Thursday, January 27, 2011
Win a Valentine's Day Tealight Set!
Rachel's Reviews and Giveaways is at it again...starting today you can win one of my Valentine's Day six-pack tealights in either Lavender, Rose, or Vanilla. This giveaway is a part of the Handmade with Love Winter Giveaway, which is basically a full-blown bonanza of awesome prizes. Check it out on her blog here and be sure to enter to win!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
New Teacups
This past weekend I made a few new teacups to add to my Teacup Collection and I wanted to share them with all of you!
My absolute favorite of the bunch is this adorable retro diner-style cup and saucer, which I made into an Apple Orchard-scented candle. Isn't it just ridiculously cute?
I love this avocado-colored mug, which has a light sprinkling of speckles to add some depth. I scented this one Vanilla Chai, which is a new fragrance that I'll be offering in only a select few items.
For a more classic look, I made this sweet little floral teacup in Lavender, one of my all-time favorite scents.
I posted these and a few more new additions to my Teacup Collection on my shop. Come on by and check them out, I'd love to hear what you guys think!
My absolute favorite of the bunch is this adorable retro diner-style cup and saucer, which I made into an Apple Orchard-scented candle. Isn't it just ridiculously cute?
I love this avocado-colored mug, which has a light sprinkling of speckles to add some depth. I scented this one Vanilla Chai, which is a new fragrance that I'll be offering in only a select few items.
For a more classic look, I made this sweet little floral teacup in Lavender, one of my all-time favorite scents.
I posted these and a few more new additions to my Teacup Collection on my shop. Come on by and check them out, I'd love to hear what you guys think!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Steamer Trunk Restoration
I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but a few months ago my Mom and I stumbled upon this awesome steamer trunk at a local auction. We had our eyes on it the entire night and right before the auction closed, they finally put it up for bid. Savvy bidders that we are, my Mom and I managed to snag the trunk for $15. We were both so excited to start cleaning it up and restoring it, with the hope that I could eventually use it as a neat storage space for my workspace. Lo and behold, life happened and we haven't had a chance to do any work on it, until yesterday.
Here are some pictures of the trunk before we even got started on it:
After I took pictures to document our "before" stage of this monstrous project, we started by measuring each of the sections on the inside of the trunk since we're planning on reupholstering the interior. With all of our measurements complete, my Mom and I searched through her endless supply of fabrics and picked out these:
The next step was to iron the fabric before we could start placing it. We decided to start with one of the drawers first, so I ironed the solid fabric, which is actually a gorgeous cream color, but the photos don't do it any justice.
Phew! It seemed like it took forever to iron all of the fabric, but in reality I think that's just because I hate ironing. With the fabric now smooth and pristine, we cut sections for the drawer, leaving an extra 1/2-inch all around to cover the corners. After cutting the pieces I then had to iron them again because apparently this is what you do when you sew...which is probably one of the reasons I've never really been into sewing.
After all of that ironing, I was more than happy to move to the next step, which was to adhere the pieces to the drawer. We were debating whether or not to remove the original fabric first, but ultimately decided to just leave it on because we were afraid that trying to remove it would do too much damage to the actual structure of the drawer. We used this great spray-on fabric glue from Elmer's. My only caution when using this would be to wear gloves--we foolishly skipped this step and ended up with sticky fingers the rest of the day. But at least it worked really well in keeping the fabric on and it even smoothed down nicely, too. We only covered the three sides, leaving the front for another day because we'll have to tackle what to do with the drawer pulls. But here's what it looks like so far:
We were both a bit disappointed with the edges, so we've decided to trim them with a black fabric to mimic the leather trim that's on the outside of the trunk. Now we just need to decide which fabric we'll be using for that!
By this time it was already getting late and we were both really hungry, so we decided to call it a night and promised each other that we'd keep working on it in the next few weeks/months. For now, I'll leave you with a shot of the drawer sitting in the trunk, just to give you and idea of how it will look.
