Halloween Cards

 

These cards were created with paper I've had on hand for years. You can use a similar shade or style of paper and achieve your own unique design. I often use punches of various sizes to capture design elements from seasonal papers, and always follow up with swipes of Stickles glitter glue (it comes in a squeezable container for easy application) to add some sparkle.

Supplies to make these cards*

Cardstock Orange or Kraft or pre-cut and folded Kraft Cards and Envelopes I use a ton of these!

Tag punch (similar here)

Oval punch (similar here)

Round punch

Lace Scallop punch (similar here and here)

Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue (Crystal)

Halloween paper (similar here and here and here and here!

*As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission on items purchased through provided links

How to Make a Christmas Tree with Books

I had a fun day at work today. I got to make a Christmas tree out of books! The job is not so bad, right?  I am more than slightly obsessed with Pinterest, which is where I got the idea. I work at a library, and it seemed like an idea that could be executed pretty inexpensively. And besides, what is more perfect than a tree out of books for the library's holiday decor?

I tried to find a tutorial to guide me but didn't have much luck. In case you'd like to make your own Christmas tree out of books, here's some tips I'll pass along.

You'll need:

• Books (of course). I used about 80.
• 2 packs of Wood shims if your tree is going to be very tall
• 3 strings of large bulb LED lights
• Tree topper (either purchased or improvised as below)

Gather your own books or find a used book store at a library. The library where I work has many books for as little as 25 cents. The titles don't really matter, you're looking for different sizes and widths. I also removed the book jackets from every book I used. I like the mix of solid colors on the covers, and the book jackets would be too busy. I also turned the books so that the pages faces out. I like the neutral  look and then you're not distracted by the titles. The large tree above used about 80 books, but you can use any amount you have.

Begin by laying out the books in a flat circle. I started with a 48" round area and placed the books like the spokes of a wheel. Don't forget to put some books in the middle, as this will be the supporting base. Don't worry if they are not perfectly level. The weight of the books keeps it rather sturdy. I also used wood shims from the hardware store (about 2 packages) to help keep the layers somewhat level.

Keep stacking and turning the books so that you get nice layered, mixed depth edges. Start each layer in the middle. I did put the heavier and larger books at the bottom, however you will need some thinner and smaller books to help even out your layers and provide support on the edges. The closer you can keep the books to each other in your layers, the sturdier the book tree will be.

You'll get to the point where three books will be all you can fit on a layer.  Line two up vertically and place another across the bottom horizontally to make a rectangle as best you can. You can use this method for many, many layers by just turning the edges of your three books to a rectangle shape a bit each time. Then you'll get down to two books, and make a square with them. Keep layering sets of two books and turning each "square" slightly for texture and interest... and balance!

I then used single books and made many layers, again turning the books so that various "points" of the books were showing. Before adding the lights, give your tree the once over and add wood shims wherever you see gaps in the book layers. These really helped my tree become a bit more sturdy.

I added the large C9 lights last, winding them rather rightly around the books all the way to the top. I used 3 stands. They're pretty cool as they are filled with tinsel. They are also LED lights and don't heat up. Not a bad idea when they're wrapped around old books in a building filled with books.

My tree topper on the top tree was that very inexpensive and cute retro star I saw in the store and blogged about the other day. I simply glued the removable base to the top book with Gorilla Glue, let it dry for 24 hours, and pushed the star into the base. It's not so pretty from this angle, but you don't see that part as the tree is up on a counter and you're looking up at it from below. I just included this next shot so you could see my glue work! Also, see how the books are turned a bit and I layered various the various colors.

I made a second tree for the Friends' bookstore and improvised with smaller lights and a small book on it's side for the topper. This one went up really fast and would be very easy to do at home. I didn't use any adhesive to hold the books together, which is nice because after the holidays, the books can go right back on your shelf undamaged.

We have a used book store operated by the Friends of the Library, an amazing group of volunteers that generously donate their time and funds raised to the library. They receive boxes and boxes of books as donations which they then sell in their shop. The group supplied me with all the books for these projects.

Have fun making your book tree... Season's Readings to You and Yours!

Linking to:
Common Ground
My Romantic Home
http://tatertotsandjello.com

Organizing & Storing Spellbinders Nestabilities Dies

Here's how I am storing my Spellbinders Nestabilities dies. I wanted something that would keep all the pieces together, make them easily accessible, labeled and of course, look pretty!

I did a quick web search and found several methods of storing these dies. I really liked the one that used magnetic sheets at A Day in the Life of a Craft Fairy so that I didn't have to worry about double-sided tape or put them in a case. I like to store things in pretty boxes as I am crafting in my dining room quite a bit these days and don't want it to look like it has been taken over by craft supplies (although that is truly the case!).

