C r a f t B r e a k : L o o p E a r r i n g s

Here are some photos from a project my dad and I completed recently! We made these silver earrings after I got some inspiration from the jewelry posted in the lovely shop by Moorea Seal . This was another one of those "I bet we can make that" project inspirations and I'm so happy with how they turned out! They have quickly become one of my favorite pairs of earrings.

H a p p y C a t u r d a y !

C r a f t B r e a k : B e a d e d K e y c h a i n s

Make these beaded keychains to add some decoration to your keys, purse or backpacks! Paint wooden beads however you like (I used 1" and 3/4" beads) and finish with a clear coat (mod podge works well). Take a length of leather cord and thread through a large lobster claw clasp or keyring and knot. Thread on the beads and knot again. Now just find something to clip them to!
Happy crafting!

C r a f t B r e a k : C a l e n d a r

If you haven't already put up your 2014 calendar, give this simple DIY a try! 

I found the inspiration from this lovely blog post and downloaded the calendar here.

Basically, all you need to do is find a piece of wood veneer, print a calendar to an appropriate size - so the veneer makes a nice frame, and then attach the calendar to the veneer with washi tape. Punch or drill a hole at the top and thread some twine to hang! I think this adds a nice extra touch to a simple calendar and you can change the color of the washi tape each month.

H a p p y C a t u r d a y !

C r a f t B r e a k : P a i n t D i p p e d U t e n s i l s

This craft project is about as simple as it can get but results in a fun and useful item!

It's also a great way to add an unexpected pop of color to your kitchen. 

Just gather some inexpensive wooden or bamboo utensils, give 'em a light sand and mark off where you want the paint to end with some painters or masking tape. Paint the handles in your color of choice. I added about two coats of colored acrylic paint and then added one coat of satin mod podge to seal the paint. Remove your masking tape and you're done! I would definitely recommend hand washing these utensils and they aren't meant to last forever, but they are cheap enough and simple enough to make that they could be replaced when they wear out. 

Happy crafting!

F o o d i e : C i n n a m o n S t i c k s

If you're still craving sweets after all the holiday goodies, try these simple to make cinnamon pastries! 

To make: Thaw 1 sheet of puff pastry and spread it out with your hands until it measures about 15" x 10". Brush with melted butter and sprinkle one half (long way) generously with cinnamon sugar fold in pastry dough in half (you should now have a piece about 15" x 5") brush with butter or milk and add more cinnamon sugar. Begin cutting half inch strips. Twist strips and arrange on baking sheet. Bake at 350 for about 15 min. Keep an eye on them as the sugar will begin to caramelize and you don't want it to burn. When the sticks have turned golden brown take them out of the oven and cool. Optional - make a simple glaze to drizzle on top. I used 1/2 cup powdered sugar mixed with a couple teaspoons of eggnog. 

Enjoy!

C r a f t B r e a k : C o r k M u s h r o o m

If you have leftover champagne corks from New Years, turn them into a little mushroom! My mom gave me the idea to paint one of our corks and add a toothpick to the bottom so it could be used as a planter decoration. These would also work great in a terrarium! An added plus - this kind of mushroom is considered a symbol of good luck in Germany!

L i t t l e B i t s O f L i f e L a t e l y

H a p p y N e w Y e a r !

Happy New Year, friends! 

Hope 2014 is a great one for ya!