Gooseberry Patch

Hoping to Hurry Spring Along

Though the birds are chirping and the sun is peeking out from behind the clouds, the calendar says it's still winter. But that won't stop us from thinking spring! Since March is National Craft Month, we're sharing a springtime recipe with a crafty spin. 

Springtime Pea Soup Mix 
From our book, Seasons for Sharing.

16-oz. pkg. split green peas
16-oz. pkg. dried lentils
16-oz. pkg. pearled barley
2 c. elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 c. dried, minced onion
1/2 c. celery flakes
1/2 c. dried parsley
2 t. white pepper
1-1/2 t. dried thyme

Combine all ingredients together; spoon into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Makes 10 cups.
Attach instructions below when giving.

Instructions:

Combine one cup soup mix with 4 cups seasoned chicken broth; add one cup cooked chicken, if desired. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until peas are tender, about 45 to 60 minutes. Serves 4.

 

 

 

Pass out jars of Springtime Pea Soup Mix to your friends and watch how their smiles blossom! For the prettiest packaging, use decoupage medium to attach a vintage-style pea seed packet to the front of a quart jar. Use thin ribbon to tie the instructions to the jar lid..how pretty!

 

 

Want to pass this along to a friend? Click a button below to share!

Think Spring this Friday!

Today's Link We Love will take you to one of those blogs we can always count on. Cathe draws us in with creative projects that are so clever but not SO crafty that they seem like they'd take all day. Below, we're sharing links to two of our favorite projects but WOW you can find a ton at...

Just Something I Made!

Written by the lovely & talented Cathe Holden, it's one of those destinations that you'll want to keep handy when you're running low on inspiration and need a kickstart.

The end of winter sometimes feels like that, doesn't it?

If you think so too, you're in luck because both projects we're linking to from Just Something I Made are full of cheer...just what we need at the end of February!

First up is Cathe's ingenious homemade pennant roller!

She crafted this adorable rubber stamp from supplies picked up from the hardware store and a rubber band found in her junk drawer...can you believe it? When it's done, you can roll happy little pennants across envelopes, packages, invitations, you name it! Get the complete instructions here.

The next project (because we couldn't pick just one!)
is this simple, pretty egg holder!

 

You won't believe how she made it...it's SO simple but what you end up with is really pretty. Holding fresh-cut flowers or greenery, it would be perfect for any Spring get-together and a natural fit for your Easter table. Click over to Just Something I Made for all the details and whip one up yourself!

Feeling inspired yet?
We are too and maybe that means Spring can't be too far way!

Thanks, Cathe, for inspiring us every time we visit Just Something I Made...you're amazing and we're glad to have found your blog full of goodies.

Share these goodies with someone special...just click the buttons below.

Making a Gift from the Kitchen?

To celebrate this week's Cookbook of the Week, we're sharing a week full of FREE goodies inspired by 101 Cupcake, Cookie & Brownie Recipes.

Today, you'll get the Gooseberry Patch Sweet Shoppe Gift Tags, ready to print from right here or you can click download to save them to your computer and print later. Enjoy!

 

Gooseberry Sweet Shoppe Gift Tags

Want to share these tags with someone sweet? You know what to do...

Perfect for Valentine's Day!

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, today's Friday Fun post features a project perfect to surprise Mom, sisters and best friends...anyone who's been extra sweet to YOU!

 

This idea originally appeared in our crafty booklet, Homemade Gifts from the Heart, as a thank you gift but its shape is just right for a sweetheart you know.

 

 

 

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Want to get crafty?
Whip up a Sweetheart Ribbon Wreath!

Click the picture above to see the wreath up close.

Below, you'll find easy instructions to make one of your own, plus a cookie recipe you can use for the treats. It'd be just as sweet to fill the little bags with jelly beans, conversation hearts or chocolate kisses too!

To make the wreath:
You'll need to choose...

• two fabrics
• two 1" wide ribbons
• one 5/8" wide ribbon

Tear each fabric piece into about twenty-four 1-1/2" x 6" lengths.  Next, cut each ribbon into twenty-four 6" lengths.

Use needle-nose pliers to pull a coat hanger into an oval shape, as shown at right. 

 

Then form the hanger into a heart shape, cutting off the top of the hanger with wire cutters. See photo at left for details.

