Lauren Makes

Made the Switch....

2008-06-14T16:02:00.002-05:00

After much debate, I've made the decision to jump over to wordpress, so I will no longer be posting at this address

Wordpress is much different, but I'm learning!

Come over to see the new and improved Lauren Makes. And don't forget to update your Googlereaders and blogrolls! :)

Sweet Treat

2008-06-12T13:20:00.002-05:00

I just saw this over on Treehugger. I joke with Mark that he has a CFL addiction (he buys one EVERY single time we go to a store that sells them). This would be perfect for him :)

Gaga for Garland

2008-06-12T11:10:00.006-05:00

I found a website of a company that does beautiful garland work for parties, events and weddings (can't find the website to save my life right now. if you know, please send it my way!) However, I did save these pictures...

I've made dinky garlands before, but these installations are beautiful. I've gotta find an occasion to try this out. Ok, who am I kidding. I need no occasion, I would cover ever ceiling in my house if Mark would let me. :)

A Print A Day

2008-06-09T12:52:00.007-05:00

I found A Print A Day last week and wanted to share with you guys. Aren't these lovely?

Not only does she do beautiful illustrations, but she shares them! She offers free downloads, including labels, notepads, and desktops.

She's constantly updating, so check back often!

Update: Ice Cream Sandwiches

2008-06-08T18:17:00.000-05:00

I mentioned that I found some of the ice cream sandwich molds at walmart about a month ago. I finally got a chance to try them out.

They were pretty easy to use. I used premade chocolate chip cookie dough. You want to make sure the cookies are big enough for the mold, but not too big so you get the most out of your dough. Actually, now that I think of it, you could not even worry with dividing it out. Just fill the whole cookie sheet and stamp out of that. You'll have extra cooked cookie leftover...just put that in a bowl and feed to your husband or boyfriend :)

I waited about a minute or two after pulling them out to start stamping. You want them to be a little warm so they're easy to cut, but not too hot b/c they'll fall apart.

After you cut them out, let them cool all the way off so they're harder and easier to work with. You put one half of the cookie into the mold, a scoop of ice cream, then another cookie.

Push what I like to call the 'squisher'. And you'll mash your little sandwich together and stamp the design into the top cookie.

And there you have it! The cutest little ice cream sandwiches ever. I'd recommend using a different type cookie as it was hard to see the cow and pig face in the chocolate chip...but they were delicious!

Cupcake Sass

2008-05-30T08:30:00.004-05:00

How cute is this?

Sugadeaux Tshirt found via

DIY Lamp shade

2008-05-22T08:10:00.004-05:00

I found this on Design*Sponge this morning. How cool are these??

Using felt, hot glue and the Ikea “melodi” pendant lamp ($9.99!) you can make one of these fancy things.

I love the bunching on the cream colored one.

Like I need another reason to drive over to Ikea!!

For full instructions, hop over here.

Etsy Love: Cakespy

2008-05-21T18:16:00.004-05:00

I've seen Cakespy's work around the blog world over the past few months. With my love for cupcakes and now that I have a craft room with wall space for awesome prints like this....I need it!

I especially love this one

And when we get a puppy...I could get a customized one with a cuppie puppy to have a complete family portrait :)

In honor of the SATC movie coming out....

And my feelings exactly...

Check out her etsy store and blog!

Oh cup-a-cake....

2008-05-15T15:18:00.005-05:00

I want lots and lots of you

Gift for baby bro

2008-05-13T07:30:00.000-05:00

My little brother graduated college this past Saturday. I started his gift about a month or so, as soon as I read about Flickr's letter pools. He's moving into a new place and I thought he could use some cool artwork.

Basically, people take pictures of letters on signage all around. I spent hours sifting through photos, trying to figure out the perfect combination (there are thousands!). Since most of the photos aren't a standard photo size, I resized them all with a black border. I just so happened to find a frame at Ross with the correct number of spaces for Bryan's name. If you aren't so lucky, you could always buy a blank poster frame and have a matte cut.

This pool finds letters in everyday things like bicycle wheels or hand railing.

I think these would make great personalized gifts!

Mother's Day!

2008-05-12T20:56:00.000-05:00

I made mom this little package for Mother's Day.

In my effort to think greener I used a leftover box from a lunch we had catered at work, then shredded down a couple of paper bags for stuffing.

