Idea board: Party Streamers

I know, I know.  I have neglected to blog in FOREVER and I'm sure you all are tired of hearing that by now!  But seriously... it's been FOREVER!  And the thing is, I've done sooo many new projects these past few months (like having a booth at my very first CRAFT FAIR!  More on that soon) that I haven't even thought about this blog. 

Anyways, enough with the excuses. 

I'm in the middle of planning my good friend's baby shower and thought I'd share a few decorating ideas that I've found in the process.  I bought a few packs of streamers from the dollar store and began thinking of creative ways that I could use them.  Since the shower hasn't happened yet and the time hasn't come to implement my plans I turned to google for some inspiration to share!

1.  Streamers can be used to add an extra splash of color to a white table cloth or candles.

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 2.  Add streamers to balloons for a ruffled look or to the table in a plaid pattern.

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 3.  Make a wreath using streamers.

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 4.  Combine two different colored streamers and twist together.

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 5.  Twist streamers together and use as a backdrop.

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Hope these ideas help add extra flair to your upcoming holiday parties!  Make a backdrop out of streamers for your food table on Thanksgiving or a Christmas wreath out of red, green, and white streamers!  SO cheap and easy!

Restyle: Patio Furniture

A few months ago my mother-in-law gave us an iron table patio set.  You know, one of those everyday sets that everyone has had in their backyard at one point or another.  Well, I decided to give ours a little makeover (since it was going to need a fresh coat of paint anyways).  Take a look at the transformation!

 

 ** Always make sure you take the extra time to get a good, even coat of primer on whatever you're painting for the paint to adhere better and look brighter!  I always used to skip this step, but it's VERY important to get a more professional look.

 (TA DA!  The bright yellow!  I used Krylon Spray Paint in Sun Yellow for those of you who are wondering)

 (AFTER:  Complete with my first handmade place mats!  I'm pretty proud! lol)

And there you have it... the project that took waaay longer than it should have, but finally got completed!  I learned a few lessons along the way that might be helpful to those of you who are planning on painting furniture sometime soon.  Lesson 1: As stated before, ALWAYS make time to use primer.  It helps the paint adhere better, give it a brighter, more professional look, and helps your spray paint go a lot further.  Lesson 2:  It will take more spray paint to complete your project than you initially might expect.  Maybe I was just oblivious, but it took almost double the amount of spray paint that I first thought!  Lesson 3:  DO NOT spray paint anything in 100 degree weather!  Hopefully those little lessons will help any of you out there who don't have much experience painting furniture.  We used the table for the first time a couple weekends ago and I was soo excited to finally show off our first patio set! 

*** Stay tuned for a post on how I made these cute, reversible place mats!

Tilt Umbrella: Ikea
Globe Lights: Target
Tea-light Centerpiece: Pier 1
Citronella Tea-light Candles: Pier 1

Little Lovelies: Ruffle-Butt Onesie

It's been a while... I know.  So I thought I'd drop by and show you all an adorable little onesie that I made for a friend of mine a few weeks ago!  My friend nanny's for a family who just had a baby girl named Ivy Rose (how adorable is that?!) and she wanted me to make a girly, black and white onesie for her.  Here's the final product:

 I decided to try out a new flower pattern that I came across on the internet the other day!  I used the same fabric that I used for the lettering on the onesie and added some purple fabric that matched the lace!  Click here for a tutorial on how to make the flower.

Feel free to contact me by email or over on facebook if you would like a personalized onesie!

Much Love,

Stephanie P.

Queen Bee.

I am currently living up to the saying on this t-shirt; which would be why I have not posted on this blog in a looong time.  Saw this today on craftysteals.com and thought I'd share it for those of you who are in the same boat as me... you know, the 'I am currently working on 20+ projects and have not completed a single one in months' boat.  So yeah, needless to say, it is my goal this week to complete at least 3 of my current projects and share them with you all soon! 

** Also, for those of you multifaceted crafters out there, be sure to check out craftysteals.com or follow them on facebook to keep up with their daily craft steals! 