 

Tie the fabric and ribbon lengths around the wire wreath. Next, use the 1/4" wide ribbon to tie small cellophane bags of cookies or treats onto the wreath. Lastly, add a ribbon hanger to the top of the wreath. That's it!

Use your favorite cookie recipe for the treats or fill those bags with whatever you like. Here's a bonus recipe from our Cookbook of the Week, Fast-Fix Meals!

Choco-Berry Cookie Drops
Thanks to Edward Smulski of Lyons, Illinois!

18-1/4 oz. pkg. devil's food cake mix
1/2 c. oil
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. white chocolate chips
1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 t. vanilla extract
1/2 c. raspberry jam

Blend dry cake mix, oil and eggs together until well mixed. Add chocolate chips, vanilla and jam; blend well. Drop by half-teaspoonfuls onto lightly greased baking sheets, leaving room for cookies to expand. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 to 10 minutes. Makes 7 to 8 dozen.

 

Want to share these goodies with someone sweet?
Just click the button below!

Welcome Back, Links We Love!

You may remember the Links We Love series that started last summer. Well, we loved sharing these great finds so much, we're bringing it back for one Friday each month, starting today!

First up is one of our favorite sources of inspiration...

How About Orange!

Jessica Jones is the voice behind this super-creative blog. In her non-blogging hours, she works as a designer and makes really neat fabric and ribbon.

The link we're sharing today is just in time for Valentine's decorating...we LOVE this pretty heart garland!

 

Simply cut hearts from fabric in graduated sizes, spray with fabric stiffener and sew together to make your own sweet hearts. Jess features more complete instructions...so clever!

 

 

 

 

Jess recommends running thread through the back heart to make the garland...we think they'd look pretty strung on ribbon too, using a dab of fabric glue to secure.

 

Well, we have OUR weekend project! Want to make one too? Be sure to come back and share a link. We'd love to see 'em!

While you're at it, add How About Orange to your list of blogs to visit often. Jess always has something cute and clever going on!

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Have a great link you've found - whether a blog or another website?
Send it our way or post it in the comments below.
We'd love to hear what strikes your fancy!

 

Pass on this Link We Love...it's too good not to share!

Ready for Some Friday Fun?

Remember last week, when we said that Fridays were our new fun day?

Today kicks it off! We're excited to announce...

One Friday a month, we'll share one (or a few) crafty ideas from our stash or that we've found elsewhere. This week, we're sharing three projects perfect for these winter months...simple and outdoorsy, they're easy too!

 

 

Whip up these fragrant fir snowflakes with just a little wire and a donation from a tree near you. We love the idea of decorating with natural materials and these would smell so good too, wouldn't they?

Click here for complete instructions from Sunset!

 

 

 

This pretty pine cone garland is made from ribbon, screw hooks and, of course, pine cones...it's simple but oh-so pretty.

Click here to see how to make it from Tig & Thistle!

 

 

These outdoor ice ornaments are so cheery, especially hung on a snowy branch. The birds will love the cranberries and other goodies that'll fall out on sunny days too!

Easy instructions can be found here from Everyday Art!

 

We hope you found something here to spark your creativity.
Tune in next week for even more Friday Fun!

Have a great idea YOU'VE found or, better yet, that you made yourself?
Share your links in the comments!

Share the crafty goodness with this handy button!

Get Crafty for New Year's Eve!

If you're planning on toasting the new year
a few days from now, these painted glasses
are an easy way to add a touch of creativity
to your get-together!

This crafty idea appears in our cookbook,
Seasons for Sharing...a title that's just
bursting with ideas for celebrating all
year 'round.

Colorful Painted Stemware

Create an instant party atmosphere when you
set the table with these beautiful painted glasses.

newspaper
drinking glasses
star-shaped stickers
wooden craft stick
etching cream
gold or silver paint pens
2 pkgs. craft jewels
super-strength glue

Spread newspaper over work surface. Wash and dry glasses thoroughly; arrange on newspaper. Apply stickers to prevent etching cream from reaching glass and to create a star design. Use craft stick to apply etching cream to glass; let dry 10 minutes then rinse with warm water. Remove stickers and outline star shapes with paint pens. Using a dab of glue, apply jewels inside each star. Glasses should be washed by hand.

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Want an idea that's so easy, even the kids can help?
Check out this tutorial for festive New Year's Eve poppers
shared by Marie at Make & Takes!

Super fun and quick to make too!

Email, Facebook, Twitter or just print to keep...it's easy with the button below.

