DIY Children's Flannel Story Board

<center></center><center></center><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was <i>thrilled</i> when the good people at <a href="http://holiday.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/" target="_blank">Children's Miracle Network Hospitals</a> reached out to me about developing a DIY gift idea that would be both special and safe for a child in a hospital bed this holiday season. There are a lot of restrictions on hospital gifts (no latex balloons, stuffed toys, sports cards, living plants or flowers, food or candy, etc.), but I think these amazing, brave kids deserve extra attention and support at this time of the year especially. The thought that more than a million children will spend the holidays in a hospital is heart-breaking.</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1048.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1048.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://holiday.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/" target="_blank">CMN Hospitals</a> raise funds and awareness for 170 children's hospitals in North America (including Phoenix Children's Hospital, where my sister in law works!). The hospitals provide $3.4 billion in charitable care every single year.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> If you'd like to help them in their noble efforts by contributing to the CMN Hospitals holiday initiative, <a href="http://holiday.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/" target="_blank">visit here</a>. Donations stay local, and the children's hospitals use the funds first where there is the most need.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_1074.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_1074.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I made this super simple no-sew flannel storyboard for my DIY gift idea - I think it would be perfect for a child that is bed-bound and also a great present for the lucky kiddos that are healthy. I am hoping to make a lot of our Christmas gifts this year, and this one will be for Evie. I had Gracie and Claire do a little secret test drive on it for me this week. I think they would have played with the book all day if I had let them. And both of them requested their own flannel boards for Christmas (and threw in their story choices and color preferences for the binding!), so I think it's safe to say this gift idea is going to be a winner around here. :)</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1130.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1130.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's the tutorial </span>breakdown<span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br /><a name="more"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_1044.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_1044.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For supplies, you'll need:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- 1/4" thick foam core board (a colored one makes for a pretty cover - I used baby blue)</div>- Assorted ribbons in different colors, patterns and sizes (ranging from 1/4" to about 2.5")<br />- Fabric glue (Fabritac will forever be my favorite)<br />- Assorted colored sheets of craft felt<br />- Sharpies<br />- Pencil<br />- Ruler<br />- X-acto knife<br />- Very sharp scissors with a fine tip (I like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006842S2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0006842S2&linkCode=as2&tag=littgreenote-20">these a lot</a>)<br /><br />First, use a ruler and pencil to mark out two equal-sized rectangles on your foam board. The book I made is 10x13" and I feel like it's the perfect portable size without being too small. If you keep the (new and sharp!) blade up tight against the ruler and push down hard, you should have a crisp edge when you're done.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0974.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0974.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">For the left side of my flannel board book, I wanted to simulate grass and sky so I cut the felt to fit and glue them about a 1/2" set in.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0978.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_0978.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The right side I decided to keep white.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0207.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0207.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Once the felt for the inside of your book is glued down, run a few lines of glue along the inside center seam of the two boards (you'll want them spaced just like shown above - close, but not flush) and glue down your 2 or 2.5" ribbon on top of the seam. Let that dry for a few minutes and then fold the boards on top of each other and glue the continuous ribbon around the other side of the spine. Be pretty generous with the glue.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0991.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0991.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Once you've finish glueing the ribbon around the entire board, snip and glue down the edge.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0212.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0212.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Use various types of ribbons and trims to fill in the gaps where the white foam core shows and where the book could use some finishing.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0236.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0236.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">For the back of the front cover, you'll want to make a little pocket for storing your pouches of felt pieces. I was going to head over to the jersey/spandex section of the fabric store when I remembered this old and too-small swimsuit of Evie's that was sitting in our donation bin. She loved this suit <i>so much</i>, I'm glad she gets to keep using it in a new way. Plus, that seersucker pattern was a perfect pairing with my vintage trims! </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0944.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0944.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I cut the suit down at it's widest points and glued a U-shaped pocket down on the back of the cover.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0220.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0220.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And then added more trim for finishing. I bought this one at SAS in Phoenix. EBay is a treasure trove for vintage trim though if you don't have a good place locally.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0222.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0222.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I bought about twenty small bundles of this mustard velvet ribbon on clearance at a teeny-tiny, but so beautiful art supply store in Brussels (we stayed there for a whole summer about five years ago). I've used bits and pieces of it here and there and this seemed like a fun place to dedicate a few of the remaining bundles.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0230.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0230.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It worked beautifully to cover up the foam core edges.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0231.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0231.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">For the front cover, I used some felt letter stickers from the craft store and free-handed my daughter's name with pencil and later filled in with Sharpie.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0239.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0239.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_1054.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_1054.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">One of Evie's most favorite books is "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0805047905/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0805047905&linkCode=as2&tag=littgreenote-20">Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?</a>" We've had the same little board book version since Gracie was a baby and the poor book is nearly falling apart after so many years of heavy rotation from the toddlers. Evie keeps the book by her bed and reads it to herself all the time. I knew I wanted one of the "story bags" to be from Brown Bear.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0242.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0242.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You can use the book for reference obviously, but I wouldn't worry too much about cutting out the shapes perfectly or even exactly. I'm actually hoping my girls end up making a lot of their own story bags. You just cut out the rough shapes, glue the pieces in layers, and then use a little permanent marker for shading and smaller features. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1113.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1113.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The most important part is to make the shapes and characters small enough to fit in your pouches. The wedding favor aisle at craft stores sells these small bags that are the perfect size.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0166.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0166.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> I like these muslin ones best because you can write the story titles right on the pouches using a sharpie.</div><br /><img alt=" photo zDSC_1058.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_1058.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You can fit a ton of these small story bags in the large (stretchy!) back pocket.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_1092.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_1092.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1070.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1070.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The book is a great way to work on spelling and math problems (using those pre-cut felt numbers and letters!) and a perfect way to encourage imaginative play. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_1065.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_1065.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I started a new pouch earlier today for Evie with a little paper-doll style dress ups. There's going to be a princess in there for fun, but mostly occupational dress ups, like a doctor and a scientist and a designer.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1048.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1048.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It seems like the best way to play with these books though is to let your child reenact the story with the felt characters while you read from the book (or vice versa, where your child reads and you show them the story). It's a great way to to help kids fall in love with books and characters, even the most simple animal characters!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1098.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1098.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_1120.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_1120.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">While it doesn't take all that long to make the flannel board itself, the felt characters can be a little time-consuming. But they're easy to do while watching a show or talking on the phone. My mom would make a lot of our Christmas gifts each year growing up. I keep reminding myself that I can hardly remember a thing that I got that was store-bought, but I can tell you every special present she made for me, and I still have many of them now.  <span style="font-size: x-small;">♥</span></div><br /><img alt=" photo xDSC_1068.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_1068.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo zDSC_1061.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_1061.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">This post is brought to you by <a href="http://holiday.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/" target="_blank">Children's Miracle Network Hospitals</a>. Donate $5 and give a miracle to a child in the hospital this Christmas.</span></i></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IiItohbcu4tzPNj1PuRePBGQu-5-oN_hn_DCce7OhmjDqXaIPTFKDpCa2v-RiVHSMCBY7MYPpWv6Zj3Fdt66q_D6XsfZNkYe1DY0YE0F4xd-5CfiVT5L0h3Pr6IQzm0xTcTiPWj1cUIp/s1600/CMNH+Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IiItohbcu4tzPNj1PuRePBGQu-5-oN_hn_DCce7OhmjDqXaIPTFKDpCa2v-RiVHSMCBY7MYPpWv6Zj3Fdt66q_D6XsfZNkYe1DY0YE0F4xd-5CfiVT5L0h3Pr6IQzm0xTcTiPWj1cUIp/s200/CMNH+Logo.png" width="200" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span>

