Hi, Creative Friends-

It’s the final stretch of this holiday season. The last-minute making, shipping, and gifting are going on right now. We might need a few more ideas to check off the special people on our holiday list. So, let’s chat about…

3 Last-Minute Creative Gifts That Will Bring Joy To The Heart.

1. Fast & Furious DIY: If you need a super cool creative gift for every kid at heart, try this adorable “Easy DIY Holiday Hot Wheels Ornaments” project. It’s a fast, fun, and joyful project that will warm the coldest of hearts this holiday.

2. Marshmallow Magic: Looking for a magical homemade gift that everyone will enjoy? Try this recipe for “Giant Holiday Marshmallows.” Whipping up a batch of these sweet clouds of heaven is time-consuming but watch as your gift recipients’ eyes light up at the sight of these magical culinary delights. To make the gifting even more special here is a FREE Downloadable Marshmallow Card too. Download it here, print and staple it to the bag or box of marshmallows. Then watch as these magical marshmallows bring joy and sweetness to everyone on your holiday gift list.

3. Shipping Is For The Birds: Did shipping a gift take longer than imagined? Is it hard to find a gift for that hard-to-please person on your list? Take a look at this beautiful “Partridge In A Pear Tree” digital download. This lovely partridge art can be purchased and then downloaded instantly! Take the digital download file to a local print shop, pick up a frame, drop the print in and wrap up this beautiful art for a gift with no shipping stress required. This Partridge In A Pear Tree digital download can even be used for gift tags, postcards, and beyond. This art will bring joy and happiness to everyone’s heart including yours!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and what last-minute gifts you will give this season.

1. Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

   If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

   Keep going, creative friends!

   xoxo,

   Andra

Shop Gifts From My Art Shop

Ginger Giants Cookie Recipe

Hi, Creative Friends-

The holidays are in full swing and if you are a bit like me, I find the holidays open our minds to the possibility of making something divine to share with loved ones. We don’t hold back from jumping into the kitchen to whip up a recipe, whether traditional or inspired. My grandma always made oceans of candy, fudge, divinity, chocolate-covered cherries, spritz cookies, caramels, and ginger cookies this time of year. She would wrap up her gifts on not-so-fancy paper plates, cover them with plastic wrap, top them with an old-fashioned red bow, and give each bundle to anyone and everyone who sprinkled her life with a bit of happiness. It was her gift, her joy, and her heart passed on through these little mounds of sugar. In the spirit of grandma, my love for baking, and as a thank you who read along here are…

3 Secret Creative Cookie Recipes To Find Heart In The Holidays…

1. Ginger Giants: These are hands down the best holiday cookie of all time. Ginger Giants are brimming with the level of spice that will warm every part of us from the toes to the nose. The candied ginger adds just a touch of heat that is immediately cooled down by sweet vanilla creamed frosting. There is joy and heart in every bite of these cookies!

2. Crazy Good Kolache: Legend has it Kolache cookies are from Poland. Filled with a jam-like center and wrapped in buttery dough, these cookies shine like tinsel on the Christmas tree. My recipe did in fact come from a long line of Polish grandmas but unfortunately, I have been sworn to keep the family recipe top secret. However, this Kolache Cookie recipe from The Spruce is also quite delicious. My little secret tip is to use this Solo Pastry Filling for the center as it will stay in the center while baking to make each cookie shine. If there is one cookie that has a heart, this is it!

3. Win With Sparkle: Back in 2007, I won the Chicago Tribune Holiday cookie contest and ended up on the front page of the Chicago Tribune with George W. Bush! Since then, the Chicago Tribune has published a “Holiday Cookies Recipe” book, and buried in the pages is my secret “Sparkly Oatmeal Cookie” recipe. These cookies are buttery, crisp and so delightful they will bring heart to any holiday gathering. To pass on the joy, wrap them up and gift them all to friends, family, and delivery people on the holiday list.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and what cookies you will bake this holiday.

1. Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

   If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

   Keep going, creative friends!

   xoxo,

   Andra

Shop For Gifts From My Art Shop

Make Homemade Marshmallows For A Sensational Gift!

Hi, Creative Friends-

The holidays are in full swing and it can be stressful to make this time of year grand. There are traditions to uphold, great food to make, presents to buy, and parties to conquer. Between coming up with ways to mark an occasion or finding the right gift, we might find ourselves firmly feeling stressed and haggard. So let’s talk about…

3 Creative Ideas That Will Make The Holidays Sensational And Easy…

1. Bring On The Pom Poms: It’s festive sweater season and here is a simple DIY that can turn any existing cozy sweater into a fun project! The Easy DIY Pom Pom Holiday Sweater. It’s a simple project to keep the party going in person or virtually!

2. Cozy Cocoa: Is there anything that screams “The holidays are here!” more than a sweet cup of hot cocoa topped with a giant fluffy marshmallow? Create a fun DIY gift by grabbing a glass jar and mixing up a batch of hot chocolate powder with this Celebrating Sweets recipe (minus the milk.) Then whip up this recipe for “Giant Holiday Marshmallows.” Your gift recipient’s eyes will light up at the sight of these magical culinary delights. To make the gifting even more special here is a FREE Downloadable Marshmallow Card too. Download it here, print and staple it to the bag or box of marshmallows and attach it to a jar of the cocoa mix. Now gift this magical cocoa DIY and watch as this duo brings on sensational cozy joy!

3. Put A Bird On It: If you are looking to gift a special piece of art, take a look at this beautiful “Partridge In A Pear Tree” digital download. This lovely partridge art can be purchased and then downloaded instantly! Take the digital download file to a local print shop, pick up a frame, drop the print in and wrap up this beautiful art for a gift with no shipping stress required. Included in the digital download file, is the gift tag art and it’s a great way to create and decorate all the way to January and beyond. P.S. Another way to get creative is to add this art to this DIY Modern Wreath and make any front door dazzle for holiday guests!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and what you will do to make the holidays easy and sensational!

1. Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

   If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

   Keep going, creative friends!

   xoxo,

   Andra

Gift McConnell’s Ice Cream!

Hi, Creative Friends-

It’s beginning to look like the holidays! Sweet, dreamy lights are being hung on eaves everywhere, crushed peppermint candy topped everything is magically appearing in local markets and like a snowstorm covering a landscape, we might be accumulating our holiday gift lists to give lovely tokens of affection to the people who are near to our hearts. So, let’s talk about…

3 Creative Gifts That Will Bring Joy To Everyone’s Heart.

1. Scoop Up McConnell’s: If you are looking for an extra special treat for that hard-to-please boss, uncle or friend send a big box of McConnell’s California-made ice cream shipped directly to their door. With creative seasonal flavors like Peppermint Stick, Reindeer Tracks, and Hot Honey Buttered Rum, gifting McConnell’s is bound to bring joy to everyone’s heart!

2. Marshmallow Magic: Looking for a magical homemade gift that everyone will enjoy? Try this recipe for “Giant Holiday Marshmallows.” Whipping up a batch of these sweet clouds of heaven is time-consuming but watch as your gift recipients’ eyes light up at the sight of these magical culinary delights. To make the gifting even more special here is a FREE Downloadable Marshmallow Card too. Download it here, print and staple it to the bag or box of marshmallows. Then watch as these magical marshmallows bring joy and sweetness to everyone on your holiday gift list.

3. Shipping Is For The Birds: If you are looking to gift a special piece of art, take a look at this beautiful “Partridge In A Pear Tree” digital download. This lovely partridge art can be purchased and then downloaded instantly! Take the digital download file to a local print shop, pick up a frame, drop the print in and wrap up this beautiful art for a gift with no shipping stress required. This Partridge In A Pear Tree digital download can even be used for gift tags, postcards, and beyond. This art will bring joy and happiness to everyone’s heart including yours when you don’t pay shipping costs!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and what creative gifts will bring joy to everyone on your holiday list!

1. Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

   If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

   Keep going, creative friends!

   xoxo,

   Andra

Hi, Creative Friends-

Happy Belated Thanksgiving! If you indulged in pie, took a second helping of buttery mashed potatoes, and then nestled in for a long nap after the big meal here are ideas to feel a bit better after a day full of delight…

Feel Wonderful After A Big Holiday Meal With These 3 Brilliant Creative Ideas.

1. Sip Soother: Try sipping this festive digestive drink Lemon Ginger Tea the morning after Thanksgiving to calm the stomach and soothe the soul. It’s an easy way to help our bodies gently absorb a big meal and feel wonderful.

2. Fantastic Friendsgiving: Make a plan to connect with a friend the day after Thanksgiving to catch up and check-in. Meeting up can be as simple as having a virtual cup of tea or taking a walk. Reconnecting with others is a simple way to tap into our emotional health and give thanks to the people who make our lives better.

3. Find a Forest: Do you know that just taking a walk in the woods or a local park reduces stress by up to twenty percent? Walking also helps with digestion. After a holiday meal, slip in a pair of headphones, and listen to a walking meditation. Feel joy abound as stress slips away and you start to feel wonderful after the big delicious meal.

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what you will do to feel wonderful after a big holiday meal.

Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Get The Perfect Wintery Muffin Recipe Here

Hi, Creative Friends-

The holidays are an exciting time of the year to reunite with family and reconnect with friends. If you are a bit like me, holiday house guests might be bunking up in your humble abode soon. While it’s great to have time to make memories together, hosting holiday house guests can be stressful! Here are ways to lessen the holiday hustle and…

Make Holiday Guests Feel Right At Home And Happy With These 3 Creative Ideas.

1. Make Merry Muffins: If you following me on Instagram, you might have noticed some mouth-watering photos of these perfectly wintery Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins from the recipe site Crazy For Crust. Believe me when I say your house guests will be smitten with these muffins! They are spicy, creamy sweet, and the perfect way for house guests to feel warm and happy.

2. Tree Of Thanks: Create gratitude by making a thankful tree together. Find a tree branch, grab a beautiful vase, and download and print this lovely fall leaf template. Cut out each leaf and write down simple words of gratitude. Watch joy spread and healthy attitudes abound as the Thanksgiving house guests read each leaf placed on the Tree Of Thanks.

3. A Simple Arrangement: About twenty years ago a very lovely friend came to visit. She arrived late at night and was coming from a completely different time zone so we said our good nights just after saying our hellos. I went to bed and heard her up the next morning running the shower and brushing her teeth, and that’s when it hit me. I forgot to give my house guest a fluffy stack of towels. Not wanting to wake me, unfortunately, she ended up using a kitchen cloth to pat herself dry! Here is my public service announcement, make sure your holiday house guest has a giant stack of towels beside the guest bed, and to make them feel even more at home, create this DIY Simple Wintery Wreath. Fill the wreath with herbs like rosemary and make the room smell welcoming and warm. Place this sweet, little festive arrangement on top of the stack of guestroom towels, and make your holiday house guests feel right at home!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what you will do to make your house guests feel right at home.

Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Hi, Creative Friends-

Happy National Dog Day! While I am firmly a cat lover, I can see from the buckets of love that every dog owner spills onto their pooches that dogs are pretty amazing creatures. So let’s celebrate the puppies in our lives…

This week, by unlocking 3 creative ways to love your pup on National Dog Day…

1. Personal Pup Portrait: A dog is a special part of any household. To celebrate a sweet pooch, why not commission an artist to draw a one-of-a-kind pet portrait like this Golden Love print on Society6? Email me a pet portrait request below or take a few selfies with your favorite pup and use Parabo Press to order a big stack of prints to frame up on any wall.

2. Pupcake Passion: Do dogs love cupcakes? Well, here might be the greatest recipe to test out if your Fido loves frosting theory: Pupcakes (Dog cupcakes) from Recipe Tin Eats. Packed with bananas and peanut butter, the recipe says dogs go wild for these sweet little treats so let’s get baking!

