Pumpkin Crafts In Time For Halloween

It all started with the adorable snowflake pumpkins on Mer Mag. As soon as I saw them, I knew I would make them, lots of them.

The first Saturday in October was designated as Halloween Craft Day in my house, attended by me and my sidekick, who also loves these paper pumpkins. (I hear her counting each one and saying, "Pretty eyes, pretty mouth, pretty nose," several times a day.) We also made a wreath, dressed up some candy jars, created bunches of other toddler holiday crafts and baked cookies. It was a fun day, and, hopefully, a tradition that continues.

Here is a glimpse of our day to inspire your own pumpkin craft day. All of them are easy and require materials you probably already have, so it's not too late to decorate for Halloween!

candy jar treats from Martha Stewart
mini pumpkin wreath from The Magic Onions
paper pumpkin snowflakes from Mer Mag

some of our finished projects

• candy jars (I tied ribbon around one and taped scrapbook embellishments to the front)
• monogram pumpkin wreath (I wrapped a grapevine wreath with orange crepe paper and stuck in mini pumpkin picks. The "P" is cut from felt and is hanging from fishing line.)
• paper pumpkins (We made these from scrapbook paper following the instructions from Mer Mag.)
  

Here are three more easy pumpkin projects I'm saving for next year, although you could easily incorporate them into Thanksgiving celebrations right now.

paper lantern pumpkins from Martha Stewart
pumpkin stitched card from Make and Takes
yo-yo pumpkin from Crafter Without a Cat

Decorating With Red, White And Blue

In honor of Memorial Day, today’s inspiration board features a red, white and blue decorating scheme. Before you start imagining themed holiday celebrations, let me assure you the look is light on the stars and stripes, yet still perfectly patriotic.

With big accessories in blue and white, simple accents in red and neutral colors mixed in, this living room comes across as casual, a little country and perfect for living during the summer season.

Starting with a basic white sofa, the color palette is established with a bold striped rug and buffalo-check curtains in blue and white. Pops of red from a pillow, quilt and flower arrangement reinforce Americana style. A bamboo trunk (use two as a coffee table) brings in natural texture, while a metallic lantern and sunburst mirror add a touch of sparkle.

clockwise from top left:
Double Cube Brass lantern from Shades of Light
Cherry Wood Pole Set from Lowe's
Indigo Check fabric from Ballard Designs
Carnation centerpieces from Country Living via The Finer Things
Bamboo Lattice Storage Stool from The Container Store
Striped Braided Indoor/Outdoor Rug from Ballard Designs
PB Comfort Sofa from Pottery Barn
Patchwork Throw from Home a la Mode
Red Floral (ektorp) Neckroll from Ikea
Gold Sunburst Mirror from Target

St. Patrick's Day Ideas

Whether you're looking for Irish recipes, crafts for the kiddos or sweet treats to end the day, here are a few ideas to help you celebrate St. Patrick's Day. It's not too late!


Menu Ideas: Irish Stew from Martha Stewart; corned beef and cabbage from allrecipes.com; Irish soda bread from allrecipes.com
Craft Ideas: candy and popcorn centerpiece from JesseKate Designs; St. Pats pins from Family Fun; leprechaun hat vase from BHG
Dessert Ideas: car bomb cupcakes from Smitten Kitchen; shamrock crispy rice treats from No Time for Flashcards; Irish cream chocolate cheesecake from allrecipes.com

Give a Vintage Valentine

Remember how fun it was to exchange Valentine’s when you were younger? For me, I was just as excited to see what the cards looked like as I was to know whom they came from. That is why I love vintage-style Valentine’s. The designs are simple and the verses are silly, but they are just right for saying, “I like you,” whether you are five or 50.

Send them, frame them, recreate them, but just enjoy them. In a stack of cards covered with Hannah Montana and cartoon characters, a Valentine inspired by those from years gone by will be a welcome read.



clockwise from top left:
Vintage Valentine's (Press Out Book) by Golden Books
Valentine's: Vintage Holiday Graphics by Jim Heimann
Custom Message Vintage Valentine from VintageScraps
Sweepingly Cute Valentine from BeMyVintageValentine
Leopard Valentine at 7deadlysinners
Boxer Valentine at 7deadlysinners

Note: While the last two Valentine's are not for sale, you can use them as inspiration for finding (or making) your own vintage-inspired cards. If you want to buy in packs, Plum Party has a set of 10 classic valentine cards.

What is your best Valentine's card memory? Do you still send them out today?