Countdown – Top Six Posts 2024

Rocket Launch Countdown

Is it my imagination, or did this year go by in the blink of an eye? Before we go rushing ahead, let’s take a few minutes to look back at the highest ranked posts, as voted by you, the readers. Below is a list of the Top Six posts of 2024, in ascending order: 

Number 6: Spring Break

Resting Deer

Warm weather appears to be arriving and spring break is in full swing. I will be taking a break from blogging for a while to catch up on a few things. To read more, please click here.

Number 5: 2024 – Year of the Dragon

Fire Breathing Dragon

Since I was a kid, I have always loved dragons. It wasn’t until I became an adult that I was introduced to the Chinese zodiac and discovered that I am a dragon! Isn’t it funny I was instinctively drawn to them as a child?  To read more, please click here.

Number 4: The Art of Napkin Folding

Swan Napkins

We have all admired table settings at restaurants and weddings. Napkins play an important practical as well as artistic role in the dining experience. Napkin Folding is a special art form, which anyone can learn.  To read more, please click here.

Number 3: Halloween: Grins Chills or Screams Part 1

Kid Friendly Graveyard

When decorating for Halloween, there are two decisions to be made: 1. Choose a Theme.  2. Choose a Fear Factor. What is the fear factor? Think of it as how much you want to frighten people, based upon a 3-level scale. Level 1 is Kid Friendly.  To read more, please click here.

Number 2: Valentine’s Conundrum

Valentines Candy

Valentine’s Day – There are many ways to celebrate… Which brings us to a very strange event occurring on the same day this year…  To read more, please click here.

Number 1: Happy Easter 2024

Easter Dogs

Easter is quickly approaching and dying eggs are part of the fun.  To read more, please click here. 

Holiday Craft Projects

And there we have it – the top 6 posts of 2024.  We have a new year to explore the world of creativity.  There are always new ideas and I’ll be sure to include more of your favorites.  Your opinions are greatly appreciated, and I look forward to so much more this year.  If you have any suggestions for future posts, please let me know. 

Thanks for Reading, Happy New Year & Happy Crafting! 

The Christmas Mouse

Cat Toy Mouse in Manger

Years ago, when my brother and I were kids, we added an extra animal to our mother’s cherished Nativity scene, which was proudly displayed on the buffet in our dining room. We wondered how long it would take her to notice. Much to our surprise she liked it! In fact, it became a family tradition every year. We’re lucky to have such a cool mom!

Original Mouse

Original Mouse

Now we are adults, and that same adorable critter is in the display, but the years have not been kind to him. His hair is thin and there are some bald spots too. His tail is twisted and torn. This little guy needs some TLC to restore him to the cute furry mouse he used to be.

The Solution – The Hair Club for Mice

Gray Cat

Sometimes a mouse’s best friend is…a cat. Lol

Supplies

Mouse with Supplies

For this project, we will need gray fur, Elmer’s Glue and white felt.

Partially Repaired Tail

Broken Tail in Progress

Cut & glue a piece of felt to underside of the tail. The original tail was so fragile, it broke. I glued it on top of the felt, making it stronger and easier to handle.

Repaired Tail

Close Up - Needs Fur

Apply Gray Fur

New Fur Coat

Apply glue to the top of the tail and push small pieces of gray fur along the entire length. Don’t worry about trimming, which will be done in a later step. Now apply glue to the body and press hair into it to fill the gaps. I also applied hair to the face, which was worn smooth. I allowed it to dry overnight. The next day he looked great, but in desperate need of a haircut.

Trim Fur & Tail

Mouse After Hair Cut

Carefully trim the hair as needed. New eyes were created using black 3D fabric paint.

Restored Mouse

Restored Mouse

Ta-da! Here is our new and improved mouse. Before the makeover, he looked like a well-worn toy, but now he looks very realistic. Should we try to scare our mom with it? No, she’s always three steps ahead of us. Lol

Our cats have their toy back (shown in first photo) and once again our Christmas mouse proudly sits in the Nativity scene. You never know where new traditions may come from or what you might do to keep it going for generations to come.

Togetherness

Cat & Mouse

Thanks for Reading, & Happy New Year!

