{fab finds} sweet summertime - watermelon inspired!

Happy FIRST DAY of Summer!
Bring on the sun kissed tans & lemonade :)

One of the things I look forward to each summer: WATERMELON!
What a better way to kick off summer than with a little pink & green, watermelon inspiration!


Does this watermelon collection have you wishing for firework filled nights?!?

Look below for all creative & talented sources!

- food -

1. Watermelon Waffles - Kelli @ Random Thoughts of a SUPERMOM is the mastermind behind these colorful waffles. Click here for the full tutorial on how to make these!
She also has a great tutorial on making brownie waffles - ingenious!

2. Watermelon Cake Pops - Natalie's Cake Pops & More made these summertime staple cake pops by double dipping the cake pop in colored chocolate to create the effect of a rind. Mmmm, delicious...

3. Watermelon Pie - Try this easy, frozen treat by Jane @ Make and Takes made by layering different layers of sherbert. *Tip Alert* Serve on paper plates to slow down melting of pie! Thanks Jane!

- craft -

4. Watermelon Printables - These FREE printables debuted just in time for Summer!

Angela @ Anything but Perfect has you covered with to-do lists, thank you cards, and the ever-so-popular party circles - so many uses!

5. Wood Watermelon Craft - Angela & the ladies at How Does She? share the full tutorial on how to make your own wooden watermelon!



                                          - etsy -
6. Watermelon Soap Popsicles - Sweetbody Soaps is the creator behind these cutie watermelon scented soap pops - they look good enough to eat!

7. Watermelon Party Printables - Need printables for your next summer birthday bash? Brianna @ Bee & Daisy has you covered with this printable party set perfect for a hot summer day, sitting poolside, and of course eating watermelon! This set is a steal for only $12!

8. Watermelon Sign - This summer sign is darling, whimsical, & sweet! Geauxgirldesigns hand paints these beauties and can customize if needed.

Kick back, relax, & have a happy summer!

Can't get enough of watermelon? Need to justify your love of it?!? Don't fret! August is National Watermelon Month!

You can enjoy all these great ideas now & in a few months - perfect :)

Enjoy!

Amanda

{fab finds} teacher gift ideas

Need gift ideas?!?

Here's a round-up of teacher inspired gifts that make the grade!



My sister-in-law is a teacher and I believe on Easter she already had the countdown of how many days were left of school. I believe this feeling is mutual for all teachers! eighteen25 has a great tutorial & gift idea on this Countdown to Summer clipboard. Thanks for sharing!

I want to make a version of this that is a countdown to football season. A co-worker of mine is a die hard football fan and knows the days until football season. I think it would be cute happy for her :)




For the sewing girls out there, this "paper" bag is just too cute! Megan @ The Crafty CPA shows how to make your own fabric "paper" bag.

This skill could be used for so many more cute & fun crafts!




I am quite the school supplies hoarder which makes this a perfect craft for me! I love fall when all the new supplies come out; it is one of my favorite times of the year! It's sad that I am not in school anymore and don't have a reason to buy them (I still do). I look forward to children in the future so that I can buy supplies with a purpose!

Since I am such a supplies hoarder, I always have plently new supplies lying around. Patrice @ Lemon Tree Creations posted the how-to on making this push-pin & pencil bouquet!





Teachers help your children grow. Thank them with a potted flower!

Kami @ No Biggie shared this idea over at Skip To My Lou. Go there for the tutorial on making the "lolli" and get the printable!



I have been wanting to make some of these calendar date blocks! They are perfect gift for everyone, not just teachers!

Dacia @ Creative Mommas made these for her kids teachers and shares the deets over at her site. Go ahead and stop by!



This is a GRANDE project! It reminds me of the card we ordered from Tiny Prints. I am definitely putting this on the list of projects to make. Who doesn't love starbucks?!?

The J girls @ eighteen 25 (Seriously, this crush is going to be full blown soon!) share the printable and instructions @Skip To My Lou to make this coffee-tastic Thank You card.



Love the idea of personalizing a caraffe! Leigh @ It's All Small Stuff made this as one of the gifts for her kids teachers.

What they choose to fill it with is their choice ;)

Enjoy!

Amanda

{fab finds} do you decor? great home decor tutorials!

This is such a great idea! If you are a lover of giving personalized gifts, this is too perfect!

Tracy @ Tracy's Trinkets & Treasures made this personalized pillow for a birthday gift and I think it hit the spot. This is definitely going on the idea board as a gift for my mom!




Mandi @ Save It For a Rainy Day made this map grid wall art for her son's bedroom.
I don't know about you but I am in LOVE with maps as of late.

Would it be strange to have a house full of map related art?!?
Ps- Love the title of the post. Great reference to Dora ;)




I found this featured in my Twitter Feed and marked it as a "favorite" right away! Gorgeous lamp that is easy to make with the tutorial by Autumn @ Design Dump.