All in all I think it's coming along really nicely (albeit slowly) and I'm super excited to continue working on it. Has anyone else ever worked on restoring something like this? If so, do you have any wisdom you'd like to impart? I'm sure my Mom and I would be ever so grateful for any pointers ;)
Here are some pictures of the trunk before we even got started on it:
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| These drawers and shelf will be perfect for storing my candle supplies! |
 |
| We're not sure what we'll do with this side yet, we were thinking of putting in some additional shelving and taking out what looks like a shoe bag at the bottom |
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| We're assuming that those rods up top were used to hang pants or dress clothes, but for my purposes they would be perfect for drying tapers! |
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| How cool is it that it still has the company name on there? I think cleaning up this spot is going to be my favorite part of this project ;) |
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| The Currier & Ives-type fabric on the left will be used for the background of the interior, while the solid fabric will be for the shelves and drawers. |
Phew! It seemed like it took forever to iron all of the fabric, but in reality I think that's just because I hate ironing. With the fabric now smooth and pristine, we cut sections for the drawer, leaving an extra 1/2-inch all around to cover the corners. After cutting the pieces I then had to iron them again because apparently this is what you do when you sew...which is probably one of the reasons I've never really been into sewing.
After all of that ironing, I was more than happy to move to the next step, which was to adhere the pieces to the drawer. We were debating whether or not to remove the original fabric first, but ultimately decided to just leave it on because we were afraid that trying to remove it would do too much damage to the actual structure of the drawer. We used this great spray-on fabric glue from Elmer's. My only caution when using this would be to wear gloves--we foolishly skipped this step and ended up with sticky fingers the rest of the day. But at least it worked really well in keeping the fabric on and it even smoothed down nicely, too. We only covered the three sides, leaving the front for another day because we'll have to tackle what to do with the drawer pulls. But here's what it looks like so far:
We were both a bit disappointed with the edges, so we've decided to trim them with a black fabric to mimic the leather trim that's on the outside of the trunk. Now we just need to decide which fabric we'll be using for that!
By this time it was already getting late and we were both really hungry, so we decided to call it a night and promised each other that we'd keep working on it in the next few weeks/months. For now, I'll leave you with a shot of the drawer sitting in the trunk, just to give you and idea of how it will look.
All in all I think it's coming along really nicely (albeit slowly) and I'm super excited to continue working on it. Has anyone else ever worked on restoring something like this? If so, do you have any wisdom you'd like to impart? I'm sure my Mom and I would be ever so grateful for any pointers ;)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
More Fragrances Added!
Now that the holidays have been winding down, I finally have a chance to bulk up my Etsy shop again. I just recently posted a few fragrances that aren't quite *new* but have been missing from my shop for a bit. I just added Pomegranate Sage and Jasmine Honeysuckle, which have both been really popular at craft shows. I also now have White Tea & Berries (which is a new variation of my earlier White Tea & Ginger) as well as Nag Champa, which has always been one of my favorite scents.
Please stop by the shop and check out my new and semi-new fragrances!!
Please stop by the shop and check out my new and semi-new fragrances!!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Valentine's Day Gift Set
I just wanted to drop in and share these cute Valentine's Day gift sets I put together the other day. I originally made them for American Craftsman in New Paltz, but I loved them so much that I've decided to also post them on my Etsy shop. The set comes with six tealights packaged in a Valentine's Day gift bag, adorned with a cute lollipop. Right now I have sets in Lavender, Vanilla, and Rose.
Here's a sneak peek:
Here's a sneak peek:
These are currently on sale at my shop for $6.00, and would make a great gift for friends, teachers, or your special someone ;) Stop by and take a look!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
I'm Back!!!
Phew, this has been an insane few weeks! In addition to the typical holiday craziness, my boyfriend and I visited his family in CA for a week. No matter how many times I make that trip, I will never fail to suffer major jet-lag and just plain old ickyness from so much traveling. But now we're finally getting settled in again and life is starting to return to normal, which also means I finally have a chance to sit down and write a new entry for my dear blogger friends!
How have all of you been? I hope your holidays were lovely and that everyone is enjoying the new year! Any interesting new year's resolutions that you'd like to share? I don't really have a resolution per se, but I do plan on sticking to the exercise routine I've been doing for the past few months. I also have some exciting work coming up for my candles, which I'll talk about a little later. AH! That reminds me that I had promised to post pictures of my new workspace, which (of course) I've failed to do. I'm starting to feel like my boyfriend's procrastination tendencies are rubbing off on me haha. I'll post those pictures very soon too!