I laid out a polka dot pattern and printed a couple of 11x17 sheets at work. The house is crazy and I had no clue where ANY ribbon was, so I used this head scarf I made years ago. Printed out a label, ran it through the xyron and viola!

I added in a pedegg, some chocolate covered popcorn from Crave Chocolatier, and a sewing jar.

Sewing kit in a jar, using Martha's directions
I threw in some ric rac, decorative scissors and pins.

I hope all you mommies had a wonderful day!!

I'm Back!

2008-05-12T18:39:00.000-05:00

Things have finally slowed down a bit and I'm back for a post!

We are now much more settled into the house (although we still have a very long way to go) and are getting back to life as normal. except now we're in an awesome house :)

I haven't crafted much...the craft room is still in progress and actually a huge mess right now! I did a couple of projects last week that I'll post next.

My birthday was April 28th, our second day in the house. My grandmother and mom came into town to help us move and brought with them birthday goodies! It was truly a craft filled birthday.

First our Housewarming gift from Mom. She's a basket making queen and I love it! She didn't want me to take a picture since she didn't get a bow on this one. She worked a crazy schedule, then drove 3.5 hours to help me move on her days off. I think she's forgiven :) I love how all the items always stick to the basket 'theme'

We did a ton of cleaning and moving on my birthday, but that night we washed up went to dinner at Outback (mark and I's fave!), then came home and opened presents.

First I opened Mom's......

Hooray a gocco!!

This is granny pointing out that everything is in japanese :)

Then it was granny gift time...a sewing machine!

Along with a little sewing bag filled with sewing goodies...

And buttons!!!

Also while we were shopping earlier that day, Mark & I found the ice cream sandwich molds I've been wanting! They're out with the summer stuff and were only $4 I think. :) Get em while they're hot! I haven't used them just yet, but I'll post once I do.

All in all it was a wonderful birthday!! I'm super excited to try all the new stuff out!

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-04-28T16:00:00.000-05:00

image via Martha

Hi there..birthday girl here. :) I've been a busy bee the past few days and today moving and cleaning and organzing..oh my!

I'm not Mary and I'm not 6 (+ 18), but I thought these cupcakes were so cute and a great, easy display idea.

Little to no posting in the next week or so. Things are crazy, but awesome!!!

Button Fever

2008-04-25T11:17:00.000-05:00

I've had an interest in starting a button collection for a while now.

Now that M and I are trying to live more frugally, I'm really thinking long and hard before purchasing anything.

After finding at least 6 button projects in the past few weeks, I think I can finally feel ok in buying up a big lot of these suckers. I've been watching quite a few auctions on ebay and can't wait to get some!

These cute bracelets from Martha Stewart.

I love this idea from Emily at Little Black Apple. Just glue push pins (or magnets) to buttons to stick where ever you need a little whimsy.

I've seen a lot of button jewelry pop up lately too. From earrings to necklaces to rings. This little button brooch is too cute.

Cute Cork

2008-04-24T12:44:00.000-05:00

I saw these on decor8 the other day and instantly thought 'hey, i could make that' and what do you know...I found a tutorial! Oddly enough, decor8 added in the link to those same directions since then. We're all one big blog family! haha...

For directions to make your own visit sweet jessi.

If you're not feeling crafty, you can purchase these cute little corkboards at Little Pretty Studio.

I definitely need something like this to jazz up my cube area. I actually have an old bulletin board that would be perfect for this!

For cute fabric check out Repro Depot's great selection.

**UPDATE**

I found this image from Soule Mama's studio. No corkboard, but very pretty wall decor! I especially like the different sizes.

Her studio is really amazing. So many pretties in one room!

Seriously??

2008-04-23T19:01:00.000-05:00

I honestly did not go in search of the following images. They somehow all found me in the past couple of days. And I've gotta say..they're a little disturbing. I almost didn't want to post..but I had to share the ridiculousness.

Please tell me this isn't a trend!

1. Skirt (who would wear this in public!?). , 2. cell phone charm, 3. panties, 4. men's underwear, 5. knitted pillow, 6. earrings

Happy Earth Day!

2008-04-22T20:06:00.000-05:00

I haven't had much time to keep both of my blogs updated as we're in the process of packing and getting ready to move into our first house! But I had to check in for Earth day :)

I posted a few links to tips for greener living on our blog.

Here are a few green themed etsy finds...

