Cheat’s Ice Cream Recipe Card & Tags

Nothing beats homemade ice cream, but making silky, rich ice cream can be a bit of a palaver.  We shared this easy Cheat’s version, inspired by Donna Hay, at the start of our summer and it was an instant hit with our readers.

This recipe will become part of your summertime repertoire for last-minute entertaining or even a weeknight treat.

So we have made it easy to remember by creating a pretty recipe card to put in your recipe file.

We’ve even added some matching ice cream tags.

Sweet summer yum…

To make a lovely hostess or housewarming gift, buy some ice cream spoons or bowls and add the recipe card and tags for a personal touch.

Download the summer recipe card and tag printables here!

This lovely Summer Splash guest post is from The Pretty Blog!  Founders Nicola Pretorius & Christine Meintjes do a beautiful job of sharing creative ideas and wedding inspiration or a regular basis.  They are located in South Africa!

You’ll want to add this blog to your daily reads…trust me!  I’ve been reading it for years!

Visit The Pretty Blog to see their latest posts.  You can always follow them through social media…

Facebook I Twitter I Pinterest

Don’t miss any of our Summer Series guest posts full of DIY projects and free printables for summer!

Stop by each Friday for our brand new Crafty Girl Linky Party and share your projects!!!

Did you miss yesterday’s Summer Splash post??  It’s here…Shrinky Polka Dot Necklace Tutorial & Printable.

Have a fabulous summer!

~Kim

Wow…check out what you can do with the same shrinky plastic that you played with as a child.  Helloooo, this isn’t exactly what would expect when you recall those shrinky dink memories, is it??  I always ended up with little crooked animals and not-so colorful flowers, but I do remember it being fun…and it’s still a blast, trust me!

I love, love, love how my Shrinky Polka Dot Necklace turned out!

Have you made any shrinky jewelry lately? You might want to give it a try this summer. It’s the perfect afternoon project for any age.

We have weeks of summer tutorials, printables, giveaways and a brand new Crafty Girl Linky Party each Friday!  Check back daily to find creative ideas for a fabulous summer!

This necklace would look amazing with so many outfits and no one will believe you when you tell them you made it for just a few dollars…and that the charms are Shrinky Plastic!

We created a printable just for this Shrinky Polka Dot Necklace.  Print it out and you’re on your way to making beautiful jewelry.  I’m thinking you need earrings to match, don’t you think?  Get creative with these fun little dots!

You can download it right here.

Make sure you use the highest quality printer setting for the best results. 

Cut around each circle leaving a good bit of white.  You won’t be able to cut it perfectly, but don’t worry.  This stuff is very forgiving when it shrinks.  These are fun and funky and the circles won’t shrink in an even manner anyway. 

Use a hole punch on each circle so you can connect your jewelry findings.

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.

Lay them out on a baking sheet.  I used an awesome non-stick liner and covered them with a couple sheets of parchment paper.  It worked perfectly.  I didn’t have any sticking and they all turned out flat.

Bake for 2-5 minutes.

You will see them curl a bit and then flatten out when they’re finished shrinking.

They shrink! How cool is that!?!

Remove them from the oven.  If they aren’t perfectly flat you can press down on them with a spatula while they’re still hot. 

You can use any pre-made necklace and matching findings from your local craft store.  I attached the first large circle to the bottom and worked my way up the sides.  You can skip every other link on the chain like I did or spread them out even more. 

This won’t be the last shrinky plastic project you’ll see around here.  It was so easy and I was seriously impressed with the results. 

To make shopping for this tutorial a bit easier I’m including links to some of the products I used…

• Ink Jet Shrink Film – White
• Cuissential Non-Stick Baking Mat
• Simple Hole Punch

And don’t forget your free Polka Dot Necklace Printable!

Have you made any shrinky jewelry lately?

~Kim

Keep up with the latest Summer Splash tutorials, printables and all-around cool, crafty stuff by following me on Pinterest, Facebook,Twitter,Google+ and subscribing to Everything Etsy with the email subscription box below!

Join us on Fridays for our Crafty Girl Link Party with your latest creation!

Summer travel is so much fun, and preserving those memories with creative crafts is a great way to wrap up a fabulous family trip.  We’re big on road trips, beach vacations, camping in the mountains, or any world travel…ha!  I’m always looking forward to our next trip and I love finding creative ways to remember past vacations.

