Lemon Jitters

Where did all my creative go?

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:29:00 +0000

Creative peeps, what do you do when you've hit a creativity slump? This is not the worst slump I've ever been in - I still have creative ideas. They just aren't my best work, I feel unorganized and I'm not as motivated as usual. Big bummer.

I've thought about why this is and how it is different from the other time I was in a creative slump years ago. I've also come up with some ideas to work on sparking my creativity again. I know I have great ideas down in there - I just need to coax them out.

1. I think part of the solution will be for me to take some time to do creative things with no intention of blogging them. It's tough because I get trapped in this mindset that everything I make has to be bloggable. I think that is an unhealthy place to be - it stifles my creativity and energy.

2. The second part of my solution is a commitment to read a lot of books this summer. Aka get off the internet. Quit browsing Pinterest and quit comparing myself to all the amazing creatives out there. Also, reading is a creative outlet but it isn't visual, which could help me. I feel a bit inundated with the amount of visual stimulation there is on the Internet. Reading is a different part of my creativity - it forces me to create my own visuals. It also triggers emotions and thoughts that could lead to new energy for my creative juices.

3. The last part of working on this will be creative exercises. I am going to try to do projects based on prompts or new craft genres (new to me). Maybe using something like these creative exercise ideas. I welcome any suggestions for this!

I would also like to gift more creative projects but that's a story for another day. There are so many things I could do but I want to keep a narrow focus. What do you do in this situation? Any suggestions?

Shortcuts in the kitchen and mango lemonade

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

When it comes to the kitchen or housework, I'm not much of a DIYer. If I can take a shortcut, I will. (I.e. a quick cleanup means throw everything in the closet and shut the door). I was craving mango lemonade this weekend and I had a fleeting thought that I would make the lemonade from scratch. Like, squeeze a million lemons. Let me repeat- fleeting thought. I quickly thought of using my favorite organic lemonade, which is a great base for any drink, really. It's not too sweet and it's natural.

DIY Paper Flowers for Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Thu, 09 May 2013 09:30:00 +0000

I'm a 100% sucker for paper flowers. I like to make them, receive them, look at them, drool over them. One of my favorite crafts, for sure. I also like DIY from other mediums. Here are some of my favorite DIY flowers to spruce up your Mother's Day gift! Or be the gift itself.

Crepe Paper Flowers by Crafts Unleashed. Cuuute.

Mother's Day Cards & Card Design Template

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:30:00 +0000

As you know, I am a compulsive card maker. The only time I've bought cards was for wedding thank-yous. Even then, I designed the cards and had them printed. However, let it be noted: I greatly appreciate store bought cards! Anyway, I made Mother's Day cards this weekend.

Mother's Day giveaway! {Jo Totes}

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Mon, 06 May 2013 09:30:00 +0000

Mother's Day is only days away! We've got an awesome giveaway to honor you AND your mom!

With Mom Day coming quickly, the Craftaholics Anonymous® Creative Team put our crafty little heads together and decided to hold a very special giveaway just for you! We are giving away TWO Jo Totes! {are you jumping up and down yet?! Because we are!} We are so excited to offer you this special giveaway! Jo Totes make us weak in the knees, so we knew they would be the perfect giveaway.

16 Favorite Spring Jewels

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Fri, 03 May 2013 09:30:00 +0000

It snowed this week in Colorado. SNOWED, you guys. Ugh. I can't enjoy it because I have Spring on my mind! I've been browsing the web for Spring inspiration because there certainly isn't any outside. This time of the year makes me want to revamp my wardrobe and I'm starting with my first love - jewelry.

This my favorite choice for awesome Spring necklace! I looove it.

*Fine print that is actually normal size because I cherish your eyesight: I could possibly get commission if you purchase using some of these links. That's not why I chose these pieces. However, if you do make a purchase - thanks, I want to keep this blog running!