1. Birdies made from recycled wool sweaters, 2. Tote made from recycled and refreshed burlap coffee bean bag, 3. vintage earrings, 4. Tree charm necklace

Etsy Love

2008-04-17T19:13:00.000-05:00

Etsy is such a wonderful site. If you're not familiar, go check it out now!
I find so many beautiful things while browsing around, I thought I'd start featuring some of my finds.

Today I stumbled across Whitney Smith Pottery. She has beautiful, simple pieces.

I also love these felt brooches from VaivaNat's Felt Gallery.

Weekend projects

2008-04-13T14:32:00.000-05:00

I finally got around to finishing up a few projects this weekend.

Magnets.
I made some of these a few months ago and decided to do some more this morning. Using only my latest Victoria Secret catalog, glue, flat back marbles and magnets I made these cute little ones....

I have to admit it was a tad weird once I realized that I was cutting various body parts for my little magnets, but a pattern is a pattern! Here's the mess after cutting :)

Mark finished off his coffee this morning, so I quickly snagged the tin. I thought this looked pretty cool

These are unbelievably easy to make. Visit not martha for great directions.

I love her idea to package them in Altoid tins!

Frame.

I got a simple wooden frame, some Navy blue acrylic paint, and a small pack of birch buttons all from Micheal's. I painted the frame and spray painted the buttons white. Hot glued those on and viola! Total cost was around $4 with paint and buttons left over. I framed a pretty piece of scrapbooking paper...I can't tell you the last time I had photos actually printed! (bad lauren..)

I'm not sure where I'll use this or how I feel about it now that it's finished. Thoughts?

Wishlist, pt. 3

2008-04-10T08:36:00.000-05:00

Other random things that are totally awesome

Twine.

Ever since I bought the Martha Stewart baker's twine at Micheal's, I have been dying to get my hands on more. I especially love the big spools of the stuff. So much cheaper and I'm sure easier to use than those piddly Martha versions I bought.

Here are some current faves:

This orange spool is so bright and cheery

Here is the blue version of my Martha twine. Scroll to the very bottom to see other colors. I'd love to get the red & brown eventually too.

Tovolo Ice Cream Sandwich Molds.

When I was little we would make our own ice cream sandwiches after we made a batch of chocolate chip cookies. We would just scoop some ice cream between the cookies, smoosh, wrap and sit in the freezer. These molds take it to a whole nother level.

How cute are these?

I found the lowest price on the farm animal set here .

Wishlist, pt.2

2008-04-09T20:39:00.000-05:00

I don't know what it is with me and cupcakes. I will openly admit I'm slightly obsessed. I've found though that I'm really lacking some essential pieces to completing my cupcake circle.

Cupcake carrier.

As mentioned in a previous post, I need this big time! I currently have to lug my precious babies in a cake carrier, which always ends in heartache as all the little cuppiecakes wind up getting smushed together. Not only that, but I'm unable to carry an entire batch. Only 17 will fit in my current cake carrier, but this one holds 32! Oh the possibilities...

Mini muffin pan.

I've always had a thing for very small things. I don't know why, but I love miniature ANYthing. Add that to my love of cupcakes and it only makes sense...MINI cupcakes!

I love the look of grouped minis like the ones pictured above from Crumbs & Doilies. They are adorable!

Cute cupcake liners.
I can never have enough cute liners!

I loove these from etsy

These are great too

Birthday Wishlist

2008-04-08T18:56:00.000-05:00

My birthday is coming up in a few weeks, the 28th to be exact. Mark claims the house is my present since we're moving in 2 days before my big day. Don't get me wrong, it is an awesome present and all, but I'm paying for it too. I consider it more as a 'life change' than birthday present material. haha...So this list may be pointless, but I'll post my wants just so I can drool over.

Starting the list off....

Gocco.
I think we were made for each other and I've never even seen one in real life

Gocco originated in Japan years ago for making greeting cards at home. Inkjet printers and design software have nearly stamped out this little beauty, as they aren't making them anymore to my knowledge. The gocco craze has made its way to the States and has crafters and bride-to-be everywhere on the hunt for their very own.

See how it works..
Courtesy of EtsyLabs via YouTube

This is something I would've loved as a kid too. I can't even fathom all the possibilities! :) I'm really showing my true colors. What can I say...The craft nerd inside will always be alive.

I found the basic kit in alittlegoodness's etsy shop. For more information and to get your very own gocco, visit her shop.

Also for more information on the history and future of gocco visit www.savegocco.com.

Craft Interference

2008-04-07T20:17:00.000-05:00

I was so pumped this weekend to really make some headway with tons of crafts/projects I've been wanting to start/finish.

