I always do that!!!
I didn't buy a skirt, well, not to wear tonight anyway... I did buy a dress, but I think I'm going to wear something totally different. I can't decide. I have a few hours before I have to make my mind up...
Happy New Year!
xoxo
December 31, 2008
New Year's Eve Skirt
Tonight's the last night of 2008, and I can't wait to get this year over with! I'm really excited about the new year and tonight, because I'm bringing it in with style and some great girlfriends. I have something I could wear, but to make this night extra special, I thought I would hit some thrift stores and vintage stores to see what I could find. I'm thinking color, sequence, something mini...
After I have my coffee of course...
After I have my coffee of course...
December 29, 2008
Merry Christmas How To...
S i l h o u e t t e Pillows Cont...
I believe I have some directions to post. Let's see, where did I leave off? In the last post, the silhouettes had been painted. This is the brand of fabric paint I used, which is available at most craft stores.
It's a good idea to do a test area. The paint on my fabric dried streak-y. Once the paint is dry, the fabric is ironed once more.
Now, it's time to sew the pillows. Cut strips that are 3" wide and 6" longer than the sides of the window width the silhouette. Carefully, pin and sew the seams at 5/8".
Next, cut a square that matches the framed front of the pillow (the silhouette.) Sew the pillow inside out at 5/8". Stuff and hand stitch.
Didn't they turn out sew cute?
Another Christmas How to...
Yarn Ornaments with Stiffy
This was a really fun craft. It involves yarn and a wonderful product called Stiffy.
The kids made these themselves by fishing out yarn with popsicle sticks out of a bowl with a mixture of Stiffy and glitter (not watered down.) Leave the ornaments to dry on a styrofoam paper plate. It took two days for them to dry completely. Tie a pretty ribbon to create a keepsake ornament.
What can you do with finger paintings? Make Christmas cards!
I did most of the work, but look how cute they turned out!
Thanks to my colleague Debra for the great design.
Christmas Skirts and Tights:
At our class party...
And at my family's party:
My niece created these awesome decorations and construction paper poinsettias.
She also labeled the Christmas Cajun food:
Boudin on the left and fried alligator on the right.
And the queso.
(not Cajun)
Hope y'all had a great holiday!
I believe I have some directions to post. Let's see, where did I leave off? In the last post, the silhouettes had been painted. This is the brand of fabric paint I used, which is available at most craft stores.
It's a good idea to do a test area. The paint on my fabric dried streak-y. Once the paint is dry, the fabric is ironed once more.
Now, it's time to sew the pillows. Cut strips that are 3" wide and 6" longer than the sides of the window width the silhouette. Carefully, pin and sew the seams at 5/8".
Next, cut a square that matches the framed front of the pillow (the silhouette.) Sew the pillow inside out at 5/8". Stuff and hand stitch.
Didn't they turn out sew cute?
Another Christmas How to...
Yarn Ornaments with Stiffy
This was a really fun craft. It involves yarn and a wonderful product called Stiffy.
The kids made these themselves by fishing out yarn with popsicle sticks out of a bowl with a mixture of Stiffy and glitter (not watered down.) Leave the ornaments to dry on a styrofoam paper plate. It took two days for them to dry completely. Tie a pretty ribbon to create a keepsake ornament.
What can you do with finger paintings? Make Christmas cards!
I did most of the work, but look how cute they turned out!
Thanks to my colleague Debra for the great design.
Christmas Skirts and Tights:
At our class party...
And at my family's party:
My niece created these awesome decorations and construction paper poinsettias.
She also labeled the Christmas Cajun food:
Boudin on the left and fried alligator on the right.
And the queso.
(not Cajun)
Hope y'all had a great holiday!
December 23, 2008
About me...
Because people are trying to get a hold of me, and it makes me smile.
I have some instructions to post, but I have to find my camera first...
UPDATE: Found it!!!
I have some instructions to post, but I have to find my camera first...
UPDATE: Found it!!!
December 16, 2008
So busy!!!
I'm sewing, painting, and cooking like a madwoman!
I'll post instructions and tips later.
BTW,
I woke up late from the best dream, I was getting my palm read. Have you ever woken up with a smile on your face? This has been happening a lot more to me lately.
I'll post instructions and tips later.
BTW,
I woke up late from the best dream, I was getting my palm read. Have you ever woken up with a smile on your face? This has been happening a lot more to me lately.
