Stay-at-Home Artist

blue cricket design & another very jane deal...

2012-01-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

Lots of excitement going on around here...

First of all, I've been accepted as a contributor at Blue Cricket Design!

If you don't have BCD in your reader or blog roll, you should change that ASAP. It's an awesome blog. So pumped to be working with Becca and the rest of these talented ladies!

Secondly, my satin flower clips are running on Very Jane again...

There are 9 different colors available for 56% off the regular price. They sold out last time, so don't miss out!

"create" quotation printable...

2012-01-18T08:00:00.001-07:00

The theme for the 3rd round of One Month to Win It was Buntings & Banners. Although I didn't get the chance to compete in Week 3, I had to have a project ready in case I did. Fortunately, I decided to make something that I have been meaning to do anyway...so it worked out great!

I mentioned way back in November that I'm working on a colorful gallery wall for my art room. It's still a work-in-progress, so I designed this printable with that project in mind. (Once I get the all the frames filled, I'll be sure to show it to you!)

The quote comes from Happiness Your Heritage, a message about the joy and growth that can come through creativity. It inspires me--especially during moments of self-doubt--so I thought these words would be perfect for my creative space. When I screw up a sewing project, I can look up, gaze upon this printable, and feel better about the stitches I'm ripping out. :)

If you'd like to print one for your own crafty space, I have a watermark-free version available for download HERE. I put mine in a document size frame, but the image will fit in an 8 x 10 as well.

***

I made this printable using the MyMemories.com design software.
I'd highly recommend it!

It's easy to use and VERY inexpensive compared to other design programs. Plus, you can get $10 off when you enter code STMMMS86047 at checkout!

style selection: shrinky dink

2012-01-17T12:45:00.001-07:00

In honor of my vintage floral statement necklace, I thought I'd investigate the wonderful world of shrink plastic via the good ol' world wide web. My search yielded some fun finds, thus Style Selection: Shrinky Dink was born. Here are the goods...

I'm madly in love with this geometric necklace tutorial at livlig.

Those bold patterns are just so striking!

A 2007 issue of N.E.E.T Magazine boasts these cute little key keepers.

Cathe over at Just Something I Made shows off these darling charms made by scanning vintage ephemera and printing the images on shrinky dink.

Her project was featured in a magazine, and the tutorial includes a free download so you can make your own!

Sew Nancy made these shrink plastic decorative pin heads using a tutorial by Wee Wonderfuls.

Check out these gorgeous butterfly necklaces from Happy Together.

There's something irresistible about vintage butterfly graphics.

Aren't these shrink plastic rings cool?

PlanetJune has a full tutorial with great pictures.

She stamped hers, but it would be fun to try some hand drawn designs.

Of course Martha had to get in on this shrinky dink action.

You can make custom pet ID tags with her free downloadable template.

Last, but certainly not least, I couldn't leave out these nostalgia-inducing, spirograph-inspired shrinky dink push pins by craftlog.

I need spirograph push pins. BAD.

(I have no choice but to buy one of these. No choice, I say!)

Turns out Shrinky Dink is a lot cooler than you remembered, huh?

I hope my selections have inspired you to try out some shrink plastic creations of your own!

make bold striped vases using enamel...

2012-01-13T10:04:00.006-07:00

Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the third round of One Month to Win It...but all of the projects were so cute I knew it would be tough. It was super fun to participate, though! If you ever get the chance to be in a crafty competition--do it! It's fun to push yourself and try new ideas.

Anyway, here's the tutorial from my Week 2 challenge - use a DecoArt product.

***

I have used several DecoArt products in the past. (Their acrylic craft paints and pearlizing mediums work great on wood, paper, and canvas.) But I wanted to challenge myself and try something new, so I picked up some DecoArt Gloss Enamel and painted on glass!

I turned some plain ol' glass cylinders into a pair of bold striped vases. The best part? The whole project cost me less than $7. (I love expensive decor projects, don't you?)

First, I cleaned my glass with rubbing alcohol according to package directions. Then I measured my vases and taped off my stripes using blue painters' tape. (Tip: Use the metric system when measuring stripes. It is SO much easier to do the division!) Next, I painted the entire inside of my vases turquoise and then painted my white stripes on the outside. Once I got the coverage I liked, I carefully removed the tape and dried the enamel in the oven as directed. Viola! I now have two graphic vases to use however I please.

