A View From Above and Sunday Morning Coffee

It’s been one of the busiest weeks ever, and I am happy to be back in my craft room. Did you see my latest addition, which I am calling A View From Above?

Thanks for joining me for Sunday Morning Coffee. This is a place to share, learn, explain, dream, and have fun.

Season 6 Volume 7

About Me

The Projector Above My Craft Table Is a Total Game Changer

I recently made one small addition to my craft room that has completely changed the way I create, and honestly, I wish I had done this years ago. I installed a projector above my work table, and it has quickly become one of my favorite tools in the entire space.

What I love most is how versatile it is. I can project almost anything directly onto my work surface. Sewing patterns, embroidery designs, hand lettering, Cricut templates, painting guides, and even scaled artwork can now appear perfectly sized and ready to trace within seconds. Instead of printing multiple copies or struggling to resize designs, I simply open the file on my computer and project it onto my table.

The setup was surprisingly easy. I mounted the projector directly above my craft table so it points straight down onto the work surface. Then I ran a long extension cord for power and connected a long HDMI cable from the projector to my desk area. Now, whenever I want to use it, I just plug the HDMI cable into my MacBook Pro and everything appears instantly.

I did a lot of research about which projector to use. I didn’t want to buy one that wouldn’t project the image clearly, and I needed to ensure I could see it in broad daylight. Many projectors work best in a dark room. That wasn’t an option for me! I found a projector under $100 that has everything I need, and I am so happy with it!

Once I adjusted the focus and alignment the first time, the system became incredibly simple to use. I can control everything with the remote, including focus adjustments and image positioning, which means I rarely need to touch the projector itself. It feels seamless and effortless, and that convenience makes me use it far more often than I expected.

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One of my favorite discoveries is how helpful it is for transferring designs. Recently, I used it to project a floral pattern directly onto a pillow cover so I could trace it perfectly before painting and adding embroidery. The process felt precise and stress-free, and the results were exactly what I envisioned. I can also see this becoming essential for quilting layouts, embroidery placement, and even planning larger DIY projects where accurate sizing matters.

Another unexpected benefit is how much time it saves. Instead of measuring repeatedly or experimenting with scaling, I can adjust the size digitally and see the final result instantly on my work surface. It removes so much guesswork from creative projects and allows me to focus on the fun part, actually making something.

If you have a dedicated craft space, I cannot recommend this enough. It feels like adding a professional design tool to your room without complicated setup or expensive equipment. Whether you sew, paint, embroider, or craft in any way, being able to project designs directly onto your workspace opens up so many possibilities.

This simple addition has truly transformed how I work in my craft room, and I have a feeling it will inspire many more projects in the months ahead.

My Latest Project

My Tomato Garden Surprise (After Last Year’s Total Disaster)

Last year, my tomato-growing project was, without question, a complete disaster.

I planted eighteen tomato plants. Eighteen. I nurtured them, watered them, tied them up, checked them daily, and dreamed about baskets overflowing with beautiful homegrown tomatoes.

Months passed, and instead of enjoying a harvest, I found myself engaged in what felt like an all-out war with the creatures who clearly believed my vegetable garden was their personal buffet.

Birds, squirrels, and who knows what else managed to eat every single tomato before I could harvest them. I went to great lengths trying to outsmart them. I added netting around all of my raised beds, convinced that I had finally solved the problem. But somehow, they found holes. Or made holes. Or invented creative access points I never imagined possible. Every time I thought I had won, they proved me wrong.

By the end of the season, I harvested a grand total of five tomatoes. Yes, five. After months of effort.

Normally, I would have pulled everything out, cleaned up the beds, and moved on. But honestly, I was too heartbroken to deal with it. So I left the plants alone, letting the garden settle into its own rhythm while I focused on other projects.

Which is why this week’s discovery completely surprised me.

While walking past my raised vegetable garden, I noticed tiny pops of orange hidden among the vines. A late harvest. And when I say late, I mean really late. Small cherry tomatoes had quietly ripened when I least expected them, almost as if the garden was offering me a little apology for last year’s struggles.

And they taste absolutely fabulous.

