Sunny's Super Fair Crafts

Blue ribbon dried winter holiday wreath by Sunny Bolander: Photo copyright © Phyllis Wheeler, 2014

My friend Sunny, owner of Chesapeake Bay Creations by Sunny, kindly gave me permission to share some of her county fair ribbon winning craft entries with you. As you can see in the photo above, she earned a blue ribbon for her Christmas Corner dried winter holiday wreath.

Blue ribbon painted Santa pin by Sunny Bolander: Photo copyright © Phyllis Wheeler, 2014

She also earned a blue ribbon for this darling painted Santa pin.

Dried floral wreath with flowers grown by Sunny Bolander: Photo copyright © Phyllis Wheeler, 2014

This wreath with bright orange Chinese lanterns was hung improperly so I think judged incorrectly as it didn't receive a ribbon. But It's adorable and I love that she grew all the flowers herself.

Angel shell craft by Sunny Bolander: Photo copyright © Phyllis Wheeler, 2014

Here is Sunny's cute angel shell craft. She had many other crafts, including an amazing hand knit and beaded shawl that I would also have loved to share but it was displayed behind a semi opaque thick plastic and didn't photograph well. Even though I knit, that shawl is far above my skill level and I thought it was divine.

If you're interested in patronizing her Chesapeake Bay Creations by Sunny business, she's old school, running it by phone and not on the web. You can call her at (410) 761-1824 to order custom scarves, hats, shawls, headbands and crab shell crafts. You can also find her at craft fairs throughout Maryland from October to mid-December. Just give her a call to find out where she'll be. She's very friendly.

Thank you to Sunny for sharing her crafts! May God bless Sunny and may He bless you too!

Related posts:
Blue ribbon flowers: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2014/09/blue-ribbon-winning-flowers-this-week.html
2013 blue ribbons: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/09/county-fair-photos-haikus-and-results.html
2012 blue ribbons: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/09/fair-flower-photos-for-floral-friday.html

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and I wrote this post of my own volition. I was not asked or paid to write it. 

Quick and Easy DIY Mosaic Planter

My current reading nook with my DIY mosaic planter

During a recent clutter busing session I noticed that I hadn't been using this lovely purple mosaic candle holder. I knew that I had to either find a use for it or release it to a new home (I didn't get a picture while it was still empty but you can just imagine it without the plants).

Overgrown basket of plants in need of TLC

I had already decided to Freecycle this overgrown basket of plants and realized that I could save a few of the plants from the basket and easily turn my mosaic candle holder into a mosaic plant holder.

Mosaic planter as seen from above

So I used an appropriate sized plastic bag (and double checked that it had no holes - you might consider double bagging if you try this), put some old marbles at the bottom of the bag for drainage (old bits of Styrofoam would work too), added potting soil and gently transferred three plants from the old basket to their new mosaic pot. Voila! I think it took less than 10 minutes, including gathering the supplies and bringing everything outside, to complete the project. Easy peasy. I am truly enjoying this previously forgotten piece and I've already received lots of complements on my creative DIY planter too.

DIY mosaic planter with cascading houseplants

Over time the plants should fill out the planter even more nicely. I will aim to err on the side of under watering it (vs. over watering) so the plants have the best chance of success.

Do you enjoy DIY projects, crafts or houseplants? What's your latest project?

May the God who created the universe bless you and everything you set your hands to do!

Related posts:
DIY sleep tea recipe: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/08/diy-sleepy-time-tea-recipe.html
Beaded wire ornament craft: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/05/my-first-beaded-wire-ornament.html
Easy Closets: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/09/easy-closets-affordable-storage.html
Zentangle art: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2014/03/my-first-zentangle-free-zentangle.html

My First Beaded Wire Ornament!

I've just finished my first beaded wire ornament. The kit was given to me by a local Freecycle member (thank you!) so it was a great, budget friendly way to try a new craft. My friend Janet does amazing beaded crafts and seeing her finished work was what first piqued my interest in the craft. The directions made it seem really easy but it was actually quite challenging.

My ornament doesn't look exactly like the box's sample but I had to use my hands (if I make any more of these I'll be buying wire jewelry pliers, for sure!) and found that if I didn't make extra twists in the wires the beads would just keep slipping off. So I improvised and, while my design isn't as tight, I still like it. Have you tried a new craft or hobby lately? I'd love to hear about it!

May God bless and keep you!