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Celebrate Halloween with Colorful Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) Party Décor Inspired by Traditional Ofrenda Symbolism (+ DIY Craft Tutorials & Candy Recipe)

October 5, 2016 Leigh 4 Comments

Celebrate Halloween with colorful Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) party décor inspired by traditional ofrenda symbolism. It is an edifying means of incorporating both traditions into an event that seeks to cultivate an atmosphere of cultural understanding. By recognizing the universal conditions of love, life, and death through festivity, we can be united as one people comprised of a beautiful mosaic of ethnic tradition. In this way, revelry becomes a means of dispelling the negative cultural bias that plagues the nation, so that we may move forward together in celebration.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) coincides with All Saints Day and All Souls Day in both tradition and calendar. In this regard, a traditional ofrenda (offering) has a higher central tier honoring a deceased loved one. Taking the place of a photograph is another traditional element, that of a religious symbol. It takes the form of a chalkboard cross that has been inscribed with flowers and the Spanish words, “Te Amo” (“I love You”). A vase upcycled with crystal appliques holds a floral offering in keeping with gravesite ritual. See how easy this is to make in my tutorial here: DIY Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) Napkin Rings, Wine Glass Charms, & Vase Craft Tutorial for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Themed Halloween Dinner Party Décor.

Lit candles are said to illuminate the path for the visiting spirits of loved ones. Representing fire, these may be in the form of Catholic religious candles depicting santos (saints), luminarias (lanterns) made of pierced paper bags or cans, or plain wax candles. Perritos (little dog figurines) are presented in symbolic gesture regarding the idea that dogs guided ancestral spirits to the afterlife. (Because surely “all dogs go to Heaven”!) Mariposas monarcha (monarch butterflies), that migrate to Mexico through Texas in the fall, represent visiting ancestors. Wild yellow and orange Mexican marigolds (cempasúchil) are known as the flor de muerto (flower of the dead). They may be linked into garlands, shaped into crosses, or placed decoratively. A fun way to incorporate these elements is make your own luminarias and flowers. The traditional crafts are easy to make using my tutorial here: Easy DIY Upcycled Can Tea-light Luminarias (+ Free Printable Template) & Tissue Paper Flowers Crafts (for Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Décor). Another essential item is a papel picado (cut paper) banner which signifies the fragility of life.

Representing water is a Mexican bubble glass pitcher bearing a traditional mask of la calavera catrina (iconic image of a wealthy 1800’s era Euro-Mexican lady). When worn as a parade mask, half of the face is covered with a skull representation symbolizing life as inextricably linked with death. Make your own with the help of my tutorial here: DIY La Calavera Catrina Costume Mask & Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) Banner for a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Themed Halloween. Other decorative elements are multi-colored doilies beneath figures of X’s & O’s(kisses & hugs), and little signs naming the holiday. Small sugar skull tins replace toys, and framed sugar skull images replace ancestors’ photos in this lighthearted nod to tradition.

Calaveritas de azucar (little sugar skulls) are necessary offerings as its sweetness (representing life) is said to balance the bitterness of muerte (death). Easily make these with my recipe here: Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) Edible Folk Art & Egg-Free Vegan Candy Recipe for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) or Halloween. Seeds (with an obvious connection to life) originally decorated skulls in place of sugar. They are still offered as a traditional component, with food representing the element earth. Here they are contained in floral dishes nested into decorative tin pails. Sprouted pepitas or semillas de Calabaza (pumpkin seeds), pipas (sunflower seeds), and fried green peas as well as roasted chick peas (garbanzo beans) are adorned here with glittered skull cupcake picks. A trio of palanqueta de ajonjoli disks (sesame seed candy) are another sweet form of seed offering. (Nut brittle is a form of this kind of candy.) Sugared marshmallow pops are propped into stacks of customary naranjas (oranges). (The pops were purchased at Fiesta Mart, but they may also be found at Le fidèLe affiliates Michaels & World Market whose coupon links are in the left side bar or below on a smart phone.) Pan de muerto (bread of the dead) sits front and center of the ofrenda as it denotes human life in its round skull-like form with an X of raised dough like cross-bones. It is a pan dulce (sweet bread) flavored with anise and orange peel. Candies, Mexican chocolate, and chicle (chewing gum) are also customary offerings.