December 14, 2008
Fun with Paper
Look at what's in the back of my car! It's a gift from my friend Mary and a good way to start this post. This laughing Buddha is covered with original patterned paper that Mary designed herself. Thanks Mar!
You may remember seeing this guy, here.
Project 1:
My bathroom cabinet has a glass door, and did nothing to hide my clutter and unmentionables.
Then it dawned on me to take some beautiful paper that I had hanging in my room to hide this scene.
Viola!
The map is actually decorative paper from Cavallini & Co. Their products are so beautiful. How I covet them all!
This isn't paper related, but I have to show the top of the cabinet, because I forgot to mention this Estate Sale find in my last post. I got these three Japanese bowls for $2.50!
Woo-hoo! More stuff!
But they were too pretty to pass up.
Project 2:
Recently, during a trip to the 6th Floor Museum, I was perusing some picture books and noticed something chic in an old photo of the White House Living Room: silhouette pillows of John John and Caroline. They looked fabulous on the sofa and I thought they would make excellent parent gifts from my students for Christmas. (I hope none of my parents are reading this blog now.) Anyway, I've had a time researching the best how-to instructions, materials, and taking profile photos of two-, three- and four-year-olds. I got them all done and edited them in Photoshop. Check out my how-to, which I couldn't have done without Stephanie's help and advice. Thanks Steph!
Silhouette Stencils Part 1
1) Take a picture.
2) Edit the photo in Photoshop, or other digital imaging program.
3) Print the image.
4) Carefully cut the image with an Exacto onto freezer paper. This is available at your local grocery store, and VERY inexpensive. Freezer paper has one side that is waxy and one side that is not, more like paper.
5) On prepared fabric (washed and ironed), place the waxy side down and iron.
Whew, I'm tired! That's enough for tonight. More on this project tomorrow.
Fun with bubbles early this morning. Kids crack me up!
It does look pretty in the fountain, doesn't it?
You may remember seeing this guy, here.
Project 1:
My bathroom cabinet has a glass door, and did nothing to hide my clutter and unmentionables.
Then it dawned on me to take some beautiful paper that I had hanging in my room to hide this scene.
Viola!
The map is actually decorative paper from Cavallini & Co. Their products are so beautiful. How I covet them all!
This isn't paper related, but I have to show the top of the cabinet, because I forgot to mention this Estate Sale find in my last post. I got these three Japanese bowls for $2.50!
Woo-hoo! More stuff!
But they were too pretty to pass up.
Project 2:
Recently, during a trip to the 6th Floor Museum, I was perusing some picture books and noticed something chic in an old photo of the White House Living Room: silhouette pillows of John John and Caroline. They looked fabulous on the sofa and I thought they would make excellent parent gifts from my students for Christmas. (I hope none of my parents are reading this blog now.) Anyway, I've had a time researching the best how-to instructions, materials, and taking profile photos of two-, three- and four-year-olds. I got them all done and edited them in Photoshop. Check out my how-to, which I couldn't have done without Stephanie's help and advice. Thanks Steph!
Silhouette Stencils Part 1
1) Take a picture.
2) Edit the photo in Photoshop, or other digital imaging program.
3) Print the image.
4) Carefully cut the image with an Exacto onto freezer paper. This is available at your local grocery store, and VERY inexpensive. Freezer paper has one side that is waxy and one side that is not, more like paper.
5) On prepared fabric (washed and ironed), place the waxy side down and iron.
Whew, I'm tired! That's enough for tonight. More on this project tomorrow.
Fun with bubbles early this morning. Kids crack me up!
It does look pretty in the fountain, doesn't it?
December 13, 2008
The State of Estates
Earlier this week, I wrote about an estate sale that provided an incredible shoppers high that I am still feeling the effects of one week later. The items I picked up were for creating, and I was filled with inspiration. How is it possible to gain all of these exhilarating feelings from an estate sale? Part of the excitement was being in an old beautiful house on the lake. They don't make them like this anymore, and it's sad but it will probably be torn down and another house will be built in its place.
A few of my finds:
A doll house, that I didn't buy.
Made of wood, and decorated with ornate book jackets, this house was priced at $289 including all of the furnishings. I just love the Spanish flamenco dancers on the third and first floors.