Crafty Christmas Links this Friday!

Looking for a little inspiration this Friday? We were too, so we turned to
our handy list of Links We Love to see what they had going on!

Little Birdie Secrets shows you how to make a wreath of stars
from scrapbook paper...so clever!

 

Over at the Purl Bee, they're sharing how to craft this pretty garland from felt...
wouldn't it be pretty in place of ribbon on a package?

 

Rachel of Small Notebook shows how the simplest decorations are just as festive!

Marie at Make & Takes hosted Little Birdie Secrets and they shared
another great idea...so pretty and keeps the cards from falling off the mantel too!

Jessica at Running with Scissors posted an amazing shortcut to make
those scrappy stockings we love.

A little felt, a few stitches...simple ornaments so easy, the kids can help.
Thanks, Sew Mama Sew!

Want to make something yummy to celebrate? Callie at Make It Do has
an easy treat that's just right for giving and snacking too!

 

With her Nana's recipe for Nuts and Bolts, Shannon at Luvin the Mommyhood
has a new spin on a traditional favorite.

 

Also from Make & Takes, Hot Chocolate on a Stick. We're not sure
they'd ever make it out of our kitchens to GIVE, but just in case
you have more willpower than we do, give 'em a try.

Vanessa of Little Big Girl Studio whipped up this little tote for giving...
any kiddo on your list would love it!

Make a more grown-up tote bag with this easy idea posted by Christy
of ...from gltter to gumdrops. Love it!

 

Still looking for inspiration?

Check out the entire handmade gift collection at
Skip to My Lou...Cindy is amazing.

 

Special thanks to ALL of our Links We Love. Whenever we're looking for
a little inspiration to spark our creativity, you're where we start!

Pass our crafty Christmas links on to a friend with the handy button below!

Handmade & Heartfelt Gift Ideas

With ten more days until Christmas Eve, we're thinking about handmade gifts. Setting aside some time to make a heartfelt present is a fun way of expressing creativity and can even be therapeutic!

We've gathered a few of our favorite gift ideas you can make for the special people on your list. No need to fret if you don't consider yourself very crafty...we have oh-so-simple ideas for you, too! And if you don't have the time right now, after the holidays, you can get a head-start on next year's presents!

    

Make a holiday memory tray! Paint a wooden  tray with craft paint. When dry, arrange cut-outs from favorite photos and Christmas cards on the tray. Glue them in place using découpage medium, then brush another layer or two over top and sprinkle with glitter.

 

A button bookmark makes a sweet gift for any book lover on your gift list. Stitch buttons of different sizes onto a satin ribbon, then unravel and knot the ends to create a fringe.

  

 Appliqué Tote

- canvas tote bag
- wax paper
- 4 to 6  5-inch sqs. cotton fabric
- pinking shears
- fabric glue
- sewing needle and thread
- buttons, beads, charms, other embellishments

Lay tote bag out flat; tuck sheets of wax paper inside tote bag to prevent glue from soaking through. Use pinking shears to cut a decorative edge around each fabric square. Arrange squares on tote as desired; attach with fabric glue. Let dry; discard wax paper. Use needle and thread to attach embellishments as desired.

Make hot cocoa cones...a welcome gift to send to college students! Just fill disposable frosting bags (found in the cake decorating aisle of your craft store) 2/3 full with hot cocoa mix. Add a layer of mini marshmallows, chocolate chips or even crushed candy canes and close with a twist tie.

 

Cheery Stamped Bulletin Board

- craft glue
- 8 to 10 round craft buttons
- 8 to 10 flat silver thumbtacks
- flower rubber stamps
- stamp pads in coordinating colors
- 24"x18" bulletin board
- yellow gingham ribbon

Glue buttons to the flat surface of thumbtacks; set aside. Stamp the flower stamps in stamp pads and stamp 8 to 10 images on bulletin board in desired pattern; allow to dry completely. Add button thumbtacks to the center of each flower. Glue gingham ribbon around the edges of the bulletin board.

 

A sweet sewing jar is a speedy gift perfect for a crafty friend! Fill a Mason jar with vintage buttons, mini thread spools and other sewing notions. Top the lid with batting and a circle of homespun, add a few pearl headed pins and it’s ready to give. She’ll love it!

Want to share these handmade gift ideas with a friend? Just click a button below!

Breathing Creatively this Friday!

We met this week's Featured Friday blogger back before there even WERE such things as blogs!

