March 26, 2013
Gillian
closeAuthor: Gillian
Name: Gillian Grimm
Site: http://driedfigsandwoodenspools.blogspot.com/
About: Gillian Grimm lives in Charlottesville, Virginia where she balances writing, cooking and crafts with eight chickens, two kids, a dog, a cat and a husband. As the daughter of a Journalist, she grew up all over the United States, switching schools, towns and newspapers every few years and loved every minute of it! She now works as a freelance writer, primarily in the craft industry but with a few forays into travel writing, narrative non-fiction and educational matters. Gillian was recently published in the literary journal the “The Northville Review”. You can find more of Gillian’s work at “Dried Figs and Wooden Spools”.See Authors Posts (187)
Craft Trends, Crafts, Easter, Spring
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By Craft Trends Contributor, Gillian from the blog Dried Figs and Wooden Spools. Check out our Craft Trends board on Pinterest!
It’s that time of year again! Time to get out the dye and the stickers and boil up a big pot of hard boiled eggs so that the Easter Bunny has plenty of eggs to hide. While plain old dyed eggs are always fun, there are so so so many ways to decorate eggs that you could try something different every year and never run out of inspirations. Here are a few of our favorites for this spring!
These doily stenciled eggs give an incredibly delicate finish, so pretty I think they would be better as a table decoration than for hiding, but either way, what beauties.
Doily Stenciled Eggs – Urban Comfort
These wild and funky eggs are decorated with washi tape! I love the results and they would be perfect for those situations where you don’t want to deal with dye or paint. Also little fingers that don’t need dye on them could easily “sticker” the eggs this way! SO cute!
DIY Washi Tape Easter Eggs – Lovely Indeed
I’m not sure what I like better here, the monogramed style or the glitter paint! Both I think! These are fun and charming little eggs which would make great place cards for Easter dinner as well as a fun “hunt for your letter eggs” game on Easter morning.
Monogrammed Eggs – One Charming Party
Alright, so this isn’t exactly an “egg” but how adorable is this patchwork Easter Egg shirt? I NEED to make one (or three) for my kiddos. Love love love!
Egg Tee - iCandy Handmade
What will you be doing with your Easter Eggs this year? Send us photos! We love to see what you are up to! Check out these projects and more on our Craft Trends Pinboard.
March 18, 2013
GilliancloseAuthor: Gillian
Name: Gillian Grimm
Site: http://driedfigsandwoodenspools.blogspot.com/
About: Gillian Grimm lives in Charlottesville, Virginia where she balances writing, cooking and crafts with eight chickens, two kids, a dog, a cat and a husband. As the daughter of a Journalist, she grew up all over the United States, switching schools, towns and newspapers every few years and loved every minute of it! She now works as a freelance writer, primarily in the craft industry but with a few forays into travel writing, narrative non-fiction and educational matters. Gillian was recently published in the literary journal the “The Northville Review”. You can find more of Gillian’s work at “Dried Figs and Wooden Spools”.See Authors Posts (187)
Craft Trends, Crafts, Spring
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By Craft Trends Contributor, Gillian from the blog Dried Figs and Wooden Spools. Check out our Craft Trends board on Pinterest!
Doilies used to be a little bit out of style, something that went out with your grandmother’s (or maybe even your great grandmother if you are young enough) time. But they are back and back in a big way. I’ve been using them all over my house for all sorts of fun projects. And the ideas keep coming! So we’ve rounded up a second batch of doily projects to inspire you this winter.
There’s something surprisingly modern about this framed doily. Perhaps it’s the almost color blocking look of the white and color combination or maybe it’s the starkness of the white against the background. Either way it’s beautiful. And so simple. I can definitely see hanging art like this in my house, and it would be so simple (and fun!) to put them together.
Silhouette Double Sided Adhesive – Crap I’ve Made
My little girl would LOVE to have a doily trimmed top or dress like this. And now that I think about it, it would be a great way to repair some of the stained items in her dresser, turning them from trash to something beautiful. I love it!
Putting Heirlooms to Good Use – Design Mom
And speaking of trimming something with a doily, how cute are these doily appliquéd aprons? Adorable!
Pink Week - iCandy Handmade
Spring is coming and that means it’s just about time to start thinking about Easter. These eggs are so cleverly decorated using pieces of doily as stencils. The result is amazingly delicate and beautiful. This project is going to the top of my list!
Doily Stenciled Eggs – Urban Comfort
Have you been using doilies in your crafts lately? We’d love to see some of your projects! And make sure you check out our doily inspiration on our Craft Trends Pinboard for more ideas!
March 12, 2013
GilliancloseAuthor: Gillian
Name: Gillian Grimm
Site: http://driedfigsandwoodenspools.blogspot.com/
About: Gillian Grimm lives in Charlottesville, Virginia where she balances writing, cooking and crafts with eight chickens, two kids, a dog, a cat and a husband. As the daughter of a Journalist, she grew up all over the United States, switching schools, towns and newspapers every few years and loved every minute of it! She now works as a freelance writer, primarily in the craft industry but with a few forays into travel writing, narrative non-fiction and educational matters. Gillian was recently published in the literary journal the “The Northville Review”. You can find more of Gillian’s work at “Dried Figs and Wooden Spools”.See Authors Posts (187)
Craft Trends, Crafts, Easter, Spring
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By Craft Trends Contributor, Gillian from the blog Dried Figs and Wooden Spools. Check out our Craft Trends board on Pinterest!