15 DIY Cinco De Mayo Party Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Thu, 02 May 2013 09:30:00 +0000

1// Chocolate Chili Peppers 2// Chile Pepper Party Pom 3// Fiesta Printable

4// Fiesta Garland

5// Fringe Cake 6// Margarita Cupcakes 7// Taco Cookies 8// Boozy Desserts

9// Fiesta Card 10// Fiesta Favor Bags 11// Pinata Inspired Maracas 12// Fiesta Flowers 13// Mini Pinatas

14// Cinco de Mayo Printable 15// Cinco de Mayo collection

Anyone want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at my house?! These ideas are so inspiring. :)

Making Cinco de Mayo flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Wed, 01 May 2013 09:30:00 +0000

Okay, so this is a repost from last year. But last year I did not have my wits about me because I just realized that these flowers are perfect for Cinco de Mayo decor! As you know, I'm all about Cinco de Mayo this year.

Supplies: Food coloring or some sort of dye, cheap-o coffee filters, cupcake wrappers, wire or straws (something to make a stem), and tape. I used Wilton's Teal & Peach food colors. And a dab of orange.

Soak your filters and cupcake liners in food coloring and water. Even if you don't want to dye them, I suggest soaking them. That makes them pliable and easier to work with.

I learned this first technique from Aunt Peaches (a hilariously off-beat craft blog). So I suggest you take a look at Aunt Peaches coffee filter flowers. You basically cut your filter into a spiral and then pleat it along a piece of tape, then roll the tape up on a stem. I did much looser pleats than she did - more like loops - and this is the result (flower shown above). I LOVE it. Especially how the colors came out.

See more after the break!

Somehow I care more about Cinco de Mayo than Fourth of July

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

I am American and have no Mexican heritage. Regardless, I really want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year. And it's not even about margaritas. Also, I focused on cacti for my Cinco de Mayo decor but I probably should have gone with something more culturally appropriate - Mexican flag colors? Sombreros? Cacti just seem multi-purpose. Mexico has cacti but also, maybe you can reuse these for a cacti party. (Did I just say 'cacti party'?)

Favorite Thing: 15 Spring Scarves

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:57:00 +0000

Do you ever get it in your mind that you *need* something that, in fact, is a luxury? I sort of always have a running list of things that I want or would be nice to have. And then I go through periods where one or all of those things become *needs*. I scour the Internet for the perfect one. Most of the time, Internet window-shopping is enough to satiate my dire need for that.perfect.thing. Other times, the thing is fairly accessible (read: inexpensive) so I actually purchase it. If, after all this, I do make a purchase, I use and love the thing. It's like I worked for it, I earned it. I mean, I SCOURED the Internet for the thing. (As you know, it's really tough work looking at all the things). The thing is lovely. I cherish it. Well, right now, that thing is a spring scarf.

I have narrowed the entire Internet world of scarves to 15 key players that are in the running to become the one. I only have ~~a few dollars~~ one rose to give so it has to be a special one. What is your vote? Do you have a favorite?

Check it...

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:28:00 +0000

My latest post for Craftaholics Anonymous is this sweet fringe necklace. I'm in love and I wear it all the time.

And my latest post for Crafts Unleashed is this Mother's Day/May Day hanging flower arrangement.

Check em out! Maybe show some comment love. ;)

Giftable quote project with my Silhouette Cameo

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:00:00 +0000

As you know, I love my Silhouette Cameo. I use it all the time and it is really fun. I recently joined the Silhouette affiliate team so now I get to share special deals with you guys! Woot! This month's deal is all about vinyl. Which I love. My friend Lindsay also participated in making a vinyl project and her download/project is awesome. Check it out!

My crafting mission goes mini!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:00:00 +0000

As you know, I'm into anything mini (see my mini cake from last week, mini tassel garland, mini bulb necklace, mini mirror necklace...the list goes on). And I am also trying to bring the door hanger back into fashion. It's my personal crafting mission. So this craft was bound to happen. Wreaths - the traditional door decor - combined with my crafting mission. Please and thank you.

Blooper Reel

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:00:00 +0000

I had to show you guys this blooper from a tutorial I am working on. I was mid-smile when I twisted my ankle, causing momentary pain. Like a trooper, I tried to hold my smile, which turned into a grimace. The timer had already been set.... Don't worry, I didn't actually hurt myself, as my face would indicate. It was one of those flash pains when you turn your foot too quickly. And who knows what pose I was going for.

I always have bloopers but this is my best so far! It makes me smile and laugh. Just a little laugh, like an internal giggle. Because I remember the pain, too.

And for my dignity's sake, here is a more normal shot. I can't leave you guys with the previous image stuck in your mind.

