Embellishing Wellies (Rain Boots) with Ribbon

Nothing would make me prouder than to tell you I have nothing better to do than embellish my rain boots but this would only be a half truth. The whole truth is that I have these really large calves and no boots in the world boots do not fit me. It's a terrible cross to bear.

So, in comes getting creative.  I found these rain boots at Walmart for ~$25, the grommets came from Hobby Lobby (buy more than you think you will need) and I had the ribbon. Any kind should work as well as a scarf, fabric strips etc. Be creative!

Step 1: Cut the boot as deep as you need it. Right down the center.

Step 2: Add the grommets per the instructions on the package. You might can buy more industrial grommets than the ones I bought. These little guys felt flimsy and were not the easiest to work with, hence the buy more than you think you will need.

Step 3: Thread your ribbon & tie a bow.

Step 4: Enjoy boots that fit over your calves & have personality!

Now, if I could just get some rain!

~XOXO~

Get Your Craft On

New! OOAK Eco friendly Shawl - Tencel Knitting

Two new eco friendly shawls in my shop!

Lavender and Natural

I knitted these eco-friendly wrap with a 100% Tencel yarn. Tencel is a natural fiber made from wood pulp from eucalyptus. Tencel is environmentally friendly because of it's ecologically sound method of production. It is biodegradable and non-toxic to the environment. Tencel has all the caracteristics of a luxury fiber: the natural, workable comfort of cotton, the fluid drape and color richness of rayon; the strength of a synthetic; and the luxurious hand and luster of silk!

Navy and Burgundy

Wrap it over your hair like a hood, across your shoulders as a wide shawl, or around your neck like a scarf.

One-of-a-kind and ready to ship.

Who will be the lucky owner of these beauty?

:)

Three other colors are always available in my shop:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/59154109/eco-friendly-shawl-3-colors-available

 

This week in my studio

I worked on a shirt sample for boys!

And I love it!  I choose a hempcel fabric and it is fabulous.  I love the texture.  The color (curry) is pretty too.

This one is a 6T.  It will be available in 3-4 and 5T soon. 

Next week, I will word for Dad!  I'm creating my "Paternity" collection.....

Stay tune!

Have a nice week!  And take care of yourself, take care of the earth.

 

Balmain: Fall 2011 Ready-to-wear

A wind of inspiration... from Milan

To learn more about Balmain:

 http://www.tendances-de-mode.com/en/2008/05/31/880-balmain

The Sea Beckons Me -- Simple Daisy Spotlight

One of this years most ferocious winter storms is suppose to be barreling across the United States this week.  All I can think about is the beach...warm sand on my toes, sun shining on my face.  Please enjoy this little piece of beach heaven from jewelry artist - Heather, of Simple Daisy! She also writes one of my favorite blogs, Simple Daisy Blogs.

In her words...

I'm Heather, the designer behind Simple Daisy! It is my desire & passion to create simple pieces of jewelry that evoke feelings of blissful days spent on the shore. I am inspired by the beauty & simplicity of the ocean........aqua blues, shimmering water, sea life all come through in my designs.

my favorite!

I am absolutely happiest spending time in my Simple Daisy studio creating custom jewelry that will make you happy when you wear it.

And I do hope you do enjoy wearing your Simple Daisy jewelry as much as I enjoy creating it!!"

Stop by and visit Simple Daisy...tell her Beachbrights said "Hi!"  Stay warm & safe this week!

XOXO

Resource Links:
Simple Daisy Etsy
Simple Daisy Blog
Facebook

*This is a post from the heart. I have no affiliation with Simple Daisy (other than I love her blog & etsy shop*

Love These DIY Rings!

For the Tutorial:
Balls
Star

XOXO-

New! Unisex Eco-Knitting

 I finally began my unisex collection!  I am so happy to see man's photos in my shop!

Shawl for Madam, Scarf for Sir…


The sweetness, the flexibility and the luster of this knitting are incredible. Your lover will take it from you certainly!

Women: Wrap it over your hair like a hood, across your shoulders as a wide shawl, or around your neck like a scarf.

Men: Wear it open or wrapped around your neck.

I knitted this eco-friendly wrap with a 100% Tencel yarn. Tencel is a natural fiber made from wood pulp from eucalyptus. Tencel is environmentally friendly because of it's ecologically sound method of production. It is biodegradable and non-toxic to the environment. Tencel has all the caracteristics of a luxury fiber: the natural, workable comfort of cotton, the fluid drape and color richness of rayon; the strength of a synthetic; and the luxurious hand and luster of silk!

3 colors available!

-Brown and Navy

-Black and Natural
-Black and Green

 

Approximately 7 feet long & 12 inches wide (without fringes)
Fringes measures 7 inches
Care: Handwash or machine wash at gentle cycle, dry flat.

You would like to see the color before buying? I can send you samples by the mail for free. Just contact me.

 

You can see the beginning of my UNISEX collection in my Etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AnnyMay?section_id=7265849

 

Fall Look Book by Style Your Life (GIVEAWAY)

Fall Look Book

by Jennifer Rossen, Style Your Life

Buy Here

I am so excited!  Now it feels like fall.  All it took was for my copy of Style Your Life's Digital Fall Look Book to arrive...now I am ready to plan, shop and welcome Fall.

