Category Archives: Crafts & How-Tos

The Ultimate Gift Guide for Teenage Girls

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I make no secret of the fact that, in general, teenagers scare me. They’re usually loud, obnoxious, and rude. THEY DON’T ANSWER TO ANYONE, YOU GUYS.

But seriously. I avoid most of them.

There are, however, exceptions to the rule. One of my favorite exceptions? My adorable niece Cameron.

Cams is 14, but still sweet, smart, and friendly — not to mention incredibly polite. (She’ll write a thank-you note that can break your heart.)

And she has a really big event coming up that I wanted to send her a present for. But when I went to buy something, I found myself a little stumped. I mean, my other nieces and nephews are pretty easy — the infant-to-six crowd is not hard to please. But a 14-year-old that I don’t hang out with nearly as often as I’d like? That’s a little tougher.

I finally found what I think is the perfect gift, but it occurred to me that I might not be the only one who struggles with buying for the tween/teen crowd. (I mean, sure, we all know they probably just want money, but I like to put a bit more effort into gifts.) So I put together a little gift guide to get you inspired.

And, yes, Cameron’s real gift is on here. But I’m not telling which one!

Gift Guide for Teenage Girls

J Crew knit top
jcrew.com

Juicy Couture yellow gold bracelet
$81 - vanmildert.com

Kate spade
katespade.com

Essie nail polish
discountbeautycenter.com

 

What do you think? It also occurred to me that I would happily accept any of these gifts. So…I’m a teen girl. I can deal with that.

Hope everyone enjoys their time off of work and school!

How to: Apply a Bold Red Lip

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I’ve mentioned a few times how I was just not a girlie-girl growing up. With three older brothers, all I wanted to do was play sports (I know, it’s hilarious if you know me know), wear my hair in a ponytail, and never put on makeup EVER.

Suffice to say, times have changed.

Nowadays, I think you could say that I’m downright girlie. I mean, sure, I still love hanging out in sweatpants, I actually enjoy watching hockey and football, and I have no qualms about getting dirty when the occasion arises. But I also have no problem glamming it up now again. (And we all know I spend too much time wondering if what I’m doing with my hair is a good decision or not.)

The point is, over the last few months, I’ve been intrigued by a girlie trend (that probably isn’t really a trend because it has been around since makeup was invented): the bold red lip.

It has to be said that I have attempted this look a few times in the past, but I always ended up chickening out of wearing it anywhere besides my bathroom. It always felt too stark. Too bold for my poor little tomboy self.

But, for whatever reason, this week I decided to be demure no more. (At least in terms of my lip color.)

Of course, confidence is only part of carrying off a red lip. Here are my steps for applying the perfect bold lip color without looking like a clown. (Or crazy person.)

How to Apply the Perfect Bold Red Lip

1. You’ve probably heard the advice that you should only highlight one part of your face at a time. If you love a dramatic eye, go neutral on the lip. In the same vein, if you’re going for a bold red lip, a simple black cat eye is all you really need to dress up the rest of your face. I also incorporated my favorite top knot (using my new favorite hair tools).

2. Using a soft toothbrush, I buffed my lips to remove any dry, flaking skin (thanks, cold air) and applied a very light layer of lip balm.

3. Next, liner. I never line my lips normally, but for such a bright color, I figured better safe than sorry. I used a color the exact same shade as my lips to outline my mouth, then filled in my lips a bit for good measure.

4. Color time! I used NARS Pure Matte Lip Color in Vesuvio. I like it because it’s not a pinky red and doesn’t look cheap. Instead of just smearing on the lipstick (especially because I was using a matte shade), I instead dabbed it on a bit at a time until my whole mouth was covered. (Color outside the lines? A quick swipe with a Q-tip can clean up and uneven edges.)

5. To make the color last, next I’ll swipe my finger in some powder and tap it on over the color. Then I’ll reapply the lip color using the same dabbing technique as before.

6. Another light layer of lip balm to keep my lips from feeling tight, and you’re good to go!

And just because gifs are fun, here’s one so you can see the above images in action:

I know, I’m just too much fun.

So there you have it! I’m not sure if this is a look I would wear all the time, but it could be fun for a special occasion now and then.

Do you ever wear red lipstick? Does it freak you out a little? What shade is your favorite?

How to: No-Sew Faux Fur Collar

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A while ago, I shared my goal of making the most of what I have (you know, instead of just buying new things). And while I did allow myself a little shopping spree a few weeks ago, for the most part, I’ve stuck to my goal.

