>> project files : chalkboard

Ever since I saw this picture, I have been inspired to create something similar in my own home. While out thrifting with my friend Sondra, I found the large frame (shown in the first photo) for a mere $7! One look and I knew it was the perfect start to my project. Add a trip to the hardware store for a couple pieces of wood (one for inside the frame, and one for below), and some paint, and a trip to Target for some hooks and I was all set. Here's the steps:

1. Spray paint the frame ( I used a high gloss white)
2. Cut the board for below the frame down to size so it's the same width as the frame. Spray paint.
3. Measure the inside of the frame, and cut the board that will be used as the chalkboard down to size. 
4. Paint the board with the chalkboard paint. I probably did about 4 thick coats with a roller using Rust-Oleum chalkboard paint. 
5. Mount the chalkboard inside the frame.
6. Attach hooks to board, evenly spaced. 
7. Mount to the wall!

I was really pleased with the final product, and am so excited to see what else I can use my chalkboard paint for ... I will keep you posted when I decide!

{happy weekend}

{j+t}

whew! i just got back yesterday from Seattle, which was a whirlwind of a trip. jyl, one of my best friends, got married last friday and let me just say that the wedding was AMAZING! i'll probably be posting some pictures soon, but i wanted to share with you the wedding gift that i made for them since i promised i would be sharing all of my creations with you.

so what did i make? stationary! i guess it could also be a notepad, letterhead, or a list depending on what you wanted to do with it. it was pretty time-consuming, but simple to do. i just embossed their initials, centered with a big red heart, and then tied them up together with a ribbon. if you've never embossed, i highly recommend it. it's so easy and it looks far better than an ordinary stamp. the only downside is that you need an embossing gun and the special ink pad, but once you have that, you're good to go!

take a look at the process...

{thanks}

{hello shadow}

I love making things, and I constantly have a list a mile long of projects that I want to do, things I want to create, etc. For whatever reason, maybe because I'm overwhelmed by the number of projects I want to do, I usually don't finish most of them. Lame, right? So ... I've decided that every single day (at least until I get a job), I'm going to tackle a project. Some days it will be bigger, and somedays it may just be a small sketch, but I want to start creating more. It makes me happy so why not make time for it? 

Anyways, today I decided to finish a project that has been in the making for sometime. A couple weekends ago I painted this shadowbox that used to be in my room when I was little (it used to be brown). And today? Well I did the fun part and filled it up with vintage treasures that I've collected from both of my grandmas over the years. I can't tell you how good it feels to finally have this little project complete, although you can be sure I will be switching it up every so often. Take a peek ...

{in motion}

Yesterday I was going through some of my pictures and came across these beauties. They're from a photo shoot from last year that I planned in order to photograph a couple of dresses that I had made while in school. I thought these photos were the perfect opportunity for a little video sequence. Pretty fun, right? Makes me eager for summer, sunshine, and a good pack of bubble gum! Oh, and props to my little Gina-bean for blowing such photo-worthy bubbles ... what a rock-star. 

{photography by char beck}

{a little valentines treat}

Today I was feeling crafty so I decided to make these little heart sticks for the dessert that I was making tonight. Pretty easy - just construction paper, toothpicks, and some embroidery floss was all I needed:



And what was the dessert? Chocolate and raspberry cake topped with strawberries and raspberries ... so yummy:



And just because it's refreshing to know that people mess up once in awhile, here is a picture from one of the little cakes that didn't flip out of the ramekin quite right ... I guess the plus side is that chocolate cake tastes the same no matter now squished it is!



Hope you all had a fabulous day full of treats and love!

{Christmas Photoshoot : Part 2}

We hope you all enjoyed seeing the pictures in Part 1! We sure enjoyed finally sharing them with you! Here is the second batch of photos ...


{1} Jennie's holiday tradition sugar cookies decorated with frosting and sprinkles
{2} Busy decorating.



{1} Martha and the antlers
{2} What's in the hot chocolate? Bows were $2 from Value Village
{3} Surprised at the number of gifts
{4} More wishes for you



{1} Cupcakes adorned with sparkle sticks from Jo-Ann Fabrics. Cupcake stand was made from a bowl + a plate + a white stand
{2} Look what we can make! Silver wreath was $2.50 from Target. Button glasses were made using found buttons on a $2 pair of glasses from Value Village



{1} I love marshmallows!
{2] Having fun



{1} Jennie with her model Camille
{2} Designers get cupcakes too, right?
{3} Gina with her model Martha



Big thanks to our photographer Char Beck - we couldn't have done this without you!!



Happy Holidays from us to you!!

{Christmas Photoshoot : Part 1}

{ happy holidays! }

Gina and I are collaborating here today to share something that we're very excited about! As most of you have heard, a couple weeks ago we did a Christmas themed photoshoot which was shot by the amazing Char Beck. We each made a skirt which were both worn by our two rock-star models Martha and Camille! We transformed Gina's apartment with festivities galore (on a very low budget we might add), and the result was quite amazing! Special thanks as well to our two helpers, Marisa and Reena who also helped with the role of make-up artist when the one we booked went MIA! Take a peek at Part 1 of this festive shoot ...


{1} Gina's model Martha wearing a light blue Italian shirting cotton paperbag-waisted skirt
{2} Jennie's model Camille wearing a cream gathered tulle skirt



{1} Martha tangled in lights which we had from previous season's decorations
{2} Let it snow. Fake snow that is. Only $10 for three bags from Michael's



{1} Drinks and a view. $3/yd. red burlap wrapped the plant in the bottom left corner
{2} Fake tree borrowed from a friend and decorated with ornaments from previous season's decorations



{1} Camille with reindeer antlers originally from Norway. Necklace was $10 from Forever 21
{2} Camille getting snowed on. Found objects occupy the shelves



{1} Party poppers cause laughter
{2} Bright eyes



{1} Homemade garland hangs from above. Ornaments, spray-painted and bedazzled lightbulbs, wine glasses filled with confetti, paper garland, bells, and colored ball garland hang from fishing line
{2} Surrounded by gifts wrapped in wrapping paper from Value Village + Target (Value Village had SO many decorations for so cheap). Extra jazz was added with lots of rick-rack, twill tape, felt, and lace.



{1} A toast for the season
{2} Wishes to you from us


Stay tuned for Part 2 coming tomorrow!!

i found something.

i found a board in the basement.
not sure who's it is,
i think it may have been erin's.
my inspiration board was in need of an upgrade,
and this did just the trick.
perfection.
and the best part?
100% free.
can't beat that.
now to find more inspiration...

fabric flag banner.

i've finally made it.
been thinking about it for awhile now.
used scraps of fabrics,
and lace from grandma.
sew, sew, sew.
viola!
a party banner.
makes me smile.

A little pizzaz for your head.

Last night Mykell and I got out the craft stuff and decided to make some headbands. After about an hour of debating which fabrics and ribbons to use, we finally settled on something. A few hot glue sticks later and we had something to smile about. Take a peek...

Made by Mykell:




Made by Me: