Etsy Betsy

Hi there!  I'm here today to share a few finds from Etsy.  I realize the gift tags are a little late, but hey, you still have 10 days!  No. 1 is an awesome, minimalistic diamond print.  I love the geometric feel of it.  No. 2 is a wooden camera perfect for a budding photographer.  Some of the dials even turn as well as the lens, so it's sure to keep them snapping away!  No. 3 is a bright and cheerful 2013 calendar.  The season-appropriate artwork is so fun and it comes with a neat metal clip for hanging.  I want it – bad.  No. 4 is a beautiful wooden animal set for the kiddos.  You can tell I'm into the wood toys.  No. 5 is a super pretty cowl scarf.  She offers them in a myriad of colors, so you can choose whatever hue your heart desires.  This would be perfect for those cold snowy days haunting your local coffeehouse.  ;)  No. 6 is a geometric ornament DIY.  It stole my heart.  There are several color schemes to choose from, so go nuts!  Yes, I realize it's a little late this year, but get it for next year!  No. 7 is a vintage candle holder.  I cannot tell you how much I loooove this beauty.  It's white, which is perfect, and yes, that texture is from real tree bark.  What could be more awesome?  Nothing.  No. 8 are teal sweater gift tags.  If you are having a super late Christmas, you may be able to purchase them in time.  Anyway, do it for next year.  They are super cute, don't you agree?

I hope you enjoyed those Etsy finds!  Do have a happy weekend and I'll see you later!  xo, Ella

DIYed – Kiddo Tee

Hi there!  I just want to pop in and share a quick little DIY I found a while ago and tried this past weekend.  My two little brothers love any type of animal and especially on a shirt, so when I found this tutorial, I immediately wanted to make one for them for Christmas.

I won't go through the whole DIY, so here's the link.  The only thing I'm planning on doing differently is to give it a second coat.  I first outlined around the eyes, mouth, and bowtie before painting the inside, and it made it a little streaky, so I'm planning on giving it another coat of paint.  I had so much fun doing it and it was very easy.  Now all I have to do is give them another coat, and wrap them up for Christmas!  xo, Ella

DIYed – Doodled Jars

Hi again!  I've been drooling over this project in You Are Awesome now since I got the book for my birthday and I finally got to try it.  I had been looking in Amazon for paint pens, then I found one at Meijer when we went grocery shopping this weekend and bought it without a second thought.  And, believe me, I've fallen in love.  You will see more projects with paint pens around here very soon.  Anyway, let's get to the craft for today.

Aren't these so great!  I have a weird thing for glass jars, and this only makes them better.  You can do absolutely any design you want on them, and the pens are super easy to use.  All you have to do is shake with the cap on, then hold down on your surface for a while until the paint flows.  And it won't like, go all over the place.  Helpful hint: you might have to press the tip down for several moments for the paint to flow.  I thought it was dried up at first, so just be patient.  Okay, I'll stop talking and get to the point.

You will need:  smooth mason jar or other jar (whatever you have), extra-fine paint pen (I used just the fine; there is a extra-fine too), rubber band (optional).

What to do:  First, make sure your jar is clean.  Then, if you want, you can put the rubber band on the jar wherever if you want it as a guide to draw a straight line on the glass.  I didn't need a straight line, but had I used it, I'm sure mine would make less handmade. :)  Then doodle whatever design you like on your jar.  I did scallops, little lines, big lines, a herringbone pattern, triangles, little curly twirly things, and polka dots.  Let the paint dry (it dries quickly), and fill with whatever your heart desires.  Also, if you chose to use a mason jar with a sandwich lid, then you can doodle a design similar to the one on your jar on a circle of paper and sandwich it between the two lid pieces.  I wasn't using mason jars, so I didn't do this part and still had loads of fun.

I love how this craft is so easy, but fun.  I really like projects that only take a half hour or so, but still make life a little prettier.  Have fun doodling!  xo, Ella

Lace Pot DIY

Hello!  I saw a fun project over at A Beautiful Mess and decided to try it.

Do you want to make one?  I'll show you how!  Below are the things you'll need.  Have fun!

Begin by painting your pot with glue on the areas you want the lace. Then stick it on and paint over it with the glue with a stiff bristled brush.  Try to cover all the lace with glue.  I would recommend planting the plant before you apply the lace to avoid getting dirt on the lace. 

Well, there you go!  You certainly don't have to use the pot for plants.  I used the larger one for my pens and pencils for a while.  It's whatever you prefer.  What DIY projects are you doing these days?    xo, Ella