January Wreath: Pearl Sprays and Twine

Just finished my post-Christmas wreath ALSO used with an old pool noodle! You really have to stock up on those when summer comes! They always measure a larger circumference than any of the standard wreath forms in the store. I cut the ends of the noodle into opposite slants so that they fit together nicely. To cut the ends I used a mini hacksaw. Then I simply bent the noodle into a circle and secured the ends together with duct tape and a few pin needles.

For this wreath I wrapped the noodle form in jute twine (which takes FOREVER) then wrapped some wood numbers which I found at Michael's in navy yarn (which ALSO took forever). But once that was all said and done the rest was just hot gluing on the leaves, pearl sprays and balls.

I bought smooth Styrofoam balls and sprayed them off white, I also used a few 1.5" mirrored balls from Christmas and glued them in various places. The white leaves I tore off of some Christmas paper poinsettias in the clearance bin for only 40¢ a piece. In all, this wreath cost me about $20 in materials. Not too bad.

Sewing Room Tips: Magnetic Pin Bowl

Hello? Where have you been all my life? Via Diary of a Quilter. She made hers with two heavy magnets taped to the underside of the bowl but I wonder if you could also just use magnetic paint. OR maybe use both to keep the pins in even better.

Source: diaryofaquilter.com via {Bicknell Bliss} on Pinterest

Paint Chip Valentines

Wouldn't these make great Valentine decorations to make with the kids? Use a heart punch instead of a dragonfly. Photo via Everyday Cookies.

Source: instagram.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Advice About Shopping Asian Fashion Sites for Deals

A friend of mine Beth from Stories of A to Z recently emailed me about Sammydress.com. There are similar sites like Causeway Mall, Fashion4us. If you don't mind buying them these sites, you can get really good deals on clothing (like dresses for $7) BUT the shipping costs ($60+) kinda make it only useful if you are buying a large quantity of clothing. However, I do have a small tip for you! It doesn't always work but if you're looking to only buy one thing, you can sometimes avoid the shipping charges.

Many Hong Kong, Chinese and Korean eBay sellers sell the same items. Just find the item you want on their site and then do a 'Drag and Drop' Google image search and see if an eBay listing appears for that item. At times, it's just $1 more than on the Sammy site and offers FREE or low cost shipping. Sometimes if the Google image search doesn't produce anything I add "ebay.com" in the search box. 

Check out these similar listings:

Sammy Dress / Ebay Dress

Sammy Dress / Ebay Dress

Sammy Dress / Ebay Dress

Sammy Dress / Ebay Dress

I don't know why eBay hasn't come up with their own image search option yet. But if they did it would make the whole process even easier. Maybe that's why they're doing it? Making it too easy for buyers to get the cheapest price? I don't think it's even possible to do a 'Drag and Drop' image search in Google while adding a filter to look in one specific site. You CAN do that but not with the 'Drag and Drop' feature. Weird.

DIY All In One Sleeping Bag/ Baby Mat

How clever! It's a baby's sleeping bag and unzips into a baby playmat. Via Mamas & Papas. You can purchase it but the currency is in Euros and in US dollars it's $80. But you could try and make one of these yourself. It looks like it's basically a mat with ties on the side. In fact, it looks a bit too fluffy for a lot of parents. If you DIY'd this you could make to your own level of fluff. I would have wrapped Henri in it as an infant but only under supervision and not at bedtime.

Clever Little Drawstring Fish Pouch

Isn't this the cutest little cinch pouch for girls? Via nabigirl.co.kr I don't think you can purchase anything from the US at least I couldn't. It's a Korean site. But it wouldn't be hard to DIY. I bet your little one would get compliments everywhere she took it;) UPDATE! Make It and Love It made a version of her own WITH A PATTERN! Awesome. Check it out here!

Click on this link to Read More of This Post

Floordrop/ Backdrop Big (like crazy huge) Price Reduction

I am in the process of clearing out a space in our basement for a new studio setup. Switching from continuous lighting to strobes, blah blah blah......but in the process of looking for new studio equipment I found that floordrops have come down considerably since I last checked. Prior to this, I had seen a 3.5' x 5.5' mats for $199.

So now, at SwankyPrints you can get a 9'x5' for only $80 with coupon code: 20OFF4U (20% off for new customers) They also offer 15% off for your next purchase when you send then your pictures to use in their shop. 

