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August! Can you believe it?
I am feeling better, stronger and more confident every day!!!
Thanks for your patience, encouragement and prayers as I discovered our health can be fickle.
I actually began my first Christmas craft this week. It is going to be amazing!
Here’s the thing about Christmas content — you’re either Team Fa-La-La-Already,
or you’re Team Not Yet, Please.
No judgment either way!
So here’s my plan:
I’ll start posting new Christmas projects as I have them ready —
that way Team Fa-La-La-Already gets first dibs on fresh ideas and tutorials.
But I won’t be blasting them left and right
until we’re solidly in “acceptable” Christmas season,
so Team Not Yet doesn’t feel ambushed.
Sounds like a good plan?
Hit reply and let me know
or tell me if you’ve got a better idea for keeping both camps happy.
Give Guests the Hotel Treatment (but More Style, Less Price)
Upcycle old stair spindles into a sturdy and stylish folding luggage rack!!!
Best part it tucks away in the closet, behind the door, under the bed when not needed.
Bonus: It a double duty chameleon serving as a large tray holder for a party, or as a nightstand or even to overwinter plants.
What to Think Through Before You Shop For Christmas Stockings
Here are the questions worth pondering before buying Christmas stockings, starting with the one most people don’t think to ask until they’re comparing options: does everyone’s stocking have to match, or is there a smarter way to handle it?
This is that awkward time where I am desperately clinging to summer — albeit a HOT one — but longing for slowing down a bit and treating myself to some cozy crafting. My favorites this year include:
Needle Felting Kits
This just may be the ultimate in cozy crafting!
If you’re new to needle felting, these three pumpkins are adorable for beginners.
And then advance to these mushrooms
a squirrel,
wild turkey
and even Christmas greenery.
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Needle Felting for Painting a Picture
Did you know?
Needle felting can also be used to “paint” a picture like this fall foliage,
or a mountain scene with grazing sheep,
or my favorite sleeping fox.
Macrame
Macrame continues strong,
if you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon, you owe it to yourself it give it a try. It is so different than 70’s macrame
These hanging leaves and this hanging bat are great for hanging on the wall.
And these daisy fobs are so cute and make great gifts. And these macrame maple leaves, wow!
Traditional Sewing & Embroidery Kits
If you prefer traditional sewing and embroidery, how about the cutest little hedgehog pin cushion, or this perfectly imperfect Christmas tree applique or this lovely autumn wreath.
Now Let’s See What the Other Gals Found For Us
Lynn – Living Large in a Small House
Thinking About Fall
I can’t believe it’s already August 1st. It seems like the summer just started. I’m not ready to decorate for fall; however, I’ve been looking as the fall and even Christmas decor is already out in the stores. I added cranberry to my living room this summer, and I intend to carry that theme through to the end of the year.
- I’m going to pull my Persian rug out of storage as it is cranberry and blue. While mine is old, if you want the same look, you can create it with this rug or this rug.
- I already have some tapestry pillow covers in stock, very much like this one. This lumbar pillow is in my cart for a new touch this fall.
- Adding to my faux flower collection this fall will include some berry branches.
- I don’t overly decorate for fall outside of adding some warmer, cozy colors, but these cute boucle pumpkins have captured my heart.
Lora – Lora Bloomquist
- Flower pressing is a wonderful way to preserve the beauty of summer. A blogger friend said THIS microwave flower press is the greatest. Instant gratification vs waiting for flowers to dry the old fashioned way in a book. Mine just came in the mail & I’m bringing it this weekend to a friend’s cabin to craft with my college buddies; I’m so excited to learn this new skill:) I also got THIS blotting paper to go with it. Will be doing a blog post on it soon!
- If you haven’t heard of the latest brilliant mosquito hack, be ready to have your mind blown! All you do is get a 5 gallon bucket (HERE is a set of 5 black ones), fill it 3/4 with regular water. Throw in a handful of green foliage/weeds and a couple small sticks. Then the magic-put in 1/2 a mosquito dunk (find them HERE). That’s it! As the green foliage starts rotting in the water, the mosquitos are drawn to it. They sit on the stick and lay their eggs in the water. When the larvae hatches, it all dies. We can see THOUSANDS of larvae in each of our buckets, all dying. It has been a life changer for our yard! We can be outside until it’s dark without being bit by a single mosquito. Mr. Fix-it was skeptical; but he’s a believer now! After a couple weeks, (or when the buckets start to smell) switch the mixture up again. Place the buckets close to your social/garden areas, but not too close. Seriously…amazing.
- The end of summer is a great time to take advantage of summer sales on garden merchandise. I have loved our Vego Raised Bed Gardens so much that we are installing another in the veggie garden. This one is a higher version, but they come in all shapes and sizes. Find Vego Raised Bed Gardens HERE; your next year garden will thank you!
- When the garden is overflowing, I’m happy I got THIS handy veggie cutter. It is the easiest way to chop everything up for homemade salsa or a veggie salad. It comes with a whole variety of slicers, graters and choppers and everything lands in the container. Definitely a great accessory to add to your kitchen!
Cindy – Reinvented Delaware
Anna – Sky Lark House
Sadly, Anna and Cindy are not available this month, but they’ll catch up with us next month.
Wishing you the most fun summer weekend!
And don’t forget to give me feedback about Christmas content, and what team you’re on.
