create: pendant lamps

 pendant lamps via crafty nest

my next project.  hemp string, tacky glue and a 59 cent drugstore bouncy ball.  ...and maybe some white spray paint.

create: save the date scratchers

 diy save the date scratchers by martha stewart weddings.

oh martha, you've done it again.  love this playful save-the-date and including a new shiny penny for the scratcher is the icing on the cake.

create: bakers twine.

 

baker's twine by the twinery

also check out the divine twine at whisker graphics.

and helloooo colorful bakers twine!  loving the purple.

create: cork mat

cork bath mat - DIY steps on Curbly

Like.  :-)

create: embossing

Craft Tool Tutorial: Embossing Gun from Jenny Batt on Vimeo.

sweet!  i'm totally trying this out! 

create: pendant lamps

check out this easy ikea hacker's tutorial on salad bowls turned pendant lamps!

Create: Neutra Numbers

curbly has the full tutorial on how to DIY these Neutra address numbers in an hour and a half.  did you get that?  D..I..Y!!!  in an hour and a half!!!!

create: knotted bedspread

by kojo designs

too bad i just purchased this duvet or i might be inclined to whip up this very anthropology-ish knotted bedspread for $30.

create: desk makeover

I've been looking to give my desk at the office an overhaul for some time now.  So far, these are the items that have made my cut list....

Clockwise from top left:
- Plywood Business card holder by Andrew's Reclaimed
- 2011 Wall Calendar by The Muststash
- Reusable Ceramic Mug by Cost Plus World Market
- Nike Women's Marathon logo
- Keep Calm and Carry On post card by Poster Plus (definitely applies those crazy days at work)
- The End Bookend by CB2
- Tear Drop by Succulent Love
- Circuit Office Accessories by CB2
- Photo of the best pup ever by me

create: christmas tree

 before

after!

i'm pretty excited about our first christmas tree!  b had a good idea for a color gradient that we just ran with and it all came together in less than two hours (that includes getting the tree up the stairs, through the door and upright in the stand... in the rain).  i made a simple tree skirt out of felt and b suggested that every year we add something to the skirt (as an alternative to doing the typical picture ornament)... first up, a big felt tree to celebrate our first one.  :-)  i love christmas time.

create: christmas gifts

a few of my christmas gifts.  still in go-mode, but soon my blog will be exploding with DIY updates....

create: christmas cards

2010 christmas card by k:creates

christmas cards arrived in the mail today and they turned out great!  i designed this card in record time and am quite happy with the simplicity of the graphics and text - feels fresh!  it will definitely stand out amongst all those generic boxed set hallmark cards....mission accomplished!

create: magnetic paint

 magnetic paint w/ primer and color by home cheap home

out with the old fashioned bulletin board, in with DIY magnet boards.  same effect, customizable look.  rust-oleum makes a magnetic paint and i love the idea of turning an old picture frame, cabinet door, sculpture, breakfast tray or simply a swatch (in any shape!) on the wall into a magnet board.  honorable mention goes to the creative use of the ironing board and magnetic spice rack.  next up, DIY magnets...

create: paint chip card holders

card holders by designverb

made from the behr paint chip cards you can get (free!) from any hardware store.  great for holding business cards or gift cards.  you can find the detailed step by step instructions here.  what a perfect little gift box for those artsy friends of mine!

create: business cards

business card by Junge Schachtel 

(their website carries this theme too - pretty fun!)

i have started reworking my resume and portfolio... of course i am getting caught up in tinkering with all the details, spacing, alignment, color, etc.  my mind has been catapulted into thinking what kind of design would translate well from resume to portfolio to business card to stationary and beyond!  browsed through some super inventive business card designs at cardonizer.  maps, photographs, letterpress, round, square, green, lots and lots of creative ideas!  even a nail salon that prints their business cards on nail files = smart and useful!  and of course the moleskin version is particularly close to my heart :-)

create: hot cocoa favors

hello fall, cold weather and warm drinks... and party favors!  i've done the mason jar thing before, but these little hot cocoa favors are way less homely and way more affordable.  for the non-chocolate eaters (like yours truly) it would also be cute with dry apple cider mix and a cinnamon stick tied to the outside.

create: christmas stockings

 stockings by rikrak

ok, so maybe it is a little too early for christmas.  i mean, technically it's still october.  but planning early is the only way i can get things done around here.  been toying with the idea of making stockings for me, b & the pup out of muslin or burlap.  in searching around etsy for inspiration, i happen to come across the cutest felt stockings from rikrak - aren't they fun?!  i especially like the advent calendar in white, red and gray.

create: cinder block planter

planter by {Pot-ted}

it must be my lucky day.  i have come across so many great things online in the last 24 hours that my blog is erupting!  couldn't wait to share this DIY planter that i found via the inhabit blog.  i love DIY projects that are easy to construct from off the shelf materials and result in the most creative yet simple things!  plus, i Love (yes, that's love with a capital L) succulents!  and i love project photos that feature pups!  i couldn't get this post up fast enough...

create: metal stamping

 

 The Seafarer by Very Vintage

At Ease Typewriter by Make Your Dog Smile

Absolutely love these metal stamped pet i.d. tags.  So much better than the boring dog bone shape!  Super cute.