Everyone across the United States celebrates Thanksgiving, however this holiday experience varies depending upon geographic location, climate, local customs, and food specialties.
Sometimes it’s nice to see how other people celebrate. It gives you a chance to see the holiday from a fresh perspective. Below is a side-by-side comparison of two Thanksgiving celebrations: Hawaii is on the left and New England is on the right.
Landscapes: Sandy Beaches versus Rugged Rocky Coastline
Weather: Warm Tropical Showers versus Cool Crisp Air & Snow
Decorations: Pineapples versus Pumpkins & Gourds
Flowers: Wild Plumeria versus Potted Chrysanthemums
Lighting: Outdoor Torchlight versus Indoor Candlelight
Centerpieces: Exotic Flowers versus Harvest Cornucopia
Drinks: Cool Tropical Cocktails versus Hot Beverages
Appetizers: Tropical Fruit versus Hot Hearty Soups
Entrées: Roast Pork versus Roast Turkey
Vegetables: Pacific Rim Blend versus Roast Sweet Potatoes
Desserts: Chocolate Kona Coffee Cheesecake versus Pumpkin Pie
After Dinner: Fire Dancing versus Relaxing by the Fire
I hope these celebrations will inspire and enrich your next family gathering. You might want to consider a change of venue or a change of décor to shake things up a bit. Whatever you decide, there are two constants you can always count on: Love and Gratitude shared with Family and Friends
If you are a cookie monster, every day is “Cookie Day!” Yum!
There are so many varieties – chocolate, butter, sugar, almond, and chocolate chip, just to name a few. Maybe we could munch our way through the list of the most popular cookies and discover our favorites as we go. You will probably be hungry before you reach the end of this post, so grab a few cookies and I’ll wait right here. Okay, let’s begin…
Black & White Cookies
Black & White cookies, also known as half-moons, may have frosting or fondant in those two signature colors.
Butter Cookies
Sweet creamy butter makes these cookies irresistible, with or without decoration.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip is probably the most popular cookie. Chocolate aficionados satisfy their craving by adding chocolate chunks or by mixing cocoa in the batter. Instead of cake, many people celebrate their birthdays with 15” chocolate chip cookies decorated with icing and candles.
Chocolate Crinkles
To create the unique crackle patterns, chocolate dough is formed into a ball and rolled in powdered sugar. The patterns appear during baking and no two are exactly alike.
French Meringue
Egg whites are the main ingredient in this recipe. The star shape is created with a piping bag.
Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread smells so great while it is baking. The cookies can be cut into any shape and are often decorated with icing.
Gingersnaps
Gingersnaps can be crunchy or soft depending on how long they are baked. The crispy version is good for dipping in hot chocolate.
Jelly Filled Cookies
To make these jelly filled cookies, you will need two cookie cutters – one small and one large. Layer two cookies on top of each other, with apricot, strawberry, cherry, or raspberry filling. The bottom cookie is solid, while the top cookie has a small cut out in the center. To finish, shake powdered sugar on top.
M&M Cookies
Follow the chocolate chip cookie recipe, substituting M & M’s candy instead of chocolate chips. If you do not like chocolate, add cinnamon or peanut butter chips as a tasty alternative.
Macarons
Almond flour and confectioner’s sugar are the main ingredients in these sweet cookies. The fillings come in a wide assortment, including fruit, chocolate, and vanilla.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookies are a staple in kid’s lunches.
Orange Cookies
These cookies have orange zest in the dough as well as the icing. Substituting lemon or lime zest will provide sweet and tart alternatives.
Peanut Butter Cookies
As kids, we eat peanut butter all the time, so it follows that this would be one of the most popular cookies for adults too. Use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter, and you might want to try adding chocolate chips for that awesome peanut butter cup flavor.
Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles taste like cinnamon and sugar with a bit of a tang from cream of tartar. The dough balls are usually rolled in cinnamon and sugar prior to baking.
Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are another classic. With sugar in the batter and on top, this sweet treat is sure to satisfy.
Thumbprint Cookies
As you probably guessed from the name, use your thumb to make a divot in the top of each cookie, and fill it with fruit filling or a Hershey’s Kiss, as shown in the photo.
So many cookies! You simply cannot eat just one! What is your favorite cookie? Let me know in the comments section.
Dessert is a wonderful thing. Do you ever find yourself checking out the dessert menu before looking at the entrees? I do. In fact, I had a craving for something sweet while working on this post. You have been warned! Proceed if you dare! Below, you will find lots of desserts to tempt your willpower.
Baked Alaska
Wondering what Baked Alaska is? Start with a slice of angel or sponge cake, add ice cream, cover it with a thick layer of meringue and bake until it lightly browns.
Black Forest Cake
Chocolate, whipped cream and cherries – does anyone have a fork?
Boston Cream Pie
Boston Cream Pie is actually a cake, made with two layers of vanilla sponge cake, a custard filling, and topped with chocolate icing.
Cake Pops
Undecided whether to have chocolate or cake? Have both with chocolate cake pops.
Carrot Cake
Shredded carrots, raisins, and crushed pineapple are the secrets to making this moist and delicious cake, topped with cream cheese frosting.
Cherry Cheese Tarts
Most people love cheesecake. These tarts have the delicious flavor, and they’re finger foods as well. You could purchase ready-made mini piecrusts and make your own filling. They can also be made in a cupcake pan. Line the pan with paper cupcake wrappers. Drop a vanilla wafer in the bottom of each cupcake. Pour in your filling and bake. After they cool, top with cherries or strawberries and enjoy!
Chocolate Mousse
Who could resist the rich, creamy taste of chocolate mousse?
Chocolate Tarts
Most people love chocolate, and this dessert does not disappoint. Chocolate whipped cream is sandwiched between layers of cake and piped on top, garnished with chocolate shavings and raspberries.
Crème Brulee
Creamy egg custard topped with a crunchy, caramelized sugar crust is the perfect combination for this mouthwatering dessert.
Croissants
Butter croissants are finger licking good, but they also come with delicious fillings, such as chocolate, almond, or raspberry.
Fresh Fruit
As the seasons change, fresh fruits appear in abundance, courtesy of Mother Nature.
Ice Cream
Ice cream is an easy dessert to keep on hand for unexpected guests. Whether it is served in dishes, cones, or sundaes, you can’t go wrong with ice cream.
Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are a popular treat for “kids” of all ages.
Lemon Meringue Pie
Sweet and tart are perfectly balanced in lemon meringue pie.
Napoleons
Napoleons consist of alternating layers of light as air puff pastry crust and vanilla cream, topped with powdered sugar icing swirled with chocolate.
Pecan Pie
If you like sweet and salty, this is the dessert for you. The filling is made with eggs, butter, brown sugar, and pecans. For a rich caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar.
Petits Fours
Petits Fours are the perfect marriage of cake and candy. Fondant icing covers bite-size cubes of yellow, sponge or pound cake. While the fondant is still wet, decorations can be applied using piped icing, or a sprinkling of either candy or nuts. As an added burst of flavor, jelly or butter cream can be spread over the cake prior to applying the fondant.
Popsicles
Fruit juice and popsicle molds are all you need to make whip up this cool treat.
Pumpkin Pie with Homemade Crust
Pumpkin pie has a delicious flaky crust. There are some great baking tools, such as fluted piecrust cutters for edging, and spring-loaded piecrust cutters to create cutouts like the leaf shown in the photo above.
Spiced Pumpkin Roll with Orange Cream Cheese Icing
A spiral design is the hallmark of this impressive dessert. Bake the cake in a jellyroll pan lined with parchment paper. After baking, lay the cake face down on a towel. If necessary, trim any ragged edges. Starting with a long side, roll the cake in the towel and cool completely on a wire rack. Unroll and remove the towel and lay cake flat. Spread the filling over the top within 1/2” of the edges. Suggested fillings include whipped cream, pie filling, and pudding. Carefully roll the cake and place it with the seam side down on a platter. Garnish as desired.
