DIY: I Love You Garland

Oh my goodness...this DIY I Love You Garland by Lovely Indeed (first spotted on Minted Condition) is just too fabulous to pass up on sharing before I step away from my blog for the weekend. Wouldn't you love to have one hanging in your home? And of course you don't need to have a "Valentine" to make one. Why not create one for yourself! I can think of a bazillion inspiring phrases that I'd love to use to make one (or more) for my studio. I'm also thinking of surprising my daughter with one that says "You Are Beautiful" or "You Are My Sunshine." You just can't really go wrong with glitter and positive affirmations!

Pop on over to Lovely Indeed for the full tutorial. If you don't have a printer (mine is broken at the moment) you could also purchase a stencil from an office supply or craft store and simply trace and cut out the letters you want (or even write them by hand if you have some sort of magic handwriting skills that you've been wanting to put to good use). Happy weekend everyone! xo Ez

DIY Valentine Luminaries (Video Edition)

Hi bloggy friends! Today I'm excited to be sharing what I hope will be the first of many simple video tutorials and DIY projects here on Creature Comforts. I first have to give a shout-out to my oh-so sweet friend Erin (of Design for Mankind) who very generously gifted me my new Flip Camera! Isn't she lovely! Second, I have to apologize for the shakiness, sound, and a few blurry patches in this video. This is my first time ever using a real video camera, so I'm still learning. Despite these minor issues...I hope you will enjoy following the video and creating your own simple DIY Valentine Luminaries. Have fun! xo Ez

 

For those of you who would like written instructions...here you go:

Supplies needed:

• Glass jars and/or teacups
• Plastic gems (found in the floral/candle area of my local craft store)
• Battery operated candles (also found at my local craft store)

• Paper doilies (from the baking isle of the craft store)
• Baker's twine (you can find a similar giant spool at We Sell Coffee for only $8.95)
• Hand cut paper hearts - you can use vintage books, old maps, love letters, cardstock, or whatever else you'd like.

For simple luminaries:

Place lighted battery operated candles inside chosen glass containers. Fill with plastic gems until the "flame" portion of the candle has been covered. Leave as is or add to them in the following way...

For doily heart luminaries:

Before filling glass jars with gems or candles, wrap a doily or two around the outside of your vessel. Tie it in place with a length of baker's twine or any twine/ribbon that you like. Insert a hand cut paper heart beneath the bow. I used a page from an old book, but you could use any kind of paper that you like - or maybe even stiffened fabric! Fill with lighted battery-operated candle and gems.

Free Valentine E-Cards from Kate Spade

Hello sweets! Today I thought you might like to check out these free artist-designed Valentine E-Cards available at Kate Spade. There is a fabulous selection to choose from (28 total, I believe), so you are sure to find one that is (almost) as perfect as your Valentine. LOVEly!

The cards featured here are by: Melissa Ebert and Meghan Eplett.

DIY Cupid's Arrow Cupcake + Treat Bag Toppers

Hello sweets! Back in November (during the madness of the holidays) Fossil got in touch and asked if I would like to create a Valentine DIY project to share on their site. I love Fossil, so my answer was a quick "yes." I ended up dreaming up a sweet little set that is perfect for a Valentine's Day party for both kids or adults, or just for one special someone: Cupid's Arrow Cupcake Toppers and Cupcake Bands (see how the cupcakes look like they've been shot by Cupid's arrow!). The directions and free download can be found over on Fossil. UPDATE: The download and directions can now be found below! I hope you will enjoy making them as much as I did (creating those little feather toppers is super easy and oh-so addictive).

• Download Cupid's Arrow Cupcake Printables

Follow the steps provided on the PDF download above. For a little extra help with the feather topper portion, you can follow along with these photos:

If you'd like you can also follow the simple directions below to create charming little Cupid's Arrow Treat Bag Toppers (using the same free download that I made for Fossil). The topped cupcakes + treat bags would really make your Valentine's Day party sweet!

Option II: Treat Bag Toppers

Follow the directions found on Fossil to create your Cupid's Arrow Toppers. After creating the feathered portion of each topper, attach chosen hearts (found on the free printable) to the bottom of using double-sided tape (you will use two, one on either side of the stick). Choose from either blank or pre-written text versions (the blank ones work perfectly for writing guest's names).

Fold the top of your treat bag down and punch holes as shown above using a hole punch. I used a 1/8" punch for a smaller hole.

Thread twine or yarn through the holes (if you want a bow in the back, thread through as shown - if you prefer it in the front, thread from the opposite side). Next, insert twine ends (one at a time) through the opposite holes than you initially threaded them through.

Place one Cupid's Arrow inside the loose loop. Pull twine taught and tie a bow to secure.