Easter is just around the corner and after a long, cold winter, I’m ready to decorate for spring. Easter is the perfect theme to decorate around. Bright colors, eggs, little animals and spring. What could be better?
These little felted wool chicks are just about the cutest thing I’ve seen in a long time. I want a row lined up on my window too. What a great way to welcome in spring!
Felted Spring Chicks – Design Mom
I love this egg art. It’s both elegant and playful while still offering plenty of color. Beautiful!
Easter Party Invitations – Design Mom
I’m such a sucker for succulents. Maybe it’s my desire for green living things that take little effort or the idea of plants that live year round, but I can’t get enough of them. These succulents tucked into cracked eggs are a beautiful way to present succulents in a springy kind of way.
Easter Inspiration – Urban Comfort
Love these easter decorations! So pretty, it’s hard to believe they are made mostly of coffee filters. This is one of those projects I’m going to have to try with my kiddos. Such a fun project to make and to display!
Coffee Filter Flowers and Carrot Easter Favors – Urban Comfort
What are some of your favorite homemade Easter Decorations? Check out our Craft Trends Pinboard for Easter Decorating inspiration!
March 6, 2013
GilliancloseAuthor: Gillian
Name: Gillian Grimm
Site: http://driedfigsandwoodenspools.blogspot.com/
About: Gillian Grimm lives in Charlottesville, Virginia where she balances writing, cooking and crafts with eight chickens, two kids, a dog, a cat and a husband. As the daughter of a Journalist, she grew up all over the United States, switching schools, towns and newspapers every few years and loved every minute of it! She now works as a freelance writer, primarily in the craft industry but with a few forays into travel writing, narrative non-fiction and educational matters. Gillian was recently published in the literary journal the “The Northville Review”. You can find more of Gillian’s work at “Dried Figs and Wooden Spools”.See Authors Posts (187)
Craft Trends, Crafts
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By Craft Trends Contributor, Gillian from the blog Dried Figs and Wooden Spools. Check out our Craft Trends board on Pinterest!
When I was little, I used to watch my mom doodle away on a yellow legal pad that sat on her desk every time she talked on the phone. I was fascinated by the swirls and flowers and vines that she drew around the edges and in the corners as she talked and before long, I started doing the same thing, filling the margins of my notebook pages with little doodles. So I’m sure you’ll understand how much I love the current trend of ZenDoodle and Zentangle, intentional doodling for art sake. The best part about doodling your art is that it takes very little drawing skill (trust me, I’m no artist) to churn out something pretty fantastic, and it has lots of applications. So many fun possibilities.
I love these doodled eggs. I know my kids will go crazy for them too so it’s definitely on my list for Easter egg decorating this year.
Doodle Easter Eggs – Alisa Burke
This watercolored doodle is stunning, I can’t wait to give it a try. I love the idea of starting with a simple doodle and then overpainting to make it something really special. This would be a great kid project for a rainy day. A little paint, some pens and paper and you’ll have hours of fun!
Turning a Doodle into Art – Alisa Burke
If you aren’t into doodling with a pen, however, why not carve some doodle stamps! Think of all the applications for this and HOW MUCH FUN kids would have filling up a page using stamps like these! Beautiful! And fin to use and to make!
Want some further examples to get you started? Why not check out one of our Zentangle books. They are available at all levels from kids right up to complicated mandalas and offer a ton of inspiration on every page!
Have you been doodling away lately? Send us pictures of your doodle art! We’d love to see it. And check out our inspiration for doodles and Zentangle on our Craft Trends Pinboard!
February 28, 2013
GilliancloseAuthor: Gillian
Name: Gillian Grimm
Site: http://driedfigsandwoodenspools.blogspot.com/
About: Gillian Grimm lives in Charlottesville, Virginia where she balances writing, cooking and crafts with eight chickens, two kids, a dog, a cat and a husband. As the daughter of a Journalist, she grew up all over the United States, switching schools, towns and newspapers every few years and loved every minute of it! She now works as a freelance writer, primarily in the craft industry but with a few forays into travel writing, narrative non-fiction and educational matters. Gillian was recently published in the literary journal the “The Northville Review”. You can find more of Gillian’s work at “Dried Figs and Wooden Spools”.See Authors Posts (187)
Craft Trends, Crafts, Paper Crafts
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By Craft Trends Contributor, Gillian from the blog Dried Figs and Wooden Spools. Check out our Craft Trends board on Pinterest!
Bookmarks are one of those things I can never get enough of. For one thing, I’ve got lots and lots of books, and I’m always reading several at once, so bookmarks are key for keeping my spot. But also I love bookmarks for themselves. So many possibilities, so many options. So many cute bookmarks! I love them all. And they make the perfect quick project when you just need to do SOMETHING fun and crafty!