White glittered skull shapes may be decorated and strung as another craft honoring the holiday. Read how to make the banner here: DIY La Calavera Catrina Costume Mask & Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) Banner for a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Themed Halloween.

Make your own stand-up signs with dollar wooden shapes from the craft store. These prepainted shapes came from Le fidèLe Design’s affiliate Michaels (see the coupon link in the left side bar or scroll down on a smart phone), but any blank shape may be decorated easily with paint pens. Simply glue a wooden bead or shape (like these pyramids) to the base of the back.

The background fabric for the ofrenda was once used as a tablecloth for a dinner party. (It can be purchased at Le fidèLe affiliate Joann whose coupon link is in the left sidebar, or below on a smart phone.) See it in this capacity in my previously posted article using this theme for a grown-up Halloween tablescape here: Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Themed Halloween Dinner Party Décor + DIY Décor & Recipe Links. Learn how to make your own wine glass charms and napkin rings for the dinner party here: DIY Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) Napkin Rings, Wine Glass Charms, & Vase Craft Tutorial for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Themed Halloween Dinner Party Décor.

Feliz Dia de los Muertos!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Parties & Tablescapes

Reverential Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Independence Day Tablescape Décor Ideas Honoring American Forces

May 24, 2016 Leigh

These reverential Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Independence Day tablescape décor ideas are a tangible manner for honoring American forces by setting aside a time to remember the sacrifices made for our collective freedom. This carries on a fine tradition dating to just after the civil war when families would gather with picnics upon hallowed cemetery grounds. Our ancestors and loved ones may be gone but are never forgotten so long as we continue to commemorate the dear price they paid for our united peace.

“Sleep, comrades, sleep and rest On this Field of the Grounded Arms, Where foes no more molest, Nor sentry’s shot alarms!“

A bare wooden table denotes the now barren fields of battles past.

“Ye have slept on the ground before, And started to your feet At the cannon’s sudden roar, Or the drum’s redoubling beat.”

Canvas cloth stars and stripes lay the groundwork for the start of a serene supper. Handcrafted ribbon napkin rings encompass cloth napkins rolled as bandages once were.

“But in this camp of Death No sound your slumber breaks; Here is no fevered breath, No wound that bleeds and aches.”

A seat at the table of peace procures red merely with ceramic vessels set among wooden ones, as wood handled metal flatware convey the firearms of yore.

“All is repose and peace, Untrampled lies the sod; The shouts of battle cease, It is the Truce of God!”

This day’s flag of peace is a handmade banner of fabric collage celebrating the triumphal peace of war’s cessation.

“Rest, comrades, rest and sleep! The thoughts of men shall be As sentinels to keep Your rest from danger free.”

Flag bearing bronze columns hold pillar candles aflame while standing as the evening’s sentinels.

“Your silent tents of green We deck with fragrant flowers; Yours has the suffering been, The memory shall be ours.”

A memorial wreath encircling a solemn flame rests at the table’s focal point as our minds focus with somber reverence.

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. The poem quoted is “Decoration Day” written in 1882 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. (Memorial Day has evolved from post-civil war’s Decoration Day.)

P.P.S. ⇓ Learn how to make your own patriotic banner here:

DIY July 4^th Denim No-Sew Applique Collage Star-Spangled Banner Craft Tutorial for Independence Day

⇓ Find the patriotic ring tutorial plus more crafting here:

Faux Metal Stars Paper Mache Craft Tutorial & DIY Napkin Rings for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Independence Day

Arts & Crafts

Faux Metal Stars Paper Mache Craft Tutorial & DIY Napkin Rings for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Independence Day

May 24, 2016 Leigh

Make your own faux metal stars inexpensively out of paper maché ornaments with this craft tutorial, and then easily DIY custom patriotic napkin rings for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Independence Day. Use these to perfectly coordinate with your existing holiday décor for a high end look on a shoestring budget. These hefty appearing textured “metal” stars are actually lightweight enough to be used in so many more applications. And they really do fool everyone… until they’re touched!

It’s astonishingly easy to turn inexpensive paper maché ornament stars (found in craft stores nearly year round) into expensive looking one-of-a-kind textured metallic pieces to embellish any project you can think of.

Grab a bag of star ornaments, some cheap white school glue, a lighter or match, and a candle. (I like to use up the last chunks of tall or broken candles to use on these kinds of projects, because candles flames do work better than lighter flames… just don’t ask me why. I stuck this pink leftover into an empty glass soda bottle to hold it in place… as is necessary to prevent wax drip burns.)

