Cupcakes & Couture: January 2012

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

DIY Picture Frames

I really love crafting with paper. It's one of my favorite mediums to use because you can choose different colors, patterns and textures to create beautiful layered collages. I often make picture frames for myself or as gifts to give to my family and friends. You can customize the the frame to suit the recipient by choosing a theme that is perfect for them.

Here are two examples of frames I've made for myself recently.

I put two old photos of my Grammy and grandfather in this frame that sits on my nightstand.
Click to enlarge

I went with a Paris theme for this frame that holds a photo I took of the Eiffel tower on my trip to Paris.

What you need...

wood memory frame with a 4x6 photo opening (you can find these at any craft store or at Sunshine Crafts online)
pretty scrapbook paper
paper art (I used the travel and vintage stamp themed books from Paper Wishes for the Paris frame above. They have lots of great image books, including a masculine book so you can make a frame for the guys in your life!)
craft glue (Mod Podge also works fine)
decorative bits like rhinestones, sequins, buttons and lace
hot glue gun

What to do...

There's really no right or wrong way to decorate your frame! That's the best part about making them - you can be as creative or as simple as you want. Just use scrapbook paper to cover the frame and glue it using craft glue. If you're going to use cut outs from paper art books like I did in my Paris themed frame above, you can also glue those on using craft glue. To top it off, use a hot glue gun to adhere rhinestones or other little bits that make you happy. You can make your frames vintage-y like I did or use different papers and decorative bits to make them feel more modern - it's up to you! Just add your favorite photo and you've got a beautiful homemade memory that will last forever.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Friday Inspiration: Quotes I Love

(all images found on Pinterest. follow my boards here!)

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Design Inspiration: Pink & Neutral Bedrooms

Although my bedroom is currently decorated with black, white and jewel tones, I've been eyeing bedrooms decorated in pink and neutral colors lately. I love these romantic, clean and feminine designs. I'm thinking I'll use these pictures as inspiration for the bedroom in my next apartment, wherever that may be! :) Which bedroom design below is your favorite?

(all images found on Pinterest. follow my boards here!)

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Valentine's Day Gifts for Her

Listen up guys! Valentine's Day is just around the corner - do you know what you're getting your girlfriend yet? If you're used to getting her the same thing every year (like flowers, chocolates or dinner reservations), I've got a few new gift ideas for you. You don't need to spend a boatload of money to show her you care - it's the thought that counts!

Ladies, if you don't have a boyfriend, many of these items would be great to treat yourself to! Everyone deserves a little love on February 14th! :)

Fresh "Kissing Ritual" set - $25. This scrub and lip balm set will keep her lips kissable all year long!

Philosophy "Falling in Love" fragrance set -$50. This romantic scent is a mix of vanilla, blackberry and floral notes and is sure to put a smile on her face each time she wears it.

Diptyque "Eau Rose" rollerball - $48. She can keep this rollerball in her purse and smell like roses any time she wants.

Givenchy pearl stud earrings - $32. Available in 5 beautiful colors, these pearl earrings can be worn with any outfit and will last a lifetime.

Catbird alphabet rings - $92 each. Mix and match these stackable rings to create a unique gift. Give her your initial, her initial, the dainty heart...the options are endless! Also available in silver.

Tiffany "I Love You" ring - $125. She should know every day that you love her, even if you don't always say it out loud.

Alex & Ani "Key to My Heart" and "Skeleton Key" bangles - $56 for both. The heart padlock and bejeweled skeleton key are Perfect for Valentine's Day, don't you think? Also available in silver.

Victoria's Secret lace applique satin slip - $48. She'll feel sexy even when she's just hanging around the house in this pretty slip.

Juicy Couture "Madame Daydreamer" clutch - $128. Not in to jewelry or perfume? She can brighten up any outfit with this fun & girly clutch.

ModCloth "Through the Post" clutch - $30. Remember love letters and postcards? They used to be the way for couples to communicate back when our grandparents were young. :) Let her step back in time to the good old days with this vintage inspired clutch.

RetroLovePhotography Scrabble quote wall art - $15. This cute Etsy shop offers 5x5" photos featuring romantic quotes spelled out with Scrabble tiles. Choose one that suits your relationship and will look nice on her wall!

Bbsweetlove personalized love letter cookies - $50 for one dozen. Surprise her with these adorable cookies personalized with your own love letter! They're definitely too pretty to eat, but even after they're gone, we know she'll remember them forever.

DIY Deck of Love cards - ~$5 to make. No money? No problem. It's time to get crafty. Follow this tutorial to make her a mini book out of playing cards to tell her all the reasons you love her. Trust me - she won't care that you didn't spend money on her. She'll cherish this for years to come.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Adorable Bow Jewelry

I've noticed lately that many of the jewelry pins on my Pinterest Wish List have been bow shaped! I do wear a few headbands with cute bows on them, but I never realized how much I liked bows until just recently. Ribbons and bows are a great way to add a cute, feminine touch to my daily look.

Here are my picks for bow jewelry - there's something for every budget. Which piece is your favorite? Are you bow crazy like I am??

Dogeared whispers bow gold dipped necklace - $58