Elizabeth was a member of our Gooseberry Patch family years ago and we were fortunate to have her as part of our sales team while we did. Not only does she posses a genuine friendliness that every customer deserves, her sunny personality makes her a joy to work with as well.

Did we mention that she also makes the most picture-perfect cookies? All this time later, they're still legendary around our office.

So, when we happened upon Elizabeth's blog, we were simply delighted. Not at all surprised by how darling everything was, we have had such fun following her crafty adventures. 

We're so happy to introduce you to...

Creative Breathing!
(Also known as Bluebird Papercrafts.)

We asked Elizabeth to share a little background with the readers of our blog...here's what she had to say.

Tell us a little about yourself, your family and where you live.

I live in the most charming college town of Delaware, nestled along a central river in the Heart of Ohio. I live here with my husband of 32 years and one very large white puppy who has come home to our previously empty nest with our youngest daughter. She has an older brother recently married who took his pets with him when he left home.

What originally inspired you to start blogging?

When my nest emptied, I found the need to fill the quietness that filled my home. An article read about Alicia Paulson and her blog Posy Gets Cozy led me to begin my own.

Empty or not, it looks like a cozy nest to us!

 What's the best thing to happen because of your blog?

A love of crafting always kept secret, I was so surprised to find a community of women just like myself. A place to say “cute” many times a day without a second glance. A chance to learn and be inspired and to give back in return. An opportunity to make new friends.

 

Your papercrafts are inspiring to say the least...what draws you to vintage art and patterns? Where do you find inspiration?

An old-fashioned person to the very core, I was immediately drawn to vintage greeting cards often shared. Memories called to mind of my own childhood, a perfect opportunity to use them to tell the stories of my life. Their simple images became the basis for designing and making my own patterns to create the most wonderful craft room creations ever!

Find Elizabeth's pattern for this sweet pennyrug here.

From your time working with us as Gooseberry Patch, we know that you're not only a gifted artist but a fantastic baker. Care to share a favorite recipe?

A favorite way to bring a smile to friends and family is to present them with cookies they have come to love. Gingerbread Men like none you have ever tasted, are my most favorite ones to bake. Soft and chewy, you will not be able to have just one.

GINGERBREAD MEN

CREAM: 1 c. shortening, 1 c. sugar, 1 egg
ADD: 1 c. light molasses, 2 T. vinegar
ADD: 4 c. flour, 1-1/2 t. baking soda, 1/2 t. salt, 2-1/2 t. ginger, 1 t. cinnamon
DIVIDE: dough into two equal portions, wrap in cellophane.
CHILL: 3 hours. Bring dough to nearly room temperature.
ROLL OUT: on well floured surface 1/8” thick.
DIP: Cookie cutters into flour, cut shapes. Place directly onto shiny aluminum baking sheet.
BAKE: at 375 degrees 6-8 minutes ONLY. Remove to counter surface to cool.
DECORATE: purchased tube icing, currants for eyes, red candies for buttons.
Sprinkle with additional sugar after each cookie made

Aside from family and friends, what are 5 things you just can't live without?
 
My crafting philosophy and the one I share on my blog is, “Use What’s on Hand”, but the five things I could not live without while breathing creatively are my trusty glue gun, pinking scissors, silver glitter, Pop Dots, and white paper flowers. White goes with everything when all else fails.

Follow along Elizabeth's tutorial and
make your own snowman like this!

Tell us something that no one would guess about you.

No one knows that I have a beautiful craft room and that I love to create vintage inspired art. The chance to share this on my blog, is very meaningful to my life. It is a most happy place to be!

Wow...what a fun place to spend your creative hours!
Click here to see more photos of Elizabeth's craft room.

Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Elizabeth. It's so good to be back in touch after all this time and to introduce our blog readers to such a wholly creative soul. All our best.

There's so much cuteness on Elizabeth's blog, we just have to share some more photos here...

Puppy Patrol!

Pom-pom friends!

Christmas crafts!

Pay Creative Breathing a visit today and find yourself filled with inspiration and happiness...we sure did.

Share a creative breath with a friend...use our button below!

Craft these Sweet Gift Bags!

Looking for a way to add a handmade touch to any gift? These simple felt gift bags are a perfect fit. Make them in your favorite colors and dress them up with any fun trim you happen to have in the craft room...with these basic instructions, the possibilities are endless!

