Make a Pretty Table Runner + Sears Sewing Machine Giveaway!

It's Spring and I am craving beautiful, glorious colour! Lately, I have been putting into action some plans for a fun makeover for our dining/living room area. I have lots to share in upcoming posts {wink} but for now, I want to share with you one small project I finished for our dining area.

As part of my re-decorating plan, I was on the search for a colourful table runner to tie-in with some of the other changes I made in the living room. The few table runners I found were either the wrong colour, or way outside my budget...at $60 and $80 each. So I decided to make a table runner with some beautiful fabric that I found at a fabric store, and as luck would have it, Sears contacted me around the same time to see if I would like to try their Sears Kenmore 50 Stitch Sewing Machine. I was thrilled at the opportunity to be able to create my sewing project with a brand new machine.

So let's get to work on that easy table runner first, shall we?

I chose to make a very simple rectangular runner so that the fabric could shine on it's own.

And can I tell you that I created this table runner for just $12? Yay!

Table Runner

{Finished size approx. 13" x 40"}

Materials Needed:

1/2 metre of fabric {I used a fabric by Valori Wells}

Thread in coordinating colour

Rotary cutter and cutting mat, or scissors

Directions:

1. Iron fabric.

2. Using rotary cutter and cutting mat, cut fabric to 13~1/4 by 40~1/2". 

3. Using an iron, press a 1/4" seam allowance around entire edge of rectangle. Then fold again and press another 1/4" seam allowance so that the rough edges are tucked in. Then pin baste the pressed edges every 3" to 5" inches, as shown, to hold in place.

4. Take the runner to the sewing machine and carefully sew around all 4 sides of runner using a straight stitch, turning fabric 90 degrees to stitch around corners. Cut threads when done. Finished size is approx. 13" x 40".
5. Press the table runner to remove all wrinkles.

Now stand back and admire the new table runner. 

 I am so happy with my fabulous new budget-friendly $12 table runner.

And let me share some of the wonderful features of my new Sears Kenmore 50 Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine.

This sewing machine was so easy to thread! The machine came with a full-size instruction booklet complete with pictures detailing each step. I had the machine ready for sewing in about 15 minutes.

As I began sewing my project, I found the needle & feed moved the fabric with a very smooth flow and created beautiful stitching to make my project look perfect.

I also love the clear see-thru plate that covers the bobbin which makes it so easy to see how the bobbin thread is doing and when it might need a refill.

 This sewing machine has a computerized panel which makes it easy to make adjustments to stitch length and stitch width, and to access all of the other stitches that this model offers. 

Changing stitches is as easy as gently pressing a few buttons!

This model also offers these options in addition to straight stitch:

Zigszag stitch sewing, utility and decorative stitches, stretch stitches and a one step buttonhole function.

Basically, this Kenmore machine could handle any sewing project that your heart desires.

This machine weighs just under 12 pounds, which makes it easy to take to a sewing class or a friend's house for a project day.

 I have mentioned only a few of the many features of this lovely Kenmore sewing machine, but there are many more!

And right now, Sears has assorted Kenmore Sewing Machines at different price points on sale from now until May 12th,2013.

 just in time for Mother's Day! 

You can visit and learn more HERE.

And guess what else? The kind people at Sears Canada have provided me with a 

Sears Kenmore 50 Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine {Retail Value $349.99}

to give away to 1 lucky reader....just in time for Mother's Day!

So if you have ever dreamed of sewing fun project, now is your chance to enter this fantastic giveaway.

To Enter:

1. You must be 18 years of age and live in Canada to enter.

2. Click the link above & visit the Sears page. Have a quick look at the models for sale and then leave me a COMMENT telling me what you would like to make with a brand new sewing machine. {Please make sure that you leave or are connected to a valid email address.}

3. One winner will be chosen at random to receive a Sears Kenmore 50 Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine, to be mailed to the winner's  home.