3. Yappy Hour: Call up your favorite pups and whip up a few Barkiritas to host the hairiest Pawty ever: The Yappy Hour! Check out all the ideas for a doggone (fur)vorite party at Tito Vodka. If you don’t have a pup to celebrate National Dog Day, consider donating to a local animal shelter to be doggone-sweet!

Yes, I Want A Pet Portrait

Pet Portraits

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how you will pamper your pooch on National Dog Day!

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Get The Recipe For Giant Holiday Homemade Marshmallows Here

Hi, Creative Friends-

It’s the final stretch of the holiday, thinking and doing. The last making, shipping, and gifting are going on right now. However, we might need a few more ideas to check off the special people on our holiday list. So, let’s chat about…

3 Last-Minute Creative Gifts That Will Bring Joy To Everyone’s Heart.

1. Modern Mistletoe Giveaway: To thank you for reading along and all your support, I’m giving away one “Modern Mistletoe” original watercolor. Everyone on this newsletter will be entered for a chance to win a beautiful one-of-a-kind “Modern Mistletoe” watercolor if you follow me on Instagram and tag a friend. You can find more information about the “Modern Mistletoe” Giveaway on Instagram.

2. Marshmallow Magic: Looking for a magical homemade gift that everyone will enjoy? Try this recipe for “Giant Holiday Marshmallows.” Whipping up a batch of these sweet clouds of heaven is time-consuming but watch as your gift recipients’ eyes light up at the sight of these magical culinary delights. To make the gifting even more special here is a FREE Downloadable Marshmallow Card too. Download it here, print and staple it to the bag or box of marshmallows. Then watch as these magical marshmallows bring joy and sweetness to everyone on your holiday gift list.

3. Shipping Is For The Birds: This season’s supply chain issues have caused shipping delays around the world. If you find yourself panicking as gift shipments are delayed, take a look at this beautiful “Partridge In A Pear Tree” digital download. This lovely partridge art can be purchased and then downloaded instantly! Take the digital download file to a local print shop, pick up a frame, drop the print in and wrap up this beautiful art for a gift with no shipping stress required. This Partridge In A Pear Tree digital download can even be used for gift tags, postcards, and beyond. This art will bring joy and happiness to everyone’s heart including yours!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on and what creative gifts will bring joy to everyone on your holiday list!

1. Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

   If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

   Keep going, creative friends!

   xoxo,

   Andra

Owl’s Blizzard Art Print

Hi, Creative Friends-

Here we are. It’s peak holiday hustle time! Are you a bit like me and feeling frazzled by the holidays? This time of year can make us feel like we are in trudging along in a winter blizzard!

Speaking of the holidays, don’t forget to “Sign Up For the Create & Change Newsletter Here.” I will be doing a giveaway in December and everyone on the newsletter list will be entered to win a beautiful one-of-a-kind watercolor!

Now, let’s chat about how to…

Make Life Magic This Holiday With These, 3 Fun, Cozy, Creative Projects

1. Bring On The Pom Poms: It’s festive sweater season and here is a simple DIY that can turn any existing cozy sweater into a fun project! The Easy DIY Pom Pom Holiday Sweater. It’s a simple project to keep the party going whether in person or virtually!

2. Hot Chocolate Heaven: Is there anything that screams the holidays more than a sweet cup of hot cocoa topped with a big fluffy marshmallow? Make a pot of the richest and most decadent cup of hot chocolate with Molly Wilk’s Chocolat Chaud recipe. Then crown the cup of chocolate with a big batch of homemade marshmallows! Find a great tutorial here at “The Flavor Bender: How To Make Homemade Marshmallows.”

3. It’s A Wrap: After making a big pot of hot cocoa and while wearing the DIY Pom Pom sweater, wrap up some gifts with this sweet cozy "Owl’s Blizzard Wrapping Paper.” It’s a cute way to give creative cozy vibes to everyone on the holiday list!

