504 Main by Holly Lefevre

Monday, July 18, 2011

Lifestyle Crafts Epic Letterpress - The Possibilities Are Endless

Some of you may remember a few months ago

I had the privilege of receiving a Lifestyle Crafts

Epic 6 Letterpress Combo Kit for review.

I absolutely LOVE this fabulous product.

Recently I was asked to become an affiliate,

which means I can offer a fabulous discount for you -

20% off using the code 504MAIN at checkout

(use it at anytime on anything!)

and I get to tryout products and create fabulous paper crafts.

What could be better?!!!!

Lifestyle Crafts is launching their newest set of dies -

POSSIBILITIES!

This product line contains up to 22 dies and sizes ranging from .25" to 5.75.

And these dies are fun and elegant and gorgeous and

basically whatever you want them to be!

I had not used dies a whole lot in the past, but I am SOLD -

I never knew what I was missing!

As I ran them through the machine just playing

all of these ideas came popping into my head.
I am so excited!

I have been creating with them already and just want to show you a sneak peek
of a few of my ideas and projects...
and oh there is more...but for now...here are a few ideas!

Nesting Bloom

I used this die, cut out from a Blossoms letterpressed sheet,

combined with the Fry Box Die and some simple ric-rac for

a sweet presentation for my pretzel fries

(DIY tutorial coming on that tomorrow!)

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The Nesting Lace Ovals

I recently planned my sweet girls birthday party and

used this die to create some special details.

Labels for the food and drink!

I love to let people easily know what they are eating at a party!

A simple little banner using multiple types of coordinating papers

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The Nesting Frame 5

These seemed fluttery and made me think of fairies and butterflies,

so I created magical wands!

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There is still a TON of ideas floating around in my head.

Here are a few more of the fabulous new dies!

Scallop Squares

Nesting Frame 8

Nesting Star

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So, don't forget, the new line from Lifestyle Crafts,

POSSIBILITIES, debuts today!

Use the Code 504MAIN

at checkout to get 20% your purchase.

This code is good for any product at anytime

(and it is always on my sidebar!)

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So, what do you want to make?????

Disclosure: I was not paid for this post. Previously I had received an Epic Letterpress for review and I have received the current set of Possibilities dies for review as well. I am participating in an affiliate program with Lifestyle Crafts. Read my disclosure policy HERE

New Design Star Episode Tonight!

So, did you watch it? Did you Catch Design Star last week?

I watched it twice. I LOVE that show.

I will have to say I usually pick my "winner" during the first show, but this season i cannot quite put my finger on it...I want to see more. In fact, I am always a little sad when the first designer gets voted off...sometimes nerves and circumstance get the best of them and they never get their chance to shine.

BUT...Tonight,
Monday 7/18/11 at 9/8c on HGTV,

I get my second chance to check out Design Star

and try to make my prediction.

I will say that for the premiere episode, I wholeheartedly agreed with the judges on the room they selected to win. The bonus room designed by Karl and Kellie is fabulous - such a great use of space. I can imagine myself cozied up in that bonus room nook reading my favorite magazines!

I LOVED that mural painted by Karl (I kind of love Karl so far too).

In the Living Room designed by Leslie and Cathy, I liked a good portion of what they did, but Leslie's find of that table made of old rubber tires was AMAZING! What a cool piece that is contemporary and modern but looks fabulous in this room and is such a great focal point.

I also liked Meg and Tyler's bedroom...

of course I did it was a shade of purple

(and we know how I feel about purple)!

Be sure to check out Design Star tonight at 9/8c on HGTV!

So, did you watch?

What was your favorite piece?

Who's your favorite designer?
I must add that David Bromstad is super charming as this seasons mentor!

Disclosure: This post is part of a sponsored campaign by Crafterminds and HGTV Design Star. My opinions are my own.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Tickled Pink No. 56

Happy Weekend!

ALL D-O-N-E!

Birthday parties are over for 2011!

Yeah for me!
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I am beyond Tickled Pink that I am headed to L.A.

