tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64400906418416788742024-03-13T17:58:17.601-04:00Maid Marian Mademaid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-63721298128770111442013-06-08T15:36:00.001-04:002013-06-08T15:38:03.530-04:00Made ~ Boho Tool Belt<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I stumbled across an old carpenter apron at one of the local antique stores and had to have it. For one, it was from one of the local hardware stores in town and two, it had the word "bird" on it. I love birds, especially bluebirds. Also, the price was less than $5 so the apron found it's way home to my house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have amassed a considerable stash of vintage lace over the years and knew I had the perfect one to accent the apron. The lace has a darling strip of blue ribbon running through it which complemented the blue in the apron. I added a doily, some seam binding and a handmade flower that has a vintage earring center. I also added a flower petal with the word "dream" on it from <a href="http://www.jenniferhayslip.com/" target="_blank">Jenn Hayslip</a>'s Once Upon A Dream event, a rhinestone clip and a silver sequin shoe clip. It took me less than an hour to throw it together and I am in love with my boho tool belt. I can't wait to wear it to my next art workshop/event. Since it was so easy to make, I may have to make some more to sell. Anyone interested?</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-21204958016128961332013-03-05T20:58:00.000-05:002013-03-05T20:58:56.433-05:00Made ~ French Macarons<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was so inspired by the latest <a href="https://www.paper-source.com/" target="_blank">Paper Source</a> catalog. It featured my second favorite dessert, French macarons. (Cupcakes are my first.) Yum-e! I created this mixed media collage using an image from the cover of the Paper Source catalog. A paper doily, a page from a vintage recipe book and some washi tape was also used. It's fun and quirky and will complement my collection of <a href="http://everydayisaholiday.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Everyday is a Holiday</a> pieces perfectly. I don't know about you but their artwork makes me so happy.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-82349552633079090532013-02-12T20:42:00.002-05:002013-02-12T20:43:55.930-05:00Made ~ Hair Pins<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Over a year ago, I decided to participate in an arts and crafts show at a local church. I spent hours making hair accessories, jewelry and digital prints for the show. I spent hours on designing the right displays and marketing materials. I spent 10 hours the day of the show setting up, manning the booth and taking it down. I had put so much effort into the show and made less than $80. I was bummed to say the least. I packed up everything and went home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The hair accessories stayed in my garage in a box for at least a year. Then one night I had a dream of a little African girl dressed in a plain sackcloth type dress wearing one of the hair pins in her hair. She had the biggest smile on her face. Why? Regardless of her dire circumstances (abject poverty), this little girl felt beautiful because she was wearing a hair pin I had created. That's why she was smiling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When I awoke the next morning, I retrieved the box from the garage and took it to one of my co-workers who participates in Operation Christmas Child. I gave her all of those hair accessories, nearly a hundred of them, to put in the shoeboxes for little girls all over the world. When I told my co-worker the history of the hair bows, she said something very profound. She said, "Marian, you realize these hair bows were never meant to be sold at that craft fair? They were meant for little girls like you saw in your dream. God had a different purpose for these hair bows." Wow. I hadn't thought of it that way.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></span></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-88915543629007646672013-02-11T21:24:00.004-05:002013-02-11T21:29:31.163-05:00Made ~ Thirty-One Bag Makeover<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For my 40th birthday a friend of mine gave me a gift certificate to Thirty-One. It took me for-ev-er to decide on which bag I wanted. Finally (after a couple three months) I ordered a monogrammed dark denim cross body for me to take on my junking adventures. Once I received it, of course, I could not leave well enough alone. The bag was a little too plain Jane for moi. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, I added some vintage lace and crochet trim as well as a handmade floral pin to give the bag a little more personality. What do you think? Personally, I cannot wait to use it!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></span></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-91380033142756251542013-01-22T21:54:00.000-05:002013-02-11T21:29:50.042-05:00Made ~ Tulips<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before kids I used to paint quite often. Life happened and now I don't really have the time to focus on my oil paintings. I miss painting but I have found solace in mixed media for now. Mixed media is faster in a way. I can also stop and start as needed which I could not do as easily as with painting. Here is one of my favorite paintings.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-44171830918237317322013-01-16T10:00:00.000-05:002013-02-11T21:30:17.573-05:00Made ~ Hope Springs Eternal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I fell in love with the image of this cherub from an old Happy New Year postcard. I adore how the fabric flows around and down. To emphasize the blue of the sash, a blue velvet ribbon was placed down the left side of the canvas. Then the ribbon was overlaid with a length of lace and accented with pearls. Pale pink paper roses are held in the cherub's hand to accent the other pale pink flowers in the piece. A crowned bird flies away in the lower right of the canvas while the word "hope" is highlighted in the background. Another one of my favorite creations.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-68141280698588047992013-01-15T21:07:00.000-05:002013-02-11T21:30:36.036-05:00Made ~ Mon Coeur Always<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At my work, employees adopt families at Christmas. We raise money year round by have hot dog or spaghetti lunches, a motorcycle run, raffles and more. Our biggest fundraiser by far is the online auction we have right before Thanksgiving. Our company has a lot of talented bakers so desserts are usually the most bid on items. This year I decided to offer a custom mixed media collage to the winner. The winner would have a one-on-one consultation with me before I began work on the collage. Debra's only specification was to use angels in the piece. Otherwise, I had carte blanche in creating the rest. Below is what I came up with. The image of the three angels really inspired me and was the basis of the whole piece. Debra was so thrilled with the collage that she showed it off to nearly everyone in the office and proudly displays it in her workspace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Custom mixed media collage are available upon request. Just message me. Thanks for dropping by! