Sunday, April 10, 2011

It's all in the presentation...


I hope you are having a great weekend - we finally had some nice weather here.  We were able to get outside a little to enjoy it - my husband did some spring clean-up in the flower beds and I admired his work!  The irises are about six inches tall - it won't be long until they are blooming again.


 

The iris bulbs that we have growing outside the front door have a beautiful deep color and are special to us since they came from Grandma's garden.  It will probably be another month until they look like this.




We have several other iris varieties in the garden - I think this pink one is so delicate and pretty.  Many of you mentioned gardening as one of your other hobbies.  I love to look at the gardens and take photos but my husband is the one who does nearly all of the actual gardening.

You are probably wondering what is going into the boxes today...so I won't keep you in suspense.  It is another "separate but equal" day with three slightly different sets of items added to each box.  I can't seem to get enough of the Martha Stewart Crafts products.  I enjoy the papers, the glitter, the punches (oh so many punches!) and the stamps.  I have added a Martha Stewart stamp set to each box today.

Christmas Tree
Heart and Flower
Monogram and Frame

Whenever I think of Martha Stewart I think about her emphasis on presentation.  Paying attention to the small details can definitely make things feel more special.  It doesn't take much time to add a little something and rise above the ordinary.




 Here is a simple example.  I wanted to return a pie dish to a neighbor who surprised us with a special treat.  I was taught that you never return a dish empty so I wanted to bring it back with cookies.  Instead of putting the cookies in the dish and covering them with foil or plastic wrap I used a cellophane bag, stacked the cookies and tied them up with a ribbon.  

ribbon, ribbon and more ribbon!

If you are a regular reader of my blog you know that I have a weakness for the ribbons that are available at Costco.  They are very reasonably priced and come with many beautiful designs.  Most of the ribbons have wired edges but it is simple to remove the wire for papercrafting (here is a LINK to a post showing how to remove the wire).




The only "problem" is that the ribbon comes on 50 yard spools (well, it is Costco sized!) and so it takes a long time to use up the ribbon.  So - I try to share my ribbon whenever I can so I can buy more in new colors and patterns!  These three are all nice for spring projects.  I used the glitter daisies on the right for the cookie package (and also have a card sitting on my craft table waiting to be assembled using the same ribbon).  The center ribbon is a sheer pink with glitter silver dots.  On the left is the ribbon I "had" to buy so I could give some to my friend Shirley ("Okieladybug"), with Cricut green dots and cute ladybugs!


I cut off a couple of yards of each of the three ribbons and added all three to each of the boxes.  There should be enough for quite a few cards or to make a bow on a nice package. 


 

These boxes are getting very full - I should probably make a list of all of the items inside so you can keep track.  The sets might get shuffled when I wrap everything for shipping so there will definitely be an element of surprise when the three lucky people open their boxes!

Instead of reposting the directions for the giveaway, I would ask that if you have just come upon this celebration week and want to start at the beginning you go to Wednesday's post HERE and work your way forward.  The rest of you already know how to play along!

Here is the question for Sunday

What "little" things do you do to try to make your daily life more creative and artistic?  Do you like to set a beautiful table, arrange flowers and place them around the house, keep your linen closet tidy with sheet sets tied up with ribbon? Do you think attention to the small details can make your routine tasks seem less dull and repetitive?  How do you try to lead an "artful life"? 

That's a lot of questions and you don't have to answer each one directly - just share your thoughts on the general topic if you can.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and be sure to check in Monday to see what else is going in the boxes - one of the items might make you laugh...

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650 comments:

  1. Oooh, I am first today I think! I love to have flowers in vases around the house. I currently have a few flowers which are the only ones still alive from the lovely bouquets that I was given for the recent 65th birthday. I was reluctant to throw the whole bouquets away so rescued a few that were still beautiful. Sadly, they will need to go tomorrow!

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  2. I forgot to say, I am also a lover of irises and have several colours in my garden. My favourites are the blues, lilacs/purples and pinks and your Grandma's iris is lovely!

    Sylviaatgothamfamilydotco.dotuk

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  3. This may seem odd, but I love to open my kitchen cupboard doors and see both my china and my every day dishes neatly and perfectly arranged. I don't know if it is artful or a disorder that the cup handles all must be turned the same direction. I also enjoy designing tablescapes, and usually having something that doesn't quite belong in each room, just for the eccentric factor.

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  4. Faithful follower of your blog, still don't know how you do it all!

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  5. I wouldn't say I have an artistic flare in my everyday home life, I just like things to be as they should be, knives in the knife drawer, cups in the cup cupboard etc. Plumped up cushions and pillows, curtains hanging just right, so I'd say I'm more orderly that artful Lol!!!
    Have a great day
    Hugs
    Adele

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  6. Avid follower, just love to wake up to see what you have to share each morning :)
    Hugs
    Adele

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  7. Yesterday, I took a course at the local scrapbook store for a mini album made from a file folder and put together with a sewing machine. The details were a bit rough, so I came home and made a second one. I have learned to embrace my imperfections, but want to prove that I can do better. Love the ribbon with the ladybugs.