(home sweet home)

to hang with some very special ladies in my life,

and see one friend I have not seen in 4 years (give or take).

I did manage to schedule this trip when the major L.A. freeway (405) will be shut down,

um so yeah, that should be awesome.

Of course I hope to sneak in visits with all of my other

dear friends too and let the kids play with Grandma and Grandpa.

Hubby and Ranger Danger will be holding down the fort!
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I know I am not the only busy lady or man out there..
I know I have been awful at returning emails and comments.
...so THANK YOU all for coming by! I appreciate it!

I LOVE the ease of sharing links on Facebook, so this is how I will make my way through Tickled Pink links. I will now get more active with that!

So, go on over and LIKE 504 Main on Facebook!
Don't miss a thing. If you have a Blog Page, just let me know
by leaving a comment on the 504 Main Wall!

I am also inviting you to share your

link on my FaceBook wall this week.

Please no giveaways or etsy shops,
but whatever you link up here, feel free to share the link on my Facebook Wall.
Hope I have not made a mess with that invitation!
(be sensible peeps...I reserve the right to DELETE!)

If I feature you on Facebook or twitter, be sure to grab a button HERE!

NOW FOR TICKLED PINK!

A craft...a recipe...a tip...a party...a short story...a poem...
a fashion find...a favorite product...your favorite post...
whatever makes your blog fabulous!
That is what Tickled Pink is all about!
{and it does NOT have to be PINK}
Click right HERE to Grab a button!

PRACTICE PINK KINDNESS
1. Link up...whatever makes your blog fabulous. Family Friendly please. Guess what? Your post does not have to be PINK!!
2. PLEASE LINK TO A POST URL, ****NOT YOUR MAIN URL****
3. Pretty please...add the Tickled Pink button to the post* {people need to know what the heck they are doing!}.
4. I reserve the right to remove posts that are offensive or do not adhere to the rules, without any discussion, at my discretion.
5. Please visit at least the 3 links in front of you!

TICKLED PINK Now Has Categories
I won't banish you if you mess up, but try to link appropriately, pretty please!

Craft, DIY, Decorate
crafting, diy, decor type links

Cook, Bake, Eat
stuff to eat, cook, drink, and bake

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Learning to Love My Home

When I first moved out of my parents house and into my very own apartment, I had so much fun designing and decorating my living space. You could even say I went a little crazy...with it. I had more ideas than I can even remember stuffed into 400 square feet. Just imagine (if you dare) a shabby chic theme that somehow got sidetracked to countrified angel. Not something I am completely proud of...notice no photos! But at that time I loved it.

When my husband and I bought a house, my design sensibilities had changed...now imagine lots of gold, sparkly, cherubs, and well, semi-ornate items. And, we had just gotten married so there were plenty of new gifts - vases, frames, platters, etc. - to decorate with. I liked that everything was new. I wanted my house to look like a catalog (you know which one, I am sure). It didn't...it never felt right...and hubby is cheap!

Once again we moved...to a new house - an older home on the Central California Coast. It had low ceilings, not a lot of natural light, and was in need of major updating. I got preoccupied and overwhelmed with fixing what was "broken" with trying to make the new house the same as the old house. Other than blowing a hole in the wall to create a hallway...I didn't do much to this house for a long while...I complained but never acted...seriously, it took 3 years for the cardboard in the hallway to make way for new hardwood floors.

Painting, decorating, and making a home had always been one of my favorite things to do and I had left is by the wayside, while continuing to lament about the "tragedy" of my new fixer-upper. I just was not feeling it with the new house...everything I did seemed forced...until one day, I finally got it...I had to let the house be what it was. There was no way hubby was going to let me blow the roof off so I could have higher ceilings, and with the price we paid (yes, we bought at the height of the market!) the old orange-ish kitchen and UGLY master bath complete with saloon doors were staying for awhile.

Now, however, I can say I am glad, I am happy...I do love this house. It has personality. It has a story to tell. I was patient...and I let its story unfold. By living here, adjusting to a new lifestyle and embracing the (little) charm that was there, we have created a warm and welcoming home. It has taken time...it has tested my patience...but the changes we have made are right for this house and for our family.

