Quilted Coffee Bean Mug Mats

May 4, 2015

Quilted Coffee Bean Mug Mats

Since re-opeing the Etsy shop I operate with my Mom and Mummu, I have had two very lofty goals:

1. Keep it running all year round
2. Add handmade items!

So far, we've met both goals! Pretty incredible feats, no? ;)

During the holidays, I finally listed some of my Christmas spiders, but this summer my Mom and I are hoping to add many more handmade items. We're really going to buckle down. It's not for lack of inspiration that we aren't as productive, creatively, as we'd like: we have more ideas than time - as I'm sure many of you do. I have to admit, I'd be a lot more amenable to having children if I could be guaranteed a crafty/handy son or daughter who could help me sew, build, and paint. Knowing my luck, I'd end up with a kid who whines, "can't we just buy it at Walmart?"

"No, now load the bobbin and get to work".

My Mom, as you might have gleaned, is fabulously talented - although she shrugs off any compliments. She's also incredibly creative, and I can't wait to showcase her talent. For now, the shop has one teeny, tiny handmade listing: these adorable sets of handmade mug mats. They are reversible and machine washable cotton (throw them in the dryer, too!), with thermal fleece inside to protect surfaces from the heat of a steamy cuppa. I don't know what's more adorable: the quilted coffee bean or the polka dot backing?

So cute, right? She's been selling these locally, but I convinced her to let me list two. As we make more items for the shop, we'll post some more sewing tutorials too.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Last year I rounded up two DIY gift guides for Mother's Day (see here and here). This year I'm sharing some sweet ideas for what to buy Mom. It might seem a little early, but with so many great gifts available online, it makes sense to shop a little earlier to allow for shipping time.

I know few Moms who wouldn't love an all-for-her treat with thoughtful details, and jewellery fits the bill! A brass and hand painted necklace, in soft pink or black, is on-trend but casual enough to wear every day while mint green glass studs, handcrafted in Italy, are subtle but pretty (and cost $8.00!). A white ceramic watch seems kind of decadent, making it a perfect gift for a Mom who could use a little luxury in her everyday.

Overstock; Leperla Handmade Glass; Ilios

If Mom isn't enthusiastic about jewellery, something beautiful for the home is always a good idea. Although your Mom might love something practical (mine would), consider something she would buy for herself, but upgrade it a little, like a pretty Marimekko throw pillow, a hand-printed tea towel or a set of beautiful storage jars. These little luxuries, but things she will use and love, will brighten her day all year long.

LaKattun, Truly Swedish Design, EQ3

If you're worried about accidentally buying the same thing for Mom as someone else (like a sibling), turn to local vintage shops or Etsy to find a more unusual gift. Track down a hard to find item for Mom's collection, or buy a special show piece or set, like cheery fine vintage glassware, collectible Cathrineholm bowls or plates. Mom will appreciate not just the beautiful gift, but the time you took to find something quirky and different, just for her. Bonus points if it's something sentimental from her childhood.

Minden; Luola; A Living Space

A perennial favorite gift to give: artwork!! Etsy is chock full of beautiful paintings and fun prints. Find a quote from a movie you both love, or a painting that reminds Mom of you.

Hair Brained Schemes

Elizabeth Mayville

Linnea Heide Art

Perhaps the best gift of all: your time. Plan a trip together (even just a drive in the country), schedule an extra-long Skype session, or present Mom with a "coupon" for yard work. It's just as cute as an adult as it was when you were five, and now there are some great customizable and printable options available (see here and here). You know Mom just wants some more time with her kid(s). But a pair of pretty earrings doesn't hurt either. What are you doing to make Mom feel special this year? And Moms: what's the best Mother's Day you've ever had?

How to Build a Jewellery Display (from Scratch)

I've seen some neat re-purposed jewellery displays, but if you can't find something to makeover, here's how to make one from scratch! Warning: I went a little overboard on the sparkly goodness, loading this DIY jewellery holder with 100% (except for one Sherman brooch) handmade-by-me jewellery for the "reveal". Apologies to you fellow magpies.