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  8. I will be embellishing this new mini with Boys will Be boys. I need to explore that cartridge.

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  9. I love to make things beautiful... I think that's the most influence I get from my artistic/crafty side in my every day life. I love to make all things beautiful and personalized. I threw a bridal shower for a friend yesterday and worked on everything for over a month... favors, flowers, a gorgeous banner (not to toot my own horn) her gift, cake balls. I had someone even say that I have too much time on my hands. Somewhat true, but I really just make time for all of those little details! You are so right... it's definitely all about presentation! Those little details make such a big impression.

    I guess my artistic life also spills over into my "housewife" life in that I don't get to clean nearly as much as I ought to because I'm always at my craft desk!! Haha!
    beadgal29 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  10. I love fresh flowers so whenever possible I place those around the house. Candles are my weekness...love the colors, the smells and the light they give when it is dark and they are lit!
    Your pictures are beautiful..LOVE the flowers!!
    jessica
    chick-n-scrap.blogspot.com
    eschfamily@yahoo.com

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  11. I had to get up early today for work; so early, in fact, that I got up before I got your daily email.

    beadgal29 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  12. I am a faithful reader of your blog and look for your email every morning
    jessica
    chick-n-scrap.blogspot.com
    eschfamily@yahoo.com

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  13. I was able to find your post, however, via your facebook page. Gotta have my daily Diane fix before I head to work. :)

    beadgal29 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  14. facebook "like" also :)
    jessica
    chick-n-scrap.blogspot.com
    eschfamily@yahoo.com

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  15. I change the wreaths on my front door, to match the holidays and seasons--put my Easter wreath up yesterday.
    craftylin1968 at aol.com

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  16. Attention to small details does make quite the difference, however I need to start paying more attention to that fact. I really don't do anything in my everyday life like you're speaking or at least I can't think of any at the moment. lol

    Tanya
    phenis2031 at yahoo dot com

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  17. I've been a follower ;)

    Tanya
    phenis2031 at yahoo dot com
    http://scrappylandusa.blogspot.com

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  18. Facebook fan here as well :)

    Tanya
    phenis2031 at yahoo dot com
    http://scrappylandusa.blogspot.com

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  19. In my everyday life, I actually don't do much artistically. But, I paper craft everyday, cards scrapbooks or some embellishment. Thanks!
    cjdempsey9 at msn dot com

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  20. While I love to have flowers around the house, I haven't done much else to bring artfulness to my everyday life. I am now brainstorming ways to do so.

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  21. Cooking/Baking is my other hobby so I'm very creative in the kitchen. I plate snacks for the kids on the 'good' dishes and they love it because it makes them feel special.

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  22. Your pictures of irises today are so beautiful. I am racking my brain to think of something artful that I do on a daily basis. Guess my brain isn't quite functioning this early. I do craft at least something everyday. Hope that counts. patnbobcuddy at gmail dot com

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  23. I am a faithful follower and your post is always the first thing I read every day. Thanks. patnbobcuddy at gmail dot com

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  24. Facebook fan also. Keep up the great work. and--Happy Sunday. patnbobcuddy at gmail dot com

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  25. I struggle to have an artful life. I try to have lovely things in my home but with a husband and two teenage boys living here sometimes just getting the laundry done is a great day.

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  26. I am a follower - loving your blog

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  27. Wow! That box must be huge! Thanks for the chance to win. I must admit, I don't do a lot of decorating for different holidays, but I have a few things out. I like to bring in lilacs when they bloom and sometimes we cut magnolia blossoms. Other than that, I'm not very creative.

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  28. The pictures of your bearded iris are beautiful. I have a yard full of them too. You can see them on my blog here: http://anniebeescraftroom.blogspot.com/search/label/bearded%20irises

    As for my answer to your question, well, gosh! I am doing good to keep up with the everyday stuff. I do like pretty tablescapes and fresh flowers but I usually don't mess with those things except on special occasions. I'd rather spend that time crafting or blogging! Hahaha!

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  29. I'm already a follower.

    Anniebee

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  30. In my personal life, I don't do the artistic thing on a daily basis; but since I'm a preschool teacher I do crafty things every day. I do make sure to ALWAYS say please, thank you, and at the end of the day be grateful for even the smallest of things (no traffic, sunny day, finish project, etc.)
    Thanks for the giveaways.

    depm07 at gmail dot com

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  31. I am a monitor on a school bus for troubled teens, so there are days when just making it through the day is a task. So I dont have time to be creative. But I do love these things just dont have time every day.

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  32. I love to either put a bit of a card or scrapbook together. If I don't have time or opportunity to do that, then I open one of my scrapbooks and take a few minutes to make myself smile at the memories. Thanks for asking the question. :)

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  33. I like to have everything in its place...except the craft room when in a middle of a project. In the summer I like my outside gardens to be pretty and full of color. I do decorate for the holidays but that's about it.

    Your iris photos are great. Thanks for sharing.