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="border: 0px !important;" /></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-33206286616909507872013-01-14T11:05:00.000-05:002013-02-11T21:31:12.114-05:00Made ~ All About Audrey<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I created a couple of mixed media collages inspired by one of my favorite fashion icons Audrey Hepburn. Let me know what you think. Message me if you want to purchase. I need to pay for my art supply addiction before the hubs kicks me to the curb ;)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-719890914773569642013-01-12T11:42:00.000-05:002013-02-11T21:31:31.353-05:00Made ~ Marilyn's Best<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A friend of mine requested I create a collage of Marilyn Monroe to give as a Christmas gift. This is what I came up with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is the reaction of the gift recipient when she saw the collage for the first time. I was so flattered by her reaction. Thanks!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-82045375770078032732013-01-11T14:23:00.000-05:002013-02-11T21:33:15.954-05:00Made ~ Craft Queen Prize Ribbon<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's no lie that I love ribbons but I had never created a prize ribbon until now. Michelle over at <a href="http://creativewingsboutique.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Creative Wings</a> held a prize ribbon swap this past summer and I participated. I had so much fun designing a prize ribbon for a "Craft Queen" using an old Jell-O tin for the center. I thought it was whimsical, fun and oh so girly. Using my favorite colors of aqua and pink made it that much more special. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iuKUWiZrSwc/UO9hovmbnjI/AAAAAAAAAvw/YFlpEB_zu-E/s1600/DSC01998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iuKUWiZrSwc/UO9hovmbnjI/AAAAAAAAAvw/YFlpEB_zu-E/s320/DSC01998.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-31655496715354069272013-01-10T19:39:00.000-05:002013-02-11T21:32:58.666-05:00Made ~ Dream Fairy Page <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I created this page for a swap over at <a href="http://karlascottage.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Karla's Cottage</a>. I love the little fairy. It looks as if she is deep in thought. I used an old book page, lace, velvet ribbon, dimensional Mod Podge and sparkle Mod Podge, not to mention a few other embellishments. This is one of my favorite creations yet.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yocn7L0aIYE/UO9efeY9KsI/AAAAAAAAAvY/WGUL53oXDLI/s1600/DSC01917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yocn7L0aIYE/UO9efeY9KsI/AAAAAAAAAvY/WGUL53oXDLI/s320/DSC01917.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-73331260586477011622012-04-04T20:51:00.001-04:002012-04-05T09:04:25.212-04:00Made ~ Vintage Bluebird of Happiness Birthday Party<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My little girl, Caleigh, celebrated her first birthday last month. I knew that I wanted a vintage feel for her party and to use her signature colors, aqua and pink. With it being spring, an idea flew into my head to center the party around the bluebird of happiness. Caleigh is such a happy, little girl and loves music. It would be the perfect theme. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zF__6nRdnw0/T3zYPA5xVYI/AAAAAAAAAuA/u-xjLtSm23I/s1600/Mommy+and+Caleigh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="245" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zF__6nRdnw0/T3zYPA5xVYI/AAAAAAAAAuA/u-xjLtSm23I/s320/Mommy+and+Caleigh.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I designed her invitation using a digital paper from the Ellah Rose Collection from </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hellolovetoo" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">hellolovetoo</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and with one of my favorite bluebird images. Then I attached a strip of pink ribbon at the bottom of the invitation. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-we7BfzpnE/T3zq5h9ibPI/AAAAAAAAAu4/7AgHQw-d8BQ/s1600/Invitation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-we7BfzpnE/T3zq5h9ibPI/AAAAAAAAAu4/7AgHQw-d8BQ/s320/Invitation.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The focal point of the party was the shabby chic bunting I created with fabrics from </span><a href="http://www.joann.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">JoAnn</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Wal-Mart</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.hancockfabrics.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hancock Fabrics</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. The majority of the fabric was from Wal-Mart and cost a whopping $1.50 a yard! I cut 3-inch wide strips x the length of the fabric. Next, I tied the strip of fabric to a length of rope. I hung the bunting from two </span><a href="http://www.command.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Command</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> hooks that I could remove later.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pkd-QnpY9n8/T3zX4zBj6PI/AAAAAAAAAsY/ZsV2MMTs8rE/s1600/Another+View+of+the+Dessert+Bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pkd-QnpY9n8/T3zX4zBj6PI/AAAAAAAAAsY/ZsV2MMTs8rE/s320/Another+View+of+the+Dessert+Bar.jpg" width="185" /></span></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VWGO29sCgVE/T3zYEbsyI-I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/PWsgWsCL3NU/s1600/Dessert+Bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VWGO29sCgVE/T3zYEbsyI-I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/PWsgWsCL3NU/s320/Dessert+Bar.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The candy bar was draped in a light pink ruffled sheet from the </span><a href="http://www.target.com/c/brand-shop-Simply-Shabby-Chic/-/N-5ewiu#?lnk=sr_rd_simply_shabby_chic" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Simply Shabby Chic</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> line from </span><a href="http://www.target.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Target</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. I wrapped my silverware cabinet in a remnant of aqua fabric from my fabric stash. Then I placed white chocolate eggs wrapped in blue foil, plain </span><a href="http://www.mms.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">M&Ms</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> (aqua and pink) and chocolate dipped pretzels in apothecary jars. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AsVQ5mziVFk/T3zYGFl3a_I/AAAAAAAAAtY/W8SCppG83bA/s1600/Detail+of+Dessert+Bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AsVQ5mziVFk/T3zYGFl3a_I/AAAAAAAAAtY/W8SCppG83bA/s320/Detail+of+Dessert+Bar.jpg" width="246" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Peanut M&Ms in the signature colors were placed in a small birdbath type ceramic dish I found at </span><a href="http://www.michaels.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Michael's</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> for half off. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t20uUYM12FQ/T3zYYG5n9hI/AAAAAAAAAuY/nZyYZqYr7q8/s1600/Spring+MMs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t20uUYM12FQ/T3zYYG5n9hI/AAAAAAAAAuY/nZyYZqYr7q8/s320/Spring+MMs.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The aqua and white swirl lollipops came from </span><a href="http://www.orientaltrading.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Oriental Trading</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. I tied pink seam binding bows to the sticks and placed the lollipops in a pink wooden tray from Target's Dollar Spot. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLQAaJ-zGGs/T3zYNak3-5I/AAAAAAAAAt4/gUqmU7US6NU/s1600/Lollipops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLQAaJ-zGGs/T3zYNak3-5I/AAAAAAAAAt4/gUqmU7US6NU/s320/Lollipops.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Blue </span><a href="http://www.peepsandcompany.com/peeps" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Peeps</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> were displayed in a bluebird accented plate (</span><a href="http://www.tjmaxx.