Guest Post by Ann Martin There’s a chill in the air, and Halloween is just around the corner. This fall holiday has increasingly become one of the most popular American celebrations. It’s come a long way from just trick-or-treating. Adults love the spooky atmosphere, as well as the chance to dress up and pretend to be someone else for an evening. Throwing a creepy party for your friends takes some effort, but you might just find yourself hosting it annually after the first one. Image: sxc.hu Setting the scene is one of the most important things to do for your Halloween party. Decide if you want it to be goofy, spooky, or downright creepy. I prefer spooky, so I have furry bats, ghosts, and witches hanging from the ceiling. Homemade... [Read more]

By Guest Blogger Kathy Zengolewicz I have done many projects for table centerpieces for the holidays and now I would like to show you how to make a runner for either your table or your buffet. I use this runner for my coffee table and for my buffet. Image: Kathy Zengolewicz Here is what you will need to get started: One yard of outerwear fleece (I used autumn themed material) A package of pony beads ( a corresponding color or clear) A rotary cutter (you can use scissors for this, but the cutter is quicker and easier) Remove all selvage from your material. You will want to cut your fabric 16 to 18 inches in width by the length which is one yard. Lay the fabric out on a cutting surface. You should use a cutting mat for this step. Measure 8 inches... [Read more]

By Guest Blogger Kathy Zengolewicz I have a large family four sons and one daughter and it seems like I have spent most of my time, when they were growing up, at football games, baseball games or other sporting events. They were all engrossed in all types of sports when they were younger and they are the same now as grown ups. I was so happy to find something to make for the boys, grandsons included. This project started out as a plain, ordinary pillow until I changed the cover into a sports themed head rest. Image: Kathy Zengolewicz Here is what you will need to get started: Fleece – 2 yard of a coordinating sports print or 1 yard of print and 1 yard of a solid A 14 inch pillow form Scissors or a rotary cutter with mat A ruler If you are... [Read more]

By Guest Blogger Kathy Zengolewicz Anyone who knows me will tell you that I love to decorate. I decorate my home, the window in my home and I mean all of the window in my home, and I love autumn. The only time of year I like more than autumn is Christmas. Anyway, I have a very simple project for you that when completed looks absolutely beautiful. You can use this anywhere in your home to brighten up any space. Image: Kathy Zengolewicz Here is what you will need: A 20 inch carvable artificial pumpkin (you can use a real pumpkin if you would like) Craft foam An assortment of fall sprays (flowers or small ornaments) 2 Fall floral picks A hot glue gun and glue stick A pair of wire cutters A sharp knife (I use an xacto knife) Now you are ready... [Read more]

By Guest Blogger Kathy Zengolewicz Halloween is almost here and, in my opinion, the start of the holiday season. I usually start planning, and making, my seasonal projects by late summer, but this summer seemed to just fly by and I am just now getting started. It looks like I am going to have a very busy autumn working with my crafts. Anyway, I have a real treat for you with this holiday decoration. It is simple to make and looks great when it is finished. You are going to love making this little orange cutie. Image: Kathy Zengolewicz Here is what you will need. A glass bowl (I used a 3 1/2 in fish bowl from the craft store) Orange and black Paint (acrylic enamel or glass paint) A sea sponge (you can use a regular sponge, but the effect... [Read more]