Rice Pudding
Rice pudding, fresh from the oven, is one of life’s great comfort foods.
Strawberry Shortcake
Fresh fruit garnishes and a little powdered sugar is all you need to top off this summertime favorite.
Tiramisu
Espresso, rum, cocoa, and creamy mascarpone filling make this dessert out of this world.
White icing, piped details topped with maraschino cherries and chocolate shavings make this Black Forest cake outstanding, but the real showstopper is the chocolate latticework wrapped around the sides.
I have a confession to make – researching and writing this post made me hungry for dessert. Before you continue reading, I suggest having a treat ready to eat, or grab the car keys and run to the bakery. Okay, now let us explore cake decorating.
Icing Piping Bags
Cake decorating bags can be filled with a variety of icings and each metal tip creates different designs, from flowers, to ribbons, stars and many more. Piping bags can also be used for fillings in pastries and donuts.
Piped Flowers
The piping bags shown in the previous photo produced these unique floral motifs.
Buttercream Roses
Piped buttercream frosting is a colorful and flavorful choice for cake decorating.
Owl Fondant Cake
This adorable owl cake is decorated with fondant, which is made from sugar paste, rolled out into sheets, and then cut into any desired shapes.
Glazed Icing
Confectioner’s Sugar drizzled over this cake is quick and easy. The clustered cherries hint at the fruit filling hidden with this single layer cake.
Marzipan
Marzipan is made from almond paste and is a favorite candy treat, which adds a bit of whimsy to cakes as well as cupcakes.
Modeling Chocolate
If you always wanted to try sculpture, here is your chance to create a beautiful art piece and it’s edible too! While smaller decorations can be made with fondant or gum paste, modeling chocolate is much stronger, enabling the creation of larger figures, such as the Disney characters shown above.
Rainbow Layer Cake
An easy way to add color to any cake is by using rainbow colored layers.
Orange Cheesecake
This cheesecake has a translucent topping and center filling made from orange juice concentrate and sugar. An unexpected block pattern is only revealed when sliced.
Red Velvet Cake
Rich red crumbles hint at the alternating layers of moist chocolate cake and cream cheese icing hidden within this decadent dessert.
Strawberry Shortcake
Fresh fruit garnishes and a little powdered sugar are all you need to top off this summertime favorite.
Chocolate Tarts
Most people love chocolate and this dessert does not disappoint. Chocolate whipped cream is sandwiched between the layers of cake and is also piped on top, garnished with chocolate shavings and raspberries.
Marbleized Cake
A marbleized effect is achieved by piping chocolate frosting over vanilla and then running a knife or spatula through it.
Fondant with Piping & Roses
This lovely wedding cake has pink and white fondant, with piped icing details and fresh-cut flowers.
Star Wars Theme Cake – (Fondant & Modeling Chocolate)
Special occasions present perfect opportunities for themed cakes. Any child would be thrilled to have Yoda at his or her birthday party. A few “big” kids would love it too!
Mosaic Fondant Cake
This cake and display tray have been covered with chocolate fondant for a seamless look. Multi-color fondant sheets are cut into circles of various sizes and individually placed in an intricate mosaic pattern.
Modeling Chocolate Lego Cake
The figures and Legos are modeling chocolate, while the white icing is fondant. Isn’t it amazing how realistic the Lego blocks look?
Designer Cakes
These wintry snowmen are decorated with modeling chocolate, piping, and macaroons. Sprinkled granulated sugar resembles the snow and ice.
Designer Cakes
Want to know the secret to making large decorations like the giraffe, the zebra and the turtle’s head and legs? Rice cereal treats are covered with fondant to seamlessly blend with the cake.
