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Tuesday, December 29, 2015

The More the "Mary"er with Laura Dennison Designs

You may recall that last year I started Laura Dennison Design's Nativity for my sister's Christmas gifts.  It took me a while to make the box portion, so I decided to add pieces every year.  Thanks so much Laura!  This year, I made all my sisters the holy family, Joseph, Mary and Jesus.  I love that all of my sisters are named Mary and I got to make them all a Mary this year.
I noticed that Laura's patterned did not have a halo for Joseph and thought my family's tradition called for him to have one too.  So, my Joseph's all have halos. 
Next year, I plan to add the wise men and animals.   I must confess that I was a last minute crafter this year and spent the last week before Christmas in the craft room every night.  So, this year one of my New Year's Resolutions is to finish my UFO's (Un Finished Objects).  And to keep myself accountable, I am starting a UFO Challenge Group on Facebook.  I will have a weekly challenge and a monthly prize for anyone who participates in the months challenges.  Want to join my group on Facebook?  Just ask to have yourself added as a friend (if your not already) and drop me a PM that you want to be added.  You can find my FB account on the right hand side of the blog, underneath my Networked Blog box.  Check back on January 1, 2016 for more info on the UFO Challenge group! 

Monday, December 28, 2015

#CircularBargello with Dohene Ruler

I have a new niece  and wanted to make her a baby quilt.  I don't often quilt, but when I do, I love a baby quilt for color and size!  I have been wanting to make a circular Bargello and when I heard I was to be an Aunt, I got started.  My sister loaned me the Doheny Circular Bargello Rulers.  I purchased to jelly rolls by Moda in the Bandana Floral fabric. 
 
A big thank you to my sister Marge for letting me quilt this on her long arm and helping me with the white corner piece quilting.  I really struggled to do squiggles and hearts.  So, I quilted the circle portion and she quilted the corners and the center medallion.
For the white ground in the side corners, I found a ditzy print with tiny hearts.  To help repeat the hearts, we quilted it with a random squiggle with hearts in it.   We also, used a heart in the purple center.

Saturday, December 19, 2015

@Cricut Christmas Ornaments

I love when my creative work matches a challenge at Bitten by the Bug 2!  This week I am making ornaments for co workers with my A Child's Year Cartridge.  For my co workers with grand children I used children silhouettes from A Child's Year and in the photo below you will see poor photos of  other ornaments made with A Child's Year and Nursery Rhymes.  Don't forget you can add two images together to get the right amount of children for your ornament!  And if you make an ornament for more than 5 children, try cutting two images and placing pop dots between them.  Show some one each side of the ornament to complete the family!
A comment on the glitter I used for snow...I recommend the Art Glitter Faux snow OVER Martha Stewarts glitter!  I was running low on my AG Faux snow and decided to try Martha's, as I can purchase it locally and was in a hurry.  Martha's glitter clings to the inside of the globe (notice the fuzzy photo).  The Art Glitter snow laid softly on the bottom of the globe and let the Cricut cut shine through (I used only AG in the ornament in the tree photo and it was the best!).  I used the Art Glitter Sticky sheet to cut the three girls with my Cricut and used the Ultra fine glitter on them.  To add some stability to the children and keep the glitter in place while assembling the ornament, I cut a circle of transparency paper from Art Glitter.  I stamped a delicate snowflake on them with white ink, but it is hard to see in the photo.  The photo never does your work justice, does it?

Supplies
Cricut A Child's Year Cartridge (3 girls ornament)
Cricut Nursery Rhymes Cartridge (5 and 6 children ornament)
Cricut CTMH Artiste Cartridge (Tree in 5 children ornament)
Art Glitter Faux Snow
Art Glitter 373 Fairy Dust Ultra Fine Transparent Glitter
Art Glitter Transparency Sheets
Art Glitter Sticky Small Sheet
Martha Stewart Glitter
CTMH White Water Based Ink
Inkadinkadoo Snowflake stamp
Papertrey Ink Globe ornaments
White Ribbon
Hot Glue
Buttons (for the bottom of the ornaments)





Sunday, November 22, 2015

#CampinCritters is for Christmas Too!