Felt Gift Bags

- wool felt (1/3 yard will make any of the bags)
- clear nylon thread
- trims (we used ribbon, rickrack, yarn, embroidery floss, 11/2" dia. self-covered button and felt scraps)

Match wrong sides and use a 1/4" seam allowance.

1. For the brown bag, cut a 9"x20" felt piece. Attach red felt circles to the top half of the brown felt piece with yarn Cross Stitches (diagram below). Layer and sew ribbon and rickrack above the circles. Fold the felt in half and sew the sides together. Pinch the bottom corners and sew across each corner 3/4" from the points. Trim the excess felt from the corners.

2. For the tan bag, cut a 7"x23" felt piece. Mark 23/4" from the corners along one short end. Mark 4" from these corners along the long edges. Connect the marks and cut along the drawn lines to form the bag flap. Layer and sew ribbon and rickrack to the felt about 61/2" from the other end. Fold this end up 9" and sew the sides together. Pinch the bottom corners and sew across each corner 3/4" from the points. Trim the excess felt from the corners. Using yarn, sew a 21/2" diameter brown felt circle to the flap with a Straight Stitch (diagram below) six-point snowflake.

3. For the cream bag, cut an 81/2"x30" felt piece. Mark 11/2" in from the left corner along one end; mark 6" down from the right corner of that same end. Connect the marks and cut along the drawn line to form the bag flap. Layer and sew rickrack and ribbon to the flap edge. Fold the opposite short end up 101/2" and sew the sides together. Pinch the bottom corners and sew across each corner 3/4" from the points. Trim the excess felt from the corners. Work a 11/4" diameter Straight Stitch six-point snowflake with floss on a felt scrap; cover the button. Cut a buttonhole in the bag flap; sew the button to the bag under the flap.

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Cross Stitch
Bring the needle up at 1 and go down at 2. Come up at 3 and go down at 4.

 

 

 Straight Stitch
Bring the needle up at 1 and go down at 2.

Visit the Nest this Friday!

 

 

Okay, we admit it. We can't stop thinking about Christmas crafts these days. It's just the beginning of December and already we're on the lookout for great ideas for gifts, decorating, you name it.

Lucky for us, one of our favorite bloggers is also a really talented crafter...and she loves Christmas! You can guess why we picked her for this week's Featured Friday, right? We know your creativity will be sparked when you visit...

 

The Robin's Nest!

We asked Robin to share a little about herself, her favorite season and her inspiration for all those great ideas. Here's what she had to say...

Tell us a little about yourself, your family and where you live.

I am a country girl at heart though I'm living in the city of Seattle. I've been married to my best friend Tim for a long long time. We just became empty nesters after raising what he likes to call a quiver full of children. Our nest didn't stay empty too long, we have been blessed with 3 of the cutest grandchildren on earth.




What originally inspired you to start blogging?

My love of photography and crafts. I wanted to share my world with others and blogging just seemed like the perfect way to go about it. Well, that AND pure boredom!

Your blog is full of such great crafty inspiration. How did you get started and how do you stay inspired?

Not only did I come from a long line of crafters- I also taught crafts at the church I grew up in. I loved seeing the ladies faces light up when they realized that they too could be creative. My mind just never stops thinking of crafts-I often dream of ideas! I stay inspired by knowing that the decor I see in catalogs and magazines I can make for a fraction of the cost with just a little know how and lots of tweaking.

5 generations of crafters!
 

We know that this is your favorite time of year, being a Christmas enthusiast! Can you share some of your decorating and crafty plans for the season?

I laugh that I've been dubbed by other bloggers as a Christmas enthusiast. But it is true, it's my favorite holiday! My favorite thing to do each year before Thanksgiving is to put up a live tree right outside our dining room window. I decorate it with berries, special bird food ornaments and peanut garland. The birds and squirrels love it and it's a great conversation piece for my Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner guests.

Love this idea! (Click to see bigger.)

My crafty plans for this year will be recreating a snow scene in my home. This year I am straying away from my traditional decorating and going a bit more whimsical and adding a snowman to the scene for the grandkids.

 

 Care to share a favorite project from your blog?

I'm pretty crazy about chalkboard paint. Here are two easy projects that I've created: Chalkboard Clay Pots (shown below) and Chalkboard Gift Boxes.

Aside from family and friends, what are 5 things you just can't live without?

