amy is the party

Eye Candy: Bridal Shower Inspiration

2012-02-22T16:45:00.000-08:00

The next big project I have coming up is planning my sister's bridal shower. I have until June, but I'm just so excited, I've been "pinning" images for months. I'm planning to share lots of DIYs along the way. Leslie, no peeking!

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Bedroom Re-Do: Bold Stripes with ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape

2012-02-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

I was ecstatic when a rep from 3M asked me if I'd like to do a DIY on my blog using ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape with Edge-Lock Paint Line Protector. As it just so happened, I had a vision for my bedroom that included bold stripes so painter's tape was right up my alley.

The tape is supposed to work on a variety of surfaces, is easily removed without leaving residue, and most importantly features Edge-Lock Paint Line Protector for super sharp paint lines. I still wasn't sure how this tape could be any different/better than other brands of painter's tape, until I watched the video that explains how the Edge-Lock works. Pretty awesome!

For my first project, I wanted to start small, so I painted a plain white lampshade that needed some character.

I started by measuring the lampshade and decided how wide I wanted my stripes to be. With a pencil, I marked where each stripe should go.

I marked all the way around the lampshade, every 2 inches to make sure my stripes would be even. Because the circumference of my lampshade was so small, I couldn't wrap the tape around evenly in one piece. Instead, I used smaller pieces, making sure they matched up with the marked lines.

After taping off the first stripe, I began painting. A sponge brush worked great for this.

You can remove the tape as soon as you are finished painting but if you are prone to accidents, wait until the paint dries (I am prone to accidents but I'm also impatient). Look – no tape residue on my fabric lampshade. Sweet!

Continue taping off the colored stripes and paint one at a time. Wait for one stripe to dry before moving on to the next.

While I was waiting for my lampshade to dry, I worked on my curtain. There are actually supposed to be 2 curtains, but I didn't finish the second one in time for this post.

I spread my curtain out over my craft table but you can also spread it out on the floor. Don't forget to put some plastic underneath because the paint WILL seep through.

I started by figuring out how wide I wanted my stripes to be (based on the total length of the curtain) and started measuring. I marked both sides of the curtain so that I could create a straight line using tape. *Remember, the edge of your tape always lines up with the colored stripe, so your white stripes will actually appear smaller once your tape is in place.

I used a spongy paint roller and started rolling on paint for every other stripe (leaving a white stripe in between each one). If you are working in a small space, you may just want to paint a couple stripes at a time, letting them dry in between.

After your stripe is finished, you can pull the tape away (again, if prone to accidents, wait until your stripes are dry before you do this). I couldn't wait, and I was excited to see such a nice clean line. YAY!

Continue painting until all of your stripes are filled in. After your curtain is completely dry, it is ready to hang.

I couldn't be more happy with the results! I am loving my new bold stripes.

But that's not all, I also painted stripes on one wall in my bedroom. Although the ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape works great alone, my walls are pretty textured, so I used this technique. The ScotchBlue website also has some helpful hints for painting stripes on walls.

I love it! I still have a few small projects to finish but I promise to show a full 360 degree view when I'm done.

Stripe envy? Right now, if you buy your ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape with Edge-Lock Paint Line Protector at participating Home Depot stores, you can get a special Buy 2 Get 1 Free by Mail offer. Check out Learn more and claim the offer www.scotchblue.com for more information.

This post was brought to you in partnership with 3M and ScotchBlue Painter's Tape. I was compensated by the advertiser to write this post, but my thoughts, opinions and words are my own.

Learn more and claim the offer here.

Eye Candy: Be Mine

2012-02-14T15:39:00.000-08:00

Happy valentine's Day! For those of you who want to indulge your sweet tooth without all the calories, here's a little eye candy:

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I hope I didn't just give you a cavity!

DIY: Sticky Note Valentines

2012-02-10T09:49:00.000-08:00

I have a guest post up at Skip to my Lou today, just in time for Valentine's Day. Sticky note's are a perfect little Valentine for co-workers, students, and teachers. Be sure to check out the other DIYs and downloads while you are at it!

Check it out.

