So glad to be back to my little blog and working again — this winter I made like a bear and hibernated most of the season....but am back with lots of new pretty things and a refreshed Etsy store with tons of new stock! (Check it out below!) http://www.etsy.com/shop/dishfunctionldesigns Note the new Etsy store name — missing the letter "a" in Dishfunctional — but alas, Etsy only allows so many character spaces for shop names....so I am without the a, but still dishfunctional if even now more so... I actually had one of the very first shops on Etsy way way back when they first began. At the time, I had been a steady eBay seller for many years (I started selling my broken china jewelry on eBay in 1999) Since then, I've amassed over 5,000 positive eBay feedback — the number they show is 3,788 give or take a few, as ebay no longer counts additional feedback from returning customers — a bummer for sellers, but what can you do? In any case, I closed my Etsy store after the first year, as I found I was spreading myself too thin, trying to supply both eBay and Etsy with new stock on a constant basis. Now times have changed. I've found the handcrafted market on eBay to be too....well, too complicated. Fees and rules are always changing, I get phone messages on my answering machine from eBay associates trying to sell me new features, etc etc... I figure it this way, life is hard enough, why complicate things? I'm still a registered eBay seller — I haven't cut the cord completely, but am definitely shying away from the eBay marketplace. My new items will now be listed on etsy on a regular basis!
Imagine my thrill when I was contacted yesterday by Etsy Admin to let me know that my jewelry and my Etsy shop were going to be featured in Kaboodle's Celebrity Style Watch! The article, Etsy Inside Scoop: How to Snag Celeb Style was a collaboration between Etsy and Kaboodle, and spotlights celebrities seen wearing items made by Etsy artists. In the article, True Blood actor Tanya Wright is shown wearing a necklace that I designed and made for her. Other celebs in the article include Christina Hendricks, Katy Perry, and AnnaLynne McCord who were shown wearing designs from madredeolivia, Blackbirddesignhouse, dishfunctionldesigns, NewYorkCouture and LuaLosAngeles.
Thank you Tanya, Etsy, and Kaboodle! View the article here: How to Snag Celeb Style
Source: etsyfix.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
This is a GREAT blog. I actually stumbled upon it as I was searching for great giveaways in blogland to share with you. As soon as I found A Little Etsy Love, I immediately stopped, dropped and rolled. (Ok, I didn't roll, just stopped searching and dropped everything I was doing. Made for a good visual, though, didn't it?) The entire purpose of this blog is to feature amazing Etsy vendors and give away their stuff. Just look at some of the recent products they've given away:
Source: etsyfix.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Source: etsyfix.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Source: etsyfix.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
They have some seriously great giveaways, with a couple of them going on RIGHT NOW. Also, if you have an Etsy shop, email them with the details, and they just might pick you to be featured!
Pin Brooch crafted from vintage English scenic transferware, antique silver finish I'm always happy to wake up to find that a kind artist has featured my work in their treasury. I found the colors of this one to be quite attractive! http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4bf617ddafe66d9169686bdb/sunset-over-butterfly-gardens Update: Happy to find this treasury on the front page of Etsy on 5/22/10!
I was thrilled to find my items included in five different Etsy treasuries last week, and even more thrilled to find that one of the treasuries was featured on Etsy's front page... ....of course I'm never home when these things happen, but got a capture of the screen shot: -)
When looking for inspiration, internet is an endless source. However, sometimes it's hard to know where to look. Therefore, I wanted to share with you some of the places I turn to for inspiration, starting with Etsy. Etsy is a vibrant marketplace, offering millions of unique handmade and vintage items. It's a treasure trove for creative and original things, and I love browsing through the inspiring photos.
In talking to a few of my friends, I realized that the majority of them had NEVER heard of GroopDealz, which is just wrong. This is not just another social group coupon site, like Groupon or Living Social. While I've used those sites for cheap tickets and activities, which is awesome, GroopDealz is a whole different ball game. GroopDealz was started by a group of women from Utah who wanted to help other Stay-At-Home-Moms make money during the recession. Basically, they feature one deal a day, based on your geographical area, that is handmade and unique- they often have Etsy stores offering deals at 40-90% off! If you haven't heard of Etsy, then shame on you. (Stop everything, and go there right now. You can thank me later.) You'll receive deals on jewelry, hair bands and bows, knit hats, home decor, accessories, vinyl and so much more! This is such a great way to buy unique gifts for friends, family or yourself, at a huge discount.