Her blog also struck my fancy! There are so many BEAUTIFUL projects that she has done around her house. I also enjoyed reading about her projects in Interior Design school.

*If you want to follow me on Twitter my ID is AmandaDesign

***This is where I get sappy. Her wonderful projects from over 10 years ago made me sad because that is what my degree is in and I am currently not working in my field, instead I have an office job to pay back those loans for that degree. Needless to say, I was sad the other day....***




Who would have ever thought that these dragonflies are made out of table legs?!? Such an innovative use of wood turnery & fan blades! Lucy @ Lucy Designs, great job!



I am a sucker for anything that is "monogram". If I see a letter "A", I feel compelled to buy it!

I am digging this moss ampersand (such a funny word...). I definitely could use this on the fab bookshelves that I am working on right now. Thank you Chelsea @ Two Twenty One for the tutorial!



I also found this beauty in my Twitter Feed (ID: AmandaDesign) and was in love! I believe that this pillow looks way better than the original from Target.

The tutorial by Shelley @ Crazy Wonderful gives great pictures and step-by-step instructions on how to make this pretty pillow!

Enjoy!

Amanda

{fab finds} diy party and decor bits!

These are some goodies that I have had saved to share & today is the perfect day to do so!

Can I say gorgeous?

Amy @ Modge Podge Rocks truly outdid herself with this gift tag tutorial.

Silhouettes are so hot right now, and what a better way to identify what gift is yours! It also an add on keepsake :)

Need quick centerpieces?!? I am loving these kissing balls & all the different ways Alison @ Momma Did It made them.

Here's a great tutorial by Jenn @ Green Door Designs on how to make a thrift store pedestal bowl. I seriously need to get on this Thrift Store Train!

Enjoy!

Amanda

*PS* If you have had problems with your editing in posts. Go to the settings in your dashboard and choose to update your post editor. It stopped all the strange spacing issues that I was having the other day. Thought I would pass on the tip!

{fab finds} spring into easter - projects!

I am pretty sure that there will be a TON more projects that I will be crushing on for the Spring, but here a few of the ones that I have adored so far! Those gorgeous ruffles are made out of kraft paper! It reminds me a lot of the coffee filter and book paper wreaths. I especially like that this wreath could easily be used year round with a quick change of the accessories. Debbie @ Happy Clippings offers a great tutorial on this project. Burlap & birds...What more could a girl ask for?!? This fabulous & fun banner is made by Holly @ 504 Main Jen @ Tatertots and Jello made this FANTASTIC chevron pennant banner using her Silhouette SD & the new fabric interfacing... Loving that pattern & color combo!

I have a ton more things that I am in love with but I have been fighting with the formatting of this post for days, and I'm just going to post and start another one!

Enjoy!

Amanda

{instant love} vintage baby nursery

The title of this nursery is "Days of White" and this nursery captures and displays beautifully the memorable "white days" in one's life.

The nursery design is by the creative Brooke @ All Things Thrifty.

The color palette and soft details of this shabby chic nursery are on point! My mom would absolutely die over this room. I could envision this in her cabin.

Love the homemade, whitewashed wooden door in the background. Made for $12 bucks, what a steal! White wash and the door tutorial are lovingly provided. Thanks!

Such delicate bedding... All those lace ruffles are made out of a $25 thrift store wedding dress!

Other room details:

Like the mobile?!? It is made out of thrift store foam Christmas ornaments!

The floral arrangement in the shadow box is actually her dried out wedding bouquet.


Lesson learned: Want beautiful, unique accessories?!? Hit up the local thrift store.

Great Job!!!

Enjoy!

Amanda

{fab finds} crafty goodness

I was creeping looking around on Craft-O-Maniac's blog this past weekend after a google search sent me to the canvas feature below.


My hunt started with me trying to find an awesome pillow that I saw in an etsy email one day and I cannot find it. It has vanished. :(


Anywho... I did find these great projects featured or linked up to Craft-O-Maniac's blog:



Aren't these gorgey-porgey?!? Bright & fun these whimisical nursery wall hangings would be a perfect addition to any kids room. Switch the animals & colors to fit any theme and just follow the provided tutorial... Amy @ Positively Splendid's end result is exactly as her blog says :)



Katie @ Little Things Bring Smiles did such an awesome job on these book page covered letters! Such a great job on an original concept! PS - Might have to re-create these for myself...



The Hicks Girls are just so crafty with that freezer paper! These lil bibs are just to perfect!



Kristin @ Ink Blots and Polka Dots has great tips & a tutorial to make this drop cloth ruffle pillow.

Enjoy!

Amanda

{fab finds} diy into spring!

Ladies, I am back! I have missed my blog so much over the past 2 weeks. Being out of town for work and vacation *& more work when I got back in to town :( kept me too busy to blog.



I have been favoriting things in my Google Reader & Twitter like crazy while I've been away so that I could share all the creative goodies out there!