Owl’s Blizzard Wrapping Paper At Society 6

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on how you are getting cozy & creative this holiday.

Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Season’s Eatings Art For Sale At Society 6

Hi, Creative Friends-

The Holidays are in full swing and if you are a bit like me can be hard to find a meaningful gift for everyone on the holiday list! Speaking of gifts, don’t forget to “Sign Up For the Create & Change Newsletter Here.” I will be doing a giveaway in December and everyone on the newsletter list will be entered to win a beautiful one-of-a-kind watercolor!

Now, let’s chat about…

3 Creative Gift Ideas That Will Make Anyone Joyful And Happy…

1. Log On And Gift Away: Molly Wlik’s virtual pastry classes can help anyone learn the basics of French pastry! She teaches her classes from her apartment in Versailles, France, and the classes couldn’t be any sweeter! You can grab a gift certificate from her website or buy her amazing “French Pastry Made Easy” cookbook! I’m personally looking forward to the Bûche de Nöel cake class coming up in December. The gift of learning could never be so joyful or delicious!

2. Creative Curious: Do you have someone on your holiday list that wants to make and create but doesn’t know where to start? Try gifting a subscription to Skillshare, the online learning platform for all levels of creative curiosity. Skillshare provides short lessons on everything from watercolor to storytelling!

3. Wrap Up A Puzzle: Make brains happy this season by gifting a super cool jigsaw puzzle from Society 6 like this adorable “Season’s Eatings” or “Owl’s Holiday” artwork. Each supports an artist and can make anyone have a Happy Holiday!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or what creative gift you will be giving this year.

Also, thanks for reading along. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Find A Similar Blueberry Art Print For Sale at Society 6

Hi, Creative Friends,

America’s Birthday is this Sunday, July 4th. If you are a bit like me, holidays can stir up lots of creative energy and a big walk down memory lane. For me, the 4th-of-July use to include a parade ride in a cherry red Cadilac convertible!

This week, let’s make July 4th fun and memorable, with these 3 creative ideas.

1. Many Good Characters: Movies are the backbone of American culture and there are a ton of great films to watch together to celebrate the great American story. Here are 27 Best 4th Of July Movies from Good House Keeping. Pair one of these American tales with a big bowl of Patriotic Popcorn from Oh Sweet Basil and call July 4th sweet and memorable.

2. Hot Dog! Everyone Wins: What happens when a man eats 75 hot dogs? Come on, let’s find out America! Watch in horror and amazement as Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest continues this year with Joey Chestnut defending his champion title. To extend the fun, let’s create a watermelon eating contest right in our own backyards and call 4th-Of-July done & fun!

3. American Blue Splendor: What is it about pie that says America is grand! Try this Blue Ribbon Blueberry Pie recipe from King Arthur Baking and watch everyone’s eyes light up like fireworks. To mark the holiday, purchase this Blueberry Garden Art Print which is 40% off through July 4th at Society 6, and make this holiday the most splendid one yet!

Drop me a message and let me know what you are working on or how will you make July 4th creative, memorable & fun!

Also, thanks for reading. This newsletter takes some time to pull together. Consider showing your support by forwarding it to someone who might need some inspiration or buying some of my artwork at INPRNT or Society 6.

If you are seeing this newsletter/blog for the first time and want to keep seeing content subscribe here.

Keep going, creative friends!

xoxo,

Andra

Happy Holidays, Friends!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right?

Maybe not for everyone.

While some love this time of the year it can be overwhelming for others. If you are a bit like me, the holidays bring on a laundry list of things to do and more stuff to manage. It can make even the brightest of moods not so merry.

This year, I tried something new. I looked out for 5 good things this last week in the news and around me. Funny enough, I started to feel less Bah Humbug.!

If you are feeling a bit of the Holiday Blues, take a look at the 5 things below that made this last week a little brighter.

---

1) Hanukkah

The eighth day of Hanukkah was on December 18th. Do you know the story of Hanukkah? You can read all about the story of Hanukkah here. It’s a beautiful story full of determination and miracles. Plus menorahs are a wonderful way to light up the darkness of winter!

