Etsy Finds + Faves: 05. 21. 10

Hello and happy Friday everyone!  In my neck of the woods the sun has come out at last and we are looking forward to a bright and toasty warm weekend (wearing shorts might finally be in order - oot).  I hope yours will be filled with relaxation and fun.  See you here next week.  xo Ez

Here are a few of my etsy finds + faves to take you into the weekend:

• Moss Green Linen Dress - Pamela Tang
• Pale Turquoise Silk Pouch - Lemmikkiapina
• Button Up Stud Earrings - Minicyn
• Scribble Nesting Bowls - Pigeon Toe Ceramics
• Custom Embroidered Paint by Number Tote - Doecdoe

Inspiration Daily: Weekend Style

Image credits: 1. Lettre à Elise, 2. crosscushion, 3. Linen Pompon, 4. Untitled

Turtles, Coughing Fits + Binder Clips

What do these things have in common?  Well not a lot...except for that they were all a part of my day today.

My daughter stayed home from school today with a persistent cough that's been bothering her for the last week.  She's a great kid and I'm so lucky...but you know how it is when you've got a sick kid at home and a pile of work to do?!  Anyhow...I needn't have worried about entertaining her because only a few hours into our day she discovered a wild turtle walking down the middle of our street.  Of course he was promptly given a name (Sheldon) and she's been busy looking after him ever since.  I remember wanting a pet turtle more than anything when I was about 8 years old...so watching her with him brings back wistful memories from my childhood.

Anyhow...with my daughter happily distracted I busied myself with a little tutorial that I posted over on Creature Comforts and then remembered that I found these awesome binder clips at Office Depot the other night that I wanted to share with you.

I love binder clips (they are perfect for hanging photos and art prints) and the brand new wall covered in colorful supplies at Office Depot did not disappoint.  They have just about any clip color you could want (I think they were only about $2), as well as push pins, paper clips, magnets, etc.  If you've got one near you and you geek out for office supplies as much as I do, then I recommend that you plan a trip soon.

What sorts of random things were a part of your day today?  Thanks for stopping by!  xo Ez

Update on Sunday, May 23, 2010 by Ez

Just a wee update to let you all know that I found my binder clips for sale on the Office Depot website.  They are priced bit more than in stores, but if you don't have a store in your area this could be perfect for you.  xo

DIY: Pretty Fabric Scrap Gift Tags

Hello lovelies.  I thought I'd share a little tutorial with you for these simple and sweet Fabric Scrap Gift Tags.  They are such a great way to give new life to any fabric bits and pieces you have laying around that you just can't throw away.  I started making these a while ago as a way to display fabric clippings on my inspiration wire and they always make me smile.  It would be easy to whip up a batch to keep on hand for gift wrapping...or perhaps you might assemble a special box filled with the tags you create and give them to someone who loves beautiful packaging supplies.

Supplies needed:

• Fabric scraps in various sizes and patterns (light-weight woven fabrics work best). For this project, fabrics in lighter colors should be used.
• Manila hang tags - found at office supply stores (alternately you can use my free printable version found here).
• Glue Stick such as Uhu brand (I do not recommend liquid glue for this project)
• Scissors
• Pinking shears (optional)
• Fine tip permanent pen in a dark color such as black (optional - used for creating faux stitches)
• Printable Word Labels (click to download)

Step 1: Cut out fabric slightly smaller than the size of your tags.  Your edges don't need to be perfectly straight.  Finish the fabric pieces by trimming around them with a pair of pinking shears or pulling out a few loose threads on all four sides of your fabric to give the edge a vintage frayed look.

Step 2: Using your glue stick apply glue to the surface of your tag.  Adhere your fabric to the tag and press down to smooth and secure.

Step 3 (optional): Create faux stitches on your fabric using your fine tip permanent pen.  This is not necessary but may add a little extra something to your tags.

Step 4 (optional): Download and print the Word Labels created for this project.  Cut out around each word as desired and glue onto fabric tags to complete.  All finished!

More ideas for your tags:

• Print your own word labels to customize as you wish
• Use as seating tags for parties or weddings
• Hang tags on bins and containers to add some charm to organization
• Use as "business cards" for your indie business
• Clip on to inspiration wires/boards for everyday enjoyment
• Use in your next scrapbooking project

I hope you'll give this wee project a try and let me know how you like it.  Enjoy!  xo Ez

One Good Thing: The Small Print: Botanical Series

These limited edition Botanical Series Prints (available at Mitchell & Dent) would make such a charming addition to a bedroom or as a sweet gift.  The prints are also sold individually (only 5.50 a piece) so you can mix and match as your little heart desires.  See more lovely paper goodies in their shop right here.  Also be sure to visit their fabulous blog where they features all manner of eye-candy.  Enjoy!  xo Ez