Louisville Love: Paint Paper Petal

I'm a swooner, admittedly, and I blame Instagram. When I discover beautiful people making beautiful things, my heart swoons as I obsessively look at photos of their work and ooh and ahh and basically double tap the Instagram love endlessly. Such was the case when I came across local Louisville artist Alyson Thiel and her downright gorgeous paper flowers. Alyson showcases her paper flowers on her Instagram Paint Paper Petal and was recently the monthly artist in residence at a local library branch where I was fortunate to attend one of her workshops.

Alyson is a talented artist and a generous teacher. She obviously has a love for sharing her skills and was very encouraging to everyone at her workshop. On this day, participants learned how to make a poppy flower from heavy crepe paper. Most of us are familiar with crepe paper party streamers, but heavy crepe paper is thicker and more substantial. The thickness allows the paper to hold its shape when stretched and manipulated, thus creating nearly realistic-looking flower petals.

Thanks to Alyson's guidance, I am delighted with my paper poppy and I love the vibrant colors and the texture that the crepe paper brings to the petals and stems.

In her own work, Alyson uses various papers and paint to create many designs and textures. Check out her work on her website and Instagram: alysonthiel.com and instagram/paintpaperpetal.

What new-to-you artists have you been swooning over lately?

Happy artist discovering, DIY'ers!

~julee~

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Pink Paris Party

I don’t usually gush too much over super-duper girly things, but you guys, this gorgeous Pink Paris Party is seriously making my heart sing.  This first birthday celebration was for the niece of the mighty talented Jilli of Mia Bella Photography, who was kind enough to let me share these photos.  I am in love with the ultra girliness of this beautiful party – the combination of Eiffel Towers with feathers and polka dots is swoon-worthy.

I love that the dessert table was kept simple.  When you have a cake this beautiful, no other sweets are necessary.  The birthday girl’s smash cake matches the top tier of the birthday cake, switching out the Eiffel Tower for the number one.  Framed photos of the birthday girl in matching black, white, and pink frames personalizes the cake table.

Pink tulle topiaries on the cake table and as centerpieces on the tables, set off with the same pink and black feathers and silver Eiffel Towers, ties all of the tables together.   Black and pink chevron straws are perfect for pink punch, and what party guest wouldn’t be happy taking home a poodle and Eiffel Tower goodie bag?

To see more pictures from this beautiful pink Paris party, including the smash cake photos of this adorable birthday sweetie, check out the full album on Mia Bella’s Facebook page.

Happy party planning, DIY’ers!

~julee~

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Maker Faire Louisville: Recap

Louisville Mini Maker Faire last weekend was a huge success and tons of fun!  Makers from all over Louisville were out showing off their talents.  Robots, roller coasters, exploding watermelons, Lego building, and remote controlled Colonel Sanders were in abundance as participants enjoyed using their imaginations to create, build, and empower. 

D.I.Y. Louisville members set up a booth to showcase art and craft demonstrations throughout the day.  Em Dash Designs hosted a tissue paper flower make and take, Craft E Magee showed participants how to make an easy iron on transfer with crayons, and I brought along metal stamping tools to make initial necklaces for those who stopped by our booth.

One of the most exciting demonstrations from our day came from Miss Happy Pink who graciously built and set up a tabletop screen print press and created a new print just for Maker Faire.  The print says, “I make Louisville better by ____.” and encouraged us all to think about how we positively impact our community.  Awesomeness.  We all loved taking our turn using the press.

So many of our members were participating in the faire volunteering, selling handmade wares, and working with kids to create art pieces from what would otherwise be considered junk.  Fellow D.I.Y. Louisville member Lynn from Good Garbage was one of the many event organizers who put heart and soul into making this event a reality for our city.  I am so grateful for their hard work.

Did you go to the Louisville Mini Maker Faire this year, or have you been to a Maker Faire in your city?  Share your experience with me in the comments below.  I hope to see more participants join us next year for an even bigger, better event!

Happy making, DIY’ers!

~julee~

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Louisville Mini Maker Faire

The first ever Louisville Mini Maker Faire is happening on September 28, 2013!

Not sure what a Maker Faire is?  Well, it’s a family friendly faire that celebrates and epitomizes the do-it-yourself spirit, and encourages participants to join in the fun of creativity.  Makers are thinkers, innovators, doers.  Think ingenuity at its fullest.  Dale Doughtery, Founder of Make magazine, describes the Maker Movement as, “Fostering a participatory culture that invites and inspires creative communities of makers to come together and share what they make and do.”  Pretty awesome stuff, right?