I hope you find these travel inspired craft as inspiring as I do! 

Map art is a great way to use free city maps!

State Map Puzzle Magnets are fun to make with your kids.  Look for a vintage puzzle at your next garage sale and make a magnet for each state you visit. 

Map Travel Journal are the perfect for any type of vacation…make a few and share them!

{Fabric Wall Map by Being Brook}

This will inspire future trips, for sure!

Create stunning map candles like these from CSI Project.  Isn’t it beautiful??

I would love to have one of these!  Map jewelry is awesome and it always makes a treasured gift for your travel lovin’ friends!

Use a corkboard map to mark all the spots you visited on your trip…fun, fun, fun for the whole family!

What kind of travel inspired crafts have you made?  I can always use new ideas!

~Kim

Summer Splash starts tomorrow!

Join us next week for the kick off of Summer Splash!

  We’ll have beautiful summer printables, projects, giveaways and a brand new linky party!

It all starts Monday!

Show off what you’ve been working on each Friday and enter amazing giveaways!  Every week I’ll choose some cool projects from the links to feature the following week.

Get your glue guns warmed up, thread those sewing machines, gather up your paint brushes and create!

  If you have any questions, just ask me in the comments.

~Kim

Embroidery hoops are so creative and perfect for a little touch of cuteness on any wall!  Plan a whole wall full of them, mix them in-between photos on a gallery wall, or set a few on your desk for inspiration. 

Add some handmade style to your home with these fabulous embroidery hoops that can be purchased on Etsy…

{Cuckoo Clock – oktak}

{Oh Happy Day – Blue Without You}

{Abstract Design – The Penny Runner}

{Bunting Necklace – Dandelyne}

{Coffee Love – Nature’s Needle}

{Custom Nursery Art – oktak}

{Camper Love – Three Red Apples}

{Sweet Dreams – Little Gray Fox}

{Life is Beautiful – Thimble and Thistle}

{Ocean Photo – Shop Hoopla}

{Pyrex – The Green Piano}

{Vespa Fun – Three Red Apples}

{Tea Time Minis – Dandelyne}

{Vintage Patchwork – Squeeze Cuddles}

{Vintage Camera – Turquoise Alligator}

Have you stitched any embroidery hoops lately?  I’d love to hear about them!  I seriously could have a million of them…they are all so awesome!

~Kim

Are you on Instagram??  I’m growing to seriously love it!  What’s not to love when it involves pretty photos from people all over the world…Instagram rocks!

I thought I’d share a few tips I’ve learned along the way to help you get started on Instagram.  You quickly find yourself enjoying this super fast growing form of social media. Whether you love social media or hate it, there’s no denying the impact it can have on a business or blog. 

These tips are random and in my normal scattered brain manner, but I’m sure you can find a tip or two on here that will help…just sayin’!

15 Quick Instagram Tips

• Instagram is fun! Share happy photos and connect with others that like the same things. You can click on hashtags to find photos in subjects you find interesting.  It’s a great way to make friends!
• Take pretty photos of what you’re working on! Give your followers a peek before you add it to your shop or blog…everyone love that, right?!
• Make sure you have a link to your blog and Etsy shop in your Instagram profile. You want everyone to easily find your main sites.
• Add hashtags {#etsy, #handmade, for example} to your photos. People will find you because of it!

• Don’t post a million photos of every product you have in your shop – Think about what others would like to see…don’t be annoying. HELLO!
• Pictures are worth a thousand words, right? Make each picture count! Keep your photos interesting and you’ll see your followers grow.
• Respond to comments! Get to know your followers and help them to know you better.
• Gain followers by following hashtags and leaving engaging comments…you’ll make friends fast!