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">TJ Maxx</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">) next to a vintage children's book. Tiny bluebird ornaments from </span><a href="http://www.pier1.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pier One</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> hung from the topiaries.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WpAfePYwoW0/T3zYLKDe8PI/AAAAAAAAAtw/OCUT0eFSirE/s1600/Little+Bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WpAfePYwoW0/T3zYLKDe8PI/AAAAAAAAAtw/OCUT0eFSirE/s320/Little+Bird.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pink lemonade was dispensed from a glass beverage dispenser (</span><a href="http://www.belk.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Belk</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">s, half off) that had a chalkboard necklace of sorts. I attached a metal bird ornament (</span><a href="http://www.hobbylobby.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hobby Lobby</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">) using glue dots for easy removal later. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOvYezQc6Hw/T3zYBclpvkI/AAAAAAAAAtA/JRdpvyArxoI/s1600/Bluebird+Nectar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOvYezQc6Hw/T3zYBclpvkI/AAAAAAAAAtA/JRdpvyArxoI/s320/Bluebird+Nectar.jpg" width="187" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Plastic milk bottles from </span><a href="http://shopsweetlulu.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sweet Lulu</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> were dressed up with strips of fabric from </span><a href="http://fabric.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fabric.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. The pattern is called </span><a href="http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=7f71289f-2da1-41d9-b108-79a76edf5b52" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Spring Hill Birdy</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. The blue version is shown but the fabric also comes in pink and white. The pink polka dot paper straws from </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CakesAndKidsToo" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cakes and Kids Too</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IKZQ3uRDd0g/T3zYHhdRP0I/AAAAAAAAAtg/_6iy8khx0c4/s1600/Drink+Bottles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IKZQ3uRDd0g/T3zYHhdRP0I/AAAAAAAAAtg/_6iy8khx0c4/s320/Drink+Bottles.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Since the party was mid-afternoon, I didn't have a lot of heavy food options for guests. Chicken salad croissants and spinach dip were offered as well as yellow cupcakes with white chocolate cream cheese icing (tinted aqua), bird-shaped sugar cookies and candy pops, cake pops, bird nests and bluebird cookies. The bluebird cookies were Nutter Butters dipped in blue </span><a href="http://www.wilton.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Wilton</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> candy melts. Their eyes were mini chocolate chips and their beaks were a dot of yellow frosting. Bottles of water were also wrapped in fabric and placed in an aqua metal tub that I found at Target's Dollar Spot. (It also came in pink.)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCWUQ_scuII/T3zYJpJ4Y7I/AAAAAAAAAto/uabYzH-UA5c/s1600/Food+Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCWUQ_scuII/T3zYJpJ4Y7I/AAAAAAAAAto/uabYzH-UA5c/s320/Food+Table.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ykHFzlBkmxo/T3zYCkO74gI/AAAAAAAAAtI/C0MmRmyf_uU/s1600/Cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ykHFzlBkmxo/T3zYCkO74gI/AAAAAAAAAtI/C0MmRmyf_uU/s320/Cupcake.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LmMAuXN8a3w/T3zX_t-kr6I/AAAAAAAAAs4/IyiT9xUMQjk/s1600/Bluebird+Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LmMAuXN8a3w/T3zX_t-kr6I/AAAAAAAAAs4/IyiT9xUMQjk/s320/Bluebird+Cookies.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8mg0628d1uY/T3zX66gi24I/AAAAAAAAAsg/ZvUiUc27OTU/s1600/Bird+Nests.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8mg0628d1uY/T3zX66gi24I/AAAAAAAAAsg/ZvUiUc27OTU/s320/Bird+Nests.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGW1ZFUovcc/T3zYZtd2mYI/AAAAAAAAAug/7IiaGdvY2Pg/s1600/Spring+Water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGW1ZFUovcc/T3zYZtd2mYI/AAAAAAAAAug/7IiaGdvY2Pg/s320/Spring+Water.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The birthday cake was homemade and placed on one of my late mother's cake plates. The cake was made of chocolate with white chocolate cream cheese icing. To continue the bluebird theme, I created a banner on card stock featuring bluebirds. I cut the banner out and attached it to two lollipop sticks. I added aqua and pink seam binding to soften the look. One pink candle was all that was needed to make the perfect birthday cake for my little girl.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73o2g43Dqe4/T3zX9iSGsgI/AAAAAAAAAsw/At-inKxa_-I/s1600/Birthday+Cake+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73o2g43Dqe4/T3zX9iSGsgI/AAAAAAAAAsw/At-inKxa_-I/s320/Birthday+Cake+2.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UyVrpiG93Tc/T3zX8R2lEFI/AAAAAAAAAso/rHIRICTeJas/s1600/Birthday+Cake+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UyVrpiG93Tc/T3zX8R2lEFI/AAAAAAAAAso/rHIRICTeJas/s320/Birthday+Cake+1.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For party favors, I used aqua cupcake boxes that my late mother had a supply of. Inside I placed a stuffed chick and a wooden bird whistle, both from Oriental Trading, and a carton of Whoppers shaped like robin's eggs. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qowaNPPYH00/T3zYQtNCyyI/AAAAAAAAAuI/OSuKO_5n70g/s1600/Party+Chick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qowaNPPYH00/T3zYQtNCyyI/AAAAAAAAAuI/OSuKO_5n70g/s320/Party+Chick.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I wrapped the boxes with ribbon made from the white Spring Hill Birdy fabric and attached a gift tag that said, "It was TWEET of you to come."</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QI487k0v7d4/T3zYSrZ3IaI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/rBEqYnmiaMk/s1600/Party+Favor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QI487k0v7d4/T3zYSrZ3IaI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/rBEqYnmiaMk/s320/Party+Favor.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To say the least, Caleigh's party was a hit. Not to mention, is that I can use a lot of the party decorations in Caleigh's room. The bunting will go on the wall over her bed. The aqua and pink metal tub containers will hold hair bows and other accessories. The wooden trays can help organize her dresser drawers and the bird accents can decorate her room. Essentially, I killed two birds with one stone. No pun intended. Thanks for stopping by!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></span></a><br />
