March 27, 2012

Handmade Holidays: Easter Baskets Part 1

Truth be told baskets kind of creep me out and I am not talking about the super cute storage baskets but the round gawdy ones you get for easter. So this easter I opted to create my own baskets.

So the challenge was to create nine uniquely awesome baskets in 2 weeks. I spent the first night brain storming and obsessively browsing Pinterest and then it just hit me like a confetti egg to the head.

 

Two words: Monster High™. Monster what, you say. Well it's a line of barbie dolls that Mattel has come out with in 2010 that encourages everyone to “Be yourself, be unique, be a monster.™” However, since the dolls are so spectacularly elaborate I opted to do the Monster High™ logo skull instead.


I know you are all wondering how I whipped up this concoction. Well, the basket is made from cardboard and then covered in fabric and paper. It is all glued together rather than sewed since I only had 2 weeks to complete them all. The best part of this basket is it can be used after Easter like say for storing her dolls.

As for my design skills, first I simply drew the skull onto some clean durable cardboard and then cut it out. I then traced the silhouette onto another piece of clean durable cardboard and again cut it out. You should now have two pieces of the skull silhouette.


Next, I cut out a 5 1/2 inch wide strip of cardboard and begin taping both sides to the strip. For extra durability tape the inside of the basket too.

Once completed you should end up with something like this:

Then I began to glue the inside of the basket with fabric. For the skull logo, I traced the outline onto some white cardstock. I then painted the edge of the skull with some black acrylic paint to make it appear more like the logo. As for those eyes, I also painted them black, however, I should of used black cardstock since I grew impatient waiting for the last eye to dry and I smeared some of the black paint.

The bow is made from pink glitter scrapbook paper. Lastly, I glued and sealed the entire image on with ModPodge Gloss. I hole punched the sides, added ribbon handles, filled it with Easter goodies and voila a Monster High basket was born.


My favorite part of this basket is it can be used after Easter like say for storing her dolls. Next on the agenda is a Twilight inspired basket. Have fun and continue creating. Sincerely, Rozy

March 22, 2012

Hairy Tales: Red Hair

I absolutely love my red hair and I hate to see it go but like the weather it's time for a change. So as I awe over all you glamorous red haired ladies I pass in the street or see on the web here are a thirteen lucky tips and tricks to keeping your locks vibrant.

No. 1: Be sure. Let's face it, coloring your hair red is a big commitment. It is the hardest color to keep in your hair and tends to fade quickly {even as fast as a week}. So be prepared to go beyond your regular hair beauty routines.

No. 2: Always apply hair color to clean hair. Yes, I know about the old wives tale that dirty hair takes on hair color better but it's not true. When times were simplier chemicals were not so the build-up of natural hair oils actually helped protect the hair. I suggest wash your hair the night before you intend to color it.

No. 3: Choose the Right Color. Research which shade of red goes with your skin tone. I opted for a brighter more unnatural red and turned to the lovely internet for advice.  I found an amazing tutorial by Red Lips Adicted Makeup on YouTube but, unfortunately, the video was deleted. Good thing memory serves me well because here is what you'll need :



Follow the directions on the L'Oreal Excellence HiColor box for amount of developer to add. Once they are both combined and well mixed add half of the Manic Panic Color Cream to the hair dye and mix again. You will then have a jaw dropping red color to color your hair with. If you need a more thorough tutorial there are plenty on YouTube. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8

No. 4: Rinse with COLD Water. I know we all enjoy a steamy shower but rinsing with cold water closes the hair cuticles and seals the color.

No. 5: Don't wash for 24 hours. Do not, I repeat do not, wash your hair for at least 24 hours, ideally 48, after coloring. Why? Well because the detergents in shampoo strip out color and since red is the largest hair color molecule it tends to fade faster.

No. 6: Use color-enhancing shampoos and conditioners. You spend a lot of money on your hair color so don't let it literally go down the drain. I used John Frieda Radiant Red and I can't say I had any complaints although, it isn't sulfate free.

No. 7: Don't wash everyday. Yes, I know your thinking gross but you can still shower just wear a shower cap and if you have oily hair, like me, apply baby powder to your roots to absorb the oil and leave your hair feeling clean. You can also buy dry shampoo at your local Target like I did.

No. 8: Protect while Styling. Always use a heat protector product when blow drying or using heat tools on your hair especially if it is colored since your hair tends to be more dry and damage prone.

No. 9: Get a Clear Gloss one week later. You can buy a box of clear shine gloss at any drugstore or get a clear or red cellophane gloss treament at the salon. Either way, your color will be sealed and your hair will have amazing shine.

