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Sunday, November 30, 2025

Festive Paper House Decor... 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments Bloghop

 
  

Hello creative friends! Welcome to DAY FOUR of the 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments Bloghop. Pop over to Try-It, Like It for the details on all each days ornament tutorial. 
 
 
Today I am sharing how to create this adorable festive birdhouse ornament. This is a fun stash-busting project and can be done using what you have on hand. All you need is a few paper scraps, buttons or metal findings and ribbons & trims, this sweet house is ready to adorn the tree!

I was inspired by the red & white checks on this 1 1/2" wide wired burlap trim - it's perfect for the rooftop of my whimsical little bird house.

PLEASE NOTE: This was put together in a free-form fashion... like one of those recipes that you throw together using a handful of pantry staples. This project came together with ease and the size was determined by the size of my paper scraps & width of ribbon trim that I selected for the roof. No precise measuring! 

Let's get started!

To begin: from my stash I found and cut two matching strips of patterned paper. My paper has a distressed painted texture on both sides and I made width match the wired burlap trim I am using for the roof which is approximately 1 1/2" wide


Overlap the two strips together like a "plus sign", then glue together with white craft glue. Next cut a matching triangular peak to support roof from top and bottom of one strip. This overlapped section will be the base of house. When glue is dry, fold up the sides at edges of the base section. Punch a series of equally spaced holes along each edge. I used six – this may vary depending on your size paper. Keep in mind that an even number of holes are needed to complete stitched X shapes along each side.

 
Using a contrasting yarn, embroidery floss or baker's/burlap twine, stitch house walls together using a cross stitch "X" pattern and and knot off on the inside.



Completed house with all sides stitched – no glue necessary. 



I cut a section of a decorative wired burlap trim, folded in half, then folded edges over twice to add extra dimension. Any kind of ribbon or even decorative paper could be used. Cut a matching size section of patterned cardstock and fold in half. 



For extra stability, adhere the piece of scrap patterned cardstock using double-sided tape. For this step, I opt for a dry adhesive method as some glues may seep into and discolor ribbon. Please use your choice of adhesive based on your materials.



Create a hanger by tying a knot to form a loop with green burlap thread. Poke a small hole in center of roof with a pushpin and feed through keeping knot on the inside. To add extra detail, I strung on a bead cap. 
 
 
 
To create a base, I mount a red cardstock rectangle on the bottom that is slightly larger and added a thin natural burlap twine around the base. I nipped the tips off the corner edges with scissors.

To add a roof overhang, I cut and adhere a piece of red cardstock below that is slightly wider on each size under burlap roof piece. To finish: I glue the roof assembly onto the house structure using white craft glue and set aside to dry.
 
 
 
The finishing touches are a keyhole brad embellishment glued to the front of the house and a beautiful tied bow made of burlap ribbon adhered with a heavy-duty glue-dot. This ornament is so adorable! As you can see it can fit in my hand. Fully embellished this house is about 3 1/2" tall and 2 1/2" wide.


This ornament comes together easily using a minimal amount of supplies. Grab up all the little bits and bobs and make a whole bunch in different colors and sizes! These will be my handmade ornament gifts for family this year.
 
I invite you to join me and subscribe to my YouTube channel where I will share a video process of this ornament in a different color and pattern range on December 8th! While you are there you can view a video on a mixed-media Junque Fairy ornament.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment and your contact information spelled out {ie: youremail at service dot com} and I will be happy to respond. 
 
Thank you for stopping by. Check back for more fun projects!  :) Sb

Trim the Tree with Handmade Holiday Ornaments...

Hello creative friends! Handmade holiday gifts are my jam – especially ornaments. It's a tradition that I share with my Grandmother which has spread to other family members too. I am also into all sorts of art & crafts, sewing and of course, I just can't resist making ALL THE THINGS! 

That being said, 
I am excited that my creative friend Janet invited me to be a part of a special handmade event where each day brings a new craft tutorial to follow along and make some new handmade holiday ornaments... the 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments!