Just a sampling of some of the items offered through GroopDealz…
I missed this deal, but I SO wish I had bought one, or two, or fourteen of these for my daughter. Adorable! Click here to get started on GroopDealz, and let the fun begin! Happy Monday, and Happy Shopping!; )
Did you know we have some amazing sponsors that help make our little old blog possible? Yup, they're amazing and I (Monica) wanted to tell you why… ********************************* Stuff See that funky, fun header at the top of our blog? Well, that takes you to the website of one rockin' furniture and accessory store. One of our blog readers checked it out this month and thought it was pretty awesome too! With the holidays approaching, head over and get something fun for your house before company comes! (My personal favorites are the farm house tables and cool accent chairs)
RT. 309 | 927 Bethlehem Pike (3 Miles North of Montgomery Mall) Colmar, PA 18915 Tel: 215.716.3325Fax: 215.716.3431 Email: info@stuffcloseouts.comstuff Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday ********************************* Jet Upholstery So one DIY that I pretty much don't ever plan to attempt is reupholstering furniture. Way outta my league! Thankfully, I have Jet Upholstery right around the corner in Bucks County. Their work is amazing. Today, I hit a thrift store on the hunt for a cool chair to have Jet refinish for me! I'm still looking, but I know that when I find it, they're going to make it amazing! They also have an amazing selection of designer fabrics and can get just about anything you want. I just found this chair on Craigslist… and I've been drooling over this fabric…
So, give Jet Upholsty a call or check out their website. Go find an ugly chair for pennies and let them make it fabulous for you! JET Upholstery3102 Bedminster Road Bedminster, PA 18910 215-795-0881 215-220-3443 fax Store Hours: Mon-Thurs. 9-5 Friday 9-4 / Sat 9-12 ********************************* Mandy Hajel, 31 Gifts
So, you probably know about 31 Gifts and how it's taking the world by storm. If not, stop right now and go check out Mandy's site. Really… GO! There are so many reasons to love 31… adorable fabric options, super cute bags, really fun parties, and it's a business that is based off of the Proverbs 31 woman. Rather than going on about the products, let me tell you a bit about Mandy (she's one of my bffs!). You see, Mandy and I used to teach English together… that is before she joined 31. She's been with the company for 1 year and in that time has made enough money to replace (and more) her teacher's salary, she's earned a family vacation to Disney World, a romantic trip for two to Mexico, a Dell laptop, an Ipad 2, a huge Best Buy giftcard, an XBox, and more. Do you think I earned all that as a teacher?? Umm, Nope. So, if you're looking to make a little side money before the holidays, give Mandy a call, she'll hook you up and teach you her secrets to success! Amanda Hajel Phone: (301) 791-3579 Email: hajelfamily@yahoo.com Website: http://www.mythirtyone.com/hajel/ ********************************* Blossom Bands So, what are your kids wearing for Thanksgiving and Christmas? Ok, maybe it's a tad early to know 100%, but you need to get thinking! The only thing you need to be sure of is to include a Blossom Band for your little ladies. I bought a Halloween one this month for Kira and she loved it! Bethany has tons of ready to sell items as well as custom pieces to match whatever outfits you're planning. You know how in decorating it's all in the details?? Well, a Blossom Band is the perfect detail to make your holiday outfits fabulous!
Bethany Lander Etsy: Bands Etsy Store Email: Bethany@BlossomBands.com Website: http://www.blossombands.com/ ********************************* Jennifer Black, The Pampered Chef
If you read Jess' post on her amazing Apple dessert, then you know that we LOVE Pampered Chef products. Did you know that I only use stoneware to do all my cooking? Really, I have almost every stone they sell. It's definitely one of my favorite things. With thanksgiving coming, you should peruse their catalog and see what you need before cooking for the masses. I actually never buy something without hosting a party because the benefits are insane. I'm a huge fan of the catalog show because # 1- I don't have to find a date in my crazy schedule and # 2 Did I mention the amazing incentives and FREE products? So, call Jane, host a catalog party, and get a bunch of free stuff! Ok, even if you don't do the party thing, you must own at least one piece of stoneware and Jess recommends the apple corer slicer! Jennifer BlackPhone: (410) 952-1179 Email: Janeniferjblack@comcast.net Website: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/jenniferblack ********************************* The Land of Nod I've loved Crate & Barrel forever (we actually registered there for our wedding) so of course I LOVE their sister store, The Land of Nod! You'll definitely want to check them out for holiday decor and Christmas presents.
Here is one Must Have item if you have elementary aged kids.
It's the BEST doodle book ever! Taro Gomi draws the coolest Japanese doodles to get your kiddos thinking. Each page usually has a picture and a prompting question. Ex: An empty plate and the question… The Queen's coming for dinner, what do we feed her? My kids ADORE this book and fought over the pages enough that I finally bought a few more! The Land of Nod has offered our readers FREE shipping on most Holiday Toys, so click the pic below to take advantage of it! LMK if you buy a fun doodle book!
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Did Jess and I mention that life has been a wee bit crazy lately? Each week we keep saying that"it should slow down next week", but so far it just keeps on being awesome and crazy! Dream Dinners has been a total savior in this area! The other night I was over and asked Jess what they were going to do for dinner (because I had nothing planned for my family) and she just pointed to an amazing looking Dream Dinner thawing and ready to pop in the oven. Even if you love to cook, it's so wonderful to have some DDs on hand for the unexpected busy day. Give Kris a call and bring your friends- it's so fun to make meals together! Kris Petrich, Owner 309 at Advance Ln 262 Bethlehem Pike, Ste 101 Colmar, PA 18915 Tel: 215-822-4055 Email: 309advanceLNPA@dreamdinners.com Website: http://www.dreamdinners.com/ A BIG Thanks to all of our sponsors! Thanks for taking this crazy journey with us!Now, go show them some RHBC love! If you have a business or a product that you think our readers would love, contact us to talk about becoming a blog sponsor.Thanks!
No… I'm not getting all creepo on you… this is a PG blog-Our moms read it! What I'm talking about it this adorable ball of fur that's now a part of the Mangin family…
I'm seriously head-over-heels in love with her! She's a Bernese Mountain Dog that will be eight weeks old today and she has the sweetest disposition ever! Jess came over to meet her the other day and was surprised at how smitten I am, so she said,"I didn't think you were a dog person?" to which I replied,"I'm not! I just like my dog!" Ha! What can I say? It's true! So in honor of Miss Pennlyn (AKA Penn) I'm sharing some Doggy Style projects… Four Post Bed… Puppy Luxury! I first saw this bed a few years ago in a Lowe's Creative Ideas magazine, and immediately loved it. I don't think the size will work for Penn, but I love the look and idea of it.