Designer Textured Cakes
Both of these cakes offer incredible color and texture. On the left, the ombré effect of the piped roses leads the eye toward the sparkling glass bride and groom topper. Piping, stamping, gum paste, and candy making techniques have been beautifully combined in this unique garden gazebo.
Designer Bold Colorful Cakes
Bold colors are certainly eye-catching. The first, known as a topsy-turvy cake, is wrapped in fondant and decorated with geometric and floral cut fondant. The floral cake has been hand-painted with edible inks, creating the look of stained glass.
Designer Pastel Floral Cake
This floral cake is a real labor of love. Each gum paste flower, leaf and butterfly is made by hand and set in place to create the cascading garden. As the design nears completion, iridescent edible inks are brushed on to provide depth and realistic details in this incredible wedding cake.
I hope you are inspired to give cake decorating a try. A visit to your local craft store will give you additional ideas, and you will see an amazing selection of the candies, pre-mixed fondants, and gel icings, as well as tools of the trade and specialty pans to make your next dessert a masterpiece.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s a nice reminder to show appreciation for those who share our lives, including family, friends, and yes even our pets. It doesn’t have to cost a lot. In fact, you may already have what you need for the perfect gift. Here are a few creative ideas to get you started:
Sweets for the Sweet
Homemade cookies and candy will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Nature Lover
This edible art is delicious & nutritious.
Heart of the Vineyard
Connoisseurs will appreciate shared memories celebrated with a nice glass of wine.
The Personal Touch
Gifts made by hand are always the best way to show your love.
Two Hearts Beat as One
Whether you prefer working with wood or metal, this universal symbol of love says it all.
Love is in the Details
Glass, tile, and stones can be used to create mosaic jewelry, tabletops, wall art, etc.
A Rose by Any Other Name
As timeless symbols of love, these paper roses will forever be in bloom.
Big Bear Hugs
Everyone could use a hug. Teddy bears can be sewn, crocheted, or knitted. If you don’t have those skills, buy one and add a personal touch, such as a bunch of silk flowers or homemade chocolates.
Soft & Dreamy
Watercolor, acrylic or oil paints are the perfect choice for creating beautiful artwork to be treasured for years to come.
Heartfelt Adventure
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy taking a romantic walk along a beach or trail on a “treasure” hunt, consisting of well-placed hearts made from stones, shells, or flowers.
Presentation is Everything
At the end of the treasure hunt mentioned above, surprise your companion with a little gift, such as a bouquet of wildflowers or handmade jewelry.
Reflective Photography
At first glance, you might only notice the beauty of this black swan but look closer and you will see the perfect heart shape created by his reflection.
Just the Two of Us
A sunset photo of a couple is a nice keepsake and posing just right forms a heart.
Your BFF
Our best friends are always looking for affection. A new scarf or a heart charm for the collar are nice options, but the best way to show your love is by giving them your time and attention. Works for people too!
Gingerbread cookies are a favorite treat any time of year. Decorating gingerbread is a great activity for the whole family. For a real challenge, why not try designing, building and decorating a gingerbread house? Before we look at some finished houses, let’s take a closer look at a few of the important details.
Decorating Gingerbread
Whether decorating cookies or building a gingerbread house, the first skill you will need is piping icing.
Piping is the Key
From the smallest detail to the walls and roof, royal icing is the edible glue that holds everything together.
Candy Decor
Any type of candy will do. If you tend to nibble while you work, you might want to have extra candy on hand so that you don’t run out before the project is finished. (lol)
Architectural Details
This budding architect has carefully defined the details: candy cane columns; stamped brick wall pattern; piped & candied landscaping, door and window trim; M &M roofing; and candy accents.
Festive Elf
Don’t forget to have fun with your creation.
Be Adventurous
Let your imagination run wild. Come up with interesting details. This artist darkened the windows to add depth and carved wood grain into the door. Make your project as unique as you are.
Humorous Little Details
Be sure to include the unexpected, such as this fondant cat on a snow-covered roof.
