Thankful

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving - full of family, friends and food! I have a lot to be thankful for this year...

a husband who is "my home"
incredibly supportive parents
furbabies that always put me in a good mood
the best extended family
new friends
old friends
my blog - an outlet for my creativity
our home
the food we eat
my clothing
all of my blogging friends

What are you thankful for this year?

(Me & Mr. Designs by Vanessa)

How To: Fabric Leaf Place Cards

This mini tutorial is my poor attempt at an apology to Thanksgiving for snubbing it and going into full Christmas mode without showing the turkey the proper respect it deserves . I blame the 24/7 Christmas music on the radio and the shiny new Christmas craft supplies they put out before Halloween is even over. I'll try to hold off listening to any more Christmas songs until November 27th (today doesn't count)...

Materials

Cardstock
Fabric Leaves
Buttons
Hemp String or Yarn/Ribbon
Paper Cutter
Hole Puncher

Directions

Step 1: Determine how large you want your card tent and use your paper cutter (or scissors) to cut your card stock down to size. Fold your cardstock in half to make a card tent. If you don't feel like cutting or folding, you can always buy ready made tent cards at your local craft store.


Step 2: Punch a hole through your card tent and fabric flowers (these can be found ready made at a craft store or make your own using a leaf cookie cutter as your stencil). I have a nifty hole puncher that punches 2 long skinny squarish holes but if you don't have this type of puncher, no worries, you can punch 2 side by side holes or hand-cut 2 slits.


Step 3: Place hemp string through your holes, connecting your leaves to your card tent, and finish off with an up-cycled button.


Step 4: Enjoy your festive place card! Instead of names, I will be writing meaningful quotes on these cards and setting them around the table.


Add your Fabric Leaf Place Card photos to the Designs by Vanessa Tutorial Flickr Group.

Plans Change...

This is what I’m calling my scarf and it is actually a very fitting way to describe my life and define my personality right now. I was completely out of my element with this scarf making business. I have never made a scarf and while I possess basic sewing skills, I am in no way a master seamstress. I picked fabric and came up with a design plan that fit my personality – feminine and creative with a splash of fun.

I eagerly started working on my plan and halfway through, my sewing machine decided to stop sewing. After 15 minutes of pleading with my machine and another 15 minutes of thinking happy thoughts in an attempt to use positive thinking to get it to work, I picked up a needle and started sewing by hand (please note that I’m even worse at hand stitching than I am with my sewing machine).

My scarf took on a life of its own and when my hand got tired I decided to call it a scarflette! My scarf plans may have changed but I rolled with the punches and went with the flow. In the end I didn’t get a perfect scarf but instead I got something that was a little outside of the box but very much me!

Without further adieu, this is what I submitted to the Me, My Scarf, and I Contest. Keep your fingers crossed that I win because I could really use a new sewing machine that actually sews!

Autumn Loves

My Autumn Loves:

fall foliage
pumpkin pie
halloween candy
costumes
layering clothing
football
thanksgiving
carving pumpkins
long walks
craft fairs
hot apple cider
outdoor photography
the sound of stepping on crunchy leaves
beautiful weather
homemade tomato soup
sipping hot chocolate
scarecrows
corn on the cob
caramel apples
cool nights
breezy days
cozy wool scarves
the smell of cinnamon
the start of my favorite tv shows
the colors
baking
the balloon fiesta
preparing for christmas
living in my favorite pair of jeans

What are your autumn loves?

Secret Forest by EveldasNeverland

Flora Flat by HydraHeart

Green Oak Leaf Headband by Lupin

Brassiness

Fall is almost here (well not in sunny AZ but in most places) and I have a new line of cards and jewelry that I'm excited to show you. I'm loving the antiqued brass look at the moment, let me know what you think. I will be listing new items weekly so check back often.

Darling Swallow Necklace

Blue Jay Earrings

Pretty Birdie Cards