Source: lowescreativeideas.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest You could also just find a coffee or end table, flip it over and get your DIY on, turning it into a bed. And of course, I'm loving the yellow! Crate Bed Since Pennlyn will be a pretty big dog, I'm thinking this style bed is a bit more her speed. I'm loving this DIY bed made by Home Frosting and I can't wait to make one. She used leftover 1x4s, but I think I might use some free pallets. The finish she created is fabulous!
Source: home-frosting.blogspot.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest DIY Pet Tags Leave it to Martha to come up with these adorable tags.
Source: marthastewart.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest I was about to order a generic tag from the pet store, but I plan to try this DIY this week before going the generic route. I just need to make sure it's heavy duty enough. I'll let you know how it goes! Pet Art I'm not really a huge fan of having pet pics all over the place (remember… not a"dog person") but I do think some pet art might be cool in the kids' playroom.
This took me about 30 seconds to create on Picnik. I used the"Posterize" effect and voila… Pet Art! I think I'll order it as a canvas this week. Hungry Puppy? Since we've only had Penn for 5 days, her food is just in the bag, but I do have ambitious plans to create some kind of cool looking container. The hubs thinks I'm insane and wants to know why the dog food container needs to be cute, but he knows who he's married to, so he's cool with it. Here's one fun idea…
Source: tidymom.net via The Real Housewives on Pinterest The style isn't mine, but I think I could add some of my own modern flair to it. I sorta had something wooden and rustic in mind, so we'll see… Custom Stuffies These are the funniest things ever! I think they'd make such an awesome gift! This seller on etsy makes custom stuffies for your pet. Just send a picture of your pooch and you'll get a look-a-like stuffie in a few weeks! I've contacted the seller, because she doesn't have this as an active listing right now, but I'm hoping she'll be back at it soon! Pennlyn definitely needs a mini-me stuffie! WAIT! Hold the press! Shevon contacted me and you can now buy a custom stuffie! Here's the link: Custom Stuffies (Soooo stinkin' Cool!)
Source: etsy.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest
So, it looks like I have a lot of projects to get working on! Although, before I get working on my puppy projects I think I need to get Penn house-broken and doing fancy tricks (can I teach her how to go get my laptop for me?) I'll keep you posted on Miss Pennlyn and any cool projects we make for her! Oh, one last thing… She WILL NOT be owning one of these… Thundervest…No Comment!
Source: thundershirt.com via The Real Housewives on Pinterest Thanks for letting me introduce my little lady to you!
WAIT! Don't stop reading! The voting for Crafting with the Stars is now open! We've entered our first project and we need your votes. We obviously can't tell you which project is ours, but we can give you a hint… look for the coolest one… that'll be ours! Nah, we really do have some stiff competition, so head over and vote for your favorite 3 projects. The winners will be announced Wednesday. Thanks! ClickHERE to see the entries and vote!
Do you know what Pantone is? No, it's not a well-known shampoo. Pantone is the a leading authority on color and inspires fashion, home design, make up and graphic art trends. But we all know that what all I really care about is how Pantone impacts home design. This year, Pantone chose Tangering Tango as the color of the year, and this is why: “Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.” I'm really digging this color, as you may remember my recent admission of a design crush, and think it is a super fun way to brighten up your homes. Let's take a look, shall we?
Source: blog.hgtv.com via Jessica on Pinterest I love that coral artwork, and look! It's paired with blue.: )
Source: hgtv.com via Jessica on Pinterest Such a cute headboard!
Source: paloma81.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest
How about a statement furniture piece?
Source: lonnymag.com via Jessica on Pinterest
Source: shelterness.com via Jessica on Pinterest I'm not a huge fan of this room, but I do like the pops of orange on the pillows and the chair. That chair has gorgeous lines. Just sayin'.
. Source: redoitdesign.wordpress.com via Jessica on Pinterest There is so much to adore in this room, but did you notice the base of that lamp? Oh, it's just too much!
Source: mydreamtolife.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest Another fun idea is to use tangerine tango in your party decor. It would work so beautifully in Spring, Summer and Fall!
Source: etsy.com via Jessica on Pinterest Using this fabric on pillows would be fabulous!
Source: etsy.com via Jessica on Pinterest I can't get enough of this print, and might just have to incorporate somehow into my life. Not only is it cute, but isn't it so true??! So, are you ready to Tango?
I am pretty sure if Pinterest was around a few decades ago, that Julie Andrews would have changed her lyrics! I'm in full-blown summer mode. My days are filled with sunscreen, swimming, walks at the park, and BBQs, no major house projects are going on… Even in the midst of crazy summer activities, I still LOVE sitting down and perusing Pinterest each night, so I thought I'd just share a few random, cool things I found last night… These Are a Few of My Favorite Pins 7.11.11
Source: sunsurfer.tumblr.com via Teresa on Pinterest Outdoor living spaces are one of my favorite things. The hubs and I were just planning out our dream patio and pool layout last night. (Keyword: dream)
Source: skinnyfit-thebestyou.tumblr.com via Kelly on Pinterest Honestly, one of my favorite things on Pinterest, are all the funny posters and sayings. This one makes me laugh, because it's so true!