God, laughter, coffee, chocolate and being in the great outdoors. Pretty much in that order though I was tempted to change the laughter and coffee around!

Robin, husband Tim & granddaughter Noelle

Tell us something that no one would guess about you.

For fun I like to target practice with a variety of guns. My husband and love to compete against each other with shotguns, rifles and pistols. It's a great stress reliever that I highly recommend.

Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Robin...and thanks for being such a great crafty inspiration, especially at this time of year!

Something that Robin barely mentioned was her love of photography, something that you'll see on your first visit to The Robin's Nest! Super talented with a camera, her hummingbird photos are some of our favorites...

Want to share Robin's crafty inspiration and photos? Click that button!

A Crafty Idea for the Season!

Say thanks to your Thanksgiving hostess with a set of these stitched coasters...they're a sweet way to treat yourself too!

Sweetly Stitched Felt Coaster

From our book, Recipes for Saying Thanks...get yours before they're gone! 

4  8-1/2"x11" pieces of craft felt
    in coordinating colors
Straight-edge or decorative-edge
    scissors
Craft glue
Foam brush
Embroidery floss in matching
    or complementary colors
Embroidery or other large-eye needle
Optional: buttons, rick rack or
    other embellishment

Cut two 4"x4" squares for each coaster; one will be the top and one will be the bottom. Add enough water to craft glue to make it spreadable with foam brush. Brush on one square and press the other onto it, taking care to line up edges. Once dry, trim edges so that they’re even. Cut out an embellishment using our templates or cutting your own freehand shapes. Glue onto coaster using thinned craft glue. Add additional embellishments if desired. Once dry, stitch a running stitch around the four sides of the coaster and around the edge of your embellishment. Repeat with additional materials to make a set of 4 coasters.

Share this idea in lots of ways...email, Facebook, however you like!

File in Style!

Feeling crafty? Whip up some of these decorative file folders and file in style! You can find them in our craft booklet, Gifts to Share and they're so easy to make.

Use double-stick tape to adhere a 4" wide strip of scrapbook paper to the inside back of each folder; then, trim around the tab and top edge of the folder. Adhere an alphabet sticker to the tab.

Cut a sheet of scrapbook paper 1/2" smaller on each side than folder front; center and tape to folder. Machine stitch around the paper edge in a random pattern.

Embellish the folder front with flowers, circles, frames and other designs punched from scrapbook paper. Use alphabet stickers to add a title to each folder.

So easy to personalize...make some for you and some for a friend!

Want to share this idea with your friends in an email, on Facebook or on Twitter? Click the share button below!

This Friday's Link We Love!

You know how sometimes, you're just clicking around looking for a little inspiration and, all of a sudden, with just one click, you find yourself swimming in a sea of good stuff? Isn't that the best?!

That's exactly how we felt when we stumbled upon today's Link We Love. We're so excited to feature...

Make it Do!

Written by Calli, whose fresh & friendly voice we really enjoy, it's all about "turning lemons into lemonade."

And, like so many of our Links We Love, Make it Do is much more than a blog. Think of it as a destination for recipes, crafty ideas, party inspiration, cleaning tips...you name it.

The helpful tabs across the top will help you get around while you're there...click on cook it for yummy recipes like Lip Smackin' Peanut Butter Bars, pictured at right.

Or, a recipe from her husband, Drew's World Famous Chili. It's a tradition around this time of year...we'd eat a bowl anytime!

Click sew it or make it for projects like this easy-to-make Rise and Shine Dishtowel.

Calli's kids do section includes easy ideas for the little people in your life and her make it a party section provides great economical ideas for celebrating special days.

There's a whole selection of helpful tutorials too...like this one for a pretty ribbon flower, shown at left!

So much goodness squeezed into one spot on the web...bookmark this one ASAP.

Calli, your creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness are all inspiring...thanks so much for sharing your great ideas with us.

Visit Make it Do today and see how YOU can make do too!

(Grab a button while you're at it!)

A Sweet Link for You!

Warning: this week's Link We Love could lead to spending more time blog-reading than you planned. Maybe it's just us, but we absolutely got LOST looking at all of Jessie's photos, projects, ideas and just plain ol' inspiration!

If you're not already acquainted, let us introduce you to...

Sweet Jessie!

We were drawn in by this post about turning scraps into tiny pennants and cupcake flags...

...but then, there were the printable goodies, the tutorials, the vintage embroidery transfers (like this one, this one and this one) and that doesn't even begin to cover the goodness!

