Pretty Rubber Stamp Decor

Now that the holidays are over, it's time to do a little sprucing up at home. While I don't have much time for crafting with my little monkey around, I absolutely love this easy Stamped Hoop project idea from Inkadinkadoo. What a fun way to create something beautiful without spending a lot of money or time on it.

Rubber stamping is one of my favorite craft techniques. Although it takes some patience and attention to detail, it is so rewarding! I love collecting stamps and playing around with inks and techniques such as flocking, embossing...you name it, I've tried it. But stamping on fabric is completely new to me. I have yet to try it and this project has inpired me to do so. How pretty are these patterns?

Plus, I love that you can transform these into a mixed media sort of project by adding on buttons or appliques, the possibilities are endless. I can't wait to get started!

A New Year, A Fresh Start

Photo via etsy.com

2011 was a good year, mainly because it was the year my husband and I welcome our first child. Our son arrived in October and ever since he has brought us so much joy and happiness (and everyone else in his life too!). It was also the year that I learned the importance of taking care of your health, was in awe of the generosity of family and friends and how wonderful marriage can be.

This morning however, brings a challenge for our little family. So while we work through this stumbling block, I will embrace the new year with hope and an energy to make it the best it can be.

I have just one resolution this year, to love and take care of my family the best way I know how. Of course there are plenty of other things I would like to resolve to do, but for right now this morning, this one resolution seems to be most important of all.

Happy New Year and here's to a positive, prosperous and creative 2012!

Simple Holiday Decor

With a newborn to take care of, it's been challenging to decorate as I usually do for the holidays. My table needed a simple centerpiece that would be festive yet easily moved, if need be.

I had purchased a few boxes of vintage ornaments from a yard sale a few years ago. I piled them into one of my favorite white bowls and I love the result! Pink, blue and silver is a modern, festive combo rather than the same old, same old red and green.

To give it a little extra sparkle, I nestled it inside of a glittered metal star wreath...I love the country chic look it adds to my little "farmhouse" style table.

My mother-in-law liked my display so much, she asked me to create one for her coffee table. She wanted more of  traditional look. I filled a gold bakset with an assortment of vintage Shiny Brite ball ornaments.

First, I lined the bottom of the basket with loads of tissue paper. Then, I used a glue dot to attach a simple green bow I had to one of the balls. I then glued the ball to the center of the tissue filled basket so it stayed put. Then I just piled in the ornaments.

Finally, my son's nursery also needed a little holiday cheer. Rather than using one of those silly tabletop fake evergreens, I decided to display one of my favorite white feather trees. I added two adorable ceramic gingerbread kids that I painted  years ago, even before I met my husband.I had no idea then that they would one day end up in my first born's nursery :)

Well, that's a quick tour of some of my holiday decorations. How are you decorating this year? What are some of your favorite displays at home?

Holiday DIY: Metallic Leaf and Wine Cork Wreath

I've been collecting wine corks for a couple of years now and have amassed quite a collection just sitting there waiting for a project. So, after seeing the photo below from the Soho Grand that Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere recently bloged about (thanks for sharing!), I decided it was time to make my own festive cork wreath.

I loved the metallic painted corks but I wanted my own twist.  I turned to my craft supplies and came upon a pack of gold Dresden leaves that I had purchased years ago at Tinsel Trading in NYC. (LOVE that shop!) If I learned anything from crafting, it's that you never know when you'll use a supply so if you truly love something, buy it!

What do you think? I love how it turned out, now if I can only decide where to hang it!

Here's a little step-by-step in case you'd like to make your own!


Step 1: Gather your supplies: recycled wine corks (you could always fill in with store bought corks from the craft store), hot glue gun, glue sticks, flat wood wreath form, gold Dresden leaves.

Step 1: Begin to hot glue each cork to your wreath form. I decided to use a flat wooden wreath form (found at Michaels) instead of Styrofoam. I find the flat shape works better with the rounded corks.  

Step 2: Continue to glue corks until the wreath is covered. If you have gaps, don't worry, you'll cover them up next! 