Source: papercakesfinds.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest I love this SO much I can't even tell you! The color, the objects, the patterns…
Source: etsy.com via Martha on Pinterest I love Scrabble pillows- this is a little cheesy to me, but love the pillows.
Source: marthastewart.com via Sandra on Pinterest I'm ready to try DIY chalkboard paint… stay tuned for a tutorial!
Source: etsy.com via Marszu on Pinterest I love getting ideas and then tweaking them to fit me… I wouldn't hang this, but I'd love to make one, scan it, and create Thank You notecards to have on hand for the grandparents and family.
Source: houzz.com via Megan on Pinterest This space is sooo me. I love the b & w pics, the grey walls, the clean lines… Sigh… I think my kids will be all moved out before I can ever have white couches. So how's that for a random sampling of Favorite Pins? What are you liking on Pinterest?Leave us a comment with a link to your favorite Pin from today!
Vintage advertisement for monogrammed china I just LOVE vintage advertisements. I especially love vintage ads featuring china or flatware! I always find myself squinting at the ads I come across, trying to make out the china pattern or silver pattern, wondering if it's one I have in stock for my jewelry making. I think on two occasions I've found ads for patterns that were the same as or very similar to dishes that I had in stock'One was a Limoges U.S.A. ad for a set of monogrammed floral china. I love these old initial monogram patterns. Over the years I have found some orphaned pieces here and there but for the most part these patterns are hard to find! Here are a few pieces of jewelry that I created with damaged vintage monogrammed china:
Necklace pendant made from K monogram china (this is the china in the ad above!)
Heart pendant from vintage H monogrammed china
Bracelet made from a vintage monogrammed tea cup
Necklace pendant from vintage A monogrammed china Vintage and antique monogrammed china is hard to find, but once in a while I come across some that is cracked or chipped or damaged from age or use, and that is what I turn into jewelry. I think I currently have the letters M and K in stock, if you are interested in any pieces similar to those shown above, check out my Etsy shop! Here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/dishfunctionldesigns What do you think of monogrammed china jewelry?
I can't really take credit for this post… I have my awesome husband to thank for making me realize that tracking our kids' growth is really important and special. I don't have to tell you that kids grow up way too fast… I'm pretty sure I see a mom a day posting something on Facebook about their kids growing up too quickly. Since we can't do anything to reverse the growing process, I figure we should embrace it and take tremendous joy in watching our four children grow (even if it seems to be right before our eyes.) So of course, we take about 1500 pictures a month of our kids (I plan to fill my retirement years with sorting through millions of jpeg files), but one other thing we started about 5 years ago is measuring our kids. We celebrate and measure on birthdays and half birthdays! It's amazing to see how much growth and change there can be in 6 months and, of course, our kids love that we know their 1/2 birthday and make a big deal out of it. So this is where Eric comes in… You may or may not know that I struggle with anything to do with routines, organization, and all that mom stuff… Enter the Outlook Reminder! Eric simply sends me a reminder that goes off on each of the kids' measurement days and voila…semi-organized mom!
We recently moved into our new home and we weren't sure what to do about the measurement door. We knew we could replace the door and take it with us, but it was a weird size door, so that seemed silly. So, we ran a big risk and just took a million pictures of it so that we could transfer the measurements to the new house. We moved in and initially thought we'd put them on another door frame or somewhere in the master bedroom, but then I decided I wanted it to be more a part of our home. I had a plan in my mind, and thanks to Uppercase Living was able to order numbers and make my plan a reality. This is in our 2nd floor hallway… We all walk past it every day and from the foyer below you can see the pictures and the M.
I'm not usually one for artwork with phrases for living, but I saw this tree art at a store in New England and something about it really struck a chord in me. I decided it might not be my style, but the words (I'll stick them in a comment) are simple and something I'd like my kids to read and to see for the next years of their lives. The M was gold from Hobby Lobby, but a little spray paint and she was perfect. The line is just painted on the wall with leftover grey (of course) paint. Worked from the photo of the old door… I had close-ups too…
I love comparing the kids and how tall they were at certain ages… Kaden was about 1 1/2 inches ahead of Kenzie when they were both 5 1/2… Of course that earned some bragging rights!
The finished product. I've had the chart on the wall for months, but just finally added the measurements this week and, since I did, the kids have been checking to see if they've grown, and have been reading all their measurements. I'm so very happy with the results… even if there are dirty little fingerprints all over it already!
Even though I have my growth chart already made, I scoured the web to find some of the coolest options for under $100. Most of these are around $60 and would be something really special to add to your home. Even if you've been using a door frame or closet that no one sees, maybe consider transferring it over to a place that your kids and company can enjoy!
This Miss Natalie jute cloth measurement kit is adorable. This one is super popular, but I think the paper tags would become part of one of Kira's next craft projects! Miss Natalie Heirloom Growth Chart
This modern, bold design would make a huge impact on a room. Oh, it also comes in 40 colors! Love it! Etsy Modern Growth Chart
Add a little whimsy with a modern tree and a little bird ByrdieGraphics on Etsy
These simple charts have a European flair and I love how the numbers get larger as they go up… Measure Me Stick
The measurements are in Metric and English Units, which I think adds a little something… I also lean towards modern lines, so this one appeals to me. (slight confession… this one is over $100, but I liked it too much not to include it!)
