As soon as i saw this post I knew I had to repost. I’m not a fan of the real thing (even if my dad used to hunt- sorry dad) stuffed up on your wall but this is one wall deer head I can handle.
Made by a girl is Jennifer Ramos and one of our indie experts. Be sure to check out her blog and the things she recommends which can be found on her expert profile.
I came across this perfect DIY project involving a deer head (not a real one of course, must stay Green). Anyhow, I loved it sooo much I wanted to share it here…in case you’d rather make one, then buy one. I haven’t decided if I will make my plain wooden one into a colorful piece….but it sure does look nice!
Dorm Decor by Theresa Gonzalez & Nicole Smith, makes a perfect gift for anyone who has kids going off to college.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this little guy below:
Deer templates
1 20″ x 30″ piece (3/16″-thick) foam core
1 6″ x 7″ piece (1/2″-thick) foam core
60″ length (30″-wide) wrapping paper
1 6″ x 7″ piece of contrasting paper
Craft knife
Cutting board
Spray adhesive
Picture-frame hanging wire
Awl
For the ENTIRE DIY Project below visit the Chronicle Books blog.
Have Fun!
Love it! Thank you Jennifer for sharing this!
gift girl
…Instead Of A New Outfit, Invest In New Accessories!
Suffering from the winter blues or economy blues? Suffer no more my fashionista recessionista friends! According to this article from Yahoo News, the trend right now isn’t going out and spending a ton of money on an outfit. Instead, women are choosing to accessorize! It’s a more affordable option and it works…in fact, hats have made it big on the runway this year!
In honor of the growing hat trend, I thought I’d share these lovely designs by Etsy seller Retro Repro Handmade:
Turn an old outfit into one that turns heads…by wearing one very stylish hat! To see more or get one custom made for yourself or a friend, visit the Retro Repro Handmade shop now. Because baby, it’s still cold outside…and the economy isn’t looking too hot either.
For more fashion and style inspiration, please visit my blog at www.itsajaimething.com or check out my Wishpot.com lists. Thanks for reading!
-Jaime
This Valentine’s Day…
Photo by Joshua Bobrove Photography (www.joshuabobrove.com)
This Valentine’s Day, rather than focusing on all the chocolates and Hallmark cards, I thought I would share some of my favorite love poems that can be edited and incorporated into vows for those of you who can’t quite find the words. You might just find these in a Hallmark card today, but in the meantime, we’re bringing you the love for free.
Dear, I to thee this diamond commend by Sir John Harrington
Dear, I to thee this diamond commend,
In which a model of thyself I send.
How just unto thy joints this circlet sitteth,
So just thy face and shape my fancy fitteth.
The touch will try this ring of purest gold,
My touch tries thee, as pure though softer mold.
That metal precious is, the stone is true,
As true, and then how much more precious you.
The gem is clear, and hath nor needs no foil,
Thy face, nay more, thy fame is free from soil.
You’ll deem this dear, because from me you have it,
I deem your faith more dear, because you gave it.
This pointed diamond cuts glass and steel,
Your love’s like force in my firm heart I feel.
But this, as all things else, time wastes with wearing,
Where you my jewels multiply with bearing.
Photo by Robert Evans Studios (www.robertevans.com)
One day I wrote her name upon the strand by Edmund Spenser
One day I wrote her name upon the strand,
But came the waves and washed it away:
Again I wrote it with a second hand,
But came the tide, and made my pains his prey.
Vain man, said she, that dost in vain assay
A mortal thing so to immortalize!
For I myself shall like to this decay,
And eek my name be wiped out likewise.
Not so (quoth I), let baser things devise
To die in dust, but you shall live by fame:
My verse your virtues rare shall eternize,
And in the heavens write your glorious name;
Where, whenas death shall all the world subdue,
Our love shall live, and later life renew.
Photo by Joshua Bobrove Photography (www.joshuabobrove.com)
How Do I Love Thee by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, — I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! — and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
Photo by Joshua Bobrove Photography (www.joshuabobrove.com)
If sonnets and love poems are a bit too romantic for your beau, consider words of love by some of the most cherished song writers of our time.