4. Giveaway ends Friday, May 10, 2013 at midnight.  One entry per person. Good luck!

Angie

This post has been linked to:

Gingersnap Crafts, Clean & Scentsible, Savvy Southern Style, The DIY Dreamer, SNAP, I Gotta Create, The 36th Avenue, StoneGable, Tidy Mom, Designs, Dining & Diapers, Tatertots and Jello,  It's Overflowing, I Heart Naptime, Uncommon Designs, Aalderberry Hill, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, Under The Table & Dreaming, Made By You Monday, Lil Luna, Somewhat Simple,

Create A Beautiful Mother's Day with Shoppers Drug Mart

Gift baskets are my absolute favourite types of gifts to create for special people.They are both beautiful and personalized, with favourite items that make the gift recipient feel special & loved. I created this 'Pretty in Pink' Mother's Day basket for a friend who loves strawberries and the colour pink. I found everything I needed to create this unique basket at Shoppers Drug Mart, and I love the fun-looking result!  

It took no time at all to find several things in a pretty pink colour and a strawberry fragrance to create this incredible collection of all of my friend's favourite things. Shoppers Drug Mart offers an amazing shopping experience with an extensive selection in prestige beauty, nail, fragrance and accessory lines, along with a great selections in many other areas such as snacks, magazines, & seasonal items. Combine the overall shopping experience with the Optimum Points program and Shoppers Drug Mart offers the perfect combination of selection and value.  I was able to put this basket together for around $50 for my friend's husband to give to her for Mother's Day and I know that she will adore it. Just look at all it's pink loveliness....everything required for a luxurious bath, a few snacks and a magazine to relax with.

With Mother's Day just around the corner on May 12, Shoppers Drug Mart is offering a special Mother's Day Gift selection where you will find many beautiful gift sets of things such as fragrances and cosmetics, and other 'Gift With Purchase' opportunities designed to treat Mom on her very special day.

While pouring over the Shoppers Gift Guide, one of the things that caught my eye was this Chanel Gift Set which included 'hair mist'. I love great-smelling hair, so I added it to my wish list.

To make the Mother's Day shopping experience even better, Shoppers Drug Mart is also offering an Optimum Points promotion from Saturday, May 4th to Friday, May 10th, where you can collect 20X the Optimum Points when you spend $75 or more on cosmetics and fragrances.

With all of the amazing selection and value that Shoppers Drug Mart offers, along with convenient locations, it is the perfect destination to craft a beautiful Mother's Day for that special Mom in your life.

{Disclosure: The products mentioned above are  part of a sponsored post through my ad network, SheBlogs Media, for Shoppers Drug Mart. However, all opinions expressed are my own.}

This post is linked to:

Today's Creative Blog, Inside Bru Crew Life, Home Stories A To Z,  Lil Luna, The DIY Dreamer, StoneGable, Tidy Mom, Design, Dining & Diapers, Tatertots and Jello, It's Overflowing, I Heart Naptime, Uncommon Designs, Craft-O-Maniac, Aalderberry Hill, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, Under The Table & Dreaming, Somewhat Simple, 

Canucks Rock! Canadian Weekend Link Exchange

Welcome to the All Canadian Link Up!  This weekend and every weekend, Canucks Rock! with an All Canadian Link Up and Candid Canuck feature interview.  Brought to you by your hosts: Did you know Canada?, Tales of a Ranting Ginger and Maple Leaf Mommy!

This week Echoes of Laughter has been featured as the Candid Canuck, visit the hosts Tales of a Ranting Ginger, Maple Leaf Mommy or Did you know Canada? to read my interview!

Join me in the All Canadian Link Up!  Link up your Canadian blog and social media accounts, find some new reads and new friends!

Click here to grab this linky for your site! 

Make A Pretty Decoupage Vase {Gift Idea}

If you are searching for a craft project to make for Mother's Day, a teacher's gift, or just because...then I have the sweetest little budget-friendly project for you. Using a recycled can, a sheet of scrapbook paper and some paint, a pretty decoupage vase can be created to make a beautiful, handmade vessel to hold flowers.

