Creature Comforts - daily inspiration, style, d.i.y. projects + freebies

Free Printable Recipe Cards / Note Cards and Labels

Hello again lovelies!  As promised, here the sweet tart little printable freebie is that I just finished creating for you all.  The designs are meant to be multifunctional (that's the best sort, right)!  The printed cards can be used as note cards, 4x6 recipe cards, or whatever else you crafty mavens might come up with.

To use:

• Download Free-recipe-note-card-labels (prints two cards to a page - plus bonus stickers/labels)
• Print onto heavy-weight paper or card stock
• Trim along the outside edges
• Give or keep
• Enjoy!

Annoying rules and such:

• If you'd like to share this download, please direct readers to this post for the actual download Thanks in advance for your support.  Sharing is caring!
• This and all my freebies are created for personal use only (non-commercial use).  This means you are welcome to print the file and create gifts for your friends and family with it.  You can also print as many copies as you wish for yourself.  Please do not alter and/or redistribute the actual file, even if it is not for profit.  Thanks for your understanding!

You can find all of my freebies and tutorials right here (including a Cookies & Milk Recipe Card and Recipe Cards in Green Apple & Pumpkin).

D.I.Y. Cupcake Toppers & Garlands with Repurposed Paper

While packing up my house I keep coming across project ideas that I've filed away to share with you all at sometime or other.  I'll have to save the other ones until after my move, but today I wanted to show you how to make some sweet and super easy cupcake toppers and little paper garlands, using scraps of paper that you have laying around your home or office.

For my toppers and garland I used a mix of magazine tears and security envelopes (of which I have a massive drawer full).  My daughter and I are always on the lookout for discarded security envelopes, and luckily the recycling bin at our post office is always chock-full of pretty little wonders for our collection.  I'm also in the midst of ripping apart my magazine collection and consolidating my favorite clippings into organized binders...so this project fit in just perfect.  I shy away from calling this a truly eco-friendly craft, but by giving new life to old paper that would otherwise be headed for the rubbish heap...it is at the very least a project I (and hopefully you) can feel relatively good about creating.

CUPCAKE TOPPER SUPPLIES:

• Scrap paper at least 1/2"x 3.5"
• Ruler
• Scissors
• (optional) rotary cutting tool or craft knife and self-healing mat
• Toothpicks (plain, not the mint kind) with only one pointed end.  If you only have two-sided variety you can carefully snip off the sharp point beforehand with some wire cutters or sharp scissors.
• Glue stick

DIRECTIONS:

1. Collect up scrap paper of standard to medium weight from around your home or office.  Suggestions: security envelopes, magazines, old calendars, old letters, kids artwork, discarded gift wrap, old maps, etc.
2. Cut strips from your scrap paper that measure 1/2" x  3.5" using scissors or your chosen cutting tool.  Keep in mind the colors, patterns and motifs that will show in the section you cut out.  For a cohesive look, try matching colors or using complimentary shades or patterns.
3. Fold your strips of paper in half, then open and apply glue to the inside of your rectangle.
4. Roll the non-pointed end of your toothpick along the top of your glue stick until it has a coat of glue attached to it (this will help is stay put during the next step).
5. Insert your toothpick (dull-side up) along the fold line inside your rectangle.
6. Seal the two sides together, pinching lightly where the toothpick is hidden inside the paper to secure.  Smooth out any air bubbles.  The toothpick may be slightly loose at this point, but this should improve once the glue has dried.
7. Using your scissors, cut out a V shape at the end to create the look of a pennant.
8. Top your cupcakes, treats, or favors and enjoy!

Note: please take special care when using toothpick toppers around little children.

GARLAND SUPPLIES:

• Scrap paper at least 1"x 4"
• Ruler
• Scissors
• (optional) rotary cutting tool or craft knife and self-healing mat
• Twine, ribbon, or string of some fashion.  The silver variety I used was found in the beading section of my local craft store.
• Glue stick

DIRECTIONS:

Follow cupcake directions above with two variations:

• Cut paper strips into 1"x 4" strips.
• After folding papers in half and applying glue, attach them to a thin length of twine.  You can space the papers out how you'd like.  Hang and enjoy!

