YOU'RE INVITED : Our D.I.Y. Wedding Invitations

Mr. + I fell in love through postcards, so using vintage postcards for our wedding invitations was an obvious choice.

Mr and I began our relationship long-distance. He was touring and I missed him so, occasionally a post card would find itself into my mailbox. Each one so perfectly jam-packed that it would've been simply impossible to fit another word onto it. These were the moments we were falling in love.
Once engaged, we sought high and low to find enough postcards to invite all of our loved ones on. Each card was handpicked, and ooh'd and awe'd over before we decided to purchase them. Nothing is more wonderful than when work becomes play. We gathered 200x postcards and chose to stamp our information on the backside. We purchased d.i.y. stamps at Staples, and built our own message to press in to each card.

 

We are thrilled with how they've turned out. Each one is unique, and no matter how silly or goofy or pretty, each one was handmade with love. We can't wait to mail them out this week!

DIY Basket Bag

This week I took on the challenge of creating a chic DIY. I've been seeing basket bags around in all the coolest boutiques in Portland, however the price tags keep me from purchasing one of my own. Using this DIY, you can convert practically any straw satchel into a unique, bohemian, chic basket bag of your own.

Things You'll Need:
1 woven/straw/hemp bag. 2 gatherings of embroidery thread. various scraps of leather from an old jacket, belt, or a scrap store. upholstery needle. spray paint. a little imagination.
I began by cutting the handle off my straw satchel and shook all the excess trimmings loose. Then, I cut a long leather strip from my scrap leather collection that would become the new opening band on my bag. It was about 2 feet long by 3 inches wide. Using my upholstery thread and needle, I folded the leather strip over the exposed opening and began to make a simple stitch around the raw leather edges. Each stitch connected the leather to the outside and inside of my bag. Once the leather band was secured around the opening, I tied off the thread and trimmed the excess for a clean finish.
Next, I cut two similar pieces of leather for my strap. Each strap was 2.5 feet in length and 3/4 of an inch in width. I secured each leather strap the the outside of my bag using different wrapping techniques for a bohemian vibe.
Lastly, I laid my bag out atop some butcher paper and marked off a large stripe that I would spray paint with my caramel color. After my template was secured, I sprayed one side and after letting it dry for 15 minutes, I sprayed the other side. Once both sides dried completely, I used a rag to rough up the painted portion of the bag, making it appear comfortably used. The end result turned out better than I'd expected, and I cannot wait to use it!

Try this one out on your own and feel free to ask me any questions along the way by posting a comment below! Happy crafting!

Homemade Sweet Granola DIY

I love starting my day right with a healthy breakfast, and with all the amazing fruits and berries in season, I decided to make a homemade sweet granola with dried fruit! Here is a fun DIY for your summer days. It's the perfect balance of ease, health and sweetness to jumpstart your morning.

Ingredients:
3 Cups rolled oats
1 Cup brown sugar
1/2 Cup shredded coconut
1/4 Cup maple syrup
1/4 Cup vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 Cup dried fruit or berries of choice (handmade or store bought)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 250 degrees (f). In a large bowl combine oats, coconut and brown sugar. In a separate small bowl mix salt, vegetable oil, and maple syrup till cloudy. Next pour the vegetable oil mixture into your large bowl of oats and toss till all oats have been slightly dampened by the oil mixture (i used my hands for this part, it was much easier than a spatula or spoon). Pour your oats into a sheet pan and cook for 1 Hour. After baking, remove granola chunks and loose oats and pour into a bowl with your dried fruit of choice. Stir together with a spoon and serve.
I used apples, rhubarb and strawberries from the Saturday street market in Portland, and dried them especially for my granola. Combined with some almond milk, this is my new favorite snack!!

DIY for Two

DIY nights with my Mr. are the best. Recently, we made at home stencils, his was an Indian chief and mine was a little fawn... I haven't had so much fun in a while. They turned out pretty great too!

Beach Bombshell Makeup DIY

It's time for a new summer look, and no time like the present to stock up on the latest and greatest makeup products of the season. With most of us on the go all summer long, our makeup needs to be compact, simple to apply, and neutral with a dash of drama for day to night looks. Here's one gorgeous makeup look that will have the boys doing double takes!

Instead of covering every single imperfection in your skin with a heavy foundation, switch to a light tinted moisturizer, and apply all over the face. Lip stain will save your life with only one or two applications each day to the lips and cheeks. A luminescent lotion can be used on the bridge of the nose, chin and temples for a healthy sun-kissed glow. A simple two color eye lid with a neutral highlighter for under your brows and a sexy bronze shimmer for a subtle smokey eye, using full puffy brushes (perfect for blending). Add some brown or bronze eyeliner along the top lash line and bottom corners, curl your lashes and add mascara - You've got the perfect face for day or night, and everything in between

Products I Used:
-Aveeno Tinted Moisturizer : Let your skin breathe and your freckles show.
-Benefit Pocket-Pal Duo Stain Kit : A dual sided lip stain/lip gloss, perfect for cheeks and lips!
-MAC Eye Shadow in SHROOM(satin) and SABLE(frost) : Subtle and sexy color duo, play time!
-Chanel Brush #'s 12 and 3: Fluffy brushes for flawless application!!
-Covergirl LashBlastLength : The perfect, affordable mascara with longest lash results.
-Covergirl Perfect Lashes Eyelash Curler : A MUST.
-Almay Brown/Bronze Eyeliner Pencil : Easy application and the perfect metallic hue!

