The Apron Avenger!

So...this is why it's best to leave the tough jobs to the mannequin! :)
This is our IceCream Social Hostess Apron in Juicy Lemons Print by Alexander Henry. Enjoy!

"The Apron Avenger!"

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EXTRA! EXTRA! Look What's New at SpiceRak!

Here's a peek at some of the great new designs we've cooked up at SpiceRak! We have new apron designs and so many fresh prints we couldn't picture them all! There's also unique, one-of-a-kind housewares with original printed designs by SpiceRak! And these adorable cotton print gift bags make our new packaging even more eco-friendly! Keep an eye out for more SpiceRak news...we've been busy creating!

"New from SpiceRak Designs!"

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Great Repurposing Ideas from Crafty Nest!

Just in time for those spring projects, here are a few great ideas for repurposing and reusing items from around the house, second hand stores, or salvage. Some of my favorites I found at Crafty Nest.com, which is a goldmine of inspiration for us Do-It-Yourself folks, complete with awesome tutorials! Above are a few examples, but be sure to check it out for yourself!

*Salvaged Drawers=Modular Bookcase: http://www.craftynest.com/2008/12/salvaged-drawers-modular-bookcase/
*Hanging Jar Lanterns: http://www.craftynest.com/2008/10/hanging-jar-lanterns/
*Salvaged Cupboard Door=Serving Tray: http://www.craftynest.com/2008/12/salvaged-cupboard-door-serving-tray/

Feathered Friend

My incredibly talented husband is a photographer as a hobbie. He prefers nature photography, but is great no matter what the subject is. (It's true, even if I am biased...) He totally underestimates his own talent, which I am constantly bringing to his attention. Recently he had to take a day trip to Newport for work, and brought his camera along just in case. Among the many awesome photos he came back with, these really stood out for me. (the cropping is my fault, not his) This feathered fellow makes me think of a proud old man, wary and wise, surveying his domain. I love these photos so much, I had to share...enjoy!

Sweet Tweet Treats

The crafting community is so immense, it's easy to feel disconnected at times. Thankfully, crafters are also a friendly bunch! Sometimes a fellow crafter or artisan will just reach out and make your day. Lucky for me, Lonna of Rose Cottage Boutique is just such an individual!

A fellow seller on Etsy.com, she creates cottage-style accessories that are beautiful and charming! My favorite is this pretty decorative set of 3 Little Red Birds. They have that vintage style that I love!

You can check them out for yourself at Lonna's shop on Etsy at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/rosecottageboutique2

Get Crafty for Valentine's Day!!!

Cool Crafty Projects! Perfect for Valentine's Day, for those of us who love to create something unexpected from everyday materials! 1. White Paper Flowers Bouquet, 2. Heart Pop-Out Card, 3. Duct Tape Roses, 4. Love Beads, 5. Heart Book Pendant

Here's where you can find instructions or tutorials for these beautiful projects:
1. http://www.craftstylish.com/item/7515/how-to-make-simple-white-paper-flowers
2. http://familyfun.go.com/valentines-day/valentines-day-2010/heart-pop-up-card-841601/
3. http://www.duckbrand.com/Duck%20Tape%20Club/ducktivities/crafts/How%20to%20Make%20a%20Duck%20Tape%20Rose.aspx
4. http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/love-beads-665995/
5. http://www.bhg.com/holidays/valentines-day/crafts/heart-book-pendant/

Have a Happy *DIY* Valentine's Day!

Oooh Pretty

Toadstool Cottage and Mushroom House: free pattern and tutorial
By Calypso


Toadstool Cottage (left) and Mushroom House (right)

Just because crafting can get messy, and we all know it can be a bit chaotic, doesn't mean we can't craft in style! By the same token, keeping a home doesn't have to be a chore, if you have the right materials. I've embarked on a quest to find useful handmade crafting and household items or tools, that are useful and appealing to the eye. These items should serve a purpose in the home, studio or workshop, as well as nurturing that part of us that craves color, beauty and art.

Here is my first find! Aren't these little Toadstool Pincushions adorable? I found these on "the little house by the sea" blog, complete with instructions and patterns! Thanks so much for sharing! Here's the link to her original article: http://thelittlehousebythesea.wordpress.com/2008/11/03/toadstool-cottage-and-mushroom-house-%E2%80%93-free-pattern-and-tutorial/

Romance and Whimsy

This beautiful bower is handmade 'Under the Apple Tree Canopy Bed" by the incredibly talented AttilaDesign. How amazing would it be to fall into this gorgeous bed every night, like sleeping in a faerie tale...

You can find this beautiful creation at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18999276

Change is in the air...

They say that change is a gateway to adventure...if that is true, we may be in for a very big adventure, indeed! My hubbie has been offered a position in Wisconsin, and if we accept, we will be living there in little over a month! Since we now reside in the very warm climate of Las Vegas, Nevada...where it is currently a toasty 60 degreees outside...the idea of so much change at once is a little daunting. We both grew up in New Mexico, which is also a warm climate, so the cold weather is sure to be a new experience. We've been here in Vegas for about seven years, and I think we're all ready for a change of scenery. Our 12 year old son has rarely seen snow, and is so excited! If we do move, it will be like ripping off a bandaid..quick and painful. :) Relocating is complicated, and moving my little business will take some work, as well. However, all things considered, I'm excited, too. Bring on the packing tape!

"GingerBread Houses from Holidays Past"

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GingerBread Gallery

Each year, I make at least one Gingerbread House for a friend, if not several. It's a ton of work, but it's definitely worth it! Our friends Garth and Judy are yearly recipients of our gingerbread workshop, and just seeing their faces when we bring the house over makes all the long hours worth every minute. Here is a slideshow of a few of our gingerbread houses from past holidays. This years house will be next!