2) DIY Holiday Sweater

This is such and easy and fun DIY! It solves the “I’ve got nothing fun or festive to wear for my holiday Zoom Call.”

3) Pay It Forward

A string of 900 cars at a Dairy Queen paid for each other’s meals! The Pay-It-Forward event lasted two days. Find the story here.

4) Sparkle Cookies

Sparkle your way right into the kitchen with this super easy holiday cookie recipe. It will be the one eaten first off any cookie plate. Find the recipe here.

5) A Snow Day

The biggest snowstorm In years hit the East Coast last week blanketing NYC in buckets of snow! Although, even the snowmen wore masks and social distanced. See amazing photos of the NYC storm here at Time Out New York.

---

Well, friends, I hope these good stories bring you lots of cheer this week.

Stay safe and healthy and have a wonderful week!

// Hello, Friends-

Remember me? It’s been way too long. We haven’t talked in a very long time.

Your inbox probably missed me. Your imagination most likely formulated a few thoughts on where I have been…

Did you think I took a long romantic wind-swept vacation on the Adriatic Sea?

That sounds relaxing and lovely but no. I’m still here.

Did you imagine I dropped everything to start my next career as a sequined clad lounge singer?

Ooh-la-la! Nope, unfortunatly, I’m allergic to microphones.

Did you guess, I applied to a prestigious Ivy League university to start my new life as a top criminal lawyer?

I don’t have a witty retort for this one.

Or maybe you thought I stopped creating because it was too hard?

Nope, not even close!

You are going to be blown away when I bring you the most delightful, delicious and darn-it adorable creative projects in your inbox this holiday.

Because let’s face it, everyone needs help around the holidays and frankly, a dash of joy!

So, stay tuned and friends and let’s get creating…together! //

This post contains affiliate links.

Hello, Friends,

The holidays are full of delightful, surprising moments, like when we find sweet, sparkly greeting cards stuffed in the frozen grey corners of our mailbox. The clomping footsteps of our mail person trudging up our front steps this time of year, gives our hearts a little leap as we imagine sorting through the mismatch of insanely materialistic catalogs, giant depressing bills and finding if we are lucky, tucked in between the holiday chaos, crisp envelopes stuffed with heartfelt season’s greetings. When these crisp paper wonders appear, it’s like getting a free slice of peppermint chocolate cake on a cold winter day; unexpected, delightful, and warms more than our bellies during winter’s icy, dark moments.

These envelopes stuffed with love from everyone, everywhere, reminds us we aren’t alone in this journey called life. (Thank You, Prince)

To make our greetings even more special, let’s create our own one-of-a-kind cards.

And making cards has never been easier with a salad spinner.

Yes, a salad spinner!

This project is GREAT for kids but every kid at heart will enjoy the mystery of the salad spinner vortex too.

Salad Spinner Greeting Cards

• Salad spinner {affiliate link} (IKEA has $6 spinners.)

• 4.25” x 5.5'“ blank cards with envelopes {affiliate link} or I used PaperSource Scalloped A2 White cards.

• Sax Liquid Washable Sparkle Watercolor Paint {affiliate link} (blue food coloring with glitter added in a squeeze bottle will work too.)

• Alphabet Stamps {affiliate link}

• Small stamp pads {affiliate link}

• White card stock {affiliate link}

• Small snowflake punch {affiliate link}

• A glue stick

Step 1: Place a blank greeting card in the bottom of the salad spinner. Drop 3-5 drops of watercolor onto the card.

Step 2: Securely close the salad spinner lid. Give the salad spinner a whirl for about 30 seconds. Open the lid and see the cool design in action.

Step 2: Stamp a message on the card and punch out snowflakes out of the card stock. Glue on the snowflakes to the card.

Step 3: Write any personal message desired and send these winter delights out to everyone on your holiday list!

Lots of love and Swirling Season’s Greetings, Friends!