Sewing: Cell Phone Wristlet

I've been working on a few sewing and crochet projects lately and thought I'd share a little project I did for my mom for Mother's Day.  When I visited my family in DC a few weeks ago, I noticed she was looking at these Vera Bradley cases.  I was looking at a bookstore here in town that sells Very Bradley and I couldn't really tell if her phone would fit in it, since she has an Iphone with an Otterbox case (which is kind of thick).  So, I decided to combat the problem by making my own version... and plus, I think homemade gifts are way better than overly priced (but super cute) gifts.  :)

It's not perfect, by any means, but I think it's quite good; especially considering it was my very first project that required a zipper!  And plus, the cell phone quality pictures don't do it justice!  But, it was all worth it when I was on the phone with my mom while she was opening her gift and the conversation went something like this:

Me: Did you open it?
(Mom opens gift)
Mom:  Oh, it's a cute scarf.... and a Vera Bradley case!
Me:  It's not Vera Bradley, I MADE THAT!
Mom:  Oh my gosh, it's gorgeous!!

Score!!  Exactly what I was going for! 

*** Here's the tutorial I (sort of) followed to make the cell phone case!  (I used an 8.5in zipper and used quilt batting instead of the interfacing to add extra cushion for the phone).

Much love,

Stephanie P.

Sewing: Crochet Hook Clutch

So, I'm just now getting around to posting my latest (complete) sewing project; a clutch to hold all of my crochet needles and supplies.  Yea, I know it only too me like a month to post pictures... but here it is!

 

I am so proud of my very first sewing project without any assistance from my mom! :)  I love how it turned out.  It was so simple (once I learned the ins and outs of my new sewing machine) and great because all I needed was a few pieces of scrap fabric!  I'm so glad I FINALLY took the time to sit down and learn how my sewing machine works!  I now have a list of projects waiting on me to attempt including a table runner, 2 different clutches, baby bibs, and a casserole dish carrier with insulation!  Hopefully I can find some time in between work, church and household chores to actually complete a few projects!  This is the time of year that I get super jealous of people, like teachers, who have ALL SUMMER LONG to do whatever they please.  Sigh.  If only I were so lucky!  

HAPPY FRIDAY! 

Oh, and THIS is the tutorial you can follow to make a crafty clutch too!

Much love,
Stephanie P.

Color me Spring.

 Kelly Green & Robins Egg Blue

 

So thankful it's FRIDAY!!  Just thought I'd share this awesome color combo with you before heading home on this gorgeous day!  I am so tempted to redo my bathroom or bedroom with these colors... SO CUTE!  I love how the light aqua color complements both the green and robins egg blue perfectly.  And, in my opinion, a nice neutral is always a must when decorating; that's where the gray (or white) comes in.  

Good news to all of you crafters out there!  I finally finished my first sewing project; with my new machine and without my mother's assistance!  Hopefully I can find the time to take pictures and post it on here!  It hasn't even been a week since I completed my crochet hook clutch and I'm already on my second sewing project.  It's just so much fun!  I can't wait to do more projects and get some more practice in on my new machine!

HAPPY WEEKEND EVERYONE!  Any big plans this weekend?  Keeneland, cleaning, and more crafting is on my weekend agenda. 

Bloom.

I have been an avid follower of Kelle Hampton's blog Enjoying the Small Things ever since the day I read the birth story of her little girl, Nella, almost 2 years ago now.  I was hooked from that day on; reading her blog posts almost daily, and was soo excited to hear that she was writing a book.  And, for those of you who know me, this is pretty monumental... you know, that I would actually read a book from cover to cover!  I'm not one who can get 'lost in a book' for hours on end, unlike my mother who you might as well forget about getting her attention when she has a book in her hand.  To make a long story short, her second daughter, Nella, was unexpectedly born with Downs Syndrome.  In her book Bloom, Kelle takes us through the whirlwind of real, raw emotions that she went through right after first laying eyes on her precious little girl.  Having a brother who has Downs made this book extra special to me.  Not only is it about Downs but, more importantly, it's about 'Finding Beauty in the Unexpected' and overcoming any heartache that life may bring your way.   THIS LINK to NBC's website will take you to a post that explains a little more and even gives you a little sneak peak of the book! 

You can purchase the book on Amazon.  Trust me, it's totally worth it.

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On another note, sorry I have neglected the blog over the past few weeks.  I haven't really done anything awe-inspiring or had any 'i've gotta share that' moments in a while, but I promise to make myself stay more accountable.  I've been taking a break from crafting for one reason or another (besides crocheting a few scarves), but hope to get back into the swing of this shortly!  I have plans to 1.)Stencil a wall in our bathroom, 2.)Attempt one of my first sewing projects without my mom's assistance, 3.)Recover a dress form I got from the thrift store a few weeks back, and 4.)Make some of my own fabric-covered window cornices! 