Holiday Wrap Up

Dreaming of Christmas
It’s the night before Christmas, and little feet tiptoe toward the tree for a sneak peek at the presents. We may not admit doing this but it’s human nature to wonder what’s inside the box. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, you’re going to give gifts to lots of people, and those gifts need to be boxed, bagged or wrapped in an attractive fashion. Here are a few ideas:

Colorful Gift Boxes
Colorful Boxes
If the thought of wrapping gifts is unappealing, you could buy readymade gift boxes such as these. All you need is some ribbon and bows and no wrapping is required.

Vintage Wrapping Paper
Vintage Paper & Red Twine
Revive memories of Christmases past with vintage designs and twine.

Contemporary Sparkling Gift Wrap
Sparkling Paper
Modern technology has enabled the creation of new textures, colors and special effects never before possible.

Nature’s Wrapping
Nature Wrap
For an all-natural look, utilize recycled paper with twine instead of ribbon and pinecones, evergreen or other elements from your own backyard.

Foil Wrapping
Foil Wrap
This easy-to-use method only requires the gathering of foil paper and a simply tied bow.

Coordinated Paper & Ribbon
Fabric Ribbon Coordinate Paper
Even though the prints vary, red and white colors unify this attractive gift wrap.

Self-Stick Bows
Self Stick Bows
The invention of the self-stick bow is a wonderful time saver.

Fireworks Bow
Fireworks Bow
What do you get when you combine a metallic pompom and a large white bow – an amazing starburst bow, which makes the perfect topper for an elegant package. (And it’s a self-stick bow too!)

Crinkle Ribbon
Sprinkled Snow Curled Ribbon
Instead of a bow, tie long strands of crinkle ribbon around a package and curl it with a pair of scissors.

Triple Bow & Custom Paper
Triple Bow & Finger Painting
Making your own bows is a sure way to make your gifts stand out. For an added more personal touch, plain white wrapping paper can be colorfully finger-painted, creating wrapping for gifts year round.

Floral Fabric Bow
Floral Bow
Sometimes a really great topper steals the show. A floral bow, such as this, will be treasured and it’s reusable. Check out the many bow-making videos online for how to instructions.

Floral Picks
Floral Picks
From a distance, this photo resembles a water lily garden, but it’s actually green bows adorned with artificial red berries.

Ornaments

Dress up dollar store ornaments with ribbons or bells and tie onto your gifts and hand-delivered cards.

Handmade Ornaments/Gift Tags
Holly Tag & Ornament
Is it an ornament or a gift tag? It’s both! Write the name & year on the back and attach it to your present. After the gift is opened, it’s ready to hang on the tree.

Gift Bags – Paper
Gift Bag Paper
Gift bags are probably one of the best inventions of all time. They’re sold just about everywhere, including the food stores, so when you’re running around at the last minute a gift bag is easily on hand.

Gift Bags – Fabric
Gift Bags Fabric Amazon
Amazon provided these sparkly gift bags, which are reusable and perfect for any occasion.

Gift Pouch
Christmas Pouch
Gift pouches are ready to use and include the ribbon and gift tag.

Christmas Stocking
Christmas Stocking
If you have several small size items, a Christmas stocking is a fun alternative to traditional gift wrap.

Gift Baskets
Gift Basket
A gift basket filled with the recipient’s favorites is always a welcome surprise.

Collectible Porcelain Box
Porcelain Box
Porcelain boxes come in a variety of designs for jewelry, small items, or cash gifts.

Seasonal Metal Tin
Seasonal Metal Tin
Most people associate tins with cookies or other baked goods, but this large tin could easily hold a pair of pajamas or sweater. The design is adorable and all you need to do is simply close the lid and the gift is ready to give, without the need for paper, bows, tape or scissors! How easy is that?

Glass Mason Jars
Glass Jars
Jellies, candy, sauces and anything else you cook up stores well in re-sealable glass jars, which require nothing more than a simple bow or ornament, and can be reused indefinitely.

Handmade Soap & Soap Dish
Hand Made Soap Dish
Many people like to make their own Christmas gifts. Take your creativity to the next level by designing a unique gift presentation, such as this handmade soap and accompanying twig soap dish.

It’s a Family Affair
Festive Dogs
If you can’t get help with all that wrapping, at least you’ll have the companionship and encouragement from your family pets.

