DelaneyGates.com

Hot Cocoa Love

If your family is anything like mine, your hot cocoa consumption elevates about 400% in the month of December. I love how this simple, yet creative idea from Martha Stewart makes this warm treat extra special.
 

Martha Stewart for Crane & Co.

 

 

I just love anything inspired by calligraphy! In addition to these elegant holiday cards, Martha Stewart also has a huge selection of invitation designs for Crane and Co, as well. Check them out, here! 

Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts : A Quick Review

  

After all of the hype and anticipation of the book Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts, I am very pleased to say that this is one craft book which actually lives up to its expectations.  (It surpassed mine, even!) The crafty gods delivered, ladies.  If you are a crafter, an artisan, or a creative of any sort, this book is a must-have item.  Before yesterday, I had yet to find a book which transformed all of the techniques I wanted to learn into the timeless, yet modern style I'm attracted to.  This one does.  I'll let the photos speak for themselves:

 

 

 

 

The entire book (-Which is about the size of a real encyclopedia volume, by the way!  Remember those?) is filled with an endless array of simply amazing photos of each finished project.  Furthermore, for each craft, there are very detailed, yet easy to understand directions, complete with clear photos of the step-by-step process.  I am a visual learner and sooo need that! See an example, below:

 

The topics covered range from block printing to silkscreening to calligrahy...and everything inbetween.  I was also pleasantly surprised to find pages of templates in the back of the book and a buyer's guide as well.  I won't give anything else away, but take my word for it (-And not only because I'm a fan of everything Martha-esque!), this book is definitely mandatory for every creative soul's library.

Tomorrow I'll be volunteering all day at field day at my son's school.  It's ESPN Gameday-themed; should be a blast!  I am very much looking forward to it.  Have a great weekend!

XO,

Delaney

Handmade Mother's Day, Martha Stewart Style

Are you a last minute shopper?  I sure am! If you wish, skip the retail insanity and instead tap into your inner creative with one of these simply sweet handmade gift ideas from Martha Stewart.  Each photo is linked to directions on how to complete the pictured gift.  Sit back with a cup of tea...and be inspired.

Have a super-creative day!

XO,

Delaney

Press One for Martha...

If you know me in real life or are one of my online Facebook friends, you most likely have heard about the phone conversation that made. my. year.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I spoke with Martha Stewart.  And it was everything I thought it would be.

Oh, how I wish I could say that she called me out of the blue to talk 'craft' with me.....but no.   I actually was perusing Twitter when I saw that she had posted the number to call in for her national satellite radio show.  Just so you know, I have never taken the time to call a radio show in my life....

I hit redial about four times and was met with a busy signal with each attempt...  But she's Martha freakin' Stewart, right?!  Totally worth the fifth call in my opinion.  Much to my surprise, I got through!  I gave my name and location and had to come up with a question on the fly!  (Um, note to self, next time one calls a radio show, one perhaps should have a question ready on the chance one actually gets through.....)  BUT, being the avid Martha fan that I am, I replied with this:

"In one of your biographies, I read that you started your own catering business in which you cooked for others in their own dishes, which I thought was a genius idea.  (As if she cares what I think, I know!)  Your company has designed everything from scrapbooking supplies to linens...what's next for you?  (Anything to shill product would be a huge hit, I assumed....I was right!)"

What she said next was honestly a blur to me, and at the risk of writing the most trite and hackneyed word of the 21st century, I'm going to have to break down and play  the 'surreal' card.  I do, however, recall Martha mentioning something about furniture design and pet care products.  Check out some of my favorites of the said furniture, shamelessly copied and pasted, below.  Enjoy!

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend ladies and gentlemen!  Expect a post about Mother's Day gift ideas coming up soon!

XO,

Delaney