I went to Sur La Table last week and I wanted to share with you the cool finds I bought! Now, I better start cooking so I can use all my new goodies!
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
3/31/11
My Sur La Table Haul Video!
I went to Sur La Table last week and I wanted to share with you the cool finds I bought! Now, I better start cooking so I can use all my new goodies!
Until next time Swellions!
3/30/11
Fun & Easy Fontalicious Gift Bag & Bow
Wanted to share with you this super simple font gift bag project that you can do in like 10-15 minutes. It can take that plain and boring gift bag into one that steals the spotlight at the party! And it's totally made with random magazine cutouts, a punch, and scissors! Here's how you make it!
Fun & Easy Fontalicious Gift Bag
Materials
– Plain gift bag (you can get them at Target for 99¢ or dollar stores for 2 for a $1)
– Circle paper punch (mine is 1.5" x 1.5")
– old magazines
– Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue®
– Foam Brush
– Scissors
Instructions
1. Punch out interesting type from your magazines using a circle punch. I chose to pick type on backgrounds with different colors.
2. Use a foam brush to brush on Tacky Glue to back of circles. Spread on a thin even coat.
3. Space your circles evenly apart in rows on the front of your bag.
4. Optional: Cut out strips of a headline from the magazine for bow. Follow this simple paper bow tutorial to make a bow using the strips. I added an additional small loop in the center of this to complete the look! Glue it onto your packaging with the Tacky Glue!
This is what I call high design impact on the cheap! I love how bold and graphic it turned out!!
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
P.S. I linked this to the following linky parties!
Show and Tell at Blue Cricket Design
3/29/11
I'm Guest Posting at Crafterminds: 5 Ways to Get Attention
Today I'm guest posting over at the Crafterminds site! The article is called, "5 Ways to get Attention" and I share tips on getting your craft blog and projects noticed. I had fun writing it! Since one of my many passions is social media, I have a lot of information up in this brain of mine that I love sharing and passing on!
I just love what the Crafterminds site is doing for craft bloggers. There's a wide range of interesting articles and insight to be found! Also, each Monday at 1pm (Pacific Time) there's a cool Twitter chat (using the #crafterminds hashtag) totally devoted to topics of interest for crafty bloggers and entreprenuers! Check it out!
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
3/28/11
I'm such a sucker for packaging
So last night, I went to Target and was looking at buying some kitchen cleaning supplies. My kitchen was in serious need of some Spring cleaning! At first, I put the regular Clorox product in my cart, but then I stopped and eyeballed the J.R. Watkins line you see above. Well, I was going to get just the cleaner, but it just looked so pretty as a set. I couldn't help myself.
Admittedly, I totally bought this for the packaging. There's something about it that is just so classic and clean. I feel a bit fancier using these products as my household cleaners. I can just envision myself in a pristine white kitchen using these products and the sparkling countertops and dishes after using these products. The funny thing is, that in reality, there is always a dirty dish in the sink and cluttered countertops. A girl can dream right?
And that is exactly why I bought the Real Simple magazine too! I can aim for simplicity even though I'm not there. Maybe if I click my heels three times it may become a realty...haha, actually the only way it would become a reality is if I had a maid! Yeah, that's going to happen!
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
3/27/11
Create your own Photo Mosaic Image
I guess the first time I ever saw the cool tiny photos making up a huge mosaic image was the cover of a special Edition of Life Magazine. Marilyn Monroe was made up of hundreds of other Life magazine covers.
I've always thought they were cool and even cooler now that I discovered I can make my own with my own photo in minutes!
I just used the Image Mosaic Creator! You upload your image, then the generator compiles images (not really sure where they come from, but still cool). Then in under a minute you have your own photo mosaic to download to your computer! Here's a detail for you to see a little more in depth of how it makes all the little details.
With these types of images, the more up close and detailed the image is, the better. It also helps to have lots of contrast for the generator to pick up.
Here's a before an after of my niece...
And the photo mosaic...
What do you think? Are you gonna give it a spin?
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
3/25/11
The Littlest Swellion!
Here's my niece watching the video I just posted last night to my blog. Isn't she adorable!!! She's back in KY, I miss her and all my nieces and nephews so much! Thanks Mom for sending me this!
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
3/24/11
3/22/11
Vintage Craft Book Love!
After visiting Cathy of California's blog today, I was inspired to learn more about vintage 60's and 70's crafts. Most people think of bad pasta crafts and macrame when they think about these crafty eras. The one thing that I take away is the amazing amount of innovation and reuse that took place during this time! That and the fact that the projects in these books are the same projects we see ten times over on craft blogs today! This era truly sparked creativity, whimsy, and playfulness that is still being echoed today (whether people know it or not).
What I think I admire about this time is that this was a time before the big box craft stores like Michaels or Joann and that people were using household objects and things on hand to create with. There weren't aisles of stickers, papers, and embellishments to buy, so crafters had to think outside of the box and be resourceful! The projects are much more original, unique, and handmade than those we see today and that is part of their charm. Everyone was using a little this and that from their cupboards (along with basic products like Aleene's Original Tacky Glue) and making their crafts all their own!
Here's a few of the fun craft books and projects that I stumbled upon. Seeing these seriously makes me want to collect vintage craft books...just what I need...more craft books!
I love the styling of this cover! Such a nice way to make the bland macramé pop! My friend Carey's day used to work for a craft company in the 70's and 80's that sold jute used for macramé. He said they couldn't keep it in stock! He also said that he used to see out of work coal miners selling their creations on the side of the road and making much-needed income doing so! (Photo via AntiquesGaloreGal Shop on Etsy)
This one makes me laugh! I love that people found a way to make something out of anything! Now, I've never made a corn cob craft, but I have owned a handmade cornhusk figurine and have made a cornhusk wreath. (Photo via Allsfairy's shop on Etsy)
This is another book that's cover caught my eye in all its mid-century glory. This book (as well as the corncob book above) is by Hazel Pearson, a craft icon that produced hundreds of craft books on a wide spectrum of topics. She also made ready-made "Kaboodle" Craft kits in which you got everything you needed for a day of crafting fun! (Photo via SioCraft shop on Etsy)
These vintage Aleene books also took repurposing to a whole new level! Aleene Jackson is another craft industry pioneer that paved the way for what the craft industry is today. You can read all about her history at the Aleene Jackson Craft Museum. I personally think it's really fascinating how she pretty much started the industry from the ground up! Here's a great list of more vintage Aleene's books on Etsy! (Photo via YesterdaysCrafts shop on Etsy).
Are you as enamoured with these crafts as much as I am?
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
3/21/11
Snap Happy
This past weekend, I took several playful photos with my Nikon and iPhone! Of course I captured lots of colors. You know that's just how I roll...
The Little People above are 30+ years old. They were William's and his sisters when they were kid. His mom has kept them all these years and Sofie (William's niece), plays with them now. There's even a Little People house and barn and toilet. Haha.
William's sis made these adorable pants for Sofie using recycled t-shirts. I think they are so sweet. She looked like a little doll wearing them :)
See what I mean?
This weekend I also went to Urban Outfitters and they had these amazing construction tape hanging down. It was sooo pretty!
And when I passed by a candy machine, I just couldn't resist!
Camera phones make it so easy to take pics on the fly and edit them in cool ways. More feeding my photography habit, I guess!
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
3/20/11
One of my weekend creations...a graduation cake!
My boyfriend had a graduation party this afternoon. I know it's a weird time of year for that, but he was waiting for his official credential to be mailed to him before he celebrated!
In his honor, I made this cake today! I think it turned out cute...I only decorate a cake like once a year. At first I made Congrats not centered, therefore the reason for the loop de doo on the C.
It turned out great and the buttercream and white cake were super yummy and moist. Most importantly, William loved it and had a great time at his party! Yay!
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
3/18/11
Rebecca Black Friday Cupcake Party Picks
Since it's officially "Friday" and all, I thought I'd share with you a fun and free download to decorate your cupcakes based on the latest internet viral craze...Rebecca Black's Friday video and song. This song has really taken off in the past week (the video has went crazy wild...about 15 million views!). Why has it taken off exactly, well, I think it's a combo of things, the very, very memorable lyrics (some people say BAD) mixed with an incredibly catchy tune. In her defense, she didn't write the song...she's only 13! Check out the video and judge for yourself!
The video has also spawned numerous parodies and remixes on Youtube. Just goes to show how crazy social media is these days! Here's more from Wikipedia if you want more deets about the video. She's actually getting the last laugh, cause her lyrics and name have been trending for 3 days. And now her song is going up in the charts on iTunes.
