I love this because...

Tonight I got crafty. This is a reason to celebrate because I've never once embraced the potential crafty bones in my body. That's not to say I don't take advantage of my creative side, it's just never been so "hands-on."

My inspiration started with the Etsy page of A Content Housewife, and the crafty blog Just Another Hang Up.

Here's what I made, prepare to be proud.

It's an I love you because frame - where you can write with an erase marker a quick note to why you love someone.

What you need:

• Fabric - Muslin works well, but anything that's corse will work wonders. When it comes to patterns pick something that has a small pattern, or solid colors. With all the twisting for the creation of the flower it will be beneficial to get something that won't look incomplete due to the execution process.
• Scrapbook paper, I designed the template for the print via inDesign.
• 8x10 frame
• Hot glue gun

How to:

out of 44" length of fabric, cut the width into 1-2 inch sections

fold it in half, and tie a knot at the two ends 

wrap the fabric around the center, and hot glue it when you have the
perfect center section to your liking

Continue wrapping, but then start to twist the fabric -
this gives it the look of petals. Then hot glue the back of it and
under some of the different twists to secure the creation.

To make the 8x10 frame festive, just hot-glue these bad boys in
the two opposite corners.

and the final product will be a lot like this! 

Happiness in a Mason Jar

My core group leader - basically a spiritual mentor - made all of the people in our group some precious Valentine goodies. The entire concept of the gift was simple: mason jar filled with candy. How she put it together, however, is what sold me on why I need to do this for all future occasions. I couldn't resist sharing this fabulous and creative idea, and I hope you get a lot of use out of it!

What I like most about the idea is how versatile it can be. While ours is super girly and Valentine themed, you can easily fill the jar up with anything to fit the occasion.

It's easy. It's cute. And it's thoughtful.

Step 1: Save all jars. So for the next time you feel like throwing away a mason jar... don't. Or at least send it to me, I will message you my address.

Step 2: Buy relevant candy. Jelly beans, M&Ms, Skittles, etc - anything that has color and fits the situation. Then fill the jar with the deliciousness.

Step 3: Buy some burlap, get some sample fabrics at the store, or cut a brown paper bag. Put it around the lid of the jar for it to be tied up.

Step 4: Find some colorful ribbon, or string to tie the jar up with. Get something that matches, and it will create a crafty, happy and caring feel to the entire (and inexpensive) prize.