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  34. I love when everything is in it's place and neat...not "artsy" but definately helpful! The only really artsy thing I do in daily life is to surround our home with pictures of my beautiful grandkids and family. And every scrapbook page that I do gets framed and displayed before going into the album. I bring out pages to display seasonally and for birthdays etc so that everyone can enjoy them "outside" the album.
    srkuz at aol dot com

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  35. What inspires me most is fresh flowers! I love going out in my gardens and cutting fresh flowers. It's back to the color thing too - flowers are so brilliant with various colors and absolutely beautiful.
    Jude
    judestersworld at gmail dot com

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  36. hahahaha... I'm not sure I even do this.
    I guess I would have to say just being sure things are in order. Picked up. A cluttered life to me is so un-artistic. So un-inspiring.



    :) TR

    mrstjf2000 at yahoo dot com

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  37. I am a follower.

    :) TR

    mrstjf2000 at yahoo dot com

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  38. I love my gardens too! One of my favorites is to grow a Moon Flower vine. Big flowers that bloom in the evening and smell wonderful. And it's fun to have a Morning Glory vine grow up and over the railing on the deck...a happy flower greeting in the morning!
    srkuz at aol dot com

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  39. Thank you for another chance for your giveaway. What I do is add placemats, table runners and other things that I have made to brighten up the house on a daily basis. Holidays also have their own wall art quilts.

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  40. I think everyday is something different. Days that I create, I love to make cards, which always makes me feel better. I love flowers...in fact, because the weather was so nice yesterday, I was able to plant some petunias in a front porch pot. Like you said, it's the little things...and maybe no one else sees it, but you do. Thanks for more great stuff in the box.

    http://iwycd.blogspot.com/

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  41. I am a follower...thanks.

    http://iwycd.blogspot.com

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  42. in our mail livingareas, I like to keep things tidy since my creative process can clutter up my craft areas. Love the giveaway from a follower thank you.

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  43. I am also a facebook friend. Thanks so much for what you do,

    http://iwycd.blogspot.com

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  44. I don't do a real good job decorating the whole house for the seasons, but I do the bathrooms. I use candle holders from PartyLite that match the seasons, and change out the soap pumps!
    Evelyn
    evelynholmberg at mac dot com

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  45. I just love to have things straightened up. I try to remove all clutter on the counters, since when coming into our house the kitchen is the first thing you see. I try to have flowers on the window seal for beauty. Oh and open windows...I love the spring and summer smells throughtout our house. Have a great day!

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  46. Sounds strange, but I have to make the bed, start the wash, have the house straightened so I can craft. My home is always decorated for the season/holiday, so it's being able to relax in a comfortable, creative atmosphere so I can craft!
    SusanJ in Atlanta

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  47. i really have to think. I love to have the window drapes pulled back and windows open to feel the breeze and hear the birds sing. I do like flowers too. good question... I wish we had a cosco here in Wichita!! I like ribbon too!!
    parkernana5@cox.net

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  48. Right now, the only creative area is my refrigerator. All art work from the grand-kids and home-made magnets are there. I try to keep up with the seasonal decorations also. Not enough time lately to do much. Love the Iris pics. Thanks for sharing.

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  49. I love flowers, so I try to keep flowers around me all the time. I made a desk calendar with pictures of all my beautiful flowers from last year; I keep fresh flowers when available on my table at all time. I love to work in my flower beds outside. And the flowers help with another of my passions - hummingbirds!

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  50. post 2 - I am a follower of your blog. Love to read it first thing every day.

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  51. post 3 - I am a follower on facebook as well! thanks for the chance at this fantastic giveaway!

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  52. I totally agree that presentation is almost as important as what you're doing. Cake would taste the same even if it were just dumped on your plate upside down, however, when it's on a beautifully decorated plate it just looks more special. (That's why restaurants can charge more money for a simple boiled egg. LOL) Hugs, Debra (dj1952)

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  53. I can't say that I do anything artsy in my daily life other than crafting (scrapbooking/cardmaking). I do however decorate my house in and out for each holiday and keep some sort of flower arrangement on my table for each season. My mom is a florist so really she takes care of that. lol

    mlenclade at gmail dot com

    http://www.nanasscrapspot.blogspot.com

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  54. I am a long time follower/subscriber!

    mlenclade at gmail dot com

    http://www.nanasscrapspot.blogspot.com

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  55. I try to be a little more creative with how I present our food on the serving dish. I work outside our home and have a ill husband so that makes him happy to make a creative food dish. I sometimes do place cards just for him & I with a nice napkin ring. TFS

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  56. I don't do anything on a regular basis. I love to look at blogs to get inspiration and I am a follower of yours.

