Sensational 60th Birthday Party

I can't resist a good party!  

This one was celebrating a super fabulous lady {my mom!} turning the big 6-0!  I started with a palette of black and white.  For a pop of colour, I went with bright dandelion yellow.  I used faux orange-yellow chrysanthemums to add some colour.

For the food, I chose her favourites that would {mostly} fit the colour scheme:

- regular and vanilla oreos

- black licorice

- coconut meringues

- buttered popcorn

- crispy crunch angel food cake with whipped cream and mandarin coulis

- impossible pie (coconut custard pie)

- single serve veggies and dip 

Because she had so many out of town friends who could not make the party, I requested that they send in a note or letter.  All the well wishes that came in by email got printed onto stationery that I designed and posted on the wall or placed on a table.  I also did the coordinating sensational 60 signs, popcorn cones, bunting signage, and tiny circular 60's.

All in all, it was a wonderful night full of well wishes, yummy food, and longtime friends!

Lace Christmas Tree T-shirt Tutorial

It is Day 1 of Creating Christmas!

I was planning to do a green lace tree on a white shirt with red beads but when hubby went out to the store to get me a shirt, they were all out of the white type I wanted.  So he came back with a light pink shirt and a striped pink/white shirt.  Oh well!  Thanks anyway, Baby!  So instead of classic Christmas red, white, and green, I give you vintage Christmas in pink, ivory, and tan!

Supplies:

t-shirt

lace, ribbon, tulle, or other

thread

needle

sequins, beads, pearls, flat gems, etc. (if desired)

 Directions:

1.  Lay out the shirt to figure out where you want to put the lace tree.

 

2. Cut the first length of lace.  This will be the base of your tree, so make sure it is the longest piece.

3. Sew the first piece on, slightly angling it like a smile.  Add more pieces of lace, overlapping each piece as you go.  Each length should be slightly shorter than the last.  I used four different types: three laces and one metallic tulle.

4. Add rosettes near the neckline to be the tree topper.  To make the rosettes:  Knot the thread then sew a loose stitch along one edge of the lace.  Pull the thread to make the lace gather into ruffles and sew off the end with a knot when you have enough gathered lace to make your rosette.

 (You could also use a vintage brooch {which I almost did!}, buttons, or cut a star out of felt.)  Also, you could add beads, sequins, etc., to be the ornaments.  I was going to do this, but once the tree was made, I liked the simplicity of it as it was.

 I just can't get over how cute this is! 

Autumn Napkin Wrap

Easy autumn napkin wrap with supplies you probably already have on hand!  I already had everything, so this was a free craft for me!

SUPPLIES

napkins

hot glue

craft paper

raffia

feathers

Step 1: Fold napkin into desired size.  I used a regular sized linen napkin and folded in half, half again, and half again.

Step 2: Cut brown craft paper into a rectangle.  Turn napkin over so edges are on the top. 

Step 3: Hot glue the craft paper together to make a wrap.

Step 4: Turn over again so seam from paper is underneath.  Glue raffia onto paper.

Step 5: Glue a sweet lil feather onto the middle of the raffia.  These were pheasant feathers, I believe.

Linking up with some great parties!

Custom Edible Monogram

We were on our way to a birthday party, and I had just made a pan of Rice Krispie squares.  The gift was wrapped and needed some oomph!  So I cut a letter out of the fresh goody goodness, wrapped in plastic, and attached it to the gift!  I loved it and so did the lucky little girl who received it!!

Step 1: Wrap your gift and tie the ribbons securely.  Select the two longest for securing the letter.

 

Step 2: Wrap the letter in plastic wrap and attach to gift using the two longest ribbons.  Tie excess length into a bow. 

Figuring Out the Bed Situation

AKA The Nursery to Big Girl Room Transformation

While I am busy collecting images, dreaming of gathered silk and endless strands of pearls, and wishing I had about $10K to do this bedroom (hello, vintage Chanel necklaces framed in shadowboxes would be more than lovely!!), I have one little thing in the back of my head... a bed.  We are going to need a bed.  Since our sweet little girl is potty-training (YAY!), she will need to be able to get in and out of bed.  Taking a flying leap over the crib side rails is not an option here. Haha :)

Her room is the smallest bedroom in the house at about 10' x 11' which rules out anything larger than a standard twin.  (I was in a double bed by age 3 and a queen bed at 12, so I am not used to smaller beds.  Here's to hoping she doesn't fall out!!  Fingers crossed!)  I suppose if there were no other furniture in the room, a larger bed might work, but we want some statement furniture pieces as well.