Cute for a child's room or playroom Woodland Growth Chart
Believe it or not, this is a DIY project. Here's the link and everything is free and printable. Score! Coolest DIY Growth Chart Project
I'll finish this rather long post with a little poem by Dianne Loomans. Yes, kind of unlike me, but it made me stop and think about my role as a parent because before I know it they'll be all GROWN up… If I had my child to raise over againI'd build self-esteem first and the house laterI'd finger paint more and point the finger lessI would do less correcting and more connectingI'd take my eyes off my watch and watch with my eyesI would care to know less and know to care moreI'd take more hikes and fly more kitesI'd stop playing serious and seriously playI would run through more fields and gaze at more starsI'd do more hugging and less tuggingI'd see the oak tree in the acorn more oftenI would be firm less often and affirm much moreI'd model less about the love of powerAnd more about the power of love. So whether you make a growth chart or not, still take a moment to stop today and just enjoy the little people God has allowed you to grow for Him.
Let’s Really Support Each Other: Linked up to: The Creative Girl Sumo's Sweet Stuff
We all love Pinterest… there are so many ideas and cool people to be inspired by. I wish I took the time to do more of the projects I see, but honestly this lil' old blog takes a lot of time, so I don't do as many as I'd like to (sounds weird that a DIY blog would take time away from DIYing, but it's true!)
Today I'm excited to introduce you to two people I adore. Meet my adorable sister-in-law Kelly and my awesome brother-in-law Bryan. This cute couple lives in Ohio, so we miss them 24-7, but we have a blast when we're together.
I also have to introduce you to their little stud Jax. He's our one and only nephew and we think he's the best!
Okay, so why are we having this Mangin Family blog reunion?? Well, Kelly is not just a Pinterest addict, she actually does what she pins! {Gasp!} On our recent visit to Ohio, I felt like I was walking through a Pinterest Museum. It was too awesome not to share. Kelly has some creative friends and family, and between them all they have done so many fun projects for her home. So without further ado… Welcome to Kelly's Pinteresting Home!State Artwork Kel is from OH and Bry is from PA.
Aqua Painted Pedestal Table Kel got her table and chairs at goodwill for $75 total. Add aqua and white paint and you have an awesome statement piece!
Funky Pendant Light This was one of the first changes Kelly made to her kitchen when she moved in!
Crossword Names Takes 2 seconds, but is so cute as an accessory. It's just a frame turned chalkboard.
Kitchen Office Space She removed the wall cabinets, added open shelving, and did some adorable accessorizing. Kelly claims she can't decorate, but I'm pretty sure you'd all beg to differ!
Spray Painted Faux Antlers Kel is super lucky to have a Hobby Lobby right around the corner. These beauties came from there and got a coral spraypaint treatment.
Simple Printables She doesn't just PIN free printables, she actually uses them… imagine that! A simple piece of twine, some clothespins, and voila!
Modern Painted Chandelier Bye Bye Brass, hello funky green. The circle bulbs are just right and add a cute modern flare.
Window Frame Kel found this awesome salvage shop in Springfield, OH. They have windows galore!
Family Rules and More Printables Kelly and Jess both have the Be Happy print. You can get it at Sprik Space.
Magazine Paper Frame & Vase These two were purchases, but I liked them too much not to include them. If you're patient enough you can make your own!
House Numbers and Hooks There are so many things you can do with frames, and digital paper. Our favorite site is Moo & Puppy!
Yarn Wreath You know I'm the"anti-wreath," but this one is really cute! I love the homemade pompoms
Paper Flowers Kelly's friend Amy made these for her and they match her aqua table so well. Jones Design Company has tons of paper flower tutorials!
Clip Hooks Are you seeing a clothes pin trend? They're affordable, easy to use, and cute!
Fabric Lined Shelves Kel took plain bookshelves from drab to fab with this blue fabric. Her shelves always look so cute! Her sister gave her the frame with the subway art and has it loaded up with a print for every season/holiday.
Unique Gallery Wall These cool rounded frames are from Ikea and the doorknob is from Hobby Lobby.
Growth Chart I love this growth chart that Kelly's sister made for her. It's exactly like this one from Miss Natalie. No time to make one? You can buy one on Etsy for $56.00.
Last but not least, check out this fabulous fabric choice for a DIY headboard!
What do you think? Are you inspired to go look at your pin boards and actually do a project? I know I have a list a mile long that I want to do now! I also have to tell you that Kel had no idea I was snooping around her house taking pictures, so none of this was staged or cleaned… this is real-deal, everyday life and I think it's great! Have you turned a pin into a project? Share the link, we'd love to see!
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I'm so excited to share this project today! It was by far my favorite project in the room! Lots of fabulous Nate Show viewers have contacted us over the last week asking when this tutorial was coming… well, the wait is over, here is is!
DIY Reindeer Artwork
First off, I want to give a shout out to a few bloggers that inspired this project. During a Nate Show Challenge we can't be browsing Pinterest or anything, but we do rely on remembering some cool ideas we've seen in the past and are ready to try. Check out Amber's project that she hand painted or this cool canvas on sale on Etsy for more inspiration.
Ok, now get ready, because this project is so simple that you might miss it if you blink! I didn't take any process pictures, and I really wanted to steal the artwork from Jess, so I made a new one for myself last night!
Start with a plain canvas. For Jess' I used an 11x17 and for mine I accidently bought 18x24. During the show, I quickly looked on Google images for a reindeer that I liked and found this picture.
I printed out the picture as an 8x11 and took it to Staples to blow it up for me. It cost all of $1.04! Score!
