Christmas in July - Tablescapes

We have come to the end of our Christmas in July Celebration. The month sure did go fast! I’m going to close this subject with a discussion, and by sharing some ideas for tablescapes.

I don’t do a whole lot of entertaining for the holidays but I do have a few dinners or a craft party here and there. Years ago I did themed teas. I had themes such as A Reindeer Tea, A Sweet Shoppe Tea, and A Shopping in the Big City Tea. Those are just a few. Everything matched the theme from the invitations right down to the favors and decorations. They were a blast! We also had delicious food.

One thing that is important to me when having such an event or dinner, is the festive details. I like everything to be perfect, and I want my table to look and feel spectacular! It’s so easy to do this too. Many times you can do this with things you already have around the house. Just let your creative mind take you away! If you need some inspiration, check out the many ideas you can find on Pinterest.

If you are the crafty type, which many of my readers are, you can whip up some cute decorations for your own table. This week’s CRAZY DEAL can even help you with that task. So get inspired to make your dinner or even a fun time that everyone will remember fondly.

Below are a few of the favorites that I found while searching for some cute and festive examples.

Image Source: HERE

Image Source: HERE

Image Source: HERE

Busy Little Bird Feature

Every time someone asks if I’d be interested in a blog feature, I’m so very flattered! This time I was approached by Busy Little Bird, so off I went to check this place out. I was wowed (is that a word?) by the colors of felt that actually exist! I never realized how much I limited my creative endeavors by purchasing only from my local shops. And do any of you even know that felt balls existed? I certainly didn’t. I was especially excited to see these!

So, for those who know me and follow my blog or newsletter, know that I only share things I LOVE, and this is one of those shops. Also, those who know me, will know that my wheels are turning in the old noggin to think of some way, or many ways to use some of those felt balls. I do believe that you are going to see a pattern or tutorial down the road that includes them. 

She asked me some great questions and I held nothing back. If you would like to read the article and take a peek into my life and my studio, stop by The Busy Little Bird and read all about it. While you are there, take a look at her shop. I know I have a lot of felt lovers out there and you’re sure to find a great selection.

How to Host an Awesome Craft Party!

Have you ever thought about hosting a craft or sewing party? I’ve hosted a couple, and I’ve been to a couple. They sure are a lot of fun! Most recently I had a glass painting party. We even had my then three year old niece in attendance and she had a blast too. 

Here is how I coordinated mine. We each bought a few bottles of enamel paint. We did make sure we weren’t purchasing doubles. Some bought a couple brushes and some already had some. I had more than enough to share. I made sure I had (which I always do) plenty of disposable plastic cups, paper plates, and napkins. Everyone also brought the glass items they wanted to paint. We actually went to the dollar store and bought martini glasses, wine glasses, candle cups, etc. I even had a stash of baby food jars I stashed away when the granddaughter was here. I also stocked up on wine and snacks for my guests. 

I placed large sheets of rosin paper (nice to have on hand for so many projects) over my dining room table and my kitchen counter top to keep them safe from paint. We had such a good time and we all made some great gifts. They did the baking at home because this particular craft requires you bake the glass in a slow oven for about thirty minutes, but not until the glass has set for forty-eight hours.

We had so much fun at this one, we all had another one at my sister’s house a few weeks later. Why not give it a try? Maybe like us, you’ll be starting a new family tradition!

Deck those Halls! Here Are Some FREE Patterns to Help You!

Christmas in July is still happening! At least at Sher's Creative Space. This week our focus is going to be handmade Christmas decorations and ornaments. I always like to put an ornament on a Christmas gift with the bow. I just think it adds a fun and festive touch. Here some of the free tutorials I have on my blog, but of course you can also find a lot of holiday patterns at my website, Sher's Creative Space.

  

Here are some fun and festive pillows to put you in the holiday spirit. They are made to slip off and on easily so you can change them out after the holiday is over.

How about decorating your table with this easy quilt as you go runner. You can even make one in colors to match your every day decor.

So popular every year are these lollipop ornaments. They are cute, fun, and no sewing machine required.

Combine some felt and some 3-dimensional paint, and you can have these cute gingerbread ornaments. The paint sure does look like real frosting!

These hobby horse candy cane holders are a re-creation of some ornaments my grandma made for our tree when I was a child. Anyone can make them, no sewing machine required!

They make these flameless candles so realistic now and that's a good thing because that is what goes inside these wineglass lamps. These are as easy as they get! These make perfect gifts for hospital patients, nursing home residents, pre-teens or someone who suffers from allergies. Great for those who shouldn't be around a real flame for any variety of reasons.

How about some cute baby food jar candles! These can also be used for other things as well, such as giving a gift of candy, or even jewelry. I use them in my bathroom at Christmas to hold my cotton balls and Q-tips.

Get busy! Christmas isn't as far away as you might think.

Christmas in July Begins Here - Gift Tutorials!

Welcome to my month long Christmas in July celebration! Christmas is actually several months away but it's never too early to start making gifts. You can find lots of pattern ideas (especially mug rugs, which make great gifts) at my website at Sher's Creative Space. I've also included a list, right here, of gift tutorials you can find right here on the blog!

This travel jewelry bag could not be any easier!

These earbud cases are quick and can be used for so many other things.

Great stocking stuffers!

Make up some carbags or tablet cozies. I hang one on my door knob that I can grab on my way out the door if I need to take extra little things along for the ride.

Just buy some inexpensive box mixes, rewrite the instructions, and put them in these ultra quick bags. Great for hostess gifts.

A couple years ago I whipped up a bunch of these foldable tote bags. I gave them to my girls and kept some for myself. I'm not a fan of the plastic grocery bags that I see littering the ponds and streets.

Happy July 4th!

Happy 4th of July to our creative friends! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend with good food and lots of fun with family and friends.

There are a few things happening this weekend at Sher's Creative Space! Actually, there is so much going on behind the scenes these days my head is spinning! It's going to be a creative summer.

First, I want to introduce another new feature.
I've added a comment section at the bottom of the home page. I'd love for you to go over and leave a comment. Let me know if there is anything you'd like to see in the future, or just share your experience shopping with Sher's Creative Space so others will know they can shop with confidence.

Second, I'm introducing this week's Crazy Deal!
Since it's summertime, I thought it would be fun to make the special something summery, so I've put my Vacation Applique Template Bundle on special for $2.50. That's all six applique templates for less than you would pay for my duos!

Thirdly, a 4th of July special!
If you use coupon code USA2016 you will save 20% storewide on July 2nd through July 4th. I just love a good sale!

Looking into the future...
We'll be celebrating Christmas in July after we all recover from the 4th. We'll have Christmas related articles, tips, and specials.

There are so many fun things I'm planning. I just wish I had more time. Look for more tutorials, tips, sales, and fun on the blog and at the website.