the right package

Packaging is so important.  It really does more than just contain whatever is inside, it showcases it and grabs your attention so that you want to open it and see what’s inside.  Here is a great example of good packaging that I found here.

Kusudama Paper Flowers

These are too cool!  They are so clean and crisp looking… find the complete how-to at Folding Trees: Part 1 and Part 2

Recycled paper flowers | From Maya*Made

Here is another fun and easy way to transform that scrap paper into something fabulous!  You can get the complete how-to over at maya*made.

DIY: Eco-packaging

I stumbled across this the other day and simply fell in love with the idea!  Mandi at Here’s Looking At Me Kid shares a fabulous way to stay green and creative while shipping products or gifts through the mail.  The full how-to can be found here at A Beautiful Mess, but basically you just use a paper bag and stitch it closed.  The great thing is that you can decorate it as you wish!  It’s also a great way to save some cash.  I love this idea so much, I’m going to adopt it!  I actually have a similar idea that I’ve been actively using for about 8 years now.  I’ll post a DIY on that soon!  Thanks Mandi!

Images via A Beautiful Mess

Rolling in the GREEN

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, I gathered up a few GREEN handmade items to share with you.  Be sure to wear your green today so you don’t get PINCHED!

1. “All Buttoned Up” from Chickiedee
2. “Green Robots” pencil case from Sewfriendzy on Etsy
3. “Henry” from wiggletiggy on Etsy
4. “Frankie” from Chickiedee
5. “Emerald Polkadot Hand Knit Hat” Deusprovidebit on Etsy
6. “That Did Feel Good” from Monkey Chow on Etsy
7. “Natural Forest Silhouette” from CritterJitters on Etsy
8. “Android Pillow” from Craftsquatch on Ets0

Twinkie Chan and her CUTE Scarves

I stumbled across Twinkie Chan’s blog a couple of months ago and instantly fell in love with her colorful and quirky style!  Her tattoos are so bright and great and I especially love her CUTE scarves!  Here are a few of my favorites…

bunnies

These little white bunnies are too cute not to share!  You can find them on Etsy from One Gift One World.

5 Easter DIY Projects

Oh, boy did I find some great Easter DIY Projects for you!

1.  Homemade Marshmallow Peeps at twig & thistle
2.  Grow your own Easter Grass with Ecoki
3.  Fabric Easter Basket at Moda Bakeshop
4.  Easter Bunny Cake Pops with Bakerella
5.  Ribbon Wrapped Easter Eggs at Woman’s Day

DIY Tree Stump Trivet

I just love trivets of all kinds; small, big, round, square, and of course unique!  This cute little Tree Stump Trivet is one of the cutest I’ve seen in a long time, too.  The best part is, that you can make one yourself, because Martha Stewart shows you how!  It does indeed take a fair amount of felt strips, but it’s worth it!  This would be a perfect touch to a woodland-themed tea party!

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Dog Treats

I just love anything homemade and I love when you can make things for your pets, too!  Like me, I’m sure your pets are an extremely important part of your family, so why not treat them to something special like this?!  Our little Tucker Bean is turning 1 year old on Saturday and I was thinking of inviting everyone and their canine friends to the dog park for a little get-together!  Wouldn’t these treats be great in little ‘doggie bags?’ We celebrated Frankie, Angel and Dimitri’s 1 year birthday last year with a shindig at our place, so we thought we’d mix it up this year.
You can find the complete recipe and instructions over at Shared Sugar.  My mom and I simply love that site, because they share all sorts of yummies for everyone!  When you get a moment, browse their site and see what you can bake up tonight!  Enjoy!