I can't get behind these...

1. I completely agree with Lucy. I just can't get behind this. I mean, it seems so obvious that this is a Hollywood set up. Jake has a new movie out and Taylor has a new album out. Please let it end soon!

2. From the Cup of Jo Holiday Gift Guide: I know these are made of silk, but $38! Would you ever pay that much for one? Am I crazy? I think they are adorable, but I also think they would take about about 3 minutes to make. They do take me back to the 5th grade though and funny that they are called the 'Senate' bracelet.

Ehhh

So I made the wreath. It's... okay. It looks a little too country to me. I think it's the fabric I used, I just cut from scraps I already have and I tried to use fall colors, but only really had soft reds and stripes. I think if I had used more ribbon, and different colors I would like it more. It was super easy though and that's just my style for weeknight crafting. Which happens... never. And Taye Diggs, of course did not disappoint.

Wreaths and things...

We're having a few folks over for brunch on Saturday before the rallies and I'm thinking about making this wreath. I have a ton of scrap fabric and it looks pretty easy. Some people make casseroles for brunch, not me!

Also, I want I want I want these monogram cards from Rifle. I have loved this site since I started wedding planning last year and definitely snagged some ideas for the big day. I think they would be really cute as holiday cards... the price however, is not so cute. Maybe I can just buy one and frame it!

Have any of you heard of Folksy? It seems like a UK-based etsy. Hmmm....

Things I'm Lookin' At Today...

Obvi work is a little slow...

Kelly Wearstler's Beverly Hills home is for sale. A cool $46 million. I love her and I love her designs. Not sure I could live here though. Vacation perhaps. Where do you go when you want to wear sweats and watch reruns of 90210 on SOAPnet?

I'm in love with the antique engagement rings at Claude Morady. If I were in the market for an engagement ring, I think this would be my first stop!

Yesterday was Font Day on Design*Sponge. What could be better! Jefe and I recently watched Helvetica and found it fascinating. I have a whole new appreciation of fonts!

And, I really want to check out this book: Crafting a Meaningful Home by Meg Mateo Ilasco. Not because I need things to be meaningful. I just like being crafty!

PaperSource

A few months ago I ordered an address stamp that I really love. The only thing I wish I had done differently, is purchased a 'self-inking' stamp. It just makes everything so easy.

I just got an email from PaperSource announcing a new line of address stamps... all self-inking. Of course.
I'm currently coveting this lil' number...

Zara Online!

Ahhh! How did I miss this. I have always wished Zara would open up their stores online and now my wish has come true! Wooohooo!

In other news, I had my second sewing class yesterday. I'll post pictures of my new hand-made pajama pants tomorrow. Above is a little pic of my new favorite thing... my tomato pin cushion, complete with emery strawberry. So classic. Tell me this doesn't remind you of rifling through your mother's sewing kit to find scissors (that were totally off-limits). That's right, I'm hardcore.

The Tote

Well folks, the six hours I spent at G Street Fabrics on Sunday may be considered among some of the best of my life. Ok, maybe a little exaggerated. But it was indeed thrilling! I was actually giddy! A dream, realized!

There were four other women in my class and our instructor was fabulous. To begin, the instructor walked us around the store floor where we were able to choose our own fabric and she could make sure we purchased the correct materials. Then, we got to work. Learned how to use the machines (the most intimidating part!) and the basics. The results are below. I'm so proud. So proud that I refuse to actually use  the tote, and prefer to just stare at it. Can you frame bags?

Next Class Project: Pajama Pants. Stay tuned!

It even has a pocket in the front a la Lands' End.

And don't forget the lining!

My fabric is actually upholstery remnants.

It's pretty big. But doesn't exactly go with my pajamas.

Sewing!

I'm off to my first sewing class today and I'm so excited!

Why Oh Why Is This Sold Out?

I want it! It makes me giggle everytime I look at it.