+ + + + +

To visit all the stops for the 12 Days of Christmas Ornaments visit Janet at https://tryit-likeit.com/12-days-of-christmas-ornaments/

Here's the list of all the Ornament Makers in this bloghop:

Day 1 – Janet Trieschman: Fabric Ball Ornament
Day 2 – Donna Wirthlin: Santa Fabric Star
Day 3 – Natalie Shaw: Waterslide Decal Ornaments
** Day 4 – Susan M. Brown {sbartist}: Festive Paper House Ornament ** YOU ARE HERE
Day 5 – Michelle James: Old World Santa Ornaments
Day 6 – Julie Nyanyo: Felt and Button Stars
Day 7 – Christie Troxell: Pinecone Flowers Wood Slice
Day 8 – Gail Griffin: Bejeweled Decorative Ornament
Day 9 – Katie Adams: 3D Laser Cut Reindeer Ornament
Day 10 – Janet Trieschman: Alcohol ink Ornament
Day 11 – Terry Ricioli: Rustic Wood Slice Ornament
Day 12 – Janet Trieschman: Christmas Tree

Thanks for stopping by – I hope you enjoy creating along. Merry Christmas and Happy Making. I'd love to hear about what type of ornaments you like to make. :) Sb

Give Your Creative Business a Gift of Growth & Community


Hello creative friends! If you are looking to level up in your creative journey, look into the Craft Industry Alliance – a community for creative professionals by creative professionals! 

I am a member of The Craft Industry Alliance – a place to strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections.

The Craft Industry Alliance is a trusted source of industry information, small business advice, and community for craft professionals. Makers, designers, suppliers, shop owners, service providers, and content creators come together to grow their businesses and support each other in this unique trade organization.  Membership includes: In-depth Courses; Discounts on Business Essentials; Business Resources; Community; Expert Training; Mastermind Groups and more!

For Cyber Monday save 25% on Craft Industry Alliance Memberships*

Use code CRAFTPOP

You can also give a Craft Industry Alliance membership as a gift —choose “Is this a gift?” at checkout. 

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support. 
 

Thanks for visiting! :) Sb


Thursday, November 13, 2025

NO-BAKE Gingerbread DIY Holiday DECOR... Day Four of the Gingerbread Crafts Hop



Welcome back creative friends!. It's DAY FOUR of the Gingerbread Crafts Hop and we're halfway there! Did you enjoy Janet's festive Shrink film earring tutorial? TODAY, Christie of @ritzy_parties is up on her INSTAGRAM acct sharing her take on the viral make of the season... and it's EASY-AS-PIE!

NO-BAKE Gingerbread Holiday DECOR!



Recycled cardboard boxes are magically transformed into a sugar coated row of holiday houses, fit for Candy Cane Lane.

The Gingerbread Crafts Hop is SIX days of crafty Christmas fun for everyone! November 10th through Saturday, November 15th myself along with my Creative Friends will share a gingerbread themed creation – every day filled with sugar, spice and EVERYthing NICE!

Follow along with us on INSTA to see some crafty inspiration! Please be sure to Like, Comment, Follow and Share the creative spirit!

Monday, November 10th – @juanitascasita Jane Rudolfo Shouse
Tuesday, November 11th – @sassyeyedsusan Susan M. Brown {sbartist} **THAT'S ME**
Wednesday, November 12th – @tryit2likeit Janet VanLone Trieschman
Thursday, November 13th – @ritzy_parties Christie Troxell
Friday, November 14th – @makeablecrafts Meg Daves
Saturday, November 15th — @ernavandyk Erna van Dyk

See you tomorrow for DAY FIVE... Meg will be sharing her Sweet Make with you tomorrow!!

;) Sb 


Wednesday, November 12, 2025

No-Bake Holiday Earrings... Day Three of the Gingerbread Crafts Hop

 
 
Welcome to DAY THREE of the Gingerbread Crafts Hop! Did you enjoy Susan's hand-painted Gingerbread House ornament?! TODAY, Janet of @tryit2likeit is up on her INSTAGRAM acct sharing a fun & festive Shrink film gingerbread tutorial!

Make these SWEET Gingerbread Friends!

 
Shrink film gingerbread can be used for earrings, charms, or decoration. They are so fun to make.  
 
The Gingerbread Crafts Hop is SIX days of crafty Christmas fun for everyone! November 10th through Saturday, November 15th myself along with my Creative Friends will share a gingerbread themed creation – every day filled with sugar, spice and EVERYthing NICE! 

Follow along with us on INSTA to see some crafty inspiration! Please be sure to Like, Comment, Follow and Share the creative spirit!

