Oh the lovely things

Happy Friday! (4 DIY Projects)

2012-02-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday lovelies! Another week has come and gone. Was it a great one for you? Mine was pretty much dedicated to studying for my German class. I came across a quote by Richard Porson (via Pinterest) that said "Life is too short to learn German", and it made me smile, because, well, it's so hard to learn a new language! But I love it, I truly do.

Anyway, I enjoyed studying, but I spent way too much time on it. I always want to do things well - I'm having a hard time accepting that some of the things I do can be just okay, and not as close to perfection as I can get. Plus I'm so easily overwhelmed... So I ended up spending too much time on studying German to be perfectly ready for my exam, and not enough (or none at all) on other things I want or need to do. Phew, I really need to learn how to manage my time better!

Anyway, I'll try to do better next week, and enjoy the weekend in the meantime! Do you have fun plans? If you have time for a little DIY or two, here are a few suggestions :

DIY Dixie Cup Garland from Hey Gorgeous // DIY Straw Flag Place Cards (with Free Printables) from The Wedding Chicks // DIY Geometric Leather Partywares from The Sweetest Occasion // DIY Ruffled Necklace from Ruffles and Stuff (using a tutorial from Poppy Chic)

Have a sweet and fun weekend, and see you on Monday :)

Art I Heart : Rie Nakajima

2012-02-23T06:34:00.000-08:00

Untitled by Rie Nakajima. More of her beautiful, peaceful, imaginative art can be seen in her portfolio.

Angus & Celeste Porcelain Jewelry

2012-02-22T09:13:00.000-08:00

I'm charmed by Australian designers Angus & Celeste range of jewelry and homewares, especially their delicate (but strong, I heard) porcelain bracelets. Their is filled with beautiful objects for the home (such as bottles, vases or wall tiles) and pretty things to wear (such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches, cufflinks and rings). The mix of soft, smooth white porcelain and refined botanical illustrations is absolutely darling. Check out their online store for more gorgeous designs.

P.S. : I used this tutorial from the talented Pugly Pixel to create the layout above. Be sure to read it (here) if you want to use a similar layout for your own blog :)

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Trifle

2012-02-21T10:35:00.000-08:00

I came at these adorable chocolate covered strawberry trifles by Lovestruck on 100 Layer Cake and have not been able to determine what I love more : the actual cake, or the animation? Don't they both look lovely? The recipe was created for Valentine's day, but I think it would make a great dessert for any special event or celebration - you can't go wrong with fresh strawberries, chocolate and whipped cream, can you? Find more photos on 100 Layer Cake and be sure to visit Lovestruck to see more of their adorable work!

Random Things I Love Today

2012-02-20T08:33:00.000-08:00

Hi there, I hope you had a lovely weekend :) Here are a few things I'm loving today :

Navajo Bracelet, $180 (via Griottes' pin) // Handpainted Wooden Crystal Necklace, $24.41 (via Ez Pudewa's pin) // Pom Pom Garland, $22 // Geometric Bear Brooch, $13.83 //

I hope you like these finds ; thanks for stopping by today! xo, Clemence

Happy Friday! (4 DIY Projects)

2012-02-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday friends! Do you have great plans for the weekend? My grandmother is visiting us from Paris, so I'm excited to spend time with her. And I'll also work on a little DIY project to share with you next week! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the DIYs above (links below) and get inspired to try one (or more). Enjoy your weekend, and see you on Monday :)

DIY Ponytail Twist from Love Maegan // DIY Pen Pots from Torie Jayne // DIY Bracelets, via Audrey's pin. The tutorial is originally in Russian, but with the help of Google Translate and lots of step by step photos, it's easy to understand even if you don't speak a word of Russian. // DIY Paper Flowers from The Wedding Chicks //

Art I Heart : Amy Borrell

2012-02-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

I am utterly in love with Amy Borrell (aka Cake with Giants) oh-so-sweet illustrations and their soft pastel colours. Visit her website, her blog, and her shop to see more of her lovely, lovely art. And if you never know how to set the table properly, be sure to bookmark the gorgeous illustration below for a stylish reminder!

Random Things I Love Today

2012-02-15T10:04:00.000-08:00

I think my heart may have skipped a beat when I came at this ikat print tunic (via Iveth Morales' pin) - the fabric looks so soft, the color combo is so beautiful, the pattern is perfect, and the cutout just gives a final awesomeness touch to the tunic.