For the time being, I added fresh flowers. The bold glassware adds a whimsical twist to some traditional flower arrangements. How fun would these be for a party! You could customize the colors to coordinate with any palette. (I'm envisioning black & white stripes with red roses for an Alice in Wonderland theme...or gray & white stripes with yellow craspedia for a contemporary wedding centerpiece...so many possibilities.) I can't wait to experiment with more colors and designs!

OMTWI round 2 voting...

2012-01-10T13:22:00.003-07:00

On to Week 2 of One Month to Win It! Voting is now open.

Once again, the voting is anonymous, so I can't tell you which entry is mine.
Just go vote for one you like.

All of the entries are REALLY cute this week. I don't know if I'll make it through, but it's been fun to participate with so many talented ladies!

vintage floral statement necklace...

2012-01-06T10:10:00.003-07:00

I made it through Round 1 of One Month to Win It...phew! :)
Thanks to all those who voted. Stay tuned for Round 2 next week.

In the meantime, here's the tutorial for my vintage floral statement necklace...

***

Week 1 Challenge - use vintage graphics from The Graphics Fairy

When I checked out all of the gorgeous vintage graphics The Graphics Fairy has to offer, I knew I had to create a piece of jewelry. (The images are so beautiful I wanted to wear them!) I remembered those Shrinky Dink charm bracelets people used to make and was thrilled to discover that there is now printable Shrinky Dink. I had to try it. However, I hate wearing bracelets... so I made a bold statement necklace instead. I love how it turned out!

First, I chose the images I wanted to use--Stunning French Fan & Postcard with Floral Spray. I cropped/resized the images on my computer, then printed them on a sheet of Shrinky Dink according to package directions. Then, I cut my floral shapes out and punched holes so I could add jump rings later.

Next, I baked my pieces (once again, following package directions). I put them in the oven one at a time, so I could monitor their progress individually. Once they were done shrinking, I pulled them out, covered them with a sheet of parchment, and placed a heavy book on top for a few seconds so they would be nice and flat. Finally, I added my findings, a chain, and a satin bow just for an extra dose of femininity... as if a necklace of roses isn't girly enough. :)

Now I get to wear these beautiful blooms around my neck. This lovely necklace turned out so well, I can't wait to make a few more!

need a new dress?

2012-01-05T13:28:00.002-07:00

The folks over at Shabby Apple sent their affiliates an email about a couple of great promotions they have going on right now, so I thought I should give you a heads up...

Take advantage of their site-wide sale--20% off pretty much everything!

Just enter code NEWYEAR at checkout through the month of January.

They also have a free necklace offer...

Now would be a great time to pick up a new dress for yourself of your daughters. (Plan ahead for Easter, maybe?) They have women's and kids' sizes...plus maternity, swimwear, and accessories!

"it's a new year!" resolution printable...

2012-01-04T09:00:00.020-07:00

Well, now that we've rung in 2012, it's time to make some resolutions, right?

I don't always do resolutions, but I decided now was a good a time as any to make some positive changes in my life. And I figure if I'm going to set some goals, they might as well look good...

You can snag my snazzy list template for yourself right HERE.

I tried to set goals for different areas of my life--spiritual, physical, intellectual. And I hung my list on my magnet board so I'll see them regularly and maybe {hopefully} remember to work on some of them.

We'll see how it goes...

What goals do you have for 2012?

week 1 voting is open!

2012-01-03T09:35:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I was chosen to compete in this season of One Month to Win It! The first round of projects have posted and voting is open.

I can't tell you which entry is mine, so just go vote for your favorite.

(There are lots of gorgeous projects...it will be hard to pick just one.)

Thanks for taking the time to vote...wish me luck! :)

2011 in review...

2011-12-29T22:34:00.001-07:00

After a nice, long, lovely Christmas vacation with my in-laws in California, I'm happy to be back! With all of the fantastic "Top 10" and "Project of the Year" posts popping up all over the blog-o-sphere, I thought I should join in the fun!

2011 has been unbelievable for this little blog of mine. When I posted my first couple of tutorials in December 2010, I had no idea people would actually see them...and keep coming back for more! I can't believe all of the positive feedback and growth the past year has brought. I couldn't be more grateful. Thanks to all of you for your readership and kind words.

With that said, many of you have discovered Stay-at-Home Artist rather recently, so I thought it would be fun to recap some of my popular posts and favorite projects of 2011. Let's get started!