Miniature Gingerbread Houses
There’s nothing wrong with starting small. This house was made entirely from gingerbread cookies. It’s quick and easy to put together and can be used as ornaments, or as gifts for visitors. You could even pipe names on each one as edible “place cards” at the table.
Chalet
Instead of candy, decorated gingerbread cookies adorn this simple A-frame house.
In the Doghouse
Icing is the main decoration on this adorable doghouse, with only a few candy accents.
A Bright Idea
This cottage may be small, but it has two interesting qualities that make it really stand out: 1) LEDs provide a soft glowing interior. 2) The reflective high gloss tray resembles ice or water. As an alternative to lights, you could place sheets of fruit roll ups over the inside of the windows and doors to create a cozy glow.
Accessible Design
Holding a piping bag and defining tiny details can be difficult, if not impossible, for those with limited mobility. Decorating can be made easy by simply spread icing with a spatula over all the walls and roof. Place decorations wherever desired, and the icing will hold them in place.
Log Cabin Village
These gingerbread houses remind me of the colonial log cabins in Valley Forge National Park. Instead of candy, piped icing was used throughout the design, with a sprinkling of sugar snow.
The North Pole
Leave it to Santa to create a quaint village, where even the North Pole is edible!
Cabin in the Woods
Like something from a fairy tale, this cute little snow-scene has a soft pink and blue color scheme complemented by a welcoming fire glow from inside.
Cozy Chalet
Almond cookies adorning the roof and chocolate door & chimney set this chalet apart.
Midnight Cabin
The contrasts between light and dark give this gingerbread house a spooky feel like something you might see in a dark lonely forest. The gumdrop posts appear to be glowing, while the almost obscured windows make you wonder what might lurk inside.
Gingerbread House Kits
You could make gingerbread houses from scratch, but kits, which include all the candy, walls, roof, and icing, are a great place to start for beginners.
A Grinchy Christmas
The Grinch gets an upgrade from his old cave home to this perfect gingerbread tribute to Dr. Seuss. From the whimsical tree to the asymmetrical door, the spirit of the story comes to life before our eyes.
Angelic Lace
Delicate lace-like patterns harmonize with tiny gold dragées, while mini string lights illuminate the tree as well as the interior. A very steady hand is required to keep the lines soft and fluid.
Guiding Light
Gingerbread can be made into any type of building including castles, churches, and lighthouses. If you can imagine it, anything is possible.
Chocolate & Gingerbread Cottage
You seldom see chocolate decorations on gingerbread, but this artist has done a wonderful job combining the two into an exquisitely detailed showstopper.
Feast for the Eyes
There’s a lot going on here, but it’s beautifully balanced. The snow drips from the roof and the evergreen tree is decorated with colorful balls and a star on top. The upright pinwheel candies make a lovely border, while the cheerful gingerbread man and his snowy friend are sure to please. Every detail in this sentimental gingerbread home was made with love to warm the heart.
Your Reward
What is the best part about decorating gingerbread? Eating it! After all that hard work, you deserve a tasty treat. If you don’t have the heart to munch on your creation, have a few decorated cookies on the side as a reward for a job well done. I hope you are inspired to give gingerbread building a try. Good luck and remember you can always eat your mistakes. (lol)
Today marks a very important milestone – my 100th post! It has been a wonderful experience, and I thank all my readers and followers for taking this journey with me. Below are photos and links to each category of arts and crafts covered to date. Please take a few minutes to peruse your favorites.
Please let me know, in the comments section, if you have any suggestions for future arts and crafts topics. I am looking forward to the next 100 posts. This achievement would not be possible without all of you! Thank you!!
Leprechauns and a pot of gold are certainly hallmarks of St. Patrick’s Day. Below are a few crafting ideas to help you get ready for this upcoming celebration of all things Irish.
Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle, is famous for its shamrocks. If you are lucky enough, you may even find a four-leaf clover. Notice the almost woven effect created by the natural layering of these leaves. Irish knot work patterns, such as the one illustrated below, are inspired by the natural world.