This post contains affiliate links.

Hi, Friends,

It’s the holidays.

There is stress eating to do, ridiculous white elephant gifts to buy, the overtly showboating holiday letter to write, and so much more on our never-ending holiday lists! Who has energy or time to drum up something festive to wear?

Maybe we are leaning toward wearing something simple and demure like this is holiday sweater: Cat-A-Palooza Holiday Sweater {affiliate link}

Or maybe the universe has been good to us and we would rather spend our holiday bonus at Goop on this “Skirt With Ducks?” It’s on sale for $375 down from $1,043! What a steal! Maybe you can get away with calling it “Seven Swans A Swimming Skirt?”

If both of the above options sound worse than fruitcake after a night of drinking tequila, I have a very simple, festive and downright darling solution. It won’t make you go blind with kitten power and it won’t break the bank.

A Pom Pom Sweater.

It will cost us about $30 and we can get all the supplies at Target and online.

A New Day Eyelash Sweater (Target! I went up a size to leave room to stuff my belly with Big Peppermint Cookies. Yes, I do think about these things.)

1 pack Tinsel Pom Poms {affiliate link}

1 pack safety pins {affiliate link}

Step 1: Place the sweater on a flat surface and randomly pin the pom poms to the sweater from the back side. Alternate colors and sizes.

Or wear the sweater, look in the mirror, and pin the pom poms on the back side.

Step 2: Celebrate your festive look!

Happy Holidays Simple And Chic Friends!

Hey, Friends,

It's Giving Tuesday.

While I haven’t been posting much creative stuff lately, I have been spending my free time helping with something festive and fun; a Winter Craft Fair. When my darling, little children’s school was looking for a volunteer to help lead the Winter Craft Fair, I raised my hand.

After all, helping kids create cool, giftable stuff is super fun.

It's also a great way to make the holidays the most creative yet!

And giving time back to a community that gives so much is a great gift for all.

Speaking of communities, to give back to you, over the next few weeks, I will be sharing with you similar winter craft ideas for kids of all ages.

So, get your salad spinner ready, go rummage through the closet for the glitter, and fire up a hot glue gun because winter inspired crafts, that are going knock your mittens off, are coming your way.

Let’s start with something simple, one beautiful snowflake. Remember cutting these out when we were kids? The perfect little one-of-a-kind darlings are sure to make anyone feel special.

Simple Snowflake

• 1 white 8” coffee flitter

• Scissors

Step 1: Fold the coffee filter in half, and then keep folding 4 more times.

Step 2: While the coffee filter is folded, cut into and cut out small shapes from the coffee filter.

Step 3: Unfold and admire your one-of-a-kind snowflake. Use it to decorate the top of a gift. Maybe make a few more and create some festive garland to hang on the mantle? The possibilities are more endless than the effort needed to see a polar bear in a snowstorm!

My now 20-year-old nephew's snowflake popsicle ornament still hangs from the tree. He was just four or five years old when he gifted it to me wrapped in soft little green tissue paper and sprinkled white faux snow.

There is just something so special about snowflakes. They are so simple, so complicated and give so much over time.

Until tomorrow friends!

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Hello, holidays! This time of year it's lovely to carve out time for moments of doing fun stuff together as a family. We usually see a giant gingerbread house, ride a holiday carousel, and drink barrels of hot chocolate with marshmallows. However, one of our favorite holiday events is a very special brunch where kids get to have fun with their friends. This year there is an ornament exchange. Today, we went shopping to pick up ornaments. As we were shopping, my daughter asked if we could make the ornaments. By making the little gems ourselves, we agreed they would be extra special. After a Pinterest search and a lot of sweating through the Target dollar bin, we have two easy and fun projects that will make big kids and small kids smile. This is part 1/project 1. Look out for part 2/project 2 tomorrow!

Today's project is to create these super cool ornaments and gift it to someone special in your life. Watch them smile. They are a simple and sweet way to pass on holiday cheer!