Cover a portion of a star completely in white glue. Hold it into the flame until the glue becomes hard with a dusty charcoal layer over it. (Don’t hold it over the bare paper because it will burn! If a flame does spark, just blow it out like a candle. Cover that area with more glue, and then burn on.)

Rub off the dirty charcoal layer with a clean rag or paper towel. (You’ll start seeing a smooth sheen appear.)

You can leave them as is or rub a light wash of metallic paint over them (cheap acrylic craft paint works well). It’s an easy way to add verdigris or to switch between silver and gold. I use a sponge square to dab on paint, and then quickly wipe some of it away (it does dry really fast).

You can really see the detail of the texture on the star’s undersides. (There’s no need to finish the base if you plan on gluing them onto something else.)

Now let’s make mix-and-match patriotic napkin rings using 1 roll of clearance chambray wired ribbon and some lengths of various American themed twill ribbon.

First, cut 6 inch lengths of ribbon (1 chambray and 1 twill for each ring). Then hot glue the twill across the center of the larger chambray. Next, glue one short end over the other, overlapping them slightly.

Check out the patriotic rings in action here: Reverential Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Independence Day Tablescape Décor Ideas Honoring American Forces

Learn how to make a matching patriotic banner here: DIY July 4^th Denim No-Sew Applique Collage Star-Spangled Banner Craft Tutorial for Independence Day

Happy 4^th of July fire-working!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Arts & Crafts

Easy DIY Valentine’s Day Countdown Calendar / Treat Bag Banner & Love Letter Napkin Rings Craft Tutorials

January 26, 2016 Leigh

This easy DIY Valentine’s Day countdown calendar plus treat bag banner and love letter napkin rings craft tutorial comprises three of my favorite things to make… banners, napkin rings, and advent calendars. The latter project arose from the questions, “Why are countdown calendars typically made for Christmas advent and not for other holidays?” and, “Why not expand the celebration with 2 weeks of excitement leading up to Valentine’s Day?” This works well for either children or adults depending on what’s placed inside the bags. As for the love letter themed napkin rings, they perfectly fit a romantic Valentine’s theme… though this one is for adults only!

Let’s begin with the napkin rings. You’ll need a roll of Offray Brand Ribbon in a script pattern. (I purchased this ½ price with a coupon from Joann Craft & Fabric Stores. There’s a link for them in the sidebar.)

You can make 12 rings and still have enough left over for a gift package bow if you like. You’ll also need either hot glue or liquid fabric glue and fabric paint in red (because it works on so much more than just T-shirts).

Measure and cut a 6 inch length of ribbon for each ring you wish to make (use sharp sewing scissors to prevent fraying ends). If using hot glue, bond the ends with one side overlapping the other and press them together tightly. For liquid fabric glue, use a plastic clothes pin as a clamp or secure with a straight pin… and allow them to dry completely.

Next, make a faux sealing wax impression with the red paint. Either use the fabric paint tip to draw a circle and fill it in, or just squeeze some onto a plate and use a brush. Allow these to dry completely before handling. (Hot sauce bottles, glue bottles, and paint tubes placed inside the rings will prevent rolling and paint smears.)

These napkin rings were so quick and easy to craft, and they were a great little touch to add to the Love Letter Themed Tablescape (Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Romantic Date Night, or Anniversary Dinner).

Now let’s make a Valentine’s Day countdown calendar and treat bag banner. (This is an easy enough project for the kiddos in your life to make too.) Begin by purchasing 14 mini clothespins complete with chalkboard hearts (these were 12 for $1 at the Target bargain bins). You can also buy the clothespins plainly and easily attach small flat wooden hearts with wood glue or hot glue… yes, hot glue does work on wood. Then all you need to do is paint the hearts with chalkboard paint. (All of the major craft stores carry the hearts. There are sidebar links for my favorite stores that carry coupon codes with them!)

If you like, paint the remaining portion of the clothespins in your choice of red or pink… though the natural wood tone would look fine with the paper bags if you’re short on time. (I used dark scarlet multi-surface acrylic paint from DecoArt, because it matches my spice racks.) It’s easiest to clip them onto cardboard and just paint one side, leaving them to dry before flipping them over and completing the opposite side.