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  57. Oh gosh again I wished I lived a more artful life as the amount of time I spend thinking of artsy stuff is a LOT! Too bad it always seems to be when I am stuck behind the desk at work and then by time I get home and do all the daily stuff I am exhausted! But yes I try to have my cubicle at work very artsy with lots of interesting things around me including a wall dedicated to artwork by my almost 9 year old daughter :)
    So I guess I try to surround my self with stuff that inspires me even if I don't have all the time I want to put that inspiration to work :)
    sunni08 at gmail dot com

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  58. I follow this blog
    sunni08 at gmail dot com

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  59. I like on FB as Stephanie Cobb
    sunni08 at gmail dot com

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  60. I love seasonal decorations around the house...right now I'm getting ready to assemble my Easter village. My grandchildren love the decorations and always look for 'what's new' when they visit. Flowers, figurines, and music boxes get changed most often. It's fun and easy.

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  61. First, I LOVE the flower pics. Thank you. I actually never thought about it that way until you just said it. "An artful day (life)". I love flowers so I try to keep flowers in my home and pictures. I have pictures everywhere of my children and grandchildren. Have a great weekend. Thank you for sharing

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  62. I keep a flower arrangement on my kitchen table and one on my dad's grave I also have pictures of my grandkids every where. Susan

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  63. I am not sure if this is artful but - i get up every morning at 4:30 a.m. - whether it is the weekend or not. I take this time to sit quietly with a cup of tea and my nook. I love to read in the quietness of the morning. When the spring/summer weather arrives i will sit by the window and listen to the birds or wrap up in a blanket and sit out on the patio. I love to wake up with the world!

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  64. I am a follower of your blog - after i read for atleast an hour - then i go through my emails - most important - read your blog!

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  65. wow this question really made me think... don't do enough was the answer.
    if I don't scrapbook, I like to do something in my art journal daily. I can take this with me if I go somewhere.
    Round the house I love flowers and candles. But I will be working on finding something ore creative to do on a daily basis.

    Love the photos of your flowers/

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  66. in the house I have a place for everything which is the only way in my small room I can work but ouside in the yard is where I can go a little crazy my gardens are a little bit of everything with no organization at all

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  67. Easy question for me- NO. Honestly, I never thought about making my everyday life have the extra touch. When company comes or for holidays, I add that special touch. I guess this makes me think I should do it more often. My family is special and deserves it. Thanks for the suggestion. Time to start adding touches to my everyday life. Tammy
    tdchglucy@gmail.com

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  68. I follow you on FB Tammy tdchglucy@gmail.com

    My word verification for the last post was godgin. Do God and gin really go together? Makes me laugh.

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  69. I love use scents everyday to make my house smell good! The nose is just as important as the eye when it comes to beautiful things in you home.

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  70. I don't do alot around the house other than put flowers in vases. I do love your idea of the presentation.

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  71. oops- didn't finish. I love the ribbons and stamps you have added to the boxes.
    buddy23018 at hotmail dot com

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  72. I just like to keep everything in order and dusted, living in the country as we do you are always dusting ( dirt roads ) and I love to make and place some of my art on the walls in my scrap room...
    We had another great grand son Friday, 6 pounds 5 ounces. Life so good, God is GREAT!

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  73. The boxes are getting very exciting! What a great idea Diane.
    I like to be creative with a fun dinner when my hubs gets home from work. I try to make each meal a surprise.
    claudiamatzke at hotmail (you know the rest)

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  74. I like to have some kind of a welcoming wreath or sign outside our door. Inside, there is a little bench that I decorate for the month/season.
    I can't wait till our irises bloom! They are from my husbands' grandmothers flowerbed.

    PS....LOVE that ladybug ribbon!!

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  75. I do follow, too.
    claudiamatzke at hotmail dot com

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  76. Oh wow....that is a loaded question today..makes me feel like I need to do more creative things around here..
    Thanks for getting me motived..

    tunafish60 at hotmail dot come

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  77. Good Sunday morning! I always have my table set with seasonal items - flowers, napkins, placemats, etc. When I come in from the outside it is the first thing I see and it just makes me feel my home is organized and neat.

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  78. I am also a daily follower of your blog. Can't wait each day to see what new thing you have created or new website to share!

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  79. Organization is what I call part of my presentation. Everything has a place and everything is in its place... Thats how I am. Sometimes I'll even set up each task ahead of time so its ready to jump right in to do the task. One night when I was younger , I set a breakfast table for me so everything was ready when I woke up the next day... My mom said, your just like your aunt Netty. I giggled. Dawn RI abosoffit@hotmail.com

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  80. Sandra Joy, my2pets@comcast.netApril 10, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    Presentation is everything to me: whether it be setting a table;
    folding fancy napkins and decorating them with beads; my Christmas tree is decorated with many hand-made ornaments; my many plants have ceramic figures, such as frogs, turtles, birds, etc. hanging from the planters. In one bathroom, I bought two matching shower curtains. the second shower curtain I used to make a shade & a valence, and stained glassed the window to match all.
    Love making making appetizers pleasing to the eye. I decorate wine bottles with ribbon & beads. I love decorating beds with quilts and decorative pillows. I could go on and, but I'll spare you folks.

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  81. I keep my craft room fun and whimsical by adding artsy touches her and there. My favorite artwork is, of course, my 10 year olds works on the fridge!! The boxes just keep getting better!! YAY!

