Stained Glass Window by NVO.com: $95.00

Wooden Shalom Keyrack from NVO.com: $12.00

Shalom Plate 6.5″ from NVO.com: $12.50

Project 1: Patriotic Votives - Once the fireworks have left the sky and night falls, the 4th of July doesn’t have to be over!  Engage the kids with this creative and colorful project, talking about the importance of red, white, blue and how candles are used to light the way of lost souls, or bring hope to those who wait for news.  Whatever story you choose to tell, these votives are sure to bring light and happiness to your Independence Day festivities.

1. Measure the height and circumference of the container, adding 1/2 inch to the circumference.  Cut a piece of glassine to these measurements.  Wrap the glassine around the container, and adhere using the double-sided tape.

2. Use the remaining colors to create patterns and decorations on the votive, such as stripes of  colored glassine.  Cut the stripes with the edgers or rotary cutter to give them an added visual appeal.  Affix the decorations to the votive using the double-sided tape or glue stick.

Supplies: Cylindrical clear-glass containers, glassine sheets (in red, white and blue), tape measure, rotary cutter or edgers, double-sided tape and a glue stick.

Where to get the supplies:

Clear Glass Containers: Save-On-Crafts.com has 10” tall cylinder vases for sale for $4.39 each, or order 12 for $3.59 each.

Glassine Sheets: More difficult to find, I recommend going to your local art supply store or even printmaking specialty stores (glassine is used a lot for transferring designs from photograph to print media).  iMcClains.com has Glassine in sheets for $4.80.

Project 2: Stylish Clip Art Invitations - Print out invitations never looked so good!

Supplies:  Matte heavyweight paper, scissors, craft or screw punch, ribbon and a white gel-ink pen.

Directions, as taken from Martha Stewart’s Independence Day page:

Invitation How-To

1. Print image, and trim.  Make a pair of holes where indicated on the clip art with a 1/8-inch hole punch (holes must be smaller than the ribbon).

2. Cut two pieces of 1/4-inch ribbon 3 inches long.  Layer ribbons on top of one another, and slip each end into a hole from front.  Pull taut; even out ends.  Thread each end of ribbon through opposite hole from back; pull taut.  Trim ends at an angle.

3. Fill out invitation details with gel-ink pen.

For these invitations, it’s all about the paper quality.  You want it to be matte (meaning non-shiny) finish, thick (but not so thick that it can’t fit through the printer) and colorful (red or blue).  If you pick the right paper, then less is more in terms of the embellishments.  Find good cardstock or heavyweight paper at your local crafts or art supply store, for around $10-12 a pack.  CameraWorld.com offers Cardstock pack of 70 pieces in assorted colors for $7.05.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more arts and crafts supplies.

Conversely I happen to adore the emails with the string of funny pictures or witty stories. I guess I just don’t like being told to forward the message to all my friends in the next 2 minutes lest fire and brimstone rain upon me. So this morning my co-worker sent me the most adorable email containing Puppy Bouquets!

So now you see why I felt obligated to “pay it forward” and post about these adorable creations! The only problem is that there was no merchant information listed in the email stating where you could purchase and or order these puppy creations. Does anyone know where you could buy these?

Which leaves me to believe that they are a labor of love. I suppose you have to try your hand at creating your own puppy. I have an artistic eye but actual “implementation” for arts and crafts eludes me.

My suggestion is to print these photos out, bring them to your local florist and have them mimic the loving… Good luck guys!

Ps. If you do know where to buy these floral arrangements, please let me know. - Michelle

For more Flowers, Gifts Baskets, and Party Supplies, click here.

SPECIAL UPDATE AS OF 12/5/08: 

Thanks to reader: Elizabeth Dufraine (Editor of Thumb Michigan Writers)

She provided me the following merchant who offers these adorable puppy bouquets!

They can be purchased at:
120 E. Main Street
Elsie, Michigan
48831
989-862-4446
http://thecountrypetal.zoomshare.com/

Hope that helps!