Monday, November 10th – @juanitascasita Jane Rudolfo Shouse
Tuesday, November 11th – @sassyeyedsusan Susan M. Brown {sbartist} **THAT'S ME**
Wednesday, November 12th – @tryit2likeit Janet VanLone Trieschman
Thursday, November 13th – @ritzy_parties Christie Troxell
Friday, November 14th – @makeablecrafts Meg Daves
Saturday, November 15th — @ernavandyk Erna van Dyk 

See you tomorrow for DAY FOUR... Christie will be sharing her Sweet Make with you tomorrow!!

;) Sb


Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Trimming the Tree with Handpainted Ornaments... Day 2 of the Gingerbread Crafts Hop

 
 
Welcome to DAY TWO of the Gingerbread Crafts Hop! Did you enjoy Jane's glittering Gingerbread House Cards?! 
 
 
 
TODAY, I am sharing a tutorial over on my INSTAGRAM acct transforming a nearly vintage ceramic ornament blank found in my box of Holiday Goodness using DecoArt Glass Paints!  

Handpainted Gingerbread Ornie Sneak Peek!

 
I'm so thrilled to have transformed this craft blank into a new ornament to hang on my tree with my collection of handmade pieces over the years. How do you decorate ceramic ornament blanks?
 
The Gingerbread Crafts Hop is SIX days of crafty Christmas fun for everyone! November 10th through Saturday, November 15th myself along with my Creative Friends will share a gingerbread themed creation – every day filled with sugar, spice and EVERYthing NICE! 

Follow along with us on INSTA to see some crafty inspiration! Please be sure to Like, Comment, Follow and Share the creative spirit!

Monday, November 10th – @juanitascasita Jane Rudolfo Shouse
Tuesday, November 11th – @sassyeyedsusan Susan M. Brown {sbartist} **THAT'S ME**
Wednesday, November 12th – @tryit2likeit Janet VanLone Trieschman
Thursday, November 13th – @ritzy_parties Christie Troxell
Friday, November 14th – @makeablecrafts Meg Daves
Saturday, November 15th — @ernavandyk Erna van Dyk 

See you tomorrow for DAY THREE... Janet will be sharing another Sweet Make with you tomorrow!!

;) Sb

Monday, November 10, 2025

All that Glitters in Gingerbread Land... Day one of Gingerbread Crafts Hop

 
 
Welcome to DAY ONE of the Gingerbread Crafts Hop! Today, Jane at @juanitascasita kicks it off the event… be sure to visit her INSTAGRAM acct to see what she's baking up in Gingerbread Land. 

Glittering Gingerbread Sneak Peek!


The Gingerbread Crafts Hop is SIX days of crafty Christmas fun for everyone! November 10th through Saturday, November 15th myself along with my Creative Friends will share a gingerbread themed creation – every day filled with sugar, spice and EVERYthing NICE! 

Follow along with us on INSTA to see some crafty inspiration! Please be sure to Like, Comment, Follow and Share the creative spirit!

Monday, November 10th – @juanitascasita Jane Rudolfo Shouse
Tuesday, November 11th – @sassyeyedsusan Susan M. Brown {sbartist} **THAT'S ME**
Wednesday, November 12th – @tryit2likeit Janet VanLone Trieschman
Thursday, November 13th – @ritzy_parties Christie Troxell
Friday, November 14th – @makeablecrafts Meg Daves
Saturday, November 15th — @ernavandyk Erna van Dyk 

See you tomorrow for DAY TWO... I look forward to sharing a Sweet Make with you Tomorrow!!

;) Sb

A Cold Snap in November... brings Gingerbread Wishes!

Still enjoying all things PUMPKIN Spice?? It's time for a rare November cold snap in SOFL. It must be a daydream?! 
 
Actually this time it's true... I'm counting the minutes and my Bumble Slippers are on standby, hot cocoa and marshmallows ready and the holiday music going because it's the most wonderful time of the year – Handmade Holidays! I love, love, LOVE making all the sparkly things and this year I am starting early thanks to my group of Creative Elves.



The Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl was so much fun – we're doing it again with Gingerbread Crafts! To get you excited for our SWEET Seasonal event I am doing with some Artsy Pals this week... enjoy this festive stamped card with a snarky twist.

YOU DO NOT want to miss
the kickoff of Crafting Season!