Holiday Hot Wheels

You will need:

• 1 super cool Hot Wheels model car {affiliate link}

• 1-2 feet of bakers twine

• a small bottle brush tree (found in the Target dollar bin)

• quick dry craft glue

• ornament hook

Using the craft glue, secure the bottle brush tree to the top of the Hot Wheels car. Wrap twine around the tree and through the car window. Add the ornament hook and enjoy the super cool ornament!

Look out for more holiday fun tomorrow kids!

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Hello. How many of us were overwhelmed by Cyber Monday? Yes, me too! There were deals galore and so many offers to help us check off every person on our gift list. After all the chaos, sometimes it is great to sit down to a simple project. Who out there made paper snowflakes as a kid? Were they fun? Yes! I remember sitting for hours, snipping and folding until I had a stack to help decorate the season. 

Today's project is to create simple snowflakes. You will need coffee filters, a pair of scissors and a few minutes of time. For some extra glitter, try out these Spectrum Noir Sparkle Glitter Brush Pens. They will add a bit more glitz to your snowflake. First, you will need the fold instructions for the coffee filters and then just cut away!

We all now have some special, simple snowflakes to place along our mantle, in or window or sparkle up a holiday present. Until tomorrow snowflakes!

Hey, Shoppers! Black Friday is over. Did you find some deals? Me too but I still have some shopping to do. I want to check a few more names off my list. I could wait until Cyber Monday, but I am looking for super unique gifts. Often it's too hard to locate those speical gifts online, so I am headed out to do some local shopping today. In fact, today Nov 26th, is Small Business Saturday. It's the day to head out and support local business because small businesses make communities healthy. They provide instant tangible offerings and are connectors in the larger community. 

For instance, one of my favorite local shops is "Flowerland." It could be solely a garden store, but it's so much more. It's a place for the community to come and relax and connect with the natural beauty while sipping a perfect cup of coffee. They offer unique books, garden gifts and of course plants. One can even buy a perfectly cut Christmas tree from "Flowerland." It's a fantastic place to shop and feel a sense of community. I'm picking up a few lovely gifts and taking the time to enjoy the process of shopping and soaking in the beautiful environment.

Today, create community and shop locally. Get out there today and explore your community. Support local business, and it will be the gift that keeps on giving.

Until tomorrow local shoppers.

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Early holiday greetings! It's that wonderful and magical time of year again when the holidays start to slowly sprinkle into our lives. Who doesn't love the holiday season? It's full of bright lights, merry wishes and fun times. There is jingle music, cookies to be made, pie to eat, families to see, friends to celebrate, trees to trim, turkeys to roast, lights to display, wreaths to hang, gifts to give and lots of good old stress! As we all know, the best way to beat stress is to be prepared and oh, do origami. Let's do both today.

After yesterday's "Here Are 5 Tips On How To Draw A Penguin" post and the sneak peek penguin project that will be in STEAM Kids Christmas dropping tomorrow Wednesday, November 9th, let's take a few minutes to prepare for the upcoming holidays by learning how to beat stress by folding paper. As crazy as it sounds, origami can teach the mind to slow down, the body to breath and stress to melt away. When the crazy family starts to make us coo coo, shopping crowds make our heads spin, Uncle Dave takes one too many sips of eggnog and we find the 8 foot inflatable snow globe won't blow up , let us just think..."Origami! Let's fold up this holiday."

Today's project is to create a plan to relieve holiday stress by learning how to make penguin origami. This by far is the most fun and easiest folding project ever! In just minutes, you will learn how to fold, crease and melt away stress. I found myself making one penguin and then another and another! You just need a pack of origami paper which can be found here on Amazon {affiliate link} and these the directions found here at Origami Make. That's it.

Enjoy folding, thinking and creating these little penguin gems. Look out for more penguin fun tomorrow in STEAM Kids Christmas! Tomorrow's penguins are a great way for the whole family to get in on the penguin fun. Here is another sneak peak on what's about to pop up tomorrow!

Until tomorrow little penguin lovers!