Valentine Downloads

2012-02-03T11:25:00.000-08:00

Hi, just a reminder of a couple of Valentine-themed downloads that I have designed in years past. I also have a new download coming out on February 10th as part of a guest blog series on Skip to My Lou - stay tuned!

Owl Sticky Note Cozy

Punny Valentines

this pillow is for amy

2012-01-31T18:36:00.000-08:00

I received some awesome Birthday gifts this year. I don't have the best lighting right now, but I at least wanted to share the pillow that Lauren made me.

Is that not lovely? I <3 handmade gifts.

Thank you, Lauren!

Weekend of Instagrams: Birthday Weekend

2012-01-30T11:48:00.001-08:00

My birthday was everything I hoped it would be. I think the Instagrams say it all.

Party Time

2012-01-28T17:47:00.001-08:00

I'm making these for my little party tonight.

Source: creative-culinary.com via Amy on Pinterest

33 Things Report Card

2012-01-28T12:59:00.000-08:00

Since it's almost my birthday, I'd like to share my progress on my "33 Things" list from the last year. I didn't complete all of the goals and would like to move most of those un-finished ones to my "34 Things" list. A few of my goals have changed as priorities have shifted and they aren't so important to me now.

For instance, I'm not quite sure what to do with my blog. I love having a creative outlet and I'll never stop blogging, but its hard to run a blog like a business (get sponsors, post regularly, etc.) when you work full time and have other priorities. I'm always juggling more balls than I can handle, it's just a matter of which ball gets dropped. Sometimes that ball has to be my blog.

A goal for next year would be to figure out a way to integrate blogging and creativity better into my daily life, in a way that is rewarding and not stressful. Jaymi has come up with a plan to bring crafting back as a regular activity in our lives, and I am pretty excited about it. I've found that crafting "for fun" is a good way to help the creative process along and will guide me towards my blog/business goals.

I have lots to look forward to this year.

33 Things to do before I turn 33

1. Go to the gym AT LEAST 4 times per week, every week. I need to work harder on this one!

2. Learn to eat more "clean" - more fresh foods, less processed junk. I need to work harder on this one too!

3. Get up to (at least) 1,500 followers. The way people are following blogs is various and changing so I'm not sure that this goal still applies?

4. Go dancing.

5. Go sledding & make a snowman.

6. ~~Take more photos (for real).~~

7. Start taking sponsors on my blog. I started to!

8. Go zip lining.

9. ~~Go hiking in Tahoe.~~

10. ~~Go camping.~~

11. Get a dog. I'd LOVE to but it doesn't fit my current living situation. Hopefully this coming year!

12. ~~Get a new car. Or a new to me car.~~

13. ~~Decorate a new home (house or apartment).~~

14. ~~Shop at Trader Joes more.~~

15. ~~Host a house-warming party.~~ I didn't host a house-warming party per se, but I AM having a few friends over to celebrate my birthday this weekend.

16. Host a holiday or holiday party.

17. ~~Go to the beach – a warm one!~~

18. Buy a new bathing suit.

19. Go on a road trip (maybe to Springfield).

20. ~~Go somewhere with my dad (just him and I).~~

21. ~~Visit my sister in the bay area and have a “girls” day.~~

22. ~~Re-evaluate my business goals - maybe focus on my blog instead?~~

23. ~~Blog makeover.~~

24. Buy a new TV. I no longer get TV reception since getting cable internet (long story) so I've been watching "TV" on the internet. A TV isn't really a priority right now but I'm keeping an eye out for deals.

25. ~~Make cute mini donuts.~~

26. ~~Learn more about SEO (Search Engine Optimization).~~

27. ~~De-clutter. Turn up the music and clean.~~

28. Start jogging. FAIL

29. ~~See a movie by myself.~~

30. ~~Go on a date.~~

31. Have my wisdom ~~teeth~~ tooth removed.

32. ~~Go shopping at Walmart at Midnight.~~ Okay, I didn't do this one, but I DID go to the mall at 5am on Black Friday. I think that satisfied my "let's go shopping at odd hours" craving.

33. ~~Laugh more. Live more. Love more.~~ Always a work in progress!

Well, that's it! I need to get started on my "34 Things" list!