Here are my top two ideas (and yes, they are at opposite ends of the design spectrum) and my pro/con list for each.  (Slight Rory Gilmore reference there, lol!)

IDEA ONE

Okay, so I love the idea of a trundle bed.  And I love the look of daybeds too.  I found this super gorgeous one at Posh Tots, my favourite eye candy mini-me site. 

pic from Posh Tots

Pros:

Light pink/gold option

Trundle Daybed

Only one side to fall out

Love the intricate detail and vintage flair

Looks expensive

Would go with existing paint job, which is NOT CHANGING!!!

Fit for a princess

Cons:

$8,200 price tag

Too many roses (they remind me of the Princess Bride)

Not enough glam (Swarovski rhinestones are extra!)

Too shabby-chic for me

Fit for a princess, but maybe not a Chanel princess

Here is a similar option at $5,700.  

I think I may like it a bit more than the one above, 

but I am not quite decided on that.

IDEA TWO

Again, how much do I love Posh Tots?  My second idea is a more modern take, with padded upholstery, nail head details, and luxe suede found here (ignore the fact that it is blue!):

 

pic from Posh Tots 

Here is a close up in black faux leather (again, ignore the black):

pic from Posh Tots

Pros: 

Sleek and modern

Could be pushed against a wall or left out

Double as a modern chaise/couch in the future

Nail heads!!!!

Upholstered, so no tears over bumped heads

Did I mention nail heads!!!!

Image this in a classic black/white boucle tweed!

Cons:

No trundle (although adding one would be okay)

Maybe too boyish?

Can we inject enough glam into it?

$3,120-$3,365 (faux leather - suede, respectively)

Girly-girl factor is lacking

So lots of things to think about...  I should mention that I am not trying to recreate a whole "31 Rue Cambon" style.  Gild, lions, etc., is not what I am going for.  I am aiming to pull together a very cohesive look using blush, ivory, white, black, and soft golds (with possibly some silver/steel thrown in as well), and of course, utilizing the logo.

Cross your fingers for me!  I am working on an idea board for this room, and hope to finish it this week.  :)

The Nursery is About to Be Reinvented...

Here is a sneak peak:

Chanel

+

Mod Podge

+

Bling

=

Craftiness coming in the next few days so stay tuned! 

Handmade {Valentine} Cards II

In case you missed the first post, you can read it here.

Supply list according to card:

1. hand ripped construction paper, ribbon, beads, wire, large safety pin (this one was for an adult; no pins for kids!)

2. ruffled lace with thread, ribbon, foam hearts

3. red tulle, ribbon, foam hearts, pen

4. hand ripped construction paper, ribbon, foam hearts, pen

5. foam hearts

6. hand ripped construction paper, kitchen twine, foam hearts

7. ribbon (I wove it picnic basket style), foam hearts

8. pink striped clear packing tape, hand ripped construction paper, ribbon, foam hearts

9. pink tulle, pink striped clear packing tape, hand ripped construction paper, ribbon, sequin/bead trim

10. red tulle, ribbon, kitchen twine

11. silk flowers

12. lace, ribbon

Handmade {Valentine} Cards I

Well, I made these in time for Valentine's Day but didn't get them posted.  Oh well, I am just super duper early for V Day 2012!

I cut cardstock paper into 4 pieces and used a hot glue gun to attach everything.  This is where the box of vintage buttons and zippers that I got from my grandma came in handy.  I bought nothing - everything was already in my house.  We wrote on the backs and taped a chocolate heart on the back of each one.  I did spend $1 or so on chocolate hearts.  

My kids had a great time handing these out!