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<center><a border="0" href="http://creativepartyplace.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/oldrallychick/CPP_button.png" /></a></center< p=""></center></div>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-57747070403279017622012-01-09T13:28:00.004-05:002012-01-10T13:54:14.028-05:00Made ~ Holiday Apron Swap<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When my friend Cheryl of </span><a href="http://nouveaux-portmanteau.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Nouveaux Portmanteau</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> asked if I wanted to participate in her holiday apron swap, I was a little hesitant. I am NOT a seamstress. I nearly failed home ec in middle school because of my lackluster sewing skills. However, Cheryl's positivity and encouragement calmed my fears and I began creating a holiday apron in red and lime green. I enjoyed hand sewing bits and bobs to a plain apron I found at Kirkland's.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The fun part of this swap was that all participants had to send their creations to Cheryl and she carefully handpicked an apron for each of us from the lot. No one knew what apron they would be getting in return. Ooh, the suspense!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was delighted to receive Kelly Gibbs Lamb's apron. This is not the first creation that I have received from Kelly. Back in October, when we both attended Jenn Hayslip's Once Upon A Dream event, I received not one but two of Kelly's creations in the swap exchange. One being a fairy lapel pin and the other being a fairy house. A naughty fairy house to be exact! Tee hee!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Kelly's apron was divine and in my favorite colors of aqua and pink. I immediately displayed it in my dining room alongside all my other vintage inspired Christmas decorations that are in that color palette. I am so glad that her apron made it's way to my home. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6nXM-a3_1LI/TwnWeVqGA0I/AAAAAAAAAsE/gTWHf6f-o-U/s1600/Kelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6nXM-a3_1LI/TwnWeVqGA0I/AAAAAAAAAsE/gTWHf6f-o-U/s320/Kelly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><em>**Photo by Cheryl of Nouveaux Portmanteau**</em></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Cheryl included a gorgeous tote bag that she made with each of our aprons. The holiday tote is the perfect accessory to take to all the holiday parties. I love the image on the front of the brother with the two sisters. It reminds me of my son, daughter and stepdaughter. Very cute!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Unfortunately, in all the rush of trying to get my apron in the mail to Cheryl, I forgot to photograph it. However, Cheryl did a fabulous job of photographing each of the aprons. Here is an image I grabbed from Cheryl's blog.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nUYSh9mnXcE/TwirDg2T9AI/AAAAAAAAArw/UbEdibjcWzQ/s1600/Apron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="112" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nUYSh9mnXcE/TwirDg2T9AI/AAAAAAAAArw/UbEdibjcWzQ/s320/Apron.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">**Photo by Cheryl of Nouveaux Portmanteau**</span></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thanks, Cheryl! I had so much fun with the apron swap, count me in to participate in your tussie mussie swap.</span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></span></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-15991497116916226492012-01-07T12:50:00.000-05:002012-01-07T12:50:17.098-05:00I'm Gonna "Shine": 2012 Word of the Year<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Boy, has the new year started off bumpy! My husband's grandfather passed on December 29 but due to funeral arrangements was not buried until January 3. Then my 9-month-old daughter contracted RSV and had to spend the night in the hospital. Needless to say, the last week and a half has felt like a decade and a half and I am already off of my blogging schedule for the new year. I pinky promise to do better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For the last couple of years, I have chosen a word of the year instead of the same old resolutions. In 2010, the word was "more" and in 2011 it was "faith." This year I have chosen the word "shine."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Shine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Arise and shine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She took a shine to him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am going to work hard to shine in all the areas of my life...at home, at work, in the lives of my kids, etc. And as far as my artwork, I am going to shine by using more glitter. Tee hee! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To keep me inspired and to remind me to shine, I purchased a Shine necklace from </span><a href="http://www.myshineproject.com/p/shine-necklaces.html"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ashley</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. One dollar from the purchase of each Shine necklace goes to The Shine Project Scholarship Fund to help inner city kids go to college. I liked my necklace so much that I ended up buying two more for Christmas gifts. The initial necklace came with the shine charm, rose charm and a pearl. I personalized my with a charm I made. It's a piece of vintage lace pressed between two pieces of glass. I love it!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_kJbRcHlnRE/TwiFn_SQhfI/AAAAAAAAAro/qgW-8v4mDmk/s1600/Shine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_kJbRcHlnRE/TwiFn_SQhfI/AAAAAAAAAro/qgW-8v4mDmk/s320/Shine.JPG" width="213px" /></span></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here are some </span><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">quotes</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> using my 2012 word of the year.</span><br />
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<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others. ~ Marianne Williamson</span></li>
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<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish. ~ John Jakes </span></li>
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<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait. The grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas. ~ Henry Ford </span></li>
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<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I see heaven's glories shine and faith shines equal. ~ Emily Bronte </span></li>
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<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let God's promises shine on your problems. ~ Corrie Ten Boom </span></li>
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<ul><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world's joy. ~ Henry Ward Beecher </span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Shine on!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></span>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-86288359871225376122011-12-23T16:06:00.000-05:002011-12-23T16:06:24.888-05:00Made ~ Lightning McQueen Birthday Party<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My son Asher turned three this year. Even at his young age, Asher knows what he wants. He told me three to four months before his birthday that he wanted a Lightning McQueen birthday party. Of course, I had to oblige.</span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This year I skimped on the invitations and just bought a pack from Target. (See me hang my head in shame.) As far as the decorations and food, I put a little more effort into it. I lined our driveway with orange safety cones I borrowed from my work. A bunting of checkered flags made from black and white checked cloth backed with white felt hung from our front porch. And two checkered flags hung on the front door. Unfortunately, I only took photos of the front door. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Inside, a smaller bunting of checkered flags with the number 3 hung over the entry to the party area and images from the Cars movie decorated one wall.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gy_sSODQ8Ag/TvKHkttEPvI/AAAAAAAAAnE/WwS-srEJsgw/s1600/Bunting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gy_sSODQ8Ag/TvKHkttEPvI/AAAAAAAAAnE/WwS-srEJsgw/s320/Bunting.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nHdwiB0eSac/TvKHrAuCWcI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/QMvuNYHFgIk/s1600/Radiator+Springs+Wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nHdwiB0eSac/TvKHrAuCWcI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/QMvuNYHFgIk/s320/Radiator+Springs+Wall.