It's been so long since I have posted to the blog, but I had to post this fun project!  Have you ever bought a cartridge for only one cut on the cart?  Well Campin' Critters was my impulse buy for one cut and the one cut I wanted was the backpack with the sleeping bag on top.  Don't worry, I have found I love several more cuts once I got the booklet in my inky little hands!
We're having a Secret Santa exchange at work this year and I needed some special gift boxes.  I wanted my backpack to have a candy cane top instead of a sleeping bag, so I used American Crafts Holiday Red Suit paper for the peppermint roll on top.  I cut white paper to cover the oval, so that the side appeared like a candy. I used sticky Velcro at the seam so, the roll is a gift box too!  I used sticky Velcro in the side pockets and will add a little  Inside I put a roll of mints but it would be perfect for your favorite lip balm too!  Anything Goes challenge at the Fantabulous Cricut Challenge blog.
The backpack body is made with K and Company BW Evergreen paper.  I added ribbon instead of paper straps for the roll, some buttons on the side pockets, a sparkling buckle and American Crafts black velvet ribbon, and a sprig from Michaels.  I am entering this in this weeks Fantabulous Cricut Challenge blog's Anything Goes challenge. 
 
Here are some dimensions for you:  I cut the box at 11 3/4" and had to hide some of the straps to fit in on the mat.  My finished backpack portion is 4 3/4" high and 3" x 2 1/2" wide.  With the roll on top the finished height is 6 1/2".  Side pockets are too small for a gift card, but I will put find a little something special to put in them!  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, October 22, 2015

#WearWhatWendyWears

I love to watch Wendy Williams' Hot Topic segment and love her fashion sense.  Today she had on a fabulous dress which I knew immediately it was a Maggy London.  If you loved it too, find it at Nordstrom here.   It's available in regular and petites.  Gotta to love an engineered print dress with the petite in mind! 

#BabyShowerCard for Couple

Do you need a card idea for a couples baby shower?  I made this for some friends who are having a girl using AChild's Year, Suburbia (boy), and Art Nouveau (frame).  Now I have a card for both Mom and Dad!  Stamp is an old Angel Company Set.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

#WearItWell Wednesday: The Statement Coat

Perhaps because I live in the Midwest where the season change, and we must all bundle up, my favorite Fall/Winter Trends this year is the statement coat!  If we have to stay warm, we should still look fabulous doing so!  Statement coats stand out with texture, pattern, silhouette or color.  But how to wear it well? 
Start with a coat that makes a statement with fabric, texture or color, like this Fringe Hooded Wool Coat by Rebecca Taylor (photo above).  Eyelash like fringe adds great texture and warmth to this classic coat silhouette.  Pair it with solids in neutral for a glamorous look.  What a great way to wear Winter White!

The statement coat can also be about fabulous pattern, like this Alice + Olivia Coat at Saks Fifth Ave (photo above).  Pair this with solid coordinating colors and avoid other prints.  Keep the pant dark to length the look. 
Another way to wear a statement coat is to choose a coat with a statement silhouette like this Belted Boucle Cape by Jessica Simpson at Nordstrom.  This is my value pick for every woman! Pair these capes with slim trousers, skinny jeans or leggings and great boots!  For a more upscale belted cape, try Ralph Lauren's Belted Cape with leather trim at Bloomindales (pictured below). 

And finally the color statement coat can let you showcase your favorite color in outwear.   Pink lovers might like this Notch Collar Betsey Johnson Boucle Coat.  Pair your Color Statement coat with colors that work with it according to color rules and your coloring.  A stylist can help you with these color rules and what color looks best on you! 

Monday, September 7, 2015

#Artistry&Artiste Mash Up!


I just made my first card with the new Artistry Cricut Cartridge by CTMH and mixed it up with a card cut from the Artiste Cricut Cartridge (also CTMH).  I love the swing cards (Artiste) and anything CTMH or Cricut!  The cake and present are from Artistry.  So here is a birthday card using the coordinating CTMH stamp set Framed (S1508) and some dew drops from The Robin's Nest for the candles on the cake! The square gems may be from Oriental Trading.
To make the inside "Happy Birthday" banner just stamp on the card stock.   Trim down to a length of 4" inches, clip the notch, distress edges and attach inside the card.  The "Have a day..." is also a CTMH stamp set that coordinates with one of their Cricut Cartridges, but for some reason, I have no label on this set. 

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

#BackToSchool for Juniors

Wondering what trends are big for back to school this Fall?  The jean jacket gets updated with moto styling. So start with a fabulous Moto Jacket at Nordstrom by Frenchi.  Also big this season, the Boho trend continues!  Layer the jacket over a printed V-Neck Swing Top by Chloe.  The boyfriend, and boot cut jeans are strong this season.  So, pair the pieces above with the STS Blue "Tomboy" High Rise Jean.  Add great flats like Vans Suede Slip-On Sneakers.  She'll love the Fossil 'Vicker' Drawstring backpack purse too!