Final Four Fashion

As many of you know, the Final Four is just around the corner!  It's the perfect season to be in a place like Kentucky, where the town basically shuts down during any UK game (basketball or even football)!  With UK in the Final Four (AGAIN!!) this year, I cannot wait until the games start!  While we anxiously await the tip off of the last four basketball teams left in the league, check out a few outfits I put together in each teams' honor.

VS.

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VS.

 

Featured Designer: Birdie Num Num

I was wandering around on Etsy today and came across the work of Tati, a desiner based out of Valparaíso, Chile.  Her shop birdie num num is quite the catch.  I love how she works with the jersey fabric and twists it beautifully together to make awesome necklaces and headbands.  I mean seriously, who knew jersey fabric could look so stylish?!  I am currently drooling over the nautical knot necklace.  It would be just perfect paired with a bright colored dress or a tank top and jeans.  I'm also loving the cute ways you can wear the longer necklaces pictured above and the simple touches of color to brighten up any ensemble.

Head on over to Tati's Etsy Shop to view more of her creations. 

Amazima Ministries

While I was playing around online today I stumbled upon this video and thought I would share it with you all.  It's about this girl named Katie who gave up everything at the young age of 19 to minister to young children in Uganda.  Katie now has 12 kids of her own (who she has adopted from Uganda) and ministers to many other youn children through educational and feeding programs.  It's such an inspirational story of how God can work in and through broken and imperfect humans to change our world for the better. Check out more of Katie's journey in Uganda and how you can help HERE.

The Madness of March

   

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Who said you have to wear the same drab university tee, jeans, and sneakers while you root for your favorite team during March Madness?!  Trade your manly tshirts and ripped up jeans for staple items in your team's colors this year and cheer them on in style.  And, a word from the wise, go ahead and throw your powdery-blue, orange, green, gold and red away while your at it.  : )  Cats all the way baby [read in your best Dicky V. voice]!!    

I'm outta here for now.  Gotta see how my brackets are holding up! 

HAPPY MONTH OF MADNESS! 

Color Crave.

 

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Lovely pastels to get your weekend started off with a little spring flavor.  I love the abstract artwork by Michelle Armas.  You can explore more of her work here.  

On another note... HAPPY WEEKEND EVERYONE!!!  Any big plans for the weekend?  I imagine I will have a weekend full of cleaning, baking, jogs outside in this beautiful weather, and a few bonfires with our friends who are coming into town for a visit!  Cannot wait.  It's gonna be a good one.

More crocheting.

 

This past weekend was time well spent.  I love my family and enjoy every second I get to spend with them, especially because my parents and one of my brothers live 9 hours away and I rarely get to see them.  Luckily, my brother and sister-in-law have 2 kids, which have been the reason for our little weekend get-togethers the past few times we've all seen each other!  Saturday evening, while the kids were in bed, my sister-in-law and I decided to have a little craft night of our own.  I decided to make these cute little crocheted hair bows for my niece, Emily.  They turned out pretty cute, and the cuteness factor bumps up at least 10 x's when they're in her pretty curly hair!  Catherine, my sister-in-law, decided to make a variety of flowers and bows out of fabric, ribbon, and felt to add to hair clips.  

She followed a few tutorials that she found via Pinterest.  I love how they all turned out; it's hard to pick a favorite!  Let's just say that Emily's curly hair will not go sans cute little hair adornments for a while! 

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I'm so not used to having to ward off little monsters like this while crocheting.  But I'm not complaining. 

 

(Look at him, just walking EVERYWHERE now!  So precious.)

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Just call me grandma.

hairclips | chunky cowl | infinity scarf | ear warmer | flower beanie | baby booties | mickey mouse | ear hats

As of late, I've been completely obsessing about crocheting.  I know, I know.  Go ahead, call me a grandma.  I used to think the same thing.  But, hold your horses cowboy.  Did you see those cute little hats with ears, or the cute little flower on the ear warmer?!  How adorable are they?!  Who wouldn't want their little kid to have handmade booties?!  My eyes have been opened.  I have now opened up a complete new crafting door that leads to this lovely realm of crocheting!  I have already tackled two projects (the ear warmer and one version of an infinity scarf) and I must say, I'm starting to get the hang of it!  I have now completed 7, count 'em 7, infinity scarves and two ear warmers with flowers on them.   My next project to attempt is a toddler hat with a little bow or flower on it.  I'm trying to become a pro at it so I can sell some at the next Arts & Crafts Festival that's near us!  Kind of daunting to think about doing my first ever craft festival, but I'm sure I'll love it once I get the chance to have some experience!  It always seems so scary when you try something new and, most of the time, it turns out even better than you expected!  So, let's keep our fingers crossed!