Our Gingerbread Crafts Hop is SIX days of crafty Christmas fun for everyone! Each day beginning Monday, November 10th through Saturday, November 15th myself along with my Creative Friends will share a gingerbread themed creation – every day filled with sugar, spice and EVERYthing NICE! My project will be revealed on DAY TWO, November 11th!

Follow along with us on INSTA to see some crafty inspiration!

Monday, November 10th – @juanitascasita Jane Rudolfo Shouse
Tuesday, November 11th – @sassyeyedsusan Susan M. Brown {sbartist} **THAT'S ME**
Wednesday, November 12th – @tryit2likeit Janet VanLone Trieschman
Thursday, November 13th – @ritzy_parties Christie Troxell
Friday, November 14th – @makeablecrafts Meg Daves
Saturday, November 15th — @ernavandyk Erna van Dyk

Monday Jane at @juanitascasita kicks it off the event… be sure to visit her INSTAGRAM acct to see what she's baking up in Gingerbread Land. I'll drop some reminders each day too!

Thanks for dropping by today. I look forward to sharing a creative week of Sweet Makes!!

;) Sb

Friday, August 22, 2025

BLACK MOON Masquerade... Day 5 of the Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl!


Welcome to the day FIVE of the Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl!! Did you snag the  Haunted House TREAT from Janet yesterday? If you just arrived today, be sure to go back and see all the fun! On Wednesday was a watercolor paint-a-long with ErnaTuesday Jane shared Glittery Glam Haunted House Cards, and Christie Smashed Halloween on Monday

Today I have an invitation for you... 
pop on over to MY INSTAGRAM acct @SassyEyedSusan – don't forget your mask!
 
Everyone is Invited!
 
 
 
You are Cordially invited

to attend a

MASQUERADE UNDER the STARS

at Nine o’Clock EDT

on the Eve of the
BLACK MOON

• Handmade Masks Requested •

Location - on IG @SassyEyedSusan  
 
Below is a list of the creatives that are joining me for this fabulous INSTAGRAM Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl – be sure to visit each day, enjoy the fun and leave a comment that I sent you! 
 
Monday, 8/18 — @ritzy_parties Christie Troxell  
Tuesday, 8/19 — @juanitascasita Jane Rudolfo Shouse 
Wednesday, 8/20 — @ernavandyk Erna van Dyk 
Thursday, 8/21 — @tryit2likeit Janet VanLone Trieschman 
* Friday, 8/22 — @sassyeyedsusan (ME) Susan M. Brown {sbartist} 
DAY 6 -- Saturday, 8/23 @makeablecrafts Meg Daves 
 

See you tomorrow for day SIX of the Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl with Meg Daves!

;) Sb

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Halloween TREATS for ALL... Day 4 of the Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl!


Welcome to the day Four of the Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl!! Did you enjoy relaxing mixing watercolors painting a harvest moon scene with Erna yesterday? If you just arrived today, be sure to go back and see all the fun! On Tuesday Jane shared Glittery Glam Haunted House Cards, and Christie Smashed Halloween on Monday

Today Janet with Try It - Like It - Create It 
brings the Halloween TREATS for everyone!  Enjoy some spooky papercrafting fun with a FREEBIE to create with... an awesome layered Haunted House Diorama SVG file, just in time for Halloween paper crafting! 

Download your FREE SVG right here: 
and let the crafting begin!

No tricks... pop on over to Janet's INSTAGRAM acct to see how quick and easy this lovely layered haunted house comes together! 

Enjoy a Spooktacular Sneak PEEK!
 
 
 
Below is a list of the creatives that are joining me for this fabulous INSTAGRAM Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl – be sure to visit each day, enjoy the fun and leave a comment that I sent you! 
 
Monday, 8/18 — @ritzy_parties Christie Troxell  
Tuesday, 8/19 — @juanitascasita Jane Rudolfo Shouse 
Wednesday, 8/20 — @ernavandyk Erna van Dyk 
Thursday, 8/21 — @tryit2likeit Janet VanLone Trieschman 
* Friday, 8/22 — @sassyeyedsusan (ME) Susan M. Brown {sbartist} 
Saturday, 8/23 @makeablecrafts Meg Daves
 

See you tomorrow for day FIVE of the Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl with yours truly!

;)Sb




Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Over the Harvest Moon... Day 3 of the Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl!


Welcome to the day THREE of the Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl!! What did you think of Jane's Glittery Glam Haunted House Cards and how would you make Christie's Smashing Halloween Treats?! 

