Get Carded

Recently, at a flea market I found a box of old black and white photos. They were 10 for $1 and since I will buy just about anything at that price I picked out 10 favorites. I didn’t really know what I would do with them at the time but I thought they were too cool (and too cheap) not to snap up.

I’ve started using them to make cards… I used double sided photo tape to adhere them to thick folded card stock and then I thought of funny sayings (at least in my opinion) to go along with the random pictures. It’s so much more interesting than a store bought greeting card and I know my friends (with similar senses of humor) will at least appreciate my effort. For next to nothing photos like this could help you create an entire stationary set, bookmarks, or even place settings for you next dinner party. Just imagine the conversation starter that would be!

Vicky Lynn

Betty Misses You

Matching Monograms

I found this photo today as I was pulling pictures for my slave drivers (otherwise known as publicists). It’s been so many years since we did this wedding, I’d forgotten all about this cool monogram. It was fairly simple… letters carved into particle board covered in seed paper and then attached to the gates that guests entered the party through.

The branches, hanging amaranthus, moss and callas were added to enchant the peep holes in the gates and clusters of similar pieces were placed along the walk way. It was such a precious way to welcome partygoers.

I wanted to share this with you Chic Readers because I think it’d be a lovely way to knock your guests socks off at your next gathering. Imagine doing it with your street number or a descriptive word like “Fete”. Also, because it’s made from wood you can store it and pull out every year for your annual party. Love it!!

Season's Greenings

Now that Turkey day has trotted, let’s talk Christmas. While Thanksgiving is notorious for overcooking, Christmas is the holiday for overspending. On Thanksgiving we waste food. On Christmas we waste, well, EVERYTHING. This year, Chic Readers, let’s each try to find one area where we can cut back and NOT WASTE ANYTHING. I have 3 ways to do this.

I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas...

1. Make your own wrapping paper. Get a few brown paper bags, cut open the seams so that you have one big flat piece. Flip to the blank side that has no writing or logos. Cut a kitchen sponge into the shape of a star. Dip in gold/red/green paint. Stamp sponge on paper. Repeat. Allow to dry. Voila! Beautiful and Eco-Friendly wrapping paper.
2. Decorate your tree using only found objects. Take a walk through the park. Collect sticks, pine cones, dried leaves, and sprigs of berries (preferably non-poisonous if you have kids, pets, or curious significant others). Take your goods home and spray paint a few items gold or red for some color. Use wire ornament hooks to hang your eco-ornaments on your tree.
3. Buy charity gifts. Visit Charity Choice and choose from over 100 Charities to donate to. Put the donation under your receiver’s name and they will receive monthly updates about the progress of their cause. Make sure to tailor the cause to the gift receiver. For example, Ivan likes cats so I would donate to Alley Cat Allies in his name. Prrrrowww…

Happy Green Holidays Chic Readers!

Support Local Art!

Just kidding…it’s Unique LA, independent design and gift sale. This once a year event takes place THIS WEEKEND downtown at the California Market Center and features adorable creations from local designers. Unique LA is not your local church craft sale. This place is full of one of a kind clothing, jewelry, home decor, accessories, and art at affordable prices that are too good to pass up. I did basically all of my Christmas chopping at this event last year and did not hear a single complaint.

Want another reason to go? Detroit Sprinkles, my most favorite T-shirt company will be in attendance. This alone is reason to check out the sale. Avoid mall crowds and generic gift giving…Come on Chic Readers! Check out Unique LA this weekend and support local designers and artists.

itty bitty blooms

Smaller, more casual bouquets are a new and fresh approach to aisle style. Rather that lugging a huge, gaudy clump of roses, have your florist loosely tie a cluster of fresh greens and blooms together with ribbon, twine, silver chain, get creative! I also love the idea of incorporating tiny charms, crystals, or other momentos into your bouquet.

how charming!

Come on ladies! Pinch those pennies and start thinking small. Petite petals are the way to go this wedding season.

What's Your Sign?

Hello wedding enthusiasts! I know all of you are looking for the newest, most fabulous thing for your wedding and you spend hours scouring the internet in search of said item. Lately I’ve been really into signs… directional signs, signs for food, the bride and grooms names, you name it. We made them here in the office and have about 80 techniques to make them look new, or antiqued, or colorful, whatever fits into our theme.

So imagine my surprise when I just found someone on Etsy offering you a custom sign for $85 a pop! What?! This is madness! Even the most un-crafty bride out there could create these things, for a grand total of, say $10. Hit up your local Home Depot, bat your eyes and ask someone to cut your wood for you, then head to a craft store for paint supplies, then, create. Easy peasy, and the imperfection in the piece is usually what makes it look homemade and special so fear not!

Here are a few others we’ve done:

Give Me a K

Free to Good Home

Snowcones

Tweet Tweet

I’m not totally sure what this post is about – except that I found the following ad with this adorable little knit bird creature and the website for the pattern to make it. If I had seen this another time or another place, I would have said “yeah, Country Living, who actually makes knit bird creatures?! Who has the time??” Turns out people like my sweet friend Mandy Fowler make knit birdies, she made one for my baby shower last year (see photographic evidence). So I wanted to show you actual proof that those patterns and crafts and DIY articles you see in magazines are DOABLE… I mean, not by me, but definitely by more industrious talented friends of mine, and possibly by you too!

Sweet Birdie

Check out Knit Whits for more fantastic patterns (like the owl that made me screech in delight).

When Life Hands You Lemons

85 degree night be damned, I turned on the oven!

Last night I decided to make Lemon Cupcakes, and added a little zest (literally) to make them all the more enticing! For those of you who are baking/cooking/homemaking challenged, a little jerry-rigged baking is easy and will make you seem like a culinary mastermind!

Regular vanilla box cake mix, whip it up per the directions and add some lemon zest… you’d be surprised how “from-scratch” it makes them taste! Also, added a little to the top of the lemon icing. You can do the same thing with most fruit… strawberries, coconut, orange zest, get creative… worst case you destroy a $3 cake mix, best case you’re everyone’s hero during tomorrow’s coffee break in the office kitchen!

PS – For those of you following my diet progress, I just want to point out that I baked but did NOT eat these cupcakes.