How to make a (super simple) jewellery display from scratch:

First, we grabbed some 1x6 pre-sanded pine and 1/4 inch plywood, leftover from other projects, but you can find these supplies at any home renovation store. We basically created a design based on the supplies we had (about a 7 foot length of pine), so feel free to make up whatever measurements you prefer (oh yes, nothing but super specific instructions on Dans le Townhouse). One thing: the 1x6's were a really good size for making something that can stand on its own. We used a circular saw to cut the pine and because we don't have a table saw (no space!), Hubs used a handheld circular saw (like this one) for the plywood too. Once cut, we dry fit the pieces.

When we were sure everything fit well, we applied some Lepage PL Premium Construction Adhesive (leftover from the mirror project) and then used a nail gun and compressor (like this one) to put it all together, including the plywood back.

Then we had the issue of a rough edge:

Not to worry! A little belt sanding (we use this one) followed by some hand sanding made all the joints and edges super smooth. We also used some wood filler to fill in any gaps/dents, especially from the nails.

After I brushed on two coats of primer (the bare wood really soaked it up), it already looked pretty cute:

At this point are you asking why the heck I made a jewellery display when I have a super duper mini armoire for jewellery? A friend of mine was having some jewellery storage issues and I couldn't just stand by and watch her struggle! She had one of those teeny tiny dresser top jewellery armoires with drawers that were not practical for her, so she hung necklaces on the outside of it, in addition to draping them on a lampshade. She likes to be able to see her jewellery, all at once, so I decided to make her this jewellery display. I chose to enlist Hubby to make one from scratch, because I wanted one that could sit on a dresser or be wall mounted, and most of the ones I saw around the web were wall mount only.

Anyway, who we made it for is important because of the colours I chose. My friend has an electric blue bedroom, bright (almost Kermit) green kitchen and a beige living room. I chose to paint this beige because I didn't want it to compete for attention in her space but, because her living room is this colour, I knew she'd still like it.

So, I opted for beige paint, (does the colour look familiar?), using a brush for the corners and a small foam roller for the rest. Then I added some small hooks leftover from my artful Expedit Hack. They are perfect for anything from earrings to bracelets and more! I tried to space them so there's enough room above each hook for a hand to comfortably fit so my friend doesn't end up draping things over a lampshade again. There are quite a few, but we have room to add lots more if she needs the storage.

For extra storage of hard to hang things (like brooches), we attached a small ceramic dish with the same adhesive we used for the construction.

Here it is, all decked out with some baubles I've made myself (just to show it to you in action). I like it sitting on a surface, but we plan on adding some sawtooth picture hanging hardware so my friend has some flexibility.

And, for scale, hopefully this photo helps:

How do you store your jewellery? Out in the open, tucked away? If you say "draped on a lampshade," I'm making you one of these too!

Happy Birthday Mom (Some Virtual Gifts)

I am still a little blue my Mom has left. I keep thinking she's just down the road, at the patisserie, buying a slice of cake (or four) and she'll walk through the door any minute. She was my rock: cheering me up when I felt useless, making me laugh when I felt stressed, and dreaming up future projects when I felt crafty.

Today is her birthday. Other than copious amounts of pre-birthday cake, and slipping a card into her suitcase when she wasn't looking, I didn't have a gift or anything ready - not that my Mom is really into gifts. But I'd love to have been able to give her something really awesome, to also say thanks for giving up three months to come to Hungary with me, like maybe . . .

1. Some art, painted with love.

Mom is in the process of renovating/re-decorating her home and, in a movie-perfect-world, it would have been so exciting to whip up a perfect abstract painting (she likes moodier art than me), and hang it in place overnight for a birthday morning surprise! Hmmmm, maybe for next year? Okay, shhhh, don't tell her about this idea.