This is a wonderful craft activity for children and teens, and each crafter will love that each vase can be personalized in the colours & patterns of his/her choice. These lovely rustic-looking vases would also work well for almost any type of party too. To make this project, here is what you will need:

Supplies:
Recycled can, washed & clean
craft paint
paint brush
scrapbook paper with flowers
Mod Podge & brush
scissors

Directions:
1. Paint the outside of the can using craft paint in colour of your choice. Let dry. Paint a second coat if desired. {I did 2 coats.}

 2. While paint is drying, cut out flowers from scrapbook paper.

3. Once paint on can is dry, cover can with a layer of Mod Podge and add flower cut outs to the outside of the can as desired.

4. Add another thin layer of Mod Podge to the entire can to seal flowers to can. Watch carefully for any little bubbles or wrinkles in the paper flowers and smooth out as necessary.

Once dry, a pretty doupage vase will emerge! To my vase, I added some floral foam, and  an arrangement of flowers including one of my favourite flowers...the gerbera daisy...in pink.

I really love how pretty & fabulous this homemade gift idea turned out!  I think I might make a few more for my patio table outside just for fun.

For other Mother's Day or Teacher Appreciation Gifts, here are more amazing ideas:

Strawberry lemonade mix 
Honey lavender sugar scrub
 Chai tea latte mix 
Cappuccino mix

And visit these boards on Pinterest:

Mother's Day Ideas

Fabulous Things In A Jar

Wishing you a lovely weekend!

This post is linked to these parties:
Tatertots and Jello, Whipperberry, Funky Junk Interiors, It's Overflowing, Cooking With Ruthie,  I Heart Naptime, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, Craft-O-Maniac, Uncommon Designs, Aalderberry Hill, Under The Table & Dreaming, Skip To My Lou, A Lived In Home, Today's Creative Blog, Inside Brew Crew Life, Home Stories A to Z, Lil Luna, Gingersnap Crafts, Clean & Scentsible, Savvy Southern Style, The DIY Dreamer, SNAP, I Gotta Create, The 36th Avenue, StoneGable, Tidy Mom,  Design, Dining & Diapers,

Mint Grapefruit Body Scrub +Free Printable Label

Hello dear friends!  I hope you are well.  Today I am sharing with you the last of the special body treats that I created for Mother's Day.....Mint Grapefruit Body Scrub. So far, I have shared Honey & Lavender Sugar Scrub, Mint Lime Foot Scrub, along with a Bath Gift Basket and a Gardening Gift Basket that was put together for under $10. We have been having lots of fun in April so far!

This is another easy gift to whip with just a few ingredients, a bowl & spoon and a few small canning jars. Anyone who can stir can make this adorable little gift for moms or teachers.

Mint Lime Body Scrub
{Makes 4~1/2 cup jars} 

Supplies:
2 cups coarse sugar crystals
2 tablespoons olive oil
zest of grapefruit
2 drops of mint essential oil
2 drops of grapefruit essential oil
1-2 drops of pink food colouring, optional

Directions:
1. In medium bowl, mix together the sugar, olive oil, zest of grapefruit, and food colouring until blended well.
2. Pour sugar scrub into jars and decorate.
3. Add the FREE printable label that I made for this project.

Mint Grapefruit Body Scrub Labels

Enjoy your sweet & fun homemade gift with those you love!

For other Mother's Day or Teacher Appreciation Gifts, here are more amazing ideas:

Bath Gift Basket +Free Printable Tag

Lime Mint Foot Soak +Free Printable Label

Easy 10 minute grape jelly
Strawberry butter 
Strawberry lemonade mix 
Honey lavender sugar scrub
 Chai tea latte mix 
Cappuccino mix

And these boards on Pinterest:

Mother's Day Ideas

Fabulous Things In A Jar

Wishing you a lovely weekend!