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The menu consisted of cupcakes, Grem's Goldfish, Sally's Spinach Dip, Luigi's Pizza Dip, Francesco's Franks, and Sarge's Surplus of Sweets which featured Ramone's Pinstripes, Mack's M&Ms, Doc Hudson's Dipsticks and Sheriff's Stoplight Bars. I had intended to have Chick Hick's Chicken Nuggets and Mater's Tater Salad but ran out of time. Oh well. The fuel station offered Flo's Motor Oil (sodas), Fillmore's Organic Fuel (apple juice and fruit punch) and the King's Coolant (bottled water). The organic fuel and coolant were dressed up with checkered flag duct tape.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XtRfRUOFgsg/TvKH3DCHcoI/AAAAAAAAAno/t5AxY5TEcXA/s1600/Party+Spread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XtRfRUOFgsg/TvKH3DCHcoI/AAAAAAAAAno/t5AxY5TEcXA/s320/Party+Spread.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXOXsfQMavo/TvKIye8SYMI/AAAAAAAAApU/wshH9FCJoHY/s1600/Sallys+Spinach+Dip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cXOXsfQMavo/TvKIye8SYMI/AAAAAAAAApU/wshH9FCJoHY/s320/Sallys+Spinach+Dip.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idPpwtfAEyg/TvKIGF-py8I/AAAAAAAAAog/c2EfXB_9Fuk/s1600/Luigis+Pizza+Dip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idPpwtfAEyg/TvKIGF-py8I/AAAAAAAAAog/c2EfXB_9Fuk/s320/Luigis+Pizza+Dip.JPG" width="174" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z7WU8cwjLf8/TvKJWc7un8I/AAAAAAAAApg/1qNyt4Ty0xg/s1600/Francescos+Franks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z7WU8cwjLf8/TvKJWc7un8I/AAAAAAAAApg/1qNyt4Ty0xg/s320/Francescos+Franks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3BCJpwUWDU/TvKIRuqmLCI/AAAAAAAAApA/XC-FwKm4vsw/s1600/Sarges+Surplus+of+Sweets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3BCJpwUWDU/TvKIRuqmLCI/AAAAAAAAApA/XC-FwKm4vsw/s320/Sarges+Surplus+of+Sweets.JPG" width="306" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J6wAWqD2t0w/TvKJzdpPaTI/AAAAAAAAAqI/y4pzWEtrcZw/s1600/Flos+Motor+Oil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J6wAWqD2t0w/TvKJzdpPaTI/AAAAAAAAAqI/y4pzWEtrcZw/s320/Flos+Motor+Oil.JPG" width="222" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqYbKmdjmYg/TvKJ4d7Dv2I/AAAAAAAAAqY/szs5mPxaTi4/s1600/Kings+Coolant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqYbKmdjmYg/TvKJ4d7Dv2I/AAAAAAAAAqY/szs5mPxaTi4/s320/Kings+Coolant.JPG" width="165" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Instead of a large sheetcake, my son requested a Lightning McQueen cupcake. To say Asher LOVES cupcakes is an understatement. So after seeing the cupcake version of Mater created by <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/">Bakerella</a>, I created my own version of Lightning McQueen in cupcake form. It was a hit as you can tell. (I also made Asher's t-shirt with a graphic I purchased off of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mistyprints">Etsy</a>.)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R19F_g_dvMo/TvKJiCqwjYI/AAAAAAAAAps/xoAriuO1_34/s1600/Mater.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R19F_g_dvMo/TvKJiCqwjYI/AAAAAAAAAps/xoAriuO1_34/s320/Mater.JPG" width="242" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDLb2BUgPgQ/TvKJk7Kzi3I/AAAAAAAAAp0/Yz1D1wYDvnY/s1600/McQueen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDLb2BUgPgQ/TvKJk7Kzi3I/AAAAAAAAAp0/Yz1D1wYDvnY/s320/McQueen.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7kmi7kJDeyY/TvKJm7rmP_I/AAAAAAAAAp8/Szrld-BdynQ/s1600/McQueen+Side+View.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7kmi7kJDeyY/TvKJm7rmP_I/AAAAAAAAAp8/Szrld-BdynQ/s320/McQueen+Side+View.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UXNNdZE3wBQ/TvKKBhktIII/AAAAAAAAAqk/lQ8mK-S3PSI/s1600/Birthday+Boy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UXNNdZE3wBQ/TvKKBhktIII/AAAAAAAAAqk/lQ8mK-S3PSI/s320/Birthday+Boy.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For favors, I found the little bags at Target's Dollar Spot at Halloween, three for a dollar. I had planned on created treat bags for my son's preschool class but ran out of time. I'm so glad that happened because I was able to make some cute party favor bags with them. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nol18xhonKk/TvKKSL80qEI/AAAAAAAAAq8/4bqQgD2i2Rw/s1600/Favor+Bag+Before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nol18xhonKk/TvKKSL80qEI/AAAAAAAAAq8/4bqQgD2i2Rw/s320/Favor+Bag+Before.JPG" width="223" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I attached some Cars themed ribbon I found at Wal-Mart. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MNlW9knA9EQ/TvKKckSTh7I/AAAAAAAAArI/aPcbWJTjaTA/s1600/Ribbon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MNlW9knA9EQ/TvKKckSTh7I/AAAAAAAAArI/aPcbWJTjaTA/s320/Ribbon.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then I filled the bags with Cars themed toys from Dollar Tree (i.e., tops, crayons, little Piston Cups).</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IHNM_d1fc5k/TvKKkvssbtI/AAAAAAAAArU/UyYGDgDfLXk/s1600/Favor+Bag+After.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IHNM_d1fc5k/TvKKkvssbtI/AAAAAAAAArU/UyYGDgDfLXk/s320/Favor+Bag+After.JPG" width="230" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Over all I think the party was a success. Thanks for looking!</span></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></span></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-26205831872653082642011-12-13T09:29:00.002-05:002011-12-13T09:29:00.192-05:00Made ~ Christmas Candy Basket<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here is a super cheap and super chic idea for Christmas. I purchased an oval basket from Target's Dollar Spot. The basket was covered in Christmas candy images. I added some pleated ribbon I found at Hobby Lobby, some vintage lace and the bloom from a floral pick I got at Michael's for 50% off. For under $2, here is a pretty basket to hold a small gift.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTO9dzP0S7Y/Tua9CACs45I/AAAAAAAAAjc/DqbbGtPr0vg/s1600/Christmas+Candy+Basket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTO9dzP0S7Y/Tua9CACs45I/AAAAAAAAAjc/DqbbGtPr0vg/s320/Christmas+Candy+Basket.JPG" width="267px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kJWnWBTN7w/Tua9ET-lgEI/AAAAAAAAAjk/cKGgcxls-mo/s1600/Christmas+Candy+Basket+Detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232px" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kJWnWBTN7w/Tua9ET-lgEI/AAAAAAAAAjk/cKGgcxls-mo/s320/Christmas+Candy+Basket+Detail.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-43393187814473674522011-12-12T21:12:00.000-05:002011-12-12T21:12:36.271-05:00Handmade Ornaments are Best<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I <u>adore</u> Christmas. It is the most creative time of the year for me. As such, I participated in <a href="http://anartfuladventure.typepad.com/an_artful_adventure/2011/12/handmade-ornament-swap.html">Cassandra's ornament swap</a>. I was paired up with other like-minded ladies who have a soft spot in their hearts for pinks and blues. Here is a glimpse of the ornaments I made for <a href="http://cheryl-comfort.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-swappin.html">Cheryl</a>:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cHp4aW3uTY/Tuaxz0unUmI/AAAAAAAAAhM/An5-Q2FZu7Y/s1600/Bird+Ornament.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cHp4aW3uTY/Tuaxz0unUmI/AAAAAAAAAhM/An5-Q2FZu7Y/s320/Bird+Ornament.JPG" width="237px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://kitchenfloorcreations.blogspot.com/">Julie</a></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fnsgmYY6jX8/TuayHECA8sI/AAAAAAAAAiU/QJDVyt-IacI/s1600/Marie+Ornament+Pink+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fnsgmYY6jX8/TuayHECA8sI/AAAAAAAAAiU/QJDVyt-IacI/s320/Marie+Ornament+Pink+2.JPG" width="257px" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and <a href="http://creativewingsboutique.blogspot.com/">Tabitha</a>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XvLX5nsi9jE/TuazGhfbNaI/AAAAAAAAAi8/WtzpxlEX9sc/s1600/Vintage+Santa+Ornament.