Paperclip Bookmarks – The Weekend Homemaker
These are so simple, and yet so cheerful! The combination of colorful paperclips and colorful, but not matching ribbon is just perfect! You could use interestingly shaped paperclips or baker’s twine for a variation on the project!
Valentine Bookmarks – Urban Comfort
Perfect for a first Valentine, this photo strip bookmark would be the best little keepsake for mom or dad or grandparents. This could be so cute with a pair of kids blowing kisses at the camera too! In fact, I think I’ll have to make these with my own (not so little) ones! Love it!
Heart Bookmarks – Think Crafts
These cute little over-the-corner heart bookmarks are perfect for keeping around to slip into your book! Just as cute peeking out the top of the pages as they are on their own, it would be fun to make a pile of them to keep around!
What’s your favorite kind of bookmark? Have you made any fun bookmarks lately? Check out these and our other craft ideas on our Craft Trends Pinboard!
February 19, 2013
GilliancloseAuthor: Gillian
Name: Gillian Grimm
Site: http://driedfigsandwoodenspools.blogspot.com/
About: Gillian Grimm lives in Charlottesville, Virginia where she balances writing, cooking and crafts with eight chickens, two kids, a dog, a cat and a husband. As the daughter of a Journalist, she grew up all over the United States, switching schools, towns and newspapers every few years and loved every minute of it! She now works as a freelance writer, primarily in the craft industry but with a few forays into travel writing, narrative non-fiction and educational matters. Gillian was recently published in the literary journal the “The Northville Review”. You can find more of Gillian’s work at “Dried Figs and Wooden Spools”.See Authors Posts (187)
Craft Trends, Crafts, Paper Crafts
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By Craft Trends Contributor, Gillian from the blog Dried Figs and Wooden Spools. Check out our Craft Trends board on Pinterest!
Craft paper, or Brown paper, is a staple in our house. It’s handy for just about everything, from lining the table before a water color or finger painting extravaganza to wrapping gifts, to creating rustic, beautiful little pieces of art. I love it and I always, always keep a roll in the house. It’s the perfect base for all sorts of projects, can be used as a medium for art or as a venue for displaying it and it’s inexpensive enough to create large displays or forts or life sized drawings without it breaking the bank.
Present Wrapping Ideas – One Charming Party
This wrapping is elegant and rustic all at once, and so easy to do. A little pen, some pretty ribbon, and maybe a doily and presto, beautiful wrapping!
DIY Wedding Favor with a Twist – DIY Wedding
These favor bags are so clever, just a little craft paper printed on and then sewn shut. So much fun! These would be fun for holding confetti at a wedding as well! Seeds from your garden would stay safe in dry in something along these lines, making them great for giving as little gifts.
Altered Items – It’s in the Details
And these nests would be so much fun for Easter! Such a fun way to display dyed or plastic eggs and treats for your little one!
Have you done any fun crafts with craft paper lately? Send us photos, we’d love to see them! And check out these and other crafts on our Craft Trends Pinboard for some fun inspiration!
February 13, 2013
GilliancloseAuthor: Gillian
Name: Gillian Grimm
Site: http://driedfigsandwoodenspools.blogspot.com/
About: Gillian Grimm lives in Charlottesville, Virginia where she balances writing, cooking and crafts with eight chickens, two kids, a dog, a cat and a husband. As the daughter of a Journalist, she grew up all over the United States, switching schools, towns and newspapers every few years and loved every minute of it! She now works as a freelance writer, primarily in the craft industry but with a few forays into travel writing, narrative non-fiction and educational matters. Gillian was recently published in the literary journal the “The Northville Review”. You can find more of Gillian’s work at “Dried Figs and Wooden Spools”.See Authors Posts (187)
Craft Trends, Crafts, Kid's Crafts, Paper Crafts, Valentine's Day
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By Craft Trends Contributor, Gillian from the blog Dried Figs and Wooden Spools. Check out our Craft Trends board on Pinterest!
Sometimes candy isn’t the best option for Valentines, especially when you know a lot of it is coming your way from the other members of your child’s class. Even without candy you can have the coolest Valentines in class with one of these sweet Valentines.
Printable Scratch off Valentine – Urban Comfort
These DIY scratch off Valentines are so clever, and really pretty easy to make. Once you know the secrets to making your own scratch offs, the possibilities are really endless, but I love the heart scratch offs with a lucky penny included. I can’t think of a kid (or a grown up for that matter) who wouldn’t like to receive one!
MadLib Valentines – Design Mom
These MadLib Valentines are brilliant for older kids who don’t want to go for the mushy lovely dovey notes but they’d also be fun for just about anyone. I love the little pop of color from the scrapbook paper and string. Quirky and fun all in one.
Wild for You Valentine – Design Mom
I love these little animal valentines! Who needs candy when you can get a wee little pet to play with long after the sweets have been eaten up? So Adorable! And easily personalized so each child can get their favorite animal. You could create a similar look with bugs (love bugs maybe?) or magical creatures.
What kind of Valentines are you kiddos giving this year? Send us a picture! And check out these and other Valentines crafts on our Craft Trends Pinboard!
