Harajuku Lovers Sugar Cookie Lei

I am completely and utterly obsessed with sugar cookie decorating.  I anticipate every opportunity to create a new design.  Although I will admit that after 2 years of venturing into this craft, I have increased my skills but have soooooooooooooo much room to improve.  

My favorite part of this whole process is getting to finally sit down and put my piping tip on the cookie, the feeling one gets when a nice consistent clean line oozes from the pastry bag onto the freshly baked cooled cookie canvas is  priceless<3

I made these Harajuku cookies into a lei for a friend's daughter who was receiving an awards from school.  She wanted to present something different to congratulate her child.  The finished product was far better than    

her imagination as she stated (my friend).  The cookie design was inspired by CakewalkBU3, as I was searching for ideas on the internet.

Meet the Harajuku Girls with Gwyn Stefani at center stage.

The finished lei.  I'm not sure why it uploaded sideways but its a much closer shot.

This is a replica dress that Gwyn wore but hers was much shorter.

The Harajuku Lovers Sugar Cookie Lei with a matching handmade card.

Thanks for visiting.

Scrapbook Mania

The digital photo craze has taken this humanity by storm,what once was an exciting endeavor is only but a memory...the picture developing and tangible album days have been buried in a time capsule.  In this day and age, the digital and electronic world have taken over.  Beautiful photos are now stored by the thousands on computer albums, social networks and online photo sharing sites.  

I have always been a photo hoarder and didn't mind to spend that $.35 per copy back in the days...and if that wasn't enough, I would then find the perfect vinyl sticky album to showcase them.  I would keep my albums within reach as to review those magical photos time and again.

Last Christmas, I gifted scrapbooks tailored to each family recipient.  The appreciation I felt was priceless, friends said they were so touched that I could invest the time and creativity to make something especially for their family.  This Christmas, I plan to give more scrapbook gifts.  

This post features a scrapbook I made for a friend's daughter's sweet 16 gift.   Her photos were just too beautiful to remain online.  You too, could give that someone special a gift that lasts for a very long time.

Craftaholics Anonymous Workshop

Operation Craft Haven

For over a year now I have been doing research on Google image for inspiration on storage ideas and how to create a space to call my "Crafter's Haven". In 2 years, I have changed up my storage and workstation at least three times that my husband said to me if I am going to do this again, I'd better do it right. I agreed with him wholeheartedly. The long overdue project has been completed thanks to my architects, demolition crew, construction workers and waste management team...Hubby, Sissy, Brother in-law and yours truly:) This Fabulous Foursome conquered this project in 3 days.

This is my logo and first craft project on my new work station.

The most exciting part was putting together the little details.

1) Old drawer I used as a buffet table which I converted into my desk. A little bit of sand paper and spray paint did magic to this desk and brought it to life again. I will decoupage the top of the desk with some cards I've made and decorative paper then throw a sheet of plexiglass for extra protection. 2) Built in shelving for an amazing decorative effect. 3) Time and patience= a beautiful place to create.

Embellishments that were previously smooshed in containers are now arranged in jars to show off it's beauty. The gerber daisy flower arrangements are pens-dual action going.

If you are like me, you know what I mean when I say that you can never have enough spaces and places to put stuff. Well with a quick organized fix such as these plastic shoe containers, you can find a place for everything hard to part with.

Now everything has a home.

Gone are the days when just one out of my 20 pairs of scissors could not be found. With containers and labels, my new space allows me to create and work on projects with convenience and ease.

Teacher Appreciation Gifts

“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.” 

Carl Jung 

For all who dedicate their lives to inspiring our children to live, you are appreciated.

Endless gifts of appreciation can be found in every retail establishment but the best gifts are those made from the hands and given from the heart.~M. Sasamoto

Here are some gift ideas I came up with through up-cycling and redesigning.  I'll try my best to explain how I made them. 

 Apples and teachers-a perfect combination.  These sugar cookies are definitely sweet treats to hand deliver especially adorned with thank you leaves.  The best thing about giving edible gifts such as this sugar cookie is you know it will be appreciated for it's prettiness and taste.

 I'm loving this deep apple red color and pretty green leaves.

 I made these owl cards with the inside reading "Owl always appreciate you."  Who wouldn't feel appreciated?

 I paper crafted these cards.  I made a template for the owl and used the 1.5 circle hole punch and layered the template.  I cut out the wings and two hearts to use as the beak and feet.

 Chalkboard sugar cookies-I absolutely loved this project.

 It's now complete with a tag. (get them on www.positivelysplendid.com)

 These were the gifts my daughter and I put together for her teachers.  Homemade pecan tarts in a little plastic container (I bought them on clearance one Easter-they are the ones used to put your dye and water in to color Easter eggs and re-purposed them).  Embellished with a flower lollipop and a clear cellophane bag with a ribbon.  Her teachers loved this gift.

 Up, close and oh so personal.  The smaller the container, the less you need to fill especially when you are making multiple gifts.  This tip helps to cut expenses.

Up-cycled Starbucks Frappuccino jars.  Keep those jars, don't throw them away.  They make beautiful gift containers.  

If you are still feeling weary at the thought of making gifts, I encourage you to give it a try...you'll be glad you did.  Let your hair down and allow your hands to dance to the tune of your imagination.

See you back soon for Mother's Day Gifts and other Craft ideas.

With love,

Michelle