I guess I have major summer clothing envy, because my heart skipped another beat when I saw this skater dress with lace cross back - so delicate and feminine!

can lie flat on the floor, but can also be playfully positioned due to their surprisingly flexible form. Be sure to check out her website to see more of her amazing work.

And finally, I have an intuition that taking a bite of this pink pearl tart from Always with Butter would be like entering a fairy tale secret garden.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T09:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you who celebrate, and Happy Tuesday to all of you who don't! I fell under the charm of these Valentine’s Rose Cupcakes from Baker's Royale, more for their delicate, feminine and romantic look than for the recipe itself - although I bet they taste as delicious as they look. Anyway, I thought I would share the link (there's also a step by step tutorial on how to make the roses), as well as a few lovelies in the same color palette. I hope you like them, and I send many happy wishes to you and yours! xo, Clemence.

Valentine's Rose Cupcakes, Baker's Royale // Bowl With Bird, Hella Jongerius // Washed Silk Panelled Blouse, Gillian Tennant // Dr. Hunter Hand Creme, Caswell-Massey //

Madewell Spring 2012 Look Book

2012-02-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

I don't know why on earth I had not seen Madewell's Spring 2012 Look Book before, but oh my is it pretty. Bright pops of color, stripes, leather belts and geometric necklaces, perfectly rolled jeans, sweet dresses... Now I'm seriously longing for Spring. Everything looks so comfy, effortlessly chic, fun and fresh, simply lovely! Check out the full look book and go dream of warmer days :)

Happy Friday! (4 DIY Projects)

2012-02-10T13:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday friends! Sorry for the late post today. Here is a little roundup of sweet DIYs! (links below)

The third one (DIY tea bags from My Little Fabric) is in French, but here is what you need to do : print page 17 of the free online magazine (a real eye candy, by the way). Cut out two cloud shapes in a tea filter (or a tea bag opened flat). Sew the edges by hand, and fill with loose tea just before fully closing. Leave a 4 inches piece of thread to make the tea bag string. Cut out the bird shape (also on page 17), and attach it to the tea bag string.

I hope you enjoy these projects, and I sure hope you all have a very lovely weekend! See you on Monday :)

DIY Embellished Tights from Park & Cube // DIY Colorblock Earrings from Delighted Momma // DIY tea bags from My Little Fabric // DIY Dyed Wooden Beads Necklace from Martha Stewart

Free Printable Valentine Gift Box + Cupid's Appetizers

2012-02-09T06:06:00.000-08:00

I made these two projects as Valentine's day DIYs for the French online magazine My Mag, which is filled with lovely tutorials and recipes! My Mag is the magazine of My blogs : My DIY (various DIY projects), My Day (wedding and events related DIY projects), and My Dz (home decor DIY projects). Although these wonderful blogs are in French, they almost always link to tutorials in English, so they're definitely worth a visit even if you don't speak a word of French :)

VALENTINE GIFT BOX

You will need a printer, white card-stock, scissors, glue or double-sided tape, a hole punch, ribbon, a bone folder or butter knife, and the free PDF file.

1. Download the free PDF file (click here to download it), print on card stock, and cut out.

2. Fold the label along the solid white line, and punch a hole over the white circle. Write a little note inside, or the name of the lucky recipient.

3. Score along the dotted lines, using a a bone folder or butter knife. Fold the red flap, then punch a hole over the gray circles. Fold the box up, gluing the gray flaps.

4. Fill the box with candies, love notes, chocolates or other surprises.

5. Tuck in the top flap of the box and thread the ribbon through the holes. Tie a nice bow, and you're done!

CUPID'S APPETIZERS

You will need oval cherry tomatoes, toothpicks, a printer, heavy weight paper, scissors, glue or double-sided tape, and the free printable file.

1. Download the free PDF file (click here to download it), print on heavy weight paper, and cut along the solid lines. The triangles represent the arrowheads, and the other shape represents the arrow fetching.

2. Cut out the white parts of the shapes representing the arrow fetching. You need two pieces for one arrow. Adhere a piece of double-sided tape or glue to one of the paper pieces and place the toothpick onto the center. Place the second paper piece on top and pinch both sides together, adhering them to the toothpick.

3. Now cut your cherry tomatoes. You need two tomatoes for one heart appetizer. Diagonally cut away about one third of each tomato. Assemble two bigger parts to a heart and stick them together with the toothpick.
Please note : After I made these tomato hearts, I saw (via Debbie Messmer's Pinterest) that something similar had already been done by Eye Candy Food Blog. Check it out for a step by step tutorial on how to form the heart.