Friday, July 24, 2015

#FrugalFriday: Petite Professional Suits

Need a petite professional look On Sale?  Try shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!  Here is a great complete look from Nordstrom by Halogen, Plieone and Charles David.  This classic grey look also comes with a pair of trousers (photo with skirt above, with pants below).
Perhaps black (photo below) is your color of choice, then try another great look by Halogen, and shoes by Charles David.  Regular sizes are almost sold out, so be sure to order your petite suit soon!

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

#TrendyTuesday Wrap Dresses for Petites

Have you wondered why the wrap dress continues to be on trend?  Well, it flatters every figure and comes in petite sizes too!  Find some great petite wrap dresses ON SALE at Nordstrom's Anniversary sale this week.  For the women who loves print and color, this Taylor Dress in print Jersey comes in regular and petite sizes and is On Sale for $91.90. With a A line skirt this wrap dress will flatter the waistline!
 

For a solid wrap dress in black or red try this Vince Camuto Sleeveless Wrap dress On Sale for $65.90. Feminine draped skirt and flattering neckline are sure to please.Or another Vince Camuto wrap dress 'Graphic Boxes' also On Sale for $65.90 and in petite sizes (photo below). 

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

#WearItWell Wednesday Swimsuit for The Apple

Wondering what suit to wear on your apple figure?  Try an empire waist suit that creates a waistline just under the bust like this MICHAEL by Michael Kors suit ON SALE at Neiman Marcus.  Pair the swimsuit with a teal and red cover up by Clube Bossa Vanderbilt, the 'Rita" Thong sandal from Halogen,  and great wraps from Jamberry! Find the multi colored tote from Billabong here.
Wondering about the matching nail wraps?   They are Arrow, Splish Splash, Seascape, and Chameoleonaire nail wraps.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

#StraightFigureSwimsuit Day3 Fashion Festival

For the straight figure start with a suit that creates a waistline visually, add the cover up.  This Robin Piccone Suit has side seams placed to help create a waistline curve and a V pattern to help create one too!  Pair it with a Striped Floppy Hat by BCBG from Norstrom.  Add a bit more of the violet with the flip flop.
For the Jamberry, this look is paired with Diamond Dust Sparkle, Happily Ever After, Orchid Ombre, and Gray and Silver Stripe nail wraps. Find them here: https://jamiefurst.jamberry.com/color/Purple

Monday, July 13, 2015

#Perfect4ThePear Day 2

Looking for the best suit for your pear figure at the beach this Summer?  Consider a suit with more detail at the top to balance your hip.  A perfect example is this LUXE maillot suit by Lisa Vogel with cowl neck.  Add the floppy hat from Nordstrom.  Go for a bit of floral in the Ted Baker Sandal in the black print also from Nordstrom.  For a cover up choose a black beach pant like the Roxy 'Oceanside' Beach Pant.  Add a black and white beach tote like the ViX Swimwear 'Sisal woven straw tote from Nordstrom.
Wondering about the Jamberries?  It is paired with Vixen, Cardinal Lacquer, True Love and Black Tip. Find the nail wraps and lacquer here: http://jamiefurst.jamberrynails.net/color/Red

Sunday, July 12, 2015

4 Day Fashion Festival with Jamberry


Ladies today starts our 4 Day Fashion Festival!!!! I have teamed up with Jamie Furst, a Jamberry Consultant, to bring you some unique and trendy Summer looks!!! Jamie is a great Jamberry consultant and always has great events, swaps and giveaways.  You can find Jamie  on Facebook here.  Jamie's Jamberry site is hereToday's raffle opportunity: Sign up to follow my blog to earn an entry for Jamie's July raffle AND for my Fashion Festival raffle!!! Sign up on the right using any of the follow options for an entry! My giveaway is a $20.00 gift card to Nordstrom!

Today's  Jamberry look features sparkle and glossy nail wraps including Jaded, Happy Go Lucky, Carmen Ombre, and Teal and White Polka. And the swimsuit look that coordinates with the wraps is perfect for the inverted triangle figure!  The inverted triangle is a woman with a bigger bust than hip.  For this figure try a  suit that visually slims the bust and adds weight to the hip to balance the figure.  Like the La Bianca 'Rainbow' One piece with slimming V neckline and stripes at the bottom.  The will visually create the hourglass figure.  Choose a solid cover up for a printed suit like the La Bianca Crochet Trim Cover up, available in four colors.  Add the Billabong beach tote and MICHAEL by Michael Kors Jelly Sandal.