This post is linked to these parties:
Our Sunday Best Showcase, Monday Funday, Block Party,The Creative Collection, Tatertots and Jello, Link Party Palooza, Inspiration Gallery,Inspire Me Please,Tatertots and Jello, Whipperberry, Funky Junk Interiors, It's Overflowing, Cooking With Ruthie, I Heart Naptime, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, Craft-O-Maniac, Uncommon Designs, Aalderberry Hill, Under The Table & Dreaming, Skip To My Lou, Today's Creative Blog, Inside Bru Crew Life, Home Stories A to Z, Lil Luna, Gingersnap Crafts, Clean & Scentsible, Savvy Southern Style, The DIY Dreamer, SNAP,  I Gotta Create, The 36th Avenue, StoneGable, Tidy Mom, Design, Dining & Diapers, 

Gardening Gift Basket +Free Printable Tag

Our snow has finally melted and I am so excited! The gardening centres in my city are getting ready to open soon...a totally positive sign for sure. To celebrate, I created this gardening gift basket which is a perfect gift for the special 'green thumbs' in your life for Mother's Day, Teacher's Appreciation or just because.

This basket contains a few things that any gardener would need for Spring.....some pretty, new gardening gloves, small peat pots, gardening shears, plant markers, plant ties and plant food spikes. I found all of these items while browsing the aisles of the local dollar store and the total cost for this was under $10. I then tucked them inside a wicker plant pot that I already had at home, but any pretty pot would do.  {and here is how to make mint grapefruit body scrub.}

 And because my blog readers are such special people to me, I designed this sweet little gardening tag that you can use to finish off your gardening gift basket too!

Download Tags Here

For more wonderful Mother's Day or Teacher Appreciation Gifts, here are more amazing ideas:

Bath Gift Basket +Free Printable Tag

Lime Mint Foot Soak +Free Printable Label

Easy 10 minute grape jelly
Strawberry butter 
Strawberry lemonade mix 
Honey lavender sugar scrub
 Chai tea latte mix 
Cappuccino mix

And these boards on Pinterest:

Mother's Day Ideas

Fabulous Things In A Jar

Wishing you a lovely week!
Angie

This post is linked to these parties:

Not Just A Housewife, Clean & Scentsible, Savvy Southern Style, Lil Luna, Craftberry Bush, Tidy Mom, TatertotsandJello, Whipperberry, Funky Junk Interiors, It's Overflowing, Cooking With Ruthie, I Heart Naptime, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, Craft-O-Maniac, Uncommon Designs, Aalderberry Hill, Under The Table & Dreaming, Skip To My Lou, Today's Creative Blog, Inside Bru Crew Life, Home Stories A to Z, Gingersnap Crafts, Gingersnap Crafts, The DIY Dreamer, SNAP, The 36th Avenue, StoneGable,

Celebrate Earth Day: Make Your Home Energy Smart® with GE Lighting

Did you know that Earth Day is the largest and most celebrated event worldwide? And each year, over 6 million Canadians join over 1 billion people in over 170 countries to raise awareness and make positive changes in our environment to help protect our world from pollution? Almost every school child in Canada will take part in a project or activity to celebrate Earth Day!

Did you, as well, know that we can pollute twice as much with our homes as with our cars? Yes. It's true. Every time we cook in the kitchen, turn on a light switch, or plug in a laptop or smart phone, we are using energy, and most energy is generated by plants which burn fossil fuels. And we know that burning fossil fuels creates greenhouse gases that are released into the air. When we make choices that reduce energy consumption, then we also reduce  the amount of greenhouse gases being put into the air.

When you make more energy efficient choices, you are helping to protect the environment. There is one simple change that you can make in your home today which will help reduce energy consumption, and therefore reduce greenhouse gases. The one simple change you can make is to change all of your light bulbs to GE energy smart® Bright From the Start® CFL Light Bulbs. Unlike other CFLs, GE energy smart® Bright from the Start® CFLs feature a capsule that provides light instantly, so no more waiting to experience full brightness. From the moment you flip the switch, you will be seeing at full brightness right away.

And not only will you be experiencing full brightness, you can rest easy knowing that you are helping the environment by reducing energy consumption.  GE energy smart® Bright From the Start® CFL Light Bulbs has these important features and benefits:

~Lasts 8 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs

~Uses 75% less energy

~Saves $39 in energy cost over the life of the bulb*

~7.3 year life at 3 hours/day usage

And, these bulbs provide a similar soft, diffuse light as an incandescent with a similar shape, great for table lamps and fixtures where you want light instantly.

