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6-21-25

What I Can’t Let Go Of:

How a great morning crafting with friends can be
so therapeutic and uplifting!!!

I had just spent two miserable days trying to get a report generated for a project I was working on. Every time I made a bit of progress, a tech roadblock would raise its ugly little head and derail my finish line victory.


Can you relate?


And then, 6 hours in, you find yourself struggling with “Do I cut my losses, walk away, and work on the project without all the complete information” or “I’ve already invested 6 hours, it would be a shame to throw that away for another 20 minutes of time”.

By now, I have invested “another 20 minutes” 4 more times. At what point do I surrender?

Thank goodness for girlfriends who get you! And know when intervention and
craft therapy are called for!

A few hours of creative play time was just what I needed
and a great reminder of what I love about this job as a blogger and content creator!

I love figuring out the how’s of making something — cute? useful? frivolous? It doesn’t matter!
It’s the process and then sharing that process and the end results with you!

On the Blog

two crafted flags on poles are stuck in to plant in a stone planter

Quick & Easy Decoupage American Flags

Such an easy way to make your own unique patriotic homage to the American flag.

Use napkins or quilting fabric for the cutest flags everyone will be asking for! And check out all the ways you can use them in your decor styling.


Easy, Breezy Patriotic Porch Decorating

Patriotic decor doesn’t have to be expensive!
I prefer my patriotic decor to be be fun
and festive
with an easy, breezy summer attitude!

And this porch decor is all of that!!!


braided rope wreath embellished with large ticking ribbon and three mini wooden buoys

Fun Nautical Wreath to Make

With an easy braided jute wreath, a few DIY wood buoys, a wide strip of ticking and some fresh boxwood clippings, our door was ready for summer — and the 4th of July of course!

Yet another amazing way to use your iPhone!!!

Remember, these tips are exclusive content for my creative community.

They will be in the Saturday newsletter emails only

(and sometimes in the FB and IG stories for my followers there).

It’s just one way I can say thank you to all those who support me time after time!

Don’t worry, you too, can become a House Mate!

Light Fixture Shopping?

It can be daunting to make a decision that is so prominent — and sometimes quite expensive! And it’s not an item you buy often.

Fortunately, Tammy at White Lilac Farmhouse shared a great overview of guidelines and things to consider when selecting ceiling fixtures.

A living room with a woven chandelier, three decorative round wall plates, a white sofa with two pillows, a table lamp, and a small topiary on a side table against a light gray wall.

A hand holds a purple retro telephone receiver with a coiled cord against a bright yellow background.

Nostalgic? Or Just Smarter?

In some cases, dumber is smarter and better!

You’ll love this story in The Atlantic about a Portland neighborhood and how one mom has changed and simplified this parenting decision.


Need Some Summer Fun for the Kids?

If you haven’t tried kinetic sand yet, it’s a must!!!

It’s like regular sand without the mess. And much easier to build with. Cleanup is a breeze.

There are a number of kits to choose from with everything in a carry box. Take it outside on the patio or under a tree, close up the box and bring it in when done — no worrying about the neighborhood cats 😉!

A collage of kinetic sand toys and sets, including sandcastle molds, tools, a construction set with toy vehicles, a bag of natural-colored sand, and a tub of bright pink and blue sand, with "Kinetic Sand Fun!" written on top.
Three children play with a blue water table, while a boy uses a blue water gun. Four foam airplanes and a cluster of colorful water balloons are also shown. Text reads “Summer Fun.”.

Grandkids Coming?

These are three of my favorites summer activities:

They’ll be begging to be outside, totally forgetting all about those screens!

I hope you’ve been enjoying the weekend!!! Thanks for hanging out with me a bit,

round image of Diane smiling next to a Signature that reads: With Joy, Diane

1 Comment

  1. Tammy

    Diane, always such a great round up of fun projects and decorating tips here. Thank you so much for sharing the link to my post about choosing the right size light for your space. Hugs!

    Reply

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Diane Sudhoff
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