All posts filed under: CRAFTS

A monogrammed bracelet crafted from silver spoons.

Holiday Sparkle and Spoon Bracelets: A craft fair adventure in Oxford

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There’s something magical about a holiday craft fair — the twinkling lights, the scent of cinnamon in the air, and the creative buzz of people showcasing their handmade treasures.

I recently visited one in Oxford, Mississippi, held at the gorgeous event space The Jefferson, where artisans from across the state gathered to show off their wares. Picture tables filled with everything from whimsical paintings to glimmering ornaments and hand-crafted jewelry — it was a festive wonderland of creativity.

A Halloween party scene with Halloween-themed food.

Dining with fellow Munsters on Halloween

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One year for Halloween, I decided to bring a little classic TV charm — and a dash of gothic glam — to my living room with a spooky, small-scale celebration. I’ve always loved Halloween, but instead of going full haunted-house this year, I kept it cozy with a small gathering of ghouls, goblins, and a few brave humans.

Costumes were encouraged (of course), and I knew exactly who I wanted to channel: the darkly delightful Lily Munster.

A gingerbread man.

Confessions of a Not-So-Great Baker: My gingerbread cookie adventure

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If you’ve been scrolling through my social media lately (unlikely), you might assume I’m a culinary goddess whipping up Pinterest-worthy creations with ease. Spoiler alert: I’m not. But I have been dabbling in the kitchen again, which is always an adventure — emphasis on adventure.

Like many serial hobbyists, I’ve gone through plenty of phases. Stamp collecting? Check. Salsa dancing? Si. That one time I thought I could be a top chef? Oh yes. I had a full-blown Food Network addiction and a growing collection of cookbooks — some purchased, some gifted, all aspirational.

A red robot ornament made of polymer clay.

My Christmas tree is filled with aliens, robots and monsters

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Let’s be honest: the way you decorate your Christmas tree says a lot about you. It’s like a glittery, pine-scented personality test — without the pressure of multiple choice. Some people go for elegant, color-coordinated themes with perfectly spaced ribbons and matching metallic balls. Others throw on everything they’ve ever owned since childhood, creating a nostalgic mosaic of memories.

As for me? I fall somewhere in between — equal parts sentimentalist, craft junkie, and intergalactic oddball.

A Christmas-decorated fireplace.

Create a little magic in your life this Christmas with simple, elegant and inexpensive decor

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It’s that time of year again — the season when we’re all gently nudged (or not-so-gently shoved by department store displays in mid-October) into believing in magic. The magic of snowflakes and cinnamon, twinkle lights and nostalgia. The magic of believing we can transform our homes into cozy holiday wonderland — armed with nothing but a roll of ribbon, a staple gun, and a cup of cocoa.

And I say, let’s lean in.

Scarecrows for fall.

Scarecrow Shenanigans & Fall Porch Vibes: My love for autumn lawn decor

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Okay, I’ll admit it: when it comes to holiday lawn decorations, I tend to go a little overboard. I’m not quite on Chevy Chase’s level in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” — no full-on electrical grid shutdowns here — but I do love to bring a little seasonal magic to my yard.

Whether it’s pumpkins, scarecrows, or monsters popping out of the bushes, there’s just something satisfying about making your lawn look like it stepped out of a Pinterest board… with a twist.

A creative vanity created by a crafter.

Yard Sale of the Vanities: Treasure hunting in Coffeeville

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A while back, I was driving through Coffeeville on my way back from Jackson, and I stopped at a little spot that is usually very busy on the weekends with people who set up yard sales. In the past, I lucked-up and found a lot of vintage jewelry for sale. This time, I had a similar experience.

I’ve stopped there a few times in the past and, on more than one occasion, scored some gorgeous vintage jewelry — necklaces and earrings that feel like they have stories of their own. Think rhinestones, costume gems, and clip-ons that would make any retro-lover’s heart skip a beat.

Lee McCarty, owner of McCartys Pottery in Merigold, stands in front of a wall of pottery.

Mr. McCarty’s Gift: Remembering Lee McCarty and a Delta dream

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The recent passing of Mississippi treasure Lee McCarty stirred up memories of one unforgettable day I spent in Merigold several years ago — a day that felt like stepping into a living piece of art history.

Five years ago, I found myself on a Delta road trip that led me to the doorstep of McCartys Pottery, the legendary studio Lee and his late wife, Pup, built from the ground up in the tiny town of Merigold. If you’ve never been, let me offer this heartfelt advice: add it to your bucket list. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

The steps of creating a spring wreath.

Crafting Calm: How I made a $1 thrift store wreath into a springtime favorite

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There’s something about crafting that quiets the noise of everyday life. For me, it’s more than a hobby — it’s a form of therapy. Whenever I’m creating something with my hands, especially something for my home, I feel a deep sense of peace and purpose.

One of my favorite simple DIY projects is a spring wreath I made a while back for my front door. It’s a cheerful, earthy piece that brings a pop of seasonal beauty to my porch — and the best part? It started with a $1 thrift store find.

An orange ceramic bird.

From Groovy to Gorgeous: How I gave a thrifted ceramic bird a modern makeover

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I love the thrill of a good antique or thrift store treasure hunt. You never know what quirky, charming, or unexpected items you might stumble across — and on one of my recent excursions, I discovered a curious little ceramic bird that looked like it flew straight out of someone’s 1970s den.

With its bold orange glaze and retro vibes, it definitely had personality, but it didn’t quite match my decor. Still, something about its shape and whimsical charm caught my eye. I couldn’t resist. For just a few dollars, I decided to take it home and give it a second life.

A wooden bed with peacock wall art above it.

