Mean Green and Clean...Okay, Not So Mean....

I've been up to something lately over here...with big plans in store for you my friends. I've been spending a lot of late nights studying, researching, and combing the interweb for some detailed information on a subject that I am passionate about, and I hope you will be too: eco-cleaning.

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Cleaning isn't a topic that people usually get excited about, but if you'll just trust me - and stick along for the ride - by the end of the week long special, you'll be an eco-cleaning fool!

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Like all good presents, this one won't be easy to wait for - but it will arrive just in time for your spring cleaning, packed with homemade cleanser recipes, tips and tricks, diys and tutorials, and even some other little surprises!!

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It's going to be great, friends - and it'll make that dreaded spring cleaning something that the crafter, cooker, and even gardener in you can look forward to! I'll be posting some buttons on the blog in the next couple of days for you to add to your blogs if you want to spread the good news and good fun around!

Best,

Tara

I Heart Hearts Headband DIY

It takes less than an hour (or maybe a bit more time if you are hand sewing) to stitch up this adorable velvet 'i heart hearts' headband! After I made the heart garland earlier today, I began to crave a stylish little something with hearts to wear...I've been meaning to attempt a headband for a while now (to keep my unruly bangs in check), and those hearts were just the inspiration I needed to set out.

To make this sweet and simple headband, you will need the following supplies (most of which you probably have on hand):

• 2" velvet ribbon in a rich red
• felt: i used a sparkly red and cotton candy pink - and since i didn't have wool felt on hand, just used the squares you find at the craft store.
• vintage cotton scraps, cut out into hearts
• coordinating all-purpose thread (or embroidery thread if sewing by hand)
• pink, scalloped elastic

1. To get started, make two heart templates on paper, one large and one small.
2. Using your templates, cut out hearts (one big, one small) from your vintage cotton.
3. Using templates again, cut out hearts from the felt, but make both big and small hearts about 1/8" bigger all around.
4. Pin the vintage cotton hearts on top of the felt hearts and sew.
5. Use a sewing tape measure to determine the circumference of your noggin. We'll pretend it's 14". You'll want to cut the ribbon to be 10" and the elastic to be 4". Be sure and cut your ribbon with a "V" at the end so it looks pretty where the elastic attaches.
6. Determine where you want to place your biggest heart, and pin. When sewing to the ribbon, try to trace the stitches you made when assembling the heart - this looks nicer.
7. Place the smaller heart layered slightly atop your secure big heart. Sew.
8. Secure the elastic to the ribbon with a pin, leave about 1/2" excess. The excess inch of elastic is to make sewing easier - you want the finished headband to be 13" so it's not loose when you wear it. Sew the elastic to the ribbon.
9. Repeat with other end of the ribbon and elastic. Trim off the excess elastic.
10. Wow! You're all done and you made a super-sweet headband! Wear and smile!

Just DO It!

I'm so excited - tonight I just happened to check in on one of my favorite blogs, A Beautiful Mess, and learned that there are now extra spots open for Style School, brought to you by the folks at Red Velvet Art. Just a week ago I learned about the course, but was bummed to learn registration was over. So now, I won't waste any time - I have signed up for what promises to be a fun way to learn some new crafts from some stylish folks.

If you're interested in signing up - do so now!