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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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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.


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…)


bright paper wreaths

05.08.12 Posted in decor, diy, favors, parties, showers, summer, wedding, wrapping by Victoria

These bright paper wreaths have quickly become one of my favorite projects for spring. I designed them in exaggerated form to share over at the Bride’s Cafe today. See the complete tutorial here and check out how they look on church doors, I love them for a wedding.

After creating the wreaths in large form, the miniature version just screamed to be made. Used as toppers for presents, favors or strung up as party bunting the tiny versions bring a pretty dose of color to any space. Such a bright burst of happy and incredibly easy to create.

PS. A couple other wreaths that would look lovely for brunch this weekend here, here, and one made out of plastic bottle flowers, a’la Anthropologie inspiration 2010.


Double the frosting… double the fun

05.07.12 Posted in food, quick tips by Victoria

If you need more frosting for a birthday cake, just stick what you have in a blender for a couple minutes and it will double. Like magic! An especially helpful tip for the small store purchased jars and a mom who tends to run late.


mint infused honey favors

05.03.12 Posted in diy, favors, food, summer, wedding by Victoria

I made these mint infused honey favors recently for Project Wedding and included a list of accompanying treats. The honey tastes amazing drizzled on a lemon cake… it’s a new summer favorite! Gift in small test tubes for an easy seasonal favor, see the full tutorial here.