In the process of letting our home and our decorating style evolve I have discovered a few things:

1. Don't fight what you cannot change (kind of like marriage). Um yeah, converting the garage to an indoor pool and adding a rooftop deck and out of the question..even the contractor looked at me and told me to "just move."

2. Learn to love if for what it is. My family room is funky...I used to call it the pine coffin (pine paneling, pine ceiling...ugh!). It had a mini makeover - just some white paint on the walls, but it is getting ready for a serious makeover...first up the walls will be painted with a warm honey color. I did not love the saloon doors...they are gone...but the bathroom is still ugly.

3. Spend your money wisely. At first I wanted to gut the kitchen, move things around completely and create a state of the art cooking area. First that would have looked DUMB in this house...kinds of like "So...you spent all the money on the kitchen? Do you like cardboard taped to your floor?" Instead we kept the cabinet boxes, left the floor plan the same, had new doors put on, new appliances, fresh hardware, new paint, and a few little extras. For a very small fraction of the cost of a complete overhaul. And guess what? The kitchen fits the house perfectly...it does not overwhelm it.

4. Surround yourself with what you love and it will feel like home. My style is crazy (I am not an interior designer) I know what I like and I make it work. Case in point I have a very large print of a champagne ad...it was going to hang in the living room no matter what. After many attempts at paint we finally got it...purple! Yes, even purple works in a living room (and hubby agreed to it) because it felt right and complemented the artwork we already loved (also, think color wheel). The (darker) purple has been upgraded to more periwinkle and it looks stunning.

I have a long list of projects still...but I enjoy and relish each and everyone of them. It makes this house unique...it makes DIYing fun. I cannot wait to bring a little happy to the outside of the home with a new paint job...just trying to decide if I can DIY that one myself!? I am sure the neighbors would enjoy watching the crazy lady go at it.

So what's my point...yes...I have a point? Become your home's BFF. Make it happy! It will speak to you it will tell you what it needs...what it wants, and ultimately surround yourself with things that make you happy...that is what will make a house your home.

What's your style or decorating challenge?

Monday, July 11, 2011

HGTV's Design Star Premieres Tonight! Guess Where I'll Be!?

I have been watching HGTV since Matt and Sheri

ruled the airwaves with Room by Room.

I still love HGTV for so many reasons...

with the most major - reason being Design Star.

I seriously dig this show and eagerly await its premiere each season.
And, did you hear?
TONIGHT's the NIGHT!

Monday, 7/11/11 at 9/8c.
Woo-Whooo!

I have notes on many of the projects I have seen on

the show in my own special little DIY to-do journal!

I have been watching since Season 1.

I even knew someone on Season 2.

BUT, by far Season 4 Hollywood has been my fave.

Antonio won me over with those pink geese

(which I am still looking for for my own home!)

Oh Antonio!-

a tattooed breath of fresh air, cool design aesthetic, and pure awesomeness!

I never miss an episode of The Antonio Treatment.

(way to go Design Star judges!)

I don't stop my busy-i-ness for much,
but I enjoy the diverse talent, ideas, and
pure entertainment value Design Star provides...
so the busy-i-ness stops for an one or so.

I also happen to adore the judges -

Genevieve, Vern and Candace -

how could you go wrong?

I look forward to each season....

And, now the wait is OVER...
Season 6 Design Star premieres tonight,

7/11/11 at 9/8C.

You know what that means?

Baths are early, kids are to bed, grab a mocha and I am so there!

(in front of my TV there!)

I cannot wait to see these Design Stars shine.

I always make my pick the first show...

and guess what I have been right every time!

So, are you a fan of Design Star?

If so, which who is your favorite past winner?
Will you be watching tonight?

Disclosure: This post is part of a sponsored campaign by Crafterminds and HGTV Design Star. My opinions are my own.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

DIY! The B-I-G TEN!