Remember to get the free download for this project and the Cupcake Toppers + Cupcake Wraps at Fossil right here. Enjoy! xo Ez

DIY Coffee Filter Pom Pom Decor + Gift Topper

This past Summer when I began working on projects for Gifted Magazine I discovered that coffee filters are an awesome multi-purpose crafting supply (I guess I kind of already suspected as much, but anyhow). As with a lot of the projects I make, I start with a simple object (such as coffee filters) and just begin messing around with it until it starts to become something. Usually this results in a giant pile of not-so-cute, destined for the graveyard of d.i.y. fails. But every once in a while something takes shape that I like. Martha Stewart has busted out countless projects using cupcake liners (like these Hanging Ball Decorations and Cupcake Paper Carnation Gift Toppers), and coffee filters seemed just like giant cupcake liners to me (therefore just as easy to use). I ended up folding, punching and stacking a bunch together and created a fun Hanging Pom Pom (perfect for party decor) and a Ruffled Gift Topper (you can also use it as wall decor - see the last image). Have fun! xo Ez

Here's how to make 'em:

Supplies: Coffee filters in either natural or white (12-18 per topper | 24-32 per hanging pom pom), Large metal brads a.k.a. brass fasteners (I purchased mine at Office Depot), 1/8" Hole Punch Tool, twine (optional), ornament or small object for center of gift topper (optional).

Step 1: Fold filters (one at a time) in half.

Step 2: Fold in half again (repeat for all).

Step 3: Punch a hole in the corner of each folded filter.

Step 4: Insert your brad through the punched hole.

Step 5: Add prepared filters to the brad - stacking behind your first filter. Take care to keep the folded edge of your filters facing the same direction.

Step 6: As you add filters onto your brad you will begin to fan each one out. Don't worry about it looking perfect at this point.

Step 7: Once your brad is full, turn over and open the brad to secure.

Step 8: Move the filters around (they will rotate fairly easily) until the desired shape/fullness is achieved. If you will be using as a gift topper (or whatever other use you dream up) you can stop at this point.If you would like to make a round pom pom (like the hanging one shown above) you will attach two completed filter pom poms together on the back using a piece of twine or hot glue. Hang with twine.

Hang two together to make some fab hanging decor. Perfect for your next party.

Dress up the middle of your gift topper with an ornament (seen in the first image) or a pretty disk of paper printed with a special message or addressed to the lucky gift recipient.

Hang one (or a cluster) on your wall with a little tape or Adhesive Putty.

Credits: 100 Girls on Cheap Paper by Tina Berning, Fowl with Pearls Print by Michael Sowa, Bunting by Marichelle, Paper Bird by Astulabee.

Pretty Party Inspiration

{Photography by Adelino Lobo.}

I spotted this gorgeous party inspiration on Somewhere Splendid the other day and thought it would be fun to add my own little board of picks to go along with it. I love that this project dreamed up by Simplesmente Branco and Pinga Amor incorporates objects that many of us have on hand (scrap paper, mismatched dishes, etc) to create a whimsical setting that is perfect for this coming Valentine's Day or any special celebration (just change the paper colors for a completely customizable look). They had me at 'repurposed braille newspaper' (did you even know that such a marvelous thing existed)!

As for the decorations — follow these links to learn how to make paper rosettes, tissue paper flowers, crepe paper flowers, Hanging Paper Flowers, Paper Roses (like the large kraft ones above), Super Easy Paper Flowers (like the small kraft ones above), DIY Scrap Paper Garland or 3-D Paper Garland. I also have a cute little DIY Paper Decoration/Gift Topper I'll share tomorrow - it would look really cute with this party concept. xo Ez

• German Tissue Paper - Kate's Paperie
• Solid Wrapping Paper - Paper Source (link shared by Diane Faye Zerr)
• Paper Straws (available in 9 colors) - Sweet Lulu
• Brown Kraft Paper - Blick
• Plastic Animals - Schleich
• Celebration Candles 6" Tapers - Kate's Paperie
• Magenta Confetti Garland - Kristina Marie
• White and Gold Muffin Cups - Fancy Flours
• Kate Spade Flats (on Fashionologie found via pinterest here)
• German Tissue Paper - Kate's Paperie
• Solid Wrapping Paper - Paper Source (link shared by Diane Faye Zerr)

Valentine Freebie: Fashionable Valentine Cards

The always talented (and incredibly generous) Samantha Hahn has just designed a huge assortment of chic Printable Valentine's, free for you to download and give out this holiday.  You can see and download all of her designs here.  Also be sure to check out her wonderful blog and portfolio for some more fabulous eye-candy.  Thanks Sam!  xo Ez

Valentine Freebie: Pretty Gift Tags

These pretty little Printable Gift Tags designed by Kelli of Carte Blanche Invitations for Love. Obsess. Inspire weren't created specifically for Valentine's Day, but they would be perfect for topping your Valentine's Day gifts just the same!  Download at Love. Obsess. Inspire.