There is something extra special about finally harvesting tomatoes you thought you would never get. I cannot believe I actually got to them before the wildlife did. It felt like a small victory and a reminder that gardening always surprises us when we least expect it.

Of course, this unexpected harvest has reignited my enthusiasm for tomato growing, and I am already planning this year’s garden. This time, I am determined to be better prepared. I am researching tall raised-bed cages or enclosed structures that will keep birds and squirrels out while still allowing sunlight and airflow. I love growing tomatoes too much to give up, and I am ready for a smarter strategy.

Gardening teaches patience in ways few other hobbies do. Some years feel effortless, and others feel like a lesson in persistence. Last year may not have gone as planned, but this tiny late harvest reminded me why I keep trying.

If you have experience protecting tomatoes from hungry visitors, I would truly appreciate your advice. Clearly, my garden and I are ready for a new plan.

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What Worked This Week

Valentine’s Day is such a fun holiday and a dream for content creation!

I shared so many ideas for entertaining, decor, and crafting this past month, and I am truly sad that Valentine’s Day is behind us.

But here is the thing.

Many of the ideas I shared are not just specific to Valentine’s Day. They can be used all year long!

This chocolate peanut butter dessert is so good! I guarantee I will be making this all year long.

My wreath template designs are now available every month. The new March wreaths will be available very soon. You can subscribe monthly or get them for the entire year. These are so easy to trace on your windows!

I made a lot of air-dry clay hearts this season, and I promise to continue this craft. Spring and Easter are up next, so stock up on air-dry clay and be ready to make some more.

These copper and “nail polish” wreaths were so fun to make, and they look great in a full circle. I intend to make more this spring, and I am hoping to make a really large one. Wish me luck.

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• Rest and recover from a very busy week.
• Finish my projects with my new laser cutter.

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And what a week it was!

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  Mixing New and Vintage Decor in the Beach House
  Mixing vintage decor with new items in your home is a great way to add character and charm to your space. It worked in our beach house! Whether you’re a seasoned vintage collector or just starting out, incorporating vintage pieces into…
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  A Joyous Spring and Sunday Morning Coffee
  This week has been a whirlwind of travel, family time, and some very fun surprises. What a joyous Spring it has been! We spent a few wonderful days in Marin County with our kids and THREE grandkids, then Dave and I…
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  Spring Cocktail Napkins with Flower Embroidery DIY
  I am very excited about these DIY spring cocktail napkins with flower embroidery. They are the perfect budget-friendly spring craft. Cocktail napkins are an essential part of any gathering or party. They add a touch of elegance to the setting and…
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  Stitched Floral Ribbon DIY – A Handmade Spring
  This Stitched Floral Ribbon DIY transforms simple muslin fabric into a beautifully embroidered pink bow using decorative stitches found on almost every sewing machine. My newest project for A Handmade Spring began as an experiment with my “new-to-me” Brother Dream Machine XV8500D, which…
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  Pottery Barn Pillow Covers Knock Off
  I love everything that Pottery Barn sells, except for their prices. Today, I am sharing this amazing Pottery Barn Pillow Covers knock-off! Call me crazy, but whenever I see something I love but can’t justify the price, my mind starts asking…
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  Easter Basket Flower Cake
  Yes, you read that correctly. Easter basket flower cake. Are you looking for a stunning centerpiece for your Easter table? This is it! Is there anything as pretty as a cake adorned with flowers? These flowers are made with buttercream frosting….

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We are celebrating spring on the blog, and I have so many fun things to share. I cannot wait to share my new A Handmade Spring project.

• Bake Brie with Jam
• The Best Faux Flowers for Spring
• Why You Should Always Make Your Own Salad Dressing
• How to Make Vintage Garden Pots
• Paper Crafts – A Handmade Spring
• Meyer Lemon Cream Pie with a Twist

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• A View From Above – S6/V7
• A Heart Filled Girls Night – S6/V6
• It’s February – S6/V5
• Valentine’s Day – S6/V4
• A Dreamy Craft Room – S6/V3
• The New Craft Room – S6/V2
• An Exciting New Year at My 100 Year Old Home – S6/V1

You Might Also Need…

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This Week’s Top Sellers

We shared many of our favorite home items this week, and here are the top sellers!

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