In celebration of Earth Day, GE Lighting would like to encourage you to change all of your light bulbs to GE energy smart® Bright From the Start® CFL Light Bulbs to reduce energy consumption. And to help you make the switch, they have a COUPON available to help you with the purchase of  Bright From the Start® CFL Light Bulbs.

 You can find the COUPON on the GE Lighting Facebook page here.

To learn more about GE Lighting and their full range of products, be sure to visit their site, which is full of information & helpful tips,
HERE.

{Disclosure-I am writing this post on behalf of GE Lighting to celebrate Earth Day. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion.}

Mint Lime Foot Soak +Free Printable {Gift Idea}

A few years ago I shared a very simple gift idea for a peppermint foot soak at Christmas time which was very popular, so I made a new version just in time for Spring & Summer. This one is Mint Lime Foot Soak, which has a wonderful mint and fresh citrus scent that is perfect for tired tootsie and 'flip flop feet'  in warmer weather. This would made such a perfect gift for Mother's Day or a teacher's appreciation gift.

This is very easy for anyone to make and can  be made in bulk to create many little jars for gift-giving. Here is what you will need:

Mint Lime Foot Soak

{makes 4~1/2 cup jars}

Supplies:
2 cups Epsom salts
1 lime
zester
peppermint essential oil
lime essential oil
green food colouring {optional}
4~1/2 clean glass jars with lips
ribbon & paper embellishments for jars

Directions:
1.In medium bowl, add Epsom salts, zest from 1 lime, 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil, 2-3 drops of lime essential oil, and 1-2 drops green food colouring.
2. Mix salt mixture until everything is mixed well, and mixture is light green in colour and lime zest is mixed throughout.
3. Decant into jars. Decorate as desired.
4. To use, sprinkle mint lime foot soak into a foot spa appliance, or a clean dish pan used just for feet, filled with warm water. Let feet soak while watching favourite TV show or reading  juicy book.

 As I mentioned above, you can increase the quantity of the Epsom salts to make more jars for gift-giving. And don't forget to add pretty ribbons and other things to make the jars look super adorable.

And because I love you all so much, I made a label that you can print on Avery oval labels #16463 and use for your jars too! You can find the link by clicking here: Mint Lime Foot Soak

If you are looking for other wonderful Mother's Day or teacher appreciation gifts, here are more amazing ideas:

Easy 10 minute grape jelly
Strawberry butter 
Strawberry lemonade mix 
Honey lavender sugar scrub
 Chai tea latte mix 
Cappuccino mix

And these boards on Pinterest:

Mother's Day Ideas

Fabulous Things In A Jar

Wishing you a lovely week!

This post is linked to:
Tips & Tutorials Tuesday, The Scoop,Our Sunday Best Showcase, Monday Funday, Block Party,The Creative Collection, Tatertots and Jello, Link Party Palooza, Inspiration Gallery, Inspire Me Please,Aalderberry Hill, Uncommon Designs, Craft-O-Maniac, Under The Table & Dreaming, Sugarbee Crafts, Homestories A to Z, BluCrew Life, Not Just A Housewife, Clean & Scentsible,Savvy Southern Style, Lil Luna, Multi-Testing Mommy, Craftberry Bush, Tidy Mom, Tatertots and Jello, Whipperberry, Funky Junk Interiors, It's Overflowing, What's Cooking With Ruthie, I Heart Naptime, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, Skip To My Lou, A Lived In Home, Home Stories A to Z,Gingersnap Crafts, The DIY Dreamer, SNAP, The 36th Avenue, StoneGable,

Bath Gift Basket +FREE Printable Tags

I love putting gift baskets together. I have always loved themes and colours, so this could be why I adore putting special packages together.  I was at the dollar store not long ago, and as I was shopping for craft supplies, this theme of a bath basket in purple jumped out at me.

