JUST NOT GROSS! and New Business Preview

Just Not Gross!  

This is the philosophy that I've developed over the years regarding my housekeeping skills. Trust me, I LOVE a beautiful, clean, well-organized home. I could spend endless hours scouring, vacuuming and polishing. I also love to spend time with family; cooking, baking, creating art, and playing sports!  As a Mompreneur, I figured out a long time ago, that unless I want to stay up very late, I need a good plan.  Hence, Just Not Gross!  What is the Just Not Gross! Philosophy?  Each time I look at a 1. stack of dishes, 2. pile of laundry, 3. room in disarray,  I ask myself, what can I do to make this area, "Just not Gross"?  My strategy is to be sure that 1. the beds are made, 2. the dirty dishes are clean (not sayin' put away), 3. The laundry is at least begun, 4. there is no dog hair, or shoes left all over the house.  Simply put, Just Not Gross!  It works for me! I've had to re-develop this plan, as I'm preparing to launch my new design business, Florentina Designs DIY Couture.  I'm so happy to be working with Jennifer Paganelli's new line of fabric, Crazy Love.  I absolutely LOVE the fabric.  My first DIY pillowcase dress kits will feature these gorgeous fabrics.  That's right, you can sew your own beautiful girl's dress!  The kit will include all pre-cut fabric pieces, and directions, not to mention fun and accomplishment.  Sew, get ready, and watch for the Etsy shop announcement!

Here is a sneak peek!

Creative Gift

With Valentine's Day, come many gift-giving "opportunities".  All Creative Moms like to give something special, but with so many birthday party, graduation, shower, house-warming, get well soon, and just because gifts, we all need something that is simple, and inexpensive, but, of course, outstanding!  While brainstorming for an upcoming birthday gift for my daughter's friend, I thought of a lollipop bouquet. I love buckets, and Michaels had a 1/2 price sale on painted buckets of all sizes.  I had thought about going to our local fantabulous candy store, www.albaneseconfectionery.com  to purchase some gorgeous lollipops, and then decided that my budget would be gone.  I decided to go with inexpensive Charm's Blow Pops, and re-package them to look "boutique".  A little cellophane, and ribbon took care of  the makeover.  These lollipop buckets can be made in many sizes.  A mini bucket of dum-dum lollies would be adorable!

The How To...  First, decorate the bucket.  I used fabric scraps cut to 1" x 5" and pinked the edges.  (All Creative Moms need a great fabric scrap stash!) Alternate fabric and ribbon scraps, and tie around the bucket handles.

Next, cut a piece of floral foam to fit the bottom of the bucket, and cover with scraps of tissue paper. Next, make a bouquet, by placing the lollipops in the floral foam in three rows.  Finish by taking pieces of tulle and filling in the gaps between the lollipops. It's fun to add extra embellishments to the front of the bucket.  These are fabric flowers by K and Company, purchased at Michaels.  I plan to make a few of these, and keep them in the gift closet for upcoming special occasions!

Merry Christmas

May you have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!  It's been a while since I've posted, but I'm excited to give you a glimpse into a project that is in the works!

I love {sewing} kits

This week I tried something new.  A few weeks ago, I ordered a pillow dress sewing kit from Etsy designer, Little Fish Big Pond. Usually, I like to design my own project; choosing fabrics, pattern, and embellishments.  Often, I like to design product concepts, and designs. ( An unusual hobby, I know).  I have to say, that it is so much fun to open a pre-cut, pre-designed, gorgeous fabric kit, with instructions. If you haven't ordered an Etsy kit before, I highly recommend doing so, soon.  What have you created from another designer's kit?

Old Truck Inspiration

                                                            I love Old Trucks!  

There seems to be a fascination with old trucks, you know the ones, 1930's Fords, 1950's Chevys; painted Baby Blue, Tangerine, Seaside Green.  Take a surf on many design blogs, and you will see them; photo props for children's boutique designs, staged for gorgeous dessert photos.  Open your favorite design magazine, and see the the old Dodge, perfectly packed with a beautiful picnic basket, ready for adventure.  I have always loved these old beauties.  I cherish the photo of my Grandfather, leaning on the hood of his 1939 Ford.  (His was Black.)  My family knows that if I spot an old truck, we will be turning the family van around, and no matter the weather, or terrain, I will be out of the van to examine the find, and record the information. Many women dream of a new Lexus, or Infinity.  I dream of an old, beat-up truck.  Oh the possibilities.  I will beginning a new series of posts, Creative Trucks.  I'm also planning a Creative Truck link up party.  So enjoy this beauty from one of my favorite blogs, Heather Bullard Home & Lifestyle.

Blizzard 2011

Happy Snow Day!  Happy Creating!  It doesn't get any better than this for a Creative Day!

Giveaway Winner {s}

Congratulations!

The Winner of the Creative Mom First Ever Giveaway is .... both Mary Ann and Tzel,  I will be mailing out one set of each design to both of you!  Thank you so much for entering!