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XvLX5nsi9jE/TuazGhfbNaI/AAAAAAAAAi8/WtzpxlEX9sc/s320/Vintage+Santa+Ornament.JPG" width="303px" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And here are the delightful ornaments I got from Cheryl:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cjsIy-StjXE/Tuax5dYwGEI/AAAAAAAAAhk/HGeix-l3PsI/s1600/Cheryl+Ornament+Cupcake+for+Santa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289px" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cjsIy-StjXE/Tuax5dYwGEI/AAAAAAAAAhk/HGeix-l3PsI/s320/Cheryl+Ornament+Cupcake+for+Santa.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HNaDQFM1yOc/Tuax38vh5GI/AAAAAAAAAhc/TIUcKxda7-I/s1600/Cheryl+Ornament+Cherub.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269px" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HNaDQFM1yOc/Tuax38vh5GI/AAAAAAAAAhc/TIUcKxda7-I/s320/Cheryl+Ornament+Cherub.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cDEfx3h1HME/Tuax17muozI/AAAAAAAAAhU/ryHqgM6UOCo/s1600/Cheryl+Ornament+Chandelier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cDEfx3h1HME/Tuax17muozI/AAAAAAAAAhU/ryHqgM6UOCo/s320/Cheryl+Ornament+Chandelier.JPG" width="262px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Julie </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SuYIErtUAxw/Tuax9GHNTuI/AAAAAAAAAhs/bp_Ya1OdGDo/s1600/Julie+Ornament+Basket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SuYIErtUAxw/Tuax9GHNTuI/AAAAAAAAAhs/bp_Ya1OdGDo/s320/Julie+Ornament+Basket.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YpYKJ5jeE5A/Tuax-3g50bI/AAAAAAAAAh0/wOfXJReLIZE/s1600/Julie+Ornament+Mittens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295px" oda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YpYKJ5jeE5A/Tuax-3g50bI/AAAAAAAAAh0/wOfXJReLIZE/s320/Julie+Ornament+Mittens.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEelDWvw1MA/TuayBFjO-XI/AAAAAAAAAh8/xcmd9rqYA7M/s1600/Julie+Ornament+Wreath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277px" oda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEelDWvw1MA/TuayBFjO-XI/AAAAAAAAAh8/xcmd9rqYA7M/s320/Julie+Ornament+Wreath.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and Tabitha.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2o2b8aobh8/TuayLd9qwDI/AAAAAAAAAic/Rb3PLZ_2bMw/s1600/Tabitha+Ornament+Reindeer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2o2b8aobh8/TuayLd9qwDI/AAAAAAAAAic/Rb3PLZ_2bMw/s320/Tabitha+Ornament+Reindeer.JPG" width="228px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oGdaxf0M1ls/TuayNU1St2I/AAAAAAAAAik/lTRNL-L19wk/s1600/Tabitha+Ornament+Snowflake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" oda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oGdaxf0M1ls/TuayNU1St2I/AAAAAAAAAik/lTRNL-L19wk/s320/Tabitha+Ornament+Snowflake.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHQFygskv_g/TuayPRgwDgI/AAAAAAAAAis/viv_Bp-yHs4/s1600/Tabitha+Ornament+Star.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" oda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHQFygskv_g/TuayPRgwDgI/AAAAAAAAAis/viv_Bp-yHs4/s320/Tabitha+Ornament+Star.JPG" width="253px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Aren't they all TDF????? Now, I must go out and buy that white Christmas tree I have been longing for to put these handmade ornaments on. Thanks, Cassandra for letting me participate in this swap. And thank you, Cheryl, Julie and Tabitha for the best handmade ornaments a girl could ask for.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-84753294300638702742011-09-27T10:17:00.000-04:002011-09-27T10:17:08.923-04:00Now Open<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am excited to announce that my Etsy shop, </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/maidmarianmade?ref=ss_profile"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">MADE by Maid Marian Made</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, is now open. Please drop by and take a look. I will be adding more items over the next few days and weeks. Also, if you see something you like and would prefer a different color or material/image combo, please contact me. I would be glad to create a custom piece for you. Thanks for looking!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu5vhaTUP-o/ToHa1Jc_pDI/AAAAAAAAAgw/bxFqOgO3X1g/s1600/Spring+Fling+Handbag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu5vhaTUP-o/ToHa1Jc_pDI/AAAAAAAAAgw/bxFqOgO3X1g/s320/Spring+Fling+Handbag.JPG" width="277" /></a></div> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-30300783411211241812011-09-12T18:11:00.002-04:002011-09-13T11:58:42.580-04:00Migration ~ Phoenix/Tucson<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last week, I went to Tucson for a business meeting. I flew into Phoenix and drove down I-10 to Tucson.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Before I departed Phoenix, I visited </span><a href="http://www.rustandroses.net/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Rust and Roses</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://sirensandsaints.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sirens and Saints</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, two adorable shops in the North 7th Avenue area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sirens and Saints is a quaint clothing boutique with a vintage, Magnolia Pearl kind of vibe. The shop owner is drop dead gorgeous and extremely helpful. (I'm sorry...I forgot her name.) She suggests complementary pieces that will go with the items that you choose. I picked up a couple of pieces that I will likely take with me to Asheville in October. Ooh, I wished this boutique was in Georgia. I would shop there all the time. Lucky for me, I will be returning to the area next June and plan on shopping here again. Sorry, I didn't take any photos but I was too busy trying on clothes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Next door to Sirens and Saints is Rust and Roses, a junk store with a melange of shabby chic and rust. If I had had a trailer, I would have racked up. There was so much that I wanted to purchase from the chicken feeders to the locker baskets to a French armoire. Le sigh! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DSmq24uXdFU/Tm97wpMxK1I/AAAAAAAAAgs/CpRaYKR1r88/s1600/Rust+and+Roses+Vignette+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DSmq24uXdFU/Tm97wpMxK1I/AAAAAAAAAgs/CpRaYKR1r88/s320/Rust+and+Roses+Vignette+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Out behind Rust and Roses is a darling little camper decorated in vintage lace, tapestries, ceiling tin and French furniture. It's the type of camper I would like for my gypsy soul. Isn't it TDF?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_C-8wGUX8Jk/Tm97U7_4DoI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/hDpzPbXw7Hw/s1600/Door+Detail+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_C-8wGUX8Jk/Tm97U7_4DoI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/hDpzPbXw7Hw/s320/Door+Detail+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Please visit Rust and Roses and Sirens and Saints if you are ever in the Phoenix area. They would appreciate your business. Happy travels!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-18462363829307964012011-09-12T11:29:00.000-04:002011-09-12T11:29:13.953-04:00I've Been Featured!!!!!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am so excited! Did I say, I am SO excited? I've been featured on </span><a href="http://knockoffdecor.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Knock Off Decor</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> for my </span><a href="http://maidmarianmade.blogspot.com/2011/09/tutorial-printemps-paris-giclee.html"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Printemps Paris Giclee Knockoff</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. Tee hee! Please head over to Knock Off Decor to view some amazing DIY projects that are knock offs of more expensive items that you would find from Pottery Barn, Ballard Designs, Anthropologie, etc.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-50846647677096519772011-09-06T13:54:00.002-04:002011-09-15T08:40:03.207-04:00Tutorial ~ Printemps Paris Giclee Knockoff<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've been asked to do a tutorial of my <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/printemps-paris-giclee/paintings-prints/all-prints/209437">Printemps Paris Giclee</a> knockoff. My method is simple and very cost-effective. I mean, how many of us have $400 laying around to splurge on a piece of artwork when you can create it yourself for less than a tenth of the price? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here's what you need to get started:</span><br />