Northwest Terrarium DIY

I built my own terrarium this week. Originally I went to go buy a terrarium but the cute terrarium shop down the street was closed so I was forced to make my own for the studio. After getting my hands dirty and putting together a little plant world of my own, I realized it's way more worth it to make one by hand, rather than purchasing one. Take 10 minutes and do the same.. here's how:
{NOTE: There are many different kinds of terrariums you can create, each with it's own specific climate. I chose a northwest themed terrarium: for low light/shade and light watering needs.}
1) Bedding:
Terrariums need a bed that will collect and reserve water inside the container without causing water build up and rotting roots. You can use charcoal, rocks, moss and sand for this.
2) Soil:
A fresh, healthy topsoil will be best to plant your plants into. Make sure that the soil is packed firmly on top of your bedding choice. Soil will settle with time and you want your plants to be secured.
3) Plants:
Choose a variety of plants to fill your terrarium. Many different styles of plants placed tightly together look very unique and intriguing. Make sure your plants vary in height and color as well.
4) Accessorize:
Using crystals, stones, sticks, statues or figurines is a great way to polish off your terrarium. It adds individuality and expression to your space.
The end result was, without question my favorite terrarium and I was able to use a large vase that never gets too much use. Make one for your desk at work, your studio, your living room or even the bathroom.

Showstopper : Ballet Inspired Hair Tutorials

I went to the ballet this weekend and was inspired by the gorgeous dancers. I loved the simple beauty of their pulled back hair and wanted to try my own variations. Below are four chic updo's and instructions on how to do them yourself. Not only are they great for Spring but also the perfect dirty-hair day hairdo's.
Look 1 -
This look is achieved by creating an exaggerated side part and twisting the hair around the front of your head and pinning right behind your ears, almost like a headband. Pull all remaining hair back into a low ponytail and twist up into a bun. Secure with bobby pins
Look 2 -
The second look is created the same way as look 1, but instead of a tight bun, backcomb your ponytail and loosely pin up hair into a messy bun.
Look 3 -
Achieve this look by wetting hair and pulling back into a high ponytail. Twist ponytail into a firm bun and pin into place. Add a touch of whimsy by letting your fly-aways fall naturally.
Look 4 -
Once look 3 has dried, unpin your high bun and use fingers to separate the spiral ponytail curl to add bounce.

Distressed Denim Vest DIY

I love the authenticity of vintage denim. The wear and tear over the years gives the denim a sort of personality. With summer around the corner and denim on everyone's mind, this is a great piece to own and an easy DIY.To start, you'll need scissors, sandpaper and an old denim jacket, easily found at any thrift store. Begin by cutting the sleeves off of your jacket as close to the shoulder seams as possible. Next, fray sleeve openings using bare edge of your scissors or sandpaper. Add additional wear to seams, pockets, collar and any other edges you'd like by using a coarse sandpaper. (Additional wear can be achieved by using small, controlled bleaching, which I opted not to do.) This is a great DIY for guys too!

Rodarte Inspried Spring Hair

I've fallen under the spell of Rodarte's Spring 2011 collection. The whimsy yet futuristic structure and ease are so alluring! While the clothes may be out of my budget, the accessories and hairstyles can be easily replicated. (*I made a video blog but it turned out terribly... let me just talk you through this..)
Before we begin, you'll need the following: Flat iron set to medium heat, 2 bobby pins or 1 barrette, comb, hairspray or finishing spray, 5 minutes.
Start by using your fingers to create an imperfect exaggerated side part. Backcomb both sides of your part towards the front of your face, so that it appears full and frames nicely. Spray into place. Use flat iron to make hair more textured. Add in some waves and texture, spray to hold. Next, pin exaggerated bangs and combed over hair on one side of your head... use a barrette if you have one too! See the video below featuring Elle Fanning : Rodarte's Muse. See the hairstyle in action, and fall in love with this magical collection.

Elle Fanning: Rodarte's Muse on Nowness.com. (images above via Style.com + Jazzy McG)

Dark + Dewy Makeup DIY

I love my purple lipcolor from MAC so much that I wanted to encourage you all to try it yourselves. How can I do this without showing you a tutorial that is fail-proof and downright lovely! With four simple products, you can create a beautiful soft, supple + dewy romantic look with a sexy bold lip, wearable for day or night!
Products I used: MAC Lipcolor in Cyber A80, Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30 in Fair-Light, MAC Matte Eye Shadow in Copperplate, Arbonne Sheer Glow Highlighter.