DIY Inspiration: Fun with pom-poms

A note to newer readers (runners): les plus beauxx started as a craft blog. I lost my crafty way when my full time job became more creative and I didn't need an artsy outlet. While I'm not quite ready to get back to it, I've been hoarding a lot of DIY links to share here. 

Today, I give you easy crafts using pom-poms. Some of the following are step-by-step tutorials, but a few are links to completed projects that can serve as DIY inspiration.

Around the Web

1. Pom-pom wreath via sewyeah
2. Pom-pom and bells garland via sewyeah
3. DIY pom-pom rug via say yes 
4. Inspiration for yarn pom-pom flowers via Aesthetic Nest
5. My preferred tutorial for how to make pom-poms via Domestifluff

My own example

Crafting pom-poms provides fantastic stress relief (or at least something to do with your hands while watching Netflix). You can buy a pom maker, but when I borrowed one from my friend I found that I preferred making them following the tutorial in #5 above. 

From our wedding.

I basically ripped off example 4 for our wedding table decorations. We had clear glass wine bottles and I attached my poms to long sticks from our backyard. It was great to have table decorations sorted months before the wedding AND not have to spend extra money on more floral arrangements. Some folks took their centerpieces home, but the rest live in a mason jar on our dining room table as an impromptu floral arrangement that never needs watering.  

Friday Five: I illustrated a book!

Welcome to another Friday Five with Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia! Since this week is a Free Friday so I thought I'd talk about something a bit different: illustrating a children's book! 

Background 
The short chapter book (ages 6-11) is titled Princess Bella and the Dragon's Charm and it was written by Pete Planisek. He's written other short stories and novels – including a Frankenstein series– so a kid's books was a bit of a departure from his normal, gothic fare. I came on board after he'd tried out a few other illustrators. I used to draw all the time for work [portfolio sample], but nowadays I do more analytical documentation, so it was good to get back to artsy stuff.

Fancy author photo

Learning Experiences
Content Creation:
When we began working together I was traveling a lot for work and had freelance clients. It was tough to find time for drawing. Additionally, I truly believe in the phrase "if you don't use it, you lose it." My drawing skills had all but vanished in the years my job took a turn from art to planning. After several months of very little progress I finally hit my stride. We're going to work on a second children's book and I think it will be a smoother process (on my end) and I will produce better and more engaging art.

Chapter 4 evolution: version 1 vs. version 4 (click to enlarge)

Some promotional bookmarks

Layout + eBook:
For now, the book is an eBook. Pete is looking to publish physical copies as early as fall. Physical copies will allow library and classroom purchasing, giveaways, and lead to more in-store events. I'm looking forward to a physical book so we have more control over the layout. One thing about eBooks: you have to be very flexible with the layout to allow for different fonts, font sizes, and even page color. I did not lay out the eBook version, so I don't have any tips or tricks, but I am looking forward to seeing how the physical copy layout progresses. I have an InDesign file of how I want it to look, but we'll see what's truly possible! (I will post an update when physical copies are available.)

Release Party
On April 14 we had a book release at Barnes and Noble. Pete talked about his process and how this book differs from his others, while I gave a little insight into illustration (3:45). By the way, Pete broke his foot just before the release!

Freebies
We're in the process of creating an activity bundle to go along with Princess Bella and the Dragon's Charm. In the meantime, we have a few coloring pages and mazes for download.

Download PDF

Buying the (e)Book
The eBook is available for purchase on Amazon | Barnes and Noble | eJunkie
For more information, visit Enceladus Literary.

DIY Inspiration: 8 Paper Punch Projects

A note to newer readers (runners): les plus beauxx started as a craft blog. I lost my crafty way when my full time job became more creative and I didn't need an artsy outlet. While I'm not quite ready to get back to it, I've been hoarding a lot of DIY links and future projects. Throughout 2016 I intend to post a few of these inspirational round-ups. Let's get started.


Today, I give you easy crafts using hole punches. Some of the following are step-by-step tutorials, but a few are links to completed projects that can serve as DIY inspiration.

Around the web

1. Paper punch heart garland via DIY Crafty Projects 
2. Circle punch art via You Are My Fave
3. Heart confetti made from a romantic novel via Etsy seller ddeforest
4. Washi tape stickers via rangirangi
5. Valentine's card using flower punch via me
6. Hexagon bling art via Tara Dennis 
7. Painted circles wall art via Pretty Designs

My own examples

I wish I had better photos, but I've made several circle punch garlands for my wedding and parties. I used a large circle punch for the main circle and added two small holes on opposite sides of the circle. I then used fishing line to string my circles and create the garland. For my wedding strands I added a bead at the end to weigh them down. Here's a great tutorial from Splendry. 