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<ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPspdY89XB8/TmZaB-tSsvI/AAAAAAAAAeY/8TZjklOy--c/s1600/Supplies+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPspdY89XB8/TmZaB-tSsvI/AAAAAAAAAeY/8TZjklOy--c/s320/Supplies+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">gallery wrapped artist canvas in the size of your choice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">vintage ephemera or copies of different documents you want to use for the background (sheet music, handwritten letters, ledger paper, etc.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">color butterfly printouts (<a href="http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/">The Graphics Fairy</a>)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">scissors</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mod Podge</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">paintbrush</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">white or ivory acrylic paint</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">paper towels, ink pad, sponge, etc.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First, place the artist canvas on your work surface. I tend to work standing up to get a better view of what I am creating. Next, choose the vintage ephemera or documents you want to use for the background. Begin tearing the paper to create a torn edge.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-toRDAcTMpsU/TmZajKcjPTI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/6HvrVjkwi2Q/s1600/Violetta+torn+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-toRDAcTMpsU/TmZajKcjPTI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/6HvrVjkwi2Q/s320/Violetta+torn+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="258" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Don't be afraid to tear your paper. Find interesting sections to feature.</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVih5xekTfU/TmZaaWz5jhI/AAAAAAAAAfE/s3iaN9BgMek/s1600/Sheet+Music+torn+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVih5xekTfU/TmZaaWz5jhI/AAAAAAAAAfE/s3iaN9BgMek/s320/Sheet+Music+torn+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tear paper in all different shapes and sizes.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Place the torn pieces of paper on the canvas. Layer the paper strips to create interest. This step takes the longest as you play around with the placement. Once you are happy with the arrangement, take a photo for reference when recreating the look as you adhere the pieces of paper to the canvas with Mod Podge using a paintbrush. When you have completed adhering the background to the canvas, cut out the butterflies for placement on the background. Again, play around with the placement before adhering the butterflies to the canvas.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vS-85AgtUyA/TmZac5cR1uI/AAAAAAAAAfI/pKmxwVM49cI/s1600/Start+Placing+BG+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vS-85AgtUyA/TmZac5cR1uI/AAAAAAAAAfI/pKmxwVM49cI/s320/Start+Placing+BG+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="251" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Layer. Layer. Layer.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aORCopbG6ZQ/TmZaHz4PdSI/AAAAAAAAAek/TSew9-b_j5I/s1600/Continuing+Placement+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aORCopbG6ZQ/TmZaHz4PdSI/AAAAAAAAAek/TSew9-b_j5I/s320/Continuing+Placement+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Play around with the paper. What arrangement looks best?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRRVqK9FyXU/TmZaS5ZdgvI/AAAAAAAAAe4/6OzwLwZxEuI/s1600/Mod+Podge+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRRVqK9FyXU/TmZaS5ZdgvI/AAAAAAAAAe4/6OzwLwZxEuI/s320/Mod+Podge+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Use Mod Podge to adhere paper to canvas</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAnlHNsAdwU/TmZaMhLcd4I/AAAAAAAAAes/GZE14lFgzgE/s1600/Butterflies+Printout+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAnlHNsAdwU/TmZaMhLcd4I/AAAAAAAAAes/GZE14lFgzgE/s320/Butterflies+Printout+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Cut out butterflies</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Don't forget to take a photo for reference!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1FPv-CrTsI/TmZaRU4IEHI/AAAAAAAAAe0/f8w2homqwo8/s1600/Finished+Piece+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1FPv-CrTsI/TmZaRU4IEHI/AAAAAAAAAe0/f8w2homqwo8/s320/Finished+Piece+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="284" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Almost done</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Next, dilute some white or ivory colored acrylic paint with water to create a wash. Brush areas of the background with the wash to create lighter areas; leave other areas alone. This creates dimensions and interest to your collage. For some areas, liberally apply the wash and dry by pressing a paper towel on top. Remove the paper towel and reveal the texture that is left behind. You can try using a sponge or other items to create this effect. If you would rather have a vintage, grungy background, use an ink pad in a sepia color around the edges of your collage.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25uHRyDzHAY/TmZaJeOnHcI/AAAAAAAAAeo/Pfxppj9towM/s1600/Contrast+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25uHRyDzHAY/TmZaJeOnHcI/AAAAAAAAAeo/Pfxppj9towM/s320/Contrast+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Notice the lighter and darker areas in the detailed photo above</span></div><div align="center"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtVVJTuaDWw/TmZaELLjMuI/AAAAAAAAAec/zjKmkm3rFjw/s1600/Adding+Texture+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtVVJTuaDWw/TmZaELLjMuI/AAAAAAAAAec/zjKmkm3rFjw/s320/Adding+Texture+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Look closely and you will see the texture left behind by using the paper towel technique</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When you are happy with the result, seal the collage with a coat of Mod Podge in a matte finish. Add picture wire to the back of the canvas. And Voila! You have created an original piece of artwork for your home. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B59Pq7J8OcY/TmZaFy5CbsI/AAAAAAAAAeg/IrKTiR0aJGU/s1600/Butterflies+Artwork+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B59Pq7J8OcY/TmZaFy5CbsI/AAAAAAAAAeg/IrKTiR0aJGU/s320/Butterflies+Artwork+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.wayfair.com/" target="_blank" title="Go to wayfair.com"></a><br />
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<img alt="Wayfair grand opening sale!" border="0" height="150" src="http://common.csnimages.com/st4/common/blogger-badges/grandopening-150x150.jpg" width="150" /><br />
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</div><a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Beyond The Picket Fence" border="0" src="http://i454.photobucket.com/albums/qq266/bec8257/button2.jpg" /></a><br />
