some of my latest crafts

crafty mama at work...

CRAFT#1 is a flower topiary.

it is somethin' i found over at tatertots and jello  you can click on the link to find a tutorial.  i didn't really read directions very well, but rather just tried out a few things by myself.  it was fun and relatively easy.  it is time consuming however , as you need to make each of the flowers.  i think i used about 10 to 12.  it looks so cute in our newly painted blue living room (i LOVE being married to a painter).

 CRAFT #2 is a cute little miscellaneous bag.  

it can also be used to hold gift cards, make-up, credit cards, etc.  i made the green one for my mom and the red one for my mother-in-law for mother's day.  i haven't typed up any tutorial for it...just a few straight stitches and add some velcro and a flower to decorate the front.  i LOVE them and they make great gifts...especially when you include a little gift card to starbucks (yum!)

CRAFT #3 is a cookie/candy jar.  

i took one of my old formula containers and decorated it with cute paper and hot glued a flower on the top of it.  i kept this one, but made another one and added some cookies inside.  another great gift to give! i have begun keeping my old jars and containers to turn into gifts.  it is fun to think of how i might use the next container i have.  oh, and glass jars (i.e. spaghetti jars, olive jars, etc make excellent vases-unique shapes too).

CRAFT #4 is a repurposed gift bag.

I had this Starbuck's bag given to me.  it has this cute design, but doesn't make for a very cute bag for kids...UNTIL you add some ribbon and a tissue paper flower.  i cut the bag down and with a scalloped edge for decoration.  i poked a hole on each side and tied knots to secure the ribbon handle.  i also glued some ribbon around the entire bag.  it won't hold anything heavy, but it works for light, small gifts.

CRAFT #5 are little girl bracelets (shower rings repurposed)

i found this over at two shades of pink (a blog i follow regularly and just LOVE-check her out and you, too, will be blessed!).  they are so cute and so easy to make.  buy some ribbon and wrap around the shower ring, hot gluing as you go (be careful NOT to burn yourself with the HOT glue...i'm just sayin!)