And with all the working-from-home I’ve been doing in the wake of the hurricane, I actually had time to work on a few wardrobe updates that cost me less than a dollar. Read on for details.

First, I had a somewhat unfair advantage in beginning this project because I have access to the Martha Stewart Employee Tag Sale. Sorry I’m not sorry.

The point is, at the sale, I picked up a bunch of fabric remnants, ribbons, and other items for around $13. The materials I used for this project were less than a dollar total. WIN.

Without further ado, here’s my tutorial for creating a DIY Faux Fur Collar.

DIY No-Sew Faux Fur Collar

Materials:
12×12-inch piece of faux fur
12×12-inch piece of backing fabric
Button
Hook
Scissors
Fabric/Craft Glue

1. I started by cutting the faux fur into a semi-circle shape. (Note: One thing I wish I would have done? Used a razor to cut the fur just along the backing material. I cut through the whole piece, fur included, which meant I spent a lot of this project vacuuming up stray pieces of faux hair.)

Also, the below image is when I first cut the fur. I tried the collar on a few times and kept trimming until I got it to a shape that fit my neck.

2. Using the trimmed piece of faux fur as a stencil, cut a piece of the backing fabric into the same shape but slightly smaller.

3. Using the fabric or craft glue, attach the backing fabric to the back of the faux fur.

4. Using books or other heavy objects, weight down the fabric until the glue dries.

5. To create the clasp, I used a small fabric-covered button and a gold lobster claw clasp. I sewed mine on (I know, the name of this tutorial is misleading), but if you really can’t sew a button (first, read this), then you can pin each part in place.

And you’re done!

Pretty cute, huh? And considering the whole project cost less than a dollar, it’s that much sweeter.

(Oh, hey there, bold red lip! Check back on the blog tomorrow for my tips on wearing red lipstick without looking like a clown.)(It has literally taken me over 25 years to figure this out.)

Note: I noticed I had a lot of fabric shedding from the sides of the faux fur piece after I cut it. Based on my Google searching, the only solutions I found for this were a) to be more careful when you first start cutting (d’oh) or to bond the sides with fabric/craft glue. I tried this, but it made the edges a little rough. Anyone know a better way around this?

How to: DIY Candle Holders

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The craftiness continues on the blog today!

Another project I was able to complete was painting a trio of wooden candle holders I picked up at a tag sale at work for about a dollar.

I loved the shape of the candle holders, but the dull color left a lot to be desired. As soon as I saw them on the table at the sale, I imagined them in a glossy white, grabbed a few cans of spray paint in another bin (all priced at a dollar each), and we were in business.

First, I wiped the holders down with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. I would have lightly sanded them, but I didn’t have any sandpaper on hand, and the point of the craft was that it was only costing me two dollars to create.

After wiping them down, I primed the holders with a white spray primer I had on hand.

Already, they looked loads better. After letting the primer dry for around 25 hours, I added a coat of glossy white spray paint. (Tip: Remember to always keep your arm moving when using spray paint to avoid drips or uneven coverage. As I heard one blogger say once, “If the can is spraying, your arm best be swaying.” Dorky, but true.)

I waited another day to give the holders another coat for good measure. Then, they were done!

Much better, right? Now I just need to get some tapered candles, and it will get all kinds of elegant up in here.

(What?)

Anyone else getting crafty lately? There’s just something about this time of year that makes you want to make stuff over, amiright?

How to: Spray Paint Plastic Animals Gold

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I’ve had a lot more time at home this week due to the hurricane. Because of that, I’ve been able to try new recipes and get some serious crafting accomplished.

Side note: I know I keep saying this, but I feel incredibly fortunate that the greatest “misfortunes” we’ve had during the aftermath of the storm is a dent on one of our cars and boredom. It’s the epitome of #firstworldproblems. It’s sort of awkward to maintain a blog that focuses on mostly frivolous things when there are real problems out there. Then again, how self-centered is it to only acknowledge those “real problems” when they’re in my backyard? I guess what I’m saying is, I’m going to keep posting because, hey, maybe we all need a bit of frivolity right now. But I just want everyone to know I’m not sitting in a pile of craft supplies with my eyes closed.

Phewph. That got heavy.

In the name of lightening the mood, I give you a…narwhal-themed craft!