I took the lyrics from the song and made these fun cupcake toppers. Perhaps something to add to your cupcakes for that FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN Friday night party! We-We-We So Excited to share this project with you!
Rebecca Black Friday Cupcake Party Picks
Materials
– Color inkjet or laser printer
– Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue®
– X-acto knife
– Ruler
– Cutting mat
– Toothpicks
– And of course cupcakes for the party!
Instructions
Print out the printable 8.5" x 11" file below to your color printer. Click HERE to download the file! I did 8 different designs and laid them out 3up so that you would have enough for 24 cupcakes.
Cut around the image with your X-acto and ruler on your cutting mat.
Apply a small amount of glue to the backs of the cutouts. Adhere toothpick to glue and let dry.
And here's the finished project! They're just like me...colorful and VERY random!
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
3/17/11
Make a Rainbow Bright Paper Lantern
I just love decorating paper lanterns. You may remember my dotted tissue paper lantern and my letter lighting project! I think they are an easy way to add major impact Maybe this lantern leads to a pot o' gold since it is St. Paddy's day and all )totally unplanned btw).
The cool thing is that you can make this for under $5 bucks in under an hour! Here's how!
Rainbow Bright Paper Lantern
Materials:
– Paper lantern in size of your choice...some are available at craft stores for $1!
– Tissue paper squares in rainbow of colors (got mine at Michaels)
– Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue®
Instructions
OK, I'm not going to list them out, cause this is one of the simplest crafts you can make...
First you take these squares...
...you glue them in color order to the lantern starting at top. Slightly overlap them as you glue going down the lantern.
Glue any remaining pieces in place and fill in any gaps.
And there you have it!
It's the perfect accent for brightening up any room that needs a splash of color.
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
P.S. I added it to the following linky parties!
TaterTots and Jello
The Shabby Chic Cottage
3/15/11
I'm a craft book junkie
I like to read and collect craft books...can you tell? I'm into anything and everything. In my stash I have a wide mix...from sewing and quirky crafts to craft business and jewelry books!
I'm drawn to the wild and funky stuff! The bolder the craft (and easier), the more likely I'm to pick it up!
I even love crafty novels (if you haven't already gotten a copy, you have to check out my friend Kathy's (a.k.a. Crafty Chica) new novel Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing. It's a really fun and cute read!
Here's a few more of the titles on my shelf. Actually this isn't all of my selection. I have quite a few more that I didn't show.
My faves?
– Any book by Crafty Chica, always something innovative and colorful! I followed her books and blog long before I knew her as friend.
– Amy Sedaris books...I love the campiness and photography!
– Margot Potter's books are always so fun and the step by steps are fab. She is always so thorough and gives pointers for success!
– Love Megan Nicolay's Generation T books. Such easy to follow illustrations and so many ideas!
And you haven't even seen my magazine stash. That's another story!
What's your favorite craft book?
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
3/14/11
It's funny how quickly technology changes
When I was little I dreamed of having my own "cool" phone. There were several makes and models I liked, for example the antique ones with the brass components that looked all 1950's and the clear one where you could see the colorful "guts" inside. I even sometimes wished I could have my own red lips phone!
So when I got the phone in the picture above at Target about 8 years ago, I really felt like I was finally living out my dream of having my dream phone. At the time, I had it sitting on my desk in my pink, black, and white retro bedroom (I totally liked that combo before it became over the top popular). It was mainly just novelty, but I did use it from time to time.
Not too long after I got it (like about a year), I moved into an apartment and decided I didn't need a land line. So, the phone stayed boxed up in my storage shed. After trying to organize and get my office in order tonight, I realized I needed to let it go. Sometimes breaking up is so hard to do. Haha! I just don't see myself ever needing to use it and it's just one of those things that will take up space and gather dust.
So in a span of 7 years, I just find it so funny that technology has changed so fast that I no longer need a land line, an answering machine, or an alarm clock anymore. i can now use my iPhone to serve the need of all three these days.
So, I bid adieu to my dial up phone. You were a good phone. Sorry I didn't use you as much as I should have. I decided a farewell photo was in order before it gets added to the goodwill pile...or do you think I should keep it and just use it as a nostalgic accent. I so shouldn't waffle like this!