Have I mentioned that I seriously can't cut well with scissors? I actually had a"Needs Improvement" on my elementary report card for cutting…I still Need Improvement! So… instead, I cut it out using my handy, dandy, Xacto knife.
I used spray adhesive and spray paint.
First, flip your reindeer over and spray a thin layer of spray adhesive.
Position it onto your canvas and then pose for a cheesy picture. Okay, the posing is optional, but will make your hubs really happy, especially if you ask him to do it at 10:30pm!
Did I mention it was getting late? Perhaps all the fumes went to my head! Ugh! After making sure that the template is pretty well sealed down, all you need to do is make a creepy face and spray!
Try to spray from directly above the artwork. Less paint will sneak through under the template. A little bleeding is okay and gives it a pretty cool look though.
I wanted to get the template off right away, so simply peel off to reveal your masterpiece!
Ta-Da! I'm totally in love!
Because I'm a blog slacker, my new artwork is still drying and not ready to be hung on the wall. I'll put some pictures on Facebook later.: ) Darn my procrastination!
So there you have it. Insanely simple artwork that makes a BIG impact! Ta-Da!
We know lots of you plan to try this project. When you do, be sure to tag RHBC on Facebook so we can see your handiwork!
P.S. Confession Time: I may or may not have gotten totally sucked into my guilty pleasure (Gossip Girl) while writing this post. Feel free to email if you have any other questions. Bad blogger watching embarrassing shows! P.S.S. How much do you love this awesome project I just found? Check out her blog and give her some RHBC love!
These tags make great personal touches for gifts, or, if you're a crafty, use them in altered art and scrapbooking projects. If you sell your work, use these as jewelry cards or hang tags for your handcrafted items, as I have done above. Supplies needed: Manila hang tags 'available at office supply stores, or if you prefer you can cut your own from cardstock. I prefer to use the purchased ones, just because it is more time efficient for me.
Teabags and hot water to brew some strong tea (or you can use coffee)
Other Optional supplies & embellishments: Spray bottle (optional) Ribbon scraps Carnival tickets (office supply stores, Walmart, and Party supply stores) Misc. ephemera Glue stick
STEP 1 Brew a strong pot of tea and when cooled, pour it into a medium pot (I keep the teabags in). You can brew the teabags right in the pot on the stovetop. I use about 6 teabags per every 4 cups of water. If you prefer you can use coffee instead of tea. STEP 2 Submerge and soak the manila tags in the cooled tea until stained and saturated. They do not have to be evenly stained. The less-even the stains are, the better. You can either just dip them for a lighter look, or you can allow them to soak for a while for a deeper shade. Experiment until you achieve the look you like. STEP 3 When the tags are the color you like, remove them from the tea soak and lightly blot them on an old tea towel. Next, arrange them on a cookie sheet and bake in a warm oven (about 200-250 degrees F) until they begin to dry. Watch them carefully so that you do not burn them. Then remove them from the oven.
when dry, your tags should look like this
STEP 4 This step is optional, but I like to go the extra mile for the look: spritz the tags with a spray bottle filled with tea or coffee to add some extra, darker stain marks. If you don't want to use a spray bottle you can just randomly drip the tea on your tags. This step helps them look old and worn or grungy: that is the look we are going for. Bake again for just a few minutes until dry and remove from oven.
I love drip stains on my tags! STEP 5 Embellishing: Once your tags are completely dry you can rubber stamp them with designs. Using the rubber stamp and stamp pad, stamp your tags with whatever designs you desire. Some nice stamps that I like to use are seasonal designs and nature designs. You can stop here and use your tags as-is, or read on for more embellishment ideas. For Those Who Want More* Thread a few scraps of ribbon through the hole in the tag and tie for a colorful look (see below).
Just thread the ribbon through the hole...
....and then tie in a simple knot
I coordinated these earrings to the ribbons to complete the look! Getting Fancy * Use rubber stamps to decorate carnival tickets, punch a hole in each with a hole-punch and then attach these with ribbon through the hole on the tag (as shown above). Or, if you prefer, use a glue stick and glue the carnival ticket directly to the tag.
You can buy carnival tickets by the roll
use a simple, small stamp on the carnival tickets
a colorful, whimsical look A Few Other Ideas * Distress the edges of your tags by running the edge of the tag along the stamp pad or by tracing along the edge of the tag with a marker. * Add some color to your rubber stamp designs by coloring with colored pencil. * Add vintage ephemera to your tags with a glue stick for an altered art look. * Good idea: If you're using these as tags for items you are going to sell or as jewelry cards, use the reverse side to write pertinent info about your item (such as materials used, etc), or, stamp the reverse side with a sticker or personalized rubber stamp to advertise your business name and/or website. I had a custom rubber stamp made by Etsy seller terbearco, and I love it!
We'll be getting back to our regular Fab Find Fridays next week, but today we want to share the project that won Round 3 of CWTS! We love it so much and I'm kind of jealous that Monica gets to enjoy it every day. (The next big project better be at MY house.; ) Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What are girls to do when they CAN'T SEW and are part of a fabric challenge? Hmm… well, we're kind of lovin' wallpaper lately, so we thought we'd use fabric in a non-traditional (and non-sewing) way! Fabric Wallpaper I had ordered some fabric a few months back, but never used it. Amazingly there was just the right amount to cover the width of my office wall. While we're talking about my office… this is a judgement free zone, so go easy on me about the state of my office. Yikes!