• Add an Instagram widget to your blog so your blog readers know they can find you on Instagram. It also gives them a glimpse of your pretty photos.
• All social media helps you to get your name out there and grow your brand recognition. Share on a regular basis.
• Grow your Etsy business or blog with a fun giveaway on Instagram. Include a great photo and details of your giveaway in the comments.
• Adding watermarks to your photos is one way to make sure everyone knows where your cool photo is from…just keep it simple and small. Don’t take away from your beautiful photo in an effort to share your name with everyone. {They won’t share it as much.}
• Use cool filters! Spice up your photos with simple filters that make Instagram rock! Try some and you’ll quickly find your favorites…it’s all so artsy!
• Instagram shares a look into your “real life” and someone could feel connected to you by the types of photos you share. Keep them uplifting…no cleaning day photos, please.  Share vacations, parties, projects and things you like to see photos of…duh!
• Share your Instagram photos on Twitter and Facebook to reach more of your followers.

Instagram is a valuable free social media tool that can help you blog or business grow!

If you’re not on Instagram yet, here’s a great post on setting up an instagram account on Mashable.

You can follow me here… Everything Etsy on Instagram!

If you been using Instagram for awhile I’m sure you have a tip or two to share!  That’s what comments are for…share away!

~Kim

Keep up with the latest tutorials, printables and all-around cool, crafty stuff by following me on Pinterest, Facebook,Twitter,Google+ and subscribing to Everything Etsy with the email subscription box below!

Pom Pom Garland

There’s nothing like getting ready to take photos and realizing that it’s a super cloudy, rainy day…bummer.  Anyway, just imagine these photos with beautiful natural light shining through the window…ha!

It all started with the pom pom garland I made awhile back that I planned to use for a party.  Well, that didn’t work out but this sure did!  I love the way the pom poms look above my desk.  Honestly, pom poms in pretty colors just make me happy.  So, this is a good spot for them!

When I posted a peek of this on Instagram yesterday there was a big response, so I know I’m not alone in my pom pom love.  There was one comment about not being able to make even pom poms…well, this post on making easy pom poms should help with that problem.  All my pom poms turn out the same size super quick!

Everyone needs a little pom pom garland somewhere in their home, don’t you think?

I already had the metal curtain wire from Ikea on my wall with little hanging clips.  This is the perfect way to decorate a wall and change it whenever you feel the need.

My desk is huge and glass…I love the look of it, but the glass can be a bit cold sometimes.  I never thought of that.  It’s from Ikea, of course.

The little Dottie Deer plushie pattern can be found in my shop and the owl at the end is in my book, From Felt to Fabulous!  They seem happy hanging out with the pom poms.

Here’s a peek at an upcoming project…fabric covered button ponytails holders.

The fabric is from Sis Boom Fabrics…you can’t beat Jennifer’s colorful designs!

So, tell me about your pom pom creations!  What have you made?

~Kim

Keep up with the latest tutorials, printables and all-around cool, crafty stuff by following me on Pinterest, Facebook,Instagram, Twitter,Google+ and subscribing to Everything Etsy with the email subscription box below!

Fabric Storage Inspiration & Organizing Tips

Fabric storage and organizing is such a challenge!  I can always use helpful tips to keep my love of fabric from taking over!

The next time you’re at a garage sale or thrift store you’ll want to grab any old cassette holders…this is a fabulous way to keep fabric scraps.  It makes such a colorful display!  You rock, Tonya!  What a great idea!

{DIY Fabric Storage – Treasures for Tots}

Fabric storage can be so hard, but you can do it!  Take a look at the process Treasures for Tots uses!  You can do this without buying expensive supplies!

This is a simply beautiful way to store fabric scraps and decorate at the same time. Prudent Baby share the details here.

This is one of the smartest ideas ever!  File away your fabric!  Karen uses hanging folders to help her keep her fabric stash under control.

Here’s a couple ideas from one of my previous fabric storage posts…

What do you think about this? I love, love, love the idea of storing fabric in vintage suitcases!

I have two of these beauties that I’ve been dying to use for sometime special. And I’m planning on printing out some of these sweet little labels from Just Something I Made. Go download some for yourself!

Cut Out and Keep has a great download to help you remember what fabric you have. Hmmm…anyone out there have this problem? I can’t wait to do this…talk about organized!

This way I’ll know exactly the colors I need when I find a sale. That’s important!

Read the rest of this fabric storage post here.

{Cindy {k}}

Folded fabric in a beautiful pink dresser???  Oh my…just amazing!

Those little chalkboard tags make all the difference, don’t you think?! I wish I could wake up tomorrow to this in my house!

Check out these printable fabric labels from Family Ever After.  She’s super smart!