It seems appropriate to begin with my Stenciling with Freezer Paper/Harry Potter Tee. This post got picked up by StumbleUpon and has gotten more hits than I ever could have imagined! (Right now we're at +700,000...what?!?)

I still get shirt orders almost daily...

you guys love your Harry Potter, that's for sure. :)

(Convo me through my etsy shop if you want one, too!)

My favorite project from the past year might be my Reversible Sewing Machine Cover. That colorful bunting paired with polka dots just makes me happy...

This T-shirt Yoga Skirt is a cinch to make and so comfy to wear.

Another popular post is my Concentric Circles Canvas Art. You don't have to be a great artist to get beautiful results. (It's fun for kids, too!)

And I happen to be rather partial to this Butterfly Wall Hanging.

I can't wait for spring so I can hang it up again!

Typography is still all the rage in home decor right now...and making Wood Plaque Wall Decor is inexpensive and simple. (Plus, this post includes a little image-transferring trick.)

My Candlestick Topiary is such a versatile project.

I've gotten tons of emails and messages from people who have used the idea to decorate for all kinds of events--weddings, parties, anniversary celebrations, etc.

I wear my ModCloth-Inspired Color Wheel Pendant all the time. I'm an art nerd! :)

This Lace Overlay Pendant turned out really pretty. I think they would make such great gifts for friends' birthdays. Who wouldn't love a little handmade piece of jewelry?

And I'm no cooking professional or anything, but I thought I'd throw in a few of my favorite recipe posts, too. These Lemon-Berry Bars are so SO SO good.

Once I recover from my post-holiday sugar overload I might have to make myself a batch. I'm a sucker for anything lemon and anything berry...so lemon and berries with a shortbread crust is irresistable.

And I happen to think this Snickerdoodle recipe is the best one ever. :)

But my favorite dish posted this year has to be my Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. I like to make a batch and eat a bowl everyday until it's gone. If you look forward to the same meal for a week straight, that has to be a good recipe, right?

Thanks again for all of your love and support this year.

Here's to hoping 2012 is full of even more creativity!

merry christmas!

2011-12-24T09:00:00.001-07:00

Wishing you all a beautiful holiday...

May you find joy as we celebrate the Savior this Christmas season. :)

one month to win it...

2011-12-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

As if it wasn't crazy enough around here trying to make last-minute Christmas gifts and finish the influx of Harry Potter t-shirt orders, I recently got some fun news...

I'm going to be a contestant for Season 7 of One Month to Win It!

OMTWI is a 4-week crafting competition with voting/eliminations each week until only one winner remains. I'll be participating in January. I totally entered my printable ornaments on a whim, thinking I'd never get picked anyway. (10 people are chosen by the judges and 2 competitors are selected randomly. I think I was probably one of the randoms. Ha.) So I'm a little nervous, but it will be fun.

The project categories for each week of Season 7 are:

Week 1 - Vintage Graphics

Week 2 - Decoart Products

Week 3 - Banners/Buntings

Week 4 - Furniture

I'm pretty excited about the first 3 weeks...but week 4 is a doozy. I'm not one of those people that hoards thrift store/Craigslist furniture in the garage for future re-finishing projects. :) I guess I'll cross that bridge if I come to it. But I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with each week. The other participants submitted some great projects. So many creative people in the world. Love it.

Wish me luck and (send some creative vibes my way)!

mod podge ornaments with free printable...

2011-12-09T11:53:00.004-07:00

It's always nice to have some cute ornaments to give as neighbor gifts or add a little something special to gift wrap. If they are handmade--even better. With a few simple supplies, you can make a whole bunch of these fun mod podge ornaments in no time.

I made a free printable to share with you all, so the hard part is already done! It includes 8 different ornament designs. Just print on regular ol' paper or cardstock and you're good to go.

Download the pdf file HERE.

Here are the supplies you will need:

the free ornament printable
wood circles larger than 2.5" (mine are just a smidge under 2.75")
scissors
craft paint & brushes
mod podge
mod podge dimensional magic (optional)
ribbon
craft glue

Start by cutting out the ornament designs.
I'll be using these 4 for this tutorial...

Next paint your wood circles the colors of your choice. I painted around the edges, but I should've just painted the whole thing. You can kinda see the paint line through the ones with white backgrounds. It's not a big deal, but it would've been easy to just paint the entire surface. Silly me.

