, ribbon and a hot glue gun. Done! Check out her post, you can thank me later!

Be sure to return to the blog tomorrow. We are having our first giveaway! Want a tiny hint as to what it is? You can share this with male and female birthdays, Christmas and "Just because"!

Until tomorrow; Craft Happily!

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!

Felt Lotus Hair Clip Tutorial-Margo is crafty

Gooooood Friday evening to you!!! Sorry; I'm not really that excited...actually I'm rather bored at the moment which is something that rarely happens to me. Being on medical leave for 3 weeks has proven 2 things to me; I needed the time to get better (duh) and I honestly miss some of my coworkers.

Anyhoot; I ran across a tutorial from Margo is crafty and felt (get it) the need to share it with you, my friends. You all are aware I love working with felt (see previous post where I confess my love if you doubt my obsession) I have been searching for a easy Lotus flower tutorial. B-I-N-G-O! The (most) brilliant part of her tutorial? She used diluted fabric stiffener to make the flower stand!

Click here to check out her post.

Since I still have a few days left on leave; I might try my hand at one of these this weekend. If I do you know I will share it.

On to other business:


I'm aware everything takes time. I'm lacking in the patience department and that's something I'm trying to work on. I am thrilled to no end that I have several friends who always have my back on this blog and in our Facebook Group (everyone is welcome to join!) but I want to make sure that I'm clear when I say this is OUR community. If there is anything you want to share on the blog just let me know. I try to pick random link shares from our group when I can. I guess I just want to remind everyone it's not my blog or my group...it's everyone's.


With that said; I hope we continue to grow-yes I know patience. If you have any ideas on how to make the community better I am always open to suggestions. I don't want anyone to think they are obligated to do this; but if you're looking for a way to help us grow share the link to the group on your Facebook status or even share a blog post.

And last (I told you I was bored) I added a new page to the side bar of our favorite crafting sites called-Links We Love. I will keep this up to date based on member's suggestions and link shares.


Thank you for all your support.

Mega Crafty Wool Felt Tutorial

I have a confession to make...I love felt. Wool felt, Eco felt in every color and texture imaginable! If I could marry felt, I totally would. 

For those of you that share my love of this wonderful material (maybe not as drastically as I do) you will be jumping for joy over this easy-peasy wool felt tutorial by Mega Crafty!

This is another example of a situation where you smack your forehead and say "Why didn't I think of that?!?!" Luckily we didn't have to. Meg @ Mega Crafty really could not have made it any easier for us! Head over to her blog post to see what I mean!

While you're there click the link to visit Mega Spooky!

A woman after my own heart. I love Halloween and this chick gets it!

If you're looking for a easy way to keep up with Craft Happily's blog become a follower on Google or Networked Blogs!

Until next time: Craft Happily!!!

Dollar Store Photo Frame Tutorial

Good morning, afternoon or evening my Crafties! I'm thrilled to share with you my very first tutorial! This isn't just any tutorial...it's a Dollar Store Craft! Now that I have your attention enjoy my rambling step by step guide to a cute photo frame.

Materials:
*All of my dollar store items were purchased at my local Dollar Tree
$1 5x7 black photo frame
$1 bag of glass pebbles
$1 stem of fabric flowers
$1 pack of sponge brushes

-I already had: Mod Podge, scrapbook paper, scisorrs and hot glue gun

Step 1:
With the paper of your choice (preferably scrapbook paper or heavy card stock; as regular printing paper doesn't hold up as well) cut strips to cover the frame. I didn't really take my time on cutting. My paper went over the edges, which worked out in it's own way. Crafting is about finding what works for you.
TIP: The glass in this frame wasn't removable, so I cut down the paper it came with to sit on top of the glass. No mess :)

Step 2:
With your glass covered (if you can't remove it) grab your Mod Podge and evenly cover the back of the paper. Gently lay over the frame making sure you have the paper straight and right side up! If your paper is too large, simply push it down along the side of the frame (it can be our secret).

Step 3:
After you have covered your frame, allow the paper to set for at least 15 minutes. This gives the Mod Podge time to dry. Once it is set, add another thin layer of Mod Podge to the entire paper surface. I added 2 layers instead of just one, to ensure it is sealed and won't crack.

Step 4:
It's best to have a game plan before you randomly start hot gluing glass pebbles on your frame. Set them in the order/direction/spacing you prefer. I added the corner pebbles first as my starting place. Cover the entire bottom (the flat part) with hot glue and press firmly to the frame. That's it! Just repeat until you're done.

Step 5:
Add flower(s) or other embellishments you desire. Add photo of your choice, and voila!

Later this week or next I will post the tutorial on making the mixed media art inside :)

After taking the photograph last night I decided to show it during the day in all it's glory!

So there you have it, my first tutorial. Thoughts? Feedback? Criticisms?

Until next time, Craft Happily!

A special thanks to: 

Get Your Craft On

For making these wonderful Link Parties!

Falling Leaves Tutorial

Unfortunately I am not well enough today to create a tutorial on a Dollar Store Craft project I am working on. I'm very excited for my first tutorial and want to do a great job...which means I need to wait until I can think clearly and give it undivided attention.

Today's shared tutorial comes from sparklepantsgirl.com and her awesome, quick, cheap and beautiful tutorial on "Falling Leaves" I am now kicking myself for not grabbing an arm full of these foam cutouts today! If white is not your color (or simply doesn't match your decor) I'm sure any neutral color would work. I wouldn't go too bright or dark because it takes away the simple beauty of the piece.

Anyone willing to give this a try? Have you tried any of the other tutorials we have shared? Let us know!

Until next time, Craft Happily!