Plus, from what I looked through they have the best photo selection. And if you see a photo you like in a size not listed, just request a private listing and they will do it for you.

Here's their average (prices can slightly vary from print to print) price list from lowest price to highest price. Even for a 10' x 10' vinyl floordrop it's only $160 with coupon.

4' x 3' = $28 (with 20% coupon code = $22.40)

3.5' x 3.5' = $31 (with 20% coupon code = $24.60)

4' x 4' = $38 (with 20% coupon code = $30.40)

5' x 4' = $51 (with 20% coupon code = $40.80)

5' x 5' = $57 (with 20% coupon code = $45.60)

6' x 5' = $60 (with 20% coupon code = $48)

7' x 5' = $70 (with 20% coupon code = $56)

6' x 6' = $71 (with 20% coupon code = $56.80)

8' x 5' = 80 (with 20% coupon code = $64)

7' x 6' = $87 (with 20% coupon code = $69.60)

8' x 6' = $106 (with 20% coupon code = $84.80)

7' x 7' = $110 (with 20% coupon code = $88)

9' x 6' = $130 (with 20% coupon code = $104)

9' x 7' = $140 (with 20% coupon code = $112)

8' x 8' = $160 (with 20% coupon code = $128)

10' x 10' = $200 (with 20% coupon code = $160)

And I have a bonus tip for you! If you are buying a backdrop instead of a floor drop it might benefit you to skip the vinyl and go with poly paper which is somewhat cheaper. I would NOT recommend poly paper for floor drops as I don't think they'd last very long.

SoSo Creative sells poly paper drops (as well as vinyl). Here's their average price list. I don't know if you can get anything above 5' in width but it's worth asking them.

5' x 5' = $50

6' x 5' = $60

7' x 5'' = $70

8' x 5'' = $80

9' x 5'' = $90

Heart Tanning Bikini DIY

I know it's the complete opposite of summer right now (at least here on the east coast of the US) but I saw this and wanted to share. Valentine's Day is fast approaching;) Might make a good gift for a friend. It's a bikini bottom that gives you a little heart on your lower left side when tanning. Via Kiskin.it. You could totally DIY this yourself and make anything. Your initials, your beaus initials, a star, a music note. 

I would think to do it you'd have to have something sturdy for the heart shape. Something like the material used in the LiveStrong bracelets. Maybe a sheet of rubber silicone (like this) or one of those silicone gel insoles for shoes (which might work better because they stick a little bit. Use a cutout tool (like this Martha Stewart heart punch) or a Sizzix heart die to make the shape. Plain scissors would also do. Cut outside into a circle and attach to swim bottom. I might try the heart shape come July.

Washi Tape Bike Redo

Cover an old bike with Washi tape and make it look like new. Think of all the possibilities, striped, polka dotted. Floral. 

I wonder how this would look in real life? What if it got wet? Maybe add Modpodge? 

Check out the tutorial at Hema.

Statement Wall With String and Nails (THAT'S IT)

What a truly simple way to decorate a wall! It's just nails and string! Via JKJK. Get her full how-to and more photos here. This could be great for a kids room too! If you had multiple children in a room you could add an initial above each bed. You could even get really creative and make things other than letters. Might take some artistic skill but still doable! I'd love to see something like that!

Princess Beach/Bath Coverups

I know my girls love coverup towels and I'd really love to surprise them with a  couple of these the next time we head to the beach. When all we have left are plain towels in the bathroom and I need to get them dry I wrap a regular towel around their chest and tuck the ends in the top. It lasts all of five seconds on their wet bodies. I'm basically lucky if they make it out the bathroom door with it still on. Any of you with me? How excited would they be if you put one of these on them instead? 

These are sold via JillyGreens. Although her shop says it is currently closed until March, if you were interested in making something like this for yourself I think it would be pretty simple. Just take an existing pattern (ones with gathers in the neckline, sleeves and/or waist like the ones below would work best). Just add casing for the elastic instead of sewing gathers. Make a couple sizes too big so child can easily fit through. Or leave open in the back and sew in velcro for closure.

Double Divas: The Gift of Lift

Have any of you seen any of the new promos for Lifetime's new reality show "Double Divas"? It follows LiviRae owners and best friends Molly Hopkins and Cynthia Richards as they display their natural talent helping women with any and all intimate apparel needs.

