Down-to-the-wire valentines

Here's a little link love to beat the Valentine's Day rush.

I did pretty good about getting my valentines out early this year, but it's a miracle. I mailed them yesterday, and I'm praying the arrive in a nice condition!!

I do wish I had seen some of these lovely projects before I had finished!

Printables

• Valentine's Day goodie bags from Twig and Thistle
• candy orchard mixed tape packageing via Chronicle Books
• cute printables on style crush
• adorable printables for sweet treats via Martha Stewart
• conversation candy wrappers on Creature Comforts

Gifts

• heart-shaped zipper pouches viathe purl bee
• rose clips via Twig and Thistle
• wire-wrapped photo holder on //Between the lines//

Handmade

• an adorable kiss-in-your-pocket flipbook fromColor Me Katie
• heart covered wax paper from Martha Stewart
• paper heart garland onHow about orange...
• stamped fabric spool message viapaper n stitch
• valentine lei from Craftzine
• doily valentines from avie designs

Sweet Treats

• edible cupcake stands from Giver's Log
• heart toothpick cupcake decorations on My Crafty Mess
• chocolate strawberry ice cream sandwiches--I can die happy-- on mint

handmade valentines to bring a smile

I think making valentines is one of my favorite parts of Valentine's Day. I've made my own cards for a few years now, and I love them more each year.

This year, I took a little inspiration from avie designs. I also got a little stamp-happy with my new stamp set, thank you Mr. Cupcake!

I had all my stuff spread out Friday and Saturday, paper scattered every where, and glue on everything. I used bits and pieces I had let over from the Christmas tree decorations. It was fun and childish, and it just makes me happy. And giving a homemade valentine makes others happy too.

I'm mailing a few out this year, and I'm going to hate putting them in the mail, but I'm hoping those hearts will pop back to life when the card comes out of the envelope!

Earring necklace from doe-c-doe

I thought this adorable and thrifty idea was too good to pass up on the reposting of this adorable redesign from doe-c-doe.

I really wish I had one of those power tools--wouldn't that be dangerous though! It would have been very helpful when I repurposed my great-grandmother's pin into a necklace.

Organization

It eludes me, but I love it none the less... I think I like the idea of organization more than the practice, but don't we all.

I especially love the idea of buying all the organizing accessories, like this. But alas, I will probably never have that much money.

I am getting started on a small crafting space in my apartment though! Yipee!! All I have right now is a bookcase, but I'll progress eventually.

I'm actually pretty proud of this bookcase. It's not the best-- just a cheapie from Target-- but I put it together, with the help of Mr. Cupcake, and I got to use a power drill. I only stripped two screws, and I didn't hit my thumb with the hammer once!

I have all my crating books together on the shelf, cupcake liners in one jar and cookie cutters in another--although it is a little small for all of them. And I'm using the cloth bins to store my fabric, scraps in one, and fat quarters and half-yards in another.

Now there is the problem of what to do with the rest of my stuff because that wasn't even half of it. Right now, a fair amount of my fabric is in a cardboard box. I also have various boxes of paper and felt and other what-nots, and I'm not sure what to put them in.

Please let me know of any good organizing tips, and I'll be sure to share with you as well!

Finished!

The snow has helped me out! I finally finished the project I have been working on... a sketchpad strap.

Instead of carrying a large portfolio for my sketchbooks, I decided to make this carrier, which is much less cumbersome, especially for someone a short as I am! I made up the pattern to be specified to my notebooks, but I'm working on a tutorial that can be adjusted to any size.

I'm really liking the way this looks, especially the retro-ish fabric, which, by the way, was a trip to sew. I'm thinking that I might add buttons over the velcro just for a little extra pop!