Friday, July 10, 2015

#FrugalFriday The Little Black Jumpsuit

The jumpsuit trend continues to be strong because it flatters so many figures, lengthening and slimming your silhouette.  Today's Frugal Friday post has a great Little Black Jumpsuit deal at Nordstrom for $46.80 by Halogen.  Wear it with a blazer to the office, or out for the night with a heeled sandal.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

#TransitionalTrend Fringe

Looking for new fashion and wondering what trends from Summer will continue into Fall Winter?  Consider fringe!  Like this Sun & Shadow 'Pretty Stitch' Crochet Fringe Tee ON SALE at Nordstrom for $25.20 and available in 4 colors (photo above).  Wear this with a skinny jean or pencil skirt.

Or some fun fringe leggings by Topshop, well priced at $38.00 (black leggings above)!  Pair these with a simple tunic top.

Not sure about wearing this trend, but love it anyway?  Consider it on your handbag!  Like the Milly 'Small Essex' Fringed Leather Bucket Bag (grey bag above). 

Thursday, July 2, 2015

#ThriftyThursday All American


In honor of the upcoming Holiday weekend, this Thrifty Thursday has an American color scheme that works for all year round!  Let's start with a beautiful Free People Maxi Dress ON SALE at Nordstrom in red for under $60.00.  What beautiful depth of color that will have you thinking of watermelon!  Add a casual Hinge Mixed Media jacket ON SALE for $46.80 at Nordstrom.



For a beautiful border print dress try Adriana Pappel Paisley Fit & Flare dress ON SALE at Nordstrom for $76.80.  Print placement and fit and flare are so flattering and slimming to the waist!  Add the white Two by Vince Camuto Denim Moto Vest ON SALE for $44.55.

For the petite the Vince Camuto Contrast Yoke Print Sheath Dress ON SALE for under $70.00. 
For the Plus size, try the Gabby Sky Popover Bodice Maxi dress ON SALE for $70.80 at Nordstrom. Add the Caslon Knit One Button Blazer ON SALE for $37.90.

Layer on the blue jewelry with this Beaded Stretch Bracelet (set of 4) ON SALE for $18.98.  Add the Pave Agate Pendant Necklace by Baublebar.  They work with all the looks above and are timeless pieces to add to the jewelry stash!

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

#WearItWellWednesday: Swimsuits for the Inverted Triangle

Today, I am continuing tips on the perfect swimsuit for your figure type and focusing on the inverted triangle figure.  An inverted triangle figure has larger top than hips.  And there are two types:  the broad shoulder and the large bust line.  So, here are some tips for each type of inverted triangle:

The Large Bust Line:

  1. Focus on Support!  Get a suit with good straps and an built in cups or bra.  Find the Fired Up Tankini above at Swimspot here.  Or the Finese Tankini in aqua or royal below here, this suit has great support front and back.
  2. Order a suit with the right cup size that matches your bra.  Ordering a size 12, 14 & 16 will not give you the best fit for the suit top.  Instead find one with a measurement and cup size like a 36D. 
  3. If you want to minimize the bust, choose a dark color for the top and lighter color for your suit bottom.  Find the Good Karma Shirred Tankini  & Retro Bikini Bottom here.
  4. Purchase a suit with separate pieces to get the best fit for your smaller hips!

The Broad Shoulder:

To minimize your broad shoulder and balance the smaller hip, try the tips below:
  1. Buy the suit with the broad straps, which will help to minimize the shoulder weight, like the Cutting Edge Halter Tankini at Swimspot with lacy details at the neckline above. 
  2. Go with darker top and lighter bottom to balance the broad shoulder with a visual stronger hip.
  3. Choose a suit with embellished at the bottom, like this Gottex Halter Swimdress at Nordstrom(photo below). 

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

#TrendyTuesday Leather and Lace Handbags

Are you loving the laser cut handbag trend as much as I do?  It can give leather the look of lace and add instant statement to your handbag that will remain classic!  Here are some of my favorite laser cut and perforated hand bags.
The Sondra Roberts Perforated Leather Tote at Nordstrom in four colors (at top of post).  Not only does it have the trend, but a beautiful circular motif off center to please the eye!  It's lined too!


The clutch by Vince Camuto at Nordstrom in black or white (above).  Has a more edgy feel with zippers!

Or the Street Level Convertible Clutch that can also work as a cross body bag for under $50.00 (above)!  A great hexagonal motif which has a Moroccan feel to it in faux leather.

And for the look of re-embroidered lace, the 'Miss Sicily' Satchel handbag by Dolce and Gabbana at Nordstrom (below). 

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