Isn’t this folded fabric out of this world amazing??? Read more here about Olabelhe’s sewing room.

A couple more posts to get your craft supplies organized…

22 Tips to Organize Your Craft Room

25 DIY Home Organization Ideas

Which idea is your favorite?  Do you have a cool storage idea to share?  I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

~Kim

Keep up with the latest tutorials, printables and all-around cool, crafty stuff by following me on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter,Google+ and subscribing to Everything Etsy with the email subscription box below!

It’s time to whip up some simple summer sewing tutorials!  I love this time of year full of colorful and carefree skirts that are so easy to make.

Add a punch of color to your couch with new pillows…summer fabrics rule!

If you are new to sewing…no worries!  These are really easy-to-follow patterns that will create something fabulous in no time at all.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy these summer sewing tutorials…

{Simple Envelope Pillow – The Happy Housie}

How about these pillows for that punch of color I was talking about??  Love them, want them, NEED them!

{Summer Socialite Skirt – Elle Apparel Blog}

This sweet and sassy skirt would look great any day of the week.  It’s perfect for picnics, parties or vacation!

{JCrew Knock Off Summer Tote – The Gunny Sack}

This is an all-around cool summer tote for anything from bike rides to the beach!  Oh, and who doesn’t want one in this cool blue chevron fabric???  Make one for yourself.

{Simple Circle Skirt – BHG}

This simple circle skirt is a classic pattern that looks great with any fabric!

{Beach Bag with Key Holder – Martha Stewart}

Create this beautiful beach bag in no time at all!  The key holders is a great little addition, don’t you think?  Time to head out to the beach!

{Summer Maxi Dress – A Small Snippet}

I’ve shared this lovely skirt before because we all need one!  I have a few sheets ready to use for this pattern already…simple, cheap and BEAUTIFUL!

{Bamboo Handle Bag Tutorial}

This quick bamboo handle bag tutorial is super quick and cute.  It’s a great gift…I usually make one for me and then one for a gift. Ha!

{Sunnies Case Tutorial – Polka Dot Chair & Riley Blake}

This is such a creative tutorial to keep those sunglasses looking great!

{Double Sided Fabric Headband Tutorial – Happy Together}

Can you ever have too many hair accessories in the summer??  I think not!

{Ruffled Summer Skirt Pattern – Ruffles and Roses}

Got ruffles?  If not, you need to get busy with this ruffled skirt tutorial.

{Summer Hat Pattern – Martha Stewart}

This is a great little hat for a day by the pool…think of all the possibilities in summer colors!

{Colorful Summer Skirt Pattern – Silly Old Suitcase}

I love the mixture of fabric in this skirt!  Get creative and design just the right skirt for you!

Have you made any summer sewing projects yet?  Are you new to sewing or can you sew anything?  I’d love to hear about your projects in the comments!

~Kim

Love simple tutorials???  You might enjoy these posts…

• 101 Handmade Summer Tutorials
• 101 Simple Sewing Tutorials for Summer
• Make Lavender Sachets {DIY}

This amazing sewing room is as beautiful as it is functional!  You’ve seen dreamy spaces on here before, but this one is DREAMY!  Olabelhe has one of the prettiest workspaces I’ve ever seen.  It’s partly because of the colors, the light, the pretty decorative touches, the stacked fabric organized by color…oh my, I love that look!

You can visit the Olabethe Shop full of pretty dresses and patterns.   It’s very inspiring and this is where they’re all created!

Here’s a bit more of this dreamy sewing room…

You didn’t think that was all the fabric in this sewing room, did you?  Well, there’s more, much more!

I wish I could throw a crafty party in this beautiful space!  It would be a blast creating anything at all, or just sipping a cup of coffee and being surrounded by beautiful craft supplies!

Hop over to Olabelhe to see the rest of this sewing studio…you will be captivated by all the pretty photos!

Maybe this space can inspire you to create an amazing little nook or craft room for yourself.  I’m sure you can find an idea or two here that would be perfect for you!

What’s your favorite part?  Is it the stacks and stacks of fabric?

~Kim

Looking for more creative space inspiration???

• 25 Beautiful Craft Rooms
• 22 Tips to Organize Your Craft Room
• 7 Simple DIY Projects for Your Craft Room