(And you can paint the backs or leave them raw if you're lazy like I might be. But there is no photo evidence, so you'll never know...)

Once your paint is dry, it's time to podge! Spread your decoupage glue all over the surface of your circle, carefully position your paper ornament design, then seal the whole thing with mod podge and allow to dry.

If you want, you can call it good at this point.

I, however, decided to take my little ornaments one step further with some mod podge dimensional magic. If you follow my blog, you know that I've used it multiple times before to make jewelry--the sparrow pendant, my color wheel necklace, and the lace overlay pendant. It creates a lovely glossy finish that's a bit more impressive...and it turned out fabulous on these ornaments.

Start by pouring a generous pool onto the surface of your ornament.

Then use a toothpick to work out any little air bubbles and spread it out to the edges.

The package says to let it dry 3 hours, but I always leave it overnight so I know its set.

Once they are dry, glue some ribbon loops to the back to finish.
(Or you can drill holes if you'd prefer to go that route.)

Now you can use them as gift tags or add them to some treats to take to your neighbors...

Or keep them for your own tree.

You can always make more. :)

***
Want to design your own ornament printable?
I used the MyMemories Suite 3 scrapbooking software.
It's rather inexpensive for design software and so easy to use.
Get $10 off the software using coupon code:
STMMMS86047
(Plus you'll get a $10 coupon for the kit store after purchase!)

mistletoe pomander ornament...

2011-12-07T16:05:00.001-07:00

I found a package of very small styrofoam balls at the dollar store and thought, "How cute would some mini-pomanders be?!" So I bought 'em.

And came up with this...

A mini mistletoe pomander ornament!

The best part is you can use this tutorial to make one of any size. The ornament pictured is made using a 1.5" styrofoam ball, but you could easily make a larger version to hang above your door.

(I made my own mistletoe last year, so I'm using my pomanders as ornaments.)

Okay, to make your own you will need...

styrofoam balls

green felt (this moss-colored felt came from Michaels)

ribbon

pearls or tiny white pom poms

glue of your choice

I started by cutting out 2 small circles and glued them to the top and bottom of my foam ball.

Then I cut out a bunch of teardrop shapes for my leaves. Just cut freehand--the varying shapes and sizes will look more organic. If they are too perfect they look kind of fish scaly.

I used maybe half a sheet of felt total.

Then I just glued them on willy-nilly. I overlapped, but avoided perfect rows.

(Rows = fish scales.)

I just glued until all the foam was covered.

It kind of looks like a tiny artichoke.

So if you like tiny artichoke Christmas ornaments, you are done! :)

If you'd like it to look more mistletoe-ish... glue on some pearls or teensy white pom poms for the berries.

I decided I wanted to add a little somthin'-somethin' to my pomander, so I cut a scrap of fabric and used a sharpie to write a saucy little message. (But you could leave this step out if you are opposed to sauciness.)

I glued my "smooch!" to the top of my pomander...

...then added a loop of ribbon and a bow.

Finished!

Now this cute little guy is hanging on my tree, demanding kisses from passers-by.

pom pom christmas ornaments...

2011-11-28T16:13:00.000-07:00

Christmas season is officially here!

Time to bust out the decorations...and make some more, of course. :)

These pom pom ornaments are a cinch to put together.

Your kids could make their own.

Start with clear plastic ornaments, pom poms in the colors/sizes of your choice (I went with small white, medium red, and larger green with tinsel), and coordinating ribbon or trim.

Pop the top of your ornaments and begin adding poms.

Fill as full as you'd like, then replace the top.

Tie on a short length of ribbon and notch the ends.

You could add a little tag or charm as well.

That's it!

Your cute pom pom ornament is done in the blink of an eye and ready to hang on the tree.

groopdealz feature...

2011-11-25T11:02:00.002-07:00

It's Black Friday!

Did any of you crazy people go shopping last night? I did. It was out of control!

Now I plan on doing some good old fashioned internet shopping.

Much less waiting in ridiculously long lines. :)

If you're in the market for some deals on hair accessories, my doily rose headbands are featured on Groopdealz.com for the next few days.
They are 50% off!

Also, head over to my shop and use coupon code

BLACK2011

to get 35% off your ENTIRE order!

Happy shopping!

handmade black friday deals!

2011-11-24T08:00:00.005-07:00

This year my shop is participating in the Handmade Black Friday event over at Craftaholics Anonymous...