4. You now need to add the arrowhead. You need two paper triangles for one arrow. Adhere a piece of double-sided tape or glue to one of the triangles and place the bottom of the toothpick onto the center. Place the second paper triangle on top and pinch both sides together, adhering them to the toothpick.

5. Voila! You can also use the toothpick arrows as table decor or gift toppers.

I hope you like these projects, and I wish you all a super happy Valentine's day!

Artist Crush : Beata Cervin

2012-02-08T09:26:00.000-08:00

Beata Cervin's photographs are quiet and full of grace, a pastel fairytale. Get lost in her Flickr Stream or her Portfolio for more dreamy images.

Instantly Transform a Man's Shirt (No Cut, No Sew)

2012-02-07T08:38:00.000-08:00

See that pretty dress that Aya from Strawberry Koi is wearing? Well, it's a man's shirt. And it doesn't involve any cutting or sewing! She just followed the video below, which shows many different styles you can create out of a man’s shirt. Doesn't it look lovely on her?

Image courtesy of Strawberry Koi (visit her blog for various awesomeness). Video courtesy of General Ink.

Color Palette : Shades of Brown + Rose Gold

2012-02-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? I've been skiing, it was freezing cold but so fun! I stumbled upon this positive poster by Hilary Sloane and found it so inspirational and beautiful that I immediately wanted to share it with you, along with a few lovely items. Hope you like them!

Us Positive Poster // Heeled Country Ankle Boots, Zara, $159 // Relic Stainless Steel Rose Gold Tone Watch, Kohl's, $72 // Barky Turntable, Decurate, $1300 // Felix Weekender Duffle, Deux Lux, $137 // Fancy Fraiche Soap Dispenser, Modcloth, $16.99 //

Happy Friday! (4 DIY Projects)

2012-02-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday friends! The weather forecast for tomorrow is minus 2 F here. Brrr... So cold! I think I'll spend this weekend with a pair of warm socks and a cup of hot tea. Do you have any fun plans? In whatever way you spend it, have a fantastic weekend!

DIYs featured above:

DIY Fabric Poms from OnceWed // How to Shoot Amazing Water Droplet Macro Photographs from MCP Actions // DIY Succulent Egg Planter from Better Homes and Gardens, on Seattle Times // DIY Decoupaged Light from Country Living //

Art I Heart Thursday : Miss Capricho

2012-02-02T07:37:00.000-08:00

Cat and Teacup, Bird Dress, and Rite of Spring by Miss Capricho. More of her gorgeous art can be seen on her website and her Flickr stream.

Lovely Sponsors : Yellow Bird, Yellow Beard & Oh, Nostalgia!

2012-02-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

Yellow Bird, Yellow Beard toy shop and home shop are filled with the cutest handmade decorative garlands, adorable kids toys, and much more! Find more of Yellow Bird, Yellow Beard's lovely work here : Home Shop // Toy Shop // Blog // Twitter // Pinterest

Oh, Nostalgia! jewelry shop is filled with a collection of vintage-inspired jewelry perfect for everyday wear! Paige, the sweet person behind Oh, Nostalgia!, also runs a lovely bridal jewelry shop.

Thanks so much Janee and Paige for sponsoring Oh The Lovely Things! I'm blessed to have such lovely sponsors :)

Valentine DIY Round Up

2012-01-31T11:56:00.000-08:00

Hi friends! How are you today? I woke up to find everything covered with snow today! It was so pretty, it made me feel blessed.

Anyway, as promised, here is a Valentine DIY round-up (links below). Of course, there are many other Valentine related projects, but I thought I would share my favorites. I hope they will inspire you! All of them come with tutorials or recipes, just click on the link to find the full post.

DIY Mini Crepe Paper Flowers from Oh Happy Day // DIY Chocolate Love Notes from The Mother Huddle // DIY Beeswax Heart Candles On Sticks from Poppytalk // DIY I Love You Garland from Lovely Indeed // DIY Fabric Hearts Garland from How About Orange //

DIY Valentine Arrows from Design Sponge // DIY Heart Cupcake Toppers from Papernstitch // DIY Heart Sugar Cubes from Daily Suze // DIY Cupid's Arrow Cupcake Toppers from Creature Comforts Blog // DIY Valentine Dishes from How About Orange // DIY Valentine Cookies from Wedding Chicks //

Chai Pancakes with Black Tea-Poached Plums

2012-01-30T10:51:00.000-08:00

It's been a crazy day today. One of these days where you're always running everywhere, always in a hurry, and can hardly find time to breathe. Phew! I could use some comforting food, and don't these chai pancakes with black tea poached plums from Desserts for Freakfast look highly comforting, and most of all really delicious?

