{fab finds} advent calendars

Hello Friends! Yes, I am still alive! I've been busier than busy, and have also had a few things going on in my personal life. I love LOVE love my blog and I am more than ready to be back! I have some fun & crafty things that I need to share with you all!

Since it's December, it is time to bust out your advent calendars!
Here are a few of my favorites from the web:



Emily @ 52 Mantels use of treat boxes and cups create an inexpensive & cute advent calendar! Another perk to her project & tutorial, she is offering her printables as a FREE download, woot woot!



Another FREEBIE! Jordan @ Polkadot Prints has a goodie, but an oldie from last year that is cute to boot and available as a FREE printable. Oh, how I love aqua and red together :).



Is it obvious yet that I enjoy red & aqua?

This darling envelope advent bunting is by Jenny @ All Sorts. She is amazing to provide not only the template for the banner but also the template for those cute elf shoes!

Enjoy these great finds!

Amanda

{fab finds} kate spade: twirl inspiration

Twirl by Kate Spade

"She had a cocktail in hand and confetti in her hair."

I have been OBSESSED with Kate Spade's Twirl perfume since I received my sample from Sephora a few months back. I even kept the little cardboard holder because of the sprinkle of letterpressed, gold confetti that surrounds the tagline: "She had a cocktail in hand and confetti in her hair."  Those few words evoke images of well clad guests at a New Year's celebration to me!

Here are some of my "Twirl" inspired finds:



This DIY art looks just like the confetti on the perfume bottle!  

Natalie @Mint Love Social Club made this in about 5 minutes using minimal supplies. This goes perfectly with my Christmas decor & would look awesome for a New Years party. This is definitely on my to do list - visit her blog for the tutorial!


                                                        {Image Source}

The gold glitter confetti nail polish over a blush pink nail is GORGEOUS!

I instantly had to know the what & where about it! Easily found but sadly not easily purchased - The "Boom Pow" nail polish by Debra Lippman has flecks of 24-karat gold dust bringing it to a grand $20 a bottle!

I am no fashionista in any form and I balk at spending over $3 for polish. Say HELLO to my discounted friend below:



I recently went into my local Forever 21 looking for a hat to wear to a tea party and found this hidden gem at the check-out counter! The "Golden Girl" nail polish comes in at $2.80 a bottle and looks like it is a close match!  

I'll gladly spend a little less green for a little less gold ;)



100 Layer Cake featured this FABULOUS Kate Spade inspired shoot.

2 of my favorite details: the striped, pointed table runner and the bow tie napkins.
The china - of course- is Kate Spade's. This is also inspiration for my Halloween decor that I hope to share soon :)




Martha Stewart always has creative inspiration for every occasion.

These are some "wedding finds" {L-R}: large table & banner confetti, fringe background created from multiple kinds of paper, confetti covered cake, confetti filled programs.



Dwell Studio has these great gold triangle gold vases in 3 sizes. Again with the real gold - 16-karat gold creates the overall design. I am looking to DIY a good knock-off of these $162 beauties.



Getting their confetti-love on with us is JCREW! Snag this confetti inspired necklace for $38 dubloons.

In essence, the Kate Spade girl is...

quick and curious and playful and strong.
she mixes her matches and experiments with color.
she lets her imagination run away with her.
she is the first to make a toast and the last to say goodnight.
she looks for adventure around every corner.
she sings off-key but with great spirit. 

SHE LIVES COLORFULLY

 

Channeling my inner Kate Spade, I bought those Pier One polka dotted glasses above {no longer available} about 6 months back for a steal at $1.50 each compared to the regular $6. I am looking forward to using them this upcoming holiday season.

Hopefully you enjoyed my recent fashion love that spilled over to my design & party finds

Amanda

{fab finds} we're all a bit mad here. . .

In honor of my best friend & kindred spirit's little girl turning one this weekend, I am making this week's posts theme follow suit with her party: Madi Hatter in ONE-derland! 

{Here is the party post from Tootie's baby shower that I threw for Lil' Miss Madi Beth!}

I've always had a soft spot for tea parties & I love that Alice in Wonderland took the party scene by storm. Here is a mini-round up of ideas that would be wonderful & whimsical touches to any tea party, bright & colorful or shabby chic!



This paper rose tea cup topiary is just perfect! It is by Orchard House Creation on etsy, but is unfortunately already sold!

