• How to Make a Detective Themed Display Board—Upcycle a frame or bulletin board into a display inspired by suspect boards in murder mysteries. A fun craft idea for fans of Sherlock, Agatha Christie, and Nancy Drew. | cassiecreley.com
    Blog,  Create

    How to Make a Detective Themed Display Board

    I have a friend who loves mysteries, especially Nancy Drew, and I wanted to make her a detective themed display board for her collection of pins and buttons.

    Today’s project is a variation on a ribbon board or memo board—you’ve probably seen pictures of them with the ribbons neatly crisscrossed. I have one above my desk and use it to display cards, photos, and other ephemera. This is a great way to upcycle an unused frame or plain bulletin board.

  • Create a Card Making Kit—Here are tips for making a fun present for a crafty friend. Ideas for card bases, die cuts, embellishments and other decorative elements to put together a thoughtful kit. | cassiecreley.com
    Blog,  Create

    Gift Idea: Create a Card Making Kit

    A card making kit is a fun gift idea that lets the recipient get creative! One of my friends recently got into making her own cards, so I wanted to send her some fun paper and decorations that she can use to easily craft her own cards.

  • Easy Christmas Light Alternatives: Simplify Christmas Decorating. Merry and bright DIY ideas that use colorful bits of nature and other décor. These easier decorations will help you whether you’re looking for less stress due to chronic illness or a desire for more free time with family this holiday season.
    Create,  Health

    Easy Christmas Light Alternatives: Simplify Christmas Decorating

    I love decorating for the holidays, but due to chronic illness, I need some easier Christmas light alternatives. I’m sharing some creative and festive ways to simplify Christmas decorating. This way, the outside of your house can shine, but you won’t have to untangle a bunch of light cords in cold weather!

    The annual tradition of decorating outdoors is such a beautiful way to brighten up the dark Pacific Northwest winters and herald the coming of Christmas. I want the outside of my house to look festive, but it’s too cold out for me to put up lights (asthma and fibromyalgia are not forgiving of the cold). And the last place I need to be is on top of a ladder with my dizziness and balance issues caused by dysautonomia, an autonomic nervous system disorder.

  • Create

    DIY Felt Christmas Banners

    Today I’m sharing an idea for an easy, festive Christmas banner, which makes a perfect gift!

    I made these banners for my dad to decorate his office at work. I love being able to make homemade gifts for my family. However, I have found it can be challenging to find gifts I can make for men. I’m good at making cute scarves, papercrafts, and jewelry—things which aren’t exactly on my dad’s wishlist! If you’re in a similar boat, this banner is the craft idea you’re looking for.

    After being unable to turn up an ideas even after searching Pinterest, I came up with the idea of making a felt banner. My dad was looking for something to bring a touch of holiday cheer to his workspace, and I knew Dad wouldn’t want something bulky taking up space in his office. I saw this felt and loved the rich colors. They look festive and Christmasy, but not girly.

  • Making Cards From Scraps—Autumn and Thanksgiving Designs
    Create

    Making Cards From Scraps—Autumn and Thanksgiving Designs

    Hey readers, I took the last few weeks off blogging as the cold weather is once again hitting me hard this year. But I found some energy to get creative, and wanted to share these ideas with you. It’s the perfect time of year to send a card and let someone know you’re thankful for them!

    I love the challenge of trying to make cards from leftover paper scraps. It’s a great way to prevent waste and get your creative juices flowing. I’ll share some tips for using leftovers below!

  • Craft Kits Paper Dolls and Stickers
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    Gift Idea: Mommy and Me Craft Kits

    I have a fun gift idea to share with you all today!

    I got the idea for this because one of my close friends is a mom of a little one and pregnant with her second child. I wanted to give her something that would be a ready-made project for her to enjoy with her little girl once her little boy arrives. This kit will make it easy for her to spend some one-on-one time with her daughter.

    Here are the three mini-kits I put together.

  • Chocolate Carmelita Bars Recipe (Vegan!) – One of my favorite quick desserts. It’s allergy-friendly, made without dairy or eggs | cassiecreley.com
    Blog,  Etc

    Chocolate Carmelita Bars Recipe (Vegan!)

    I’m going to share one of my favorite recipes with you today! It’s the recipe my friends request from me most often.

    Everyone gets really excited when they hear carmelita bars are being made. We’re all kind of obsessed.

    You think I’m kidding? I’ve had friends joke that they want carmelitas to be the dessert at their wedding. (I’m actually pretty sure they weren’t joking.)

    I once froze a batch of carmelita bars, packed them next to an ice pack in my luggage, and took them to California with me. They were still cold and amazingly delicious after two plane rides and then getting left in a trunk while I ate dinner at a restaurant before visiting the Hollywood walk of fame. (Yes, I forgot about them in my excitement.) My friends’ faces were priceless when I announced I’d brought dessert.

    Carmelitas: don’t leave home without them!

  • Vegan Carmel Sauce Recipe—delicious and allergy-friendly, made without dairy or eggs | cassiecreley.com
    Blog,  Etc

    Caramel Sauce Recipe (Vegan!)

    I loooove caramel.

    I was so sad when I found out I was allergic to dairy in college. Caramel is one of my favorite foods, and it’s usually made with milk. My mom altered this recipe so it is safe for me. And now it’s safe for you! (Thanks Mom!)

    We normally use this recipe to make chocolate carmelita bars, which is an all-time favorite around my house.

    You can also use this caramel as an ice cream topping or as the filling for German Chocolate Cake (just add chopped pecans and coconut). It also makes a great dip for slices of apple.

    I’ll link to the ingredients/brands I use because I know that can be helpful when trying a new recipe. (Note, because of how Amazon sells these products, they may be in packs of 2 or 12, etc.)