Getting Crafty

I don't make New Year's resolutions, but I have a couple of goals that I have set out for 2010. One is to send at least one hand-written letter to a friend each month. Birthday wishes, a thank you note, or other events don't count. This is my way of getting back to the simple pleasures in life - receiving a little something in the mail box that isn't a bill or junk. Plus, it's a way for me to let my friends know how much I care for them. So far I'm on target with that goal.

Secondly I have decided that I am going to explore the crafty side myself. I have never been all that creative. Yes, I used to make money as a writer, but that was as a news writer/reporter. I simply took facts and presented them in a readable format. I suppose some creativity crept up from time to time, but not much.

I know that I am not very imaginative. I have ideas but don't know how to put them into play. So, to kick things off I will allow myself to become inspired by others.

Since January is in the books, and I now view that month as a time to get back to normal after the fall and winter holidays, Jilly and I are going to get cracking on some fun projects. I also view February as the perfect month to start this since it's the month of Valentine's Day. We have already borrowed an idea for making cards from Martha Stewart and now we're on to some cute decor.

The woman who is responsible for our MOPS blog posted these ideas and Jilly and I plan to tackle at least one today.

I like this banner from Crafting Chicks. I made a cute birthday banner for JillyBean's birthday last year, but I like the style of this. I will probably use this to help create her Thomas birthday banner this year.


And our second project is a Valentine chandelier that is featured on the My Little Gems blog.

I think that this will look cute all year long in Jilly's play room.