As someone who has tried her hand at intimate apparel construction I can verify first hand how difficult it can be. AND as someone who has YET to find the right bra (I've ranged from double Ds to almost Bs, one always slightly larger than the other, yeah.....) I can also empathize with the clients.

Check out the promo below!

Molly, who has the habit of acting as therapist to her customers, is on a mission to get women in to the right size bras. Cynthia, LiviRae’s chief designer, brings her creative vision to life by designing sexy and sometimes quirky garments, giving customers an array of selections to spice up her (or his) life.

The series will follow the ladies as they travel across the region in their LiviRae brassiere branded truck on their way to fittings, bridal showers and various other bustier business.

This all-new docuseries will offer an eye-opening peek into the world of intimate apparel at Atlanta’s renowned boutique LiviRae Lingerie, where the motto is: "No bust too big or small. We fit them all!" Boasting a hilariously unfiltered cast exuding Southern charm and hospitality, "Double Divas" follows LiviRae owners and best friends Molly Hopkins, the "boob whisperer," and Cynthia Richards, the "Thomas Edison" of custom lingerie, as they display their natural talent helping women with any and all intimate apparel needs. "Double Divas" premieres on Thursday, January 10, 2013, at 10:00pm ET/PT, following "Project Runway All Stars.

For a sneak peak episode check out the video below!

http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/double-divas/video/season-1/episode-1/double-divas-sneak-peek-episode-the-gift-of-lift

“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Lifetime via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Lifetime”

Boys Room Windy Road Walls

I love this idea for a boys room! Do the road with magnetic paint and add magnets to the cars. Would also be cool if you could make the white sides out of some kind of foam for a neat 3D effect. Via Koka Interiors.

$25 Ring Flash Quick Review

I tried my new ring flash Brian's parents bought for me this Christmas. I can't wait to set up some backdrop and try this out on black paper. Here were some quick shots I took of the kids in our dining room. Love the eye effects! These shots were taken without any post-editing (besides cropping), straight from the camera.

I've never used a ring flash before so I don't have anything to compare it to. I realize that there are really expensive ones ie $200+ that have their own speed light that connects to your hot shoe. Mine was only $26 and it connects to a separate speed light (ie you must already own a speed light and the ring flash hooks over it). I've read reviews of photographers who have both and from what I gather, you can get the same results but you must increase the flash stops on your speed light. I took these between 1/4 and 1/2. 1/1 was way too bright. Other settings: 100 ISO, shutter speed at 1800, f/4-5. And my living room is very dim. Plus it's said that the color balance is cooler but this is easily corrected by adjusting your camera settings or in post-editing.

Photo via photojojo.
A friend said she thought the effect was very sci-fi. I guess my only issue with it was if I wanted the catch light in their eyes to outline their pupils I had to get REALLY close. And I couldn't zoom, I had to physically get in their faces. But I think the same would be true of the expensive ring flashes as well.

What's neat about the results from a ring flash is that you should have very little shadow on your subject with a halo effect in the background (and this is more noticeable with a backdrop). Plus you really can't beat that eye effect;-) Additionally the detail on your subject is crisp. It can be a very flattering look if done correctly.

For some good ring flash inspiration photography I recommend checking out Flickr's Orbis Ring Flash group.

Faux Stainless Steel Rolls: My Review

So I saw this on Pinterest and thought I'd give you my two cents about it. It's sticky back stainless steel faux film. I bought a couple rolls of this stuff back in 2006 to cover old metal cabinets. In the end, it wasn't a great deal and I had multiple issues. In its defense, if done right, it will look like real stainless steel. There is a sweet spot to this product but I think most people would find themselves disappointed.

So first off, it's actually pretty expensive if you want to buy enough of it to cover a large appliance like the refrigerator. But mostly, it's not that easy to apply without getting air bubbles. I'd equate it to trying to add your own tinting to your car windows. I don't know if any of you have seen a bad tint job but that what it looks like if you do it wrong. 

Plus, when it's a big appliance it's so much harder than you might think to do it right. Since the back is sticky it's really a two person job. One person to hold the end, another to smooth out the air bubbles as you go down the surface. 

And DON'T cut to size before you apply to save roll. No matter how straight you think you put it on, it will be crooked and you will have air bubbles. You have to put it on, then use a straight knife to trim exactly.

