Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The Goldfish and The Flower
Take a sneak peek at these adorable photos from Kristen Duke. Recognize the bodysuits? The Wishing Elephant's threads have never looked this amazing. Adorable model, fantastic photography and two pretty cute onesies!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Cherry Blossom Headband Tutorial
I think this is the perfect spring headband for a little lady. It would also work on an older head, say, yours. I bought the black elastic headband from the Etsy shop Threddies. This inexpensive and versatile headband fits both toddler and adults! This is and easy project and won't take longer than an hour.
Supplies:
Cardstock (for stencil)
9x12 Green Felt*
9x12 Light Pink Felt*
No Sew Iron On Adhesive
Needle
Pink Thread (a few shades darker than your pink felt)
Sharp Scissors
Pen
Threddies Black Elastic Headband
Iron
*You'll have leftover felt
Steps:
Iron the adhesive to both pink and green felt. Make sure to keep the paper backing on. Then, make your cherry blossom stencil. You can freehand or simply print this picture onto cardstock. My blossom was about 1.5 inches across.
Trace the cherry blossom on the back of the pink felt. Then, cut out the flower. I find it easiest to cut the petals first and then notch the tips (see photo).
Peel the adhesive backing off of the blossom. Thread a french knot through the center of the blossom. Surround it with 5 additional french knots. I tried to line each of the 5 additional knots up with the notches in the petals.
Lay the blossom (adhesive side down) onto the green felt. Iron on low. Once the blossom is adhered, trim the green felt to about 3mm around the flower. Tip: if you are unsure about the iron temperature, use parchment paper in between the iron and the felt.
Use the trimmed blossom as a stencil on the back of the green felt.
Cut out the blossom shape.
Sandwich the two blossoms (green and embroidered pink) on the elastic headband. Try to match the petals as closely as possible. Iron together.
Trim any of the green that you find unsightly and wear it!
Supplies:
Cardstock (for stencil)
9x12 Green Felt*
9x12 Light Pink Felt*
No Sew Iron On Adhesive
Needle
Pink Thread (a few shades darker than your pink felt)
Sharp Scissors
Pen
Threddies Black Elastic Headband
Iron
*You'll have leftover felt
Steps:
Iron the adhesive to both pink and green felt. Make sure to keep the paper backing on. Then, make your cherry blossom stencil. You can freehand or simply print this picture onto cardstock. My blossom was about 1.5 inches across.
Trace the cherry blossom on the back of the pink felt. Then, cut out the flower. I find it easiest to cut the petals first and then notch the tips (see photo).
Peel the adhesive backing off of the blossom. Thread a french knot through the center of the blossom. Surround it with 5 additional french knots. I tried to line each of the 5 additional knots up with the notches in the petals.
Lay the blossom (adhesive side down) onto the green felt. Iron on low. Once the blossom is adhered, trim the green felt to about 3mm around the flower. Tip: if you are unsure about the iron temperature, use parchment paper in between the iron and the felt.
Use the trimmed blossom as a stencil on the back of the green felt.
Cut out the blossom shape.
Sandwich the two blossoms (green and embroidered pink) on the elastic headband. Try to match the petals as closely as possible. Iron together.
Trim any of the green that you find unsightly and wear it!
The Cherry Blossom
What do these short lived blossoms really mean? While looking for pictures of these etherial beauties I noticed a trend, Washington D.C. and Tokyo. Both cities share stunning photos of the blooming season.
In 1912, Tokyo gave Washington D.C 3,000 cherry trees as a symbol of friendship. These Japanese natives have been flourishing in D.C ever since and annually create a fleeting magical landscape. For me, cherry blossoms symbolize spring, beauty and friendship. All three magical and fleeting.
In 1912, Tokyo gave Washington D.C 3,000 cherry trees as a symbol of friendship. These Japanese natives have been flourishing in D.C ever since and annually create a fleeting magical landscape. For me, cherry blossoms symbolize spring, beauty and friendship. All three magical and fleeting.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Pinch Me, I'm Nesting...
Pintrest is a fabulous visual inspiration site. You host specialized boards to pin unique pictures from the internet or "repin" images that you find on pintrest. What you end up with is a beautifully managed collection of provoking images for you to reflect on and others to enjoy.
Here are two examples that I found cruising the pintrest boards with the word "giant". I had to share these dreamlike installations.
Clothespin sculpture designed by Turkish artist Mehmet Ali Uysal in Leige, Belgium.
Here are two examples that I found cruising the pintrest boards with the word "giant". I had to share these dreamlike installations.
Clothespin sculpture designed by Turkish artist Mehmet Ali Uysal in Leige, Belgium.
Bird nest designed by Merav Eitan and Gaston Zahr for O*GE gallery opening in Israel.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Kristen Duke Photography
We all know how important photography is to your Etsy site. It's the reason someone buys or passes up your item. Great photography gets you featured in treasuries, blogs and provides much needed attention. Even if you make the most breathtaking item, it won't sell unless the picture is equally spectacular.
Back in January, I was contacted by a photographer looking for unique clothing items for clients. After checking out Kristen Duke's website, I was more than excited to send her something.. anything...everything! Drooling at the idea of having professional photography for my onesies, I sent her a stuffed box.
Here is the first round of photos featuring one adorable model, The Etch a Sketch, The Groucho, The Cupcake and the Orange Love Bus. I am positive I got the good end of the swap, these photos are amazing.
Here is the first round of photos featuring one adorable model, The Etch a Sketch, The Groucho, The Cupcake and the Orange Love Bus. I am positive I got the good end of the swap, these photos are amazing.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Livingstones = Love
Livingstones, created by Stephanie Marin, are simply magical. These poufs (I like to call them pillows) are realistic, amazing and ridiculously expensive. I love them.