Head over there today to check out all of the shops and make a list of what items you might be interested in buying on Black Friday.

Then, at midnight (ET) all of the Black Friday promotions for those shops will be posted--doorbusters, coupon codes, special one-day deals, etc. You should be able to snag some amazing handmade Christmas gifts at ridiculous prices!

Happy shopping! :)

my spare bedroom studio...

2011-11-21T09:00:00.007-07:00

I wrote a guest post for another blog about my creative space recently. I've made some pretty improvements, so I thought I'd share with my own readers, too! :)

My little spare bedroom studio is pretty much a hodge podge of mismatched shelving and folding tables--and it's usually quite a mess--but I love it!

The white walls are great for keeping the room light and bright, but it was a bit boring. So lately I've been focusing on making the room a bit more inspiring without spending much money. Those teal drapes are really twin size flat sheets I picked up for $5 each--way cheaper then drapery panels or fabric yardage!

I also made a cute reversible sewing machine cover earlier this year..

Put together a quick paper pennant not too long ago...

And I'm working on a small colorful gallery wall with painted dollar store frames...

While these pretty details are fun, I think function is even more important.

Since I draw, paint, sew, craft, teach art lessons, run an etsy shop, and write a creative blog, I have a LOT of supplies. It's definitely a challenge to keep it all organized.

My secret? Bins, baskets, bins, boxes, crates, and more bins!

{I think I might be keeping Sterilite in business. :) }

I try to keep everything labeled so items are easy to find when I need them.

My husband also painted a hardware store peg board for me to use for my merchandise storage.

(It also makes a great display when I sell at markets or weekend boutiques.)

I don't have the fanciest studio in the world, but it's certainly one of my favorite places to be. Be on the lookout for my little gallery wall of colorful frames and other creative space decor coming soon!

floral bobby pins...

2011-11-19T09:00:00.031-07:00

Like I've mentioned recently, I'm working on all kinds of new stuff for my accessories shop on Etsy. (Christmas is coming!)

I'm pretty much madly in love with these bobby pin sets...

These are a great for pinning back bangs or short layers. It's a simple and classy way to wear a flower in your hair and I've got multiple color pairings available.

Now I need to get some more blank pins, because I'm planning on making about a million of these for myself!

thanksgiving printable & acorn wall hanging...

2011-11-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

I didn't do too much fall decorating this year other than my cute fall wreath. We're not hosting any Thanksgiving celebrations at our place, so I kept it super simple. I made an inexpensive wall hanging with clearance rack acorn ornaments and put together a little printable for a frame I had lying around.

You can download the watermark-free printable for free HERE.

If you want to print it to fit in a long frame like mine, save the file to your computer. Open the file in Acrobat, select print, and choose "tile large pages" in your print options menu. If you want it to print on one sheet, follow the same steps, but select "shrink to fit" from the options menu. (Or you can even print a cute Thanksgiving card by selecting "booklet printing"!)

***

My acorn & oak leaf wall hanging is a cinch to make. I used a some acorn ornaments from Joann ($1.49 a box!), a dowel, a little paint, some string, and a sheet of scrapbook paper.

I painted my dowel and cut oak leaf shapes out of my paper using my cricut (but this could be done by hand easily.)

I attached my dowel to the wall with mounting tape, then strung my acorn ornaments at varying heights...

And taped my leaves onto the strings wherever I liked...

viola!

It's not a traditional Thanksgiving look, but I like the little pops of color.

large felt rose clips...

2011-11-11T11:10:00.001-07:00

Posting has been a little sparse lately since I'm gearing up for Black Friday and the busy Christmas season. I've come up with some great accessory designs, including these large felt rose clips.

I've got a whole slew of colors that I'll be listing in my shop this week. Some will be on headbands, too. And I've got lots of other new products to share with you as well!

And I was thinking that since Thanksgiving is in 2 weeks, I should probably post my Thanksgiving decor projects, huh? Nothing like waiting 'til the last minute.

I should really start writing my Christmas tutorials right now, but what's Christmas without a little procrastination? Haha. :)

craft spaces at Taylor Made...

2011-11-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

Taylor of Taylor Made is hosting an awesome "Craft Spaces" event full of room tours, tips, and more...

I'm guest posting today, so head on over to see my recently updated craft space!

style selection: notebooks, sketchbooks, & journals...