Via Eclectic Revisited

2. An embroidered change purse, hand-sewn with love.

My Mom had planned to make an embroidered change purse while she was here, but there were some bumps in the road. I'm terrible, because I (with love) made fun of her grand ambitions relentlessly. I was able to do some of my embroidery (an update soon), but not all of it - yet. It would have been such a sweet idea to surprise her with a change purse I secretly DIY'd, but that would have required a lot of sneaking around. A time machine. Possibly some bathroom embroidery, because the apartment is smallish and offers few private spaces. Oh, and I would have needed to have made peace with sewing. In truth, she probably would have just preferred I stop teasing her about the change purse that never materialized!

Shape Moth

3. Highfalutin European cake, baked with love.

Our pre-birthday cakes were not baked by moi. One year, though, I'd love to try my hand at whipping up a cake as good as what we had here. I am worried what practicing this art will do to my waistline, though.

There's a Newf in my Soup

4. Floor to ceiling windows, wished for with love.

This is, technically, a virtual gift list so let's go big! I think my Mom would be totally happy without the change purse and cake (although, she really likes cakes) if I could give her a space with windows like this.

Curbly

5. A dream bathroom, designed with love.

Along with the windows, I can only imagine my Mom's ear to ear grin with a bathroom (her next makeover project) like this one. Of course, this particular room would take up at least a third of the square footage of my Mom's whole house. This list got grand, fast. I need to win the lottery . . .

One Week Bath

Happily, though, I know just loving spending time with her is gift enough. Most Moms just want their kids to love them and enjoy their company, right? That hardly seems like a fair gift, though, because I think we're both lucky to get along so famously.

More DIY Gift Ideas for Mom

Yesterday I shared a few ideas for how to customize some of the projects from my DIY archives to make a gift for your Mom. Today I'm sharing a few crafty ideas new to you and me.

How about a cute pearl bracelet? Click here for the simple tutorial.

Photo & project from Heodeza

If you're running short on time, this simple embroidery floss wrapped wreath looks easy to make but is stunning in its simplicity. Try it with Mom's favorite colours.

Photo & project from Duo Fiberworks

Spring has sprung(ish) in my neck of the woods and these juicy felt coasters would be a gift as cheery as the season.

Photo & project from The Purl Bee

I love this tutorial for making a tiered cake stand because, with plastic plates, this is perfect for Mom's patio parties!

Photo & project from Backless Shirt

Rummage through family photos to select a few choice ones to turn into mini polaroid magnets. So sweet!

Photo & project from Ambrosia Creative

If making something from scratch seems a little daunting, try a simple makeover. For example, see how this plain ring got a little spruce. . .

Photo & project from Papernstitch

. . . or how this wood vase became more glam.

Photo & project from Joe & Cheryl

Terracotta planters and some paint are all you need to make Mom some fun vessels for herbs or colourful flowers.

Photo & project from Dellie

Baked goods are always appreciated. Spruce up a tin for presentations points, or make a mix so Mom can whip up something tasty later (and not have to share).

Photo and recipe from Our Best Bites

So, are you all prepped and ready with something for Mom?

Mom-approved DIY Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Handy Hubby's Mom and her husband are arriving today for a visit (they leave Saturday) and we couldn't be more excited. I'm also a little tuckered out from trying to cram a week's worth of work into a weekend, so we could have more time to spend with them. I failed, but at least we remembered to pick up a Mother's Day gift (pssst, some chocolate from the best chocolate shop in Ottawa).

My own Mom is not a fan of Mother's Day. She's not one to go with the crowd. But she loves handmade goods and is especially fond of a few of my DIY projects. If I was a better daughter, I'd have made her something and forced her to revel in the joy that is Mother's Day.

Today I'm featuring my Mom's favorite projects from my DIY archives, with ideas for how to personalize them for your Mom. Check back tomorrow for a list of fun DIY gift ideas for Mom I haven't yet tried.

