Making Your Own Fabric Flowers for Your Page

Recently, I made this adorable headband all by myself, flowers and all! And, it got me thinking about scrapbooking, of course. I thought, wouldn’t these little flowers be a great addition to a scrapbook page? I think they would! I have no sewing experience. My Mom tried to teach me as a child to sew, but I just never did it on my own, so I do not really remember much from what she taught me. But, I do know how to do a running stitch, and how to sew on a button, and that is all you need to … Continue reading

Button Flowers

I love this craft. It’s very simple, and yet beautiful in a quirky, vintage way. They kind of remind me a Dr. Seuss looking plant. To make your own, all you need are some buttons of varying sizes, wire, and some wire cutters. I used silver 20 gauge wire and gold florist wire. Both worked fine. The thinner wire is easier to cut and to work with, but wire that is too thin won’t hold up the buttons. Pick out some interesting buttons. I’m lucky to have some interesting buttons that belonged to my grandmother. You do want buttons with … Continue reading

Edible Flowers Ci to E

This is a glossary of sorts on edible flowers. Look below to find the links to the descriptions and articles about other edible flowers. Cilantro–Just like the seeds and leaves, the flowers also have a strong taste. This, by the way, has to be one of my favorite ‘edible flowers’. Don’t cook it, as the flavor fades quickly under heat. Instead, sprinkle the flowers in freshly made salsa or on top of a salad. Citrus Blossoms–Use the strongly scented waxy petals of citrus trees sparingly. One of my favorite ways to use them is to make flavored sugars. Store about … Continue reading

The History of Father’s Day

In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated in June. Many of us are aware of the sales that take place around that time, with discounts on gift items that will appeal to dads. What many people are unaware of is the history of Father’s Day. Here is the story behind Father’s Day, and some father related statistics to go along with it. The very first Father’s Day was celebrated in the United States on July 5, 1908. It was celebrated at a West Virginia church with a sermon that was in memory of 362 men who died in explosions … Continue reading

Simple and Affordable Mother’s Day Fun

If your budget doesn’t allow you to lavish mom with expensive gifts this Mother’s Day, don’t fret.  With a little planning and creativity you can make your mom feel like royalty minus the queen’s ransom. The key to creating memorable Mother’s Day gifts is to make them with love.  The other requirement is to have fun in the process.  The following homemade gift ideas are simple enough for young children to help with; plus, they don’t require a ton of money to make: Pretty Pots Materials: Unglazed terra cotta pot Acrylic paints Paint brushes Craft glue Embellishments (buttons, gems, stickers, … Continue reading

Save on Spa Fun

Mother’s Day is right around the corner; time to start shopping. The day set aside to honor the most priceless person in the world can put a major dent in your wallet, especially if you plan to shower mom with expensive presents.   However, if you are working on a tight budget, there are still plenty of wonderful ways you can show your mom how much she means to you. Rather than send mom to a pricey spa, treat her to a relaxing morning at a home version.  The following affordable ideas will allow you to pamper mom without putting your … Continue reading

Affordable Spring Embellishments

The good news is that there is a seemingly endless supply of spring-themed scrapbook embellishments available in craft stores right now.  The bad news is that many of the gorgeous accessories are quite pricey.  Adding just a few of the eye-popping decorations can easily send the price of a single spring layout into the stratosphere. Fortunately, there are a slew of affordable alternatives to expensive scrapbook embellishments.  For example, rather than purchasing elaborate silk flowers to decorate your spring page designs, consider making your own colorful blossoms at home using inexpensive coffee filters.  All you need are some basket-style paper … Continue reading

Spring Into Spring

Spring can spring any time now, as far as I am concerned. Like millions of other Americans enduring the most recent Arctic blast, I’m over winter. Unfortunately, there isn’t much I can do to control the weather.  However, rather than wallow in despair, I’m channeling my inner sun goddess and working on spring-themed scrapbooks. If you are looking for ways to keep warm this winter, spring ahead a bit and take advantage of sales on spring scrapbooking kits.  The seasonal collections typically hit the shelves in mid-January and feature colorful paper, plus a slew of coordinating embellishments, such as stickers, … Continue reading

Keep It Simple

In the wake of the senseless shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, many parents are reevaluating their priorities.  With Christmas just a few days away, there’s been a shift from chaotic to calm. Whereas a week ago many parents were rushing around like decapitated chickens trying to hunt down a mountain of material items to place under the tree, today, those same parents are realizing that life’s greatest gift isn’t something that can be wrapped in pretty paper.  Rather, moms and dads around the world are slowing down and savoring every minute with their kids.  If the incomprehensible loss of … Continue reading

Making the Most of Leftovers

Tis the season to go through your scrapbooking stash. The holidays are a great time to assess the type and amount of scrapbook materials you have in stock.  The items that you want can be added to your Christmas wish list, while the leftovers can be used to craft end-of-the-year memory books. Taking inventory of your scrapbooking paper, embellishments and albums may sound like a pain, but in the long run it can prove to be a very cost-effective exercise.  In addition, finding ways to repurpose existing materials is a wonderful way to flex your creative muscle. Here are some … Continue reading