Sunday, November 17, 2013

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Video

Dashing through the snow, you will find some interesting ugly Christmas sweaters for the party. 
There's always a contest at the parties, maybe you will find one that will win.
Don't forget to check out the ugly hats and a purse too. These and others are available at my Etsy shop, ilPiccoloGiardino.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Come sail away with me at Christmas in July on Etsy at ilPiccoloGiardino

Some of my favorite things are the beach, 4th of July and Christmas!  Come sail away with me and enjoy the
summer.

It's almost time for Christmas in July (CIJ), a time when many Etsy sellers participate in Christmas in July,  Store owners are like little elves busily making and stocking their shelves.  offering special sales, discounts and a chance to get an early start to tackling that list.  Save the date, or dates actually.  From July 11th - July 21st, 2013.  I'll be there at ilPiccoloGiardino. 





Shopping early at sales like CIJ will earn you not only the savings, but the opportunity to get those
giftsthat will not be available come September.  As a savvy shopper, you know there are so
 many products that get snapped up early, it's wise to take advantage and ensure you get what
you want and need.  It's alsoan opportunity to check out different stores showcasing their
 handmade and artisan crafts.

See you there,

Paula ~ ilPiccoloGiardino







Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Craft idea with paper napkins party favors

For a bridal shower, candy buffet, party favors, bachelorette party. 
Use a unique paper napkin in the theme of your choice.  This napkin was
of a chocolate theme. 

Napkins or serviettes are usually 2 or 3 ply.  Separate the sheets until you
have the original design. 

For a take home basket, cover a paper cup with white glue mixed with water. 

Apply the napkin and trim accordingly. 

For this one, I didn't have any pipe cleaners handy, but to add a handle, just
poke the pipe cleaner through the cup and twist to secure. 

Add a pretty white or color doily inside and put select candy or snacks, homemade
fudge.  For a display table, leave unwrapped.  For take home favors, wrap in clear
basket wrap and tie with a pretty ribbon and your choice of personal tag.



John Deere for a country theme:



ilPiccoloGiardino



Friday, April 26, 2013

Beach theme ideas for wedding party backyard

At the beach this summer for parties and home backyard cookouts at the cottage. Beach theme weddings, beach decor for inside the home.  Inspired from ilPiccoloGiardino. 



Friday, February 22, 2013

Irish You a Happy St. Patty's Day treasury from Etsy

This was brought to my attention today, a great Etsy Treasury, with a fantastic title.

It is called "Irish you a Happy St. Patty's Day"  and features brilliant Irish treasures:





Some of the things you will find are:
  • a clover teacup
  • crocheted shamrock
  • fairy door
  • four leaf clover
  • good luck mug
  • green irish banner 
  • Irish green ring 
  • Irish jewelery 
  • Irish linen 
  • Irish vase 
  • Irish whiskey flask
  • Irish tablecloth
  • shamrocks
  • St. Patricks day gifts.


 

Friday, February 8, 2013

Ideas for beach theme party, wedding, clam bake

Some ideas to do it yourself, DIY or to purchase from other creators. If you like the beach and are planning on having a beach theme wedding or party, lobster bake or cookout on the beach, take a look at some great ideas for your decorations.

I'm writing this during the Blizzard of 2013 and wish it were summer!





Most of these products available on Etsy at ilPiccoloGiardino.






Thursday, February 7, 2013

Win One for the Gipper, an Etsy Treasury

The treasury was posted a few days ago on Etsy and has lovely handmade Notre Dame
products and gifts for students, fans, and alumni, curated by JennaMariesShoppe. 

Win One for the Gipper

Take a peek to find unique graduation gifts. 



ilPiccoloGiardino on Etsy


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Door to Door Etsy Treasury Wreaths

Specially handmade and crafted door decorations for your home or business. 
Etsy Treasury.

Check out what's new in wreath design for the season.  
You'll find lots of cheerful spring wreaths here.




Door-to-Door Etsy Treasury



Sunday, January 13, 2013

How to Make May Baskets with Crepe Paper

A time gone by and a tradition that is not much practiced anymore, buy May Baskets are fun to make, fun to give and fun to receive.  My mother used to make these all the time and made them for my son's Kindergarten class and filled with fudge. 



You can make these for favors for any bridal or baby shower too, just add thematic accents and you're good to go. Also on youtube.

You need:

Crepe paper, the flat kind.
White glue.
Pipe Cleaners (chenille stems)
Styrofoam cups 6 oz







Today's crepe paper is not as 'stretchy' as kinds found in the past, but it works, just not as well. 
I used light blue for the body and flower, dark green for the 'grass'.  You could make these in any color combination.
Cut about 3 inches from the flat paper, then make slits about half way down and about 1 - 1/2 inches wide.  You can experiment for the effects you want.  I rounded the edges a bit.  You can get a different effect if you just use straight lines and twist the paper. 


Unfurl the crepe paper, it will look something like this. 
Taking both thumbs, push the paper away from each other at
each section.  You want to try to gently curl the paper towards you.




Start to glue around the cup starting from the top. 


Continue around the cup, staggering a little bit between the 'petals'. 



Cut green paper with slits for the base, the grass.  


Glue the grass to the base of the cup.  Fluff the petals as best you can.  You might have to wait until
it is dry. 

Now, add a pipe cleaner handle.  Poke a hole in opposite sides of the cup, twist at each end.  You now have a handle. 

To make a flower, just roll some of the coordinating crepe paper and twist to a point.  You then twist it

around the handle.  I added some chocolate fudge. 
You can add fudge, homemade or store bought candy.



 Here's the Sweet Pea Design in Pink. 

Should you not want to make these yourself, they are available at ilPiccoloGiardino. 



We used to make a rose petal design too, which I'll try to capture next week. 

Friday, January 11, 2013

Keep Calm and Heart the Irish

The championship game is now over, love the Irish! 

Thanks to the team, players, family, coaches, Our Lady and Fans for a great season.

Professional print available on Etsy.