Seamstress To Be

I just signed up for sewing lessons at the local fabric store, something I have wanted to do for years! By the end of September I will have completed 'two projects that incorporate the basic skills needed to go on to more advanced sewing classes'. That's right... more classes! Drapes and duvets, here I come!

Etsy Profile

I was just discussing with Katie that I wish we could see one another's favorite items and shops on Etsy. DUH. You can. So now I have a public profile. You can see what I've been 'hearting' lately. Do you have a profile you want to share?

Renegade Craft Fair

UG! Why don't I live near one of these?

paperwink

I just ordered this stamp with our address from paperwink and I can't wait to see how it turns out! They have so many cute designs!

Primele on Etsy has great stamps too!

Silhouettes

I was perusing this post on Apartment Therapy yesterday and came across these lovely silhouettes in someone's Los Angeles home. The photos caught my eye because I have been wanting to do something very similar in our office. I originally got the idea last summer from the decor at a Barney's COOP store where an entire wall was covered in silhouettes in various colors. I thought it would be fun to do one of each member of the family and I love that this family included their pup. Atty may have to sit for a silhouette portrait soon!

The Friday Night Knitting Club

I finished The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs last night. I really enjoyed the book and it was a nice change of pace from what I had been reading. I do agree with one review I read, most of the characters could be from Central Casting , but maybe that's not always a bad thing. After I put it down, I couldn't stop thinking that it could be a great movie, in fact, the book almost seemed to be written with a movie in mind. Before I fell asleep, I decided that Julia Roberts should play the role of "Georgia". I'm sooo insightful late at night!

Well, I'll be damned if I didn't do a little research this morning and find out that Julia Roberts' production company has optioned the book and she is set to play the lead role of "Georgia". Too funny.

Turns out there is a sequel as well called Knit Two. Can't wait to dig in and find out what all the characters are up to now! I hear Italy is involved. Yummy!

More Holiday Cards...

Turns out, Mrs. Q had the Quigliasco holiday card from 2007 hanging on the Christmas tree. I loved making those cards but as mentioned before, postage for square envelopes can be quite pricey. These cards were very easy to make especially with the help of my favorite product: Zots. They are little adhesive circles that make gluing paper together so easy, and mess-free!

Holiday Cards

I decided to make holiday cards this year. I made them last year too and was sure this time to learn from my mistakes... who knew that square envelopes require more postage???

This year I tried to make it simple and PaperSource was of course my go-to.

I got lime-green cards, two stamps, dark-green ink and some red stick-on sparkly things per Steph's suggestion. Not the most creative or detailed, but not half-bad either, if I do say so myself.

Jack-O-Lanterns

Here are some fun jack-o-lantern patterns that are especially festive considering Halloween's close proximity to the election.

Design*Sponge

KT introduced me to a blog called Design*Sponge. It's kind of everything I wish this blog were. I love the 'Before and After' section. I like Olga's before and after table, it looks like something that anyone could do with the right supplies and couple hours on a Saturday. Those are my kind of projects.

Crafty Bastards...

I went with Lacy Lace, Meg and KT to the Crafty Bastards show yesterday in Adam's Morgan. And this wasn't your grandma's craft show. All of the booths were fantastic. I could have spent $300 in about 5 min. I thankfully had the strength to resist, but I did buy myself a little gift in the form of a paper airplane necklace. It was one of the first things I saw, and after we had walked through the whole show, I was still thinking about it. The best part... I bought it from a booth called "Finch Metal". How apropos!

I thought it was really silly and fun. I'm in love. You can visit the site at www.finchmetal.com.

I collected lots of cards from the show, so I'll be sure to post some of my favorites over the coming weeks. Next year I want to save all my money so I can buy all my Christmas gifts there and support local artists!

One of my favorites from yesterday was this maternity shirt from the Mutha Crafter Etsy site...


And I thought this from the same booth would be pretty funny for half of my cousins whose friends call them "Prego"...


More to come!