No. 10: Avoid sun exposure. Living in Arizona this may seem impossible, but nothing is impossible. So wear a hat or UV protection on your hair while your in the sun to prevent fading.

No. 11: Manicure your eyebrows. Besides the fading and constant coloring, the only other thing that drove me crazy was my very black eyebrows with red hair. So I made sure they were perfectly shaped and no unwanted hair was in sight. For that extra glam look grab a red lipliner and color away.

No. 12: Play up those lips. The most fantastic thing about being a fiery redhead is your lips look absolutely gorgeous in color especially my favorite bright pink. Also don't be afraid to use red lipstick when you have red hair they go faboulous together.

No. 13: Be Confident. Lastly, being a redhead takes confidence so be prepared to smile and wave like Miss America. Well, you may not receive that much attention but you will be noticed and commented on so enjoy it while it last.

Please note: I am not a hair expert by all means nor are these tips meant to be the last testiment to dyed red hair care, but rather a few tips and tricks I have learned since I went red in April of 2011.

Enjoy your ravishing red hair but be forewarned being a redhead is a serious hair commitment. With love, Rozy 

March 20, 2012

I heart you: Spring Edition

I love Spring even though Autumn is my favorite season. Maybe it's because Spring means blooming flowers, chirping birds, picnics in the park, dresses with sandals, vacation planning, sweet drinks, and adorable new fashions. So in applause to the new change of weather and the first day of Spring here are 13 blossoming things i heart about spring.

No. 1: Blooming Flowers. If I can't spend my Spring days outside in a field of flowers because of rain, allergies, or whatever other excuse than I would rather spend my day planted in one of these chairs from Anthropologie sipping on a strawberry basil mojito.

No. 2: Fresh Colors. If I had to run a mile for spring training I would have no problem walking it in these fabulous shoes 1-2-3-4-5.

No. 3: Chirping Birds. Nothing makes me smile like hearing a bird sing and imagining they are out there helping damsels like Snow White. I smile more when the damsel in distress is me and the birds fly to my side to screw in light bulbs to unreachable lamps and sew glamourous flocks.

No. 4: Rainy Days. Rain, rain go away but if you must come I am ready with this stylish coat and boots.

No. 5: Picnics in the Park. Besides the fresh air spring picnics are the best because I get to walk the dog and wear gingham.

No. 6: The Warm Sun. While the sun feels warm on your skin it's sensitive to your eyes so protect those peepers and with some floral or tortoise shades.

No. 7: Dresses with Sandals. Long or short these dresses from Betsey Johnson scream spring.

No. 8: Bright Lips. My hat is always off to M.A.C. and once again they did it with their new Chenman Lipstick which has spring written all over it.

No. 9: Vacation Planning. How could you plan a spring vacation without your trusty travel bag and hat?


No. 10: Searching for Rabbits. The best thing about living in Arizona is seeing an occasional jack rabbit hop across the desert terrain. If your missing out on the jack rabbits you can also spot them hopping along on greeting cards, wallpaper, coin purses, or clutches.

 
No. 11: Sweet Drinks. Nothing makes a better spring cocktail than one filled with fresh lavender and basil. Umm Mr. Bartender, I'll take two.

No. 12: Planting a Garden. First you add water with this trusty watering can then you watch it grow in your dinosaur toy planter. Isn't gardening easy?

No. 13: Adorable New Fashions. Lastly, I am truly in love this neon heart purse and can't wait to see everything else new for spring.

Happy Spring everyone. With love, Rozy

March 12, 2012

I heart you: Fanny Packs

I've been going on some hiking trails in the glorious state of Arizona and I wondered is it considered lame if I rock a fanny pack when I hike? While I was looking them up I found out the March 12th is International Fanny Pack Day, who would of thought fanny packs had their own day. So while I find "the one" here are some fancy fanny packs i heart
one ♥ Prints and studs are such a wonderful combo and if you are going to wear a fanny pack you might as well wear these ones by JoyRich.
two With ruffles as adorable as these why not flaunt them on a fanny pack or waist purse as Kinies calls it.

three I truly heart this fanny pack and all its do-it-yourself beauty, so thank you I SPY DIY for this lovely idea and inspiration.
four Of course Sanrio would design a Hello Kitty fanny pack but I think this one is more suitable for my three year old stepdaughter than myself.
five Absolutely love this Harajuku Lovers fanny pack.
six Patricia Field you are simpy dazzling and so is your fanny{packs}.
seven For all you glamourous divas and people who think fanny packs aren't stylish, well your wrong because these beauties from Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel stole my heart.


Hope you all have a happy fanny pack day and sport one today. With love, Rozy
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...