Supply List according to card:

Card 1: hand ripped construction paper, vintage zipper

Card 2: organza, thread

Card 3: hand ripped construction paper, ribbon, foam heart

Card 4: ribbon

Card 5: ribbon, vintage buttons, foam hearts

Card 6: red tulle, hand ripped construction paper, vintage zipper

Card 7: red tulle, ribbon, linen, vintage button, glitter

Card 8: kitchen twine

Card 9: red tulle, hand ripped construction paper, ribbon, foam hearts 

Card 10: pink tulle, ribbon, vintage buttons

I have more cards to post, so stay tuned!

Linking up with some great parties!

Gumball Necklaces

Supplies:

Ribbon

Darning needle

Thread (if desired)

Lighter or lit candle

Gumballs (I used 10 per necklace)

Metal skewer

Directions:

1. Using the metal skewer, gently poke a hole into the gumball.  Once the skewer is through, lightly press it into the other side to make a faint indentation mark on the outside.  Remove skewer, turn gumball over and you should be able to see the indentation mark you made.  This is where you want to make the second hole.  Once you have made the second hole, your gumball should look like a bead.  Repeat for all gumballs.

2. Cut your ribbon to desired lengths.  I used two pieces (for necklace length) about 16" each.  I also cut several 4" pieces to tie in between each gumball.  Heat seal all ends using your lit candle or lighter.

3. Thread the needle.  Make sure it is doubled for strength.  Tie off the ends into a double knot.  Sew the thread several times to the end of one of your LONG pieces.  You can fold the end of the ribbon into an accordion and sew through it if you want it extra strong.  Now thread all the gumballs.  Don't tie off the thread.

 

4. Tie and knot a SHORT ribbon length in between each gumball.  Now you are going to sew the other LONG ribbon piece on, following the instructions above.  Finally, tie a SHORT piece where the LONG ribbons meet the gumballs.  

All done!  Wrap up in a jewelry box or organza bag for gift giving.  These would be great favours for a birthday party.  Enjoy!

Linking up with some great parties!

This Table Has a Secret

Way back when, I did 3 posts on the glam nursery that we did for our sweet little girl.  I forgot to add the "DIY" (not sure you can really call it that, but hey, that's what I'm going with!) for the table.

It is actually the most expensive thing in the room, but I did it for free! 

Here is how I did it:

1. Shop your closet and find a long skirt or sarong.  The one I used is a vintage black silk pleated skirt: Ralph Lauren Purple Label.  This is an ankle-length skirt so once it is on the table, it leaves about 6 inches or so draping on the floor.  I think it is so romantic-looking like that!

2. Shop your kitchen or dining room and find a round tray or charger.  Mine is a large silver serving tray.  A vintage round tray would look great too!  Just make sure that there are no sharp edges or cutouts that could snag your fabric.  Your mom or grandmother might have some vintage silver trays laying around that would work well.

3. Set up a decorator table.  You know the kind: made of wood, collapsible, round top.  I have also seen people use a metal garbage can flipped upside down.  Good idea if there are no handles - hello, tripping and toe-bashing.  Not good news!  Plus, take into consideration the height of the table/can/other base.  Make sure it's not too high to reach over and put your book or drink down.  No one wants to reach up.

4. Skirt goes over table.  Charger/tray goes over open waist area.  Super simple!  Don't look at the lamp.  It is the DIY from you-know-where.  I got this great idea to weave ribbon through it and at halfway through, I have gone through well over 50 yards of ribbon.  Plus the whole thing annoys me to no end.  So that's that.

Viola! Decorate your table as you wish!!

For more about the nursery:

Read part 1 here.

Read part 2 here.

Read part 3 here.

Read about the mobile here.

Linking up with some great  parties!

DIY Custom Crib Mobile

What You Need:

1. Skinny ribbon to match room colours, precut into 18" - 24" lengths

2. Small trinkets: beads, pearls, vintage buttons, keys, fuzzy pom-poms, etc.

3. Darning needle

4. Netting canopy

Directions:

1. Thread the needle with the ribbon.  Tie one end of ribbon into a knot.  This will hold your trinket in place.

2. Thread through your trinket.  Push it down to the knotted end of the ribbon.  I used two colours of pearls for mine.

3. Thread through netting, remove the needle and tie ribbon in a knot to secure the ribbon onto the netting.  I finished off my ends by making a bow.

4. Repeat as many times as you like!

I found it helps to take the netting down from the ceiling and work with it on the floor.  No sore arms that way!