Unfortunately, real world reared its ugly head. I spent the entire weekend doing housework and packing!

I promise new stuff to come soon! :)

In the meantime, check out some of the new links. I love reading over all of these sites and get so much inspiration from them!

More cuppycakes!

2008-03-29T22:39:00.000-05:00

We drove down to Tuscaloosa for a friend's wedding today. Actually, the new Caldwell family, who I bought the Est. sign for. :)

I just got a new punch this week that I wanted to try out and I've been dying to use yellow lately, so I decided to take some cupcakes for the happy couple.

I think they turned out so cute, but I think the new punch is going back to the Hob. Hubs literally had to punch that little thing to get it to stamp. I think he was as proud of these as I was! :) He was such a good helper.

I did 3 designs...

After they were eaten.... :)

It's a Boy!

2008-03-27T23:01:00.000-05:00

Mark and I are expecting...

a new nephew!

Mark's sister Christy and her husband Joe just found out that they'll be having a little boy this July. We planned on visiting for a night while Mark was training in Atlanta, so I put this little gift together to celebrate the good news.

The Mini Winis were my favorite part. I crack myself up sometimes. haha...And how cute are those little shoes!

Close up of super cool baby shoes and card I made for them.

Congrats Christy and Joe!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-03-26T22:18:00.000-05:00

Mom's birthday was Monday! Sorry I didn't give out a shout out on that day. I've been slacking on keeping up on my posts.

I'm the world's worst about sending out cards on time. By the time I remember, it's too late and the birthday is gone. This year I planned ahead. Since I couldn't be there with Mom to celebrate, I made her a 'birthday in a box' :)

Her package included supplies to make cupcakes, the mix, icing, cupcake holders, sprinkles and of course personalized cupcake flags (my first time making this type and I'm very pleased with how they came out)! I also made a personalized notepad and picked up some cheesestraws from a local bakery. Oh and earrings. I didn't feel like all the homemade stuff was enough....

Here's her banner I included as well....

Hope you had a happy birthday mom!!

Neat Gift Idea

2008-03-16T19:00:00.000-05:00

Not a craft of my own, but I had to give a shout out. I only wish I knew her secret and I'd be making these things like hot cakes. :)

A couple of friends of ours are getting married at the end of March. Their gift just came in this week and I absolutely love it. I think it's the perfect gift when you don't want to just buy off of the registry. I love it and want one of my very own!....just gotta decide on a color.

I ordered from Sheila's etsy shop. She was very easy to work with. There are a variety of fonts, colors and sizes to choose from. Check her out!

Valentine's Day

2008-03-14T18:09:00.000-05:00

I'm way late on this. I haven't gotten into a routine blog schedule just yet, so bare with me.

Mark and I agreed not to do present for Valentine's Day, just dinner. He wound up being sick, so I had to do SOMETHING to celebrate in all the wonderful red, pink, and hearts glory. As is often the solution, cupcakes to the rescue.

I've come to the conclusion that I will probably never be a wonderful baker or be able to make my food beautiful. I am however pretty crafty with the paper, so I incorporated my design skills and super handy circle puncher and came up with these cute cupcake 'flags'.

I used the Beatles' lyric "All you need is love" Poor hubby thought it was Dave Matthews. :)

Mark ate a few of the not so pretty ones. I could only fit 18 into my cake carrier. If only I had a cupcake carrier. If anybody could use one, it's me!

This one from target is quite nice and would make for a very nice birthday gift. poke, poke, nudge, nudge ;)

Work Evites

2008-01-24T11:13:00.001-06:00

We've had a few showers here at work in the past few months and I was asked to make e-vites. It's pretty fun taking a break from the regular workday to make these!

The first is a wedding shower, fiesta, type get together for my friend Kate. We were meeting at a Mexican restaurant, hence the atypical shower invite. :)

I also did a baby shower invite. Just a simple girly and pink design.

New start!

2008-01-24T10:45:00.000-06:00

With the huge amount of DIY, project blogs I've been seeing pop up from nestie and knotties to more professional blogs, I decided to join the crew.

I'm so all over the place, who really knows what this blog will contain. I'd like to say I'll stick to DIY projects, paper things and such, but there really is no telling. I do lots of little random things that often time turn out to be pretty darn cute and I thought it was time to not only document it, but possibly share some of my ideas with others.

Anyhow, hope you enjoy!