By Mary Genser
 

November 14, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Hand-made boards provide easy, inexpensive, and customizable ways to brighten up the holiday season for those on your gift-giving list. Whether you need gifts to give—or you’re simply a little bored—get some little boards and have fun!

By Mary Genser

March 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Want some spring decorations that really rock? These ornamental rock pots are ideal garden accessories to brighten up your home’s interiors. Use them to display artificial ivy, plants, flowers, or handy household items. They also make great gifts. Your only limit is your imagination!

By Mary Genser

December 20, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Looking for some quick ways to deck your halls and dress up your holiday dinner table? Here are some simple yet elegant holiday crafts that are inexpensive and easy –even if you lack artistic talent. The secret ingredients in all? Fabric, permanent glue sticks, and glitter paint!

By Mary Genser

Thanksgiving Day
     Is not
  So far away—
There’ll be cloudy skies,
Apple and pumpkin pies—
And lots of turkey to eat.
Also every kind of sweet.
         Now—
  Go put up your feet
   And watch a game.
    I’ll do the same.

Editor's note:  Fortunately, before relaxing for her holiday celebration, our crafty columnist provided us with directions for making three Thanksgiving projects: holiday glass plates, autumn embroidery hoops, and fall foliage centerpieces.

By Mary Genser

October 14, 2009 (La Mesa) –Hand-painting pumpkin stones make delightful additions to your home during Halloween and throughout the fall holiday season. You can use them as decorations, paperweights, gifts or party favors.

To make your own festive pumpkins, you will need:

By Mary Genser

July, 2009 (La Mesa)—Beautiful and versatile, these decorated pots have a variety of uses. Add flower arrangements or plants, store magazines, display a seashell collection, hold pens and pencils, or tuck away a spare roll of toilet paper in your bathroom. Ideal for showing off in summer, these pots can also be used in all seasons indoors—and enjoyed for years to come.
 

By Mary Genser

April 1, 2009 (La Mesa)—These elegant eggs are beautiful enough to display year-round. They can be displayed throughout the home or given as treasured gifts.

By Mary
Genser

February 8, 2009 (La Mesa) — It's
easy to create festive floral arrangements to suit any occasion--all on a minimal
budget.

Start with a simple container such as a drinking glass, vase, pottery jar
or even a metal can. You can pick up these items at discount stores or yard
sales, or simply use an item from your kitchen cupboard.