I hope you liked my little projects and that they will inspire you to start looking at the scraps of paper around your home a bit differently.  xox Ez

Free Mini Notebook from The Blah,Blah,Blahg

{image by Tristan}

Tristan (from the ever-lovely The Blah,Blah,Blahg) created this sweet Printable Mini Notebook Cover Freebie/Tutorial a while ago and I've already printed mine out and will be completing them with some scrap paper later today.  I'm always making lists...and I don't know about you, but I always feel that the mundane (i.e. eggs, bread, milk) is so much more appealing when it's scribbled onto something noteworthy.  Head on over to The Blah,Blah,Blahg to download your free notebook covers.

D.I.Y. Shoe Bag Tutorial by Betz White

I would consider myself to be a moderate sewer at best.  I've always wished I was better, but it just isn't gonna happen.  So when I came across this fabulous D.I.Y Shoe Bag Tutorial by Betz White yesterday I immediately filed it away as a "project I must do within the somewhat near future." Not only is it simple enough that I can manage to follow along, but it incorporates another one of my great loves...vintage bedding!

I also think that these bags would make the best gifts!  They'd be perfect for brides and bridesmaids and could be used for more than just shoes!  The possibilities are endless! 

{SHOES - from top to bottom}  Christa  |  Regina  |  Pompadour  |  Steffi  |  Amaya

If you love this project, then you'll also love Betz's etsy shop and book, Sewing Green.  xox Ez

Today I Love: Screw Punch Tool

I thought it would be cool to review real purchases of mine on here from time to time.  I'm not compensated in any way for my opinions (or for any of my posts for that matter), so this (and others) will always be "real reviews."  Hope they will be fun an informative for you all.

Anyhow... the nerdy crafter in me has compelled me to share the most awesome new tool with you.  I just picked up this Screw Punch from Martha Stewart's craft line at Michael's yesterday and have since discovered that it will punch a perfect hole through paper, card stock, cardboard and even fabric!  For fun I punched a random design through a colored envelope (the color of the note card peeks through the holes)... and then did a sample punch in some linen that I had laying around.  If you've ever tried to get a perfect tiny hole in fabric without one of these tools, then you can probably appreciate my excitement.

This punch comes with three different bits (the part that punches the holes) and they store neatly inside the handle.  When using this you will want to be sure to work on a self-healing cutting mat so that you don't mess up your work table.

At almost $25 this tool is pricier than I would normally want to pay, but I found a 20% off coupon in a current magazine, so it made purchasing it doable.  In all I'd give this tool 9 out of 10 stars.

Other screw punches can be found at the following shops:

• Paper Source
• BLICK
• MisterArt

D.I.Y Clever Storage Solution by Lucie Summers

This wonderfully simple and clever d.i.y. project by Lucie Summer just grabbed my attention (via her flickr album).  The great thing about projects like these is how customizable they are to your own aesthetic and needs.  Don't you think?!  You can read Lucie's easy directions on her blog right here.  Also be sure to stop by her wonderful shop for delightful textiles and more.

The Best Free Printables

The other day I came across this amazing Japanese website, Creative Park (via someone's blog, but I'm afraid I can't remember whose at the moment) that is chock-full of some of the sweetest free printable downloads I've ever seen.  Select your language from the drop down menu on the home page (found in the top right corner), and start exploring! 
Enjoy!
xox Ez

Today I Love: Naturally Dyed Eggs by Stephanie Barnes

Some people just seem to ooze talent and creativity from their pores.  I know that sounds kind of gross, but I really can't think of a better way to describe it.  Stephanie Barnes is one such person who's talent I'm just completely in awe of.  A quick browse through her flickr stream and you'll soon find yourself wiping drool off your keyboard.  (I know I'm full of unsavory metaphors today... somebody help me out).  Seriously.  ; ) 
In any case, when these gorgeous naturally dyed eggs popped up in Stephanie's album the other day I nearly swooned.  The richness of colors is simply wonderful.  What makes the project even more appealing to me is the thought of experimenting with my own fruit/veggie/spice varieties.  You can read all about her process on her blog right here.  I can't wait to see how mine will turn out!

xox Ez

Free Printable Mailing Labels - Aqua and Orange

It's freebie time everyone!

I've been wanting to make this style of mailing label for a long time, so I figured while I was at it I'd make one for all of us to enjoy (be sure to tell your friends too)!  Hurray for freebies!