The Maker Movement is generally heavy on technology and engineering, but when I heard Dale Doughtery speak earlier this year, he also emphasized that each of us are makers.  Those of us who make anything, are makers.  Cooks, homesteaders, knitters, painters, artisans, crafters – all makers. 

Indeed, D.I.Y. Louisville is itself a crafty makers group.

D.I.Y. Louisville will have a booth set up at the Louisville Mini Makers Faire presenting six various art and craft demonstrations throughout the day.  Many of our group members including Craft E Magee, Miss Happy Pink, Em Dash Designs, and artisan Robin Chard will join me as we share the talents that make up our group. 

For more information on the Louisville Mini Maker Faire, the maker movement, and maker faires in general,  check out the LMMF website makerfairelou.org.  You can also keep up with announcements and events on their Facebook and twitter feeds:  facebook.com/MakerFaireLou and @makerfairelou. 

I hope to see many of you at Louisville’s first Maker Faire!

~julee~

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Louisville Etsy Craft Party: Recap

Last week I joined forces with Emily of The Em Dash and Mary of Block Party Handmade Boutique to host the Louisville Etsy Craft Party as part of Etsy’s global crafting celebration.  Over 25 makers in Louisville came out to participate in the event and we had an amazing time.

We chose to decorate terra cotta pots as our project for the evening.  Using paint, chalkboard paint, jute, and fabric, the participants were able to create beautiful outdoor art for their potted plants.   Etsy also provided a fun-filled box of supplies from various Etsy sellers, plus fun “Craftivist” stickers to pass out to guests.

Check out The Em Dash for more details of the event plus the full instruction list for the many ways you can decorate your own terra cotta pots. 

It was a wonderful evening and so much fun meeting new creative friends in Louisville.  A big thank you to Block Party for sharing their space with us, and to everyone who came out to participate.

Emily and I are already planning for next year’s Etsy Craft Party!  We hope to see you there!

~julee~

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Mia Bella Photography Senior Rep Program

It's not a secret that one of Mia Bella Photography's favorites is the high school senior. And she has just released the new 2014 Senior Rep program! Mia Bella is looking for some fabulous, outgoing seniors from the upcoming class of 2014 to be the next faces of Mia Bella Photography Seniors!

So if you're a junior right now, if selected, this program will reward you with FREE STUFF!! Here's a list of things you can get:

• A FREE 45-minute mini shoot!!
• 5-10 images to use on Facebook!
• A set of cute rep cards to hand out to friends!

Then when you refer three friends to Mia Bella and they have their senior shoot done, you will receive:

• A FREE FULL SENIOR SESSION! {A $100 value!}

Then when you refer 5-9 friends, you'll get a $50 VISA gift card and then at 10 friends you'll receive a $100 VISA gift card!!!

Applying is easy. It's online and all you have to do is click on this link: http://miabphotography.blogspot.com/ But you have to get your application in by April 30th, so hurry! *

http://www.miabphotography.com/

www.Facebook.com/MiaBPhotography

 

Do you have what it takes?

 

If you’re currently a senior* and not eligible for the senior rep program, don’t fret!   Current seniors who book in May or June receive a free 11X14 large art print valued at $60! 

Contact Mia Bella Photography today!

*Mia Bella provides photography services to the Louisville, KY area only.

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Handmade Boutique Block Party

New Handmade Boutique Block Party Opens in Downtown Louisville

Mary Levinsky, Louisville artist and designer, is opening a new handmade boutique in downtown Louisville. Block Party will be located on South Fourth Street and is part of the city’s initiative to bring local businesses downtown.

Block Party Handmade Boutique is an innovative new retail and community space for local artists and entrepreneurs. Block Party is a collaborative handmade boutique that operates on a micro rental space agreement. All items are handmade from local artists, and each artist will have a boutique space to merchandise and sell their work. The store will consist of around 70 artists including many well-known Louisvillians such as Black Dog Candles, Dawn Middleton, Clair Raabe, Stellar Sweets, Sue Schofield, J.H. Rider Walthen, and Mickie Winters.

Levinsky got her business start with the Female Art Collective in 2007. Her business consisted of selling artwork by local and regional female artists online and at art fairs. The business has been hugely successful causing Levinsky to realize the need for a physical retail space and expansion. The store is inspired from Levinsky’s experience selling at markets and fairs and will feature artist booths, shared studio space and a workshop area for classes. As a cooperative business model, Block Party members will work together at the store, providing an intimate and innovative experience for shoppers. Block Party Handmade Boutique is scheduled to open April 5, 2013.

{Image Credit: Gritty Pearl}

The official grand opening of South Fourth Street will be on April 15, with a ribbon cutting by the mayor. From 11-2 there will be an actual block party, complete with live music, involving all of the new retailers on South Fourth Street.

Store Hours: 10am-6pm

http://www.blockpartyhandmade.com

http://www.facebook.com/blockpartyhandmadeboutique

http://twitter.com/BlockPartyHB

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Wear It: Handmade

Don’t look too close at these pictures or you’ll see my goose bumps and extra long arm hairs standing straight up.    It was freezing, but I really wanted to show off this fabulous skeleton cameo necklace by Louisville jewelry artist Under Sixes and I thought you might be able to see it better if it wasn’t hiding beneath a parka and two infinity scarf layers.

I was inspired by Suzanne at Style Files to pull out some stripes this week after she shared them as one of her top 10 wardrobe essentials.  I’m also thinking this Marion polish from Julep should be a wardrobe essential.  What do you think?

(Are you a Julep maven?  You can sign up today and use the code FREEBOX to get your first box free. )

Shirt & Jeans: Target; Cardi: Banana Republic, gifted (i.e. Hand-Me-Down); Earrings: Wisconsin Gift Shop; Necklace: Under Sixes; Leather Cuff: Made by Me; Nail Polish: Julep

I put the how-to for making this leather cuff on the blog last week, but just in case you’d rather win one than make one, I’m giving one away in my awesome sponsor giveaway.  Which you should totally check out.  And enter.

So, who’s ready for spring?

~julee~

 

I post my outfits here to show off my thrifty and handmade wears. Plus, I like cute clothes. I link up each week with What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy, Whatever Whenever Wednesday, Not Dead Yet Style, Real Girl Style, Dress for the Day, Lily Among Thorns and Casual Friday. If you're dropping in today, please say HI! in the comments – I would love to come check out your blog!

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Wear It: Miss Happy Pink

 

Tshirt: Miss Happy Pink; Sweater:  Target; Boots: Rocket Dog, thrifted; Jeans: Jcrew, thrifted; Silver Ring: Old

 

A certain somebody has been battling a certain cold, so when the temps reached a crazy unexpected 70-degrees today, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to dress casual and comfy in my new Miss Happy Pink shirt.  I love all of her screenprints, but I especially love this bicycle built for two.  Doesn’t it just make you want to go somewhere? 

 

~julee~

 

I post my outfits here to show off my thrifty and handmade wears. Plus, I like cute clothes. I link up each week with What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy, Whatever Whenever Wednesday, Not Dead Yet Style, Real Girl Style and Casual Friday. If you're dropping in today, please say HI! in the comments – I would love to come check out your blog!

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Hello, Friday

  

Hello, Friday.  Hello another fun day of crafting on WDRB in the Morning with Craft E Magee.  Hello breaking out into a chorus of Oh My Darling every single time I eat a sweet clementine.  Hello waking up to a little doggie that likes to sleep on my face.  Hello much needed coffee night with Louisville artist Miss Happy Pink.

Hello weekend.  I’m ready, are you?

~julee~

 

Linking up these simple moments with Life Rearranged, Hello Hue, High Five for Friday.

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Party: Monkeys On Ice

I can never resist an opportunity to help a friend plan a sweet birthday party.  This party originally began with a tropical monkey theme, but when the birthday girl wanted to take her friends ice skating, it was only fitting that our swimming monkey turned ice skater instead.  December birthdays typically get lumped into a Christmas theme, but we tried hard to give this party more of a winter wonderland vibe.  You know, a winter wonderland where monkeys are zooming by performing triple axels and other marvelous feats on ice skates. 

We didn’t see the cake before the day of the party, but Lady A Cakes was very enthusiastic about creating an ice skating monkey.  We trusted her, and she absolutely did not disappoint! 