Sleeping in a Treehouse: My whimsical bedroom makeover with a vintage peacock theme

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For more than 20 years, I’ve had what could best be described as a “tree bed” — a headboard and footboard crafted entirely from real tree branches.

I bought the bed in Ripley, Mississippi, and though it’s a little rustic and wild, it’s held up beautifully over the years. If you use your imagination, it kind of feels like you are sleeping in a treehouse every night.

A flower picture.

Thrift Store Transformation: Giving old art a fresh new look

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One of my favorite things to do is browse through thrift shops and weekend yard sales in search of overlooked treasures — items that might not catch everyone’s eye but have the potential to become something beautiful with a little creativity and effort. There’s something deeply satisfying about giving old things a second chance at life, especially when you can personalize them to fit your space and style.

That’s exactly what happened with this latest find: a pair of framed floral prints. At first glance, they weren’t anything special — classic flowers with a soft purple background that just didn’t match my current décor. But I saw their potential. I knew with a small investment of time and paint, I could turn them into something that would perfectly complement my bedroom.

A cross-stitched picture of the state of Mississippi.

How I saved Mississippi

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As I was browsing the aisles, something caught my eye — a hand-stitched piece of art in the shape of Mississippi. Since I collect all things Mississippi-shaped, I knew I had to rescue it from thrift store obscurity. Even better? It was only $1.

As I was browsing the aisles, something caught my eye — a hand-stitched piece of art in the shape of Mississippi. Since I collect all things Mississippi-shaped, I knew I had to rescue it from thrift store obscurity. Even better? It was only $1.

A group of vintage birds.

From Purse to Paint: How a 1960s Enid Collins handbag inspired my cabinet makeover

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I’ve always had a soft spot for quirky vintage treasures — especially if they sparkle. And one of my absolute favorite retro obsessions? The whimsical, jewel-studded box purses of the late, great Texas designer Enid Collins.

If you’ve never fallen down the Enid Collins rabbit hole, be warned: it’s a delightful trip. Her iconic 1960s wooden handbags — playful, hand-painted, and bedazzled with rhinestones — are tiny, portable works of art. Each design has this charming, cheerful energy that just makes you smile.

My handmade shirt featuring Kermit the Frog.

Kermit, collectibles, and a little Mississippi magic

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It’s not easy being green — but it’s very easy being a Kermit the Frog fan, especially this week as the new “Muppets” movie hits theaters. With that in mind, I thought it was the perfect time to celebrate the world’s most lovable amphibian by showing off a few of my favorite Kermit finds — and sharing why this little green guy holds such a special place in my heart.

Like many of you, I grew up in the golden age of “The Muppet Show” and “Sesame Street” — the 1970s and ’80s, when television was a little quirkier, a little fuzzier, and a whole lot more musical. Kermit wasn’t just a puppet. He was a philosopher. A dreamer. The gentle soul trying to hold everything together while Gonzo launched himself from cannons and Miss Piggy karate-chopped her way through love and drama.

A news article about the popularity of bottle trees featuring a multicolored bottle tree.

Why bottle trees are making a colorful comeback in Southern gardens

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Rick Griffin, a Jackson landscape architect, grew up seeing bottle trees on trips between Ocean Springs and Vicksburg. Fascinated by their charm, he built a 10-foot bottle tree in his own yard, calling it a symbol of fun and individuality. “It’s about being a nonconformist,” he says.

Once dismissed as kitschy folk art, bottle trees are now booming in popularity across the South, especially in neighborhoods like Fondren, where urban horticulture expert Felder Rushing has documented a sharp rise in their numbers. Rushing believes this trend reflects a cultural shift toward more relaxed, expressive outdoor spaces. “For a long time, lawns had to be perfect. Now, people feel freer to add personality and history to their yards,” he explains.

Earrings from The Small Book Company

These tiny book earrings from Etsy are a must-have for every book lover

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If you’re a bookworm with a love for unique accessories, here’s a literary treasure you’ll want to add to your collection: miniature book earrings handcrafted by The Small Book Company on Etsy.

I stumbled across this gem while browsing Etsy — one of my favorite places to discover creative and handcrafted finds. Jewelry artist Nicolette Tallmadge has turned her passion for literature into wearable art by designing teeny-tiny earrings shaped like classic books. I couldn’t resist ordering a pair, and when they arrived, I was completely charmed.

An image of a creepy doll.

Creepy dolls, Stephen King, and the artist who brings nightmares to life

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Have you ever locked eyes with a porcelain doll on a shelf and instantly felt a chill crawl up your spine? If so, you’re not alone — and horror icon Stephen King would probably agree with you. Dolls have long been the stuff of nightmares in King’s world, from murderous clowns to animated Army men with a vendetta.

King’s fear of dolls is well-documented across his work. In “Poltergeist,” which he helped write for the screen, a young boy’s fear of a clown doll turns disturbingly real when the toy attacks. In “The X-Files,” King penned an episode centered around a haunted doll, and one of the darkest vignettes in his “Nightmares and Dreamscapes” series features actor William Hurt being hunted by vindictive toys — tiny green Army men that eventually bring about his demise.

You can plant a greeting card?

Plantable Greeting Cards: Send a message that blooms with wildflowers

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Did you know you can actually plant a greeting card and grow flowers from it? That’s right — your next heartfelt note could double as a wildflower garden, thanks to the clever, eco-conscious creations from Round Robin Press. These beautiful cards aren’t just for show; they’re embedded with real wildflower seeds that can bloom once planted in soil.

Created by artist Shannon Lowry, the cards are printed on recycled paper and feature calming, nature-inspired illustrations — primarily of birds. For Lowry, birds symbolize peace, joy, and the quiet strength of nature.