Hope for Oklahoma Auction

Hi Friends,

I am so happy to be a part of this wonderful cause.

Heather Ales has organized this amazing auction filled with jewelry, art, mixed media, and more...

There are over 170 items, all donated by artisans and businesses to support those affected by the recent tornado in Oklahoma.

All of the proceeds from the auctions will be given directly to those in need.

This link will take you directly to the auction page, where you can bid on any of the items by leaving a comment on the photo with your bid amount and Paypal email address.

Project Life-ish

I'm sure that many of you are familiar with the Project Life style of memory keeping.

(If not, you can learn more about it here.)

I love the idea of using various sized page protectors for mini collages and photos to document the days.

I've never had much luck with traditional scrapbooking, but I am going to give this a shot.

The idea of doing a 12x12 layout always seemed so daunting.

And to make a whole book of layouts!??! Yikes.

I never thought that I'd have enough time, so I never even really tried.

This style seems so much simpler and less time-consuming... and just more "me".

Although there are big kits that you can buy, I only ordered an assortment of page protectors.

I'm planning to put my own spin on the idea by using what I have.

Lots of the vintage goodies, ephemera, pretty papers, and bits that I've been hoarding collecting.

  While I wait for them to arrive, I need to do some serious organizing! 

I am literally swimming in supplies over here! 

I'm very excited about this new adventure.

Life has been so busy, that I've been in a bit of a creative stand-still.

I think this is just what I need.

Are any of you doing Project Life or similar album?

Any tips for a newbie?

(P.S. Happy Valentine's Day! xoxo)

Penguin Hot Cocoa Stirrers

We recently celebrated my Littlest One's birthday.

The theme was Penguins and Polar Bears.

I found a ton of great ideas on Pinterest, of course!

One of my favorite things at the party was a cookies and hot chocolate bar.

I filled carafes with hot cocoa and had several toppings and mix-ins ~ whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles, cinnamon, etc.

I also made these Penguin Cocoa Stirrers, using some items that I had on hand.

The were a hit.

They would also make great party favors or stocking stuffers.

I didn't think to take photos for a proper tutorial at the time, but I will try to explain how I made them.

Supplies:

Plastic Spoons

Small bowls

Dark Chocolate and White Chocolate Candy Melts (such as Wilton)

Candy Eyes (such as Wilton, available at craft stores with the baking supplies)

Orange Sprinkles

Waxed Paper

Small lollipop bags and ribbon

1. Melt white chocolate candy melts according to package directions. Place in small bowl.
2. Dip the scoop part of a spoon into the white chocolate to coat.  Let excess drip off and then place on wax paper to harden.   Repeat with remaining spoons.
3. Melt the dark chocolate candy melts according to the package directions. Place in small bowl.
4. Once the white chocolate has completely hardened, dip each spoon diagonally in the dark chocolate halfway.  Let the excess drip off, and repeat with the other side of the spoon.  This creates the head and wings of the penguin  ~  a triangle of white chocolate should still be visible as the penguin's belly.  Place on waxed paper.  While the dark chocolate is still wet, add the candy eyes and create a beak with two orange sprinkles. Repeat with all spoons.
5. Let the spoons completely harden and wrap individually, using a piece of ribbon to tie.  
6. Stir into a mug of hot chocolate (or coffee) for an extra sweet treat!

Notes:

• I used about half a bag of each chocolate to make 16 spoons.
• Regular chocolate chips can also be used, but you may want to temper the chocolate.
• I would not suggest using the plastic spoons in a boiling hot drink, as the spoons may melt.  We had no problem using them in fairly hot chocolate though.

New Year Sale! 25% off EVERYTHING!

Hello!

I hope that all of you are enjoying this fabulous time of year.

I've been a little absent this month.

Life has been crazy.

Mostly "crazy-good", but still crazy!

I wanted to be sure to take a minute to thank you all for 

your continued support and friendship over the years.

As a little thank you, I'm offering

25% off

EVERYTHING  in stock

at Speckled Egg.

No coupon code needed, the prices are already listed on the site.

This offer is valid only on orders placed 12/27 - 12/30.

(May not be used on prior orders, special/custom orders, or at the Cider Mill.  ONLY valid on the website.)

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and creative New Year!

Holiday Shop Update + Free Shipping Over $50

Some fun holiday items have been added to the website!

The complete line of Christmas and Winter items is available here.

Also, sure to also check out the Ribbons, Tinsel & Trims category.  

It has been restocked with all of your favorites, just in time for wrapping season!

And, as a little holiday bonus, all orders over $50 ship for free!
(Valid through December 21st, no coupon code needed.)

Easy DIY Ribbon Napkin Rings

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought I'd repost a quick tutorial that I did last year for The Creative Patch.

These napkin rings are sooo simple and can be made to match any table setting.

Supplies:

Assorted ribbon, trim, and burlap in coordinating colors.

Buttons, lace/fabric scraps, vintage jewelry, silk flowers, acorns, or other embellishments

Scissors

Hot glue and glue gun.

Cut ribbon pieces to about 6.5 inches.

Layer ribbon as desired and glue down.  Glue embellishments to center of ribbon.

Flip over ribbons and fold down about 1/2" inch on each end.  Glue in place.  This will help prevent fraying and create a more finished look.  Roll ribbon into rings and glue ends together.

Easy peasy and so pretty!

October Giveaway!

Time for another giveaway!

 $20 Gift Certificate to Speckled Egg 

To enter, simply leave a comment below telling me what your favorite childhood Halloween costume was.

I'll be giving away a second gift certificate on Facebook.
If you are interested in another chance to win, just "Like" Speckled Egg

on Facebook by clicking here.

Easy peasy.
(If you already "Like" Speckled Egg on Facebook, you are automatically entered!)

Winners will be picked at random on Thursday.

Edit: We have a winner!  Congrats to #6...
Heidi
I loved reading all of your costume memories!
Thanks for sharing.  :)

October Shop Update

So clearly, I'm waaaay behind on this, but the October website update is complete.

Maybe I should just call it an early November update?  LOL.

Some lovely new decorative tapes made of lace, fabric, and washi paper.

New colorful cabochons featuring flowers, owls, birds, and bats.

And some Halloween goodies, perfect for last minute projects!

You can see all of the newbies HERE.

Check back later this weekend for a fun Halloween giveaway!

Happy Friday!

Treasure Trove

Stacks and stacks of old photos waiting to be sorted...

Gorgeous images of the late 1800s to the 1920s.

There are also three albums full...

A-mazing!

 Some of these beauties will be available for purchase at the October shop update.  

They are simply too good not to share!

Setting up shop

I'm so excited to share some fun news!

 I've just rented a small space at a local antique shop.

My little corner is only about half full at the moment, but now that the girls are at school, 

I will have more time to work on it.

For my local friends, it is located at the Cider Mill in Sterling, Massachusetts.

It is a great group shop with SO much to see.

It is huge ~ be sure to give yourself a couple of hours to get though everything.

Visit their website for hours and directions.

I'll post some more photos soon!!!

(P.S.  Thanks so much for the website love ~ almost all of the flea market finds sold out in just a few hours.  There are still plenty of other lovelies available ~ new embellishments and lots of restocks!  You can visit Speckled Egg on the web HERE.)