I know that I have been on some what of a blogging hiatus, but honestly- I just haven't been in the mood I have had a few busy, exhausting, stressful days at work, and then (luckily) the weather has been WONDERFUL out when I get off. So I have been lounging in the hammock, and taking the dogs out- just didn't want to be on the computer when I got home. 

BUT, I'm back now! AND I absolutely Love these pictures that Chris took of me a few weeks ago. They remind me of one of the most famous fashion icons from the 60's, Twiggy. He showed me this yellow door that he wanted to shoot on, and we both agreed this dress would look perfect against it. Chris actually bought me this dress as one of my gifts two christmas' ago. 

Outfit Details: 
Dress: Modcloth
shoes: Vintage
Dot-tights: Urban Outfitters 

xoxo,
Court

Here are a few pictures of what I wore today as Chris and I ventured out of the house, into public for the first time in a day in a half. Which actually seemed much longer, when your "trapped by snow". Hah. 

I am SO excited for valentines day- so, today I really dressed the part. Tomorrow I plan on having a SUPER girly day- as it is a student/teacher holiday, so I will have the day off. I'm thinking, mani pedi in the morning, shopping and make up in the afternoon, and lunch somewhere lovely! 

Today Chris and I grabbed coffee and then went to Bantam Pub for cocktails! Outfit details below.

Jacket: Gap
Sweater: Target spring '12
Under Shirt/Collar: Vintage-Lucky Exchange 
Heart brooch: Vintage- gift
Sunglasses: Clothing Warehouse 
Pants: Urban Outfitters $49.00 
shoes: Urban Outfitters fall '11
socks: Kate Spade 
Purse: Micheal Kors Hamilton Tote in Purple (this is the most similar to the one I have)


Photography: Chris Burden Location: Old Forth Ward Park

Xoxo,
court

P.s. Happy early GALentines day to all my lady friends out there! 

So I am absolutely in LOVE with both of these DIY projects. I have kind of given a sneak peak to each of these crafts, but now its finally time to share both- and at the same time! 

We will start with the black lips stamp sweatshirt. These are actually my lips! Blown up, obviously. I made this top about a week ago and have already worn it twice! Follow below for instructions to how to make the top (& Kate Spade inspired bow purse)! Also, you will see one way I styled both of the items together :) SOoooo this is kinda a big post- enjoy! 

First, I put on a bright shade of lipstick and kissed a sheet of paper a whole bunch! (This called for multiple coats of lipstick!) Then I choose one, cut it out and began to scan it.

I had to scan, and blow up my lips a few different times before I got them to be the size I wanted. I believe it was about 275% blown up. 

Then I cut the lips down to a rectangle shape and shaded- darkly over the back of the lips. Also, you will need a linoleum block- that you can buy from a craft store for about $5 dollars. If you can't do that, use a Styrofoam plate (cut down to rectangle shape). It will more or less give you the same effect. 

I used washi tape to secure my lips down, with the printer ink side face up, and graphite side facing linoleum. 

Now trace over the lips, using a pencil. any lines you trace is where you will carve, if your using the linoleum block. If you are using Styrofoam, then you will just trace over you lip lines, and those will be the lines that DONT print. Maybe practice on a small section of printing block or styrofoam before, to get used to the materials first. It's soooo easy todo- I do projects like this with my elementary students!

If you choose to use the linoleum block, you will also need to get the proper carving tools. But a great investment if you want to get into making your own stamps, or other print making projects! 

I ended up cutting away all the extra block, and glued it to cardboard for stamping. 

supplies!

Stamping! 

The back side of my shirt! 

Supplies to make Kate Spade inspired Bow purse! 

Working clay in hands- just like yesterdays post with the lip clutch! 

I used a rolling pin and kitchen knife to cut out the shape of my bow and to carefully add the details. 

Once you have the bow the shape you like, bake the clay in the oven at 275 degrees for about 15-18 minutes.  Let cool, paint with metallic gold paint and then use E-6000 glue to attach to purse. 

This black purse is actually a vintage purse that I got from the thrift store in high school. I really, loved it before and even more so now! I am so happy with how the bag turned out. 

DIY Headbands that I will be sharing tomorrow, inspired by Shopbando. 

I L-O-V-E, LOVE how both of these DIY projects turned out and hope it inspires you to create something you will love this valentines day too! 

xoxo,
court

Yay!!!! Not only am I on a snowcation- but it is almost valentines day! And being stuck indoors has given me the extra time to do some crafts! Although, since the weather is bad- my best friend Leanna is still here (flights canceled/delayed), so we have done a lot of lounging around, catching up and eating too! hah!

Here is a lip clutch/wallet I D.I.Y.'d, using an old wallet that I purchased from Urban Outfitters off of the clearance rack for about $4.00, and some sculpey  polymer clay, gold metallic paint and E-6000 glue! Follow my instructions below on how to make your own! 

Outfit details: 

-Mint Collard shirt: Modcloth
-Pink Polkadot top- Target
-Pink Colored pencil necklace: Kate Spade
-Leather jacket: Gap
-Leather skirt: Urban Outfitters
-Glitter Shoes: DIY Project (years ago before my blog)
-You&Me Headband- DIY Project (soon to come!) 
-Gold Heart Brooch: Vintage

Work the sculpey clay in your hand and on the table until it starts to loosen and soften up. (The clay will be very firm at first- which is normal, as it is made with a plastic base.) This step is called WEDGING your clay. 

Roll two pieces of clay into little COILS and make them tapper off, and get thinner at the ends. (HINT: keeps fingers nice and flat and very lightly roll back and forth over the ends of the coils). 

Pinch the two coils together at either end and then use index fingers to smush out the shapes of the lips. 

Once you have your desired shaped lips (I suggest not making them too thick as that'd be awkward to carry around once you have attached it) bake in oven at 275 degrees for about 15 minutes. Once cooled, use gold (acrylic based) paint to paint the lips.

Lastly, use the E-6000 glue to attach to surface and let sit for 24-48 hours!!!

We watched Pretty in Pink today, and well since my outfit is very loud, kinda 80's and Pretty in Pink I thought I'd share with you the original Trailer for the movie. A good v-day movie to watch this weekend or while your crafting! 

xoxo,
Court