Anyway, I'm just going to crawl into bed now... and tomorrow will be a new day! Thanks for stopping by, and happy Monday :)

Happy Friday! (4 DIY Projects)

2012-01-27T09:29:00.000-08:00

DIY Butterfly Glass Dome by Sweet Paul // DIY Pearl Hair Comb by Flax and Twine // DIY Spa Party (with Free Printables) by One Charming Party // DIY No-Sew Fabric Flowers by Dana Made It //

Happy Friday friends! I can't believe it's already the end of the month. Where has January gone? I could seriously use 12 more hours in the day. It's actually something I often find myself worrying about - how fast time passes. But I think being busy is also a good thing!

What are your plans for the weekend? I wish I could go skiing (I really need to turn off my computer and go outside) but it's been raining and raining again instead of snowing. Anyway, however you choose to spend it, I hope your weekend will be lovely!

Psst... Stay tuned for a round-up of the best Valentine's DIY Projects next week!

Art I Heart Thursday : Caitlin McGauley

2012-01-26T06:17:00.000-08:00

Aren't Caitlin McGauley's watercolors the sweetest? There's something happy and innocent about them that makes my heart melt. To see more of her gorgeous art, be sure to check out her website and her blog.

Steal Her Style : Diana Agron

2012-01-25T07:24:00.000-08:00

I really love Diana Agron's outfit, relaxed yet stylish, effortlessly chic! Unfortunately, her gorgeous skirt is sold out, but similar ones can be found here, here, here, here, or here. Anyway, this look makes me long for spring... but I love how you could easily adapt it for warmer winter days. What do you think? Is that something you could wear?

Slit Back Chiffon Shirt, Topshop, $72 // Pleated Silk-Chiffon Maxi Skirt, Tibi, $360 (Other options, including cheaper similar skirts : 1 / 2 / 3 / 4) // Tortoiseshell Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses, Chloé, $126 // Mini Charm Bow Stud Earrings, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $38 // Nail Polish in Island Shopping, Essie, $8 // Glossy Leather Billfold Zip Wallet, Comme des Garçons, $365 (cheaper option here) // Bardella Booties, Nine West, $83.77 //

DIY Geometric Diamond Necklace

2012-01-24T09:34:00.000-08:00

Hi there, sorry for the missed post yesterday! It's been a long day of studying for exams. Anyway, today I'd like to share a little DIY project I made over the weekend. I really love the geometric trend going right now, and it inspired me to make this geometric diamond necklace. It was super easy and fun to do, cost almost nothing and has already brought me compliments. I hope you'll enjoy it!

You need:
- a chain necklace and a jumpring
- a paintbrush and paint (No paint? Nail polish works fine too!)
- a small scrap piece of leather (genuine or synthethic), approx. 1.5" x 1.5"
- a diamond shape
- tape and scissors
- an awl or a needle

1. Draw the outline of the diamond shape on the piece of leather. Cut the shape out of the leather with scissors, making sure to cut just inside the pen marks so you don't have any lines showing.

2. Draw the inner lines.

3. Cover with tape, leaving one area exposed.

4. Paint the exposed area. Let dry.

5. When it's completely dry, slowly remove the tape.

6. Repeat steps 3, 4, 5 until you have painted the whole shape.

7. Make a tiny hole at the top of the pendant, using an awl or a needle. Spread open the jump ring and pass one end through the hole in the pendant. Put a necklace chain inside the jump ring before pinching it closed.

8. Voilà, you're done! Wear it proudly.

I hope you will enjoy making your own geometric diamond necklace, in any colors you fancy! Thanks for stopping by, and have a lovely day!

Happy Friday! (4 DIY Projects)

2012-01-20T09:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday lovelies! Thanks for being here this week. What are you up to this weekend? I don't have anything special this weekend... I'm just looking forward to sitting near the fireplace, sipping pu-erh tea, catching up on emails and relaxing over the next couple of days. And if I get a chance, here are a few DIY projects I'd love to try :

DIY Geometric Triangle Necklace from Sincerely Kinsey // 11 Easy DIY Beauty Recipes from College Fashion // DIY Scrabble Tile Poster (such a sweet Valentine project!) from Penelope and Pip // DIY Cheap & Easy Bookshelf from Livet Hemma/Ikea Blog (in Swedish, but easy to understand with Google translate)
Have a sweet weekend and see you on Monday! xo, Clemence.