See? I AM crafty!!

Sooo, I had this basket, and it was kind of busted and ugly. And I also had this cute fabric that I haven't found a use for yet. I decided to put two and two together, and I got a super-cute storage basket! I thought about using Shan's awesome method (you can fast forward to about the 4:35 minute mark, or watch the whole thing for some more craftiness! Here's a link to her blog, too.) using a hot glue gun, but then I figured I've got a sewing machine and moderately decent sewing skillz so I decided to do it the real way. I should measure and all that jazz, but who has time for that? Not me. So now I've got a sort of wonky lined basket, but it's under the bed in the "guest room" (aka, the crap room, and the bed doesn't even have a mattress, just a box spring (springs?), so it's not as if anyone's actually sleeping in there. Or even going in there, other than Nick and me, but anyway...) so no one will really see the whole thing. Especially not with stuff in it. Anyway, here's pics:

Before: Meh


After: Cute!

It's not perfect by any means, but it does go with the eventual color scheme of the room, which is grey, mustard, and a mushroomy brown color. (With some blue and green accents here and there--much cuter than it sounds, I promise!)

And yes, that IS my AWESOME light box (thanks to my Mama, who got it for me for Christmas)!! It was only $99 from Hammacher Schlemmer, and it included the pop-up light box/tent, three different colors of backdrops (four if you include the white one), two tripod lights, and a tripod for your camera! I know, it's crazy! And the light tent is so big--it's almost as tall as me! I'd say it's probaby like 4'10 or so. I'm not going to bust out my measuring tape (as if I could find it anyway) and measure it or anything, but let's just go with that estimate. Here's a link. Well the description says 40 inches, so that's probably close to my estimate. I don't do math. Hmm, okay so apparently the 20-inch tabletop one is only $99, which is the one I actually wanted. I guess my mom thought I needed a bigger one for some reason... Well get one if you need/want one because they're awesome! (Feel free to reference the above pictures and pictures of my jewelry.)

Cooter out.

The best sites EVAH

I go to these religiously, every day. Sometimes 3-4 times a day. Seriously. Can you believe I have that much time on my hands? Me either.

Design Gal & Her Handyman - Shan has the coolest ideas and such awesome decor!
Life in the Fun Lane - Gorgeous furniture redos and fab interior shots
2Birds1Blog - Pure, unadulterated snark. LOVE.
TFLN - Don't ask, just go.
Young House Love - Again, just go there. You'll understand.
My Favorite and My Best - Snark + interior design/style commentary = priceless
Regretsy - A-MAZING
Lonny - Yes, it's the same issue, but I keep going there over and over again because it's THAT GOOD.
Better After - Love home and furniture updates/redos? Then you'll love Better After. 'Nuff said.

That is all.

And yes I know this is a lame post. Sue me.

OMG

OMG.

OMG.

The new issue of Lonny is here, and...I have no words. It's...amazing. My heart was seriously pounding while I was reading it. It was that good. The only thing that detracted from the whole experience was the typos, but I am a grammar and spelling nazi-type, so it probably won't bother most people.

Here's a teaser:

It's designer Vanessa DeVargas's bedroom. DY-ING. Inside. By the way, she shops at JCPenney. WTF? Don't get me wrong, that's freaking awesome, but since when did JCP get cute home stuff? I guess I need to hit them up. When I get some money. Which will probably not be anytime soon.

I just wanted to share because I love Lonny, and I'm so excited that their new issue is out! Go now and read it! Here's another link: Lonny. Go now!

Merci beaucoup!

...to simplysuzula for including me in her stunning treasury! I want to buy everything in it! Click here to see all the gorgeousness.

Oh, and Merry Christmas!!

UPDATE: Here is a screen shot of the Treasury!

Whoopsy-daisy!

Once again, time has slipped by and I haven't posted! I've been relaxing and enjoying my freedom from homework and lesson plans...I haven't even been making jewelry! And it's been fabulous. If there is one thing I love, it is relaxing (or being lazy, as Nick would say). I don't really have any fun updates...just a new header for the holidays! I've been working on some new branding, so you might notice I've used different fonts. It's still a work in progress, but I like it better thus far.

I was looking for a pretty lace ornament-type thing to put on some of my branding items, and couldn't find anything that was 1. free (cost-free and copyright-free), and 2. cute. So, I made my own. I thought other people might want enjoy it as well, so I've included it in this post! It's a free, printable, vintage doily! I used the mustard-ish color you see here, but feel free to change the color to anything you want! If you use it, just link me so I can see what awesomeness you've created with it!


Here's a link for the PDF download.

I don't think I have any other news as of right now. Still no job, but I honestly haven't been looking! When school starts up again after the break I'm going to send my resume to a couple of schools and see if I can get an interview.

This was a lame update, but I hope you can use the doily!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

And I don't mean Christmas. Don't get me wrong, Christmas is awesome, there's no doubt. BUT this year, the most wonderful time is now because I am DONE with student teaching and have turned in anything and everything that has to do with student teaching. I spent 6 hours at Converse on Monday, filling out forms, submitting my ADEPT Portfolio, and other paperwork stuff, and now I can say I AM FINALLY FREE!!!!

To celebrate, I'm going to make some jewelry! But first, I wanted to show you our itty bitty Christmas trees. Nick is not impressed, but WHATEVER they are awesome! See for yourself:

Here's a closeup of the fabulous bowl of all-pink ornaments:

Also, head on over to Design Gal's blog for the 11th day of her 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway! I am the featured seller for the giveaway, so you can comment and enter to win a pair of lovely earrings by yours truly!

Tomorrow, you can see me in person at Mia Alexander Salon for their Christmas Open House! I'll be there with a table full of hawleywood gorgeousness that has NEVER BEEN SEEN!! Not on Etsy, not here, not anywhere but my studio (aka, the crap room)!

So, come out Saturday, December 12th from 12-4 for food, wine, lovely salon and spa gift cards, and jewelry!

Adios!

FREE SHIPPING and some other things

I have extended free shipping in both shops until Sunday, December 13, 2009, so head over and stock up! I've been making some new things and posting them slowly but surely. Also, check out my new shop headers! Special for the holidays:

Also, I am participating in Design Gal's 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!! From now until December 12, Shan will be giving away one AWESOME thing every day, so be sure to check in!

I think that's all the updates I've got right now, but I should be back with a real blog post soon!

Love and other indoor sports,
Jess