I Fall in Love with You Everyday by Frank Sinatra
I fall in love with you every day, the thrill is always new every day,
The sun may shine, the rain may fall, and icy winds may blow,
You smile at me, and all I see are blossoms in the snow.
I thank my lucky star every day, that you are as you are every day.
The years may come, the years may go, if we’re still here, I’ll say
I fall in love with you every day.
Photo by Robert Evans Studios (www.robertevans.com)
Come Away With Me by Nora Jones
I want to walk with you
On a cloudy day
In fields where the yellow grass grows
knee-high
So wont you try to come
Come away with me and we’ll kiss
On a mountaintop
Come away with me
And i’ll never stop loving you
And I want to wake up with the rain
Falling on a tin roof
While I’m safe there in your arms
So all I ask is for you
To come away with me in the night
Come away with me
Photo by Robert Evans Studios (www.robertevans.com)
Into the Mystic by Van Morrison
"We were born before the wind
Also younger than the sun
Ere the bonnie boat was won as we sailed into the mystic
Hark, now hear the sailors cry
Smell the sea and feel the sky
Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic"
Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy Hallmark holiday!
Thanks Harmony. Be sure to check out Bridal Bar! Beautiful! and inspiring. I love poetry. Anyone else have a weakness for words?
One of my favorites Rumi
The minute I heard my first love story,
I started looking for you, not knowing
how blind that was.
Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere,
they’re in each other all along.
Translator: Coleman Barks
Happy Heart Day xo
gift girl
Meet Debbie from Soapylove one of our experts and a woman who knows her soap!
When my grandma made soap she used drippings collected from many pork chop dinners and bacon breakfasts. The soap was very useful but not very pretty. She would be very surprised to see how sophisticated soapmaking has become, but I think the choices would also make her head spin.
So how does a newbie to the handmade soap world choose one to try? Let me help by creating a few personality types. I’m sure there’s one that will suit every shower lover.
The minimalist: Hold onto your hats, I have the ultimate soap for you. It’s called Castille Soap, and it’s made of 100% olive oil which is very luxurious and as pure as it gets. Erin of Naiad Soap Arts makes a beautiful unscented bar made from locally grown olives. You can also find scented varieties for when you’re feeling a little daring! $6 per bar.
The eco-warrior: Many soapmakers have taken a utilitarian craft to a high art with very selective ingredients and a focus on organic and fair trade oils. NaKee Naturals offers the Lavender Mint Bar which is not only beneficial to your skin but also has aromatherapeutic qualities. Contains pure essential oils of peppermint and spearmint. $5.50 per bar.
The beauty diva: If you’re going to clean your face and body, you might as well improve your skin while you’re at it! Many soap makers focus on wonderful ingredients designed specifically for different skin types. From clays to butters, salts to essential oils, you will find something perfect for you. TilVee is all about this. They have soaps for the face, body, and many more products that make clean up time a spa experience! Try their Antioxidant Bar with Rooibos and Pomegranate infusions, great for all skin types. Only $7.19 per bar for the month of February.
The kid at heart: Do you like to walk on the lighter side? Want a little funky in your daily ritual? Soap doesn’t need to be serious to be great! Check out these adorable and deliciously scented Soapsicles from my indie business, Soapylove. They’re a fun gift for a friend, or a great bribe for a child! Each handmade Soapsicle is $8 per bar at soapylove
The prankster: You might be amazed by the world of soapy possibilities, and truly there is something for everyone. If flowery fragrances aren’t your speed, rich oils aren’t your style, and soapsicles are just too girly, you might need a soap pickle instead. For all of your completely offbeat soapy needs, check out Molly Coddle Soaps! Dill scented pickle soap only $3.75 each. /
For more amazing soapmakers, check out www.etsy.com and www.indiebeauty.com, and feel great about supporting small indie business owners. It’s a good thing!
Soapylove turns 3 this month! Happy Birthday!
gift girl