Left: our wedding tent, Right: Halloween

I highly recommend paper punch projects. Not only are they foolproof, but they are mildly therapeutic and can dress up any space or party.  

Friday Five: DIY Halloween costumes

I'm linking up with Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney for another Friday Five. This week's theme is Free Friday, so I thought I'd share some last minute costumes I've made over the years. 

Every costume was made the day of and I've ranked them from "very easy" to "a bit of work"

VERY EASY: Skeleton
What you need: Black and white face paint. I had a skeleton tank top, but it's not necessary.
Potential con: A group of us went as skeletons. Even though it was Halloween, ICP was in town and people mistook us for juggalos.

PRETTY EASY: Harry Potter character
What you need: a white button down shirt, dress pants/skirt, and potentially a sweater. Bonus points for a wand (stick), something featuring house colors (a tie or scarf), and the appropriate color and texture of hair (in my case bushy and brown for Hermione, in Tricia's case red and sleek for Ginny).

RELATIVELY EASY, BUT MAYBE OUTDATED: Ke$ha  
What you need: fishnet tights, layers of clothing, lots of jewelry, glitter, blue lipstick, and a wig. Write PARTY on your arm for maximum effect. Unfortunately, my good wig didn't get delivered on time so I had to settle for a crappy Halloween store wig.

NOT MUCH WORK: A unicorn
What you need: The worst part of this costume is gathering supplies. You'll need a cool cosplay wig (or not), leotard, tights, tulle for around your wrists and ankles, and some paper to make a horn. I put it all together in 30 minutes or so, but it took some preparation because I ordered everything off of Amazon.

A BIT OF WORK: A bird
What you need: I followed this tutorial for the dress and this for the mask. It only took me a few hours, but it was definitely more labor intensive than the costumes above. Alex went as a bird watcher, which was much easier to put together.

What are you going to be this year?

Tutorial: The easiest holiday bunting...ever.

The spooky photo I posted on Instagram. 

Another DIY post in less than six months!! This time it's crafty.

I made this bunting as a way to use items I had on hand and to provide a little handmade flair for our upcoming Halloween party. I posted the result on a few social media sites and someone asked how I did it. It's so simple and a great project to work on while marathoning a show (I watched The Walking Dead).

Materials:

• scissors 
• stapler
• paper
• twine / yarn / string 

Step 1: Fold one sheet of paper in half (hot dog style)

You can also fold it into fourths to cut the shapes more quickly, but for most of my pennants I folded the paper in half. 

Step 2: Cut triangle or a notched banner shape

Remember to cut the sides that aren't folded. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for a variety of paper.

Steps 1 and 2

Steps 3 and 4

Step 3: Wrap paper pennant around your string and staple in place 

You could use glue, tape, or even sew the segments together, but stapling was the fastest method I could think of. Be sure to alternate colors and patterns as you assemble the bunting. 

Step 4: Tie off the ends with a simple slip knot

The knot creates a hanger for your bunting and will keep your pennants in place. 

Now it's time to enjoy your holiday bunting! The project took me about 20 or so minutes from start to finish. Unfortunately, I don't know where I'm going to hang it yet so this mirror is the temporary location.

I'll probably make a few more near Christmas. Anything to use up my overflowing shelf of craft supplies!

Jewelry Organization: A Work in Progress

I've finally sorted through most of my jewelry and made a display using items I've collected over the years.

I'm not going to lie. It doesn't look great. I think the people on Pinterest must have all matching jewelry. This looks like slightly ordered chaos to me. But it is functional and I think it will get better as I edit my collection. It's nice to have everything visible in one place (though I seem to be missing a few items...).

My two trees came from West Elm and Urban Outfitters. This little guy is great, but the tall one (top photo, left) is driving me nuts. It looks crowded. 

This tray is from West Elm and was a gift. I think it'll catch my every day earrings because there's no way I'll put them back on the fox all the time. That's another thing, what do Pinterest people do with stud earrings? Is that where the egg holders and ice cube trays come into play? 

The fox (Urban Outfitters) is cute, but it's kind of a pain to take the backs off the earrings, position them on the fox, and then affix the back. I don't see that being a viable solution for earrings I wear all the time. I've had it for a year and never replaced worn earrings. Maybe I'll fill this with special occasion earrings. (This is where my missing jewelry will go. I'm guessing it's all in a travel bag.)

Necklace and dangly earring storage is fine. We got this frame with chicken wire from our wedding florist and used it on the guestbook table. It's been lying around for a few months and finally has a home. I used mini craft clothespins to hang the necklaces. They can't handle a ton of necklaces so I would not recommend buying them for a project like this.