This could easily be recreated by using a teacup planter, Spanish moss as a filler, a dowel rod stem, and a Styrofoam ball covered in a multitude of roses made out of different, double-sided scrapbook pieces of paper. Embellish with a few glittered up butterflies!




Another etsy find, Ruffle cupcake toppers in a various shades of pink add a romantic touch of nostalgia to any spread of sweets. The variety set by Jean Knee comes with 10 dainty toppers for your soiree.




                                {MS image sources}

Martha always has ideas for every occasion!
Collect cups & saucers, stack them high (secured with museum wax), and place votive candles and flowers on each set for a graceful, inexpensive centerpiece.

Get the how-to on making these heart doilies that also resemble flowers! Make them in various shades & sizes to add interest to your table top. The "Queen" would prefer them RED not WHITE ;)



This is a truly WONDERful WONDERLAND party thrown by Kasey Buick for her daughter Lola. She used mainly items that she already had on hand for a BEAUTIFUL budget friendly soiree. Visit her site to check out even more details and breath-taking pictures. I especially love the wonderland banner in its circus font and range of colors, the kraft & polka dot pom, and of course the furniture!

I feel like these party beauties help set the tone for the rest that is yet to come this week!
 
Amanda

{creative} handmade gift exchange

I participated in the great & wonderful Handmade Gift Exchange by Craftaholics Anonymous, and I think I'm hooked! She can definitely count me in for the winter edition :)

Here is the gift that I sent:

My Partner, Michelle Fukunaga, is a stay-at-home mom to 2 lovely daughters in the state of Washington. She loves getting crafty just like me! I made her a Summer Drink Party Set in hot & fun cool down colors to help her this summer in style!

I included: 4 koozies (different colors so that they would all know which one is theirs!), coasters, drink stirrers, straws, drink flags, and party circles to use on straws or as cupcake toppers - if they wished! 

I made these fun summer drink accessories using my handy-dandy Silhouette SD. Print & cut and the flocked heat transfer were amazing and helped me repeat the scalloped flower motif of the fabric.

Here's the GREAT gift I received:

I loved the color scheme - I am totally digging aqua & yellow right now!

She included fun little paper rose magnets and a color coordinated marker & eraser. I especially love that it was magnetic as well as a dry erase board. I keep it at work so that I can enjoy it every day :)

If you didn't participate in this past exchange, I highly encourage you to participate in the next one in the winter. It was a lot of fun & who doesn't enjoy getting a gift?!?

Enjoy!
Amanda

Linking up to:

{fab finds} sweet summertime - watermelon inspired!

Happy FIRST DAY of Summer!
Bring on the sun kissed tans & lemonade :)

One of the things I look forward to each summer: WATERMELON!
What a better way to kick off summer than with a little pink & green, watermelon inspiration!


Does this watermelon collection have you wishing for firework filled nights?!?

Look below for all creative & talented sources!

- food -

1. Watermelon Waffles - Kelli @ Random Thoughts of a SUPERMOM is the mastermind behind these colorful waffles. Click here for the full tutorial on how to make these!
She also has a great tutorial on making brownie waffles - ingenious!

2. Watermelon Cake Pops - Natalie's Cake Pops & More made these summertime staple cake pops by double dipping the cake pop in colored chocolate to create the effect of a rind. Mmmm, delicious...

3. Watermelon Pie - Try this easy, frozen treat by Jane @ Make and Takes made by layering different layers of sherbert. *Tip Alert* Serve on paper plates to slow down melting of pie! Thanks Jane!

- craft -

4. Watermelon Printables - These FREE printables debuted just in time for Summer!

Angela @ Anything but Perfect has you covered with to-do lists, thank you cards, and the ever-so-popular party circles - so many uses!

5. Wood Watermelon Craft - Angela & the ladies at How Does She? share the full tutorial on how to make your own wooden watermelon!



                                          - etsy -
6. Watermelon Soap Popsicles - Sweetbody Soaps is the creator behind these cutie watermelon scented soap pops - they look good enough to eat!

7. Watermelon Party Printables - Need printables for your next summer birthday bash? Brianna @ Bee & Daisy has you covered with this printable party set perfect for a hot summer day, sitting poolside, and of course eating watermelon! This set is a steal for only $12!

8. Watermelon Sign - This summer sign is darling, whimsical, & sweet! Geauxgirldesigns hand paints these beauties and can customize if needed.

Kick back, relax, & have a happy summer!