Narwhals have been the unofficial mascot of my blog since I wrote this entirely ridiculous post about them almost exactly two years ago. (OMG, NEW IDEA! Narwhal Day. October 27th on the blog from now until forever. Mark your calendars.)

After I wrote that post, I noticed a bizarre uptick in blog traffic until that post became the single most highly trafficked post on the entire site. This culminated in the post receiving an even weirder number of hits in a single day almost exactly a year ago. (I actually wrote this on Friday, so it was exactly the same day. Spooky.)(That was also the day the narwhal became the official blog mascot.)

The post doesn’t get as much traffic as it used to since I switched to a self-hosted platform (though if I log into the old blog on the WordPress-hosted platform, it’s STILL the only post that gets traffic…people love themselves some narwhals, folks). But the narwhal will always be near and dear to my heart regardless.

It became such a thing for me, that my sister even gave me a narwhal as part of my bridesmaid gift for being in her wedding. (A toy one…but can you imagine if she gave me a REAL narwhal???)

For a long time, he has sat contentedly on my book shelf, guarding my old dictionary and my copy of Jane Austen: The Complete Novels, but lately, I’ve been thinking he could use a bit of pizzazz.

I’ve also become mildly obsessed with the trend of spray painting plastic animals gold for decor. (It’s a real thing, I swear. See here, here, and here for evidence.)

And since I’ve been working from home all week, I’ve actually had time to not only do crafts, but also to take pictures of them in decent light.

I think you can probably guess where I’m going with this.

Without further ado, the easiest craft tutorial ever:

How to Spray Paint Plastic Animals Gold

Materials:
Plastic narwhal (or, I guess, any other plastic animal you might have lying around…)
Spray primer
Gold spray paint
Cardboard or newspaper for a clean surface
Plastic gloves
Mask

1. Start with a clean narwhal on your painting surface. (I used an old piece of cork I had lying around.)

2. In a well-ventilated area, spray with primer. It’s a good idea to use a color lighter than the gold paint. (Note: I skipped the primer on the first go-around and ended up having to wipe off the bubbled gold paint and start over. DON’T SKIP THE PRIMER.) Follow the drying instructions on the primer. (In my case, a few hours was enough to wait.)

3. Also in a well-ventilated area, spray with gold spray paint. I did a couple of coats, and I had to spray the top and bottom separately, so all together it took about 4 spray sessions. (It’s like a really exaggerated spray tan for you animal.) Allow to dry completely (about 24 hours).

That’s it! How does he look, you ask? Check out this handsome little devil:

Pretty cute, huh? I’ve got a sizable crush on him.

I have a few other crafts I was able to get accomplished while being stuck inside after Sandy, so stay tuned all this week for more.

 

How I’m getting through the hurricane.

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So, as you have probably heard (unless you live under a rock), the East Coast is currently making the acquaintance of a little gal named Sandy.

Word to the wise: She’s a bit of a B. Don’t invite her to your parties.

But surviving a hurricane isn’t all bad. Today, pretty much every office in New York was closed. (And even if it wasn’t, the LIRR was shut down, so there was no commuting forthis little lady in the forecast.)

I was able to do a bit of work from home, but for the most part, I used the time to have an ironically Martha Stewart-themed day. Here’s everything I accomplished:

1. Cross-Stitch Family Project

A couple of week ago at the Martha Stewart’s American Made Workshop, I got a cross-stitch kit. Today, I used this tutorial to create this:

Adorbs, right? I’m in love with it.

2. Baked Peanut-Butter Oatmeal Cookies

I used this Martha recipe for the basics, but I subbed the chocolate chips for peanut butter chips (since Joey has that weird thing with chocolate) and added a teaspoon of cinnamon. It has to be said, there’s nothing like freshly baked cookies on a rainy day.

3. Painting Craft

I got this little wooden box at the Martha Stewart Tag Sale last week for like, 10 cents, and I decided to use it to hold all the business cards I get at meetings with potential partners. (Because buying a legit Rolodex just sounds sad.)

I painted the outside with Martha Stewart Chalkboard Paint, and the inside with a pretty periwinkle paint I had leftover from another project. It’s still in process (the power went out briefly and it turns out it’s hard to paint in the dark), but here’s what it looks like thus far:

So…yeah. Like I said, domestic day.

For now, I’m just hoping the power stays on a while longer to help stave off the boredom.

Hope anyone else in the storm is staying safe!