Step 3: After your first layer is finished, fill in any large gaps with more cork. You could do an entire second layer or just fill in as I have here. Fun tip...to personalize my wreath, most of the corks on the top layer are from local Long Island wines--they are my favorite. 

Step 4: Add embellishments. I loved the idea of using these gold leaves to embellish, but you could use anything really...faux grapes, painted leaves, or just leave your wreath as is. It is up to you!



Step 5: Hang. To hang, you can use a ribbon or attach a picture hanging clasp on the back.

Hope you enjoyed this little project. What are you crafting today?

Baby's First Christmas

Hello, hello! I am finally back to blogging after taking some time off to tend to my newborn son. Yep, that's right, Daniel Michael was born on October 22, 2011. He is so healthy and strong, the strongest 7 week old that I have ever met. Suffice it to say, my husband and I are completely in love with him. Isn't he the sweetest little boy?

He's my little holiday helper this year...well, more like holiday muse. I've been busy decorating and working on all sorts of craft projects (I'll be posting them soon!). PS...if you love his reindeer hat, check out my mom's Etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandcraftLoribelle

Having him join our family has been the biggest blessing and has made this Christmas so special. I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season. Stay tuned for some new craft projects and a speical announcement!

A Chic Halloween Table

Halloween is on my mind. But with the baby on his way, I won't be able to decorate as I normally would (I'm only 3 weeks away from my due date!) So instead, I'll indulge in a little virtual decorating. I'd love to dress up my dining table and I'm feeling black, white and sparkly this year. what do you think?

Jeweled Pumpkins

I am obsessed with these jeweled white and black pumpkins from Chasing Fireflies. The price tag is pretty hefty for these sets, so I'm determined to make them myself. Its easy enough, you can find faux pumpkins, rhinestones, metallic paint pens and sparkly leaves all at the craft store. I can't wait to get started.

Phantom Candelabra

To continue my table's black and white theme, this candelabra from Z.Gallerie is a must-have. I'd place it right in the center or, if my table were long enough, I would use two--one on each end. I'd add sparkly white tapered candles.

Venetian Lace Tray

When I spotted this beautiful tray from Rosanna, Inc., I pictured it immediately on my table. I love the subtle lace design. This would be perfect for serving all sorts of yummy Halloween treats. I really love the dessert plates too, they may have to be part of my plan for next year.

Diamond Ribbon Wrap in Black and White

Save on Crafts is always my go-to for unique, special crafts supplies---those little touches that can really take a project to the next level. This diamond ribbon does not disappoint. I would use this to decorate my faux pumpkins (above) or simply use it to tie a bow around my rolled napkins. Love this!

How about you? What does your Halloween table look like?

Nesting, a Nursery Update

Well, hello there. I haven't posted since August and have missed writing here so much. We have been busy preparing for Baby D's arrival. I learned that I could expect him sooner than his due date of 11.2.11 :)

That being said, I am in full NESTING mode. So what have we accomplished for our little one's nursery? His closets are ready, he has a brand new rug and his crib is all put together, as is his bassinett.This weekend we have lots to finish up though such as putting together his changing table, adding the bedding to the crib, installing blinds (room darkening, of course!), hanging all of his artwork and organizing all of his wonderful gifts.

I'll be sure to share my photos with you all soon, but for now, here is a quick sneak peek!

We chose an oatmeal-colored  carpet with a touch of gold in it. It's by Shaw and super soft. The dresser is from the Young America Collection by Stanley furniture and is currently holding the changing pad until we put together the changing table! Finally, the bassinet (a gift from baby's great-grandfather) is from Delta...we'll be moving it into our bedroom soon for those first few weeks he is home.

Speaking of the dresser. I'll leave you with a tiny DIY. Unfortunately, the plain painted wood knobs the dresser came with were lost (I've been holding this dresser for a couple of years) so to give it a modern update, I found simple chrome knobs at ACE hardware. At $1.19 each...I'd say this was a very cheap yet chic makeover!

I have lots more to share..stay tuned!