You will be happy to know that I put this together for less than $10 and it includes: exfoliating bath mitts, a pumice stone, emery boards, a manicure kit, lavender & chamomile foot scrub,a foot file, and English lavender soap....which smells so incredible. Everything in the basket makes for a sumptuous and luxurious bath....perfect for a mom, girlfriend or teacher.

And because I love the little details too, I designedthis tag to go with the basket. And because I love my blog readers, I am sharing the printable tag here so you can print your own on cardstock to go with any gift you like!

Just For You Tags

If you are looking for more gifts to make, here are more ideas:
Easy 10 minute grape jelly
Strawberry butter 
Strawberry lemonade mix 
Honey lavender sugar scrub
 Chai tea latte mix 
Cappuccino mix

And these boards on Pinterest:

Mother's Day Ideas

Fabulous Things In A Jar

Father's Day Ideas

This post is linked to these parties:
Somewhat Simple, The Frugal Girls, Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons,Tidy Mom, Craftberry Bush, Becoming Martha, Craftionary, Nifty Thrifty Things, It's Overflowing,What's Cooking With Ruthie, Aalderberry Hill, Uncommon Designs, Craft-O-Maniac, Under The Table & Dreaming, Sugarbee Crafts, Homestories A to Z, Inside BruCrew Life, Not Just A Housewife, Clean & Scentsible,Savvy Southern Style, Lil Luna, Craftberry Bush, Tidy Mom, Tatertots and Jello, Whipperberry, Funky Junk Interiors, What's Cooking With Ruthie, I Heart Naptime, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, The DIY Dreamer, SNAP, The 36th Avenue, StoneGable,

Make A Flower Frame

I created this spring flower frame this week and I have to say I love how it turned out with the bright colours. It reminded me of the fun I used to have scrapbooking when a layout would come together just beautifully when the right colours were used. With Mother's Day around the corner and the end of the school year coming soon, that would make an excellent handmade gift.

This is not a difficult project and would be great for kids who love to paint and glue. Here are the supplies you will need:

Project Supplies:
-1 wooden & unpainted frame {I found mine at Micheal's for $1.50}
-craft paint
-foam brush
-assorted flowers made using a flower punch and cardstock scraps
-assorted buttons
- a bottle of Mod Podge in matte

Step 1. Paint the front & sides of frame green with foam brush. Let dry. Apply second coat if necessary. Let dry.

Step 2. Cover the painted frame with mod podge and add flowers in a random pattern.

Step. 3. Continue covering frame with flowers until completely covered. Add buttons with mod podge. Cover flowers and buttons with a second coat of mod podge to seal. Let dry.

Step 4. Once frame is completely covered, add picture.

This would make a great project to do with a group of children, or girlfriends. I think it would also make a great wedding favor idea too.

If you are looking for some other homemade gift ideas, you could try making strawberry butter, strawberry lemonade mix, iced cappuccino mix, chai tea latter mix,  or a honey lavender sugar scrub.

And feel free to visit some of these boards on Pinterest:

Mother's Day Ideas

Spring Decorating

Craft Ideas

Thank you so much for visiting!

This post is linked to these great parties:
I Gotta Create, StoneGable, Savvy Southern Style,  The 36th Avenue, Somewhat Simple, The Frugal Girls, Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons, Tidy Mom, Craftberry Bush, Becoming Martha, Craftionary, Nifty Thrifty Things, It's Overflowing, What's Cooking with Ruthie, Aalderberry Hill, Uncommon Designs, Craft-O-Maniac, Under The Table & Dreaming, Sugarbee Crafts, Homestories A to Z, Inside BruCrew Life, Not Just A Housewife, Clean & Scentsible, Savvy Southern Style, Lil Luna, Multi-Testing Mommy, Tatertots and Jello, Whipperberry, Funky Junk Interiors, It's Overflowing, What's Cooking with Ruthie, I Heart Naptime, I Should Be Mopping The Floor, Gingersnap Crafts, The DIY Dreamer, SNAP, StoneGable,