Treat Yourself
Treat Yourself
As they say, “it’s the thought that counts,” but “presentation is everything.” With a few creative choices, wrapping gifts can be a pleasure, and be sure to treat yourself while you’re at it! Thanks for reading!

Happy Holidays & Happy Crafting!

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread is popular any time of year, but the holidays inspire all kinds of creativity especially when baking cookies. Let’s review some of the delicious gingerbread possibilities…

Rolled Out Dough & Cookie Cutters

Gingerbread Cookie Cutters

Plain Cookies

Gingerbread Man Cookies

Cookie Decorating:
Basic Icing

Gingerbread Man Cookie

Intricately Detailed Icing

Gingerbread Saint Nick

Icing & Candy

Gingerbread Cookies

Full Color Icing & Candy

Gingerbread Cookies Iced

Intricately Detailed Icing & Colorful Sprinkles

Gingerbread Cookies Iced

Creative Uses for Gingerbread Cookies:
Cocktail Garnish

Gingerbread Cocktail

Hot Chocolate Dipping

Hot Chocolate & Gingerbread

Afternoon Tea

Gingerbread Afternoon Tea

Special Occasions – (Oversized Cookies)

Gingerbread Dessert

Dessert Garnish

Gingerbread Pudding

Christmas Ornaments

Gingerbread Ornaments

Freestanding Cookie Décor

Gingerbread Cookie Decor

Gingerbread House Decorations

Gingerbread Cookie House

Gingerbread House Interior Finishes & Décor

Gingerbread Cookie Display

Cookie Christmas Tree

Gingerbread Cookie Tree

This completes our exploration of gingerbread cookies. Who’s hungry? Me too! I hope you are inspired to include gingerbread cookies in your holiday traditions. Please let me know your favorites in the comments.

Thanks for Reading, Happy Holidays, & Happy Crafting!

Happy Thanksgiving 2024

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for caring and sharing with family, friends, and friends of friends. By blogging, we do the same thing year-round every time we read, write, like or comment on posts. Our online community is a kind, safe, and interesting place to be. I am grateful for each visitor to my blog and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks for Reading, Happy Thanksgiving & Happy Crafting!

Thanksgiving Table

Holiday Table

Thanksgiving is celebrated by everyone across the United States. It is a time of family gatherings and delicious food. Planning is the key to preparing a feast for a crowd, which can be a daunting task. There are so many decisions to be made, starting with the dining table.

Traditional Dining Room Table

Traditional Dining Table

Is there enough room for your guests and the food? Should you serve a sit-down dinner or buffet style? How can you create a festive atmosphere?

Contemporary Dining Room Table

Contemporary Dining Table

Just as artists are faced with a blank canvas, what can you do with an empty table? Let’s look at a few options…

Tablecloths & Placemats:
Tablecloths

Table Cloth

Placemats

Placemats

Centerpieces:
Table Runners, Candles & Flowers

Table Runner Centerpiece

Cornucopia with Seasonal Produce

Cornucopia Centerpiece

Seasonal Accents at Varying Heights

Seasonal Centerpiece

Ceramic Pumpkins & Leaves

Ceramic Centerpiece

Place Settings & Glassware:
Formal Place Setting – Neutrals

Formal Place Setting

Formal Place Setting – Bold Jewel Tones

Formal Place Setting

Casual Tropical Place Setting

Casual Place Setting

Buffet-Style Place Setting

Buffet Place Setting

Glassware

Glassware

Food Presentation:
Charcuterie Boards

Food Serving Charcuterie Boards

Spreading Knives

Food Serve Spread Knives

Bold Contrasting Colors & Materials

Food Serving Contrasts

Decorative Platters & Artfully Arranged Food

Food Serving Eye Appeal

Thanksgiving Themed Desserts

Food Serving Artistic

Homemade Cakes & Candy (Edible Décor)

Food Serving Artistic

Lighting:
Firelight & Candlelight

Candlelight Dinner

Fairy Lights

Fairy Lights

Specialty Lights & Floral Garland

Specialty Lights Garland

Thanksgiving Day:
Dinner is Served

Dinner is Served

Celebrating with Family & Friends

Family Dinner

I hope these suggestions will inspire you to come up with creative Thanksgiving décor in your own unique style. Wow your guests on this memorable occasion. If you have any family traditions you would like to share, please do so in the comments.