I used one of the CD storage boxes I had on hand and cut the magnetic sheets into 5 inch by 5 inch squares. This size worked great for holding the die sets that I own. I did have to trim a bit off the width (about 1/8 of an inch) to fit them in this particular storage box.

I used a file tab punch to add the particulars of each die to my magnetic squares. Mine is from McGill, and it is the 3-inch label punch.

Using the file tab punch worked to keep all the die information with the die (I included the name, how many pieces in the set and then the set number). The number of pieces was important because I had misplaced one of the die pieces for a while and want to make sure I put them all away at the end of the day so I don't lose them. Even though I buy them with a coupon they are still kind of pricey.

This next pictures is not so pretty... I had pretty much mangled up the packages but did want to save a picture of the dies on the back of each magnet card. I just glued it on the back of the magnet square without much fuss, I'm sure you could make it much prettier if you like but I was trying to wrap up this project pretty fast at this point. Since the packaging was a lightweight cardboard, it helps to give the magnet sheet some stability and thickness as well.

I took the whole project outside to photograph it and it is a gorgeous day outside. It's too nice to stay inside so I'll save the crafting for a rainy day or quiet evening and go work in the garden. If you are interested in other ideas for organizing your craft supplies or craft room, check out my Craft Room Ideas board on Pinterest. There's lots of fun (and pretty) ideas here as well.

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Crafts Made from Vintage Book Pages

Books... I love to read them, love to collect them, and when they are old and no one else wants them, I love to craft with them. They provide such a neutral base with their tiny black type on aged-white pages. They're inexpensive and easy to find.

I have an entire board on Pinterest of 40 vintage book craft ideas I've collected from the web. These are just a sampling.

You don't really need vintage books to work with, modern ones will work as well. The aged books that are a bit yellowed just add a nice bit of depth to the paper. This book wreath and vase were made as samples for a library program. If you want to make something similar just do a web search for the tutorials--there is quite a few out there.

How about this sweet little origami dress ornament from Folkhaven? The black glittered belt and silver thread add simple, shiny touches.

Folkhaven

The Nester has a ton of ideas on her site, including these sweet drink or cupcake flags.

The Nester

This beautiful set of wings is perhaps my favorite. So elegant with a rhinestone center and such a unique decoration for the wall, door or back of a chair. These are from Renaissance Soul. They are heavenly!

Renaissance Soul

Have you made anything with book pages? Add a link to your comment if you've written a post about a craft like this or have seen a great idea online. I'm always looking to add more ideas to my Pinterest board.

Linking to
 

Thanksgiving Tablescape, a Gray Nursery, Makeovers & Gift Ideas... Link Party #37

There were so many fabulous links last week I decided to feature five of them today. Sometimes I feature one link, most times I feature 2-3 and this week, it's five!

With Thanksgiving just about two weeks away, you'll definitely find this tablescape from Nancy's Daily Dish full of inspiration. The gorgeous transferware dishes are layered upon other sets and mixed with grapevine, pine cones and other warm elements sure to give you some great ideas for your own Thanksgiving table.

This beautiful nursery makeover looks straight out of a Pottery Barn catalog. Actually, I think it even looks better than that! I love all the calm color and wait until you see the cute school-house inspired custom chalkboard Kristine at The Painted Hive has made.

This link caught my eye because of the adorable packaging. I really like the simplicity of the baker's twine in holiday red. I am always looking for small gifts and stocking stuffers and this tutorial for a salt scrub fits the bill! Check out the "how-to" at Bliss Images and Beyond

This beautiful hutch didn't start out as such. It was black and brown and not nearly what it has become under the talented hand of Minday at Pretty in Paint.

 This link is about the floor transformation (painted white) but there is so much more to see. The styling in the room is gorgeous. The crochet throw is what made me click! See all the beautiful details over at Lilies for Kate!

Thanks to each of these talented bloggers who linked up last week! Please grab a feature button!

<center><a href="http://verymerryvintagestyle.blogspot.com/search/label/Share%20the%20Love%20Wednesday%20Link%20Party"><img border="0" src="<table style="width:194px;"><br /> <tr><td align="center" style="height:194px;background:url(https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif) no-repeat left"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/Hastings.Mary/September272011?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MVa0H_8uHTM/ToKR-HxYQfE/AAAAAAAABqw/FmLk0kkYuRQ/s160-c/September272011.jpg" width="160" height="160" style="margin:1px 0 0 4px;"></a></td></tr><br /> <tr><td style="text-align:center;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/Hastings.Mary/September272011?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite" style="color:#4D4D4D;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:none;">September 27, 2011</a></td></tr><br /> </table>" /></a></center>

What's new with you this week?  Link up the best of your blog and be sure to link back to the party with a button or text link in your post {please}. If your post has been removed because there wasn't a link back, add the button below or a text link and link up again. Most importantly... mingle... click around the other links and get to know this fabulous group of partiers!

