Inspiration Daily: 11. 29. 10

Untitled image by Cara / Peonies & Polaroids

Eraser Stamp Carving - Part II

Six months ago I put together an Eraser Stamp Tutorial that used the end of standard pencils to create cute little stamps to adorn gift wrap, tags, and more. It was a lot of fun, so I thought I'd keep the eraser theme going and put together a simple stamp carving project for you today: Eraser Stamped Gift Ribbons!

The great thing about this project is that you don't have to hunt down any fancy stamp carving tools or supplies. I just used Pentel Hi-Polymer Erasers, found in a 3-pack at my local Target for only a few dollars. The erasers are also available for purchase online right here. The brand does matter for this project. I purchased another set from a different manufacturer first, and the stamps were really hard to carve. You'll also need a craft knife (or stamp carving tools if you have them), scrap paper and a protective work surface covering (such as cardboard or an old magazine), pencil, pigment stamp ink (I like Encore and Color Box brands), and ribbons such as these seam binding ribbons (or strips of natural fabric to repurpose as ribbons).

Step 1: Cut your eraser down to the block size you'd like to work with. Using your pencil, lightly (so you don't scratch the surface of the eraser) sketch a simple design. Remember that the portions that remain after cutting will determine your final stamped look.

Step 2: Using your craft knife (on top of your protected work surface) slowly begin to remove potions of your eraser by cutting around your sketched design. It is easy for the knife to slip so please use a lot of caution when cutting your eraser. You don't need to create an intricate design to end up with a lovely stamp. Some of my favorite stamps are just rectangular blocks with small irregular lines and dots cut out of them (those take only seconds to make). Optionally you can also use mini cookie cutters to cut shapes from your eraser into instant stamps - this version is kid-friendly (with supervision of course).

Step 3. Place your ribbons (or fabric) on top of your scrap paper and begin stamping your pattern. You can stamp the entire length of ribbon or just the ends for a pretty effect. Set them aside to dry (drying time will depend on your type of ribbon and stamp ink). Tip: It is easiest to pre-measure your ribbon for each gift first before stamping. Just wrap it loosely around your gift leaving enough length for a bow and snip it.

 Step 4: Wrap your gifts!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving to all of you who celebrate. I'll be spending time with family over the next few days and will see you again next Monday. And starting next week I will have even more holiday projects and freebies to share with you! Have a wonderful week/weekend, and I'll see you soon. xo Ez

How Do I Wear: A Sequin Tank Top

Hello lovelies! Today I thought I'd try my hand at finding a solution to a fashion dilemma emailed to me by reader Erika. This is a bit different from my Chic for Cheap challenges as she already owns the main fashion piece and is simply in need of a few ideas on how to wear it (I also didn't stick to as tight of a budget as I usually do, but I don't think I went too overboard).

We all have those unworn items in our closet, don't we — the ones we swore we'd wear all the time, but that stump us when it comes down to getting dressed in the morning. For today's challenge the perplexing item is a sequin tank top that Erika purchased a couple years ago from Anne Taylor Loft. Here's Erika's challenge in her own words: "I have a dull gold metallic sequin tank top (totally out now, right?). Any fresh ideas on how to wear it? I've only ever worn it with jeans and a black cardigan, but I feel like I'm "wasting" the garment that way. It seems destined for something more spectacular, and I'm stumped."

I've actually been seeing sequins popping up all over the place, so this is a perfect time to breath new life into this top! I decided to go for two looks (one for daytime and one for evening). It's always fun to see how an outfit can change so much with just a few tweaks, don't you think?

The Look: Lunch Date

• Sequin Top (owned)
• Skinny Ankle-Zip Trousers - Old Navy | $29.50
• Black Croco Tab Watch - Nine West | $49
• Willow & Clay Sweater - Piperlime | $70
• Pouch in Distressed Leather - Rennes | $40
• Style's My Middle Name Flats - ModCloth | $27.99

The Look: Dinner Date

• Sequin Top (owned)
• Pretty Plumes Skirt - Madewell | $98
• Wool Pea Coat - American Eagle | $89.95
• Ring in the New Year Heels | ModCloth | $89.99
• Baroque Earrings - Banana Republic | $39.50
• Solid Tights in Black - American Eagle | $12.50

Psst...If you are looking for a similar sequin panel top for your closet, Madewell carries one that I love right here.

Inspiration Daily: 11. 24. 10

Image credits: 1. butternut pie, 2. Fairy acorn necklace, 3. Nancy..., 4. hot!

Decorated Chalkboard Gift Idea

A few months ago I spotted several different sizes of mini chalkboards at my local craft store and knew I had to find a use for them. After thinking about it for a bit I decided to try my hand at adding a little decorative border to the boards using Sharpie brand Paint Pens. They were incredibly easy to make and the results were really cute. I used one as a gift already and have others set aside for use as photo props and impromptu art frames.

If you want to give this project a go, here's what you'll need:

• Mini Chalkboards (the ones I used ranged in size from about 5x7 to 7x10). If you can't find them in your local craft store they can also be purchased affordably right here.
• Acrylic paint or stain for the wood frame (optional). I left mine bare.
• Sharpie brand paint pens in desired colors (found at your local craft store). I used white, but there are a lot of options to choose from. Be sure to choose the water based variety - not oil based.
• Chalk (optional). A nice add-on for gift giving purposes.

Creating your board:

Follow the manufacturer's directions for prepping your pen. Using only a little bit of pressure (you don't want the ink to leak out) begin applying your design. I chose a simple border of tiny dots for one side and a decorative looped design on the other. Don't worry about making it "perfect." The charm of this project lies in its imperfections. Allow the ink to dry completely, and you're done!

Additional ideas:

• These boards could be used in a charming way at a handmade wedding. Be creative!
• Use your paint pens to write a permanent message or quote on your board (i.e. Please remove your shoes, or any other sentiment you'd like). The ink really pops against the black of the board.
• Using hot glue, add small wooden clothespins to the wood frame to create a message center for writing notes and clipping ideas.
• For gift giving - tie your board up with a pretty ribbon...be sure to include some chalk.

Enjoy! xo Ez