Mar 22, 2012

Old School Lettering

I have been obsessed with calligraphy since I got to plan my pretend wedding in Bible class my senior year of high school.  Since then, I've pinned a million pretty fonts and saved all of my favorite examples of envelopes with different styles of calligraphy.  When it was my turn to actually plan a wedding, I started practicing Copperplate calligraphy.  I even addressed my save-the-dates!  But I just had to have someone else do the real thing--the style I chose was even called "Massey!"  As long as you have a steady hand and like practicing handwriting, anyone can do it!  all you need are the basic supplies: pen, nibs (I like the B6, 512, and C2 size for everyday, extra fine, and thick lettering), ink, and a ruler.  Over the last three years, I have practiced off and on... mostly off, until today!


Supplies

 
Manual


Thanks to my teaching habits, I feel the need to find my mistakes...


And reward myself for good ones!  :)


The capitals are my favorites and loopy names. 

Mmmmm, I just LOVE calligraphy on invitations!!!


This is, by far, the best [cheap] paper for practicing.


Jayne will be so happy to see Krisitna's treats table cards Monday.


It's not perfect, but it's a start!

Mar 19, 2012

Hop to It

I am the queen of cheesy titles.  Anyway, being the saver that I will one day be (really!), I refuse to pay $30 for burlap.  Even if it's painted, polka dotted, and shaped like a bunny.  Pinterest, oh how I love thee and loathe thee at the same time.


The OTMJ got re-purposed as a pattern template.  It's roughly 18"x24".

Even more green: a re-purposed dry cleaning pants hanger turned door hanger hanger. (That sounds super weird to read!)


A very rough sketch, plus cuteness polka dots.

Getting closer...

At least it mostly resembles a bunny.

Staples and plastic baggy "stuffing" complete the form.  Sewing would likely be the best, but then I wouldn't get to use my one-touch stapler and I would have to vacuum up the mess.

One inch yard sale dot stickers plus...


white spray paint makes him springy!
*White paint would work, too.  I'm just not that patient.


Floral wire and leftover scraps make the tail.

And the burlap bow makes this one door hanging that may never leave my door!

(I am also envisioning a cute Easter egg, American flag, football, and acorn...)

Spring Things

Spring is quite possibly my favorite time of year.  Specifically, I love when all of the cherry trees blossom and their tiny petals float in the breeze like snow--but it's 80 degrees instead of 20, and I get to wear coral shorts.  Here are some happenings that keep me smiling this month.

{1: : Patterned Drapes}

This is Covington Katana in Travertine Taupe.  It was $20/yard, minus my 20% off coupon (annv1).

Four hours of crawling on the floor, smoothing out the fabric, pinning, sewing, and two very sore legs after, voila!  I am SO pleased to have window coverings that will block my neighbors' unsightly selves and dining room.  Hooray!

I was surprised how many options Lowe's had for drapery poles.  In the end, we went with a pick-each-part-separately approach and ended up with an 8' walnut fluted pole, round end caps, and large rings with clips.

I added seven 4-inch pleats to help give the drapes a little more pleating when they are pushed to the side.

All of my seams and print repeats match up perfectly!  THAT is what took so very long.
{2: : Windmill Quilt}

This pattern is much larger than it's pinwheel sister, but I can't wait to see it on MCH's twin bed!

{3: : Mercury Glass Tumblers}

Where are these hiding?

{4: : A Golden Birthday}

Massey turned 7 on the 7th!!
{5: : New Blooms}

Eleven (yes, eleven!!!) stargazer lily blooms from 3 stems--$10 at Publix!
{6: : Aroma Therapy}

It's like having the real thing all year long.  This super fragrant candle hasn't even been lit.
{7: : Bradford Pear Trees}

Is it even possible for these to be any more symmetrical and gorgeous next to a swirly cloud background? 

Mar 1, 2012

Rent the Runway

I was thrilled when I found this big box on my porch today!! This is my first time with Rent the Runway, and I am super-pumped to get a $395 Mark & James by Badgley Mischka mosaic caftan dress for $50. Since I was "new" to the site, I also got $20 off. The best part is that you get to choose two sizes so that when it comes in, you get to wear the one that fits the best. I schedueled the dresses to arrive tomorrow, but they were one day early! Hooray! Ok, enough exclamations. Since Phil is busy with baseball, I get tonight to myself. After my hour long walk with Massey in this beyond lovely 78 degree weather, I was ready to try on my dress and eat my lunchroom spaghetti. Yum.


Everything comes packaged, bagged, and neatly folded in a garment bag.


The return envelope and Perfect Fit tip sheet came with fashion tape and a reminder card!


I really like that the belt came with it since the XS was past my knees and very baggy.


One shoulder dresses are so not me, but I really like this one! I'm still going back and forth between poof at the top hair or side swept half up. (And I am terrible at iPhone pictures!) More updates to come apres Saturday.
Look at that baby!!!  How can you not melt when you see that face?! We are enjoying every last minute of being SIX.