{Leopard Nails Tutorial}

 

Start with a solid color base. I used OPI's 'Chocolate Moose', to create a neutral color scheme.

Add random dots of a brighter or metallic color complimentary to your base shade. I used a Gold Metallic OPI shade so it would stand out from the matte base color.

Now step #3 really takes a steady hand but it's worth it!  Take a black color, I used a cheap halloween black I found in my polish box, and make open ended circles around your spots.  The more uneven your lines are the better! Add some small dots of black to fill in blank spaces to complete the print.

Lastly, coat with a clear top coat like China Glaze 'Fast Forward' to set the design.

A pink and black color scheme would look amazing with this! Give it a try! :]

{Tutorial Try Out}

Evening Lovelies, today was a wonderful day playing hooky from work. ;) I got lots of great shopping and errand running done. I even had time to do a craft project and try out a small hair tutorial.  I get so excited on days when I can actually wear makeup and do my hair. This whole not working thing is awesome, lol, if only I didn't have to go back tomorrow...or make a pay check. Anyways, I saw this post on Pinterest and thought it was so pretty. 

All you do is pick out a cute elastic headband, and tuck your hair loosely into the back portion.  I used some bobby pins just so my layers wouldn't decide to stick out.  Give it a try!

Baby shower keepsake

I'm hosting a baby shower for a dear friend, who is expecting her second child but first girl.  The inspiration behind the shower was very simple, my friend absolutely loves pink and her daughter's nursery is decorated with a "princess" motif.  I chose a crown as a nod to a "princess" and of course everything is pink! 

Another friend's past shower had tree branches that held small paper leaves to write a message to the baby.  I loved that idea and chose to replicate it for this shower.  I traced pink, paper crowns and cut them all out.  I then made a simple ribbon board for guests to place their messages on.  The mother can then hang the board in the nursery or simply put the messages in the baby's book.  It was very easy and is a great option for extra decor at the shower!  Here are some steps in photos to make your own:

Things you will need:

foam board, glue gun, glue sticks, ribbon, and fabric

I cut a foam board into a rectangle in the size I thought would work best.

 cut fabric allowing for extra on all sides of board to fold and glue into place.

Glue middle portion of each side to board making sure to pull taut.

 Make sure to finish corners neatly so as to make a clean edge

I find it easier to start with the middle ribbon and work to the outside. Glue in place making sure, again, to pull taut.

 Once you have all the ribbon you would like going one diagonal, the next step is to cut and weave ribbon going the opposite diagonal. Pull taut and glue in place.

 I glued a ribbon to the back to hang it on the wall to display all the lovely messages from the guests.  

I know proper ribbon boards are made with plywood and batting but for the purposes of quick and easy shower decor I used a simpler version. :)  i can't wait to show you lovelies the end result of the shower!

Oreo Truffle cake pops!

A co-worker's birthday was today, so the Mr. and I thought it would be fun to try a new treat.  They were a big hit! So easy to make, and so delicious! Here's the how-to....

What you will need:

• 1 Pkg.  Oreo's (use all but @10)
• 8 oz.  Cream cheese
• 1 Pkg. Wilton Melting chocolate buttons
• Lollipop sticks
• foam blocks

The last three items can be purchased at any Joann's or Michael's craft store.

Add all but 10 Oreo's into a food processor and grind finely.

Pour crumbs into large bowl and add 8oz. of cream cheese.  Mix with hands until everything is mixed together evenly.

Roll into 1'' balls, just like meatballs.  The mixture makes 24 exactly.  Place on a sheet of wax paper and freeze for 10 minutes.  Take out of the freezer and place the lollipop sticks in the truffles.  Replace in the freezer for another 10 minutes.  

Next, melt the whole package of chocolate according to the directions on the package.  It's best if you use a small but deep bowl.  Take each truffle and coat with chocolate.

Place each covered truffle into a block of foam to set.  You can put them in the fridge until you are ready to serve or package them.

There are so many amazing ways to decorate them on the web! This was our first attempt so we chose something really simple, and due to popular demand we'll make a second batch next week! Check out this great site for more ideas...Enjoy!

http://www.bakerella.com/

Mum's day

Went shopping with some friends yesterday and swung by the paint section of Walmart for a quick look. To my delight I saw some great "color inspiration" cards mixed in the paint chip display! They were calling my name to make a cute Mother's day card! Here is a picture run-down of what I made...

To all my lovelies that are mums, Happy Mother's day!

cashing in your chips.

pic from modern parents messy kids blog

I have a fascination with paint chips lately. What's not to love? They're free, beautiful, lots of variety to choose from, and so many ways to use them!  My first project with the chips were home made Valentine's cards.  They were so much fun to make and so easy.  I can't wait to use these in so many more projects!

All the supplies you need, but not limited to, for a 'paint chip card' are:

• paint chips of varying colors
• scissors
• glue stick
• decorative stamps
• ink pad
• Sharpie
• and some creativity to suit your occasion

Here are two of mine...

a baby shower gift

V-day card

Here are some other ways people have used paint chips...so inspiring!

This is so amazing!

Such a cute and easy Easter idea! This is from

 modern parents messy kids blog

an awesome learning tool for children from 

 The Snail's Trail blog

Have a great day lovelies!

Multi-colored.

What's better than cake?  Multi-colored cake of course.  

This month I had the honor of making cute cupcakes for one of my best friend's baby shower, and an awesome cake for my little sister's visit home!  The baby shower was a "woodland" theme, complete with little birds, owls, and branches.  The invite had a cream background with a small bird on a branch, so I re-created the same look on the cupcakes.  I added just an extra layer of neatness, by dying some of the batter blue!

My hubby wanted to make cake for my sister, and he was so excited to make it super bright colors.  We made the brightest hues we could and then dropped spoonfuls in the dish, to marble together.  It makes an awesome effect, I can't wait to try neon colors! :]  Oh and what cake wouldn't be complete without a ton of sprinkles!?