This is one of those projects that may not get

me in the Crafting Hall of Fame

(is there even one of those...there must be!)

but it did get my in the

Mommy Hall of Fame...

and that is much more important!

My son recently celebrated his tenth birthday, and for the first time wanted very few decorations, etc. - I was reminded "I am going to be ten! I don't need that stuff anymore."
I was telling hm how important the tenth birthday was, and something must have clicked because, when I was brainstorming about what I was going to make with the
Styrofoam sheet and DecoArt's MagicKote and
he said "How about a big 10!"
Good thinking, my boy...so I did.

I have worked with Styrofoam balls and cones a lot but not a whole lot with sheets and cutting things out...so this project had a learning curve for me - not hard to do, just getting used to it.

I must add that I was also in a hurry...but you know what he loves this!

SUPPLIES

Styrofoam Sheet
DecoArt MagicKote
Paint brush (I used an old Purdy paint brush - my crafts deserve a great brush too...just like my walls)
DecoArt Americana Acrylic paint, Bahama Blue
DecoArt Glamour Dust Fine Glitter Paint,
Styrofoam cutting tool
Rockler Bench cookies
Number template (printed off my computer...see DIY IT!)
I also found it useful to have a metal ruler or L-Square, straight pins, a cutting mat, , toothpicks/skewers and Styrofoam glue.

Optional:

Photos
Cardstock
Krylon Spray Adhesive
Party Flag Insert dies fro Lifestyle Crafts (used with Epic 6 Machine)
Sticker (scrapbook) numbers
Die cuts, ribbon for decorating.

DIY IT!

Go check out the full tutorial at The DIY Club

Cut around the numbers

Apply MagicKote

Paint all over. Let dry.

So you want to see the difference the MagicKote makes ( I totally stole this idea from The DIY Show Off).

On the left is without any MagicKote...on the right is with MagicKote. SO much easier to paint with MagicKote!

To finish it off...

I printed out one photo of my sweet boy from each birthday.
I backed the photo with card stock and slipped a skewer in between the layers.
I used Krylon Spray Adhesive to attach this.

I also used the party flag insert dies that go with my Lifestyle Crafts Epic 6 Letterpress Machine, and cut out a variety of shapes and then added the birthday number to correspond to the photo.
I also added some trim and ribbon to dress it up!

It seems complicated but it is really pretty simple...and even if it was complicated I would do it again and again...Joe loved his display and was so proud to show everyone.

Have you crafted any special birthday surprises lately?

Come and Meet Up at the SoCal Social in October

Hey all - there is a super fun event in your future...

Coming October 8, 2011 is the SoCal Social!

Guess what?

You don't have to live in or be from California -

we like all the states!

We are still working on the details....

but it is going to be F-U-N! How could it not?

Want to see who is coming so far...

there is a Roll Call Page just for that!

We are still working on the details of location, size, cost, etc. but we will post information as it becomes available. We do know that we will have food, crafts, swag, and lots of time to get to know each other!

We would also love it if you would help us spread the word on your blogs, Facebook, Twitter, carrier pigeon - we appreciate it. We also have a SoCal Social Button on the sidebar of the official SoCal Social blog!

More info to come....

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Tickled Pink No. 55

Happy Weekend

I am Tickled Pink that birthday season is almost over in our house!
Seriously, all of our birthdays fall withing a few months of each other and the kids birthdays are 2 weeks apart (great planning, right?)
I love it, but it is a lot of work!
Almost done!
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Did yo enter the Fresh Produce Clothing Giveaway yet???

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Rook No. 17 chili cook-off was great. I was late to the party and my chili did not get judged. But I know it would have taken a prize...it was delicious!!!!! (and I am ready for next year!) Thanks to FabuLESSly Crafty for sharing her recipe with me!
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I know I am not the only busy lady or man out there..
I know I have been awful at returning emails and comments.
I am working on it, but when the choice is go to the park with the kids
or return emails, right now the park has to win...they grow too quickly.
...so THANK YOU all for coming by! I appreciate it!

I am also inviting you to share your

link on my FaceBook wall this week.

NOW FOR TICKLED PINK!