There's a step-by-step project for making a clever inspiration board from some fabric, an embroidery hoop, cork and some well-placed glue...

 

...and her easy instructions for making a sweet scalloped garland like this one!

It's no wonder this work-at-home momma has been tapped to contribute to these awesome crafty books! If all these links don't convince you to visit ASAP, maybe her shop full of cuteness will do the trick.

Thanks, Jessie, for such a bright and playful place to visit...and stay awhile. Your love for what you do (besides the dishes) really shows!

Spend some time with Sweet Jessie...we know you'll enjoy it!

Something Every Kitchen Needs!

This week's Link We Love comes from a newly discovered blog,
Little Big Girl Studio!

Vanessa is the voice behind this crafty blog and she's come a long way from "dabbling in sewing back in high school." Take a look at the project we're featuring today...

With a spot for everything you need in the kitchen, you could use this organizer for so much more than menus. Fill yours with coupons, grocery lists, school schedules, recipe cards, cards to send...need we go on?

There are even magnets on the back so it can live on your fridge, right where you need it!

Ready to make your own? Vanessa gives complete instructions and shows you how to make one with her step-by-step photos.

Wouldn't it make a thoughtful housewarming or bridal shower gift? Love it.

Thanks for such an inspiring idea, Vanessa. We can't wait to see what you come up with next!

Spend some time clicking around LBG Studio and visit her shop on Etsy for even more goodies...find her on Facebook too!

An Easy Craft for Fall!

Along with sweet memories of fall and a cornucopia of delicious recipes, our new cookbook, Homemade Harvest, features a chapter of crafts you can make for your home or give as gifts. Here's a great idea for decorating your table…you can even add extra personality with coordinating buttons and fabric yo-yo's! 

1 to 2 yds. burlap
fabric scraps
scissors
straight pins
double-sided fusible
    webbing
iron and ironing board

Place burlap on table, cutting so it covers the middle third of the table. If desired, fray the edges by gently pulling away 1/2 inch of burlap, one strand at a time. Pin fabric scraps to fusible webbing and cut into pumpkin or leaf shapes, or letters to create a monogram. Arrange shapes on the burlap, fusible webbing-side down. Carefully remove the pins, keeping the fabric and webbing together. Following the fusible webbing manufacturer's instructions, use a warm iron to adhere the webbing to the pieces of burlap.

We'd love to hear how you decorate your table when Autumn arrives!

Buzz Over to the Bee!

This week's Link We Love is a blog that we've loved for years...it's one of the best spots we've found for tutorials, instruction, inspiration and even crafty supplies. Once you've visited this gem today, we know you'll want to go back often!

The Purl Bee!

This blog is written by the creative ladies of a New York store called Purl Soho. There you can peruse their huge selection of all things crafty, from soft wool felt in every color imaginable to hand-spun cashmere yarn. Their store is definitely one where we could spend an afternoon or two! Lucky for us (and you!) their goodies can be purchased online...in fact, that's where you can find everything needed to make today's featured project...

An Apple Picking Tote!

Isn't is lovely? Made of sturdy-but-soft linen with a touch of color on the handles, it's the perfect companion for the orchard, the library or even the market! Click here to get the complete (and easy!) instructions to make your own.

Still in a summer state of mind?
Check out these sweet citrus potholders or these plump strawberry pillows!

When you visit The Purl Bee, be sure to check out both the right and left sidebars too! Packed with  projects, archives, tutorials and every category under the sun, they can point you toward whatever strikes your fancy today.

We know you'll love the time you spend at The Purl Bee and, if you whip up one of these great totes (or any of their other projects) be sure to let us know...we'd love to see how it turned out!

Wanna Hear a Secret?

This week's Link We Love is full of great secrets we don't mind sharing! Born of the "crafting obsession" of three friends, Little Birdie Secrets is a blog brimming with great ideas, crafty tips & hints and links to fantastic projects you'll love trying.

The post we're featuring today is called Bookmark Bonanza and it's just that...a collection of great bookmark ideas. Whip them up for your book club, favorite teachers or just treat yourself to an easy and fun craft project!

Here are just a few of the great ideas at Little Birdie Secrets...

Visit their blog for complete instructions...endless inspiration and bookmarks are just the start. We know you'll enjoy clicking around Little Birdie Secrets as much as we do...you can find them on Facebook as well!

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