Here are some of my favorite things from TT&J's weekend wrap up party:




Doesn't this just scream Spring? This mossy wreath by Courtney @A Diamond In The Stuff is chock full of earthy elements and texture.

Great job on altering the add ons to fit in with her neutral color scheme.




Fabulous enamel tags created by Holly @ 504 Main to be cute little companions to her recent chalkboard command center. Loving that Vintage Vibe!




Want to add a punch of color of St. Patty's Day instead of just the standard green/gold color combo? Sweet Little Smoothie has just the answer with her Rainbow Banner tutorial!





Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating created this wonderful wood shim mirror tutorial. Doesn't it look it belongs in a West Elm catalog?!? This also strikes my fancy since I work in the hardware industry, good job on being DIY!


Go check out TT&J's Weekend Wrap Up Party and find some of your own favorites!

Enjoy!

Amanda

{fab finds} decor and party fever

Here a few of the goodies that I found while looking at all the fun linky parties out there:



This is a great idea for a standard year-round birthday wreath to put up at home or in a classroom. The name & age could easily be changed out. Thanks to Jennifer @ Momma D and Da Boyz for this eazy & affordable wreath tutorial!




Why pay an arm & a leg for paper flowers from the scrabook section of the craft store, when you can make these?!? Aubree @ Yellow Blackbird shared her take on this craft. Check it out!





I pinned these kitchen utensil holders a while back on one of my boards on *pinterest* and never shared them here! Amanda @ Crafts by Amanda : 1. Great tutorial! 2. Great name ;)




Hats off! to Susan @ Living with Punks for her knock off Land of Nod cushion tutorial! They look absolutely perfect and the tutorial makes it even seem possible for a sewing novice like me! Now....I wonder if I can make a big kid version of one of these....

Enjoy!

Amanda

{fab finds} little bit of this...little bit of that

These are some of my favorites from Tatertots & Jello's Weekend Wrap Up:

Megan @ Fowl Single File has these darling sea creature sucker/pencil topper tutorials.

Love a good pedestal bowl? Dream & drool over them in pottery barn magazines? Kristi @ The Speckled Dog has just the tutorial for you! She gives great tips on pieces to select to make your pedestal dreams come true! ps-There is also a great heart pedestal featured on her blog as well!

Don't you just LOVE bunting? I want to make a cake just so I can put this pretty topper in it! Thanks to Jenny @ Embellishing Life for this beauty.

Enjoy!

Amanda

{FREEday} it's just a little crush....

Got to love Twitter. I truly believe it is my saving grace while I'm *patiently waiting in bumper-to-bumper traffic at rush hour. I scroll through all the great tweets and find things I want to share!

Here are few FREEBIES that I am crushing on lately:

Have design software? If yes, than you can make these custom Valentine's day cards! eighteen25 girls are the beauty & brains behind these cuties. There is also a fun tutorial on how to use these cards.

"Love You Forever" is such a classic children's story that everyone has shed a sweet tear over. Tammy & Annie @ Peppermint Plum have made a Valentine version of it! Click here and don't forget to share the comment love.

Anders ruff never ceases to amaze with their impeccable designs! These Valentine's day cards are FREE and in celebrations of their 1st birthday!

Quick, cute, easy, & fabulous gift idea! Kalleen @ At Second Street shared her printable & tutorial with Jen @ Tatertots & Jello.

Enjoy!

Amanda

{fab finds} linky party love

Just realized that this never posted! Well, this is my favorites from last week's linky party :)

This week's round up of favorites from Tatertots & Jello's Linky Party:

Yes, I have secretly always wanted to know how to make these stars. They seem so complicated, but the tutorial by Lyndee @ A Recovering Craft Hoarder breaks it down for you!

I never would have thought of using burner covers! Such a chic & cheap craft to make. Read the full tutorial over at Madigan Made.

How cool is this beach wood peace sign?!? Love it. Thanks Ashley@ Little Miss Momma for the tutorial!

Michael @ Inspired By Charm does it again! Such good taste :) I love embroidery hoops & such a great selection of fabric!


Enjoy!

Amanda

{fab finds} zebra, seashore, and glitter--oh my!

I love linky parties. They are such great resources for finding new blogs & projects to try! Here are some of my favorite's from Someday Crafts:

I am UBER impressed! Zebra stripes are a LOT harder to do than people think & Liz @ Bon Temps Beignet simplified it wAay down for us simple folk ;) Hats off to you ma'am on your lamp makeover!

I personally think that this idea for a seashore birthday is INGENIOUS! Using crepe streamers, mini silver cupcake liners were flattened out to represent bubbles! How adorable?!? Macey @ Olivia Renn, thanks for the inspiration!

My 16 year old sister is, and I quote, "obsessed with all things that glitter and sparkle." I wonder if she would rock a bow headband? Taylor @ MaryJanes and Galoshes has a tutorial to make all your glitter dreams come true!

Check out the Whatever Goes Wednesday Party at Someday Crafts for TONS of more great ideas!

Enjoy!

Amanda