The cupcakes were also made by Lady A Cakes.  The pink and blue snowflakes, hats, and mittens were the perfect adornments to tie the ice skating party theme together. 

We found the perfect ice skating monkey clipart from JW Illustrations on etsy and used the downloadable images throughout the party room.  Here, we’ve used the images on popcorn bags so the girls could have a snack as they took breaks from skating.

We also had a hot cocoa station, and I created the sign using the ice skating monkey clipart.

The  ice skating monkey images and snowflake ornaments were used to create this pennant with the birthday girl’s name.

DIY fleece scarves and gloves were given to each girl to keep warm while ice skating and also for take-home gifts.

I loved this sweet party theme so much!

Happy partying, DIY’ers!

~julee~

 

A special note for my local Louisville readers: This party was held at Alpine Ice Arena, and we can’t say enough good things about the hospitality that we were shown during our time there. Plus, they said we had the best looking party they’ve ever seen, so brownie points and all that.

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Wear It: On Television

Outfit:  Target; Boots:  Thrifted; Necklace: LindsayLou Jewelry; Earrings:  Made by Me

I was shown on TV from the waist up for all of seven minutes last week, and yet I fretted over this outfit for…a longer time than I should probably admit.  I am so loving orange/pumpkin/rust right now and this wool skirt from Target might be my favorite purchase all season.  I’d wear this style of skirt every single day if I could find more that fit just like it.

The handmade portion of my outfit today comes from Louisville jewelry maker LindsayLou Jewelry.  I don’t have very many gold necklaces, so I seem to pull this one out each time I’m not wearing silver.  It’s such a sweet little piece and I love its pop of color.

I’m always looking to add more handmade accessories to my outfits.  Any suggestions for online, etsy, or Louisville jewelry makers to check out?

~julee~

 

I post my outfits here to show off my thrifty and handmade wears. Plus, I like cute clothes. I link up each week with What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy, Whatever Whenever Wednesday, Not Dead Yet Style, Real Girl Style and Casual Friday. If you're dropping in today, please say HI! in the comments – I would love to come check out your blog!

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D.I.Y. Louisville 2nd Annual Ornament Sew-Along

 What do you get when you cross a group of crafty ladies with a stack of felt?

 

A whole family of snowpeople. 

 

And just who are the lovely ladies behind this adorableness?

 

Emily – Em Dash Designs

Karen, Katie, Amanda  – Independent Crafty Ladies

Molly – MoMo’s Creations

Robin – A Sterling Reputation

Patty – All’s Fair in cookies and crafts

Liz – Craft E Magee

Lynn – Good Garbage

Carrie – My Ordinary Fairytale

 

Click on the links to check out what these amazing ladies are doing when they’re not spending the evening with me at the D.I.Y. Louisville meet-ups.  I am so fortunate to be a part of this wonderful group!
 

Have a great weekend DIY’ers!

 

~julee~

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Shop Local: The Hanger

The Hanger is a new boutique in Louisville located in The Highlands, and I recently had the pleasure of stopping into the shop and chatting with owner Amanda Hinds.

The Hanger girls are Amanda and Frances and they specialize in designing and creating custom-fit clothing for women of all shapes and sizes, with a motto of We make clothes in sizes Y-O-U. 

Check out their Facebook Albums for a sample of some of the custom dresses and clothing pieces they make.  I am seriously so in love with so many pieces from their October Lookbook!  I think many women can appreciate wanting to have the perfect dress or pair of pants that is tailor-made to fit the uniqueness of their body.  The Hanger gals are able to create custom stylish pieces for anyone, at affordable prices.

 This Kate dress is one of The Hanger’s most popular designs.  Its beautiful wrap style is flattering on every body shape.

 

The Hanger also sells handmade items from local artists and crafters. I was excited to see Miss Happy Pink’s art and other accessories from D.I.Y. Louisville members for sale in the shop. Amanda and Frances share a vision of creating and supporting handmade in our community.  Handmade supporting handmade – that’s what I love to see. 



You can find more information on custom clothing orders by visiting The Hanger on Facebook.  Liking their page is the best way to stay up to date on sales, promotions, and new merchandise.  The Hanger gift certificates make perfect stocking stuffers.  I know that I’m adding one to my wishlist this year!

Want to see more of what The Hanger gals have to offer?  Check out this video:

Happy handmade shopping, DIY’ers!

 

~julee~

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