DIY Children's Flannel Story Board

I was thrilled  when the good people at Children's Miracle Network Hospitals reached out to me about developing a DIY gift idea that wo...

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StickyGrams in My Office

<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been making some progress on my office lately and I'm excited to share some of my projects so far! I made it a goal to get the space all set up and in good working order before the new year. There's lots to do still, but this credenza area is pretty close to done!</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0897.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0897.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm using this series of whiteboards as a calendar system to keep track of work obligations and project ideas. The boards (which I'm working on a tutorial for!) are magnetic too. I love having a place that's not my refrigerator to put up kid art and little notes.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0892.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0892.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And of course after I finished the whiteboards I plastered them with my ever-growing <a href="https://stickygram.com/" target="_blank">StickyGram</a> collection. I love these magnets so much - they're an addiction and I always want to order more. It's so fun to have so many of my favorite family photos in one place where I can see and enjoy them daily. No frames needed! :)</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0739.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_0739.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0787.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_0787.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my friends put a StickyGram magnet featuring a photo of her family in her holiday card this year. I thought that was an adorable idea! And a sheet or two of these magnets makes a great gift for grandparents or good friends.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0734.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_0734.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In celebration of the holidays, <a href="https://stickygram.com/" target="_blank">StickyGram</a> kindly offered to give away three sheets of magnets today! Just leave a comment to enter. Contest ends Dec. 18 at midnight and the winner will be contacted via email. Best of luck!</span></div><div style="color: #222222;"><div></div></div>

StickyGrams in My Office

I've been making some progress on my office lately and I'm excited to share some of my projects so far! I made it a goal to get the ...

