Chicken Wire Frame for My Kitchen

 I was inspired by this post to participate in the UCreate Create With Me May Project, and it was a lot of fun to work on a project for my recently updated kitchen.

I started with this gold frame I found under our bed.  Not sure where it came from or how long it's been there.  I loved the intricate details, but not the color.

 So, I spray painted it brown.

Much better!

I followed these directions and added chicken wire to the back of the frame.  (Actually, my husband did this part, because I rushed off to work.  I'm so proud of his craftiness!  Don't tell him I said that.)

I know the original post was for a jewelry organizer, but since I had already made one for my earrings,  I wanted this for my kitchen.  So, I made some coordinating clothespins with fabric flowers to hold all my kitchen display pretties.

 I cut a small strip of fabric (about 1/2") and glued it to the clothespin.  I made some ric rac flowers(rolled ric rac together) and other random flowers out of tiny strips of fabric to add to the ends of the clothespins.  I really didn't have a tutorial for this- I just starting twirling the fabric or ric rac together until it looked like a flower. 

I love how it looks!  It not only adds a punch of color to my kitchen, but it's a great place to clip photos I love, recipes I want to try, coupons I should use and spare house keys.  It gives new life to this frame that was hiding under the bed.

Baby Shower Gift- Car Seat Canopy, Sling, and Burp Cloths

This weekend I've been working on a gift for a family member who will be attending a baby shower soon.  The mother-to-be is having a baby girl, and using pink and brown as her nursery colors.  So, I made a nice collection of pink items that will be useful to this new mommy.

A car seat canopy. ....

 (I got a new camera and I'm still playing with the settings.  Hence why the photos are yellow-ish.)
 

.... a set of burp cloths, ...

... and a baby sling should make for a nice shower gift.

Winners of the Reusable Snack Bag Giveaway

I am so grateful for the girls at Sew, Mama, Sew who host the semi-annual Giveaway Day.  I love being a regular participant on their blog.

Without further adieu, here are the winners of the Resuable Snack Bag giveaway.

The winner of Giveaway #1:  Set of Three Purple, Lime and Turquoise Snack Bags is commenter #43- The Redfields!

The winner of Giveaway #2: Set of Three Red Floral Snack Bags is Follower #30- Suzee Neal!

The winner of Giveaway #3: Set of Three Retro Swirl Snack Bags is #2- Kristi! 
 

Thanks to all who entered and congratulations to the winners! 

Winners, please respond to your emails ASAP so I can send your prize!

Couponchief.com - The Easiest Way to Save $$$

Up until six months ago, I was a couponer.  I wasn't quite as extreme as some you see on TV, but close.  In fact, we're still living off of a plentiful stash of health and beauty products that I bought for pennies on the dollar.  Couponing is hard work, a huge time investment, and can be a part-time job!

My life changed dramatically when I returned to work full time in January.  I quickly realized that I had very little time to coupon as I previously did.  My respect for couponers grew tremendously once I was removed from it.

Although I don't coupon nearly as well as I did in years past, I still consider myself a "Convenience Couponer."  This is the title I have given to those of us who choose not to spend a large portion of time searching for, organizing and shopping with coupons.  Rather, the Convenience Couponer welcomes to opportunity to use a coupon code with online purchases, occasionally uses a printable internet coupon, or grabs a "peelie" or "blinkie" coupon at the store.  I don't have a coupon organizer anymore, nor do I have a newspaper subscription.  It is with a small amount of sadness that I admit that I am a Convenience Couponer now, but balancing work, a family and speech therapy warrants this title for my current season of life.

A few weeks ago I told you about Heartsy, a handmade daily deal site that will save you money.  I'd like to continue that theme and share more ways to save money on fabric and craft supplies.

So, if you're a Convience Couponer like me, you will be thrilled to learn about CouponChief.com.  This is a website that hosts 100K+ coupon codes for online purchases.  With an average savings of $21, you can't go wrong using a coupon code from CouponChief.com.

Coupons are searchable by store or tag, or you can browse the most popular coupons.  The greatest news is that many of our favorite fabric and craft stores are included in their search database.  This short video tutorial explains the process of using coupon codes online.  Stores like fabric.com, hobbylobby.com, michaels.com and joann.com are among the many stores that carry supplies you and I love to buy.  Oh my stars!  There are even coupons for Etsy!  *LOVE*

It gets better... If you find a coupon code, you can share it through the Pays2Share program and earn 2% cashback on all purchases made with that coupon code.  I have a widget on the sidebar that highlights which coupons I have shared.  If you use any of these coupons, I will earn 2% of your total purchase.  This is a great way to earn a little extra at home if you time to search for and submit coupon codes.

In addition, if you have an Etsy shop or online store, you can create a coupon for your product and it will be searchable in Couponchief.com's database.  More exposure for your site and more sales--always a good thing!  Soon you may find Gabriel's Good Tidings among the coupons on Couponchief.com.  :)

Couponchief.com compensated me for this post, but all opinions are 100% mine.

