DIY:: SPARKLE PINS

I wanted something sparkly to wear this weekend, but couldn't find "just" the right thing. So, I decided to make that sparkly something myself. I found some round wooden disks at Michael's, glitter, glue and paint, and the rest is history. I hope you enjoy this little tutorial. These are a lot of fun to make AND wear. :)

Here's what you'll need:

I started with the letter D. Fill a small bowl or dish with glitter of your choice. Spread some tacky glue on the letter or shape with a sponge brush. Make sure you get all the edges. Dip the shape in glitter and make sure to press down really well. This will help adhere the glitter to the glue better. Voila! Let dry.

Go ahead and get your paints out and paint as many shapes as you like. I went with a pretty mint color (in satin finish) and gold ( in a metallic finish). I used separate sponge brushes for each of these colors.

You can then do just about anything with the surface, once it's dry. I started adding painters tape and then putting glue on just one side, dipping it in glitter, and getting a unique half and half design. I also put 2 strips about a 1/2 inch from touching each other, to create a cool glitter line down the center. And some, well, I just dipped them completely in glitter. :)

Just hot glue a pin on the back and you have a brand new brooch, with lots of sparkle!

I just love the way these turned out!

Put these on your favorite shirt or cardigan. You can even pin them to your backpack or purse. They are so pretty and versatile!

PHOTOGRAPHY: AROUND THE HOUSE

I just recently purchased a DSLR camera and I'm getting a lot of use out of it. I wanted to give you a really quick (and small) tour of a few of my favorite places around my house. I have plenty more to share with you in the upcoming weeks, but I figured I'd start here. I hope you enjoy seeing a little peak into my everyday life. 

Some of my jewelry hanging. I have lots of vintage pieces as well as vintage inspired. I love girly jewelry, can you tell?

A special place in the corner of my girl cave. An antique teacup from my aunt, a Paris snow globe I've had since high school and a 3 tiered antique display. I love the way this looks up against my mint colored walls.

I have a fun little collection of vintage suitcases. These are 3 of my favorite. I have them stacked in the corner and use them for storage and as a little table. They are some of my most favorite finds at flea markets and antique stores. 

I have these photos of my grandparents on my desk so that I can always see them. I've always been close to them, so it's just natural to have their photo nearby. The first photo was taken when they were in their 20's. It's from a photo booth in San Francisco when my grandmother came to visit my papa when he was stationed on Treasure Island. The second photo is from a few Christmas's ago, and in this photo they are in their 80's. My papa passed away this past November, so having these photos around just makes me feel better somehow. They were married 67 years. Isn't that amazing? 

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. These are sitting on my fireplace mantel. Always a good reminder. 

Also sitting on my mantel, 2 gifts from friends. A gorgeous mirrored candle from Anthropologie and an fun box of matches with a good message. 

Sitting on my buffet in the dining room. 2 antique inspired candle holders (but actually found at TJ Maxx). I've filled them with corks from bottles of wine and champagne. I love a good cork collection. 2 pieces of antique milk glass finish the look off. 

Cream colored picture frames with pictures of me and my love. I love seeing memories around the house. 

Embellished mason jar candle holders that I bought for $2 each. They cast a beautiful glow when lit. 

Vintage scale sitting in my kitchen garden window. I found this in Indiana and couldn't resist. 

Anthropologie herb jars that my mom found for me. They are just SO cute. 

SAVING LACE

Lace is one of my all time favorite materials. It's oh so girly, and I adore it. You can dress it up, dress it down or even make it a little more rock n roll. Of course, I try to keep it as feminine as possible. It makes me think of days gone by, when lace was what so many women wore. It's delicate and sweet. Do you like lace? Do you wear anything lacy? 

MintSpiration

I just love the color mint. It's such a feminine and calming color to wear or decorate your home with. I just painted my craft room/girl cave (still getting used to Girl Cave...I think I like it) mint and I adore it. It gets my creative juices flowing. Pretty sure it's my favorite color right now. :)

What color are you drawn to at the moment?