do it yourself :: Christmas Place Card Holders

This Christmas we are heading down to my brother's house. Christmas dinner is going to be packed, complete with my family as well as my sister-in-law's family. So, when suggested the idea of place cards at the table, I jumped right in trying to think of a good idea. I found this DIY and decided to try it myself.

Here's what you'll need:

The washers can be found in the sewing aisle of craft stores, they're typically used for shower curtains and whatnot. Make sure you get the right size as mine were a little too big for the ornaments I ended up with.  I found key rings in the jewelry making aisle.

Step One

Hot glue the washer to the bottom of the ornament. This makes it so the ornament can actually stand on its own. If its not directly in the center the ornament will be wobbly or just look ridiculous. {See how ridiculously large my washers are?!?}

Step Two

Wind the key ring on to the top loop of the ornament. 

Step Three

Put a dab of hot glue to keep it in place. Make sure the part of the key ring that splits (the two ends) are not directly at the top. I made this mistake on almost all of mine!

Tahdah! 

You're done! Pretty easy right? 

Now making the actual place card is an entirely different story. I have no talent in that department, so I leave you with this.

Hope you enjoyed the little DIY. I'm linking up with Caroline again today! Swing by over there and check out some other people's projects!

I hope to have a couple more for you this week, so stay tuned!

the return

{photo - original source unknown}

Hello again! Sorry for the unannounced blogging break last week... not too sure what happened there! I did quite a bit of reading {finished my most recent book and started a new one} and crafting and shopping. Now, I am feeling geared up for Christmas {less than a week away... what?} and I promise will try very hard not to abandon you like that again!

do it yourself :: Christmas Place Card Holders

This Christmas we are heading down to my brother's house. Christmas dinner is going to be packed, complete with my family as well as my sister-in-law's family. So, when suggested the idea of place cards at the table, I jumped right in trying to think of a good idea. I found this DIY and decided to try it myself.

Here's what you'll need:

The washers can be found in the sewing aisle of craft stores, they're typically used for shower curtains and whatnot. Make sure you get the right size as mine were a little too big for the ornaments I ended up with.  I found key rings in the jewelry making aisle.

Step One

Hot glue the washer to the bottom of the ornament. This makes it so the ornament can actually stand on its own. If its not directly in the center the ornament will be wobbly or just look ridiculous. {See how ridiculously large my washers are?!?}

Step Two

Wind the key ring on to the top loop of the ornament. 

Step Three

Put a dab of hot glue to keep it in place. Make sure the part of the key ring that splits (the two ends) are not directly at the top. I made this mistake on almost all of mine!

Tahdah! 

You're done! Pretty easy right? 

Now making the actual place card is an entirely different story. I have no talent in that department, so I leave you with this.

Hope you enjoyed the little DIY. I'm linking up with Caroline again today! Swing by over there and check out some other people's projects!

I hope to have a couple more for you this week, so stay tuned!

the return

{photo - original source unknown}

Hello again! Sorry for the unannounced blogging break last week... not too sure what happened there! I did quite a bit of reading {finished my most recent book and started a new one} and crafting and shopping. Now, I am feeling geared up for Christmas {less than a week away... what?} and I promise will try very hard not to abandon you like that again!

{hello holiday} :: for the bookish

For this final installment of the {hello holiday} gift guides, I wanted to share a few ideas for your book loving friends. I had one particular friend that I had in mind while I was making up this guide. If you have any friends who always have a book in their hand, here are a few ideas!

{1}

A print representing one of their favorite books would be a great gift.

{2}

For the more modern reader, a classic kindle cover.

{3}

Every good bibliophile needs a good set of bookplates. These should do the trick.

{4}

A mug like this has made an appearance here before. It's just too perfect not to share again.

{5}

This tote is perfect for frequent trips to the library.

{6}
Who wouldn't love a few bookmarks of their favorite authors?

I hope you have all enjoyed the {hello holiday} gift guides! Be sure the check the rest of them out!

for the boys

for the kiddos

for the mommas

for the bests

for the crafties

getaway weekend

On our way down to the in-law's for Thanksgiving we stopped in West Virginia for a little getaway weekend. We stayed at a sweet little B&B and didn't have any plans for the weekend. We ate some delicious food and trekked around the New River Gorge for most of the day. Here are a few of my favorites from the weekend.

