I'm on the bunting bandwagon!

I've seen a ton of these cool bunting/banner/flag garlands around the crafty blogosphere and I like 'em!  But I didn't have an occaision to make one...until now.  (More on that at a later date). 

I couldn't find a tutorial for them so I decided to try my hand at them and I'd say it was a success!  The project was free, since I used scraps.  You can make them for any occasion, or omit the letters to just add some festive fun to your everyday life. 

I'm thinking I might put together a tutorial of my own - anyone interested?  Let me know!

Craft Hope For Haiti

Here is an amazing way for crafters and shoppers alike to support Haitian relief efforts with their own talents and skills.

Crafthope.com is an awesome site that helps people in need all over the globe by turning handcrafted items into dollars and supplies for those who need them most.  Immediately after learning of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, an etsy shop was set up where crafters can donate handmade items, and 100% of the proceeds go to Doctors Without Borders to help those suffering in Haiti. 

If you've got some Valentines shopping to do, your money could not be spent in a better way than by picking out something unique from the shop.  Or pick out something for yourself with that holiday money that's been burning a hole in your pocket.

If you'd like to donate a craft, check out the post here to learn how to do so - I'm definitely planning on doing it! 

An Apron of My Very Own

Finally, here it is.  My own apron!  Its kind of ridiculous that I don't have one, considering the baking/cooking I do.  Thanks to an awesome birthday gift certificate to Brooklyn General Store (thanks Sasha!) , I picked out some great fabrics and made one.  (I mentioned it in this post.)  Check it out!

Thanks to Julie M for modeling.  I know it has been her lifelong dream. 

I used a pattern from Seams to Me by Anna Marie Horner - a stellar book. 

Here is the tie in the back:

 It's so nice I don't want to get it dirty!  Kind of defeats the point, but I love it. 

Suze Orman!

I went to Barnes and Noble in Union Square last night to Suze Orman's book signing and it was so fun!

A TON of fans there meant for long lines but here I am with my pal Suze when I finally got up to the front.  I've read a couple of her books before and love her show, and now I have my own personalized copy of

Women & Money - check it out if you haven't already.

One fun fact I learned: Suze loves Lady Gaga!  She had The Fame blasting while she signed books which made for a fun atmosphere.

Julie M and I also met a new friend: Susie Q, a fitness expert!  We were next to her in line, and she was a lot of fun to hang out with and made the long wait more bearable.  Check out her site - she has a new dvd coming out, Arms of a First Lady - such a great idea! 

Cute Cute Cute!

Wow I found the most fun site today! 

 Check out http://www.thetoymaker.com/ - its a really cool site of all sorts of free papercraft toys you can print and make yourself, like the ones above, marble mouse, bear wagon, and chocolate truck. 

There are even a bunch of learning paper toys too like this stacking flash card set.

I made my nephew a box of goodies like this for Christmas - I think he was a little young  for it (he's 3) but it was super cute.  Fantastic Toys has some cool gnome items, and Chez Beeper Baby has some fun ones too - all free.

These also make for fun cubicle decor.  Have fun my friends. 

Scrunchie Fest!

Hello -here is a Totally 80s Tutorial for you! I went to an 80s themed birthday party on Saturday night, and decided to bring back a craft of olde - the scrunchie!

If you're a beginner or haven't made/worn a scrunchie before, here is how to do it:

Supplies: Long strip of fabric, elastic (I used 1/4 inch), thread, straight pins, 2 safety pins, sewing machine (you could do it by hand too).

(continued after the jump - go on, click read more!)

Glam

I am a spaz with makeup. Everyday, I do the same thing with my drugstore palette that looks pretty good because I'm sure otherwise I will mess it up and look like a drag queen or a little girl playing dress up. But lo! Check out this smokey eye tutorial from The Splitting End - even I could do it, and with colors I stuff I had lying around! The above eye is not mine - it was pretty tricky to take a picture of my own eye. My attempt:

It looked good in real life, anyway. Ignore the crooked bangs and overall look of alarm- it was my reaction to the flash in my face.

I think I have a new go to going out look. I'm a real grown up gal!