There wasn't enough fabric to cover the whole wall, so we came up with the idea to put board and batten below the fabric. The big decision was what color to paint the moulding… Grey, White, or Yellow. We kind of hold to a"Go Big or Go Home" mentality, so we went with yellow! Darn that the color paint we bought wasn't made correctly and looked like Sunshine Yellow, not a cool muted color.
Once the paint was dry (ok, well almost dry) it was time to start working on the fabric. We measured the height and cut accordingly. We left about 6" extra that we trimmed later.
This is NOT a glamorous process… it's a lot of holding & pinning and really would be great with two people, but with only one ladder, Jess got to give advice from below and take awesome pics of me!
There are lots of methods for hanging fabric, but we thought the pin & staple was our best option. We used pins to get it lined up correctly.
Somehow we forgot to take a picture of the stapling process, but it's simple… just staple along the edges. After stapling, we used a razor to trim the edges.
Once again we were wrapping up a project at midnight… Jess is awesome at styling, so before she headed home, she got to work on the desk accessories. The Love sign is something we made for our etsy shop, but I kinda love it, so I haven't listed it!
The next morning we finished all the painting and got to work on the rope. Unfortunately, rope doesn't come in many colors…just rope color. So, we decided to stain it grey. I had no idea my table stain would get so much use! It gave the rope just the look we were going for!
We used a hot glue gun to adhere the rope around the outside edge. We liked the idea of adding a cool detail, and we also had to hide the staples!
We couldn't be happier with the finished product! The total cost was under $50.00 (and most of that was for the gallon of paint we didn't even use!)
It totally looks like wallpaper and at a fraction of the cost. I'm so glad this challenge inspired us to finish my office!
So, how's that for a fabric project from two girls that can't sew? Monica & Jess Linking up to: TT & J, Show & Tell Saturday, Tips & Tutorials Tip Me Tuesday, Sundae Scoop, Sunday Showcase
Ladies-and the approximately 1% of readers who are dudes-, we have awesome sponsors. They are the ones who make the rest of our posts and projects possible. Not only do they support us, but they have some pretty cool stuff in their stores. We've rounded up some of favorite items for a cozy Fall season. Make sure you don't miss the discount codes and special promotions!
1. We are digging on this Antique Thread Display Drawer from Nachokitty. It could serve so many different purposes: jewelry organizer, craft supply organizer, or pretty display for your tiny treasures. Don't stop there, though. You should definitely take a look at their Etsy shop- I could browse their finds for hours!
2. I love this Industrial Table Lamp from Lucent Lampworks! I can see it snuggled up to some pretty Fall decor on a mantel or side table. Love. it. To get 10% off your purchase use the code EC2TENOFF.
3. We're heading into the holiday season, and it's always good to have small gifts on hand for teachers, neighbors etc. Stock up on these Premium Soy Candles from CJS Eco Chic in the mini 4 oz. and you won't ever have to worry! And oh man, the holiday scents are to die for!
4. We love using non-traditional materials for headboards! How about this fireplace mantel headboard? Not bad, right? Architectural Antiques is hands-down our favorite place for incredible salvaged materials to repurpose.
5. Did you see Mandi's Epic Room Makeover. She used the Nova Trellis, from Royal Design Studio in the bathroom and well, it is fabulous. As a thank you to their 10,000 FB fans, RDS is offering25% of all orders through Sunday with the code WELOVEU.
6. You've all been waiting for Monica's big patio reveal, and tomorrow, the wait is over! They couldn't have done it without Stone Depot, and their super helpful staff. Now's the time to build an outdoor fireplace or firepit, and they guys at Stone Depot have everything you need to make that happen!
7. We can't seem to control our love for photo canvases from Canvas People! Right now you can buy a 11 x 14 Canvas for only $15 from Canvas People and $1 of every order will be donated to help fight Breast Cancer! If you need some inspiration for what to put on a canvas, check out this post! 8. Not gonna lie, once the holiday season starts (right after Halloween, in my opinion), I often need a reminder to stop and be thankful for all that I have. This 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Print from Red Letter Words makes a perfect visual reminder of that very thing…and it looks cool, too. Check out the fun new turquoise color, too! They also have a really fun, very sweet Print of the Month focused on the value we women have, and you will receive 20% off this entire section through the end of this month. 9. We love Moo & Puppy digital paper so much, we even wrote a post about all of it's many uses! I'm really liking the fall-ish colors of the Retro Digital Scrapbook Paper. Use the discount code EC2blog20 for 20% off your order!
10. We all know that Thirty-One Gifts has cute and affordable bags, but the one item I've had my eye for over a year is this small Magazine Basket. I love it's shape and versatility! Plus, you can personalize all baskets for only a few dollars more. Right now, mention EC2Blog when you order any basket and get any second item in the catalog 31% off. To place your order, click here and shoot an email to Amanda with your order.
11.Liberty Thrift Store is hands-down our go-to thrift store. Did you know that we found the chair we reupholstered for the Nate Show there? You never know what you'll find thrifting, but it's always fun! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wait, one more thing! We're happy to announce that we're accepting new sponsors! We have a few openings that we would love to fill, so if you have a business that you think we'll love and can help you promote, send us an email at eastcoastcreativeblog@gmail.com! Seriously, what better way to sell your stuff than to have two loud, passionate, crazy women on your side?! For all the nitty-gritty info about our sponsorship opportunities, click here. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have a great day, and be sure to stop over and say hi to our wonderful sponsors!
