rings

wedding DIY - wedding bling

My engagement ring was a collaboration between David and JewelSmith. He knew I would like something unique. I love it. And I know that nobody else will have anything like it.

When choosing our wedding bands, I thought I wanted something simple, easy, and "off the rack." But the little creative bug wouldn't let me just PICK something, I had to have a say. So we went back to JewelSmith and designed a wedding band to coordinate with my engagement ring. I really love that they "go" and not "match." The tiny flower below the diamond is the same flower used as a pattern on the wedding band.

For David's band, he picked something we found on etsy (a seller in California). I also picked something from etsy when choosing jewelry for the big day (a seller from Edinburgh, Scotland, UK). Supporting DIY-ers around the world!

cookies

We went to a holiday party at Tamara's house earlier this month. She made some delicious chocolate sugar cookies with little thumbprints of jam on top. I tried making them... and it was less successful. Also, I set some parchment paper on fire in the oven. oops!

I found a different recipe for "hot chocolate cookies" and decided not to give up on baking just yet. These turned out VERY well. The base/dough recipe was similar, but these had more chocolate. Plus, a toasted marshmallow. And more chocolate. The recipe made 5 dozen, so David's coworkers got some, my coworkers got some, and we took some to another holiday party. They were a hit!

quickie- part 2

And by "quickie" I mean this one took a LOT longer than the first one. First of all, I wanted pockets. I used a dress I already had as an example, and traced the pockets. No biggie. I had everything all lined up and ready to go, and sewed the best seam ever... to realize then that I sewed the pocket on inside out. Doh! I got good use out of the seam ripper, and everything turned out fine. The second side I was sure to attach in the correct direction. I love the fallish color and pattern. Although I am sure I will be rocking this all year round with boots & tights, or flats or sandals.

This is the same fabric I used when making Mary's nesting bowls. More bowls to come, and I am working on a schmancy beaded boudoir pillow!

textiles

We used some of our Crate & Barrel wedding gift cards to buy ALL NEW window dressings!

For the living room windows:

For the office/craft room windows:

We also got this fabulous heavy & cozy throw using a fab.com giftcard from the Elders:

The interior is starting to come together. In 2012, we plan on having the living room popcorn scraped & painted. Then we are going to install wood floors.

My goal is NOT to panic during the process.

*images via Crate & Barrel and Happy Habitat

fabric bowls

Here is another project from Sewing in a Straight Line: fabric nesting bowls!

I made these for Mary for her birthday. I think they are perfect for holding pins/brooches or other chunky jewelry right on top of the dresser. The bigger size could be good for keys & things right inside the front door.