And the Oscar goes to….YOU!
A Walk Down The Red Carpet
What girl wouldn’t want to have Harry Winston sparkling around her neck or wear a beautiful designer gown and shoes? I sure would, but I can only dream about it – the life I lead doesn’t include a walk down the red carpet at the Oscars or even an invitation to dine at the White House . I do however get invited to the neighbor’s party and have the occasional wedding, shower, or fund raiser to attend. I have friends who are having babies and my daughters always had birthday parties to attend on a weekly basis. Family, friends, and my co-worker’s pass milestones that are worthy of recognition. It took me awhile, but I came to realize that these day-to-day events that fill my calendar are my walk down the red carpet. I could choose to let them pass by without giving them much thought, or I could elevate them into a way to enable me to express my personal style and in doing so, not only make my life more rewarding, but put a smile on the faces of the people around me, too. At Oscar time I think of all of my friends who would love to wear the gown and jewels and make them something stylish so they feel special and red carpet worthy.
A Day in The City
Since my friends and I don’t have the lifestyle to ever need one of the glittering gowns or gems, one way I can make them feel special and Oscar worthy in my book, is to make them a collection of stylish magnets that their refrigerator can wear for them. It is a little like playing with paper dolls, just think of the refrigerator door as the doll.
Beach Day
When I am reading fashion magazines, and see a great looking dress, piece of jewelry, or an object I know my friends or family member will adore, I cut them out and place them in a folder. Before the Oscars or a big event in their lives I give them a paper purse filled with a to-die for dress, handbag, shoes, and jewelry that they can accessorize their refrigerator doors with. When arranged on the refrigerator, they will be able to mix and match to create outfits, like the Chic Simple books do and feel a little red carpet magic going on right in their kitchen.
Try to be creative and think of oppurtunities to give-away a free wardrobe, maybe a friend is going on a fabulous trip, you could put together a collection and title it “Trip to Paris” include a suitcase, sunglasses, scarf, and anything else you can find that relates to her trip. Every time she goes to her refrigerator she will be pleasantly reminded of her upcoming trip and think of you.
Browsing through magazines searching for items to include can be inspiring – you will find that there are images of just about anything you can think of. How about a photo of a bouquet of flowers for your garden loving friend, highly polished kitchen appliances from a Williams Sonoma catalog for a foodie friend, and images from baby catalogs filled with all sorts of baby paraphernalia for your cousin who is expecting her first child. It is an inexpensive, yet creative way not only to surprise someone, but to let your personal style shine as well.
You can turn any image into a magnet. I save all the sheet magnets I get, from the local pizza place to the ones my dentist gives me to promote her practice. You can also buy sheets at craft stores in many different sizes with adhesive already on the sheet. You can find the adhesive sheet magnets here at AC Moore along with magnet sheets that are designed to go in Ink jet printers which allow you to print images directly from your computer, also at AC Moore
Gather:
Clipped items from magazines, catalogs, and old books
Sheet magnets
Spray adhesive - if you are not using the sheets with adhesive already on them
Small sharp scissors – I use nail scissors
Self-laminating sheet
Colored markers
1. Cut images from magazines and catalogs leaving a bit of the background on each. (Do not cut the details of the image until the magnets are glued-on.)
2. Place sticky side of self-laminating sheet on top of clippings and smooth to makes sure there are no air bubbles.
3. Spray, spray adhesive on the top of the magnet and arrange clippings on top. Smooth each image with your hand to make sure images adhere.
4. Trim images with scissors, closely following the details.
5. Run a matching colored marker around the edge to create a more finished look to each image.
Variations:
Embellish an evening gown image with glitter or teeny tiny beads.
Glue card-stock instead of magnets to the images to make bookmarks
As I am typing this post, I am watching the Oscars, and just heard a line from a very funny movie that I think is fitting for this post.
“Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t slow down and enjoy it, you just might miss it”
- Ferris Bueller
Find ways to celebrate your everday!
I will show you how to make the handbag gift bag that I put all the magnets in later this week.
Make It Monday – Twice Remembered
Just Something I Whipped Up – The Girl Creative
Make It Monday – Persimmon Perch
Market Yourself Monday – Sumos Sweet Stuff
Motivate Me Monday – Crafts Keep Me Sane
The Project Parade – The DIY Showoff
Made By You Monday – Skip To My Lou
Get Your Craft On -Today’s Creative Blog
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s so fun!
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My daughter is going to love, love this project! fun!
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Cute idea!
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There you go again, knocking my socks off. My girls would think they had died and gone to heaven if they had a fridge full of these to play with. I am thinking the would make excellent Easter gifts, thanks for inspiring me.
Cha Cha
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Cool! I couldn’t stay up for the Oscars the whole way, but I loved the gowns. If I ever get a granddaughter, these will definitely be on my list of projects to share with her.
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Very creative!
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Oh how cute!! My kids would love that. Especially my daughter.
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How fun is that! What a cute idea!
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Fun! Thanks for sharing with Made it Monday! Jules
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This is such a cute idea! I want to try it with clothing like you did.
Also, so great to meet you at Bloggy Boot Camp! I had a great time getting to know you… ( I was sitting across from you at dinner!)
Hope to see you at Philly!
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