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HauteLook for the Holidays

<a href="http://www.hautelook.com/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">HauteLook</a>, which is owned by my favorite department store, Nordstrom, is an amazing place to shop for clothes and shoes online. They have limited-time, limited inventory sale events that go live every morning at 8am PST. It's fun to pop over in the mornings and see what huge sale they have going on (it's seriously like Nordstrom's famous Half-Yearly sale every single day!).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ssDSC_0640.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/ssDSC_0640.jpg" style="color: #222222; text-align: start;" /></div><br />I got these boots there a couple weeks ago for about 75% off and they've been a favorite lately as the temperatures have been dropping (yes - even in Arizona it's been cold this week!).<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0637.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/aDSC_0637.jpg" style="color: #222222; text-align: start;" /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">HauteLook has just launched </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.hautelook.com/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">Nordstrom Rack for HauteLook</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> that features </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">ongoing sales</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> so members can browse and shop great brands at a great value 24/7. I just spent about two hours looking at their dress selection (not </span>exaggerating<span style="font-family: inherit;">) and a ton of great options for our upcoming holiday parties.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">HauteLook is giving away $100 to an LGN reader today! <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">Just click on over to the HauteLook site</a>, sign up to be a member and leave a comment here with what you'd buy. Contest ends Dec. 17 at midnight. Winner will be contacted via email. Good luck!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i>PS Here are some of my favorites available on HauteLook right now:</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"></span><br /><center><span style="color: #222222;"></span></center><span style="color: #222222;"></span><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo HL1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/HL1.jpg" style="color: #222222;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13600417/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">1</a>  //  <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13570705/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">2</a>  //  <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13368798/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">3</a>  //  <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13590259/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">4</a>  //  <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13501602/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">5</a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222;"><img alt=" photo HL2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/HL2.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13529473/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">6</a>  //  <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13553945/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">7</a>  //  <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/11086573/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">8</a>  //  <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13578299/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">9</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222;"><img alt=" photo HL3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/HL3.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13359714/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">10</a>  //  <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13574810/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">11</a>  //  <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13575086/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">12</a>  //  <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13557437/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">13</a>  // <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">14</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222;"><img alt=" photo HL4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/HL4.jpg" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13638348/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">15</a>  //  <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13551349/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">16</a>  //  <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13532902/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">17</a>  // <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13578156/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">18</a>  // <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/13550237/?sid=77780&mid=bd&cid=bloggerIO3&aid=IO3_littlegreennotebook" target="_blank">19</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i>This post was brought to you by Nordstrom Rack.</i></div></div><span style="color: #222222;"></span>

HauteLook for the Holidays

HauteLook , which is owned by my favorite department store, Nordstrom, is an amazing place to shop for clothes and shoes online. They have l...

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DIY Splatter Vase (and a Trick for Grocery Store Roses!)

<center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0737.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/zDSC_0737.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I was leaning over the paint counter, thinking about what colors I'd like to add to my bedroom, I thought an oxblood red would be the perfect balance to the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/12/new-bedroom-lamps.html" target="_blank">new green lamps</a> and the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/09/wall-colors-and-wardrobes.html" target="_blank">Knoxville Gray walls</a>. I usually have something of every color in my extra tchotchkes/accessories closet (we all have one, right?), but this time I was coming up a little short in the oxblood red department.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_7961.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/IMG_7961.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So I swung by the craft store and picked up a plain, clear glass vase for about $3. They have these vases everywhere - even the grocery store. And they make the perfect base for customizing (hello! - great gift idea!). Here's the how-to:</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><a name="more"></a>I wanted a splatter pattern on my vase, so for the first layer, I grabbed a bottle of black nail polish and sort of carefully whacked the brush around the rim of the vase.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8021.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8021.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8026.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8026.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This enamel spray paint from Rustoleum is the perfect color of oxblood. It so glossy and deep - love it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8089.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8089.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I wrapped the outside of the vase with a grocery bag and sealed it up with painters tape along the top edges of the rim</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8092.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8092.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8095.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8095.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I sprayed the inside of the vase with the red color. Don't go too heavy with the paint here. You want to coat all the glass evenly, but it looks prettier if the light can still get through the layer of paint.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8098.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8098.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just like Christmas morning!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8172.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8172.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8185.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8185.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The oxblood pairs so well with the pinks and purples in my favorite lady portrait and in the pink grocery store roses.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cDSC_0736.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/cDSC_0736.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, here's a little trick for getting cheap $10/dozen bodega roses to look more like garden roses. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9733.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_9733.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To loosen the buds a little, put them in some warm water for an hour or two and then use your fingers to help them open a little more. If you put your fingers in a pinching position and sort of spread them from the center of the bud, they'll open up beautifully! And if you do it gently, there won't be any damage to the petals. Also I think they live just as long as before this way, especially if you're good about changing the water every other day or so. I can usually get my flowers to last about two weeks that way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8343.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8343.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The roses are so much more pretty this way, don't you think? Hard to beat $10 for a pretty arrangement that last for weeks!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0717.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/qDSC_0717.jpg" /></div><br />Oh, and some of you were asking about our flip clock. It was an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EAMZUKE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EAMZUKE&linkCode=as2&tag=littgreenote-20">Amazon purchase</a>! Takes some work to get it going, but it's cute and fun!<br /><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0776.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0776.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>

DIY Splatter Vase (and a Trick for Grocery Store Roses!)

When I was leaning over the paint counter, thinking about what colors I'd like to add to my bedroom, I thought an oxblood red would be t...

Read more »