A beautiful red vanity priced for $185. I really wanted it. I went back to buy it when it was half-off, but convinced myself not to make the purchase. Why? I have no house right now and have a vanity already. So, I settled for a picture to admire it's beauty in the future.
Some of my purchases:
An old cigar box full of ric-rac and wooden spools of bright thread, and some fun pink girlie fabric. All for $2!
1961 edition:
It's in pristine condition for mid-century fun!
An interesting book that I couldn't resist.
Fifty-Two Sunday Dinners by Elizabeth O. Hillier. It's a great book from 1915, with recipes for 6 - 8 courses. Some of the dishes seem rather odd, but that's the beauty of it: consommé with egg balls, braised calf's liver, and cream of almond soup, etc.
This sounds like another project in the making. There is something about documenting time with Sunday dinners that sounds appealing to me. I can just imagine slaving in the kitchen someday trying to make all of these dinners, (except for the calf's liver) eating with friends and family. This book has been used; you can tell from the flour-y fingerprints on the front cover. I wonder which ones were prepared and successful? Read the full text here of Fifty-Two Sunday Dinners from www.archive.org
These 3 books were purchased for different reasons, but they are all published by Grosset & Dunlap. There's an interesting story behind this publisher, entrepreneurial spirit and such. Read about it here.
From left to right:
1) Freckles by Gene Stratton-Porter. The binding is very loose, but I bought this book with the intention of cutting it up. I loved the title, I always wished I had freckles. But the most charming aspect of this book are the large print chapter headings. Check 'em out:
GREAT RISKS TAKEN
PROVES HIS METTLE
BRAVELY FACES TROUBLE
A FIGHT OCCURS
MEETS A MAN
CAPTURED
RELEASED
NURSES A HEART-ACHE
TAKING A PICTURE
LOCATES A TREE
OFFERS HIS LIFE
REFUSES LOVE
FINDS HIS BIRTHRIGHT
RETURNS
And that's pretty much the story of Freckles, and me too for that matter. There are also some really great images in this book as well, it's a gem of text and images. I foresee collages in my future!
2) Lorna Doone by R.D. Blackmore. I love the cover. It's very pretty to look at, and kind of in the style of William Morris/ Arts and Crafts movement... other than that, I'm not sure what I'll do with it. Maybe I'll read it?
3) The last book is a classic that I will definitely read again, Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maude Montgomery. Hoo-ray for freckles and red hair!
I also bought a set of 1957 World Book Encyclopedias for $15. My plan is to cut through them volume by volume for the pretty pictures and maps. And who knows, maybe I'll learn a thing or two.
All books bought for $1. The encyclopedia set was $15.
There is another sale by the Help Me Ronda ladies later this month.
Here is a tip for their two day sales. On the last day the price break down is as follows:
8 - 10 am regular price
10 am - 12 pm 1/4 off
12 - 3 pm 1/3 off
3 - 5 pm 1/2 off
If you want an excellent list of estate sales going on in DFW, check out this website:
www.24-7estatesales.com
A few of my finds:
A doll house, that I didn't buy.
Made of wood, and decorated with ornate book jackets, this house was priced at $289 including all of the furnishings. I just love the Spanish flamenco dancers on the third and first floors.
A beautiful red vanity priced for $185. I really wanted it. I went back to buy it when it was half-off, but convinced myself not to make the purchase. Why? I have no house right now and have a vanity already. So, I settled for a picture to admire it's beauty in the future.
Some of my purchases:
An old cigar box full of ric-rac and wooden spools of bright thread, and some fun pink girlie fabric. All for $2!
1961 edition:
It's in pristine condition for mid-century fun!
An interesting book that I couldn't resist.
Fifty-Two Sunday Dinners by Elizabeth O. Hillier. It's a great book from 1915, with recipes for 6 - 8 courses. Some of the dishes seem rather odd, but that's the beauty of it: consommé with egg balls, braised calf's liver, and cream of almond soup, etc.
This sounds like another project in the making. There is something about documenting time with Sunday dinners that sounds appealing to me. I can just imagine slaving in the kitchen someday trying to make all of these dinners, (except for the calf's liver) eating with friends and family. This book has been used; you can tell from the flour-y fingerprints on the front cover. I wonder which ones were prepared and successful? Read the full text here of Fifty-Two Sunday Dinners from www.archive.org
These 3 books were purchased for different reasons, but they are all published by Grosset & Dunlap. There's an interesting story behind this publisher, entrepreneurial spirit and such. Read about it here.