Framed Bakelite Brooches:

I love this project because it is so customizable. You could make one large display for all of Mom's brooches, or use a few special pieces (maybe family heirlooms?) so she can enjoy them everyday, as "art". And remember: this project doesn't damage the brooch and it is still easily removable.

Handmade Art:

Awww, Mom's with grown kids (unless they have grandkids) have no more school art projects to pin to the fridge. Why not tackle a blank canvas and create Mom some one of a kind artwork? I promise she will love it - my Mom is always stealing paintings I've made (see her living room for one of them). Or, for something even more sentimental, invite Mom over, hand her a smock and paint something together! Check out my DIY Projects Page for some inspiration.

Simple Beaded Jewellery:

Beautiful jewellery can be so simple to make. Check out this tutorial for simple drop earrings, this post about stringing beads to make a bracelet, or this chain and pearl necklace post for some ideas. After my sister-in-law's first baby was born, I made her a pair of earrings from her and her little girl's birthstones. Try a pair with your birthstone paired with your Mom's.

Customized Table Linens:

I think Moms, like most people, have too much stuff. My Mom complains of that all the time. If your Mom had begged for no more clutter, try making something usable and consumable. Decorative items (unless they meet their maker in an unexpected dusting accident) last forever and take up space, doing nothing! But table linens can be used daily and eventually wear out (so we always seem to be able to use more). Try making a table cloth for your Mom's specific table measurements, or a set of napkins - or both!

Frame Something Special:

Maybe a photo of you coupled with some memorabilia, or a collection of vintage spoons needs a better way to be displayed. You can find really nice shadow boxes at craft and framing stores and, with a little personalization, you can finally display what is most special to your Mom. Take a peek at my framed skeleton keys for inspiration. This DIY is easy-peasy!

Pretty Card Display:

One thing Mom might have a lot of: greeting cards! Make her a special place to collect them, like my DIY card display made from a vintage frame. She will thank you every holiday!

"Renovation Gift Card":

Maybe your Mom has complained her tiling is dated or her walls need painting. Why not give her a "gift card" for a weekend of your time, or a specific job (one you're good at, now is not the time to experiment)? I actually enjoy spending a weekend helping my Mom organize and de-clutter, because I feel like I've really given her a gift (although she's a fan of chocolate too).

Tell me: what do you have planned for Mother's Day? Does your Mom like homemade gifts? Nothing at all?

So Fancy

Our anniversary was nice and low key. We don't even exchange gifts! But if we did, I'd want one of these rings. You know how much I love uncut diamonds. And these are sheer perfection:

From Hilary Ann's Lumafina Shop

The mix of sleek metal with a raw, natural herkimer diamond is so unusual. These rings are even customizable! I love when things are customizable.

The other day I was explaining to someone that not only do we not celebrate Christmas, Hubby & I don't exchange gifts. Ever. It just doesn't make sense to us because we collapsed our finances years ago. Instead, we buy things together - often when we travel. I'll buy a piece of jewellery, he'll buy a watch or t-shirt, or we'll pick out a piece of art. That way we remember the trip, not a birthday or anniversary (which we think we can remember all on our own). But the woman I was talking to asked me this, "if you don't exchange gifts, how do you know he loves you?"
. . .

Bla Bla Dolls

This post is not really home-related, but this doll did spend some time in our house so it counts. It is too cute not to share. Although we don't celebrate Christmas, the wee-ones in our family do so we cave and buy gifts for them. This year I bought a bla bla doll for my cousin. These dolls are adorable and so delightfully soft. Apparently kids grow really attached to them and carry them around. I know I had a hard time saying good-bye. But I squished it into a cookie tin and mailed it off (it was super light and thus less expensive to mail).

Photo source

The little recipient liked her bla bla doll!

P.S. How insanely fast do kids grow up? This was us in the summer at our grandparents' place . . . she was so toddler-like and now she's a bona fide little girl.

Dans le Lakehouse

May 4, 2015