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Welcome! I'm Victoria. This blog is filled with my love for the art of merrymaking, pretty things to craft and one festive magazine. Here's more about me...
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a picnic in the sun

05.16.12 Posted in holidays, kid parties, summer parties by Victoria

For Mother’s Day, the family planned the most adorable picnic outing for me with fancy cheeses, fresh squeezed lemonade, the whole works! It was sweet and made my heart just melt to pieces. We did however have a three year old issue in the middle of it all and had to cut the afternoon short. Thankfully, the sun has not stopped shining this week and we’ve made it up with another picnic to match (I’m one lucky momma).

To make the day special we wrapped store bought cheese in butcher paper and tied it up with twine. We sipped our lemonade out of wooden egg cups and included a large sprinkled cookie to be sure everyone got a piece. This week marks the opening of picnic season for me and I could not be happier to be celebrating in the warm sun and fresh cut grass again this summer.

PS. Last year’s season opening picnic // the year before that // and a printable picnic silverware bag.


paper bag flower baskets

05.15.12 Posted in children, decor, diy, favors, flowers, spring by Victoria

As we near the beginning of summer there are many teachers, ballet instructors and such that need a hearty thanks for their hard work all year. The kids helped me put together these paper bag flower baskets to hand out. I also brought one as a hostess gift last night and it was very happily received.

To make the paper bag flower baskets you will need one brown paper bag per basket (we obviously frequent Trader Joes). Cut the bag down both sides so a long center part remains. Then cut the bag in half and you will be left with two vertical strips.

In the center square, glue one one strip on top of the other. Then begin rolling in the sides. Glue into place and flip the entire piece over. Once all the sides are rolled in, glue (or stitch for extra charm) the four sides together near the top of the basket. Punch a hole on two sides and string with ribbon or embroidery thread. Fill with plantable flowers and top with a “thank you” stick.

PS. Printable thank you notes.


hanging ribbon

05.15.12 Posted in decor, diy, parties, showers, summer, wedding by Victoria

A hanging ribbon centerpiece makes a wonderfully festive statement and it’s incredibly easy to put together. I adore how it instantly brightens up an entire room. Make in multiples and hang over shower/wedding tables. They pieces give an enormous punch for very little time and cost. Check out the step by step over at Project Wedding today. I am also working on hard-wiring it to hang permanently as a light fixture in our house, more on that soon.


double-sided glitter

05.14.12 Posted in favors, labels & prints, parties, quick tips, wrapping by Victoria

We are planning a festive girls camping time later this week with a couple friends on our deck. I just love having a little girl to glitter up and party with (smile!).

I’ve fancied up basic typed invitations with glitter for the occasion. It is crazy simple to do… place double sided tape, add a sprinkling of glitter and shake of the excess. The look is really fun and would be perfect to gussy up your own invitations, labels or birthday favors this summer.


paper tissue wreaths

05.14.12 Posted in decor, parties, wedding, wrapping by Victoria

I’ve been on a wreath kick this spring. Something about the warm sun has inspired me to get bright colors up on my doors and windows (and has slightly encouraged their washing as well). These ones are made with wrapping tissue and look just as fun on presents as they do on doors. See the full tutorial I designed for Project Wedding right here.


merrymaking 5.11.2012

05.11.12 Posted in design, reasons, weekend by Victoria

Mother’s Day is such a special time for me. Not only to celebrate our wonderful mothers, but also because I struggled for so long desperately wanting to be a mother myself. Something about the battle I went through and the joy of finally holding my babies makes the day so incredibly sweet to me. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and a very happy Mother’s Day to all you mommas. You are amazing, every day…

A couple more reasons to celebrate this weekend.
How to fold a gift box.
On creativity.
Paperclip made necklaces.
Chocolate Mousse.
Pretty printable geometrics.
Gorgeous Ombre.
A birthday of sundae toppings.
Beautiful thoughts on Mother’s Day and infertility.
And our personal story with IVF if you are interested.

Photos above, excerpts from our Mother’s Day tea shot for Styled. magazine issue one.


peppermint lemon sticks

05.10.12 Posted in food, parties, summer by Victoria

While researching small town summer fairs (we plan to visit one this year), I came across a description for these peppermint lemon sticks. Have you ever had one? They are amazing! To make them you simply cut off the top 1/3 of a lemon and insert a peppermint stick. As you suck, the stick hallows out and it produces the most refreshing summer combination of tangy and sweet. They are our new poolside treat and would be amazing served at any summer party.

If you don’t happen to have a stash of peppermint sticks left over from the holidays (what???) you can buy a box of them here.

PS. A hearty hooray for rolled up jean short season…


DIY beaded scarf

05.09.12 Posted in fashion, summer by Victoria

Speaking of easy going summer parties… this lightweight beaded scarf makes for great style when paired with a maxi skirt and stripes. Using oversize beads and basic stitches, it will take you easily through the BBQ’s and beach parties of summer.

Read on for the full tutorial (more…)


rooftop garden party

05.09.12 Posted in adult parties, birthdays, events, summer parties by Victoria

After peeking at photos from this rooftop garden party that Jennifer of Odette New York hosted, I was immediately taken. It is a complete dream. Summer bruschetta bread, pretty dresses and a very long relaxed table is exactly what I am hoping our summer celebrations will entail.

All photography by Jennifer, Odette New York.