On another note, I get to see my family this weekend!!!  Sooo excited to celebrate my nephew's first birthday with the entire family up in Indiana!  Let's just hope these storms that are supposed to hit central KY don't interfere with our weekend plans! 

HAPPY FRIDAY!  Enjoy your weekend!

Springy kind of day.

{image created via polyvore.com}

Spring is in the air here in Kentucky and I am enjoying every bit of it.  Nice weather just has a way of instantly brightening your day... even if you're stuck in an office all day!  Enjoy my spring-y picks of the day while I head outside for a quick run to soak up this nice weather! 

It's like I won the lottery.

My co-worker, Cindy, and I have a lot in common in that we both love doing crafty things, decorating, following blogs and such.  She obviously knows that have recently purchased our first home and are in the process of doing some remodeling here and there.  She got an email about a giveaway from one of the blogs she subscribes to and knew it was just what I've been looking for; a $50 gift certificate to get any Cutting Edge Stencil of your choice!  So, like most people, I halfheartedly (yet excitingly) put my name in for the drawing (with a ton of other ladies out their in blogland) on Friday evening, expecting that I for sure would not win it.

Oh ye of little faith.

I came into work this dreaded Monday morning and Cindy beeped me on my phone.  YOU WON!  I was just in shock and so extremely excited that I had to check the website to see for myself.  Yup, there it was. MY NAME under the AND THE WINNER IS... sign.  You would've thought I won the lottery  I was so happy.  

{see MY NAME very faintly under the Cutting Edge Logo?!}

I can FINALLY check my name off of the 'I've never won anything in my life' list, thanks to Traci at Beneath My Heart! Check out her blog HERE.

I can't wait to get my gift certificate and share with you all the projects that I do with my new stencil! Hope your Monday wasn't quite as dreary and dreadful as we all know Monday's can be!

Color me happy.

 

image via pinterest

Hope you can be inspired by this lovely color palette this weekend.  I just love the unique mixture of the burnt orange and the soft lavender that somehow combine with the beige and navy to create such a striking palette. 

And with that... HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!  Be inspired.  Do something crafty this weekend!

Valentine's Love.

A few things I fancy this valentine's.  Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's no matter who you have the pleasure of spending it with!

 

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Discovered on Etsy: Handpainted Jewelry

As of late, I've been really thinking that I need to dust off my jewelry making supplies and make some new jewelry; mainly for myself and some to possibly sell (I've also been thinking about getting my etsy shop up and running again, but that's a whole other story).  In the hustle and bustle of moving, I still have yet to locate most of my necklaces and earrings that I used to wear and I've been longing for some new statement pieces to add to my collection.  So, in the interest of my bank account (and my marriage, lol), I think it's about time to bust out the beads, chains, and other jewelry supplies sometime in the near future.   

As I was clicking through Etsy today I stumbled upon a few inspiring shops with handmade and hand painted jewelry.  It's crazy how the thought of painting a simple silver/gold pendant never even crossed my mind!  What a great way to take something so plain and simple and transform it into a unique statement piece!

Some pieces I love.

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Little Lovelies.

Once again, I have a friend who is preggers (surprise, surprise) and is expecting her first child in about a month!  I couldn't be more excited for her!  She's the type of person who's makeup always looks in tact and always has on pearls (even with a t-shirt); so I knew the ingredients for these onesie recipes were something like a 'little dash of pink with an extra side of girly sauce'.  Here's what I came up with for their baby girl. 

*My very first attempt at making a tutu... turned out pretty cute, if I do say so myself! :)

        

 

 

Happy Friday everyone!!

Go do something fun this weekend!

Recipe Additions: Crock-pot Lasagna

In lieu of the new year and my goal to cook more 'homemade' meals, I have spotted another recipe that I thought I'd share with you all.  It's simple and relatively cheap, just the way I like it (I almost said it was quick and simple, but nothing involving a crock-pot is 'quick'... which is why I decided to experiment with this recipe over the weekend!). 

It's so nice some days to throw a few ingredients into the crock-pot, do a few chores around the house (or catch a quick nap!), and have dinner ready right when the company walks in the door.  Head on over to creatingthroughlife.blogspot.com for the recipe .