It’s your favorite guest blogger back with another fabulous decorating idea. At the end of last year I was an intern for a wonderful band called The Dresden Dolls. They were in the process of looking for some unique artists to make some rockin’ band merchandise for them. That is when I discovered the website www.etsy.com. Have any of you seen this site? If you are crafty and love all things handmade, this is the site for you.

That is exactly where I found this week’s Home and Garden find. I am a vegetarian and am against animal cruelty of any kind. Hunting for sport is something else I am not a big fan of.

That’s why I was so happy to find this artist who makes these incredibly beautiful and unique mounted deer heads out of wallpaper and resin (which is just a fancy word for plastic).

For those of you not familiar with Etsy, each artist on the site has their own profile and their own store where they can sell their creations. This artist’s store name is Ruby’s Lounge.

Take a look at these:

Black & White Deer Head

Colorful Deer Head

Look at this! The Big, Bad Wolf!

Ruby proudly advertises that “No deer were harmed in the making of this craft!”.

Each deer is made to order, so allow 2-3 weeks for production. Each one is around $345. To purchase or browse Ruby’s Lounge for a custom made Deer Head, click here.

These are the only deer heads I definitely wouldn’t mind displaying in my home.

Consequently, I have now humbled myself to search for quality prints from major artists. I know I may not have an “original” on my walls but beggars who can barely pay their mortgage shouldn’t be choosers, right?

Here are some lovely finds:

Wassily Kadinsky Improvision Poster No. 23 - $214.99 (44 x 44 in.)

(click on image or link to shop or purchase)

Munoz ” The National Ballet of Cuba, 2001″ - $139.99 (31 x31 in.)

(click on image or link to shop or purchase)

Thomas Kinkade Renaissance Framed Art - $199.00 (23.5 x 19.75 in.)

(click on image or link to shop or purchase)

If you do not like any of these framed art pieces, feel free to browse our collection of discount artwork, framed posters & prints, Click here!

Well first of all its Easter Sunday Week for all you Bunny lovers or religious folks!

Monday started the week off with a bang for everyone who enjoys the green ale! Check out this week’s funny photo of the week that is both frightening and festive. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Great Deals are few and far between, don’t miss this 16 piece discount set from Sango.com...

Let the new spring breeze sweep through your house with discount wood plantation shutters...

Can you believe that these salty egg holders are completely biodegradable, edible and help keep your eggs fresh and non-smelly! I couldn’t either, check out this great design concept…

Last but certainly not least, browse the adorable collection of discount Easter themed napkins, guest towels, tea sets and more at our Easter Deal of the Week!

Cottontail Embroidered Cocktail Napkins (Set of 4)

Was: $11.95 on Sale: $8.99

Floating Mini Bunny Candles (Set of 20)

Was: $9.95 on Sale: $7.99

Cottontail Embroidered Guest Towel (set of 2)

Was: $14.95 on Sale: $11.99

Cottontail Salt & Pepper Shakers

Was: $9.95 on Sale: $7.99

Leaves and Grass Tea for One Set

Was: $21.95 on Sale: $16.99

You should HOP to these savings! Happy Easter Everyone!

(to shop or purchase any of these items, simply click on the links)

On his website, Bravo explains that the process of choosing the right tortilla and preparing it for acrylic paint is just as important as the actual art.  He also explains a bit about the drying and framing processes as well.

Bravo has gained international fame for his art, and for one of his latest series he’s made a cultural leap, depicting images prevalent in Asian culture, including Chinese opera masks, images of panda bears, Anime and dragons. These pieces will be exhibited in Hong Kong this month, where the artist has been invited to show his work.

Read more about Joe Bravo and see his work at his official website. 

Source.

What better inspiration would you need if you had these to place your photos in? Each book holds 20 4×6 photos, and they all fit neatly into a handy black box. Perfect for a bookcase.

Look! Even the pages are colorful.