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  82. I am a faithful Facebook follower!

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  83. I have many candles (purchased at garage sales) and candle holders which I use according to season.

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  84. I am a follower. Love the pics of your home and flowers.

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  85. Over the years I have done so many crafts that I always have something out to look at- especially around the different holidays. Now closets and drawers are another story-even after cleaning them they still look messy and I have given up on that. Barbara

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  86. Enjoying having your posts on Facebook.

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  87. Like many others here I don't do a lot on a daily basis but for holidays and parties I go into overdrive mode. For a recent baby shower I hosted there were ducks everywhere! I used my cricut for the invitations, the decorations, the gift bags and even my kleenex box in the bathroom. The beverage holder was a blowup ducky bathtub.
    I like a good theme when it comes to hosting parties.

    The boxes are getting full - thanks so much for the chance to win one of them!
    Margaret at kintighdot com

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  88. Have to have my daily fix at Capadiadesign!

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  89. Love your facebook page too!

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  90. I love to decorate for the seasons, I like that fresh new look. An d you are right it is in the presentation, whether it is a gift or your home.

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  91. I decorate for every holiday! My grandkids love coming to my house to see the decorations. They always look for their piece in the collection to make sure I didn't forget to set it out! Your flowers are beautiful!

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  92. I am also a Facebook fan.

    babara614@insightbb.com

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  93. I am always trying/wanting to make things around me more pretty! It is a matter of having enough time. I love my garden, just added a pergola to the house and want to put some climbing vines on it.
    I decorate for the holidays, and am changing things around.
    Tieing ribbons around sheets and towels is something I always wanted to do but just haven't done yet. You are inspiring me!
    Thanks so much!

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  94. I am a high school special ed teacher working with some seriously impaired kids. While I love my work, my art is the sanctuary I need to return to again and again to stay replenished and creative. In some ways, it actually helps be a better teacher. To maintain that balance, I start every morning at 5am with a cup of coffe and I spend about 20 minutes looking at beautiful photos or card designs on my computer or in my craftroom. Sometimes I even "play" for a few minutes embellishing something I have begun. When I have a break during the day or when I am stressed, I can breath deeply and bring myself back to my craft table, I can smell the inks, see the light and feel the warmth around me... it is amazingly efffective! Finally when home, I usually light a fire, put on some inspirational music and return to my craft room where all things are possible- stamping, quilting, crocheting... it truly is a sanctuary and I place I NEED to be each day.

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  95. I am a follower of your blog, which is always lovely to look at. It's all about presentation.

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  96. i love flowers from my beds when they're in season especially my lilacs and peonies that fill the house with fragrance. my husband loves old cars, so i cut the cars from my cricut cuts in different colors and set them around the house for him to 'brag' to his buddies. (it's a silly thing, but...he loves it). i'm probably most artistic in my craftroom where i'm constantly making new, and changing things around to my taste...and my 'tastes', change quite frequently! (i have the martha hearts and flowers stamp set.)

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  97. I like to change my home decor for each season. It's a whole new bathroom for sure and minor things throughout the rest.

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  98. I love spring and love all the blooming flowers. Spring means that I can once again have fresh cut flowers throughout my house. I can buy flowers all year long at the supermarket, but fresh cut flowers are the best. The trick to leading an artful life is to just be you. Share the random acts of kindness as they happen. Gifts from the heart, sharing from the heart. I was raised like you, never return an empty container, and everyone likes a plate or bag of homemade cookies. But I sure never thought of decorating them with a wonderful spring colored bow. What a great way to welcome spring and share a random act of kindness.

    Kimberly
    kimberly.pate@gmail.com

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  99. i'm a facebook 'liker' too. (((smiles)))

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  100. Follow both here and on facebook!

    Love reading about all that you share each day!

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  101. I put flowers around the house when company is coming. I don't do a lot of decorating just for the 2 of us.
    diane at weismanfamily dot net

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  102. Diane, AZ seasons aren't all that drastic, but there are changes and I love bringing the outdoors in, no matter what time of year. Mother Nature is a wonderful inspirer!

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  103. I am a very big follower. You inspire me everyday. You give me a little light out of my gray day everyday. Thank you!!!!

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  104. I am also a facebook fan. I love the beatiful pictures you always add to your blog. It helps brighten a day.

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  105. I definitely believe that presentation is important!!! I do think that I lead a creative life (may not reach "artful" status); I try to work on a card &/or scrapbook pg everyday; I hang out on the Cirlce mb everyday w/all my creative friends; I visit some awesome blogs (like your's!) for inspiration everyday & I'm surounded by my "pretties" that I've made &/or collected over the years...they help make home...HOME!!!! Thank you for having something to share with us every day...that's a very unusual thing in the blogging world & I appreciate the effort that it takes for you to make that happen!!!
    columbusquilteratyahoodotcom

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  106. Looks like my original comment didn't take. I'm not much of a homemaker, so no, I don't change my decorations with the season, or set the table daily - Martha Stewart I'm not. But I do like to fill my home with pictures of my family and pets. I do try to do something creative every day. Without it I don't feel whole!