But if you can do it without getting air bubbles it looks great for a while although with my experience, if you don't tuck the edges underneath something they will eventually start to peel up with frequent use. 

Also, and this is kind of important, if your refrigerator has any kind of texture to its surface which A LOT of them do, this won't look right....at all. You have to have an absolutely smooth surface.

So, IF your appliance is smooth, and IF you have a way to tuck the edges under something and IF your good at doing it without getting air bubbles then go for it!

If it were only $10 a sheet I'd say at least try it out. But for $100 for a 3'x15' roll it's not such a great deal.

More Tirecycling Fun!

Paint tires with bright bold colors, like orange, turquoise or lime. Add plywood and a cushion on top. Instant fun seating! This would be totally cool for a treehouse or even a kids room. Via Itsy Bits and Pieces.

DIY Ombre Lamp

Oh, seriously love Beckie's Ombre Lamp! Get the how-to in her post!

Lastly I'd spray with The last step was to spray the lamps Rust-Oluem's Clear Protective Finish in Gloss.  Gives that professional appearance.

Should This Be a Must on Your Sewing Equipment List?

Oooo, I may have something to add to my post Christmas list. It's a fabric cutter and sealer hot knife. Have any of you ever seen or used one of these before? There are so many uses for something like this. You can buy one on Amazon for $125.

Looks like it would be great for making strips of fabric for quilts, pettiskirts, anything that you wouldn't want to hem the edge of. Wanting to avoid fray edges on the inside of homemade clothing? Want to make decorative scallops without all the hassle? I wonder what the finished edge feels like? In the two videos below the demonstrator uses Sunbrella fabric which is very stiff. I wonder what it would look like on something like chiffon or even plain quilter weight cotton?

And this is a "hot knife". It's basically a soldering iron with a special tip. A lot lighter and maybe easier to make curves? Also a lot cheaper. Here's a link to purchase the special tip for $14.

Filling the Holiday Wreath Void

It's that time of year. That blank void between Christmas and Spring where there are no "big" holidays but a lot of ice, wind and cold, cold nights. I dread winter for this time of year. It's especially depressing when you take all the Christmas decorations down and have these gaping holes in your house. 

This year, I'll have to take down the ornament wreath I made on the front door. And this is especially difficult for me because it's the first year I took the time to decorate the outside of our house AND how bare our home will look without a wreath. So I've decided to make another 3' wreath for our front door. One for January, one for February (Valentines themed), an Easter themed one for March and a spring themed one for April. But I'm looking for some January themed ideas.

Oh! And it needs to stand up to hurricane winds. We've had some gusters in the past few weeks. AND hey! The ornament wreath, has held up wonderfully. Not so much as an ornament has fallen. All I used was hot glue on high temperature with a large sized glue gun. For this new wreath I'll be using an old pool noodle but if you don't have one you can go to the Home Depot and get a 6' piece of foam tubing from the plumbing department for $1. It's pretty much the exact same thing. Photo credits left to right, up to down. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

Maybe jute wrapped with white and silver garland on the side? And the house numbers on the jute side. Maybe the numbers could be wrapped in dark navy yarn? Or HEY! Maybe not jute but red and white twine? Don't know if I can actually find that locally though.

Photo left Teach Craft Love. Photo right Horchow.

I actually like these 3-letter monograms but they are kind of expensive for a 3' one. Perhaps it can be something you DIY? Made out of cardboard?

Image Southern Proper Monograms.

I like these woolen pompom balls but they are expensive to make or buy. But it would look great in white, aqua and grey.

Image via Horchow.

Yarn balls? I would actually do this but I think it looks to similar to my ornament wreath from a distance.

Image Two Junk Chix.

Coffee filters?

Image Recaptured Charm.

Layered felt wreath? This seems so easy! Great for pops of color.

Image A Bit of Sunshine.

Snowball wreath? This would be so fun to do with the kids. Coat styrofoam balls with modge podge and roll in epsom salts. let them dry, stick a toothpick in the back and stick them into a foam wreath form. Tutorial and photo via Addicted 2 Decorating.

Tied ribbon wreath? This also looks simple!

Image The Long Thread.

I also like this large moss covered letter.

Image Privleged Door.

This list could seriously go on forever but I think I got enough inpiration for now? Any more suggestions?