Eternity knots can be found on everything in Ireland. The pattern shown here has been carved into marble. It could also be carved or burnt into wood, stenciled onto a wall, or drawn and/or painted onto t-shirts, handbags, or even a comforter. Jewelry makers include knot designs for their beauty as well as the symbolism of eternal love.
A great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is with a few shamrock cookies and a creamy mug of Irish coffee. In case you didn’t know, this coffee gets its high-octane kick from a shot of Irish whiskey.
Store bought Irish soda bread is usually made ahead of time and may be too dry. It’s best enjoyed straight out of the oven.
The four-leaf clover is a very popular good luck talisman. A leather cord is a very inexpensive way to make a necklace. The cord can be cut to the desired length, and special cord tips are attached to the ends along with a spring ring or lobster claw clasp. Any charms with a large enough bail can be slid onto the cord and easily changed for a new look. Prefer ready-made jewelry? Ready to wear cords can be purchased with the charms of your choice.
Of course you’ll need to wear something green to really get into the spirit of the holiday. A little green fabric is all you need – a hat, scarf, socks – anything will do.
These icons are often found on everything from mugs and T-shirts to bumper stickers. Iron-ons are inexpensive and easy to apply. Craft stores also have stickers, as well as temporary tattoos, which have all the cool designs without any of the commitment.
Embroidery is a great way to dress up any garment with lively, eye-catching graphics and funny sayings.
If crocheting were your specialty, these three leaf clovers would make a very unique scarf or hat. They could also be used as decorative accents on a pillow or afghan.
There are plenty of colorful holiday-themed sheets in the papercrafting aisle, or you might want to design your own. If there’s a subliminal message in this design, I suppose it would be: “I love shamrocks and beer!” Who doesn’t? (lol)
Working with art clay can be a fun activity for the whole family. Figures like these pictured above could be used as jewelry pendants, or attached to hair accessories or refrigerator magnets, just to name a few.
Stained glass is a beautiful way to incorporate holiday themes and of course the color green and requisite shamrock for luck.
Belleek, is a well-known brand of Irish pottery, recognized by its neutral cream color, which often includes hand painted shamrocks. You can achieve the same look, at a fraction of the price, by visiting a ceramics studio to paint your own using a similar color scheme.
An up-turned horseshoe has always been considered good luck. The addition of a four-leaf clover may be all that’s needed to amplify good fortune to the next level. well, it’s certainly worth a try.
On St. Patrick’s Day, everybody is Irish! So wear something green, enjoy a pint, and keep an eye out for a rainbow – there might just be a pot of gold under it waiting to be discovered!
Where does the time go? There’s always another post to be written, another project to develop, and another inspiration to explore. I thought it would be interesting to take a look at the 2019 Top Six posts, in ascending order, based upon Likes. Without further ado, here are your favorites:
Number 6: Daily Dose of Color
Color plays an integral role in our daily lives. It affects our moods, decisions and actions. Let’s take a look at our activities on a typical day to observe how influential color can be. To read more, please click here.
Number 5: Walk on the Wild Side
We love dinosaurs. Want proof? Look at all the books, movies, television shows, and merchandise. At some point, every kid draws and colors his or her favorite dinosaur. Here’s your chance to feel like a kid again. Grab some paints and brushes and let’s go! To read more, please click here.
Number 4: The Beauty of Yarn Crafts
Yarn has come a long way over the years, from single color wool skeins to multicolored, textured fibers, made from manmade and natural sources, suitable for clothing, home décor and accessories. Let’s look at a few of the types of crafts made with yarn. To read more, please click here.
Number 3: Baking for the Holidays
Santa Claus isn’t the only one hoping for some holiday goodies. We all love dessert. If you get a head start on your baking, you’ll have plenty to share with your family and friends throughout the long holiday season. Baked goods make great gifts too. To read more, please click here.
