October 29, 2011

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Stationery is one of those gifts that people can always use, but it can be a little “run-of-the-mill”. This tutorial will show you how to make handmade stationery by carving your own stamp, and then heat embossing the name to create a raised and metallic effect. The result is a gift that was clearly handmade with love, and certainly one-of-a-kind.

Materials

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kggVGt4M_rA/Tql9d_f9d7I/AAAAAAAAHXg/6MTSWisNBsg/s1600/embossed+stationery+materials.JPG” imageanchor=”1″ style=”margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;”>http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kggVGt4M_rA/Tql9d_f9d7I/AAAAAAAAHXg/6MTSWisNBsg/s1600/embossed+stationery+materials.JPG” />

– heat embossing tool (at any craft store)
– embossing powders (I chose metallic)
– stamp carving block
– stamp or linocut carving tool (at most craft stores)
– clear embossing ink
– pencil
– card stock
– envelopes
– scissors
– craft knife
– sheet of paper

Start by cutting off a piece of your carving block for the size of the stamp that you will need. Make sure your card stock is also cut to the size of the stationery that you want.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sdeCo0qIFSA/Tql9arO9pII/AAAAAAAAHXA/YUfmacGXB1s/s1600/cutting+carving+block.JPG” imageanchor=”1″ style=”margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;”>http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sdeCo0qIFSA/Tql9arO9pII/AAAAAAAAHXA/YUfmacGXB1s/s1600/cutting+carving+block.JPG” />

If you feel confident enough to hand-draw your letters directly onto the carving block with pencil, start with that. Remember to write your name and letters backwards, as the stamp image will be reversed when printed.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nhxlVltAgTQ/Tql9fUnbaFI/AAAAAAAAHYI/QPBjAuWKI_k/s1600/drawing+a+name+stamp.JPG” imageanchor=”1″ style=”margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;”>http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nhxlVltAgTQ/Tql9fUnbaFI/AAAAAAAAHYI/QPBjAuWKI_k/s1600/drawing+a+name+stamp.JPG” />

Carve out the space around your letters, leaving the lettering raised. When using a carving tool, you can change out the blade for different sizes depending on which part of the stamp you are carving.

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Now you’re ready to start stamping. You might want to do a couple test stamps to make sure there are no errors in your stamp. If everything looks good, stamp your name block in the clear embossing ink.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8A5ZFdctpH0/Tql9e3njxgI/AAAAAAAAHX4/v9WJejLaDcQ/s1600/embossing+ink+stamp.JPG” imageanchor=”1″ style=”margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;”>http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8A5ZFdctpH0/Tql9e3njxgI/AAAAAAAAHX4/v9WJejLaDcQ/s1600/embossing+ink+stamp.JPG” />

Sprinkle the stamped name with your embossing powder, and shake off onto a sheet of paper to pour excess powder back into the jar (just like any glittering project).

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Turn on your heat embosser. Hold the tool about six inches from the embossing powder to start, moving closer if the powder isn’t melting. In a few seconds, the powders will begin to melt and blend together. Keep the embosser heating the letters for just a few more seconds to make sure everything is melted sufficiently, but don’t heat it for too long, as the card stock will begin to warp, and possibly get burnt marks!

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Let your stationery cool. Once cooled, feel for yourself the raised effect. Repeat this process for as many sheets of stationery you would like to create. Put it in a lovely stationery box for gift giving, or tie it together with pretty baker’s twine for a stationery stocking stuffer.

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Style Files: Old Hollywood Glamour

October 28, 2011

Getting in the mood for the Old – Young Hollywood Party tomorrow, so I am sharing some favorite Old Hollywood leading ladies:)

Grace Kelley, Audrey Hepburn, Rita Hayworth, Doris Day, Katharine Hepburn

And some modern day pieces with an Old Hollywood Feel….

1.Lady Necklace – Banana Republic, 2. Bonsoir Samira Clutch – Kate Spade NY, 3. Red Glamour – Sephora, 4. Chance Eau de Parfume – Chanel, 5. Vintage Velvet Bow Gloves – ASOS 6. Crystal & Pearl Drop earrings – Max and Chloe, 7. Soiree Bracelets – Stella&Dot

Costume hint: One of those fabulous ladies above played a character I am dressing up as tomorrow;)

Wishing you all a fantastic October weekend!