And finally, my rings and decorative pins are in a Kate Spade Saturday mug. The handle broke off during shipment and I was too lazy to return. I figured Alex could use it for a plant, but this is better. :)

Once I get everything into place I will revisit this display in a few months. I made a huge donation pile while preparing this and I feel so much better. I had necklaces and rings from middle school!

You can find several jewelry storage ideas on my Organization Pinterest board.

Pinterest Projects

Pinterest is great. I find a lot of stuff on there: gift ideas (for myself), outfit ideas, and some DIY inspiration. This year, I completed a few of my bookmarked projects. Here are three highlights:

(I apologize. Most of these photos are from my phone in poor lighting.)

Bookshelf to "Bar"

Pinterest link via Apartment Therapy

We have SO MUCH glassware. This is just the stuff that can't fit in the cupboards, on top of the cupboards, or in the hutch. It's ridiculous. Anyway, we also have about 2 bottles of liquor and a few fancy bottles of wine. (The other bottles never make it into the dining room because we drink them immediately.) I had an old Sauder bookshelf from my high school bedroom that was in decent shape. I thought this would be a nice corner filler in the dining room. I like the idea of installing bottle and glass holders, but I'm not sure this bookcase is sturdy enough. 

Bird Costume

Pinterest Link via A Beautiful Mess

Bird Mask

Video Tutorial

Ok, this one's kind of a lie. I actually subscribe to A Beautiful Mess, saw this there, THEN pinned it. But, whatever. 

This year, I had the itch to make a costume. I am really trying to use up my craft supplies. I have way too many. I made it the day of a friend's Halloween party, so it didn't take long. Instead of using a pillowcase, I cut out fabric a few inches wider than a favorite dress. It still fit wide/large like a pillowcase, but there was a little more shape to it. I forgot that my mom and I had swapped sewing machines and that my new Bernina is AMAZING. (I was using an in-table Singer from the 60s.) 

After the costume was complete, I had time to make a mask. I googled "make bird mask" and that video was one of the first results. If you watch it, you can tell I didn't stray much... Our friend had a black light in one room and the mask looked awesome. 

Alex went as a bird watcher. The day before the party I printed out several pages from Sibly's bird guide to make him a little booklet. I find it amusing that we took my nice camera as a prop for his costume, but didn't take a single photo... 

Chocolate dipped candy canes / pretzels 

Pinterest Link 

Tonight is my office Christmas party (way more fun than parties for other offices). This was super easy. A few of the candy canes broke while unwrapping, so I mashed them up to sprinkle on the white chocolate pretzel sticks. I have no idea what these taste like yet, but I imagine they'll be good. Made these to go along with some crockpot hot chocolate (which I will be making in about 3 hours...) 

Follow my Pinterest.

Craft table shots

Last week's craft fair was a mild success. I made enough to pay for the table, but not much more. It was a first time event and we were warned of a potentially bad turnout beforehand. Foot traffic was higher than expected, but it felt like no one was buying. If my friends hadn't come, I may have only made $20!   Talked to a few other girls that didn't make any sales. Pretty crazy because their items were gorgeous AND fairly priced.

Craft fairs are tough for me because I get so antsy sitting around waiting. Luckily, the people that did stop by were fun to talk to.

I have my normal November event, but I'm still trying to decide if I'll sign up for anything else.... I'm glad this isn't my day job.

Craft fair preparation

Made a few things this weekend... Getting back into making things is nice. Hoping to create things that are a bit more unique this week. We'll see...

Headbands - simple ribbon + elastic. Probably going to be about $1 each.

Clay thingies. Eventually these will be magnets. Closer to the holidays I will also make ornaments. After they dry, I will add some flair by doodling on them. See this Creature Comforts tutorial for inspiration. My advice: get cookie cutters. I will be buying a ton of awesome shapes in the months to come. 

Assorted ribbons, bows, flowers. I made up a few new felt flowers this time. Read some tutorials via Pinterest and adapted them to my needs. There are a lot of nifty tricks out there. I'm not sure these will appeal to anyone, but they are fun to make. 

I don't know what to expect with this craft fair since it's a first time event. If all else fails, I'm building my skill set and Etsy inventory and I'll be ready to rock my normal November show. 

Free printable 2012 Calendar

Hello again!

A few weeks ago, in preparation for a craft fair, I quickly designed a one sheet 2012 calendar. Because I'm done with fairs for the year and because it's cost prohibitive for me to buy tubes to ship the calendar (via my Etsy store), I've decided to post it here for free!

(click the image above or the download link below)

Things to note:

• size: 11" x 17"
• (You can print this to an 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper, but it's hard to read the labels for the days of the week.)  
• file type: PDF
• Print at home, Kinkos, Staples, etc. 
• FREE!
• Download now *Now that it's post-2012, the link is dead.*

The illustration at the top of the calendar is also available as a print.