Number 2: Birds of a Feather
For some reason, I often find myself drawn to the wood crafts aisle at my local hobby store. Maybe it’s the quick reward for very little effort at an inexpensive cost. Who doesn’t enjoy a little instant gratification? There’s always something new to discover. Learn how to make this adorable flamingo. He may not take flight, but the bright colors and cheerful expression are sure to make you smile. To read more, please click here.
Number 1: Creative Stress Relief
With such fast-paced lives, we all need a break from our daily stresses. These demands have physical, mental, emotional and spiritual effects. The best solution is a vacation, but that may not be possible. Instead, indulge in a hobby or two to take your mind and body to a happy place. Every day you do things for everyone else. It’s time to put yourself first! You’ll be so glad you did, and you’ll have a lot of fun while doing it. To read more, please click here.
Upcoming posts will include new projects and crafting inspirations. I’ll be sure to include additional articles based upon the above interests, as voted by you, the readers. 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!
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your appreciation for the people you love.
Celebrate with a Lady Finger Torte, Layer Cake, Cherry Cheesecake, Cupcakes, or Cake pops. Anything homemade is always appreciated. And if baking is not your specialty, buy one at the bakery, put it on your own serving dish and it will be our little secret! (lol)
Candy making is an easy process for everyone, even beginners. Start by melting chocolate wafers, called candy melts, which come in a variety of colors and flavors. Pour the chocolate into molds and refrigerate according to directions. You might also consider chocolate covering strawberries, nuts, graham crackers, or marshmallows. Present the finished pieces in a heart-shaped box or container.
Decorated cookies are eye-catching as well as delicious. Whether you choose homemade cookies or plain store-bought, add icing details, candy, or sprinkles to complete your festive designs.
Fresh-cut or silk flowers can be arranged in a bouquet, vase, or heart-shaped wreath. You don’t have to go to the expense of buying roses because any type of flowers will be appreciated.
Live flowers in a hanging basket or pot are not only beautiful, but long lasting as well. The flowers shown have not been photo shopped. They really are heart shaped, hence the name “bleeding hearts.”
A glass paperweight, suncatcher, or pendant is a beautiful option.
You could also paint a wooden heart to be hung on a wall, included on a wreath, or as a charm on a gift package or handbag.
Beaded jewelry is easy to create. If you don’t have those skills, you can buy a readymade chain or cord and string over-size beads without the need for any tools.
You could also buy a heart-shaped pendant and add it to an existing chain or choose a new one.
If you have a gift with words, write a song or poem on specialty paper to suit the occasion.
Artwork, such as painting, drawing, and photography, is a personal way to share your talent and show your affection at the same time.
A scrapbook is a thoughtful way to commemorate family memories and special events.
Create a vision board or photo album with inspirational travel brochures, activities and scenic pictures to build excitement for an upcoming vacation.
Candle making is simplified using a kit. There are multiple options including colors, shapes, sizes, and essential oils scents.
You can’t go wrong with dinner for two. This is the perfect venue for candles, printed napkins on a pink or red tablecloth, and creative place settings to set the mood for a romantic evening.
Sewing a pillow is a quick colorful project to coordinate with any décor.
A knitted scarf, hat, gloves, or sweater will keep that special someone warm and cozy on a cold winter day, and it will be enjoyed for years to come.
Who doesn’t love cuddly stuffed animals, especially teddy bears? If you are skilled with a needle and thread, you could make a bear with faux fur or buy one. There’s nothing like a big bear hug to brighten your day and chase away the blues.
It is said, “The best things in life are free.” Go to the beach, the mountains, a nearby park, or your own backyard. Any place will do to spend time together watching the sunset, enjoying a picnic or barbecue, or simply going for a walk hand in hand. Expressions of love don’t need to cost a lot, just a little creativity and a heartfelt message.
Leprechauns and a pot of gold are certainly hallmarks of St. Patrick’s Day. Below are a few crafting ideas to help you get ready for this upcoming celebration of all things Irish.
Crafts Inspire Me 