P.S. Next week is the deadline for ad sign ups for the Holiday Gift Guide! Rates start at 25$ for a quarter page. Download the info here. And email me with any questions!

DIY: Glitter up your Candles!

October 27, 2011

As you know, I like to glitz-ify things. Such as the pumpkin;) I am getting things together for our Old-Young Hollywood Halloween Party this weekend. Everything is Black and Gold, so I made these for part of the Table Decor…

Supplies:

Round candles (I got mine in Vanilla scented four pack for 2$ at Hobby Lobby)

Glitter Glue

Paint Brush

Steps:

Its as easy as it looks!

Apply 3-4 coats of glitter glue around the surface of the candle. Letting each layer dry before applying a new one. It helps to blot the glitter glue around vs stroking it.

(Supplies and one coat of glitter glue)

(Two coats of glitter glue)

(3 coats of glitter glue)

I am sure you can apply this to any size candle, and any color glitter glue!

I knew I could use these throughout the Holiday Season so it was worth the ten minutes it took! 🙂

Also, I am guest posting over at Six Twelve Place sharing little things I am loving, What’s inspiring me, and what I did to live fearlessly! Head on over and check out Lesley’s lovely blog!

Take 3: Flannel

October 26, 2011

(The Estate of Things via pinterest)

(Atlantic- Pacific)

(greenlikebathwater via pinterest)

Just continuing my love for flannel over here;)

Happy Wednesday!

P.S. My husband and I FINALLY decided what to be for Halloween. I have three days to pull costumes together. Wish me luck!

Closed Giveaway: Rockey Paper Design

October 25, 2011

The lovely Megan of Rockey Paper sent over some personalized items a few weeks ago. I have never had a personalized travel mug, and let me tell ya, it has made me look for excuses to use it on a daily basis. I am crazy about all her fun pattern and color choices throughout her products. Rockey Paper Design not only has personalized travel mugs, but personalized pens, note cards, and whole range of beautiful stationary…

I am so happy to introduce you to Rockey Paper Designs,

and offer a lucky reader a personalized gift package which includes:

Personalized travel mug

Personalized Pen

Personalized Note cards

Personalized Note sheets

(in your design of choice of course!)

To Enter (must be an IHOD subscriber or follower via gfc/bloglovin’):

1. Visit Rockey Paper Design and let us know which items or patterns strike your fancy.

Additional Entries (leave a separate comment for each):

2. Like Rockey Paper on Facebook

3. Tweet or Facebook about the giveaway and let us know you did!
example tweet: Just entered the #giveaway over @inhonorofdesign for a personalized gift set from Rockey Paper Design! http://bit.ly/v798pg

Please leave a valid profile or email address! Winner will be chosen next Monday night!

Also, we have a winner from the Connected Giveaway!! #99 – Lauren! Will be emailing you shortly! Thank you to each of you who entered!

Lookbook: Cobalt

October 24, 2011

I gave my new boots a break, and actually wore heels to church this week. Yep, its a rarity. Cobalt is my favorite shade of blue. Maybe because its bright and bold;)

(Jacket: Francescas, Long sleeved Tee: J Crew(similar), Skirt: Francescas, Tights: F21, Grey Booties: Target (last season), Necklace: c/o BMB, Bracelet: Stella Dot, IHOD, Nail color: Butter London-All Hail the Queen)

We finally made it to the pumpkin patch over the weekend, and had a carving extravaganza, where we roasted the seeds and all! I am greedily hoarding these last days of October….my favorite month of the year. How did you spend your October weekend?

**Last day to enter the Connected Giveaway!

Style Files: J Crew Fall 2011

October 21, 2011

The coral orange, the cobalt blue, the stripes, the colored pumps….whats not to love?

Although I wouldn’t mind seeing J Crew clothes on models that have a few more pounds on them, no? And FYI, the “I just rolled out of bed” hair look is in I guess….

Fun Links for your Weekend:

The coolest birthday invitations with all the info on a balloon?! Brilliance.

Nutella Hot chocolate is on my agenda for the weekend;)

I love this tribute to Rita Hayworth. True Old Hollywood Glamour.

Stitched and Adorned got some new lovely items in! So if you didn’t win the giveaway you can head over and take 10% off the already affordable prices with code “IHOD10”

And P.S. don’t forget to enter the current fab giveaway🙂

Happy weekend!!