Well, now that I've updated you all on my very exciting life as of late (*scoffs*), I'd like to leave you with a lovely Treasury that I was featured in called Beautiful Bargains by DivineinTime.
Be sure to check out the Treasury, and head over to her shop, which has a ton of really great vintage pieces, such as these antique theater playbills, which I'm in love with!
I hope you all have a great day, and I promise it won't be so long before I post again!!
How have all of you been? I hope your holidays were lovely and that everyone is enjoying the new year! Any interesting new year's resolutions that you'd like to share? I don't really have a resolution per se, but I do plan on sticking to the exercise routine I've been doing for the past few months. I also have some exciting work coming up for my candles, which I'll talk about a little later. AH! That reminds me that I had promised to post pictures of my new workspace, which (of course) I've failed to do. I'm starting to feel like my boyfriend's procrastination tendencies are rubbing off on me haha. I'll post those pictures very soon too!
Well, now that I've updated you all on my very exciting life as of late (*scoffs*), I'd like to leave you with a lovely Treasury that I was featured in called Beautiful Bargains by DivineinTime.
Beautiful Bargains
-
$6.00 USD -
$8.00 USD -
$4.50 USD -
$8.00 USD -
$5.75 USD -
$3.00 USD -
$9.95 USD -
$10.00 USD -
$3.30 USD -
$3.95 USD -
$10.00 USD -
$3.50 USD -
$5.95 USD -
$6.25 USD -
$4.00 USD -
$5.00 USD
Be sure to check out the Treasury, and head over to her shop, which has a ton of really great vintage pieces, such as these antique theater playbills, which I'm in love with!
I hope you all have a great day, and I promise it won't be so long before I post again!!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Christmas on Etsy
Wow, it feel like it's been forever since I've posted! I've been insanely busy at work, trying to get 2 weeks worth of work done in a few days before I go away on vacation. Not to mention the annual Christmas prep craziness...and we're not even decorating our apartment this year since we'll be away! *cries*
Now that I finally have a moment to breathe, I wanted share with you guys some of the awesome gifts I've found on Etsy thus far:
This first one isn't actually a gift, but every year we send out cards and I wanted to go handmade this time. I think these cards are freakin' adorable! If you look closely, you may also notice that the background is made to resemble wood grain!
I found this sweet little pillbox for my sister, who is always forgetting to take her medications and vitamins. Plus, the saying on it is perfect for her because her nickname as a child was "Trouble" (one guess why haha).
My best friend is a long-time vegetarian/occasional vegan and recently started following a raw diet, so I was super psyched when I found these delectable raw truffles!
I have my eye on this adorable felt pincushion for my sister-in-law who is a super-duper sewer.
I still have no idea what I'm getting for my brother. Have you guys come across anything neat on Etsy for music lovers? He's really into DJ'ing, house music, playing guitar, etc.
Welp, that's all I've come up with so far. I hope you're having as much fun as I am tracking down unique and handmade gifts this year ;)
Now that I finally have a moment to breathe, I wanted share with you guys some of the awesome gifts I've found on Etsy thus far:
This first one isn't actually a gift, but every year we send out cards and I wanted to go handmade this time. I think these cards are freakin' adorable! If you look closely, you may also notice that the background is made to resemble wood grain!
 | ||
| Woodland Forest Fawn Friends Card Set of 8 by InkDropDesign |
I found this sweet little pillbox for my sister, who is always forgetting to take her medications and vitamins. Plus, the saying on it is perfect for her because her nickname as a child was "Trouble" (one guess why haha).
 |
| Retro Humor Pillbox by SweetheartSinner |
My best friend is a long-time vegetarian/occasional vegan and recently started following a raw diet, so I was super psyched when I found these delectable raw truffles!
 |
| Ooey Gooey Cacao Truffles by Heliopolis Living Foods |
I have my eye on this adorable felt pincushion for my sister-in-law who is a super-duper sewer.
 |
| Felt Pincushion by The Fairy Felt Mother |
I still have no idea what I'm getting for my brother. Have you guys come across anything neat on Etsy for music lovers? He's really into DJ'ing, house music, playing guitar, etc.
Welp, that's all I've come up with so far. I hope you're having as much fun as I am tracking down unique and handmade gifts this year ;)
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