I'm going to keep it real here and first say that I felt like I was in a blogging slump the last few weeks. But a wonderful Christmas break and looking back over our past year has rejuvenated me! I'm so proud of the projects Monica and I completed, and of this blog that we love! I'm going to try to keep it short and sweet (I tend to be a bit wordy, yes?; )
1. Ever hear of a guy named Nate Berkus?
I just couldn't do a 2011 recap without mentioning our whirlwind love affair crate challenges with Mr. Nate Berkus, himself. You can see what we did for the show here, here and here. 2. Barnwood Artwork
This beauty was, by far, my favorite project of the year. Modern, rustic, simple. Plus it was made with love for my best friend- you can't beat that! 3. Easy Door Headboard
This sort of makes me laugh, but this project is one of our most popular. My hubs and I made this headboard on a whim using some very non-traditional methods, but it's a winner! 4. Antique Table turned Vanity
I had been wanting to do this for a long time, and the Crafting with the Stars challenge gave me the perfect opportunity to give it a go! Monica and I spent one looooong evening getting it just right, but now I can't even express how much I love this vanity! (That sentence is ridiculous, but oh so true.) You can check out two of the other projects we did for CWTS on Monica's post yesterday. 5. Modern Typography Meets Reclaimed Barnwood
Oh barnwood, how I adore thee. Same to you, typography. Why not marry the two and make something fabulous? Well, ok, I will. Thankyouverymuch. 6. Pallet Shelf Love
Who loves free projects? This girl (said with thumbs pointing at chest)! This shelf was free, easy and quick. Love that. 7. DIY Drop-cloth Window Treatments
Drop-cloth window treatments have been floating around the blogosphere for a while now, but I tried my hand at making some valances for my living room when I heard aforementioned Mr. Berkus was sending a team to my house to film. That sure got my rear end in gear, and boy, am I glad. Those naked windows were in desperate need of some clothes! 8. From an Oops! to a Yes! Mirror Transformation
That this mirror turned into something I'm proud of, is an absolute miracle and purely an accident. It made me so thankful that, sometimes, persistance pays off! 9. Faux-Stained Glass Window
I have a crush on old things of all kinds, but can't often pay for the real deal, so I came up with this idea of using a wall decal from Home Depot and an antique window from my in-law's barn and making a faux stained glass window! I really liked it then, but liked it even more after Monica used it in my basement makeover! 10. A Garden Wall
I brought a bit of green into my kitchen by creating a garden wall with succelents. You know, the kind that are ridiculously hard to kill. It's true! I've had these since May, and they're still living, for which I can take no credit! 11. The Barn
Monica and I were so excited to combine our talents this year to design and create one-of-a-kind products using reclaimed barnwood. We opened our etsy shop in September amidst all our crazy Nate show stuff/ Crafting with the Stars submission/ and our first appearance on our local news. Can you say bad timing?: ) Even so, we love the items and our shop, so if you are ever in need of a unique gift or item for your home, we'd be thrilled to make one for you! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So, we've had a GREAT year, and owe you a huge, fat thank you! This year would not have been possible without you and we so appreciate you taking time out of your busy lives to stop by our blog! Here's to another fantastic year in 2012!
New to the blog? This is Part 2 of a series on my discovery to creating a home that is comfortable and stylish. I find that thinking about the places I've been that have really impacted me and that I fell in love with, helps me discern what styles I want to incorporate in my home. Each place has a certain feel that I would love to capture at home. To read Part 1, click here.
Have you ever been to Nantucket? (Sigh) It's probably my favorite place on the planet, other than my bed, and I think about it often. It is an island off the coast of Massachusetts that has a distinct New England feel. It's a combination of classic/preppy and casual/coastal. The homes on the island don't go for sale very often because they are passed down through generations, but when they do, they cost a pretty penny. Worth every bit, I'm sure.
Source: superstock.com via Jessica on Pinterest I remember riding my bike right past this little, rose-covered gem with a white picket fence. Dreamy.
Source: inspireddecorating.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest The towns (and there are only 2 on the island, I think) has great cobblestone walkways throughout.
Source: google.com via Jessica on Pinterest If I could wake up in this room every morning, I'd be a happy woman. Lots of neutral tones, but the wooden bed and brick step add warmth and depth. And oh, the gallery wall and french doors leave me breathless. I get like that sometimes over rooms. No big deal. {Ahem}
Source: etsy.com via Jessica on Pinterest I love this painting. I'm already trying to figure out how to recreate one for cheap. More on that later.: )
Source: cottages-gardens.com via Natasha on Pinterest
Source: chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com via Natasha on Pinterest Cedar shingles are so elegant and classic. They start out a light tan, and then as they weather, turn into that gorgeous, moody gray.
Source: inspiracionline.blogspot.com via Natasha on Pinterest
Source: brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com via Natasha on Pinterest Of course, you have to enjoy a good, old-fashioned lobster bake when on the island, and who wouldn't want to do that in this adorable space? Aren't those red and orange stools fabulous? And the chandeliers are awesome too, and are totally an easy DIY project!
Source: canvas.landsend.com via Susie on Pinterest Even this outfit screams"Nantucket" and, if I could, I would wear that every day of my life. Yes, even for my kid's weddings, in case you were wondering.
Source: traditionalhome.com via Natasha on Pinterest So cozy. I adore the faded blues and tans, and the fabric on that pillow.
Source: google.com via Jessica on Pinterest So, hopefully, now you understand my love for all things Nantucket. Stay tuned for Part 3 later this week!
It's good to be back from vacation. Happy Monday, everyone!
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