DIY Gemstone Finials - kinda of a duh...

I've been keen on the design world's general fascination with all things geode and agate over the recent past. It just so happens the vast majority of these goodies are mined right here in Brazil. This weekend, we took a road trip to the gemstone mecca where we waded through piles and piles of all things lapidary.

Gorgeous, amethyst formations

The mother lode of rough-hewn rose quartz

Famous birds of Brazil carved from semi-precious stone

I've been wanting to work some of the "positive-energy" pieces into a project, but figured I'd start off small...

So, I ordered these project-ready lamp finials with prongs from this Ebay seller.

...and picked out a few choice crystals from the piles (Sure you could unearth similar finds on Ebay as well)

...a little hot-glue gun action to stabilize everything

...and my lamps got a little facelift. (I can feel the energy, already! ;)

Next up my sleeve...Turning one of these:

...Into one of these....

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Alison on Pinterest

DIY Sunburst Mirror

One of my Design Dilemma Divas, Jana, figured out a way to achieve a fantastic Look for Less à la Sunburst Mirror. I think it's a rather brilliant idea, and thought you might appreciate a little how-to as well.

Here's Jana's finished product - not bad, huh? Not bad at All! (Especially when you consider total cost: $25)

...And, here's her tutorial:
First, find an inspirational mirror as your guide (Here, Jenny's via MFAMB)

*Be sure to measure the area you intend to place the mirror.
Gather your supplies:

7 bags of 12" wooden dowels

10" ceiling medallion

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

One 10" circle - 1/4 inch thick wood (a sturdy cardboard would work too)

7" round mirror

Gold spray paint / craft paint

Picture hanger

After assessing the diameter, measure out tick marks so you'll know where to glue the dowels. *Hint: Protractors and an elementary recollection of geometry helps!

Next, glue the ceiling medallion to the front, and paint. Jana used gold spray paint for the base color, then touched it up with gold artist's paint to give the color more depth.

Finally, glue the mirror onto the the ceiling medallion, and consider yourself a genius!

...All tied up with string

Do you plan your gift wrap? I'm a bit of a packaging snob, myself. I certainly feel that the effort to put together an interesting wrap ensemble constitutes part of the gift. I tend to go with gift "themes," but the last few years have stuck with a classic, solid glossy red paper with white, wide, double-faced satin ribbon that is easily reusable. Until today, I really hadn't thought about what sort of gift packaging "look" I'd go for, but since I forgot my stash of ribbon in Brazil, I'll be changing things up a bit. I must be in a no-fuss kind of mood this year, because this brown parcel paper/red baker's string combo is striking a chord...

However, going simple doesn't necessarily mean going lame. There's always gift tags to help dress up a package. I could spend hours perusing paper goods... Found every look you can imagine on Etsy - some faves I'm considering (and, clearly, need to get a move on ordering!) Simple, elegant from paperandinkling

Charming, from lynchgirl
... and js design
and whimsical. From PrettySmitten
PSPapergoods
...and HenriHopper (my frenchie-owning sister needs these!)
But I really don't know if I can turn down one of these clever creations from EveryJotandTittle


























Eeenie, Meenie Miney MO!!

Not my strongest effort

In fact, I'm kinda embarrassed to show such amateur work...but, better than this

Just a Sunday afternoon craft project - making do with remnants and old acrylic paint. You do anything crafty this weekend?

Little Happies: Felt Food

I'm still waiting for the email containing the PDF's of felt food patterns I ordered from Etsy, but in the meantime, my Crafty Maven friend got me started with some entry-level bacon and eggs. (Yes, had to put them in a skillet for "effect!")

Thanks again, Cara!