All you have to do is:

• Download Download Free mailing labels-aqua and orange (prints six to a sheet)
• Print onto standard-weight paper or any other paper of your choosing (you can also use adhesive label paper if you want to get fancy)
• Cut the labels out along the outside edges
• Affix them to your packages and envelopes using a glue stick
• Address and send

Tips:

For envelopes:  Fold the label on the dotted line between the return address and the main address portions.  Adhere to your envelope so that the return address faces to the back and the primary address shows on the front.

For parcels:  Cut the label on the dotted line between the return address and the main address portions.  Arrange the on your package as desired and glue into place.

Note: I've found that my printer ink can bleed when it gets wet, so if yours does the same you may wish to address your labels and then protect them with a piece of packing tape before shipping.

I hope you enjoy these.  xox Ez

For non-commercial use only please.  If you'd like me to design labels for you to use in your business, I'd love to hear from you (rates are reasonable).  Full rules of use are found on the PDF.  Thanks!

A Mustard & Blue Wedding

Over on Snippet & Ink last month, Kathryn posted the most exquisite wedding inspiration board and I've been thinking about it ever since.
Now I've finally gotten around to putting together my own virtual wedding using her board as inspiration.  I also decided to create some free D.I.Y. Printable Numbered Table Cards after spotting the ones in the photo below in Martha Stewart Weddings.  Mine were created with a mustard-toned yellow checkered background.  They're perfect for weddings or for any large party were seating needs to be arranged.

{LINKS}

• Tilly Floral Headband by Tree & Kimball
• Lace Yoke Strapless Maxi Dress at Fleur Wood
• Ring Bearer Pillow by Blanc By SDC
• Lucy ring with Chalcedony in Gold Vermeil by Monica Vinader, at Astley Clarke
• Nine West Dayglow Sandal in yellow at Endless
• D.I.Y. Numbered Table Cards from Martha Stewart Weddings
• D.I.Y. Numbered Table Cards and Guest Book Card from me.  (download below)

Cute as a... Candy Button Freebie

This wonderful tutorial and freebie from Bake it Pretty blog couldn't have come at a better time as I am currently in the midst of a major button obsession.  Wouldn't these make the sweetest little favors at a baby shower, wedding, birthday party... etc.  So cute and so simple.

Button candy molds are available in the Bake it Pretty shop.  For full tutorial and to download the sweet candy tags... visit Bake it Pretty blog.

Oh, and check out the ones made by The Small Object... love them!

Valentine Freebie: Iron-on Pillowcase Transfers

Hello lovelies and happy Friday!
I thought it would be fun to leave you all with another Valentine's Day freebie / project so that if you feel inspired, you will have time to make it for your special someone over the weekend.

What is sweeter than loving words to rest your weary heads upon... especially when they spell out something as endearing as "U COMPLETE ME" when placed side by side.  All you  have to do is print the PDF file onto iron-on transfer paper and adhere them to your pillowcases.  Two additional hearts (one large and one small) included with the text file can be ironed onto the reverse or onto anything else that you wish.

You will need:

• Two pillowcases (light colors will work best)
• Iron-on Transfer Paper for light colored fabrics. (tee-shirt transfer paper).  Be sure that it is the correct type for your color printer.  You will need two sheets.
• Color printer
• Scissors
• Iron (no steam)

How to:

Download Free valentine iron-on transfer

1. Print the PDF onto transfer paper.  Cut out carefully around the text, leaving the letters attached with a small amount of the transfer paper (see image one for how I did it).  Be careful not to scratch the surface of your transfer paper while working.  Note: the text will print backwards.  It will read correctly when applied to your pillowcases.
2. Lay your pillowcases out on a flat surface and line the words and letters up on your pillowcases with the paper-backing facing up (be sure that both sides of your text will line up to read correctly once the pillows are in use).  To give yourself an easy guide for lining up the two sections of text simply fold pillowcases in half lengthwise and insert a pin to mark where the center is.
3. A trick for ensuring that your text is straight before ironing, is to fold the lower half of your pillowcase up to the center (where you inserted the pin).  The bottom edge is now a nice straight guideline for you to arrange your words along.  I arranged my letters approximately 2 inches away from the outside edge so that when the pillowcase was stuffed the text would still be visible.  Once everything is straight iron your text following directions for use found inside your iron-on transfer paper packaging.
4. Allow design to cool for 2 minutes before carefully removing the paper backing.  For optimum usability and softness, wash before use.