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
3/13/11
Craft Supply Organization My Way
This weekend I spent a lot of time organizing my craft supplies. I have always struggled with organizing my things. It goes way back to childhood. I always had random odds and ends that I ended up stuffing under my bed or in a drawer. So, for me, really breaking down my stuff and creating a home for everything is honestly a challenge for me.
Before I had so many craft supplies and was in my first apartment, it was actually a whole lot easier for me to be organized, but as I've acquired more and more things, I've find that the tiny embellishments, bottles of paints, and scrapbook papers can easily get pretty overwhelming pretty fast.
I bought the orange bins a while back at IKEA and I'm making good use of them now :) I'm excited that they all look the same. That's the hard part of organizing craft supplies...finding a way to make them look good without being such an eyesore! Up until this point, I've always had random bins in different sizes and colors. I still have a lot of different plastic and wooden drawers/bins/organizers. I either have to find a way to disguise them or arrange them in a way that is pleasing to the eye.
So here's a few of my supplies. The organizer I got above is a clearance find I got at Target today! I had all my pens, markers, and pencils in a bin before and it was hard to see what I had, so I thought this organizer would be a nice way to see everything and choose from!
Here's some of my cheapy brushes. Brushes are something I don't really invest in cause I always inevitably leave them in water or get dried out paint on them. I know that's bad, but atleast I'm truthful with myself.
I love the "Talk to the hand" sticky pad!
A fun selection of my Tulip® Fabric Markers.
And here's some of my pens, markers, and my vintage letter opener. Isn't he cute?
What's your organizing style like? Do you struggle organizing your craft supplies like I do?
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
3/10/11
Tacky Glue is my Homie!
Did you know that I am a sign twirler and that I have a dear friend named Tacky Glue! Yep, I was practicing my skillz today at my work (iLoveToCreate) in the parking lot with Mr. Tacky and we had a good ol' time. When my boyfriend watched this video, he told me that I should have shaken Tacky (cap down) and pulled his cap across the ground to look like I was glueing. That would have been hilarious!
Yeah, my friend Tacky Glue and I go way back. He's one funny cat! He even has his own Facebook and Twitter pages...yes siree, he has over 1500 fans on FB. One of the most popular guys I know! Just look at how funny he is. This is the business card he hands out. What a ham!
Amd I forgot to mention...he's a bit of a Ladies' Man. Oh Tacky!
When he's not with me or his ladies, he's ganging out with his peeps (while rocking an awesome mustache I might add)
So as a favor to me, go over and friend him on Facebook and Twitter and introduce yourself. I can't promise he won't hit on you, but I promise he's super funny and nice! And did I mention that he likes to be used?
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
3/9/11
Seriously inspiring home décor!
I wanted to share just a few of the things I have literally Stumbled Upon over the past couple days! If you haven't been Stumbling, you are seriously missing out on some super amazing things!
You know I kinda have a thing for rainbows, so this staircase on HouseDesignoo got me going! Fun fact: The house I grew up in had a spiral staircase. It was black metal. To this day, whenever a kid comes to visit at the house, they want to play on that thing. Kiddos are always so obsessed with going up and down it!
I also love the pattern and texture play on these chairs by Design by Leftovers (found via DorNob. I've seen these patchwork couches before, but these just look so rich and yummy and romantic, don't you think? You can see more of their artful décor here.
I'm also in love with this breakfast nook I found on Design to Inspire! I love all the colors and textures on a clean palette. Fresh, modern, and livable!
Seeing these finds seriously makes me want my own place...all in time, all in time...
Until next time Swellions!
You know I kinda have a thing for rainbows, so this staircase on HouseDesignoo got me going! Fun fact: The house I grew up in had a spiral staircase. It was black metal. To this day, whenever a kid comes to visit at the house, they want to play on that thing. Kiddos are always so obsessed with going up and down it!
I also love the pattern and texture play on these chairs by Design by Leftovers (found via DorNob. I've seen these patchwork couches before, but these just look so rich and yummy and romantic, don't you think? You can see more of their artful décor here.
I'm also in love with this breakfast nook I found on Design to Inspire! I love all the colors and textures on a clean palette. Fresh, modern, and livable!
Seeing these finds seriously makes me want my own place...all in time, all in time...
Until next time Swellions!
Alexa
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