This is a simple project. One I’d been planning to do for some time, but just didn’t get around to it. Do you have those projects? I’m sure you do. You know, the ones that take no time to actually complete? The ones that you keep putting off? The ones that are so rewarding once you finally just go for it? This was one of those projects!

I picked up these plain white teacups at a local thrift store for under $1 a piece. I knew I wanted to embellish them with some doodles. Originally I’d purchased them to use as vessels for making candles. Since, I am not making candles anytime soon, I decided to use them for a couple small succulents who needed some cozy containers to live in. Perfect!

MATERIALS

Old teacups, bowls, mugs or any vessel in need of a facelift
Paint pens in various colors*
Small succulents
Potting soil
Small rocks or pebbles

*I used Craft Smart paint pens. These are acrylic, non-toxic and water resistant. Ideal for wood, plastic, metal and glass. Purchased at Michael’s.

INSTRUCTIONS

- Wash and dry your vessels.

- Follow directions for paint pen. I had to shake, shake, shake it. Test on a scrap of paper.

- Start doodling! I drew on the teacups without a plan. You can sketch out ideas if you’d like or use a stencil if you aren’t feeling up to freehand. I made mistakes, but that’s ok. Don’t be afraid! Mistakes are beautiful. A lesson I’m learning…

- Let the designs dry. I waited an hour before planting. This was really difficult!

- Place some rocks or pebbles in the bottom of your vessel, and top rocks with a bit of soil in before centering your succulent.

- Hold the succulent in place while packing in soil all around it. Water well, add more soil if needed.

- Now, place you lovely custom planter in a sunny spot and enjoy!

I’m kind of addicted to this project. It’s so simple. What a lovely housewarming gift, no? Can’t wait to make lots more of these! I also plan to doodle on other dishes. It’s so much fun.

Have you tried this? I’d love to see your creations. Send me a link!

Why keep your hats tucked away? Here’s a fun way to both store and display your favorite hats!

I used GRUNDTAL hangers from IKEA, but any hook or large nails/screws would work.

Have a Happy Weekend!

Wow! A whole year has gone by since I last shared a project with you. Please forgive me! It has been quite an eventful and trying year personally. Many life changes have occurred including moving to a new loft, major jaw surgery, many months with my husband away on US Coast Guard boat, traveling and a stint with a very sick pup who is well now.

It feels as though everything has come full circle, and I’m ready emotionally and creatively to come back to this part of my life. I’ve missed it so much! My mind is saturated with ideas. Can’t wait to get busy and share it all with you.

Here’s a simple project. Fabric wrapped bangles. Not a new concept, but if you are in need of a quick DIY fix this is for you.

-Find some old bangles of your own or thrifted.

-Choose some pretty scrap fabric. (I know you have some lying around.)

-Place a small dab of hot glue on the inside of the bangle. Attach one end of your fabric to the glue. (Be careful!)

-Now, start wrapping! I used more glue as needed during the wrapping process to reinforce the overall piece.

-Secure the end as best you can with hot glue. Voila! You’re done.

Now, how easy was that?!

Thought this was lovely. Leave it to Anthropologie to have super awesome ideas.

Are you working on making your home sweet? I am. Hope to share images soon!

Do you ever look at your life and wonder, “How did I get here?” The road through life is an exciting and unexpected journey. A journey for which I am truly grateful.

sleep well, originally uploaded by sewtrashy.

Have a restful and relaxing Sunday. After a Saturday full of rearranging my loft… I know that’s all I want today. Oh, and some kettle corn.

Generally, empty toilet paper rolls end up strewn in pieces all over our living room rug after Bonsai (our dog) gets ahold of them. I managed to salvage one for my first challenge for Project Restyle. I decided to make something I could hang by the window. After few snips and hole punches finished off with a simple string it was ready to hang! I love how it turned out. Now, I’m tempted to make lots of them to hang in a cluster. Could be really lovely and fun. We’ll see if I can snatch them up before the dog gets them!

More information on Project Restyle.

For the past 28 days I have been a busy bee. Crafting, making, flying, seeing, picture taking, entertaining, cooking, eating and lots and lots of organizing! I will be back soon with lots of fun things to share with you.

In the meantime, Bonsai decided to help me organize yesterday. What goes in doesn’t always know how to get out. Little guy was stuck in the box.

Enjoy your weekend!

Three days before Christmas, our fridge decided it didn’t want to stay cold. I opened the door to find the temperature was at 50 degrees. That is, in fact, the Danger Zone. Quickly, I salvaged all the dairy and condiments I could, and used our vintage Coke Machine as a fridge. So very thankful to have that as a back-up!

Hope everyone has a lovely Christmas Eve! I’ll be making cookies and relaxing with my husband. Can’t really ask for anything more…

I made my first pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving, and I decided to go all out by making it completely from scratch, including the pie crust. I turned to Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook, of course! I cannot endorse that book enough. It’s full of wonderful recipes, tips and techniques. It hasn’t let me down yet.

The pies turned out perfect… exactly what pumpkin pie should be. However, I thought it could use an unexpected kick. Maybe a little spiked whipped cream… or a lot if you like that sort of thing. Which, of course, I do! It was the perfect addition to the not too sweet pumpkin pie.

Homemade Spiked Whipped Cream

This is not an exact recipe. Just a guide. You will have to taste and determine how sweet and how spiked you like it.

You will need:

Heavy whipping cream
Liquor (I used orange Triple-Sec, but also love Coconut Rum or Amaretto in this.)
Sugar

Pour some heavy whipping cream into the bowl of your trusty KitchenAid Stand Mixer with the wire whisk attached. Start whisking on medium-high until soft peaks form. Turn the speed down. Now begin to add some sugar and your liquor a little at a time. You can turn the speed back up for a few seconds after each addition until you find that perfect flavor.

I tend to let mine get thicker than most because I like it like that, and it softens a bit as it sits. However, I doubt it will “sit” for very long! Use it to top your pies, ice creams and coffee. Or, just eat it by the spoonful. It’s that good!

We’ve also used it in Frozen Chocolate Chip Amaretto Whipped Cream Sandwiches in place of ice cream. Simply put some whipped cream between baked and cooled chocolate chip cookies and freeze on a baking sheet. Wrap each individually once frozen. So delicious!

How would you use spiked whipped cream?

More information on making homemade whipped cream can be found here.