{ Spring Has Sprung }

It is officially spring here in the city. Life has been really busy, with us preparing to sell and the bean running around but among the chaos I can't help but think about Easter and all of the wonderful and colourful eggs that can be created. My utmost favourite decorated egg is the Ukrainian Easter Egg, but it is hard not to love them all! Here are a few of my favourites.

These eggs never fail to amaze me, so beautiful.

Image Credit + Original Post: Emeline & Annabelle Couture Cafe

Pysanky

I just love these modern neon Easter eggs, so bright and simple. A lovely addition to any Easter

or spring celebration table.

Image Credit + Post: Guest Post by Courtney of Merriment for Oh Joy

These glittered eggs are so pretty.

Image Credit + Original Post: Martha Stewart Living

These acrylic painted Easter Eggs are a new favourite! Lovely and oh so charming, these beauties would make the perfect addition to an Easter Brunch or spring celebration.

Image Credit + Original Post By: Leslie from a creative mint for decor8

{ A handmade Christmas }

This past Saturday I went to a Christmas Party (The first of the season) and it was wonderful. The company was lovely (as always) the treats were delicious, the Christmas Carols beautiful and the laughter plentiful! Every year us ladies get together and have a good old fashioned secret santa gift exchange, this year we thought it would be fun to give handmade gifts and it was! I didn't really know what to make so I hopped on Pinterest and and found a fabulous tutorial from Etsy for a ruffled decorative pillow. Although the process was quite labour intensive, I finished the pillow and was very happy with the results! I hope to make some additional handmade gifts this year, I just hope I have time. Are you making any handmade gifts this year?

{ Christmas Countdown }

Advent Calendar: Oh Happy Day

Photo Credit + Tutorial: Canadian Living

Article Family Affairs: Anthology Digital Magazine

Photo Credit: Kelly Ishikawa

Creative Advent Calendar: Oh Happy Day

Well here we are the last day of November, the Holiday season is well on its way and Christmas is less then a month a way! Every year I get an advent calendar for my hubby and I to share (its silly I know, but we've always had one so its a cute little tradition). This year instead of buying one I thought it would be fun to make one so here is a little inspiration for others who would like to countdown to Christmas with a little handmade cheer as well!

{ Oh baby }

Photo Credits + Post + Tutorial: Shadandlizzie

I am always raving about Pinterest, it is so amazing that I am slightly afraid that one day it will up and vanish only to be a faded memory of something really special. The amount of inspiration and lovliness that is found there is eye candy for any creative soul, I think that we are so lucky to be able to experience such a creative outlet, well done Pinterest! I especially love looking at things for babies, anything baby really.

Today I found such a lovely tutorial for the sweetest headbands ever! They are just so beautiful. Not only are they easy peasy to make for your little one, but they make great baby shower gifts too! The possibilities are endless.

{ I love............ }

Post: lastejeymaneje

Credits + Orignal Posts: Nature nut notes, Dottie angel, Wise craft, Designsponge

Do you remember when I chatted about how lovely mason jars are? and how they have so many uses? well today I found something a little something special via lastejeymaneje. These Crochet Jar Covers are just another way you can decorate using mason jars, a bit of yarn and a whole lot of style! I am already wondering how I can incorporate some of these into my own decor, I especially like the idea of using these darling jars as knitting needle holders.

{ I love......... Baby Leg Warmers }

Photo Credit + Tutorial: The Purl Bee

I am a huge fan of leg warmers during the fall and winter season and was over the moon when I discovered that you can get or make leg warmers for your wee one as well! Imagine the possibilities. Not only are they cute to boot but they keep your little one warm while changing diapers, make diaper changes easier, provide comfort during potty training and keep their precious knees protected when scooting about on hard floors when crawling. I can not wait to pick some of these up or to make a few for our babe.

While looking into cute knee high socks to use for my handmade baby leg warmers, and friend of mine (another mommy) suggested knitting some. Hmmmm I may just do that, thanks Elaine!

I know I am full of promises but I really am going to post the finished product, promise cross my heart.