Giveaway Day: Reusable Snack Bags (3 winners!)

Once again, I'm participating in Sew, Mama, Sew's semiannual Giveaway Day.This giveaway is actually three separate giveaways, which means there will be three winners.  Yeah for more people to win!  :)

The prize?  Reusable snack bags, of course!  They were such a huge hit last time that I just couldn't withhold them from my readers.

Reusable snack bags are useful for so many things other than food.  Here's a few ways that friends and family have used them:

• Keeps pacifiers and/or breast padsclean and dry
• Discreetly hides feminine products in your purse
• Keeps ID and credit cards waterproof while at the pool/water park
• Securely holds coupons while shopping
• Contains medications while traveling
• Stylish cosmetic case

Each bag has a  velcro closure and is fully lined with PUL- a wipe-down clean material.  Bags are machine washable and line dry.


Giveaway #1:  Set of Three Purple, Lime and Turquoise Snack Bags

Simply leave a comment telling me how you would use these bags for a chance to enter.  If I haven't yet met you (either in person or online), please take the time to introduce yourself to me.  I love making new friends.  One comment per person please.  Multiple comments will be deleted.  Please make sure your comment includes an email address or blog address for contact information.

Giveaway #2: Set of Three Red Floral Snack Bags

 

To enter this giveaway, you must become a follower of this blog.  No comment is needed.  I will choose a winner from the follower list.  To follow the blog, simply click on "Follow" on the right sidebar towards the top.

Giveaway #3: Set of Three Retro Swirl Snack Bags

 

To enter this giveaway, you must post this statement (or a very similar statement) in your Facebook status:  "Enter to win reusable snack bags at Gabriel's Good Tidings. http://gabrielsgoodtidings.blogspot.com/2011/05/giveaway-day-reusable-snack-bags-3.html"  You must tag Gabriel's Good Tidings in your status and post a link back to this post.  Tagging me in your status will automatically enter you into this giveaway.  No additional comment is needed.

***You may post this in your status as many times as you like.  Each post will qualify you for one entry.***

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tips to make this work:
Like Gabriel's Good Tidings on Facebook
Type "Hope I win this giveaway from @Gabriel's Good Tidings http://gabrielsgoodtidings.blogspot.com/2011/05/giveaway-day-reusable-snack-bags-3.html" (or similar statement) in your status.
Click on the lock icon (just left of the "Share" button).  Chooseufl.edu "Everyone" from the drop down menu.
Click "Share".
Check Gabriel's Good Tidings Wall to make sure it posted!
Email me if you have questions/problems.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Other Important Details:
Giveaway is open worldwide.
Winners will be chosen by random.org.
Giveaway will end at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, May 25.
Winners will receive an email and be announced on this blog on Thursday, May 26.
All prizes must be claimed within 48 hours.
Prizes will be shipped via USPS.


Good Luck!

Book Review: The Handmade Marketplace

I thought it'd be fun to do a couple of book reviews once a week on Fridays.  I've got several books that I'd love to share with you over the next few weeks.  I'd love it if you'd share your favorite craft and sewing books in the comments, as well as your thoughts on this new series.

The Handmade Marketplace:  How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally and Online is a wonderful resource for all crafters.  This book covers all aspects of starting your own business, branding your product, marketing, blogging and selling. I love how the table of contents is so detailed and there is an index, making it easy to review a specific topic as the need arises.

I really enjoyed Chapter Two, Branding your Business.  This chapter reviews the reasons why you should have a logo and keep your logo consistent on all things related to your products.  I am so glad I chose to create a logo early in this process and have it printed on all my business cards, postcards, labels, etc.  Professional packaging makes your product productive.  (How's that for alliteration?!?!)

Because I love to blog, I am always reading articles and books about how to improve my blog.  Although many times the same concept is repeated throughout, it never hurts to be reminded of these basic, simple truths.  Use proper grammar.  Be kind to commentors.  Appreciate your readers.  Post often.  Use good photos.

New concepts such as selling in consignment stores and starting your own craft fair were intriguing to me.  When we lived in Louisville, craft fairs were everywhere and such a joy to attend.  I haven't found Central Florida to have quite the artistic atmosphere of the Ohio Valley, but still hope to join in a few craft fairs this year.  Some friends and I hosted a Handmade Open House last December and that was a huge success.  I'd love to be able to do more of these in the future.

Overall, this is a great manual that all crafters looking to sell should keep in their library.  It covers all the basics and goes in depth in many essential area.  It's a book you can read over and over again and learn something new each time.

Purchase your own copy by clicking here.

What are your favorite craft and sewing books?  Have you read this book?

This post contains affiliate links.

Pink and Purple Water Bottles and Drink Labels

This post is part of a series.  See all posts in the Pink and Purple Party series by clicking here.

