Friday, April 29, 2011

Mother's Day Gifts

[My mom, Cathy, and me]

I always like to make things for my mom and my mother-in-law because a) it's very thoughtful to take the time to make something and b) they are always so appreciative of a homemade gift!

With Easter and Mother's Day being so close together, this year's presents had to be quick and easy to make but still usable and fun to receive. I try to bookmark these type of crafts as I come across them so I have a stock-pile of things to choose from based on the materials I have stowed away. (Believe me, I have a lot of random stuff ready for just such an occasion that it may prove useful!)

Here are a few of my favourites. Some I have made previously and others I can't wait to try. I won't give away which one I made for Mother's Day this year until the day has past (in case they read this post!). Hopefully you will find one that suits that special woman (or women) in your life!

Easy-sew Poncho - from "Between the Lines"


This amazing poncho tutorial from Between the Lines is so easy to do that it takes under 20 minutes to make! You can use a knitted fabric as she has done or use a stiffer wool fabric to get a warmer poncho. It can be dressed up or down depending on what you wear with it and is very practical!













Homemade Lip Balm - from Design*Sponge


I don't know too many women who do not use some form of lip balm at least once a day so why not make some home made stuff? This way you'll know what's in it! This super easy tutorial from Ashley of Design*Sponge will help you create a variety of different scents/flavours - perfect for a mom, grandma or other special lady!






Jar Charms - from "The Art of Doing Stuff"


Karen of "The Art of Doing Stuff" is the master of creating quick and easy, yet beautiful, gifts. Does your mom or grandma create homemade preserves? Give her a set of these adorable jar charms for identifying her yummy jams! (Hopefully she'll return the favour with a jar for you!) These are a lot easier to make than you think. Karen's DIY projects almost always use things you can get at Dollarama.













Paper Seed Flowers - from "How Does She?"


This tutorial from How Does She? is a great project that can also be done with kids. They are paper flowers that have seeds glued to the inside so they can be buried afterward and real flowers will grow! Extremely easy to make and, as they suggest, these could be placed in a little vase to accompany a tray to serve mom breakfast in bed!






Sun Jar - from the Free People Clothing Blog


This sun jar project is so easy and yet produces fun results in a "why-didn't-I-think-of-this-before" kind of way. All you need are some cheap solar lights from your local hardware store, a couple jars and frost spray paint. Whip up a couple for your mom this Mother's Day!










These are my favourite projects, but let me know if you some standbys that produced great results!

Thursday, April 28, 2011

More auction finds...

We also picked up a couple other items at the auction this past weekend. The first is a vintage suitcase which I got for $1.

There is something about old suitcases that is so intriguing. I'm not sure if it's because of where it may have travelled or just the possibilities of what it can be used for now. I always think of the movie White Oleander (starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Alison Lohman) where the lead girl fills a series of suitcases with things that represent her tumultuous childhood. Needless to say I probably won't be doing that, but I am on the hunt for something neat to do with it.

The second item is a hardcover book with all of the Thomas the Tank Engine stories ($10). 



 This was just too beautiful to pass up. Full of gorgeous illustrations, it will hopefully be something that we will have for our children to pass on to their kids.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Vintage Cards and Postcards - Auction over Easter weekend

One of my favourite things to do on the weekend is go to the auction with my mom. I am never usually looking for something specific, but am always surprised at the treasures we find. This past weekend, my husband and I both attended the local auction with my mom.

After bidding on a couple of fun items (A full library of Thomas the Tank Engine stories in one hardcover book and a vintage suitcase), my husband and I left to enjoy the sun while my mom, who could not be deterred, stayed until almost the very end.

When we went back to help her load up her purchases, she presented me with her best find - two boxes full of vintage cards and postcards from as early as 1909!!! The beautiful photos and illustrations are just the start of what makes this find so amazing. Reading the words on the back and inside of each card tell pieces of a story of a person's life. I tried to photograph a few of my favourites but they don't do them justice.









Friday, April 15, 2011

Roxy Theatres Ad - uxperience show program

It has been a while since the last posting of new work but there are a lot of new projects coming to a close that will be posted soon! For now, see below for an ad designed by Take Root Creative for the Roxy Theatres of Uxbridge


Friday, April 1, 2011

April Ad for La Petite Fleur

If you've received your April edition of Uxbridge Town Talk in the mail, flip to page 4 to see the new ad photographed and designed by Take Root Creative for La Petite Fleur!