Fashion has always been important to me. When I was little my dream was to become a fashion designer. When I was a little older, I would sew some of my own clothes and when I graduated from college, my first job was in the fashion industry.  I worked in fashion for 15 years and loved it.  However, something has changed over the last ten years.  Maybe it was becoming a mom, putting on extra weight or just a general shift in my priorities but fashion took a backseat.  My wardrobe now consist of the same black yoga pants. I have lost my fashion sense but Style Your Life has encouraged me to get it back.  I love visiting Jennifer's blog and learning about the newest fashion trends and how to complete an outfit.  What I love most about Jennifer's style is that she has something for everyone (every price range, age etc.) and her outfits are fresh and stylish.  She is also great about giving lessons on "why" or "how" you should wear something. Her Look Book and Blog are priceless.

Jennifer publishes a seasonal wardrobe digital Look Book for $5.  It is the best investment you can make before you start buying your seasonal outfits. The book contains 33 pages of information on trends, fall essentials and key looks. The book goes into greater detail on why you should buy designer jeans and the best sweaters for different body types. My favorite part of the book are the 10 virtual outfits for anything from tailgating to a night out on the town.

Not only is this book a value at $5 but the book also preaches mix and match styling to help stretch your clothing budget.

From Jennifer:
The Fall Look Book contains all the pieces you need to have a complete Fall Wardrobe, along with some of my favorite Fall trends. All the sources are listed and can be CLICKED (like the blog).
Just click on title of each image and go directly to the source. You will get a security message from Adobe asking to allow to go to the source website, I assure it is all safe. However, I can't guarantee all items will be in stock.

Here is one readers comment about her Summer Look Book

"I LOVE my summer style book!! I bought it on Friday and went shopping on Saturday and I got 3 new outfits using my guide! Woo hoo!"

Now for the GIVEAWAY:

Just leave me a comment (with your email address) and one randomly picked comment will win a copy of Style Your Life's Digital Fall Look Book. Giveaway ends Sunday, Sept. 19. Thanks Jennifer!

~XOXO

Style Your Life Seasonal Look Book (GIVEAWAY)

I was so excited to find out that Jennifer @StyleYourLife has published a seasonal look book. You see, StyleYourLife is my Go To for wardrobe help. Several months ago I did a spotlight on StyleYourLife (you can read it here) and explained how I have transformed from wearing my everyday black yoga pants to picking out basic mix-and-match pieces and creating more style for my life (wink, wink).  Now you can do the same with your wardrobe in this easy to shop seasonal look book.

What I love about this look book is that Jennifer creates outfits with easy to find items, value price points, accessories and slenderizing fits. She also offers tips and suggestions from short lengths to heel heights.  The look book is 22 pages packed full of pictures, buying resources and outfit suggestions.  I downloaded the book to my new Ipad and was able to take it shopping with me. So, if you have a mobile device, this book is even more invaluable!

And to make it even easier, this girl thought of it all. Be sure to click on the titles of each clothing item, they hyper-link to the item on the web for easier shopping! Thank you Jennifer :)

One last comment, in a time when we are all making our dollar go a little bit further. This book is a real bargain for $5. How many of us have bought something on impulse and now that item hangs in our closet never worn? Jennifer's look book will help you purchase seasonal, stylish clothing basics, so you will look your best, year around.  No more impulse buys - now that's a bargain!

~GIVEAWAY~

Jennifer @StyleYourLife is offering one lucky reader a copy of her
Summer Look Book. 

Thank you Jennifer!!

1. Leave an email to enter

2. Contest ends Friday, June 4th

~XOXO~

Baggies Papercraft

I guess this lot is for the ladies, Baggies paper toy series by Japanese artist and fashion-forward designer, Shin Tanaka.

There's 5 paper toy templates to chose, each representing the bags mostly used by women (tote, clutch, over-the-shoulder, handbag, etc.) There's three designs to choose from and a blank one so you can make your own.

Baggies Papercraft [Download]

Shopgirl Bag Papercraft [Related Posts]
Hermes Collier de Chien Bracelet Papercraft
Paul Smith Bag Papercrafts
Fashion Bag Papercraft "Sac Mode"
Shopgirl Bag Papercraft

Hermes Collier de Chien Bracelet Papercraft

Six new fashion papercrafts from Hermes - Paris-based high-fashion luxury goods manufacturer, the Hermes Collier De Chien Bracelets.

Same as the Hermes Kelly Bag papercrafts from previous years, the site is still Flash-based. Follow the link below and scroll through the menu, look for the bracelet icon (same as pic below), click on it to get to the goods.



Hermes Collier De Chien Bracelet Papercraft [Download]

Shopgirl Bag Papercraft [Related Posts]
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Shopgirl Bag Papercraft

Mario Fat Pants

I can't remember how the name of these pants came about. I know that these really ugly pants were a gift from Max to his Daddy.  You see, Max and Byron are engaged in playing Super Mario Bros. on the Wii every night.  Hence, the really ugly pants with Mario all over them. Unfortunately, Walmart does not carry these pants for Max, only adult sizes. So, I bought a pair and used them as material to make Max his very own pair of Mario Fat Pants. Please don't tell anyone my Men dress like this.

