Paper Flower Tutorials

Are you planning a wedding soon? Perhaps consider some of these paper flower tutorials. I'm thinking of making a sidebar for these and adding to them as I find them. There are so many wonderful looking ideas out there.

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Casey's Two Seam Top

Casey of Casey's Elegant Musings recently posted a new vintage pattern she sewed. It's a two seam top and I think it's just delightful! For only being a simple rectangle the finished look is really beautiful. Check more of Casey's post and a link to a flickr image of the pattern here.

And how lovely does Casey look in it?

Easy and Lovely Fabric Streamers

Source: caseybaudoin.blogspot.com via Audrey on Pinterest

I made these once (see below). I hand dyed mine but in retrospect I think it's unnecessary. Just purchase paler colors. And if you had a GO! Strip Cutter making them would be a breeze!
Or  the Sizzix version.
1"
1 1/2"
2"
2 1/2"

Flower Petal Smocking Tutorial

Isn't this lovely? Would love to try on a blouse. The pearl button in the center is icing on the cake.

Source: duitang.com via Megan on Pinterest

Magnetic Photobooth Tutorial!

This is soooo cute! Wouldn't this make a great Valentine's Day gift?
Mindy used free printable photobooth props available on the internet.
Get the how-to at Creative Juice!

Source: getcreativejuice.blogspot.com via Ana on Pinterest

Olive Garden $100 Gift Card Giveaway!

Stories of A to Z is having a $100 Olive Garden Gift Card Giveaway courtesy of BlogHer!!!! 
Beth was asked to do a review and treat some of her friends (including me!) to enjoy. Isn't being a blogger great?!
See photos of our fabulous meal and enter to win the giveaway here!

Rose Bloom Bouquet Tutorial

OMGosh! I want to try this! Would it make a great alternative to real flowers at a wedding. It's even big enough to stand on its own which means less work.

Get the full tutorial and wedding pics here.

Source: blog.evajuliet.com via Joy on Pinterest

Sew Your Own

 Sew your own! With this material and this buckle and this lunchbag pattern!
Buy the real deal here.

Source: alittlehamster.tumblr.com via Amber on Pinterest

Practical Nursing Blanket Alternative

This is such a more practical idea. Don't get me wrong. I like nursing covers too but many times I was caught without having one on hand. And nursing with a simple blanket can be....challenging. These look totally simple to sew. You could keep one of these in everyone of your purses at all times and use whatever blanket was available on hand. Get the tut here.
Source: sewing.craftgossip.com via Maho on Pinterest

Something Pretty.

How happy is this? It's made with Japanese washi tape! Get the tutorial here.

Pics from Minifan and Her New Leaf.

Source: hernewleaf.com via Kathleen on Pinterest

Homemade Valentine's Day Gift Guide

 
I got my google check today which got me thinking about Valentines. Why? Well, google pays once per month and I suddenly realized that the check would have to last through the Valentine's gift giving season. Gosh! I just got done spending all my money on Christmas! How can it already be Valentines? Where did all the time go? And poor Brian, he just got done buying me a new computer on top of Christmas and now Valentines. But I'll go easy on him this year;) I won't expect too much.

If you're in the same budget boat, let's make it easy on our wallets this Valentine's Day and give homemade! Below is a little homemade Valentine's gift giving guide. If you have any ideas for small homemade Valentine's gifts please post below or in the new sidebar link to the right. I started with a few I liked.

Inspiration Clothing

I love this top! Unfortunately, it's not available anymore but when it did it retailed for $225. You can still catch it on eBay here but I think if you were smart you'd try and recreate it for yourself. I mean SERIOUSLY how hard could this possibly be? It looks like a couple pinched loops of fabric, edged with black bias tape. The bow looks stiff. I wonder if there's wire in the edges? Does anyone have this blouse that can tell us?

Source: thechloeconspiracy.com via Amber on Pinterest

Happy Birthday Baby

My (now) second youngest just turned two on Saturday.

Since it has been so close to our hospital stay we didn't have a big party just a little family get together. Fortunately Eloise is still small enough that she doesn't have much opinion about big parties.

My new computer should be coming in by Thursday and I can start posting more regularly.
Love you little one.