Thanks for Reading, Happy Thanksgiving & Happy Crafting!

Fun with Photo Editing

Here Comes the Sun
Wouldn’t it be cool if you could simply change a gloomy sky to a gorgeous day with a wave of your arm? We might not have that ability now, but we can certainly achieve this monumental task through the power of photo editing. Many software programs are available, including PhotoShop and Corel Paint Shop Pro. Your existing digital photos are the perfect canvases for creating new masterpieces to share with family and friends. Here are some fun photo-editing ideas to explore:

Fun in the Sun
Beach Before & After
Take a few of your old vacation photos and add or subtract a little action. In the first photo, the planes, boats and parachutes were added to a peaceful beach scene. In the second, all the extras, except for the two planes, were removed and removal of the waterfall restored the shoreline.

Playful Pets
Playful Pets
These silly hybrid animals are amusing for the kids. The combinations are endless. The key is choosing animals with similar colors. The rest is a simple copy and paste.

Adventurous Kids
Adventurous Kids
Many people have tried riding a horse or maybe even a camel. Why not alter the photos to spice things up a bit by adding a dolphin or a T-Rex? Now that would be exciting!

Story Time
Tell Me a Story
Our local library offers a program enabling children to read to a live greyhound. I’m sure a tiger loves stories as much as everyone else, but I doubt kids will be reading to them any time soon. Photos like this will certainly grab the attention of their grandparents!

Creating Drama
Create Drama
Do you have a budding actor or actress in your family? With the appropriate pose and facial expression, he or she can be inserted into any harrowing scene you choose.

Portraiture
Female Portrait
Portraits don’t have to be same old same old. This layered photo tells a story by combining colors, textures, and meaningful items surrounding this beautiful woman in a more intriguing pose. Perhaps she’s an architect or a stained-glass artist with an appreciation for antiques. Tell your story.

Storybook Romance
Fantasy Female Potrait
Prom or wedding photos are ideal resources. Add a fairy tale background and imagine the possibilities

View from Above
Airplane View
Everyone loves taking photos from airplane windows. Usually there’s not much to see except clouds or maybe a bit of land or water. The little lizard above is really funny, but it could be even better if you inserted a family member instead. You could say it was a “no frills airline!” lol

Come Sail Away
Sink Sailing
The tricky parts of this illusion are the ripples in the water’s surface and the reflection of the sailboat.

3D Tech
Tech Illusions
Can you remember a time when you didn’t have a cell phone? These photos not only capture the subjects, but they also bring them out into our world in three-dimensional splendor.

Room with a View
Room with a View
Who is watching whom? This is an amazing photo. At first glimpse you might think the artist simply replaced the outside image with an underwater scene but look how cleverly the reflections of the water create dappled patterns upon the walls.

Cat & Mouse Games
Cat & Mouse
Typically, a game like this would not end well, but this is another astonishing illusion.

Who’s Afraid of the Wolf?
Red Riding Hood
This fearless little girl looks calm and self-assured. the story, “Little Red Riding Hood,” has come to life!

Death-Defying Yoga?
Underwater Yoga
Someone is always coming up with new exercise and meditation classes, but I don’t think underwater yoga is a thing! Maybe she’s a shark whisperer? In this exceptional photo, it’s the shared lighting and bubbles that really make it believable.

As your skills grow and you develop your own editing style, your creative photos will blossom with intriguing details and dazzling special effects. Who knows? You may find yourself working in the gaming and entertainment industry, graphic design, advertising, photography, or any of the many fields that entice consumers with compelling images.

Thanks for reading & Happy Crafting!

Happy Halloween 2024

Cat & Pumpkins

It’s hard to believe Halloween has arrived. I love driving around the neighborhood to see all the frightfully creative yard décor.

Homemade Chocolates

Treat your family to delicious homemade chocolates. These are easy, fun and so much better than store bought candy.

Mask Making

Want to feel like a child again? Wear a mask.

Costume Making 101

Costume making 101: Cut eye holes in an old sheet and throw it over your head. How easy was that? Accessories are fun but optional.

Trick or Treating Family

Most families trick or treat as a group. It’s a fun and safe way to wander around the neighborhood and you’ll probably meet several friends along the way.