{ Mason Jars }

Chic Home Organization

Found via Pinterest

Gold Mason Jar

Photo Credit + Post: 100layercake.com

Graphic and Sweet Invites

Photo Credit + Post: ohsobeautifulpaper.com

Wedding Center Pieces

Photo Credit + Post: The Wedding Bee

Matte Finishes

Photo Credit + Post: Decor Hacks

I think I fell in love with Mason jars before they were popular, like back in the 90's when I was crafting gifts for my mom, with objects found around our houese. But years later these little beauties are used from wedding center pieces, to home decor, to a lovely center piece for a Sunday dinner; the mason jar has become every design savvy ladies best friend, and there is no wonder why. They are simple, beautiful, they come in a variety of sizes and are easy peasey to find (take a peek in your pantry) what more could you ask for? Also there are endless possibilities for these charming jars.

After finding all of these beauties I can feel another project coming on!

{ Snowy Owl }

Photo Credit + Tutorial: Purl Bee Snowy Owl

I am sure you all know by now that I am a big fan of our feathery friends the Owl and I am always sharing tutorials I find that showcase these cuties. Today is no different this sweet Snowy Owl was found on the Purl Bee. What a wonderful project for those cool fall nights and winter days ahead!

{ Tie one on }

Photo Credit, Tutorial and Original Post: Purl Bee

Photo Credit, Tutorial and Original Post: Purl Bee

This post is for all the men out there, I came across this wonderful tutorial on the Purl Bee (one of my all time favourite craft sites) on how to make custom ties. I think this is a fun project for a crafty gal to give as a gift for that special man in her life or even as a gift for all the groomsmen in a wedding. I think ties made in a lovely fabric such as Liberty London would be just smashing!

{ Decorative Paper Lanterns }

Photo credit + Tutorial: Martha Stewart

With the first birthday of our baby girl fast approaching I've started to think about decor for the big day, even though it isn't until January I think that it is never too soon to start planning something so special. I found these beautiful decorative paper lanterns from Martha Stewart, oh Martha you always share such lovely things. These lanterns are fabulous as party decor for a birthday or wedding and as a way to dress up a room, with or without a light.

{ Gift Wrap 101 }

1. Orignal Post and Photo Credit: LoraJean'sMagazine

2. Pretty Packaging Original Post and Photo Credit: LoraJean'sMagazine

3. Grocery bag wrapping Orignal Post and Photo Credit: acreativemint

4. Fabric wrapping Orignal Post and Photo Credit: Wedfully

5. Gold Wrapping and Foil Cupcake Toppers: Post and Photo Credit: HeyLook

6. Gift Topper: Post and Photo Credit: Chatelaine

I am going to a baby shower this weekend for one of my closest friends, we met in Kindergarten and many years later we are still friends. I am over the moon about the upcoming arrival of her baby girl and can't wait to meet her. I still need to wrap her gift, and I wanted to do something special so here is a little gift wrap inspiration. I am wrapping a baby shower gift but all of these ideas can be used for any kind of celebration; birthday, wedding, or even an anniversary.

{ DIY: bunting }

Via Pinterest: Dessert Table

If you aren't on the handmade band wagon I seriously suggest you join because there is some really great stuff happening on that front. If you can dream it, you can make it or probably track someone down that does, and isn't there just something so special about handmade goods? I think so. I recently made some fabric blocks for the bean, and they aren't perfect but that is what makes them oh so special. Bunting Flags are all the rage right now, and they do look sweet over a dessert table, in a nursery or even or a bed (skies the limit folks). So in celebration of DIY here is a bunting tutorial (traditional triangles) for all you crafty friends out there and one that is a little less traditional bunting tutorial (rounded). Anything vintage is also really hot right now so why not try some vintage fabric for these projects?

{ DIY: Stuffed Toys }

Owl Stuffies: Hammerandthread

Image Credit: Hammerandthread

Soft Baby Giraffe Rattles: Lotta Jansdotter Simple Sewing for Baby

Image credit: Sparkle Power

Original Post: The Black Apple

Image Credit: The Black Apple

Black Apple Martha Stewart Tutorial: Black Apple Doll

Image Credit: Martha Stewart

After the birth of our precious little girl, I've started thinking about toys and how special and fun it would be if I were to make her some plush toys..... so more projects are officially added to my ever growing list of things to make. Here are bunch of incredibly cute soft toys to make for your little one or to give as gifts.

