happy friday!

Have a great weekend!xxx

d.i.y felt soap

D.I.Y. Felt Soap Tutorial! 

Starring the lovely Kat O'Neill and yours truly. 

#1. What you will need : Soap, Roving, Felting Needles, Scissors, Nylon, and a Large Bowl 

Cost: About $15 - $20

I purchased 365 Chamomile, Lavender and Aloe natural glycerine soap from Whole Foods for $1.99 per soap. *Crafter Tip: Kat said it is very important to buy a good soap because during the massaging process your hands will dry out if you don't! I purchased the roving rolls and needles from Michaels Craft Stores. The Roving Rolls were $4.99 per bag (you can create about 3 soaps roughly per bag) and the needles were about $3.99. I cut up a pair of old nylon stockings, I am sure you can grab a cheap pair just about anywhere if you don't have any lying around! Once you have all of that all you will need to do is grab yourself a large bowl,  a pair of scissors and you are ready to go! (You may want to have a towel or some napkins handy because it can get a bit soapy!) 

#2. Set the Mood with some Good Tunes! We were jammin' to The Devil Makes Three... Kat's choice, and I must say it was a mighty good one!  #3. Prep your supplies and get ready to have some serious crafting fun! Don't forget to take a photo using the roving as eyes, you will regret it!!!

#4. Ok, Lets Get Started! Wrap the roving around your soap. You can wrap it however your little heart desires as long as there is no soap exposed when you are done. The next step is to choose the color for your design. Hearts, polka dots, stripes, letters...etc.! Break apart a few small pieces and begin to layer. Use the needle to help shape your design and also to keep the roving in place. When you're finished with your design gently pierce the soap with the needle tying down any loose edges. I over jabbed mine a bit, it's a pretty good anger release! haha....

#5. Gently insert your soap into the nylon. Make sure you tie it really tightly so the soap inside cannot move around. #6. Fill a large bowl with some hot H2O. #7. Dunk your soap into the hot water. 

#8. Massage your soap (pretend you are washing your hands) for atleast 15 minutes. You will be able to feel when your felt is starting to latch onto the soap. (it won't be as puffy!) #9. Rinse your soap creation under cold water. (while still in the nylon) #10. Unwrap Soap and let dry!!! 

The entire process takes about 1 hour from start to finish (not including the drying) I would wait about 24 hours before you, as Kat would say: "Wash yo' Self"! After the soap runs out inside, you are left with a super cute homemade body scrubber! But, I didn't dare use mine. I think they are way too cute! Instead I have them filling up and old crate in my bathroom! They make really cute gifts as well. This was my first time so my soap wasn't exactly perfect, but it looks handmade and smells really yummy so I am happy! I can't wait to make more of these cute little creations and play around with the designs! Thanks Kat for showing me how to make this and can't wait for the next d.i.y. craft night! xxx

christmas [love].

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday! Mine was filled with friends, family, yummy treats, and gorgeous goodies! I am so thankful for everyone who celebrated with me and for my family back home who was here in spirit. I got some really cool presents! Handmade felt soap! Monkey bread to die for! Homemade fudge! My bracelets are so lovely, my coffee machine is so handy, my giant wine glasses are amazing, and my moccasins are sooo snug! So many great gifts. Thank you everyone for an amazing Christmas, now get ready for New Years 2012! 

diy coasters

Here is my first batch of handmade coasters, what do you think?! I have so many more ideas for the next set, I cannot wait to make more! I love seeing my art around the house, and I really love the fact that my husband will stop ruining my favorite wooden trunk with his water rings! These will be available for purchase on etsy as soon as I have a few more sets made! So excited. xxx

the little [black] dress

In honor of "Breakfast at Tiffany's" 50th Birthday I decided to raid my closet for some of my favorite little black dresses! 1 Calvin Klein, and 3 vintage finds.... what's in yours?! 

[ I also snuck in some pearls, chains, and origami necklaces... and just like that, you got a sneak peak of my etsy store! ]  Enjoy! xxx