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  107. I dont do a lot for my house. But I finally decorated my craft room.

    aecopenhaver at gmail dot com

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  108. Although I live alone, I still like to decorate for the holidays. I like to accessorize the little details.
    Sc gma

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  109. When I had the fortune to have my own home I would do all sorts of creative things. I would even get my little children to help me. I would even let them do hand prints on my window in paint. Then they even had a great time cleaning it off after a couple of days. We would cut things out and glue and make mobles to put up in the house it always made them happy and made me happy because they were showing their smalls and creative side. We don't get to do any of that stuff now and I deeply miss it. I love the little details it always brings everything together. Thank you for all that you do.

    Candice Smith
    chatterbox1873@yahoo.com

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  110. Not very arty on a day to day basis! Have grandmothers quilts as focal point in my hallway. Family pictures all over. Flowers perk up any space.

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  111. Some time ago I decorated hand towels with my embroidery machine. Most have seasonal designs and I change them out in the bath. I have a collection of fitz and floyd ceramics that I display seasonally.

    I am really loving the posts this week - and the answers your creative readers share!
    dlwilliams@aaamidatlantic.com

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  112. Hi Diane. In addition to my daily crafting, I am a writer. So even in my blog posts or e-mails, I try to instill some sort of humor through creative writing, or descriptions that are enjoyable to read. My followers often notice that and comment, and that inspires this sort of "sit down comedy"! Finally, if you were ever in my head while I am sleeping (GOD FORBID!), you would see I take nightly creative journeys. My dreams are wildly imaginative which to me shows that there is an inner creative bug that is still to be tapped.

    Thanks for asking! And I'd LOVE to win one of your amazing grab boxes!

    Ellen ♥ CardMonkey
    www.cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com
    E-mail: cardmonkey@comcast.net

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  113. As to following, my creative journey would be less inspired if I did not. So of course I check in with you every day.

    Ellen ♥ CardMonkey
    www.cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com
    E-mail: cardmonkey@comcast.net

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  114. Facebook ... yes, I "like" and see you there too. But I am finding it is more of a creativity killer in terms of time, so I may have to rethink that. But for now, if it gives me another chance to win your candy, oooh-la-la.

    Ellen ♥ CardMonkey
    www.cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com
    E-mail: cardmonkey@comcast.net

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  115. I decorate for each season. I try to have something lovely and cherished placed in several rooms so that wherever I go, I can see it and feed my creative soul. I love seeing what is going in your boxes. Somebody is going to be a happy crafter! Hope it's me!
    MCF's Mimi

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  116. This question has got me thinking, and maybe I should do more... But I do like to have flowers near the front door in a pot, and pretty violets in my kitchen windowsill.

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  117. Martha is the presentation queen, isn't she? Luckily, it doesn't take much effort to dress up a gift to make it much more special. To answer today's question, I always try to decorate for the season or upcoming holiday for my kids. They love to come home and find the house transformed for a certain holiday. When they return from school on Monday, I should have all of our Easter decorations out. I also try to include some of their own handmade decor too. It's fun to see them remember an item that they made themselves. :-)


    ~Sharon C.
    sconn0925 at yahoo dot com

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  118. Good morning. I love the ribbons and stamps! I guess my thing would have to be linens. When I do laundry I like to fold towels and sheets so that when put into my linen closet they all look nice and neat and in order. When I open the door I love the smell of Gain. It's wonderful to end a day in nice smelling fresh sheets. I love table linens and I'm always changing them to change the look of the room a bit. I can not move the furniture in my dinning room because I have a huge German Shrank on one wall and besides the table and chairs there is only a grandfather clock. When I change the table linens or runners it changes the room just a little bit lol. When I do get a chance to travel I like to pick up new table /holiday linens for my end table or dinner tables etc. The smaller ones can even make pretty pillow covers for the couch or shams to match the night stands in the bed room.

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  119. I've been following you for quite a while!

    ~Sharon C.
    sconn0925 at yahoo dot com

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  120. I'm a FB fan too!

    ~Sharon C.
    sconn0925 at yahoo dot com

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  121. I guess my last post was a bit long lol. I wanted to thank you again for the chance to win a box and sharing your ideas with us.

    =) Marian

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  122. I like to decorate the house for the seasons and also with paint as my husband will not allow wallpaper. (We had a bad experience in our first house removing outdated walipaper.) I did paint a border in my daughters room using the cricut Cindy Lou cartridge and the Cricut stencil material. It was less costly than vinyl as her room is large!

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  123. I enjoy MS and try to take her advice and make it practical for me. Mostly making home decor to personalize my space. Some of her organizing tips are fantastic and all her ideas for re-purposing things are awesome. Will I ever be at MS level? No. But I'm happy and every little touch helps.
    Cheyenne
    ecdesignstudio.blogspot.com

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  124. I'm a follower!
    Cheyenne
    ecdesignstudio.blogspot.com

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  125. I am a follower of your blog and also love Martha Stewart Craft supplies!

