Friday, December 3, 2010

happy weekend...


I lucked out and snagged an unexpected half day at work, so I am off to do some mad-dash, day-before-party running around.  Sometimes, when we do the party thing,  I wonder how we are going to pull it all together, but, remarkably it happens.  I hope the same goes for this party.  Does it make me a crazy person if I'm considering baking this amazing, adorable, so perfect rainbow cake tonight?

Here's a little link love for you...

How crayons are made.  Do you remember watching this as a kid!?!  It totally took me back in the best way.

1001 books to read (before you die).


Author and illustrator M. Sasek.  Dylan loves these books and I love M. Sasek.

Paul Rand Rocks.

How fun is this zoo?

Very cool album covers.

Santa's Portable North Pole.  This is the coolest!  I made a message for Dylan and it was hilarious watching him watch it.  Check it out!

Reindeer Cards.  Free templates for adorable reindeer cards that the kids or you can color! 

Enjoy your weekend!

xo,
steph

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Le Saint Cover Illustrations

 




 Beautiful Le Saint illustration covers.  A long-standing French book series (1928-1963).
Tres chic, n'est pas?

DIY Scandinavian Star Garland

Hi lovelies!  Once again I am on a tight schedule, but I thought I'd post this adorable DIY from Creature Comfort.  What a great gift idea!  Enjoy!


p.s. I'm making myself push the Holiday Gift Guide until next week!  Check back then for some great holiday finds!  p.s. Cup of Jo and Design Sponge have 2010 Gift Guides up now!


DIY Scandinavian Star Garland
This project was inspired by the sweet simplicity of Scandinavian holiday decor and I really love how it turned out. You can hang these vertically, drape them horizontally, or even use them to adorn gifts! 


Supplies needed:
  • LaDoll Premier Light Weight Stone Clay - I purchased my clay from a local Michael's craft store, but it is also available online HEREHERE, and HERE.
  • Rolling pin (nonstick) - You can also use your hands to flatten your clay for a less uniform, more handmade look.
  • Mini star cookie cutter - I used the insert of a LINZER COOKIE CUTTER for my garland, but you can use any size cookie cutter you'd like. The clay in this project dries very light weight and will lend itself well to a wide variety of sizes.
  • Sequins (optional) - available at craft stores.
  • Hot glue gun & glue sticks - I used the hot variety, but I recommend the low heat varieties for safety reasons.
  • Baker's twine / twine - Baker's twine can be found just about everywhere online these days (a quick google search should give you plenty of options). Alternately you can use embroidery thread, ribbon, twine, or even dental floss.
  • Covered work surface - I used the waxed side of butcher paper to roll out my clay and work on.

Step 1: Roll out a small amount of your clay on your covered work surface until it is smooth and the desired thickness is achieved (there is no right or wrong thickness for this project).



Step 2: Using your cookie cutter begin punching out your shapes. Set them aside and allow to dry. This should take anywhere from 8-24 hours depending upon the thickness of your cut shapes.



Step 3: Once your stars are dry, plug your hot glue gun in and let it heat up. Once heated, apply a tiny dot of glue to the back of a star and place your twine through the middle of it.


Step 4: While the glue is still hot carefully set a sequin on top of the glue/twine and press down lightly to adhere. Repeat this process spacing your stars as far apart from one another as you'd like. Be sure to leave a decent length of twine at both ends for hanging. Your garland will tangle easily so I recommend wrapping it gently around a piece of cardboard (cut a notch at the top and bottom of the cardboard for your garland ends to lock onto).


Your garland (or modified versions of this project) can be used to embellish special holiday gifts too (you can even write or paint on this clay once it has dried)! Experiment with other cookie cutter shapes to make unique gift tags and embellishments...or even ornaments for your tree!


xo,
steph










Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Party-mania


Sorry for being MIA ever since Thanksgiving.  After waking up from my deep food coma, I've been running around like a mad woman preparing for Dylan's birthday party this weekend.  AH!  I'm really excited.  Last year we just had a 'little' family + close friends get together, but this year I actually got my act together and invited Dylan's entire class.  I can't wait to see how much fun he will have with his friends!

Plus, what could be more fun than an art party?  Here is a shot of the invitation I made for the party.  I had meant to order them off of minted., but ran out of time so I just did it myself.  I can't wait to share the rest of the party with you!

So, hang with me and forgive my sporadic posts.  I'm hoping to get a little holiday gift guide up this week, but don't hold it against me if it takes me until next week.  In the meantime, there are TONS of fun holiday ideas out there right now.  Check out my favorites!

Design Mom's great finds for the men in your life.  (Plus tons more!)

DIY pom-pom garland.  I just love pom-poms, don't you?

Pintrest gift guides!  I just joined pintrest and I'm pretty much obsessed.

Oh Joy! gift guides just started.  Check out the first two posts here and here.

The sweetest Advent Calendar ideas.

A yummy 10-minute meal for those crazy holiday evenings after those crazy holiday days.

There is lots out there to share.  I'll be sure to post some more link love when I can!  For now, I hope this made up for my absence.

xoxo!
steph
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