I had a lot of fun making this for you all and hope you will love it as much as I do.  Have a wonderful weekend everyone!  xox Ez

Free Printable Valentine Teabag Wrappers + Tags

Hello lovelies!  Hurray, it's Friday!  Do you have any special plans for the weekend?  I'm hoping to finish my daughter's bedroom and restore my house to some semblance of order (everything from her room is currently in our living room), and hopefully there will still be enough time left over to work on another project or two I've been cooking up.  We shall see.

Before I take off for the weekend I wanted to leave you with a fun freebie that I created for you all...Printable Valentine Teabag Wrappers and Tea Tags.  These would be perfect to give to friends and coworkers.  Perhaps you might package up a few in a sweet little teacup and present it as a gift.

There are 4 ways to assemble the teabag wrappers.  The one shown in the tutorial below is the most time involved (stitching by hand) but the results are my favorite.  Other methods would include using tape, glue or a sewing machine.  Pick the method that will work best for you and have fun!

Download Free-valentine-printables

You will need:

• color printer
• standard weight paper
• scissors
• tea bags in the flavors of your choosing (the ones that come with strings and tags attached are best)
• needle
• embroidery or standard thread (I used white, but you can use any color you'd like)
• Pen (for addressing your Valentine and noting the tea flavor)
• For other methods of assembly (noted above) you may need (optional) tape, gluestick, or a sewing machine and thread.

Step-by-step tutorial:

1. Print the wrappers and tags and cut each one out.  Gather your supplies.
2. Carefully remove the paper tag that came on your tea (leaving the string attached).  Thread the string (that is attached to your teabag) through your needle.  Stitch the heart tea tag onto the end of the string using one or two stitches and secure with a knot.  Trim the end of the string if needed.
3. Fold your tea bag wrapper in half and write the tea flavor in the box on the back.  Include your Valentine's name if you'd like.
4. Cut a length of embroidery floss about 38" in length and knot at the end.  Thread onto your needle.  Begin stitching your paper wrapper by inserting the needle into the bottom (folded edge) of your wrapper (with the knot on the inside).  You can use any stitch that is comfortable to you.  I stitched around the edge because I like the effect it gives.
5. Sew up the first side (do not cut the thread).  Wrap the string (attached to your teabag) around your teabag so that the heart sits as shown.
6. Insert your teabag inside your wrapper and then carefully continue stitching until you've sewn all three sides.  Knot at the end.
7. Give as is OR...
8. Present it with a teacup or mug that can be used over and over again.

I hope you enjoyed this little project.  Have a wonderful weekend everyone! xox Ez

D.I.Y. Coffee Filter Garlands

{found via GA GA for Garlands blog}

I've totally flipped for this gorgeous garland that Pam Garrison created using coffee filters.  Yes, coffee filters!  She doesn't give full d.i.y. instructions on her site, but the process seems pretty straightforward and uncomplicated.  I think the beauty of this project is that so much is left up to your own personal aesthetic and taste.  Mix in some bright colors if that's your thing, maybe string on some beads if you'd like... anything goes!  The sky's the limit.  Here's another variation that Pam came up with.  So lovely, right?!

Have a gorgeous weekend everyone!

D.I.Y. Repurposd Paperback Apple Sculpture

 

{images from Cheeky Magpie and Fresh Tea}

Before taking off for the weekend, I want to leave you all with this fabulous Repurposed Paperback Apple Sculpture tutorial from Cheeky Magpie (originally found via Fresh Tea on flickr).  Maybe you will give it a try over the weekend?!  You don't have to make an apple, you could create a pear, peach, or try something freehand and originally you.  Have fun!  For full instructions click here.

Have a beautiful and inspired weekend everyone!

Puzzled - Creative D.I.Y. Gift Tags

I was at Old Navy a couple of weeks ago and was delighted to find that they are carrying a line of products featuring the artwork of Charley Harper (in stores only).  I bought multiples of the memory matching game and jigsaw puzzle and decided that with a little tweaking they would make great gift tags / gift toppers / ornaments.