On Saturday we ate at Pies & Pints, a delicious pizza place in town. If you're ever driving down 19 in West Virginia you must stop. They are also in Charleston, WV. We ordered a half margherita and half classic pizza and it was absolutely delicious. Seriously some of the best pizza I've ever had.

After a post-pizza coma nap, we went exploring around the gorge. This was so much fun. There is a huge high level bridge over the gorge {as you can see there on the bottom left} but we took the windy back road down one side, across and up the other side. It was quite a long drive but it was so worth it!

I'm already itching to go back to the sweet town of Fayetteville, WV. But until then, I'll just have to remember it through pictures!

{hello holiday} :: for the bookish

For this final installment of the {hello holiday} gift guides, I wanted to share a few ideas for your book loving friends. I had one particular friend that I had in mind while I was making up this guide. If you have any friends who always have a book in their hand, here are a few ideas!

{1}

A print representing one of their favorite books would be a great gift.

{2}

For the more modern reader, a classic kindle cover.

{3}

Every good bibliophile needs a good set of bookplates. These should do the trick.

{4}

A mug like this has made an appearance here before. It's just too perfect not to share again.

{5}

This tote is perfect for frequent trips to the library.

{6}
Who wouldn't love a few bookmarks of their favorite authors?

I hope you have all enjoyed the {hello holiday} gift guides! Be sure the check the rest of them out!

for the boys

for the kiddos

for the mommas

for the bests

for the crafties

getaway weekend

On our way down to the in-law's for Thanksgiving we stopped in West Virginia for a little getaway weekend. We stayed at a sweet little B&B and didn't have any plans for the weekend. We ate some delicious food and trekked around the New River Gorge for most of the day. Here are a few of my favorites from the weekend.

On Saturday we ate at Pies & Pints, a delicious pizza place in town. If you're ever driving down 19 in West Virginia you must stop. They are also in Charleston, WV. We ordered a half margherita and half classic pizza and it was absolutely delicious. Seriously some of the best pizza I've ever had.

After a post-pizza coma nap, we went exploring around the gorge. This was so much fun. There is a huge high level bridge over the gorge {as you can see there on the bottom left} but we took the windy back road down one side, across and up the other side. It was quite a long drive but it was so worth it!

I'm already itching to go back to the sweet town of Fayetteville, WV. But until then, I'll just have to remember it through pictures!

on the menu :: pumpkin carrot cake

This past summer I had most every evening of the week free as J was taking an evening class. I got sucked into quite a few summer shows, but mostly I became obsessed with Master Chef. I've never gotten into reality shows or cooking shows, but this one hooked me.  Then, there was an episode where the contestants were required to make a cake. Ben Starr made his signature pumpkin carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and candied hazelnuts. Instantly I put it on my list of things to make.

As this isn't my recipe, I'll just direct you here to find it. I followed it word for word. Right down to toasting the spices. I was trying something a little different though and used two bundt cakes instead of regular cake rounds. It was suppose to look like this. But it didn't. It's okay, it was still delicious. Here is a quick visual of the process of making this cake. Caution: you will be drooling by the end.

1. All of the ingredients laid out.

2. Mixing all of the spices before giving them a nice toasting.

3. Stiff peaks! I messed this part up a bit. Still worked though!

4. Mixing it all together.

5. The cake that loved its pan too much to leave it.

1. Making some candy coating.

2. Covering the hazelnuts in candy.

3. Whipping that cream cheese frosting!

And finally...

Drumroll please...

THE FINISHED CAKE!

It took me nearly all day to make it. I took quote a few breaks of course, but it really was labor intensive! It was all worth it in the end, though, when it was time to slice it up and eat it!

From what I hear, the in-laws were mightily impressed. 

on the menu :: pumpkin carrot cake

This past summer I had most every evening of the week free as J was taking an evening class. I got sucked into quite a few summer shows, but mostly I became obsessed with Master Chef. I've never gotten into reality shows or cooking shows, but this one hooked me.  Then, there was an episode where the contestants were required to make a cake. Ben Starr made his signature pumpkin carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and candied hazelnuts. Instantly I put it on my list of things to make.

As this isn't my recipe, I'll just direct you here to find it. I followed it word for word. Right down to toasting the spices. I was trying something a little different though and used two bundt cakes instead of regular cake rounds. It was suppose to look like this. But it didn't. It's okay, it was still delicious. Here is a quick visual of the process of making this cake. Caution: you will be drooling by the end.