You have the option of writing the 14 day numbered countdown with actual chalk (so that they may utilized in another capacity after the holiday) or with a permanent chalk marker that can’t be rubbed off.

While those are drying, decorate your treat bags. (These plain little sacks were purchased cheaply for ½ off, but you can purchase printed ones if you’d like to speed up the process.) I used a red bingo marker to stamp dots in a polka dot pattern. (See more about this, along with other project ideas in my article on Fast & Easy DIY Hand-stamped Polka-dot Gift Wrap & Matching Gift Crafts.)Let these dry completely before the next step. (You also have the option of stamping a pattern onto the bags with ink or paint.)

Next, cut out hearts from black chalkboard paper, or use a paper punch in any shape you like, or speedily use readymade chalkboard sticker labels.

Here is my handy little template to print free at home then cut out to trace around. It’s an easy way to make the same exact heart shape repeatedly. (Just right click the small image above and select print.)

Adhere the paper hearts onto the bags with a permanent glue stick. Then run a strip of matching washi tape along the base for easily added flair.

String the dry clothespins onto ribbon, string, jute, cording, twine, or yarn. (I used yarn that looks like twine because three times the amount can be purchased for ⅓of the price.) Once again, use either permanent white marker or actual chalk to write on each heart.

I chose to write “Be my Valentine!” but “Valentines Day!” or “Happy Hearts Day” would also have fit on the 14 bags. You can also write the names of individual recipients like friends, classmates, or even alternate the names of family members.

Fill the little bags with anything you like… you can make it as inexpensive or extravagant as you like.

For kiddos: try candy, stickers, stamps, tiny toys, erasers, inexpensive jewelry… or silly printed jokes you won’t mind hearing over and over again. On the 14^th day, think about directions leading to a larger gift like a stuffed animal.

For adults: try printing faux fortunes, poems, romantic quotes, movie or event tickets, or even homemade coupons for “honey-do” chores or special treats. On the 14^th day, think about directions leading to a larger gift like a dozen roses, box of chocolates… or something uber masculine like the latest power tool at home depot.

This makes a super cute banner decoration as well, and it can be strung just about anywhere using either tape, 2 extra clothespins, or by tying knotted loops at each end of the string.

I ♥ Crafting… Don’t you?!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Parties & Tablescapes

Create a Homespun Holiday of Barn Red & Burlap with Christmas Tablescape & Mantle Décor Ideas

November 23, 2015 Leigh

Why prepare for Christmas by waiting in long lines at overcrowded stores when you can create heartfelt moments with loved ones while crafting a homespun holiday that harkens back to simpler times. Deck the halls without breaking the bank using my easy craft tutorials for DIY décor that harmonizes perfectly with the season’s traditional crafts of gingerbread houses and strung cranberries or popcorn. Have friends over for a cookie decorating or gift wrapping party, and then move the décor over to the mantel in time for a cozy Christmas. In this way, we can all celebrate togetherness in the real spirit of the season!

“Deck the halls with boughs of holly“ and a one-of-a-kind burlap tablecloth painted with stamps and matching napkin rings which set a delightful tone for a homespun holiday gathering. (Learn how easy it is to make these here!)

“’Tis the season to be jolly” and nosh on gluten-free vegan gingerbread cake served upon red ceramic plates over wooden chargers accompanied by holiday reindeer mugs filled with steaming cups of hot chocolate and homemade marshmallows.

“Follow me in merry measure” to a table lit by barn red lantern bedecked with ribbons and merry-making birds. (See more about the birdies here!)

“While I tell of Yule-tide treasure” held in handcrafted advent calendars alongside festive banners and signs trimming the windows in the background. (Find out how to make these here!)

“See the blazing Yule before us” and the apropos message of J-O-Y spelling out the holiday sentiment. (Learn how easily these were made here!)

“Strike the harp and join the chorus” of pretty burlap birds perched perfectly upon tiny tin houses. (See this quick project here!)

“Sing we joyous, all together, heedless of the wind and weather.

Fa-La-La-La-La-La-La-La-La!”

