Summer is always so welcome, isn't it? It feels so open, fresh, and full of promise. After the deep hibernation of Fall and Winter, that extra daylight encourages me to accomplish so much more in a day.
With children out of school, gorgeous fruits and veggies in season, and the prospect of summer adventures and the welcome opportunities to host summer gatherings with loved ones, I offer you a few Summer goodies to make, art to create, gardening to undertake, and the assorted whimsy:
1. For the ReUse-Reduce-Recyclers:
Saving your tins? Love candles in the twilight glow of the summer months? This tutorial (even though originally posted in the winter) is a perfect way to unite your talents. I think they would make lovely gifts and housewarming presents too, don't you? ( Tutorial Via)
2. For the Inspiration Seeker:
Summer months often include trips to the beach, the lake, the woods, and extra time in one's own backyard. Why not be your own biggest cheerleader? Write encouraging words on the stones with waterproof markers and paint (Sharpie makes a great all surface paint pen!). Place in a jar or a muslin bag. Choose one at random everyday or whenever you need a bit of inspiration. Or encourage your children to keep a positive affirmation stone in their pocket to remind them how wonderful they are?
Like these painted stones? Here are even more ideas for you!
3. For the Crafty Ones:
I fell in love with Tibetan Prayer Flags sometime ago, and now I think it's transferred to every garland in existence. I think a nice twist on this tutorial could be a "memory" garland. From your home printer, print photographs and scans of programs/tickets/ etc onto fabric. Then create the tutorial per the instructions. It just makes this sweet little diy that much sweeter. (Tutorial via one of my very favorite sites!)
4. For Father's Day:
(Tutorial Here)
5. For the Gardener:
(Found here)
6. For the memory keepers:
(found here)
7. For the homebody:
Big fan of the chalkboard trend. We're going to paint our breakfast table with chalkboard paint so that the little ones can draw to their hearts content. (Found here)
8. For (inexpensive*) kiddie fun:
(tutorial here)
9. For Summer Social Butterflies:
I just love these airy tissue pom pom's! In fact, Mr Bird and I are making quite the assortment for our wedding ;) I think these are just charming to add a bit of fun and flare to little summer soiree's, don't you?
(Tutorial here)
10. For the love of Old Fashioned Summer Fairs:
Oh Caramel Apples! How I love thee!! I'm thinking these would be so charming as little newlywed housewarming gifts too (for all of those summer weddings!). I have a feeling caramel apples will make their appearance at our wedding. (Tutorial here)
I hope these have revved up your imagination, somewhat!
Hugs,
T