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I'll Have Some Sunshine and Green Please & Share the Love Link Party #12

We've certainly had enough rain to bring it on, now we need the sunshine so I can get out into the garden and actually enjoy my time out there and not get too muddy! There's plenty of green in the yard and on this scalloped tray that sits in my front window. I always seem to stock up on indoor plants come early spring. I love the fresh and simple look.

Just outside that same window is this beautiful tall garden obelisk. It's from Plow and Hearth and when the weather warms up, my clematis will climb all the way to the top. It's really a pretty site when it blooms. Soon, I hope!

I have two weeks of links to highlight from Share the Love Wednesdays. Check out these cute decorative spheres from Details By Kari. Everytime I visit Pier One or Michael's I check out the different decorative spheres they have, but I haven't bought any yet. I would need quite a few to fill the large glass vase on my living room table, and I can't see spending the money on what are mostly seasonal elements.

 

 What I love about Kari's take on these is that they will work for any season and she made them from old sewing patterns! I love the neutral color and you can't beat the price. There are lots of crafty ideas on Details By Kari--I'm so glad she linked up to STL Wednesday!
 

Last week I loved this powder room at The Bees Knees Bungalow by Jeanne. Check out all the lovely details including the dresser made into a vanity, the vintage wire basket used to hold toilet paper and a display of photos as well! also includes a display of silver and a beautiful chandelier! So elegant and so many details--love it! Check out The Bees Knees Bungalow--there are lots of beautiful makeovers in each room.

Lastly, these beautiful peat pot baskets from Pam at House of Hawthornes are adorable! I think it was the glitter and silver pipecleaners that grabbed my eye. The vintage illustrations are also right up my alley! Although Pam made these for Easter, I can absolutely see these at place settings on Mother's Day, July 4 and Halloween, Christmas, etc... simply adorned with appropriate holiday graphics (and glitter of course). They'd also be really cute as favors for a shower or birthday party. Pam has so many great ideas for home and garden--I love all her vintage touches!

Thanks to all of you who linked up last week! I can't wait to see what fabulous projects and ideas this week will bring.

Linking this post to
Brambleberry Cottage


A few reminders...

• Please link just one specific post you want to feature, not your whole blog (to do this, click on the title of the post you want to link and it will open on it's own page, then copy that url). Any post will work--no theme!
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Candy Box to Jewel Box Upcycle & Share the Love Link Party #2!

The box of chocolate my husband gave me is empty. My vintage Valentine candy boxes are packed away. However, the candy box packaging lives on; repurposed in a beautiful way...

That pretty gold candy box liner holds other treasures now.

The treasures I've dropped in to replace the chocolates are bits and bobs of old and new, many not worth much to a jeweler's eye. All these sparkly sweets have memories for me. A tag sale enjoyed while on vacation, a gift from a friend, a thrift shop find and the most precious, sparkles I've received from my husband and my mother.

Even though I don't wear these pretties every day, I love how I can enjoy their collective beauty on my dressing table.

This pretty vintage-framed painting adds to the vignette. I can't decide if I like the painting more or the frame itself. A necklace gets draped along the top to keep it from tangle free.

Some of the jewelry doesn't fit in the little candy sections, but that's okay.  I like it spilling over the edge into another compartment, the contrast of the vintage pearls and shiny stones.  I added some tarnished silver to catch the overflow.

It's a fun way to repurpose my heart-shaped Valentine candy box, and enjoy the collective bling and sweet memories every day. Thanks to Danny Seo for inspiring this post!

My Share the Love on Wednesday link party officially begins tomorrow, and for earlybirds, the link will go live tonight at 5pm CST!

I love link parties... you can see the blogs I link up to on a weekly basis here!

I Carry Your Heart... {In My Heart}

This is one of my favorite poems. The author is e.e. cummings. I have to admit the first time I heard it was in the movie "In Her Shoes," which told a story of sisterly love. To me, it's a poem that can describe many types of love--that between sisters, lovers and mothers and children. It's that all or nothing love that is with you throughout life's trials and tribulations.  It's the love that makes your stomach hurt and your heart pound because you love someone so much....

 i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) i am never without it

(anywhere i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)

i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)

i want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you... are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; 

 which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

 If you would like to make this printable craft pictured, please visit my teeny tiny Etsy shop {click here}