I'm getting married!

Hello to anyone who reads this!  I just wanted to announce out there that I am officially engaged to be married to the love of my life!  We have been dating for 2 1/2 years and I have pretty much loved him ever since the day we met.  He has been there for me through finishing my last year of college and being there at my graduation (8 years of college in the making...yes, I took my time) to holding me near when my father passed away from ALS December 28th, 2009.  He has been there for me through thick and thin and I am so thankful he is mine and that he loves me so.

So, he proposed to me while standing on a balcony near the beach, watching the rain pour down below and the poor valet drivers getting soaked as they parked customers' cars.  He asked me so calmly, "so, do you want to spend forever with me?"  Seeing how this isn't the first time we've discussed, "forever", I said, "yeah! duh!" and gave him a big kiss.  As turned to look out at the rain, I turned back and he got down on one knee and opened a box with a big shiny ring!  I don't know what exactly he said due to my state of shock, but he did ask me to be his wife.  I said yes a bunch, I even cried a lot.  Then following the engagement we took a gondola ride around Newport Harbor in the pouring rain.  it was perfect.

That being said, weddings cost an arm and a leg!  I would love to offer to anyone out there to donate money to cause!  I will be periodically posting updates on my planning process as well as the crafts I've been making in the mean time.  You can find me on PayPal under the email melaniedoran@gmail.com.  Any amount you can donate would be wonderful!  I'll gladly accept anything you can offer from $5 to $500, your choice!  :)  My fiancée and I will be thrilled to see deposits!

Thanks for reading and I hope you keep on coming back!

I love Martha Stewart

I'm pretty sure all you crafters out there know of the great Martha Stewart.  I have just developed a new appreciation for Martha Stewart.  I have found myself consistently on her website sifting through projects that I can do myself.

As I think about Christmas this year, I want to make to special for everyone!  A Christmas to remember.  So, I think I'm going to make some things for my friends and family!  Here's one of my favorites!  This project shows how to really personalize your gifts and that special touch:


Just simply grab some felt and some ribbon, place your gift in it, cut sew and go!  It's genius!

Oh and Martha is so handy when it comes to using items around the house, like bath towels!  Oh my gosh I needed a bathroom caddy and look what I can do now!  Time to buy some awesome towels and create!

I get so disgustingly excited when I see projects like this!  Just thinking of the amazing things I could do with different colors, patterns and fabrics!  

My Thanksgiving Turkey

So, last night I went to the store, bought a lot of felt fabric, buttons and other fun stuff!  Here is the link to view my "how to" on www.cutoutandkeep.net

I cannot wait to keep crafting!



See Grand Gobbler and 1000's of others - or share your own on Cut Out + Keep

The Art of Being Crafty!

Okay, so here I am...in my late 20's.  Joy.  What do I do now?

For 12 years I was an avid swing dancer, you know?  It all started in the 1920's and moved through the 1940's,  dancing to big band, swing, Charleston, dixieland?  I would social dance, I would even compete, I also taught lessons and eventually I captained and choreographed a swing dance team.

Now my professional dancing days are over and I have begun a new hobby; crafts.  Because crafts is so broad this allows me to do many different things with my time, talents and brain power. I have learned to love sewing because of the time and preparation it takes.  I also love making wine charms and more recently have been exploring felt!

My goals this month:
*  Make 10 baby owls with felt
*  Make 4 coffee cozies


I will post pictures of my products as they become available.