Can't get enough of watermelon? Need to justify your love of it?!? Don't fret! August is National Watermelon Month!

You can enjoy all these great ideas now & in a few months - perfect :)

Enjoy!

Amanda

{fab finds} "tie-riffic" father's day round-up!

There has been so many wonderful ideas, creations,and printables for Dad's day this upcoming Sunday, June 19th.

Here a few fabulous finds that pay tribute to the Father's day classic - TIES!



These tie cookie pops were one of the first finds for Father's day I found this year & fell instantly in love! How cute is that photo? My boyfriend even agrees - these are a great idea!

Thanks to Sue @ Munchkin Munchies for sharing!



Dad have a sweet tooth?

My dad isn't much of a sweets kind-of-guy but he does have a weakness for crunch bars.
A Perfect printable to print off and wrap up a few for Sunday. Amy @ The Idea Room is the mastermind behind this darling candy wrapper.



Tie-rrific indeed! Isn't this printable package to die for?!?
I love everything about it - the colors, font, patterns. The set includes a banner, medium sized ties for centerpieces, and cupcake toppers.

Amanda @ Shindig Parties was super thoughtful and made the printable set for grandads and step dads as well! Super Sweet :)



Erin @ In between Laundry designed a FREE card or art - whichever you prefer printable for Dad.




Tidy up dad's closest with this creative & decorative tip from Good Housekeeping. Turn dad's old or less loved ties into a wreath everyone can enjoy! Such an easy project that is stunning :)




Perfect for dad, boss, or a little man party!

Kristin @ Paper Crave provides the template to make these shirt & tie gift bags.



Celebrate dad's with a tie that has a sweeter ending than normal.

Ashley @ Make It Love It gives the full tutonrial & pattern (if you need it) to make your very own Father's day staple - tie "pot".



Greenbean Crafterole - yeah, yeah, yeah she's crafty :)

Take a previous tie gift and make Dad a new & improved tie gift! He can proudly display this one every day of the year. I'd even rock one myself.



The girls @ eighteen 25 have shown off their crafty skills yet again! Taking a tip from Martha, they transformed plain plastic boxes into dad appropriate, snack-filled tie boxes.



Kendra @ My Insanity shared the full deets over at Fave Crafts on how to make tie gift bags!

Show the men in your life that you love 'em with their gift packaged in one of these snazzy bags. This would also be great for Boss' day - don'tcha think?!?

I think these are ALL ties that a Dad - Grandad - Stepdad - Neighbor - Anyone in your life would enjoy receiving!

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful father figures out there!

Enjoy!

Amanda

{fab finds} pinterest favorites - s'mores

As I scrolled through my latest pins this past week, I noticed my s'mores obsession!

How can anyone not be obsessed with them? Layers of marshmallow-sugar goodness and melted chocolate between 2 graham crackers... yum... Drooling, yet? :)




1. S'mores pops! In the world of cake pops for everything, why not s'more pops? S'mores belong on a stick :). What a great idea by The Decorated Cookie!

2. S'mores inspired dessert bar by Amy Atlas. Look at all the different takes & ideas to do with s'mores! Cupcakes, cookies instead of graham crackers, homemade marshmallows - the possibilities are endless!

3. A s'mores bar is a great activity that everyone will enjoy & will help pass the time during cocktail hour. Check out this one via Style Me Pretty.

4.Love LOVE love this favor idea! Perfect for wedding favors or party favors at a wilderness themed birthday party. Goodies packed single serve are simply irresistable by Style Me Pretty.

Enjoy!

Amanda

{fab finds} bottle up your love for dad - father's day gift ideas!

I have been a bad-lil-blogger and haven't been posting on a normal schedule....I enjoyed the little break after a hectic few weeks, but I do miss it so!
I have been filling the void by scoping out pinterest and twitter... Now, BACK TO WORK :)

Father's day is in a few weeks and it's time to get your craft on!

I've noticed a bottle & repackaging trend for a lot of gift ideas, and wanted to feature a few of my faves!



Kristine @ K McKay Designs made a perfect "mock" bait box for the fisherman in your life! This is a cute & green project to make - she even gives full instructions and printables! Thanks!




POP You Put the FIZZ in my life!
A fantastic printable from Heather @ Whipperberry that can be attached to dad's favorite soda {or coke - all soda is called coke in the south ;) }




Jordan @ Oh Happy Day featured this great project for the SUPER DADS @ Alpha Mom.