Scarecrow & Pumpkins

Let the festive lights and laughter fill you with the spirit of the season. Breathe in the clean, crisp fall air and make a wish upon a star. “Listen to the Music of the Night.” – Phantom of the Opera

I hope you have a great time and wish you a Happy Halloween and Happy Crafting!

Feathered Bird Mask

Black & White Feather Mask

A mask is the perfect accessory to complement any Halloween costume. Feathers have gorgeous colors and patterns and are easy to work with, making them a great choice for mask making projects.

Humorous Bird Mask

Humorous Bird Mask

Masks not only coordinate with costumes, but can also express personality, subtle sophistication, and even humorous characteristics.

Unintentionally Humorous Bird

Oops Bird Mask

The colors and patterns in this mask are bold and confident, but there’s a problem…birds don’t have feathers on their beaks. To correct it, remove the beak feathers and simply paint it flat black, which will return the focus to the beautifully accented eyes.

How to Make a Feathered Bird Mask:

Assorted Supplies

Supplies

Crafts stores sell several mask styles, such as half masks, full face masks, and some with sculpted scroll or fleur-de-lis details. Decorations include feathers, rhinestones, sequins, faux diamonds, and fancy beaded or woven trims.

Paint Mask Black

Paint Mask Black

This half mask is made of plastic. Because spray paint can produce strong odors, I chose to hand paint it with acrylic paint to make this more comfortable to wear. Depending upon the mask material, it may require two coats of black paint.

Add Faux Faceted Diamonds

Faux Diamonds

Glue individual diamonds, flat side down, around the eye openings, ensuring the gems will not impede vision.

Begin Layering Black Feathers

Black Feathers

I started under the center point of the eye openings and worked my way around to the top, following the contours of the mask.

Create a Feathered Crown

Layer Black Feathers

Layer additional black feathers creating a beautiful crown, which extends above the top edge of the mask.

Layer Turquoise Feathers

Turquoise Feathers

Turquoise & brown tipped feathers are added, starting at the edge of the nose and continuing around the eye as shown. Repeat for the other side.

Completed Mask

Completed Mask Front

Add turquoise accent feathers on the top to contrast with the black. You may need to touch up the black paint due to scratches or nicks from handling. This completes the mask and it is ready to wear.

Completed Mask – Left Side View

Completed Mask Left Side

Because each feather is unique, there will be variations, but this will not detract from the design. I chose to create a balanced design, but masks can also be asymmetrical.

Completed Mask – Right Side View

Completed Mask Right Side

Completed Mask – Top View

Completed Mask Top

Raven/Parrot Costume

Raven Wings Costume

I made this mask for my mom to wear to a Halloween costume party. I had already purchased this cape, which resembles bird wings, from Grandinroad. She wanted an easy-to-wear costume. All she had to do was wear a black top and slacks, pull on the cape and complete the look with the feathered mask.

I hope you enjoyed this project. It’s easy and fun. Have you ever made a mask? Please let me know in the comments.

Thanks for Reading. Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!

Halloween: Grins, Chills or Screams? Part 4

Witch Mixing Potions

When I was writing the first three posts in this series, I found myself constantly flipping back and forth between each of the Halloween themes within the Kid Friendly, Creepy and Nightmares levels. I thought you might like to see a side-by-side comparison. The results below are astonishing.

Halloween Themes:
Kid Friendly                                        Creepy                                     Nightmares

Jack-O-Lanterns

Pumpkins

Black Cats

Black Cats

Mummies

Mummies

Spiders

Spiders

Ghosts

Ghosts

Clowns

Clowns

Scarecrows

Scarecrows

Monsters

Monsters

Witches

Witches

Haunted House

Haunted Houses

Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin Patches

Skeletons

Skeletons

Graveyards

Graveyards

Werewolves

Werewolves

Bats

Bats

Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead

Vampires

Vampires

As you can see, Kid Friendly characters are cute, almost cuddly. Creepy ones make you feel uneasy, wondering what it might do. However, if you encounter a Nightmare character along a lonely road at night, don’t waste time wondering… Run away!

This is the last post in the Halloween Grins, Chills & Screams series. In case you missed the first three parts, please be sure to read part 1 Kid Friendly, part 2 Creepy, and part 3 Nightmares for more inspiring ideas. I hope you enjoyed it. Please let me know your favorites in the comments.

Thanks for Reading. Happy Halloween & Happy Crafting!