by Debbee | Aug 19, 2021 | Decorations, Wreaths
Kicking off the season with a new fall wreath. It’s actually one of two I made recently as gifts for family members.
As regular followers know, I love crafting holiday, seasonal and party decorations — wreaths and door hangings in particular! Because of that, my home is decorated to the nines and there is simply no more display space, or room to store them.
For several years, I sold my creations via DebbeesBuzzBoutique. Last fall, however, I decided to close the Etsy shop. Offering domestic free shipping and packaging became prohibitive for a small time operation like mine. Add to that the pandemic and foot surgery curtailing shopping for supplies, and it just didn’t make sense anymore.
Instead, over the past year I’ve made wreaths for family or friends; either as gifts or by special request.
Let me show you how to make a pumpkin truck wreath in seven easy steps, using some inexpensive materials found at Dollar Tree.
(more…) 
by Debbee | Sep 30, 2020 | Decorations, Halloween, Wreaths
Shiver me timbers, today I’ve created a pirate wreath to decorate the front door of my sister’s waterfront home for Halloween.
It’s part of a Fall Wreath & Door Decor Blog Hop hosted by Rachelle of My Hubbard Home.
To those coming by from her charming Autumn Hoop Wreath, a big ahoy mateys! And, if you’re looking for more seasonal ideas and inspiration, check out all the links at the (dead) end of this post.
I’ve crafted a Halloween wreath to greet trick or treaters. But, it would also be perfect to welcome little buccaneers attending a pirate theme birthday party.
So, batten down the hatches and be on the lookout, as this pirate wreath tutorial contains numerous bad puns. Savvy? (more…)
by Debbee | Sep 24, 2020 | Decorations, Halloween
For this month’s Craft Hop, I’m sharing easy-to-make black pumpkin decor, for an eerie but elegant Halloween look. See both black widow and masquerade stylings.
To those coming over from Liberty’s and her Crocheted Scarf Patterns, welcome! Check out the links to all sixteen fall and Halloween theme craft projects at the end of this post.
Last year, I made Easy Fall Sweater Pumpkins and a Festive Fall Grapevine Wreath— appropriate to decorate a home from September through Thanksgiving.
I didn’t make any new Halloween-specific decorations, but did acquire some accents on post holiday clearance. For this season, I repurposed a few Halloween embellishments from old decorations into new black pumpkin decor. You could say I breathed new life into them lol!
(more…)
by Debbee | Jul 26, 2020 | Decorations, Favors, My Favorite Things
Follow the basic game plan outlined in How to Host a My Favorite Things Party (Part 1), for a wonderful afternoon or evening with friends and family. In this second post, I share six additional suggestions to take your party from fun to extraordinary.
Starting with my very first gathering, I sorta put the basic concept on steroids! So far, I’ve held four parties over six years. Many of the party ideas and suggestions can easily be applied to a birthday celebration, shower, fundraiser, or other gathering.
I love party planning, entertaining and making stuff! The event is a creative and artistic outlet for me. But, don’t worry, you needn’t be artistic or even crafty to bee an extraordinary party hostess.
There’s Pinterest, the Internet and magazines as sources for ideas, recipes, party supplies, services and vendors. In fact, I’ve found some of my own creative inspiration in all those places. And, I’ve shared lots of posts and pictures on my theme parties to borrow from.
Each gathering has been a labor of love. They are a thank you gift to friends and family for putting up with my idiosyncrasies, foibles, quirks and periodic neuroses. For being there through thick and thin. For being part of my history. Mostly, my parties are a celebration of affection and friendship.
(more…)
by Debbee | Jun 25, 2020 | Decorations, Planters, Projects
As part of this month’s craft blog hop, I’m sharing two DIY ideas that incorporate a vintage teacup — or two.
First, is a fun project to embellish a planter or garden. The second, is a quaint way to decorate a chandelier. It’s also great for displaying a vintage teacup collection. Or, as party decor for a tea or Alice in Wonderland Theme Party, as I did.
Both are simple to do, and are more assembly than crafts which require special skills, materials or tools.
In all, I’ve included a total of nine different garden, home and party decor ideas. Each incorporates, or is inspired by, a vintage teacup.
Any of these crafts could also make a lovely birthday, holiday or Mother’s Day gift. Perhaps you even have some pieces of grandmother’s or a great aunt’s china, or vintage teacup collection? Maybe some are chipped, cracked, stained, or missing a matching saucer? Consider repurposing them into a gift for daughters, nieces or other family members and friends!
(more…)
by Debbee | May 19, 2020 | Decorations, Graduation, Keepsakes, Parties
One of my great pleasures was making high school senior recognition, prom and graduation party decorations for my sons.
Breaks my heart thinking of this year’s grads and their families. But, it’s inspiring seeing so many students, parents, teachers and administrators finding unique ways to celebrate and make graduation special.
Today, I’ll show you how to make a tabletop graduation party decoration using photographs. Although I made mine primarily as centerpieces, they also look great on a mantle, buffet or accent table.
Using pictures of the graduate personalizes the decorations. After the party, they also make wonderful keepsakes for the grad, mom and dad, and grandparents.
Even if you can’t host a big blowout this year, you might be able to have a more modest sized gathering of family and friends later this summer. And, party or no party, the photo stand ups create a festive environment in the home. If you must social distance from your grandchild or other favorite grad, consider making one as a gift. Then drop it at their front door, or send it off in the mail as a special surprise.
(more…)