DIY: The simplest jar vase ever!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:00:00 +0000

There's a secret inside this envelope vase- read on to find out what it is! And yes, it's a very simple trick. I like to keep things quick and easy around here.

Floral: Scraggly Luxury

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:00:00 +0000

I went to Ikea this past weekend. I am always totally enamored with the Marketplace. Especially the section with drinking glasses and the section with vases/containers. So I got a couple of drinking glasses (one with flamingos!) and vases. Which gave me an excuse to buy flowers!

DIY Cake Topper

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:00:00 +0000

You can make a really cute mini cake topper in about 30 seconds. For realz. Read on to see how.

Blogger Meetup Prep

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:30:00 +0000

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you might have seen this photo, where I asked everyone to vote on their favorite style of this magnet.

Crafty Time: Paper Fringe

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Last week, Proper Pinwheel and Art Social hosted a blogger meetup in Denver. Unfortunately, I couldn't be there because of a family emergency but I helped prep and it was a lot of fun. We cut fringe for a few hours to prep for the make and take project that would happen at the meetup.

This is Erin, of Art Social, getting her cut on.

This is Lexy, of The Proper Pinwheel, sorting colors.

That is my pile of fringe after three hours or so of cutting. I used Martha Stewart's fringe scissors, which were awesome. (Tip for using the scissors- just do a few pieces of tissue paper at a time and go slowly).

Can you guess what the project was? See some of the finished results and other details of the meetup here. Now I am obsessed with fringe and you can be sure to see it around here in the future!

Roundup: Cupcake Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:30:00 +0000

Confession: I am a terrible cook. Mostly because I dislike cooking. My husband tries to convince me that it is just crafting in the kitchen but I'm not buying it.

However, I do like to bake. Probably because baking leads to such pretty end results AND I have a

raging sweet tooth. I really want to learn how to make pretty cupcakes so I've rounded up some ideas.

I chose these first three for their pretty frosting techniques. I prefer an attractive cupcake to the most delicious one. I'll take a normal tasting cupcake (which is so yummy anyway) with a really cute topping.

1// No-fail cupcakes by The Crafting Chicks 2// Mum cupcakes by Running Blonde 3// Cupcake decorating by Niner Bakes

The next three have great recipes! I could use some blueberries in my cupcakes and all of these recipes provide that fresh blueberry taste! Plus they are pretty.

4// Blackberry cupcake with blueberry cream cheese frosting by Cupcakes Garden 5// Blueberry cupcakes by Mele Cotte 6// Lime & blueberry cupcakes by Shrimp Salad Circus

Lastly, these DIY toppers are super cute. As I said earlier, the whole point of me making a cupcake is to make it cute. These toppers do just that.

1// Flower Printables by Ellinee 2// DIY Straw Bday Candles by Icing Designs 3// Candy Topper by Oh Cupcakes

This frosting color guide by Food Network, as seen on Handmade Charlotte, is AMAZING. If I ever needed an excuse to make cupcakes, trying the colors in this chart is just that.

Now I desperately want to make cupcakes. I usually wait for an event but I think I'll make them just because. :)

DIY Tassel Earrings

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Lately I've been into anything that resembles a tassel or fringe. I love tassel jewelry. I'm going to go step-by-step to show you how to make tassel earrings. It looks like a lot of steps but it's not difficult, I promise!

Winter Explorations: Snowy

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000

So it is technically Spring but Colorado doesn't know that yet. These photos are from last month but we got a huge snow this past weekend, too! There are lots of sunny and snowy days but I loved this particular one - gray skies.

Easter Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:00:00 +0000

If you have a Silhouette Cameo, you are familiar with their online store. I love browsing the store! Anytime I have just a few minutes to kill, I like looking at the designs. They are running an Easter sale right now and it makes me want to whip up some Easter baskets. I've rounded up my favorite Easter designs for you to peruse.

Easter Tag // Bunny // Easter Banner // Three Easter Banner // Happy Easter & Egg

DIY: Mini Mirror Necklace

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:00:00 +0000

I have an insatiable urge to turn all miniature dollhouse items into jewelry. I love mini things. When I saw this mini mirror, I knew it was destined to be a necklace.

Currently Crafting: Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Katie (Lemon Jitters)) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000

I'm always crafting cards, huh? I really like small projects that don't take long and I like encouraging people. So cards a perfect marriage of these two interests.