For more about the nursery:

Read part 1 here.

Read part 2 here.

Read part 3 here.

Read about the table here.

Linking up with some great parties!

DIY: What's Old Is New Again: Crepe Paper Party Decor

I am pretty sure that the last time I had crepe paper at a party was when I was about 3. I have never really used it for anything but my friend begged me on her hands and knees asked me to help her do a 65th birthday party for her mother. On zero budget.

So out came the crepe paper from the dollar store and here is what I came up with. I am calling it my "Crepe Paper Installation" since that sounds so artsy and fun!! Ha!

Here is a close up. All you have to do is cut matching lengths of crepe paper and tape them side-by-side. The wood is actually doors to a white board behind it - the crepe paper on the left door is all twisted one way, and the paper on the right is twisted opposite. I love how it turned out!

I am linking up with these parties!

Etsy is Up!

Well, it is taking longer than I anticipated. Then again, my hubby tells me that I tend to underestimate time... But at least it is up!

I have over 100 items to list, so hopefully by September they will all be up! Ha! For now, here are a few...

Introducing Little Pretties Luxe on Etsy!

Etsy littleprettiesluxe

Find me on Facebook and become a fan! Thanks! :)

Fast & Easy DIY: Blinged Napkins

Supplies:
Napkins (or serviettes as my mother says)
Mini sticky gems

Directions:
1. Determine number of gems per napkin. I did three on mine.

2. Stick gems on napkin.

3. Repeat.

So cute!

DIY: Glam Card Box

Supplies: 1 large card box (available at party/craft stores)
mini sticky gems (available at dollar stores or craft stores)
ribbon
lighter or lit candle
glue gun

Instructions:

1. Assemble card box according to instructions. Alternately, use your own box (just cover in wrapping paper and cut a large slit in the top).

2. Determine ribbon location. I wrapped my ribbon around the box and cut with an extra inch in length. I then heat-sealed the edges (with a lighter) and began on a side edge, adding a tiny bit on glue on each box corner. Repeat for each length of ribbon. I added bows to each ribbon stripe by making a loop and gluing together. (Sorry, forgot pics of this!) You should be left with a ribbon that looks like the number 8 when looking at it sideways. Then cut a short piece to wrap around the centre of the "8", and glue to ribbon stripes.


3. For the top, lay your ribbon out and cut exact length needed. Seal your ribbon edges, and glue ribbon around box opening. I added bows here too.


4. Affix the sticky gems to box. I used up one colour of sticky gems before I moved onto the next colour to ensure each side of the box got an equal amount. I also added some to the centres of the bows.

5. Admire and sighhhh at your chic box!

Coming Soon!

(drumroll please...)

I am finally getting my Etsy store up and running! I have had people asking me about this for far too long... Your wish is granted; it is on its way! Hope to reveal tomorrow! (That is, if my fingers can still type and aren't too burned from all my glue gunning. Is that a word?)

PS Have a happy Friday! It's my second fave day of the week! :D

On My Mind: Chairs

I can't figure out exactly what decor type is me. I have taken a bunch of the tests and I usually get pegged as contemporary, glam, urban, metropolitan, or modern. I agree sometimes, but I think those quizzes don't ask enough of the right questions.

I love luxe glam, I love aspects of modern (but usually more on the contemporary side of modern), and I even love aspects of both traditional and mediterranean decor. Oh, and throw some art deco into the mix too, just for fun. I guess I have to label myself eclectic.

Here are some of the chairs I am loving right now.

Barrymore Furniture - Brooke chair

Structube Furniture: Amalfi armchair

Christopher Guy: 30-0007

Christopher Guy: 30-0011


Christopher Guy: 30-026

Christopher Guy: 30-029

Christopher Guy: 30-045 (back of chair shown)

Barrymore Furniture: Townsend chair

Barrymore Furniture: Coco chair

Decorium: Hector chair

Decorium: Zoe chair

DeBoers: Zebra chair

Zgallerie: Zack accent chair

Zgallerie: Alister chair

Zgallerie: Loft chair (front view, back view)

Zgallerie: Concerto chair

Zgallerie: Harper chair

Lovely eye candy, isn't it? :)