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</div>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-47894612132091215892011-08-27T09:34:00.000-04:002011-08-27T09:34:13.690-04:00Made ~ Ballard Designs is Copying Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last year, I created a collage for my stepdaughter's bedroom. She loves butterflies and so I assembled a collage from images I found on </span><a href="http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Graphics Fairy</span></a> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and mounted it on an artist canvas.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> She loved it.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yFW6_92AUns/TljwpVB84WI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/CURpOz8N5Do/s1600/Butterflies+Artwork+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yFW6_92AUns/TljwpVB84WI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/CURpOz8N5Do/s320/Butterflies+Artwork+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="256px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Imagine my surprise when I was thumbing through the latest Ballard Designs catalog and saw </span><a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/printemps-paris-giclee/paintings-prints/all-prints/209437"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">this</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f_CdslKySx4/TljxeDLeSJI/AAAAAAAAAeU/Vzf5HPmMaRw/s1600/WD473_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f_CdslKySx4/TljxeDLeSJI/AAAAAAAAAeU/Vzf5HPmMaRw/s320/WD473_main.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Normally, I try to emulate the look of Ballard Designs in my home but this is the first time they are trying to copy me! LOL</span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-73216953646738441612011-08-20T13:48:00.000-04:002011-08-20T13:48:12.327-04:00I'm Back!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hello, Maid Marian Made followers! I am deeply sorry for the long hiatus I took but I have good reason. I had my second child, Caleigh, on March 31 and adjusting to being the mother of two under the age of three has nearly did me in. I work full time on top of that. Not to mention I'm getting ready for my first craft show in September, preparing for the opening my Etsy store and getting ready for <a href="http://sweeteyecandycreations.typepad.com/once_upon_a_dream/">Jenn Hayslip's October event</a>. Wooo! Can you tell I am an overachiever? Anyway, I am back and will have lots of posts in the near future. In the meantime, here is a pic of my greatest creations. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_KMN3_b1KNs/Tk_yf9IJycI/AAAAAAAAAeM/YOSUSjrzSGA/s1600/Asher+and+Caleigh+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_KMN3_b1KNs/Tk_yf9IJycI/AAAAAAAAAeM/YOSUSjrzSGA/s320/Asher+and+Caleigh+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/150/635AC7CEADF55E30FB7A5858ECE187EA.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-69304750507455426432011-04-19T16:30:00.000-04:002011-04-19T09:42:58.791-04:00Made ~ Bunny Topiary<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I participated in my first swap last year and was fortunate enough to be matched up with Sheri in Minnesota. As part of the matching process, we were asked to list our three favorite magazines or catalogs. Sheri listed <a href="http://www.lifebeautifulmagazine.com/">Life Beautiful</a> magazine as one of her favorites. The 2010 spring edition featured a bunny topiary on the cover. Without knowing it, I had pretty much all the supplies I needed on hand to recreate this topiary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I had bought this cute moss-covered bunny at <a href="http://www.pier1.com/">Pier 1</a> after Easter for a dollar and 25 cents (50 percent off the original price) last year. I had purchased several galvanized buckets and containers at <a href="http://www.target.com/">Target</a>'s Dollar Spot to start on my son's nursery to big boy room transformation. And I had ribbon. All I needed was a florist foam block and some sheet moss which I picked up at <a href="http://www.dollartree.com/home.jsp">Dollar Tree</a>. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YkLZ_g3geCI/S-hcPMRwmqI/AAAAAAAAARE/jZVQTzkTfvI/s1600/Bunny+Topiary+Supplies+(web).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YkLZ_g3geCI/S-hcPMRwmqI/AAAAAAAAARE/jZVQTzkTfvI/s320/Bunny+Topiary+Supplies+(web).JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First, I cut my florist foam to fit inside the galvanized container. Then I cut the sheet moss to fit the top of the galvanized container in order to cover the foam. I hot glued the moss to the foam. Then I inserted the wire stem on the bunny into the center of the moss-covered foam block. The sheet moss wasn't cutting the mustard so I ran out to <a href="http://www.hobbylobby.com/">Hobby Lobby</a> and purchased some faux grass from the Easter aisle at 50% off. I hot glued the faux grass plugs to the sheet moss. Next, I wrapped tied an aqua ribbon around the neck of the bunny. How cute is that! For under a Lincoln, I have a tres chic bunny topiary. Now, that's my kind of decorating.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEZ0hr3jwW8/Ta2LUa-JyhI/AAAAAAAAAdg/Q403s7KsGL0/s1600/Bunny+Topiary+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEZ0hr3jwW8/Ta2LUa-JyhI/AAAAAAAAAdg/Q403s7KsGL0/s320/Bunny+Topiary+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6440090641841678874.post-67779088356961703742011-03-31T10:26:00.001-04:002011-03-31T10:26:00.719-04:00Made ~ Marie Antoinette Wig<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">As part of my costume for the Marie Danse de Fleurs Grand Ball, I purchased a wig from Amazon.com.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/R51777-Black-Roses-Marie-Antoinette/dp/B002IWJF5O?ie=UTF8&tag=maid0b-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="R51777 (Wht/Black Roses) Marie Antoinette Wig" height="320" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B002IWJF5O&tag=maid0b-20" width="278" /></a></div><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=maid0b-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002IWJF5O" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The wig was platinum blond embellished with white and black roses and pearls. I removed the white roses and replaced them with some pink ones that would stand out more against the platinum blond. I added a couple of birds from Michael's Parisian Collection to give it a little more uumph as well.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFwxlTonCzU/TZM_lfhKiKI/AAAAAAAAAdU/C6hNEb-MSos/s1600/Marie+Wig+1+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YFwxlTonCzU/TZM_lfhKiKI/AAAAAAAAAdU/C6hNEb-MSos/s320/Marie+Wig+1+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OoU1iyV__fA/TZM_mtTWwDI/AAAAAAAAAdY/KywBjkEXAOE/s1600/Marie+Wig+2+%2528web%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OoU1iyV__fA/TZM_mtTWwDI/AAAAAAAAAdY/KywBjkEXAOE/s320/Marie+Wig+2+%2528web%2529.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Secretly, I've always wanted to be a blond so I was very pleased with the way it turned out. Tres Marie, don't you think?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3bQshVQqBs/TZM_oH3yxdI/AAAAAAAAAdc/ulRdZWb3uwM/s1600/Marie+Wig+Detail+%257E+Photo+by+The+Fancy+Farm+Girl+%2528web%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3bQshVQqBs/TZM_oH3yxdI/AAAAAAAAAdc/ulRdZWb3uwM/s320/Marie+Wig+Detail+%257E+Photo+by+The+Fancy+Farm+Girl+%2528web%2529.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Photo by Tiffany Kirchner-Dixon, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_37303859">The Fancy Farm Girl</a></span><a href="http://www.thefancyfarmgirl.com/"></a></div>maid marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15719654690708727056noreply@blogger.com0