From left to right:
1) Freckles by Gene Stratton-Porter. The binding is very loose, but I bought this book with the intention of cutting it up. I loved the title, I always wished I had freckles. But the most charming aspect of this book are the large print chapter headings. Check 'em out:
GREAT RISKS TAKEN
PROVES HIS METTLE
BRAVELY FACES TROUBLE
A FIGHT OCCURS
MEETS A MAN
CAPTURED
RELEASED
NURSES A HEART-ACHE
TAKING A PICTURE
LOCATES A TREE
OFFERS HIS LIFE
REFUSES LOVE
FINDS HIS BIRTHRIGHT
RETURNS
And that's pretty much the story of Freckles, and me too for that matter. There are also some really great images in this book as well, it's a gem of text and images. I foresee collages in my future!
2) Lorna Doone by R.D. Blackmore. I love the cover. It's very pretty to look at, and kind of in the style of William Morris/ Arts and Crafts movement... other than that, I'm not sure what I'll do with it. Maybe I'll read it?
3) The last book is a classic that I will definitely read again, Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maude Montgomery. Hoo-ray for freckles and red hair!
I also bought a set of 1957 World Book Encyclopedias for $15. My plan is to cut through them volume by volume for the pretty pictures and maps. And who knows, maybe I'll learn a thing or two.
All books bought for $1. The encyclopedia set was $15.
There is another sale by the Help Me Ronda ladies later this month.
Here is a tip for their two day sales. On the last day the price break down is as follows:
8 - 10 am regular price
10 am - 12 pm 1/4 off
12 - 3 pm 1/3 off
3 - 5 pm 1/2 off
If you want an excellent list of estate sales going on in DFW, check out this website:
www.24-7estatesales.com
December 12, 2008
Bendita la Luz
I've been missing Mexico. Missing what I don't have~ sunsets mainly and the ocean. Such as life... But look at what I do have ~ I'm always trying to be a half-full kind of girl.
White Rock Lake
it's so close to me.
Tonight's full moon. Bendita la luz
That's Spanish for "Blessed be the light," inspired by lyrics from the awesome Mexican band Maná...
Also, family...
I went to McKinney, Texas and hung out with my dad this week. He took me here.
The food was good,
and I really liked the decor.
and opportunity...
This is a new skirt by the way, a gift from Pam. It's a pleated mini, made of a heavy black and white herringbone. I wore it all day, even with my two year olds, and I love it. :)
I'm at Richland College in front of Thunder Duck Hall. I'm thinking about taking some classes in the Spring, and this was kind of the preview...
What could I be working on?
Speaking of black and white...
LOOK what I did!
And finally, friends.
Tonight is Anna's birthday. I had some gifts that I picked up for her in Mexico. (Maybe that's how my missing Mexico started?)
An eco-friendly way to wrap gifts!
Step 1:
Gather all items to place inside of an empty Kleenex box.
The Tucks are an inside joke, but I had no idea how useful they were until tonight.
Step 2:
Wrap all items in Kleenex and place inside the empty Kleenex box.
Viola!
Skinny jeans and all,
because I told Oscar I would...
White Rock Lake
it's so close to me.
Tonight's full moon. Bendita la luz
That's Spanish for "Blessed be the light," inspired by lyrics from the awesome Mexican band Maná...
Also, family...
I went to McKinney, Texas and hung out with my dad this week. He took me here.
The food was good,
and I really liked the decor.
and opportunity...
This is a new skirt by the way, a gift from Pam. It's a pleated mini, made of a heavy black and white herringbone. I wore it all day, even with my two year olds, and I love it. :)
I'm at Richland College in front of Thunder Duck Hall. I'm thinking about taking some classes in the Spring, and this was kind of the preview...
What could I be working on?
Speaking of black and white...
LOOK what I did!
And finally, friends.
Tonight is Anna's birthday. I had some gifts that I picked up for her in Mexico. (Maybe that's how my missing Mexico started?)
An eco-friendly way to wrap gifts!
Step 1:
Gather all items to place inside of an empty Kleenex box.
The Tucks are an inside joke, but I had no idea how useful they were until tonight.
Step 2:
Wrap all items in Kleenex and place inside the empty Kleenex box.