She made it easy for everyone by providing all the labels you need to put together a great care package! Surprise your real-life hero on Father’s Day with this kit of goodies so he can have the energy to continue saving the world one meltdown & tantrum at a time.


Of course what would a holiday be without a little help from Martha?

These retro labels make it a cinch to turn any of Dad's favorite foods into a custom gift for Father's Day.


In other news....
Deal Alert!

From now until June 6th, Tiny Prints is running a special promotion offering customized Father’s Day cards for 99 cents. Just use the code GC99 at checkout for the Father’s Day special!

Enjoy!

Amanda

{fab finds} pinterest favorites

I figured I could jump on the trend of sharing some of my favorite "pins" this past week.
It's always interesting to see if I have a theme going on with all the visual goodies that I save throughout the week.

I LOVE PINTEREST!
It has made finding inspiration and saving so easy with their virtual cork boards.


                                                                                               Sources:

1. Cake Truck                     2. Craft Organization              3. Fabric Letters               4. Doily Envelopes

It's easy to tell I have a romantic, vintage, & shabby chic vibe going on this week! I linked up the original sites under sources so that you may make new discoveries this week!

In case you aren't on Pinterest yet, I would be glad to send you an invite so you don't have to wait to get one from the site. Just email or comment with your preferred email address!

2 reasons why I love Pinterest:

1. It is a great source of inspiration & new websites that I didn't know of before! I have found so many great blogs just in the past few weeks!

2. As a blogger you can see what people pin from your site!
Even little-ole-me has pins from my site - some of them even things of my own creation :)

Check your site out: Put your web address where it says "yourwebsite.com"  http://pinterest.com/source/yourwebsite.com

Happy Pinning to you!

Amanda

{fab finds} do you decor? great home decor tutorials!

This is such a great idea! If you are a lover of giving personalized gifts, this is too perfect!

Tracy @ Tracy's Trinkets & Treasures made this personalized pillow for a birthday gift and I think it hit the spot. This is definitely going on the idea board as a gift for my mom!




Mandi @ Save It For a Rainy Day made this map grid wall art for her son's bedroom.
I don't know about you but I am in LOVE with maps as of late.

Would it be strange to have a house full of map related art?!?
Ps- Love the title of the post. Great reference to Dora ;)




I found this featured in my Twitter Feed and marked it as a "favorite" right away! Gorgeous lamp that is easy to make with the tutorial by Autumn @ Design Dump.

Her blog also struck my fancy! There are so many BEAUTIFUL projects that she has done around her house. I also enjoyed reading about her projects in Interior Design school.

*If you want to follow me on Twitter my ID is AmandaDesign

***This is where I get sappy. Her wonderful projects from over 10 years ago made me sad because that is what my degree is in and I am currently not working in my field, instead I have an office job to pay back those loans for that degree. Needless to say, I was sad the other day....***




Who would have ever thought that these dragonflies are made out of table legs?!? Such an innovative use of wood turnery & fan blades! Lucy @ Lucy Designs, great job!



I am a sucker for anything that is "monogram". If I see a letter "A", I feel compelled to buy it!

I am digging this moss ampersand (such a funny word...). I definitely could use this on the fab bookshelves that I am working on right now. Thank you Chelsea @ Two Twenty One for the tutorial!



I also found this beauty in my Twitter Feed (ID: AmandaDesign) and was in love! I believe that this pillow looks way better than the original from Target.

The tutorial by Shelley @ Crazy Wonderful gives great pictures and step-by-step instructions on how to make this pretty pillow!

Enjoy!

Amanda

{fab finds} diy party and decor bits!

These are some goodies that I have had saved to share & today is the perfect day to do so!

Can I say gorgeous?

Amy @ Modge Podge Rocks truly outdid herself with this gift tag tutorial.

Silhouettes are so hot right now, and what a better way to identify what gift is yours! It also an add on keepsake :)

Need quick centerpieces?!? I am loving these kissing balls & all the different ways Alison @ Momma Did It made them.

Here's a great tutorial by Jenn @ Green Door Designs on how to make a thrift store pedestal bowl. I seriously need to get on this Thrift Store Train!

Enjoy!

Amanda

*PS* If you have had problems with your editing in posts. Go to the settings in your dashboard and choose to update your post editor. It stopped all the strange spacing issues that I was having the other day. Thought I would pass on the tip!