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Arts & Crafts

Easy DIY Burlap Ribbon Holiday Banner & Christmas Countdown Advent Calendar Craft Tutorials (+ Free Printable Heart Template)

November 23, 2015 Leigh 1 Comment

Why prepare for Christmas by waiting in long lines at overcrowded stores when you can create heartfelt moments with loved ones while crafting a homespun holiday that harkens back to simpler times. Deck the halls without breaking the bank with easy DIY advent calendars and holiday banners made from burlap, ribbon, jute or twine, and clothes pins. Nothing is more festive than a banner, and the countdown to Christmas is even more exiting when it’s accompanied with a daily treat. In this way, we can all celebrate togetherness in the real spirit of the season!

To make a simple yet adorable Christmas banner, use a wired ribbon (like patterned burlap) and a thinner flat woven ribbon. Cut the woven ribbon as long as you want your banner to be (like the length of your mantel).

To make the little flags, cut enough 4 inch lengths of the wired ribbon to fill the length of the banner. Next cut 1 inch V-notches out of one end of each (by folding in half lengthwise and making a straight cut at a diagonal angle).

Hot glue the straight sides of the cut flags to the center of the long woven strand (spacing them a little apart). Now add a line of glue to the top of the long ribbon and fold in half over the cut ribbons. (Press this down for better adherence.) Do this in sections of a few flags at a time (so the hot glue doesn’t have time to cool before pressing).

Try hanging it on a stairway or as a festive backdrop in your breakfast room. (I even have one hanging across my spice racks as I write this.)

To make an original yet inexpensive advent calendar use 25 clothespins, 25 tiny paper bags, jute or twine, and some leftover ribbon or burlap.

Print my heart stencil, and cut it out to use as an easy template to trace uniform shapes quickly. (Just right click on the image above, and select print.)

Trace the hearts (or make stars, trees, circles, etc.) onto the underside of your choice of ribbon, fabric, paper, or burlap. Cut 25 of the shapes out.

Then hot glue a shape to each clothespin. Next, you have the choice of gluing a ready-made number onto each heart, or simply adding a bow. (This is really cute when using them as a mantle-less stocking holder line. You can also add a strong magnet to the back, and stick it on the fridge.)

I chose to hot glue jute in the shape of numbers onto each heart. (It is easier than it looks, but it was a bit more time consuming.)

Be sure to knot small lengths of twine in between each clothespin at regular intervals (so that they don’t all end up in the center once they’re hung up).

A few ideas for daily treats are… gum or candy, jewelry or cufflinks, holiday fortunes without the cookies, gift cards from favorite stores, love notes or poetry, cash or coins, seasonal jokes, flash drives loaded with holiday movies or music, sewing goods like thimbles or embroidery floss, special recipes with a promise to make, barrettes or keyrings, homemade certificates for things like breakfast in bed or car-washing, lip gloss or chap-stick, scavenger hunt clues for large items, scrapbooking stickers or components, and tickets for movies, concerts, events, or travel. Or for the crafty person… try putting one piece of a crafting kit into each packet which can be completed when the holiday’s over. You can even assign odd and even days to different family members.

Why have one day of a filled stocking that competes with big presents, when you spread the joy of Christmas into 25 days of surprises!

Fa La La La La Lovin’ It!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. Check out my other coordinating homespun holiday craft tutorial HERE, and the full results all of the heartfelt crafting HERE!

Arts & Crafts

DIY La Calavera Catrina Costume Mask & Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) Banner for a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Themed Halloween

October 17, 2015 Leigh

This tutorial will help you to inexpensively craft your own one-of-a-kind la calavera catrina costume mask in the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) style, and then easily DIY a Calaveras de Azucar (Sugar Skulls) banner to decorate your Halloween party. Sugar (azucar in Español) is said to balance the bitterness of death (muerte), and calaveras (skulls) are traditionally offered on All Saint’s Day (November 1) to departed loved ones as one would leave flowers graveside. These calacas (colloquial term for skeletons) have migrated north from Mexico into American Halloween celebrations as themed décor. In this same way, traditional parade skull masks have become party costumes. As Halloween serves to poke fun at all things scary, Dia de los Muertos is intended as a way to accept death as inevitable… and also to honor dearly departed loved ones. The Mexican ½ face parade masks symbolize this idea of life being inextricably linked with death. So when you don this half skull mask for Halloween, be sure to make up the lower half of your face as a beautiful representation of life… and poke a little fun at death as not being so scary!

To craft the calaveras de azucar (sugar skulls) banner, begin with either a package of glittered skulls or cut your own shapes from glittered paper. Another option is upgrade a readymade skull banner. (All of these items are available at Le fidèLe Designs craft supply affiliates Michaels and/or Joann whose clickable ads may be found in the sidebar.)