Today brings something a little different... and also relaxing – make a deliciously haunted painted watercolor scene with Erna at 
@ernavandyk

Go grab your paints, some paper and just one brush 
and visit Erna's INSTAGRAM acct to see how to paint this Glamorous Witch flying over the Harvest Moon! 

Go Batty with this Sneak PEEK!
 

Fly over to SEE ERNA Paint this Watercolor Scene!

Below is a list of the creatives that are joining me for this fabulous INSTAGRAM Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl – be sure to visit each day, enjoy the fun and leave a comment that I sent you! 
 
Monday, 8/18 — @ritzy_parties Christie Troxell  
Tuesday, 8/19 — @juanitascasita Jane Rudolfo Shouse 
Wednesday, 8/20 — @ernavandyk Erna van Dyk 
Thursday, 8/21 — @tryit2likeit Janet VanLone Trieschman 
* Friday, 8/22 — @sassyeyedsusan (ME) Susan M. Brown {sbartist} 
Saturday, 8/23 @makeablecrafts Meg Daves
 

See you tomorrow for day FOUR of the Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl!

;)Sb

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Houses of Haunted Delight... Day 2 of the Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl!


Welcome to the day TWO of the Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl!! How did you like Christie's Smashing Halloween Treats?! Ready for more... 
 
Today Jane at @JuanitasCasita shares a trio of Glittery Glam Haunted House Cards... pop over and visit  INSTAGRAM acct to see what mysterious make she has in store for you! 

Here's a Glam Sneak PEEK!
 

Houses of Haunted Delight! CLICK TO SEE MORE!

Below is a list of the creatives that are joining me for this fabulous INSTAGRAM Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl – be sure to visit each day, enjoy the fun and leave a comment that I sent you! 
 
Monday, 8/18 — @ritzy_parties Christie Troxell  
Tuesday, 8/19 — @juanitascasita Jane Rudolfo Shouse 
Wednesday, 8/20 — @ernavandyk Erna van Dyk 
Thursday, 8/21 — @tryit2likeit Janet VanLone Trieschman 
Friday, 8/22 — @sassyeyedsusan (ME) Susan M. Brown {sbartist} 
Saturday, 8/23 @makeablecrafts Meg Daves

 

See you tomorrow for day three of the Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl!

;)Sb

Monday, August 18, 2025

It's a Graveyard SMASH... Day 1 of the Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl!


Welcome to the official kick-off of FALL and all the SpO🎃Ky things! Join me and my artsy, crafty creative friends for a Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl!! Each day a different creative will share something ghoulishly awesome to get you inspired for the spooky season or maybe something fabulously for Fall. My project will be revealed on Friday, August 22nd!

Below is a list of the creatives that are joining me for this fabulous INSTAGRAM Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl – be sure to visit each day, enjoy the fun and leave a comment that I sent you! 
 
Monday, 8/18 — @ritzy_parties Christie Troxell  
Tuesday, 8/19 — @juanitascasita Jane Rudolfo Shouse 
Wednesday, 8/20 — @ernavandyk Erna van Dyk 
Thursday, 8/21 — @tryit2likeit Janet VanLone Trieschman 
Friday, 8/22 — @sassyeyedsusan (ME) Susan M. Brown {sbartist} 
Saturday, 8/23 @makeablecrafts Meg Daves
 
Today Christie at @ritzy_parties kicks it off the event… be sure to visit her INSTAGRAM acct to see what spooky secret craft she has in store for you! 
 
Here's a Sweet Sneak PEEK!
 

It's a Graveyard Smash Party! CLICK TO SEE MORE! 

See you tomorrow for another installment of the Fall-o'Ween Crafty Crawl!

;)Sb

Friday, August 15, 2025

Goodbye Summer - Hello Fall-o'Ween...


Summer is relentless in SOFL... seems like it never ends and this year it's blazing hot everywhere else too! Everyone is ready for cooler things like Fall + Halloween... all things pumpkin and spice. I love it! Gimme some googlie eyes, candy corn and some spooky fun crafty goodness and I am a happy camper.
 

I'm sharing a throwback card for Flashback Friday and to give everyone a heads up for a fun event I am doing with some Artsy Pals next week...  
 
YOU DO NOT want to miss the OFFICIAL kickoff of Fall-o'Ween!


Thanks for dropping by today. Have creative weekend and I look forward to seeing you Monday and I'll tell you more about it!
:) Sb