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  126. I often arrange bowls of fruits or veggies artfully as a centerpiece. My DD runs a local CSA farm and I have access to lots of fresh veggies, herbs, and flowers in season. I have had a basket with winter squash in my kitchen all winter...time to replace those with fresh herb sprigs that are starting to spring up. She also has some edible viola looking flowers springing up....gotta go pick some for a little vase.

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  127. You are so right Diane, presentation is everything!I love to set a buffet table with the food displayed at different heights that way there each food item has a spotlight of its own. Also I love flowers so it also includes an arrangement of some sort. ( It helps that I am a floral designer!!!) Thanks for the chance to win an awesome package.

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  128. Of course I am a follower of this great blog!!! Mary M

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  129. Yup I am a fan of Capadia on FB. Mary M

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  130. I'm afraid I'm not that creative when it comes to my daily life. I'm just happy to get the "necessary" things done so that I can get to my craft room and either scrapbook or make some new cards. Or in the evenings I may sit in the living room and create new designs on my Gypsy.

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  131. I decorate our house according to season and holiday! My DH thought it was crazy to do so when we were first married and the ONE time I did not get the house decorated (as I had just had our 3rd child and was laid up in bed for 2 wks) he made the comment that the house just didn't look right!! So now, he and our 3 boys help with the decorating :)

    I also was taught to never return a dish empty and I love your idea of putting the "treat" in a bag and decorating it with a bow.. and the dish stays clean!

    Thanks again for the wonderful chance to win!

    Stacey
    shalbgewachs at sbcgloal dot net

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  132. I am also a follower on FB

    Stacey
    shalbgewachs at sbcgloal dot net

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  133. AND I follow your blog.... goes grea with my morning coffee!

    Stacey
    shalbgewachs at sbcgloal dot net

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  134. Love to have flowers around the house. Most of the time they are
    in wreaths hung on my front door.
    Arrangements that I make out of dries flowers.
    caroltrovillo@comcast.net

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  135. I used to buy fresh flowers every week, but that became to expensive. At this time I don't really do anything specific, just try to make it thru each day.

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  136. My last iris closed up yesterday - I've had more blooms this year than ever, but they are done...
    Wow, you really made us think on this one, and I think you will change several people (including me) with this question. We are all artsy to a point, or we would not be reading your blog - and is this visible in our homes daily. I know I am struggling to see where I am letting my art show up, and thinking of ways to bring it into my life daily. thank you!

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  137. I'm a blog follower - and can't wait to see the IKEA project.

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  138. I have plants lots of breathing plants and antique glass. I don't go out and buy it is mostly stuff from my Mother and Grandmother. It mske me happy. Oh and watercolors done by my Mother in Law I love them.

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  139. Happy follower who has learned a lot from your blog.

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  140. I try to do something every day to make things more special. My husband works hard so I don't have to, so whether it is a special meal or a "just because" card; it is the creative touches that make things just a bit more personal.

    http://marciasmemories.blogspot.com
    mb6464@hotmaildotcom

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  141. I am a follower!

    http://marciasmemories.blogspot.com
    mb6464@hotmaildotcom

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  142. Since most of my "decor" is pictures and more pictures of the grandsons, I do change the pictures a they change and grow. But, I do change the tablecloth and centerpiece on my dining room table with the seasons since that is the first room seen when you come in the front door. AND, I have candles everywhere (love the different scents that come out!).

    I love your ribbon but that means a trip to Costco to find some!! LOL! TFS!

    jackie

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  143. Still a follower - yours is at the top of my favorites list and the first one I peruse every day!
    jackie

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  144. More wonderful treasures. Thank you Diane! I do enjoy the extra things that make daily life special. probably my favorite is yummy smelling candles burning and making the whole house smell sweeter. I love gardening and enjoy bringing flowers inside. Thank you for all you do Diane!

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  145. I try to lead an "artful life" by sharing my scrapbooks and crafts. I never seem to keep the things I create!

    katkane43 at aol dot com

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  146. I follow your blog!

    katksne43 at aol dot com

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  147. I "liked" you on Facebook!

    katkane43 at aol dot com

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  148. Diane, thank you so much for the generous giveaway--I hope you are having as much fun as we are eagerly awaiting the next entry :) You present a very pensive question today. One that I will have to think about today. I guess what comes to mind right away is that I try to make anything I do artistic. I doesn't have to be elaborate, just something that makes my family and me happy. Example: When my grandson comes to my house before school, I try to make his breakfast fun by just adding alittle post it note with a saying or sketch to his glass of orange juice. It makes him laugh.

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  149. I am a faithful follower/subscriber of your blog

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  150. What beautiful Iris's. In NE Ohio we still are awaiting Spring, altho some of the spring flowers are popping their heads now. My creative inspiration daily is reviewing all the wonderful creative blogs that I follow. Gets me motivated to get all my work done so I can get in my craft room and create.