Attack black floral mesh squares to half of the skulls. Glue one end to the top of the front and the rest to the underside so that it looks like a lacy veil.

Next, glue paper rosettes to cover the front edge of the veils.

To decorate these with the traditional sugar skull designs of flowers, hearts, swirls, and apostrophe type marks, I utilized Tulip brand Crystals (= glittery like sugar) T-shirt paint. It works really well on many materials besides cotton. The small tips allow the paint to come out just like icing does on real sugar skulls. If you prefer the control of a paintbrush, just squeeze some out onto a paper plate to use as a palette. Let these dry overnight to cure.

Next cut lengths of colorful yarn or ribbon to string the banner on. If your skulls don’t have the right holes to string them through, just use a hole punch… or even poke some with an ice pick!

Hang them in the background of a themed party or over a candy buffet.

To make your own catrina mask, purchase a plain plastic one to embellish. (This Mardi Gras type can be found at Michaels for about $2, and Joann has some as well.)

Use the same T-shirt paint leftover from the sugar skull banner to cover the mask with. (I just used my finger to smear it around.) Let this layer dry well.

Begin using other colors to add designs to the mask. Dots are the easiest to make with these paints, but make an upside down heart for a nose decoration. (I made a girlier version than can be typically found at the Halloween stores by using softer colors than red and black and by making the eye sockets flowers instead of black rings.) Let this layer dry well too.

Cut a length of lace at about 10 inches across and at a length that will cover most of the hair of the recipient.

Glue the 10 inch edge to the top of the mask, pressing the fabric into the glue. Make small gathers to take up the width. This veil will expand over the head to better cover the hair.

Now pull off faux rose heads from their stems. Glue these on top of the lace, and hold them down until they don’t feel like they will slip off.

Further definition may be added to the edges of the paint lines with a fine tip sharpie permanent marker. (I think a little black helps to tie in the veil’s color.)

Try wearing this with a traditionally embroidered Mexican dress and a black lace shawl.

It may also be used as décor for a themed Halloween celebration.

Viva la celebration!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

Parties & Tablescapes

Colorful Indoor Picnic Party Tablescape Perfect for Rainy Days or Texas Temps!

August 24, 2015 Leigh

This colorful indoor picnic tablescape makes a party perfect on rainy days or in soaring Texas temps. As a matter of fact, that is exactly what brought this vibrant alfresco celebration inside. No one really wanted to sit on dry itchy grass with hot dusty wind from triple digit heat laminating one’s face with excessive humidity. The risk of West Nile tainted mosquitos, fire ants, pesky flies, even thunderstorms rolling in led to the request of a placid gathering soothed with the luxuries of air conditioning and comfy chairs. Admittedly, the modification made for the loveliest of afternoons in cheerful celebration of summer.

Large prints of watercolor paintings brought the brilliant colors of sprightly blooms inside.

A handcrafted banner (click here for tutorial & template) set a playful mood aloft a side table topped with madras plaid napkins and a fruit crate that secured a vintage woven picnic basket filled with the surprises of sweet treats for dessert.

An indoor ficus tree was delightfully strung with lights of multi-colored string orbs just as one would trim a courtyard. Embroidered patchwork tuxedo cat pillows in Warhol tradition honored a beloved friend who passed on.

A brightly woven picnic blanket was employed as a tablecloth and set with yellow dinner plates that shined like midsummer suns. Appetite stimulating red salad plates and handmade napkin rings (see the tutorial here) filled with more madras plaid napkins were layered atop that. Coordinating crocheted hearts adorned glass drinking jars fitted with purposely mismatched lids and paper straws.

Delightfully oversized clothespins supported banner matching pinwheels (click here for tutorial & template) which contributed to the illusion of a cool circulating wind. A cast iron bluebird of happiness, wearing its heart on its sleeve, sang away the blues amidst glowing red votives filled with LED tea-lights. Completing the centerpiece was a coke bottle carrier repurposed with tiny vases to hold fresh red gerbera daisies.