Being of Scottish descent and painfully reasonable, I didn't even entertain the notion of buying these. They are perfect for our newly constructed playroom and rambunctious son, but, we don't live on a designer budget. So, here's what I call "I can do that" (or, "I'm genetically cheap")! I plan on making my own little pile of stones.
I snagged some gray fleece from the remnants bin at my fabric store and I have some leftover fill from another project. This is a recipe for disaster? Genius? We'll decide when I'll link up my photos. Cross your fingers!
Being of Scottish descent and painfully reasonable, I didn't even entertain the notion of buying these. They are perfect for our newly constructed playroom and rambunctious son, but, we don't live on a designer budget. So, here's what I call "I can do that" (or, "I'm genetically cheap")! I plan on making my own little pile of stones.
I snagged some gray fleece from the remnants bin at my fabric store and I have some leftover fill from another project. This is a recipe for disaster? Genius? We'll decide when I'll link up my photos. Cross your fingers!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Lifelong Crush: Succulents
I've always had a crush on succulents. They are low maintenance, unique and jaw dropping. My house hosts a family of jade plants that have been reproducing like jack rabbits. Perfect for the forgetful green thumb, they only need to be watered about twice a month and can live in moderate light.
I stumbled across this Etsy artisan a few days ago and have been drooling over their goods. Succulents Galore hails from southern California and offers a variety of my little loves. For me, the most eye catching are the wreaths (pictured below). The most tempting of offerings live in the cuttings section. I'll be honest, the entire shop is pretty hard for me to resist.
I stumbled across this Etsy artisan a few days ago and have been drooling over their goods. Succulents Galore hails from southern California and offers a variety of my little loves. For me, the most eye catching are the wreaths (pictured below). The most tempting of offerings live in the cuttings section. I'll be honest, the entire shop is pretty hard for me to resist.
Here's another gorgeous Etsy find from the artist Carol Schiff. This 12x12 oil painting is stunning. I'd like a trio please! They'd be perfect, well, anywhere in my house. She seems to appreciate the succulent as much as I do.
Looking for wearable art? Check out this little ring from Woodland Belle. I have to admit, it took me a few minutes to figure out if it was made with living succulents. It's pretty amazing that its made from a plastic compound. This is a must for the succulent obsessed.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Etsy Crush: MaverickJune
It's no surprise that I love felt. I especially love Eco Felt. In addition, I love quirky, funny and unconventional design. It's like MaverickJune was made for me!
This A-OK pillow is a great representation of the silhouette pillows that float through MaverickJune's Etsy shop. Since each of her pillows are made with eco felt, they are saving about four plastic bottles from a landfill (yay!). Each is filled with a washable, non-allergenic poly fill insert. The appliques are skillfully hand cut and machine stitched.
Haha! I love the Right On pillow. I think the color choice here is spot on, but MaverickJune also offers custom colors on her pillows. They measure 20" x 20" and feature a color coordinated zipper at the bottom.
Monograms are "in" right now, so why not do with a little character? The Custom Letter Pillow allows you to choose from over 30 colors. I'm in the midst of putting together a nursery and can't help but think how fabulous this would be as part of the decor. It would also make a fabulous wedding gift.
Summary: MaverickJune makes hip pillows that were meant to be on my couch. I heart you MaverickJune!
This A-OK pillow is a great representation of the silhouette pillows that float through MaverickJune's Etsy shop. Since each of her pillows are made with eco felt, they are saving about four plastic bottles from a landfill (yay!). Each is filled with a washable, non-allergenic poly fill insert. The appliques are skillfully hand cut and machine stitched.
Haha! I love the Right On pillow. I think the color choice here is spot on, but MaverickJune also offers custom colors on her pillows. They measure 20" x 20" and feature a color coordinated zipper at the bottom.
Monograms are "in" right now, so why not do with a little character? The Custom Letter Pillow allows you to choose from over 30 colors. I'm in the midst of putting together a nursery and can't help but think how fabulous this would be as part of the decor. It would also make a fabulous wedding gift.
Summary: MaverickJune makes hip pillows that were meant to be on my couch. I heart you MaverickJune!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Etsy Find - Cool Tricks
Head over to Cool Tricks to see some of the most fantastic creations on Etsy. Everything in this shop seems transported from a different realm, one of fantasy and dreams. It's no surprise that the creative mind behind this store had an extremely imaginative childhood. Thankfully, she's maintained that sense of wonder and infused it into her shop.
Okay, let's check out the goods. First up is Fern. She's an adorable (and intricate) doll. Part batik, part patchwork and part quilt - this is no ordinary plushie. Fern really is a work of art.
Not only does Toni sketch, create and test each item, she also designs many of the fabrics that go into her work. You can purchase some of the limited edition fabrics here. I obviously have a love for elephants - but this "pink elephants" fabric is to die for.
Last up, is the PB&J quilted hot pads. That's no ordinary jelly - it's huckleberry jam. Not only would I love to have this set in my kitchen, I would love to have it as baby distraction while I cook. It's a double duty item - priceless!
Okay, let's check out the goods. First up is Fern. She's an adorable (and intricate) doll. Part batik, part patchwork and part quilt - this is no ordinary plushie. Fern really is a work of art.
Not only does Toni sketch, create and test each item, she also designs many of the fabrics that go into her work. You can purchase some of the limited edition fabrics here. I obviously have a love for elephants - but this "pink elephants" fabric is to die for.
Last up, is the PB&J quilted hot pads. That's no ordinary jelly - it's huckleberry jam. Not only would I love to have this set in my kitchen, I would love to have it as baby distraction while I cook. It's a double duty item - priceless!
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