Cheers to 2011!

{la-la-love}

I'm dreaming of a {pink} Christmas

Who said the Holidays have to be all about red and green?! I've got yum yum, sugary pink adorments on my mind......
{top row 1,2,3 bottom row 4,5,6}

Give Thanks

Looking for a finishing touch for your Thanksgiving table? You are in luck! These stylish paper bands are available for download right here.Perfect for creating a fun paper chain, or use them as napkin rings.

{via Twig and Thistle}

Just my kind of Halloween Costume

This peacock inpsired Halloween mask in the prettiest of pastel blues and greens makes my heart flutter!And, it can be made with simple supplies found at your local Micheal's craft store!
{via Twig and Thistle}

✮ ✯ Happy Independence Day!!!!!! ☆ ★

Have a safe and wonderful weekend!
{via http://kellitrontell.com/}

Up-Cycled Drink Caddy

So what do you do with a used Sonic drink carrier? Why, make a plant caddy of course!
Full tutorial and free Hello! sign download right here!!

Happy Easter!

Hope some bunny is good to you :-)

DIY Easter Ice Cream Sandwich

A delightfully sweet and simple DIY Easter treat from Twig and Thistle..........

{click to learn more.....}

Happy Valentine's Day Weekend!

My computer has been acting up the last two days but I wanted to say that I hope you all have a lovely weekend spending time with your loved ones

These lovely cookies were made by my little sister, and if you live in Houston you can purchase them this weekend at Twice New in the River Oaks Shopping Center!

XOX

Ashley

Simple and Oh, So Sweet

Maybe I just have a super sweet tooth this week, but I am completely smitten with this perfect little chocolate cake. I may try to duplicate this for Valentine's Day.

{photos via Forty-sixth at Grace}

Baking Supplies: Layer Cake Shop

Have you heard of Layer Cake Shop? It is a seriously a baker's dream! Festive baking cups? Yes. Adorable cupcake toppers? You betcha. Sprinkles? Galore. Packaging supplies? Sure. Here are some of my Valentine favorites :

Heart Twist Ties

Be My Valentine Plaques
Polka Dot Baking Cups

Happy Shopping!

{photos via Layer Cake Shop}

I heart you

Just wanted to say that I really appreciate all of the comments I have received here lately. It is so nice to know that people are actually reading my blog :-) You rock!{photos via One Charming Party, Button Heart & Creature Comforts}

DIY Homemade Peeps!

I use to think I was the only person in the world that liked peeps. I have a huge sweet tooth and love anything super sugary, so naturally peeps are right up my alley! When I saw this tutorial for homemade peeps a few months ago, I literally jumped for joy! I bookmarked the recipe and decided today was the day to try it out! To make your own peeps, here is what you will need:
Corn Syrup, Gelatin, Sugar, Cold Water, Salt, Vanilla Extract, Corn Starch, Powdered Sugar, Food Coloring and Sanding Sugar and a candy thermometer.

I followed this basic marshmallow recipe and added pink food coloring at the same time I added the vanilla. I used two different size heart cookie cutters (lightly greased) to cut out shapes once the marshmallows had sat over night.
I finished them off by blotting them with a damp paper towel and rolling them in clear sanding sugar.

Package them for a sweet Valentine's Day gift!

XO

Ashley

DIY Printable Valentine Treat Bag

So, I know V-day is sill quite a bit off, but visions of red roses, pink hearts, candies and sweet notions are already dancing in my head! I want to make sure I have plenty of time share cute ideas and inspiring Valentine's crafts with you. Such as this adorable little goodie bag

Kathleen of Twig and Thistle designed this sweet and whimsical Valentine's pattern that is easy to download and print on paper bags using an ink jet printer. So fun! If you haven't checked out her blog, you must! She is a very talented graphic designer and has a lot of great projects to share.

{images from Twig and Thistle}

Everything sounds better in French

Currently loving this sweet little bilingual Valentine from Eva Juliet. It has been hand lettered in both English and French with cute little pet names and expressions of love. J'adore! (I love it!)
{via the sweetest occasion}

HeartFelt

Now that the holiday season is long gone and I am getting comfortably settled into 2010, I am finally feeling inspired to craft. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, what better excuse to make something pink and pretty?I have to mention that aside from our etsy shop items (that my mom and I create together) I rarely ever share anything that I make on my own because I am always self conscious about whether or not anyone else would think it is cute. Does anyone else ever feel like this?I guess I just feel like with so many amazingly creative people, and so many wonderful ideas out there, that I am out of slightly out of my league. I don't know why I feel that way. I am always so quick to share beautiful things that other people make here on my blog, why not my own? I think my 2010 goal will be to craft more and be proud of what I make :) Starting with my felt heart stitched Valentine. I may sell this in the etsy shop.....haven't decided yet. I am not sure what to promote it as. It is basically a decorated heart that you can hang. So maybe a door hanger? Or maybe it could be a gift accessory? A Valentine keepsake? Any suggestions?

XO
Ashley

Simple Homemade Gift

This morning I want to share this tasty little homemade gift idea found on Heather Bullard. The instructions seems easy peasy and the packaging is so stinkin cute!

Cinnamon Honey Butter

2 Sticks Softened Butter

1 Cup Powdered Sugar

1 Cup Honey

2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon

Using the whisk attachment in your mixer, blend all ingredients until it is smooth and has an even consistency. Occasionaly scrape down the sides of the mixer with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing. Scoop all of it into a Ziploc bag and pipe it into the small quilted ball jars. Package with cute holiday embellishments and hand written tag for a personal feel.

Free Holiday Invites and Cards!

In need of a last mintute Christmas card or party invitation? Have no fear.......Martha is here!
Completely adorable, FREE, and easy to create e-cards to make the Season bright! Click here to begin.

DIY Felt Holiday Bow

If you are looking for an easy way to spice up your gift packaging, look no further!Craft your own felt bow with this easy tutorial over at How about Orange

And kuddos to Twig and Thistle for the idea to use felt.....making packages extra warm and fuzzy!AND you can turn it into a little holiday pin for your guests to wear. Too fun!

Happy Monday

Hope your week is starting out sweet! image