Remember when foul weather spawns, just to keep calm and picnic on!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. For allergy-friendly picnic food try these recipes:

Creamy Macaroni Salad Recipe (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free)

Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe with Vegan & Turkey Bacon Options (Gluten-Free, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free)

Creamy Salad Dressing Recipe (For Green Salad, Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad) Gluten-Free, Vegan, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Pepper-Free

Arts & Crafts

DIY Picnic Heart Napkin Rings & Customizable Banner + Pinwheel Craft Tutorials (+ Free Printable Templates)

August 24, 2015 Leigh

Craft your own colorful indoor picnic party quickly and inexpensively with scrapbooking paper, ribbon, and dimensional stickers! Use them to create your own customizable banner and pinwheels with my free printable templates, and then make DIY heart napkin rings to up the ante…. taking your picnic from average to outstanding!

My heart napkin rings utilize dollar bin dimensional chipboard stickers that were decoratively crocheted (which I actually purchase half-price at Le fidèLe Design’s affiliate Michaels). The scrapbooking section of your local craft store always has items such as these which are made with sturdy materials, whose pretty looks belie their price points.

Find coordinating colors of wire ribbon and bias tape to tie together the set of differing stickers. (It’s like using different photos with matching frames to give a cohesive look to a home gallery.)

Cut 6 inch lengths of both the ribbon and bias tape. (Bias fabric tape is a sewing product, but makes a beautiful trim for this project. You can also use a thin ribbon in its place.) Pull the sticky dots off of the sticker backs. (Place them on plastic packaging to reuse for dimensional card-making later.)

Glue the bias tape across the center of each wired ribbon strip, making sure the tape doesn’t have a flap open… if so, glue it down too. Next, glue one end to the other by laying down a thin line of glue onto one short-side edge, and then press the other end onto it. (Press it down hard… using silicone finger cots if utilizing hot glue. I’ve use hot glue, fabric hot glue, fabric glue, tacky glue, universal glue… and it all worked beautifully.)

Take advantage of the wired ribbon’s staying power to form perfectly round circles for your rolled fabric napkins to slide right into. (Wired ribbon is the perfect base as it has a clean finished edge without needing to fold and glue.)

I made a set of 8 different heart napkin rings to mix and match according to my tablescapes (and it only cost me a few dollars).

Here they are featured in my Colorful Indoor Picnic Party Tablescape Perfect for Rainy Days or Texas Temps, because in my world, a picnic is the perfect excuse for crafting! (Note the heart stickers were also placed on the drinking jars.)

Make your own banners quickly using my free printable template to cut perfectly precise pennants from any scrapbook paper matching your theme décor. Finish them of with chipboard stickers like those I used on my heart napkin rings.

Print the template by first clicking on the picture above. Next right click on the image and select print. Choose a text or black and white setting to conserve ink. Cut out the two triangles.

Trace around the triangles with a pencil onto the back of the scrapbook paper. (Use them to conserve paper by flipping them until you maximize the number of triangles per sheet.) Now cut out these triangles. (Save the leftover bits for card-making later.)

Glue a smaller triangle to the center of a larger one of a contrasting color. (A permanent glue stick works beautifully with less mess.) Punch a hole next to each top point of a glued pennant.

Place a dimensional sticker onto the center of each pennant. (Try to use contrasting colors to make a more visually interesting combination.)

Use any variety of string, twine, yarn, or ribbon to run through the punched holes. Knot each end into a loop to hang them by. (To do this, form a loop then make a simple overhand knot.)

For additional flair, tie small lengths of thin ribbon in between each pennant. Hang it up for an extra dose of cheerful festiveness!

Next, let’s make matching pinwheels for décor or children’s play.

Either fold over an edge of scrapbook paper to form a box that can be cut out, or… print a template to quickly churn out pinwheel bases. (The templates are great to enhance a young kiddo’s tracing skills.) Click on the picture above, then right click on the resulting image and select print. Choose text or black and white settings to conserve ink.

Cut out a single square from double-sided paper, or cut 2 squares of the same size for single-sided paper.

If using single-sided scrapbooking paper, glue them back to back with a permanent glue stick. Or, you can do as I’ve done here by cutting one piece, gluing it to the plain side of another, and then cutting around the box… which I think is easier.

Next use a ruler to draw a line with a pencil, from one corner across to the other. Cut along this line, but leave a half inch or so at the center making 4 flaps.