Happy Holidays!

holiday time is upon us

Hola! Two weeks ago I went to Molokai, Hawaii (trying to cross all the states off my list. Plus, I got an amazing deal on hotel and airfare). It was fabulous. I'll post photos.

In the meantime, I spent a few hours yesterday photographing and listing items in my Etsy store. I generally don't like mentioning the shop on here (because it feels like schmoozing and self-promotion, which I detest), but I thought I'd better since it seems as though I haven't been doing much of anything according to my posts!

Take a look. I listed scarves, prints, and earrings.

If you're looking at anything and want it in time for Christmas, any order received by December 15 should make it in time. Shipping is listed for US and Canada only, but if you're from another country just send me a message on Etsy and I can get you a quote on shipping and create a custom listing. :)

Thanks for listening... now back to my regular posts...

stuff i've made: earrings

Do you remember the paperclip earring DIY from a few months ago?

Well, last week while watching Terra Nova (which I give a "meh... we'll see") I made a few pairs. I did not use any adhesive, but I'm thinking I'll need to finish them off with some type of spray glue. I wore a pair last week and they seemed to hold up, but you never know...

I modified the original instructions to suit my purposed and, overall, I think they turned out pretty well.

Here's a crappy photo from my phone.

I'm hoping to get more crafty over this next month. Cold weather seems to motivate me. We'll see!

I drew a mermaid

I have 7 billion photos of bloggy stuff living on 3 cameras, but I've been too busy to pull them off and post. In the meantime, here's a mermaid I (quickly) drew the other day.

I should probably add details, but I'm not sure what... Ideas? I also wish blogger didn't compress images! You can click the picture to see it at a higher resolution.

Stuff I've made: people at work

Generally, I don't share things I make at work. Mainly because I'm not sure if I'm allowed (by the client, not by my office).

This year I've been working on a really fun kid's site and got to make and avatar builder. Phase 1 of the project is complete, so I made avatars of the folks in my office with their help: they chose most of their assets and I added facial hair, glasses, and other distinguishing features. I've whited out names to protect their identities. ;)

(Click the image to enlarge.)

In case you're wondering, I'm the second from the left.

New layout!

les plus beauxx recently received a makeover! It's gone from wooden wonderland to yellow and gray simplicity.

This is how it used to look

In an effort to keep my shop, blog, and tumblr all together I created a pretty basic frame and header. For the blog, this means I get to post larger images. That's about the only difference, besides the fact that you can navigate between les plus beauxx lands.

Now it looks like this!

The layout's been active for a week or two now, so I figured I might as well mention it to those of you reading through blog feeds. Additionally, I just got around to testing in IE and had to fix a few things... ;) Let me know if you see any bugs. So far, things seem okay!

#2: I finally have an Etsy

So, since the past few months of craft + sell went pretty well I've finally set up an etsy and a web domain. Eventually this blog will move to lesplusbeauxx.com, but one thing at a time.

Here's a little gallery view of what's in the shop:

Unless I make something SUPER cool, I probably won't talk about the shop too much on here.

#1: A quick peak at my booth

Here's a little peak at my booth during the Pickerington Antiques and Craft Fair (grainy because it's from my phone). The event went really well. I sold a lot and met some great people. I will definitely be returning next year (assuming I'm invited). 

This was my last event of the season. I think... Is there a Grandview Hop in November? The October one didn't work out too well. Well, anyway, assuming this is the last event, I will be updating this blog more often. I think it's almost time for a Christmas DIY round up! 

Stuff I've made: coming up...

This month I made a huge batch of earrings for the Grandview Hop (and one special customer!). I normally make earrings out of found objects (meaning from my Grandma's stash) or buttons. And before anyone gets snooty about me NOT creating some of these out of clay or something equally fancy, just remember I sell them for $2-4.;)

I've also been making friendship necklaces and stationary. The next Hop is this Saturday so I've got some more crafting to do. I've also got two more custom orders to create!

I'll be back to normal posting soon...

Stuff I've made: catching up (again)

I made some more pins right before last month's Grandview Hop. These were taken with my old camera and I've got to say what a difference the SLR makes! I'll have to take some fancy craft shots some time.

Anyway, here are the pins. Mainly felt with some beads.

I feel like no one ever shows the back of their stuff. That's my biggest gripe with Etsy postings. I HAVE to see the back. I need to know if there's goopy glue or a loosely applied pinback. I'm not an accurate machine, but I try to keep the hardware secure and decent looking. I wonder what the professional crafters do.

Here is my stunningly arranged display of pins... on a pillow... on the recliner. Ooooh.