To conclude this Pink and Purple Party Series, I wanted to share our beverage station.  We served pink lemonade, sweet tea and bottled water.  I used two beverage dispensers from Costco for the pink lemonade and tea.

I ordered these labels on VistaPrint.com.  They were address labels to that I customized to say,

"Happy Birthday, Amelia!
This drink belongs to
______________________"

Just as I cut paper for the balloon holders, I cut the same style for water bottles.  I bought my water bottles at Aldi and was able to cover the labels easily with paper and packing tape.

Again, no rhyme or reason to my water bottles....  just match one pink and with one purple and wrap paper around!

Snack Bag Party Favors

This post is part of a series.  See all posts in the Pink and Purple Party series here.

Continuing with this week's party theme, I wanted to share the party favors we used at my daughter's pink and purple birthday party.

I stocked up on pastel M&M's after Easter, and picked out the pink and purple colors.  I mixed them into Chex Mix, and filled reusable snack bags with the M&M Chex Mix.  So fun and festive!

I also ordered postcards from VistaPrint that said, "Thanks for joining in the mix today.  Chex you later!"  So cheesy and cute!  :)

The pink and purple fabric is from JoAnn's.  Such a practical and fun party favor!

Pink and Purple Ruffled Streamer Wall

This post is part of a series.  View all posts in the Pink and Purple Party series by clicking here.

I saw this idea just a week before the party and knew I had to make it work.  And, I'm so glad I did!

Not only was this such an easy decoration to make, it was cheap and added so much to the party.

I hung the ruffled streamers above the beverage station- where we served iced tea and pink lemonade.

Ruffling the streamers was simple in my sewing machine.  I overlapped the streamers by about 1 inch and set my stitch length low (on 6 for my machine) and my tension high (10 for my machine).  It worked perfectly to ruffle them!

I taped them to the very top of the ceiling and let them hang down onto the beverage table.  I mixed and matched all shades of pink and purple.

I found my crepe paper at both Party City and WalMart.  The beverage dispensers were from Costco.

Polka Dot Paper Garland

This post is part of a series.  View the entire Pink and Purple Party series here.

Yesterday I ended with the above photo to show my balloon holders/centerpieces made from tin cans.  This is a photo of the bar that extends from our kitchen window.  It is about four and half or five feet high, so I chose this area to display the cake (high enough so little hands couldn't reach!).

I covered it with a purple tablecloth, placed balloons on each end, and taped the polka dot garland to the top of the window.  I originally found the polka dot garland through UCreate Parties.

This garland was so easy to make.  I had a 1" and  2" circle punch and used the same paper I had for the balloon holders.  I put all the circles in a bowl so they wouldn't fall all over the floor or get lost.

It really was fun to sew them through the machine.  I used white thread on and set my stitch length on 6.  The dots were in random order- absolutely no method to how I patterned them together!!  I sewed about 3 stitches between each circle- I think this made the garland full but not cluttered.

I taped the garland to the top of the window frame and allowed the bottom to hang freely.  The wind blew off and on throughout the party and the polka dots just swung so beautifully behind the cake.

I nearly squealed when my friend Stephanie arrived with the cake.  Her cakes are always phenomenal, but this one was truly amazing!  I love how she matched the colors so closely, and followed the pattern of dots and stripes that I used in decorating.  Her cakes not only look wonderful, they taste delicious!  Please check out her blog and consider her for your next party if you're in the Orlando area.

I'm already brainstorming ideas about how I can incorporate polka dot garland into every event this year!  :)

Balloon Holders from Formula Cans

This post is part of a series.  To view the entire Pink and Purple Party series, click here.

Continuing on with the party decor posts this week, today I'm gonna show you my balloon holders/table centerpieces.

I was cleaning out a cabinet at work and found these expired cans of formula.  I love the height and shape of these cans- tall and skinny- and knew I could use them for the upcoming party.  I dumped the expired formula down the drain and washed the cans.

 
I found this paper at JoAnn's and bought the two different packs I needed to get the right amount of pink and purple.  

Of course, I tossed out every color except the lovely pink and purple  :)

I then used my paper cutter (this is seriously one of my favorite crafting tools!) to cut different size strips of paper to make  stripe on the cans.

I used wide packing tape to secure it to the can and to tape stripes on to the lower pieces of paper.

I made them all different- as long as they were pink and purple, I didn't worry about how unique they were!!!

The day of the party, I grabbed a few golf balls from my husband's stash and threw them in the bottom of the can for extra weight.  Then, I taped the balloon strings to the bottom of the can and added purple Easter grass (bought on clearance at JoAnn's) to the top of each can.

I placed these centerpieces on food tables, the cake area, beverage station, and even one on our front door!  I love how they all coordinated but weren't an exact match.

Such simple basic items with a few handmade touches really makes all the difference.

More on this cake and the polka dot garland tomorrow!