Super Easy Gift Bag Re-Do

Yeah... so, that was about as good of a comeback as, say, New Kids on the Block.  Ohwell.  Take #357!

I'll just cut to the chase with this one. I have a closet full of gift bags. Yet somehow, I needed -- and couldn't find in my stash -- two gift bags for two little girls' birthday gifts.  To keep the hubs from saying "I TOLD you we needed gift bags while at Target," I decided to just re-do a couple that I had on hand. And it took less than 10 minutes, using stuff I already had.

I grabbed two bags, paper flowers and rhinestones that I had from an unfinished project.

I only needed to cover up an old tag that I couldn't get to peel off, otherwise the bags were in great shape.

Since my craft glue was dried up (of course), I simply stapled the flowers on...

Then added a rhinestone to the center of each flower to cover up the staples.

Not too shabby, huh?  Then I did the same for bag #2.

I made individual tags by cutting out each girl's initial using scrapbook paper, then tying to each bag.

Definitely a pretty way to save a few bucks!  And, hopefully it won't be another month before I post again ;)

Holy Flower, Batman!

Awhile back, I posted my Wish List of flower pins that I've been drooling over, including this beauty from Anthropologie.

So, I bought it, without paying any attention to its size dimensions. When I got the package, I was super excited. Then I saw it. It's GINORMOUS. Seriously, it swallows my palm, and it's way more ruffly than I expected.

There's no way I can use it with the hair pin, and it even looks clownish pinned to a cardi. I thought about returning it, but I just l-o-v-e the coral color. So, I ransacked my closet, thinking maybe I could pin it to a cute black top or summer dress. Then I spotted my sad heap of purses and bags ... do you see where I'm going with this? Yep, exactly, I pinned it to a bag. I wish I was a better photographer {I blame the lighting?}, but it looks soo cute on my woven turquoise bag ...

I even like it on this Lands End bag my mom gave me last year.

Guess it's a keeper!

There's No Place Like Home

We have a spare bedroom that has become quite the catch-all room. From the weight machine {aka, dust collector} to boxes of photos that I've been trying to organize for months, to clothes I can't find a place for to other odds & ends that I love but I'm not quite sure what to do with -- this room has become one where I just shut the door and forget about it for weeks.

Until this morning, when I went searching for a couple of books. As I started looking around, I realized how much I actually enjoy the things in there, and how many memories are attached to each object. Later, as I was dreaming about what color to paint our spare bathroom, I started looking at the tulip wall hanging I have up.

Sure, I bought it from Target six years ago, but it was hung in my first apartment, then in our first home after we got married, and now in our current house. I just love the clean, creamy color. And tulips? My favorite.

Sometimes I get soo caught up in the lovely things in stores and magazines, that I forget about some of my favorite things right here at home. Some that I've bought over the years, some that were gifts, others that were inherited from family.

So, I thought I would start sharing some of those things from time to time. As the old saying goes, "There's no place like home"!

Bridal Shower Napkins

I never did post the Bridal Shower napkins I did for a family friend. Her colors were red and black, so it was pretty easy to find the flowers to match. I got the cream cocktail napkins at Party City for less than $3 a package, and found the ink, flowers, and Mr. & Mrs. Stamp 1/2 off at Hobby Lobby.

I also had plenty of various-sized rhinestones leftover from other projects. I just wish I was a better photographer -- they looked waaay cuter in person!

Have a great Valentine's! {Or, as I like to call it, happy Chocolate Day!}

Wish List: Flower Brooches

Some call them pins, others call them brooches. I call them cute. Especially the flower ones that seem to be soo popular right now. Here are a few I've been craving -- wouldn't they look great adorning a sweater, headband or bag?

Blue Rosette Brooch ~ Brydferth on Etsy

Peaseblossom Posy Leather Brooch ~ Etsy

Full Bouquet Clip / Pin ~ Anthropologie

Pretty Messy Flower ~ joyshope on Etsy

Ravishing Rosette Brooch / Hair Clip ~ Etsy

the pleated poppy pins ~ Etsy

Happy Friday!

Project 1: Stinkin' Cute

Well, the week got away from me, as it usually does. But, finally, my first project! My inspiration for these napkins came from something I saw at a local bookstore. Only, they were super expensive and kind of blah.

So I thought I could do a little better. A few paper cocktail napkins, some colorful paper flowers, and a dash of smooth pearl beads and sparkling rhinestones, and viola. Stinkin' cute!

I just love the soft aquas and yellows.

I ended up making a set of 10. How perfect would they be for a baby shower, bridal shower, brunch or anniversary party? The possibilities are endless!

Sure, they're disposable. But who wouldn't want to enjoy a scrumptious cupcake or a glass of wine off one?