1. All of the ingredients laid out.

2. Mixing all of the spices before giving them a nice toasting.

3. Stiff peaks! I messed this part up a bit. Still worked though!

4. Mixing it all together.

5. The cake that loved its pan too much to leave it.

1. Making some candy coating.

2. Covering the hazelnuts in candy.

3. Whipping that cream cheese frosting!

And finally...

Drumroll please...

THE FINISHED CAKE!

It took me nearly all day to make it. I took quote a few breaks of course, but it really was labor intensive! It was all worth it in the end, though, when it was time to slice it up and eat it!

From what I hear, the in-laws were mightily impressed. 

{hello holiday) :: for the crafties

I've been a craft lover for most of my life. My momma use to craft all the time. I lost it somewhere along the way and lately have been coming back to it. Honestly, I kind of can't get enough of it lately. If you have a friend or family member like this... here's a great gift guide for them!

{1}

Notecards for knitters from Jack & Ella.

{2}

May seem silly, but these vintage train cases make excellent sewing boxes. I know because I have one myself.

{3}

A cross stitch pattern that you can stitch up yourself or you could make a little gift basket of all the materials needed for her to do it. Sewing Seed has quite a few options {but this pig makes me giggle.}

{4}

These mini sewing set of rubber stamps would be great for a friend who sews. They would be great to add to business cards, tags and notes.

{5}

This print from Yellow Heart Art would be a perfect to frame and give to someone who does indeed make pretty things all day.

{6}

One of the sweetest pin cushions I've ever seen from Sea Pinks.

{hello holiday) :: for the crafties

I've been a craft lover for most of my life. My momma use to craft all the time. I lost it somewhere along the way and lately have been coming back to it. Honestly, I kind of can't get enough of it lately. If you have a friend or family member like this... here's a great gift guide for them!

{1}

Notecards for knitters from Jack & Ella.

{2}

May seem silly, but these vintage train cases make excellent sewing boxes. I know because I have one myself.

{3}

A cross stitch pattern that you can stitch up yourself or you could make a little gift basket of all the materials needed for her to do it. Sewing Seed has quite a few options {but this pig makes me giggle.}

{4}

These mini sewing set of rubber stamps would be great for a friend who sews. They would be great to add to business cards, tags and notes.

{5}

This print from Yellow Heart Art would be a perfect to frame and give to someone who does indeed make pretty things all day.

{6}

One of the sweetest pin cushions I've ever seen from Sea Pinks.

do it yourself :: festive wreath

I'm always coming up with fun little crafty projects and I tend to start more than I have time for. For this one, I forced myself to have the time though. After all, I wanted to finish it in time for the Christmas season! I'm sharing how I made it with you today as part of Caroline's Christmas Craft Along. Have fun!

So here we go - a fun festive wreath that may take a little while to make but it is relatively pretty easy!

what you'll need:

basic foam wreath 

{wrapped in 2" ribbon}

felt in festive colors

{lots of it. I used about 20 sheets for a 9" wreath}

scissors

hot glue gun

{and some glue sticks of course}

coordinating spare ribbon

{you don't need much}

Step One:

cut felt sheets into four squares

snip corners of squares so they are rounded off

{you can use extra felt to make additional little squares, 

I ended up not using these}

Step Two:

cut each square into a spiral as shown

{don't mind the mail in the background. no bigs.}

Step Three:

roll the spiral up into a rosette, glue as you go

{apologies for poor lighting, but I think you'll live}

{if you've never made a rosette before, roll one up before you start hot gluing so you get the picture}

Step Four:

glue and/or pin the extra ribbon to the wreath to make a hook

I don't have any specific tricks for this, whatever works here friends!

I just wrapped it around with a loop at the top

Step Five:

Start gluing the felt rosettes to the wreath in any fashion you prefer!

I did blocks of each color {about 8 rosettes per section} and alternated

It's better to have too many rosettes on the wreath than too few. Be sure to cover the inside of the wreath and of course avoid the back as that will be against a wall or door anyway!

Step Six:

hang it up and sing Christmas carols.

I told you it was pretty easy! Oh, and if you hot glue some rosettes in the wrong spot and you don't realize it until the glue is already cooled and dried {nope, I definitely didn't do that} just grab your trusty hair dryer and blast the rosettes with some heat! They will come right off!

-------------------

Hope y'all enjoyed the little tutorial! Let me know if you make a wreath because I will want to see it! Until then, check out some of the other Christmas crafts over at Caroline's blog!