Good Bye Alexander

I was so saddened to read that Alexander McQueen passed away today. The rumor is he took his own life, just a week after his mother died. He was such an amazing creative talent in the fashion world, and while a lot of his designs may be thought of as over-the-top and perhaps "unwearable," they were still incredible works of art to admire. Rest in peace...

Feelin' Scrappy

I'm not one for clutter, or keeping things around "just in case"... However, I do make an exception with fabric. I have a hard time getting rid of fabric, even scraps. As a result, I have come up with a few ways to use my "scraps." My latest project is this fabric "pomander".

I cannot take credit for the idea (is there really ever an original idea anymore?!?! Seems like someone has done it already in some shape or form). The sad part is I can't remember where I saw the idea, but I know it was in blogville.

Basically the only supplies you need are:

Lightweight Fabric (these were curtain panels I got at Goodwill for $2)

4" Chinese Lantern

Scissors
Hot Glue

This is a great "watching TV" project. Just cut a bunch (and I mean a bunch) of 2" circles out of any lightweight fabric. Fold a circle in half and secure with glue in the middle. Then fold the circle again into a pie shape, add glue to point and secure to lantern. Repeat over and over and over again until the orb is covered. Like I said, a great project while watching your favorite show (which currently for me is either "Southland" on TNT, "The Good Wife", or "Lost" -- which starts tonight -- and of course -- "Project Runway"). Just don't burn your fingers.

I add a piece of card stock to the center, scented with essential oil, to make it into a decorative pomander, and of course a ribbon to hang it from your favorite spot.

Persimmon Punch

Just a little pop of color to alert you to the new sweaters I've added to my Etsy shop. The flowers on this beauty are from a sweet vintage fabric, and the colors couldn't have matched any better. It was fashion fate...

The Magic of White Paint

It was time to put down the needle and thread and pick up a paint brush. I had a few items that were in dire need of a makeover, and a little white paint is my mini "furniture facelift" magic potion-- makes everything look a little crisper.

Found this table at the thrift store and snatched it up in a second. The hard part about painting in January is finding a place to paint. Our basement is "finished", it's too cold and wet outside, so... go to where it is a little less wet and and little less cold -- the garage. Can definitely see the signs of winter in our garage.

Anyhoo, here is the finished product. Nothing too spectacular, but definitely more my style. And definitely more deserving of a warm and dry place.

Sweet As A Candy

Federica from "Sweet as a Candy" blog is featuring me in her anniversary giveaway! I love this girl's blog -- it is exactly as it sounds -- sweet and charming. Her photos and layouts are always beautiful and I love her style. She features fashion, home decor and just wonderful tidbits about all things beautiful. But the best part is I get to live her wonderful Italian lifestyle vicariously through her blog. Take a peek at her blog -- you will be enchanted.

http://sweet-as-a-candy.blogspot.com/

And thank you Federica for making me look so good :) If you leave a comment on her post about the giveaway, you could win your choice of one of my caroline joy sweaters in my Etsy shop. Ciao!

P.S. I already sold one of the featured sweaters (the white one at the top) to one of Federica's lovely readers in Bologna, Italy! So I will be shopping and embellishing up a storm to make sure the shop is stocked with a wonderful variety of sweaters...

Happy January!

Wow -- already January 18th, and I think this is my second post of the new year. I guess "Up the number of posts on my blog" was not one of my resolutions. But I hope I am turning over a new leaf as of today, and will not be as absent as I have been of late.

January is one of those months that gets a bad rap -- the whole "coming down" off the holiday season, the weather is nothing to cheer about, and it is sometimes a bleak reminder of all that you need to do and "should do" in the upcoming year.

So in the spirit of positive thinking, I've decided to post some of my favorite things about January:

1. Official time for fresh starts and "do overs"

2. My beautiful twins celebrated their 5th birthday today -- Happy Birthday Bridget and Teddy!

3. My amazing mom also celebrates her birthday this month -- just another good reason for a "girl get-together"

4. Project Runway just started up again -- back in NYC, no less. Yea!

5. THE GOLDEN GLOBES! The kickoff of the Hollywood awards season. And while the lovely January Jones (pictured above) did not win for Best Actress in a TV Drama, her show did. Cheers to "Mad Men"!

Bring on the Oscars -- and Spring!

A Fresh Start

I have been MIA for the last couple of weeks. Post holiday blues. So to cure the blues, I made some new sweaters in some springy hues (yellows, greens, raspberry -- even blue). I just added about 10 sweaters to my Etsy shop, and they're really making me anxious for spring. I'm ready for a fresh start...