Talk Crafty To Me Dedicated to all things handmade

It’s that time of year, when thoughts turn to back yard barbecues, picnics, and outdoor parties. With both Canada Day and Independence Day just around the corner, rather than do separate posts for each holiday, I decided to do a couple of posts full of great ideas to help you throw a fabulous patriotic party, no matter where you’re celebrating.

First up lets talk decorations… Use your country colors to tie everything together and create festive mood. From streamers and balloons, to bunting and paper lanterns, whatever you decide to create, be consistent with your color scheme, and you’ll be sure to pull off a great looking party.

Click on the links to learn more about each project:

Organza Flowers | Polka-dot Bunting | Paper Flowers | Star Medallions | Maple Leaf Bird | Rubber Band Candles | Holiday Lanterns | Fabric Bunting | Citronella Candles | Red & White Garland

Sweeten up this Sunday with cupcakes and cookies ideas just for Dad.

1. Fast Food Fun – from Bakerella
2. Burger Cake Pops- Also from Bakerella
3. Tee-Time Cupcakes – From Martha Stewart
4. Tie Cupcakes – From LayersOfLove
5. Sports Cookies – from Polka-dot Zebra
6. BBQ Cookies – from Cookie Crazie

Father’s Day is this Sunday, and if you haven’t found the perfect gift yet here are a few DIY ideas to get you inspired.

1. Superhero Gift-box for Dad – Download the labels and make your own gift-box for the superhero dad in your life.

2. Mustache Mug – A silly gift for dad. Use porcelaine gel to paint a fun mustache on a mug.

3. Folded Shirt Cards – use origami to make your father’s day card a little more unique.

4. Dad’s Notepad – Decorate a basic note pad for dad’s office, and he’ll be reminded of you everyday.

5. King of the Grill Apron – Make Dad his own apron just in time for BBQ season.

A cute spring idea for your little ones. Holly from Chez Beeper Bebe, has an adorable tutorial for this felt egg book, that lets your kids decorate eggs over and over. Cut out all sorts of shapes and let their imaginations run wild, and when you’re not decorating you can store all the little pieces in the handy pocket at the back. Such a great idea, and beautifully crafted.

– Download the tutorial
– Purchase one of Holly’s from her Etsy Shop

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone. Hope you’re all wearing some green so you don’t get pinched! In honor of the day, I’ve got some St. Patrick’s Day printables for you. Perfect for last minute crafting, they’re all printable from your own computer, and the perfect way to bring a little festivity to your day!

1. Lucky Pillow Box – stuff with your favorite St. Paddy’s day Treats. Think lucky coins, green m&m’s, or irish cream truffles. {Free!}

2. Lucky You Cupcake Toppers – 4 styles for you to print. {Free!}

3. Favor Box and Candy wrapper kit – Wrap your fav candy bars with a little irish flare. {$5.00}

4. Modern Sham-rock Stationary Set – Why not write all your notes today on these fun note cards. {$6.00}

5. More Cupcake Toppers – cause I love cupcakes, but you can also use em as napkin rings, wine charms or pins. {Free!}

6. Leprechaun Treasure Hunt – follow clues from a leprechaun to his hidden treasure. {$3.99}

7. So Lucky Stickers – Print them out on sticker paper and have fun sticking them to your friends and family all day. {$5.00}

Check out this super cute Valentine’s Day Flip book from Color Me Katie. This simple project is a great way to make a big statement… and it’s pretty easy to pull off. All you need is a camera, a printer, and some markers, and you can make your own “kiss in your pocket” flip book.

- Flip Book from katie sokoler on Vimeo.

I’m in love with this cake… not only does it look absolutely delicious, but I love the surprise when you cut into this cake. This is one of those cakes that would actually make it acceptable to steal a piece before it makes it to the table.

I am baker, has been busy perfecting this cake and has posted a detailed step-by-step tutorial… if you’re daring enough to attempt this!

- Check out the tutorial here

Lea from The World’s Smallest Postal Service has a super sweet teeny tiny Valentine’s package. This “cute as a button” package is exactly that…. cute as a button. Each teeny tiny package is custom addressed, and includes a little strip of paper, saying “You are as cute as a…”. Under the teeny tiny newspaper, your valentine will find a vintage button.

- Order now while supplies last

If ever there was a holiday that begged for sinfully sweet treats it’s Valentine’s Day! If you’re thinking about baking up something yummy for the one you love here’s some sweet inspiration…

1. Big Kisses | 2. Cake Truffles | 3. Decorated Sugar Cookies | 4. Scrabble Cookies | 5. Mini Heart Cupcakes | 6. Red Wine Chocolate Truffles | 7. Red Velvet Whoopie Pies | 8. Raspberry & Macadamia Nanaimo Bars