2011-11-02T13:28:00.001-06:00

I am a list maker.

And I like to write my lists. With a pen on paper. I cross things out...and add others. Then I re-write the whole list when things get too messy. It's a compulsion that I think I inherited from my mother. (My sister got the list making gene, too...)

I write lists to take to the store, brainstorming lists, lists of projects I bought the stuff for but still haven't made, lists of stuff I could make for dinner, lists of blog posts I still need to write. Every notebook and sticky note pad in our house eventually ends up in my possession. Fortunately, my husband prefers typing, so he doesn't seem to mind too much. (He thinks I need a smartphone or some other techno-tool for my lists, but I'm old-school.)

Not only do I write lists, but I also draw stuff and keep a journal.

I heart paper. :)

Nothing makes these past times more satisfying than a stylish assortment of notebooks/sketchbooks/journals, so I've put together a little collection of internet finds.

I am a HUGE fan of these screen printed covers by KatieBlairDesigns.

I'm pretty sure I could come up with some pretty amazing stuff if I was writing/sketching in one of these...

They run $10 each and come with lined or unlined pages.

This little brown book of art stuff is adorable, too.

It's made by HappyDappyBits and sells for $6.

It's pocket-sized, so you can sketch on the go.

REDSTARink sells this spiral bound notebook for $12.

Who can resist a good brainstorm sesh?

PuffedPeonies is a print shop that will make any of their artworks into a notebook cover for you for $25.

They have some fantastic geometric designs.

You all know my love for Harry Potter, so it should come as no surprise that some HP geekery made it into this post.

Italian seller celestefrittata has a line of Hogwarts school subject notebooks for about $26. SO awesome.

Most of my journals & sketchbooks from the past have black covers with white pages. It would be fun to switch it up and write or draw on some bright pages for a change.

These handmade books with neon pages are made by cathydurso and go for $24.

These last two finds come via Amazon.com rather than Etsy.

The concept behind Wreck This Journal sounds like a blast.

Each page comes with a directive--"Write your name illegibly" or "Tape this book shut and mail it to yourself." I think it could be really fun.

And I've been wanting a One Line a Day Journal for awhile now...

You write one line a day for 5 years and each day is on the same page. So every year when you write on January 5th, you see what you wrote on January 5th in years past. I think that could offer some great perspective on life, don't you?

Man, now I just want to design some cool notebooks of my own...

I'll put that on my list. :)

thinking about christmas cards...

2011-10-25T11:46:00.000-06:00

The holiday season is almost here, so I'm trying to plan ahead and get my Christmas cards figured out. I generally bribe one of my friends to do a quick photo shoot so we at least have a decent picture. I love our handful of awkward, self-taken candids and all, but it's nice to have someone else take a photo of us at least once a year.

Shutterfly.com has a great selection of holiday cards to choose from. (And they are once again offering their Holiday Promotion for bloggers! Sign up HERE.)

I'm loving this design...

I'm all about the notched ribbon graphics right now.

And the leafy pattern is so my style.

Although the simple, bold layout of this one really appeals to me, too...

And this calligraphy font is super cute...

However, when I ordered our cards through Shutterfly last year, I ended up going with an entirely different design than I thought I would! Haha. :) Fortunately, they have so many options it's easy to find the perfect design to complement your Christmas card photo.

Here's what we went with in 2010...

(I was growing my hair out. Ew. Glad I've since chopped it!)

I'm looking forward to getting our photos done and choosing the perfect Christmas card for this season!

scrapbook paper pennant...

2011-10-20T20:11:00.001-06:00

I've had a "make my art room cuter" to do list for months now...

I don't want to spend a lot of money jazzing things up. After all, it gets VERY messy in there sometimes. So I've been focusing on inexpensive projects to add a little color and interest, but I won't be too heartbroken if they end up paint splattered or covered in hot glue.

This pennant/bunting is so easy to make, you probably don't need a tutorial.

I just picked out some pretty scrapbook paper that fit the color scheme I'm going for. I cut the sheets into 4 x 6 inch rectangles.

Then I cut those rectangles into long triangles.

I attached the triangles to some skinny ribbon with 3 daubs of tacky craft glue.

It dried super duper fast.

I hung it across the top of one of my walls with some mounting tape at each end.

It's so simple, but my little creative space is looking a lot more inspiring already.

I can't wait to show you the rest!