All posts tagged: CRAFTS

A monogrammed bracelet crafted from silver spoons.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

My handmade shirt featuring Kermit the Frog.

Kermit, collectibles, and a little Mississippi magic

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.