Flowers Anytime!

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My inner craft diva has reared her head and insisted that I share this idea! While trolling some of my favorite craft blogs, I stumbled across these fabric flowers and my brain cells lit up like fireworks! So many things you can do with these wonderful little blooms... Here are some of my initial thoughts.

Add a Pin...

Simply add a safety pin, or even a bobby pin, to the back of a flower and you have a whimsical accessory for your outfit. The really fun part is that with so many fabric selections available, you can make your own garden of these flowers to coordinate with any style and/or color scheme in your closet.

Craft Accents...

It also occurred to me that since these are a handmade item with the luxury of personalization, you could create a variety of flowers in varied sizes. My initial idea was to then add these flowers to an throw pillow for some three-dimensional accents. 

Book Worms...

I have noticed a recent rally of book reading among my friends and thought it might be fun to attach one of these flowers to a bookmark to create a truly girlish highlight and combat those nerdy stereotypes!

As more floral thoughts pop into my brain, I will be sure to add them to the list. Feel free to share your ideas, too!

Send a Message

I  must admit that I have become a bit obsessed with these mugs! The idea is so simple and versatile that my brain has been coming up with all sorts of ways that it could be used - even when I try to turn it off! As a last attempt to get my mind re-focused I thought that I would make a list of these ideas in case they might be useful to someone else! Here goes...

Stand Alone Gift Item

Since this is such a clever idea and can be customized before gifting, it really can stand alone as a great present. Simply add a message or favorite quote that your friend will appreciate and you have a unique, yet useful gift item.

Gift Bundle

It just so happens that I have a few friends with a fondness for tea and coffee. For those with a little bigger gift budget, add a few beans or exotic tea leaves with some coordinating items (honey, flavored syrups, stain removal wipes for any beverage mishaps, etc) to your messaged mug to create a lovely little gift package.

Invitation Mug/ Party Favors

Event invitations and party favors have progressively become more and more creative in their selections. For the person with a fabulous party budget, these mugs could be a great invitation and/or favor item with personalized messages or event details added for customization. Forget the candied almonds that send people to the Dentist... this is a gift they may actually use again!

Gift for the Troops

It might be some residual emotion from the holiday season, but I also started thinking about the organizations that allow you to send care packages to the troops. (Disclaimer note: I have not yet investigated the do and do not list of items...) How fun would it be to send them a postcard mug with a message of thanks and maybe even your city and state so they know its city of origin?

Teacher Gifts

I realize that teachers have mug collections that could rival the shelves of Goodwill, but IF you know that your child's teacher enjoys their warm beverages, this might be an exception to the rule of "no more mugs". How could they resist a personal message from one of their students?!

I suspect that in spite of this idea download my brain will continue to come up with ideas. Anything useful or even mildly interesting will get added as an update... just in case you can use it! Of course, if you think of any ideas I would LOVE to hear them!

Tag It!

With Thanksgiving marked off the holiday check list, it's time to step up and prepare for the mother of all holidays... Christmas! As with most things, my DIY gene is waking up with renewed energy and I am constantly finding projects making my "I wish that I had time" list even longer. Fortunately, my practicality kicked in and I have been adjusting my list to pair creative projects with necessary gift giving items. 

This week's project... Gift Tags! 

Wanting a little more than the cute options in the shops, but a little less than a full blown craft project, I met in the middle and found some fun options that can be completed with three simple steps - 

1) Print 

2) Cut 

3) Add to Gift.

Since it is the season of giving, I thought perhaps it would be best to share these finds... Happy gifting!

Slightly Modern Version of Classic Tag

Contemporary Style for a Touch of Sass...

Perfect Tag for Edible Gifts!

Stylish and Sleek

Slightly odd, but still festive...