PS I love, love, love THE BLACK APPLE.

PPS There are many dolls on The Black Apple website to love.

{ Wedding: Favours }

Original Post: How about Orange

Image credit: How about Orange

If you are anything like me you may have a bunch of paint chip samples lying around the house from the last time you decided to paint a room. If so you are in luck because I recently came across the cutest idea of how to use up those old paint chip samples via the amazing blog How about orange. These super cute boxes would be perfect for favours for a wedding, don't you think? You could collect a whole bunch of different coloured samples to use or work within your colour palette. However you decide to use these darling boxes, I am sure they will delight your guests!

{ DIY patchwork teapot holders }

Patchwork Teapot Potholder: Originally seen on ishtar olivera

I found this great post while checking twitter this morning (I love twitter) and thought that I would share it with you. I am always looking for cute, DIY projects and this one is sweeter then ever. A patchwork teapot holder tutorial from the lovely and talented Lotta Jansdotter. They are quick and easy to make perfect for little gifts for family and friends as well as for your own kitchen! And if you do not have time to make these sweeties, but still want to gift them go here (Belart) to purchase them. Belart is a lovely etsy shop with lots of handmade goodies sure to delight.

P.S. I love fabric

{ Love your Home: Pinboard }

Photo Source + Tutorial Source: Megan Morton

What better way to love your home then to create a pinboard of all of your daily inspirations! A pinboard is great for any room in the house whether it is an office, child's room or the kitchen. Here is a fantastic tutorial on how to make a fabric covered pinboard that is as useful as it is stylish. You better believe that I will be making one of these for my workplace.

P.S I (heart) handmade

{ DIY: Sewing }

Sew, Sew, Sew. I have a wonderful sewing machine that is neatly tucked away in the nursery, and a list of projects that I am aching to work on, but can't seem to find the time as my role as wife/mom/homemaker/freelance designer/business owner takes up most of my day. But nevertheless here are a bunch of DIY sewing projects that I will get too soon, HOPEFULLY! What are you working on?

My Project List (So far....)

1) Baby booties

2) Cynthia Rowley Dress

3) Another Cynthia Rowley Dress

4) A skirt

5) A Baby Quilt

6) Emily's Memory Game

P.S as I complete each project I hope to post some photos

{ MSW Summer 2011 }

Its that time of year again Summer, and with the warmer weather and sunny days comes wedding season. I am delighted to say that the 2011 summer issue of Martha Stewart Weddings is now on sale and is a DIY issue (Design It Yourself + Do It Yourself). I just love the idea of brides using a bit of their design savvy skills and handy work to help celebrate the big day, it makes it that much more special. This issue is sure to be filled with wonderful ideas and beautiful photography. I especially like the idea of decorating a simple cake with paper posies, just lovely.

A Cookie and Milk Birthday Party

I can not believe how adorable Camden's Cookie and Milk Birthday party is, right down to the last detail! I love the whole concept from the cupcake cup streamers to the sweet aprons and monogramed t-shirts. So lovely. Such a great inspiration for a possible DIY Birthday Party. It really is in the details. To see more of this stunning Birthday celebration (+ more) and the beautiful photos by Mel Larson take a peek at Cookie Mondays (a deliciously sweet blog to boot).

Original post Cookie Mondays Photo Credits: Mel Larson

{le petit hiboux mobile}

Hi everyone, it has been a incredibly busy, but amazing week with the surprise arrival of our bundle of joy Kaisa, our little girl was born on Januray 8, 2011 6:08pm weighing 5lbs. 6oz. She has already stolen our hearts. I wanted to quickly share my labour of love. I made a baby mobile for Kaisa while she was still safely in my womb, all warm and cozy and kicking while I worked away on my trusty sewing machine.

I worked on this cute hiboux mobile in my spare time while relaxing at night with my wonderful husband Mark (who is a natural at being a dad). The design was inspired by various other mobiles that I saw, but not just one design. I wanted something modern, yet colourful owl themed and handmade. It was such a fun project, looking forward to working on some others that I have planned soon.