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  151. My tulips are just starting to come up. No flowers yet and I'm eagerly awaiting them. I love just to keep my home neat and tidy. You should let your home represent how you feel about it. A simple vase with cut flowers or a wonderful smelling candle simply add the extra touch.

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  152. Comment 1
    I like to carry a theme for the different seasons in the different rooms of the house.

    Every day I keep a beautiful lace table cloth with roses on the dining room table.

    marjorie_brundage at sbcglobal dot net

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  153. I like to photograph a "something special" each day. It can be a flower, a tree, clouds, my dogs, just anything that makes me appreciate my life. In the evening, I light lots of tea lights, have a glass of wine and just enjoy the end of the day.

    suezoos1 at aol dot com

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  154. I have been a faithful follower of your site for several years...you are such an inspiration! You do such a wonderful job of presenting artful into our lives and I thank you for that. I like to think that I do the same, but honestly I can't say I take action every day. I do think about it, I love my camera and take photos whenever I can, I want to get to the point that I am using this art within my home and office to bring beauty into my life and to those around me...well, not there yet...but working on it. Thank you for being a true inspiration...and thank you for the updates on the boxes, 3 people are going to be very happy, surprised and extremely motivated!

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  155. I try to have arty things I've made and lovely things I've been given around me, not just in my crafting area. I love to display little works of art and visitors really enjoy seeing what I've had since the last time they came round!

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  156. Comment 2
    I am one of your followers now for several years and your blog has helped me so much! Thank you for all your consistent hard work.

    marjorie_brundage at sbcglobal dot net

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  157. Second entry as a blog follwoer

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  158. Comment 3
    I am a FB friend and I 'liked' your wall.

    marjorie_brundage at sbcglobal dot net

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  159. I came by my love of iris from my grandmother also. Weren't we lucky? Can't wait for them to bloom... I love to have flowers in a couple of places around my house. When they're out of season, I keep a large bouquet of fake-but-gorgeous large orange daisy-type flowers in the living room. Once in a great while I trade them for yellow. And on my kitchen table I have a wonderful jar (cookie type) that one of my sisters gave me, bright yellow with a rooster on one side and orange and yellow on the lid, fills my need for a spot on sunshine nicely. I love following your blog. Thanks for the great ideas!

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  160. I love to have fresh flowers and flowering branches (in spring) and I love to decorate for the holidays - St. Patrick's Day, Easter, etc, even back to school!!

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  161. I'm a High School teacher. I use a lot of pictures during the day to teach vocabulary. I also have a lot of color pencils to grade papers, I don't use red ink.

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  162. Three little ones so not alot of time for attention to detail. I try to do something scrapbooking each day - act of, read a mag or journaling.
    I do put love notes in their lunch boxes.
    Thanks for the awesome boxes.

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  163. love pretty things around the house, but as far as small details I think that mostly comes out while I am making my cards. I am very detail oriented when I make my cards. Sometime too much so. As far as tying ribbons are around your sheets, oh my who has time for that! I woulkd never get any crafting done LOL

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  164. I am a followers of your blog and have so much enjoyed reading each one of your posts this past few days and watching those boxes fill up. I would love to be one of those lucky winners.
    http://nanadonnascarddreams.blogspot.com/

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  165. Facebook, I go there very seldom but I do "like" you on FB
    http://nanadonnascarddreams.blogspot.com/

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  166. I forgot to mention yesterday that I LOVE to garden! My roses are my favorite. Spring has sprung here in SoCal so the flowers are blooming like crazy.

    MS has inspired me to be very creative in my organizing.

    Kitty

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  167. I like to rearrange furniture and change out accessories for the season. I love decorating . You can use the same items and rearrange for a totally different look! Keeps things interesting>

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  168. You know, I do very little of this sort of thing but your question has really made me think of how pleasing it would be to have some little touches like this. I,m gonna think about it.
    Salleys@yahoo.com

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  169. I follow your blog.
    Salleys@yahoo.com

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  170. I like you on facebook.
    Salleys@yahoo.com

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  171. I don't think I lead an artful life in the ways you mentioned - but I do like to take time on Saturday or Sunday to bake a treat for my husband for the week and to make the house smell really nice for a few hours :)

    morose44 at hotmail dot com

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  172. I'm also a blog follower :)

    morose44 at hotmail dot com

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  173. I too spend the extra time to make an impression with the presentation of a gift... sometimes to the point that the wrapped present is prettier or nicer than the gift itself! My decorting style is minimalistic, so there is not a whole lot of room for adding an artistic touch. Wish there were more hours in the day to find time to do something like that though. Great questions!!!

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  174. I subscribe to blogs if creative folks to inspire me!

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  175. 2nd chance - long time subscriber!!!! Love my daily dose of Diane :)

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  176. I can barely get myself off to work on time, so I don't have time to do lots of little things like that. I always have the best of intentions, but if I waited until I had time to do things the way I want, nothing would ever get done, so I have to just do what I can & not worry about the special touches.

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  177. I'm also excited to be a Facebook follower since this giveaway is going to be really good!

    morose44 at hotmail dot com

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