This is how I made these pants for Max:

1. Go to this site MADE for a complete tutorial.
2. I used a pair of PJ bottoms that fit Max really good to trace for my pattern.

3. I then cut out my patterns and put them on top of the Men's large pants. I then cut out the pieces. Max wanted pockets, so I cut some of them out too.

4. Ask your 6 year old to be still for a photo. This is what you get...

Happy Fat Pant Wearing-

XOXO

Fox Motocross...Ghetto Style

Santa brought Max a 4-wheeler (battery operated).  Well, the twins down the street just got two 4-wheelers for their birthday. Not only did they get custom graphics, they also got the full-up Fox motocross gear.  Yes, I got one-uped!

Of coarse, Max wanted Fox motocross gear and custom graphics. Daddy said no to the graphics but thought the motocross gear was a good idea (until he realized it was going to cost $100).  So what's a thrifty mamma to do?

Ebay Fox Motocross Pants: $25 (incudes shipping)
Ghetto Fox Motocross Shirt: $2

The Ghetto shirt I bought from Walmart for $2. I then did a google image search for Fox motocross images. All I did was trace the image on the shirt with fabric paint and colored it in. Really easy.

Oh yea, the twins now want one too :)

XOXO-

Design-it-Yourself Clothes REVIEW

Design-it-Yourself Clothes
Author: Cal Patch
Potter Craft Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-307-45139
159 pages

I bought this book for two reasons:
1. I was tired of store bought patterns not keeping up with design trends
2. I wanted to learn pattern making for a better fit

This book goes into good detail without getting too technical and overwhelming.

 Author Cal Patch was a clothing designer for Urban Outfitters and Free People (one of my favs!) before going on to create her own label, HodgePodge.

4 out of 5 stars

XOXO-

AMAZON

**Be sure to check out Potter Craft and sign up for their newsletters. You will receive information about new books, receive free patterns and giveaways.**

Style Your Life

In my heyday, I was quite the fashionista. My entire life was about fashion. When I was little, I played with Fashion Plates, Barbie (the real fun was about the outfits) and I loved to sew clothing. I wrote a paper titled "When I grow up, I want to be a Fashion Designer" in Ms. Reed's 5th grade class-got an A. In high school, I would plan my outfits days in advance being very careful to not wear the same thing twice. I was voted "Best Dressed" in 11th grade. I always thought that I would go to the Atlanta Fashion Institute and Major in Fashion Design but something funny happened. Life started to take over and I became more practical in my thinking. I just changed. I can't really put my finger on it but life took another turn. So, I majored in Business. Got that degree 4 years later and entered the (un) glamours life of retail management. At least it was retail, right? 10 years with the Gap and some time with Ralph Lauren and I was done. Yes, I was always fashionable and I loved merchandising the new clothes but something about slave labor just sucks the life out of you. Oh yea, the 50 pounds I have gained over the years did not help either.

So now as I write this, something has started to change in me. Thanks to Jennifer at Style Your Life I am paying more attention to what I wear everyday. Now don't get me wrong, I have not trashed those black yoga pants but now I might only wear them 5 days a week instead of 7. Check out some of my "plan to buy" items this season. Maybe Jennifer can help with the rest?Be sure to check out her blog, Style Your Life. She offers a great "outfitting" service for only $5. Kinda like having your own personal shopper (that you can afford!). Now get going....Style Your Life.

My Fall Clothing List (so far, it's still August for Pete's sake):

(You can click on each individual picture to get the link & Yes, I did just get my Land's End catalog in the mail)

XOXO-

Paul Smith Project10 : Bag Papercrafts

A separate and different Paul Smith papercraft collection, this one is about the Paul Smith Project10: Bag.

The "Project10:Bag" is the designer's take on design and indviduality within a world of full of mass production. The project makes use of the "Flight Bag" and creates 138 individual designs for it.

These 138 Paul Smith bag papercrafts are broken down into 14 pages (weeks), 10 papercraft templates per page, the last page having 8.

Paul Smith Project10 : Bag Papercrafts

Paul Smith Papercraft Collection [Related Posts]
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Paul Smith Papercraft Collection

A bevy of papercrafts from English fashion designer and menswear icon, Sir Paul Smith, RDI (Royal Designer for Industry).

As part of Paul Smith's Playroom, the papercraft collection includes bags, luggages, motorcycles, furniture, a uniquely designed camo Jaguar (car), and robots.

Paul Smith Papercraft Collection

Hermes Kelly Bag Papercrafts 1 [Related Posts]
Hermes Kelly Bag Papercrafts 2

Inaluxe in Craft Magazine

Yay! inaluxe in Craft Magazine.  There is a double page Etsy spread with inaluxe on the lower right hand corner as etsy 'featured seller'.  

I would also like to say thank you to Jules for emailing me about this first. I had no idea, and Christina for sending a copy this way all the way from the US! Both so lovely. thank you.