Viola!
Skinny jeans and all,
because I told Oscar I would...
December 9, 2008
Weekend Warrior Skirt
Hola! It's already Tuesday and the Holiday season is in full swing. I had a great weekend filled with friends, dining out, art openings, baking and S H O P P I N G ! (I'm still on a shoppers high, but more about that later.)
Poinsettia cupcakes!
The Perfect dessert for Pasta and Pesto Party with the Pink Sox!
At Artspace111 for the show Digital Divide...
I LOVE the skirt I'm standing next to, it's Taylor's! My skirt is new, but this is the first opportunity I had to wear it. It's from the Gap, this fall. I bought it with a coupon I had, because Gap Corp. can't get enough of my money...
T A Y L O R !
I love Taylor, I love this work of art, and I love this skirt!
Taylor always looks fantastic, but this skirt is a work of art. The pleats at the top are impeccably placed for an origami kind of look. (Which gives me a great idea...) The cinched waist with the belt is a nice touch and all Taylor. She's fun and fabulous, and such a dear friend!
ART by Lily Hanson. She's fabulous too!
Next up: I went to an AMAZING ESTATE sale this weekend. Details and pics of some of my treasures will be uploaded later. On a related note, this is the book I'm reading now recommended by my friend Shannnon...
The Know-It-All: One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World by A. J. Jacobs. It didn't get that great of a review from the NYT, but still... I like this idea and his spirit.
Read an essay I wrote here.
Happy Tuesday!
Poinsettia cupcakes!
The Perfect dessert for Pasta and Pesto Party with the Pink Sox!
At Artspace111 for the show Digital Divide...
I LOVE the skirt I'm standing next to, it's Taylor's! My skirt is new, but this is the first opportunity I had to wear it. It's from the Gap, this fall. I bought it with a coupon I had, because Gap Corp. can't get enough of my money...
T A Y L O R !
I love Taylor, I love this work of art, and I love this skirt!
Taylor always looks fantastic, but this skirt is a work of art. The pleats at the top are impeccably placed for an origami kind of look. (Which gives me a great idea...) The cinched waist with the belt is a nice touch and all Taylor. She's fun and fabulous, and such a dear friend!
ART by Lily Hanson. She's fabulous too!
Next up: I went to an AMAZING ESTATE sale this weekend. Details and pics of some of my treasures will be uploaded later. On a related note, this is the book I'm reading now recommended by my friend Shannnon...
The Know-It-All: One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World by A. J. Jacobs. It didn't get that great of a review from the NYT, but still... I like this idea and his spirit.
Read an essay I wrote here.
Happy Tuesday!
December 5, 2008
Felt Friday!
Last night was an impromptu craft night with some of my girls. We made Christmas stockings out of felt. This is Shannon's, she L O V E S the color green:
The next two, I made for my classroom mantles.
This one is for my two-year-olds, that's why there's two poinsettias. Also, each flower has six petals, one for each of my kiddos.
This stocking is for my three-year-olds, (note: three BIG snowflakes). I have nine kiddos total.
This is the work of my three-year-olds. Cute stuff, huh?
I have to sew them all this weekend, but they look so festive and sweet. I also want to point out their behavior chain, which is working like a charm, my sweet little angles... Every time I catch them using nice words, being sweet and kind with their friends, they get a link with their name on it. It's genius!
This is another project we're trying again today:
Christmas yarn art... We'll see how they turn out before I divulge the process.
Are you hungry? Check out these photos of Stephanie's felt food.
Check out more of here creations here. Or buy something of hers here.
The next two, I made for my classroom mantles.
This one is for my two-year-olds, that's why there's two poinsettias. Also, each flower has six petals, one for each of my kiddos.
This stocking is for my three-year-olds, (note: three BIG snowflakes). I have nine kiddos total.
This is the work of my three-year-olds. Cute stuff, huh?
I have to sew them all this weekend, but they look so festive and sweet. I also want to point out their behavior chain, which is working like a charm, my sweet little angles... Every time I catch them using nice words, being sweet and kind with their friends, they get a link with their name on it. It's genius!
This is another project we're trying again today:
Christmas yarn art... We'll see how they turn out before I divulge the process.
Are you hungry? Check out these photos of Stephanie's felt food.
Check out more of here creations here. Or buy something of hers here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