Take the right corner of each flap and glue it onto the center. Decide if you want them to be functional or just décor. For décor, use cardstock and hot glue the whole thing onto a paper straw then glue a paper flower onto the center… and call it a day. For functional pinwheels, use thinner paper and weaker glue. Push a tack into a thin wooden dowel cut about a foot long… not pushing it in all the way in order to leave some room for the paper wheel to turn on.

‘Cause nothing says happy picnic like a pinwheel!

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. See all of these projects in action in my Colorful Indoor Picnic Party Tablescape Perfect for Rainy Days or Texas Temps!

Parties & Tablescapes

Star-Spangled Independence Day Patriotic Party Décor Ideas (& All-American Burger Bar)

June 15, 2015 Leigh 5 Comments

Every year on the fourth of July, families across the country gather in jubilant celebration of the birth of our proud democracy. We join together to commemorate our forefathers’ defiant stand to secure those inalienable rights we enjoy today, and to venerate that hard-won freedom. Take part in a tour of my star-spangled Independence Day event for décor ideas to plan your own patriotic party with!

History was heralded with a welcoming wreath spangled with bright steel stars and the broad stripes of old glory… denoting a gallantly streaming flag hailed through the perilous fight.

A table in the aft zone was layered with patriotically printed fabric atop a white tablecloth… symbolizing the purchase of peace. The table’s façade was treated as a frontispiece with a star-spangled banner collage featuring iconic imagery in the appliqués cut from the same patriotic print fabric. (Find my no-sew craft tutorial on it here.)

The theatre’s horizon displayed a dazzling banner of classic Americana exclaiming, “God Bless America”. An explosion of color extended to thematic paper plates, blue cups, and flag printed napkins. A plain white vintage water pitcher was adorned with the sparkle of a steel star and flag ribbon.

Decorating rebellion manifested itself with a centerpiece, placed off-center, of beribboned candles atop vintage ceiling tile candlesticks… all to represent Lady Liberty’s torch. Hanging from them were steel stars and flag painted Christmas ball ornaments… representing bombs bursting in air and the flag that was still there. A galvanized pail held utensils set for dessert.

Revelers were offered the refreshment of blue patriot punch held in sustainable vessels festooned with stars and stripes. Further sustenance was provided with chips in a red painted basket (from the Beanitos brand made in the USA).

The memory of George Washington was honored with “truthful cherry patriotic pie” (of my own upcoming gluten-free vegan recipe) held high in esteem upon a metal pillar spelled with zinc USA letters. Sweet vegan tarts crowned with candy stars (from another American brand Hail Merry) topped a second pillar swathed in more stars.

The fore-field was set as an all American build a burger bar over the classic American staple of blue jean cloth set over a red tablecloth. Blasts of star spray shot out from beneath a centermost tray… connoting embattled fireworks.

Homemade burger buns (of my own upcoming gluten-free vegan recipe) were displayed in a pewter dish. Behind that sat a vintage tray offering hamburger accompaniments… like heirloom tomato slices, organic green onion, artisan leaf lettuce, and locally grown red onion slices.

An additional vintage pewter dish served onion loaded beef patties (another of my upcoming recipes). Slices of soy-free vegan cheese (from USA brand Follow Your Heart) were stamped with an American Flag seal of approval. Deep square vintage steel dishes presented pickled okra, onion, cornichons, gherkins, and sun-dried tomato stuffed green olives.

Galvanized metal buckets lined with flag napkins made admirable single-serving fry baskets bursting with seasoned steak fries (see my upcoming recipe). Old-school salt and pepper shakers got the patriotic washi treatment. More vintage dishes contained soy-free veganaise, paprika-free mustard, and corn-syrup-free ketchup… so that no allergy got served.

As the July 4^th night sky blazes with the flash of celebratory fireworks, may we all seek to reflect upon the valorous sacrifices made for our collective liberty.

Faithfully Yours,

Leigh

P.S. Keep checking in on my Recipes Page for the latest postings on Gluten-Free & Egg-Free Pies, Fries, & Hamburger Buns! I’m launching a new on-going series of Burger Creations that is set to grow increasingly creative with time!

Be sure check out my article for a DIY July 4th Denim No-Sew Appliqué Collage Star-Spangled Banner Craft Tutorial for Independence Day here!

And this article for July 4th Altered Art Greeting Card as Mailable Mixed Media Independence Day Décor (DIY Collage Art Tutorial)here!

Living Faithfully ~ Embracing Creativity