Last Thursday, I was cordially invited to attend a Backyard Party at the Tampa Garden Cub hosted by Connie Foggles, DIY Network’s Jeanne Benedict and OFF!

After mingling with other bloggers at the reception, our hosts led us down a path where tables adorned with checkered picnic-style cloths and stacks of craft items welcomed us.

Now, typically I’m not the crafty type unless it involves children’s handprints, pom-poms and googly eyes.  When offered a craft challenge, I usually cave under pressure.  Thinking out of the craft box is very difficult for me.  I need a sample.

Thankfully, our Backyard Party hosts had samples and lots of them!  No thinking involved for me, which offered more time to socialize, snap photos and learn about the OFF! products presented at the party, such as the clip on insect repellant which will definitely come in handy next time I’m camping.

Not only were there crafts, but there was gardening to be done at this backyard party, which came at quite a surprise to me despite the décor and garden-themed party.

Once we finished decorating a terra cotta pot, we could fill it with some begonias.  Again, unless it involves chia seeds or chrysanthemum seeds in a small plastic cup or tiny dollar store clay pot, I am completely out of element.  I love the smell of dirt cups, not real dirt.

In the end, I think I did all right.  And just look at my cute little pinwheel I made out of tiny little flags.  See, I can bring the craftiness if need be.  Watch out, Martha.

These crafty bug-free bloggers are coming to get you. We have scissors and shovels and we’re not afraid to use them.

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+