Using a drill I made a hole at the top of each puzzle piece, and the top or corner of each memory game card.  I then threaded through various twines, strung on some painted wooden beads for fun, and that was it!  You could glue decorative paper to the back of the puzzle pieces or leave them as raw wood (like I did).  I love that these jazz up your packages and then can be reused as holiday ornaments for many years to come.

This project will work with any wooden or cardboard puzzle / matching game.

TIP: Look for affordable vintage puzzles at thrift shops and antique stores.  Have fun!

D.I.Y. Paper Covered Matchboxes = the perfect hostess gift

This is a super easy project... hardly worthy of a full tutorial, but I just thought I'd share one with you all anyhow.  I picked up two standard boxes of matches at the grocery store the other day for only 79 cents each.  In their original packaging they are dull and decidedly unattractive, so I decided to cover mine in decorative paper... and voila!  I think these would be great to make in bulk and keep on hand for hostess gifts or when unexpected guests come to call.  You could make as many variations as there are decorative papers  (masculine, girly, mod, Victorian, etc.).  Just tie your finished matchbox together with a pair of tapers or tea light candles and they are set to give!

I also made up some "matchbox" labels for you to use on the side of your box if you'd like.  There are two font styles, some to/from tags, and a few blank tags as well.  All the tags print in grey lettering and borders (you can print onto white or colored papers).  They are not holiday specific, so I hope you will enjoy them all year round.

For the tutorial and free download...

Just a Little Snippet

Hello lovelies!  I just wanted to share a little snippet of my birthday craft project (remember the fabulous fabric garland tutorial that Kayte shared with us).

And here's a little image of holiday decor going up around my home.  This year I am busier than ever, so I really treasure every bit of festive sparkle I manage to pull together.

Have you decorated your home for the holidays?  If so, I'd love to see pictures.  Share links to your images in the comment section below.  : )

And here are a few more holiday downloads that you might enjoy:

• Adorable Santa Card Download by Rosemary Travale
• Sweetly Patterned Printable Gift Tags by Sugarloop
• How to Make Paper Gift Bows (video tutorial)

Giveaway Time: Stencil 101 from Chronicle Books

 Chronicle Books has been such a great supporter of my blog and I'm super excited to have the opportunity to giveaway another one of their wonderful books.  Stencil 101 would make a fantastic gift for guys or gals.  The book includes 25 reusable stencils along with tips and tricks for stenciling on all sorts of surfaces—from walls and furniture to T-shirts, cards, and even cake.  You can find it on the Chronicle Book site right here.
Since it would be great to receive this before x-mas for those of you hoping to give it as a gift, this giveaway will end Thursday (12/11), and the winner will be announced on Friday (12/12).

To enter to win:

• Leave a comment telling me what you will do with your book if you win.  Will it be a gift for your hard-to-please brother, or a creative spark for a project you hope to start?  Let me know.
• Be sure to leave your first name AND last initial when commenting or you will not be included in the giveaway (this is because some first names are very common and the last initial helps to avoid confusion).

Good luck to you.  Pssst!  More Chronicle Books giveaways will be coming up soon.

The winner of the Sublime Stitching Giveaway will be announced tomorrow.

D.I.Y. Fabric Flower Garland

Kayte Terry (Stylist/crafter/blogger/author extraordinaire) wrote to me a little bit ago and asked if I thought you all might appreciate a crafty tutorial.  Of course you would... right?!!!  So because Kayte is such a sweetie, she created this fabulous Fabric Flower Garland project (plus tutorial) for us to try out this weekend (even though it is close to the Holidays, you can use this project for a decorative or party accent all year round).  Make it your own by using fabric scraps you have laying around in your favorite colors and patterns.  You could even add beads, pom poms, or any matter of goodness to make this project perfectly you.  For more amazing D.I.Y. projects be sure to check out Kayte's book: Complete Embellishing and look for her new book coming out in 2009 (published by Chronicle Books)!

 I'll can't wait to make this garland myself today.  As is tradition on my birthday, my family gets together and creates a reusable holiday craft.  It's been so fun to pull these projects out each year and remember the wonderful times we've spent creating and laughing together.  Here's a little peak at one we did for a past b-day. 

For the Fabric Flower Garland tutorial and PDF flower template...