Hunting & Gathering For Holiday Crafting

In Search Of

As you may know from yesterday's post, I've got crafting on my mind.  I'm thinking about the things I want to make this holiday season, how I want to decorate my home to create that Christmas feeling, and what handmade gifts I'm going to give this year.

I've decided on the first craft DIY I'm going to try.  While the hound and I were out for our walk, I started to gather small pieces of the puzzle.  There's plenty more to go, but you have to begin somewhere.  I'm really excited about this one. I've been toying with the idea for awhile now, so I'll be happy to actually make it for my own home.

So far...............

baby pine cones

..............acorns

.....and roping.

What I love about this craft is that I can incorporate pretty much anything my heart desires.

Want take a guess?

I'll give you a hint: it hangs.

Now, enough about me.................what holiday crafts do you have planned? Are you making them to decorate or give as gifts?  If you need ideas, check out the ones I featured yesterday.  I love them all.

Fess up.

Ciao for now,

What I've Been Working On

Drifting Away

Rainy weekend here. Perfect for a little creative time.

I've been playing with paint and some of my driftwood sticks.

Did you know I used to paint rocks when I was a kid and then go door to door trying to sell them to my neighbors?

Guess the sticks aren't far off.

I think they'll be a fun addition to our booth at the craft fair.

This one though, is all mine. It's so small and sweet.

And mine. All mine.

I've been working on another little craft project....more on that tomorrow.

LAST CHANCE TO ENTER

The September giveaway ends at 12:01 tonight. So if you haven't entered yet, or if you want to earn more chances, go here NOW!


Hope you're enjoying your weekend. I've got to go. My husband just got home and gave me beautiful cala lilies and I have to put them in some water. They're so tall, I think they're going to need my tallest Waterfor vase. Nice, huh? Love that man of mine.

Enjoy your Sunday,

Idea File Growing

via decor8

The File Is Starting to Overflow

All I need is more time in the day, so I can actually try some of these 'crafty' ideas that have caught my eye lately, like those I shared on Saturday.  I keep finding more to add to the list, like everything in this post over on decor8.

I especially love this dreamcatcher idea.  You could really make this your own with different embellishments. Have to say though, I really, really like this one.

via decor8

Then of course, there is Sania Pell, who I've mentioned before. Thank you Cari for getting me addicted to this woman's work. She's not only a great interior designer, stylist, and photographer, she's also quite a crafty girl.

This tealight from vintage tart tin, looks like it wouldn't be too difficult to try.



Love the end result. The glow that the three wicks give off is so pretty. 

Sania doesn't just 'make crafts' though, she also wrote a book about it.

via amazon.com

May have to get my hands on that one. I bet she's got some fantastic ideas in it, and I love that the subtitle is '50 thrifty and chic handmade projects'. How can you go wrong?

The resurgence in crafting continues to grow and shows no signs of stopping. It feels like the right time for it as people look to spend less, yet still want pretty things in their lives that make them happy. 

Crafting also holds so many memories for a lot of us. I remember doing lots of crafts from a kids craft book my Mom had on the shelf (aside: Mom, do you know the one I'm talking about? Is it still around?). If I was bored, there were all sorts of fun projects. Another side bonus of crafting is that you can often do it with a group of people and it can be quite social which makes it even more fun.

I was lucky enough to feature some wonderful crafters/artists this past fall. If you haven't read these post already, you'll find some great tutorials from Kristen, Stacey, and Daena. If you're interested in sharing a craft/art in the next installment of  'Be Our Guest' on Mercantile Muse, just let me know by commenting below and I'll be in touch.

Am I the only one that has crafts on her mind? Have you been crafting anything lately? Or are you just filling up your idea file like me and waiting for the perfect time to dive in?

What's Happening Behind Me

No, this isn't a comment about my backside growing larger because I'm sitting on it all day in front of the computer screen. 

Just sharing today's take on 'it's a dog's life', as portrayed by Lucan.

Oh yeah, it's a tough life but somebody's got to do it.

Have a fantastic start to your week wherever you are and I'll do the same in my little office/studio.

Ciao for now,