Eye Candy: Birthday Week

2012-01-24T20:13:00.000-08:00

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Sisters

2012-01-24T20:03:00.000-08:00

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True Story

2012-01-24T19:53:00.000-08:00

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If I had a million dollars...

2012-01-03T22:35:00.000-08:00

I would buy one of everything.

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*Sigh.*

Best of 2011

2011-12-30T16:12:00.000-08:00

I thought for my last post of the year, it would be fun to do a "Best of 2011" on the amy is the party blog. So, here we go, the favorite, most popular blog posts of 2011 (in case you missed any).

#1. Jaymi's owl-themed baby shower.
#2. DIY bunny cakes
#3. DIY Photobooth and #4. DIY Mustache Pops, both Summer Blog Party posts (check out some awesome posts by guest contributers there too)
#5. DIY cardi-clip
#6. DIY iron-on patches & appliques

#7. DIY vintage spool of thread necklace
#8. DIY tissue covered initials
#9. Autumn printables
#10. DIY pink marshmallow wonderland
#11. DIY cake pop display
#12. Holiday baked-goods printables

Now I am really wishing you a happy New Year as I will be taking a little blog-cation for the rest of the year! Thanks so much for following, I'm looking forward to celebrating another colorful, creative, and party-filled year with you.

<3 Amy

Blog Worthy: Parent Map

2011-12-30T15:51:00.000-08:00

My mustache pops were featured on Parent Map's 20 Homemade Goody Bag Ideas. There's some really cute stuff over there. Check it out!

Eye Candy: Shiny & Bright, Part 3

2011-12-30T15:34:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I can't help myself. Just a few more sparkles...

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Wishing you a happy and safe New Year!

Happy Holidays

2011-12-29T23:41:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of cute Instagrams that I forgot to share.

XOXO

Eye Candy: Shiny & Bright, Part 2

2011-12-29T22:16:00.000-08:00

I just can't help myself. I love glittery shiny things.

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Hope you have a happy New Year!

Agreed

2011-12-28T14:30:00.001-08:00

Source: imgfave.com via Cassidy on Pinterest

Eye Candy: Shiny & Bright

2011-12-26T21:36:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Mine was pretty quiet - but in a good way! I am SO looking forward to the New Year - new possibilities, new goals, new experiences. I can't wait.

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Hoping YOUR New Year is shiny and bright!

Not Normal

2011-12-26T21:23:00.000-08:00

I think this is my lesson for the year. I used to think everyone else was so normal but the older I get the more I realize that crazy is the new normal. Everyone has their own odd quirks. I guess that's what makes us lovable???

Source: weheartit.com via Holly on Pinterest

Last minute holiday gift (for YOU)!

2011-12-22T11:21:00.000-08:00

Guess what? I have a guest post up over at Best Friends for Frosting today.

Hop on over to Best Friends for Frosting to download a set of labels for packaging your holiday baked goods.

You can also download a recipe card for my Grams' special 7 Layer Cookies. They are super-easy to make and always a favorite!

Happy Holidays!

Hard work, sweat, and tears--and holiday cookies

2011-12-22T09:49:00.000-08:00

My Grams taught me the art of holiday baking. I can't remember how old (or young) I was when I first started helping her in the kitchen. Eventually I started baking cookies on my own. And now it just wouldn't feel like Christmas without them. There's just something about creating a plate containing a whole variety of yumminess and then giving away those plates of hard work, sweat, and tears (literally!) to your closest friends, family, and neighbors.

Every year, I work to find a better recipe for the varieties that I wasn't totally happy with the year before.

I also change up the types of cookies a bit, until I create the perfect mix. Some cookies are baked every year: Chocolate Chip, Pecan Sandies, Coconut Snowballs, 7-layer Cookies, Fudge, and Sugar Cookies. Last year I added Linzer cookie sandwiches with jam and decided they should be a yearly staple as well. Pecan bars also threatened to become a staple, but this year I went for pecan pie bites instead because I love that they look like tiny pies. And finally, a new recipe this year - chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies rolled in crushed candy cane. I haven't tried them yet but they look ADORABLE. They are kind of reminiscent of whoopie pies, which are probably one of my favorite baked desserts as of late.

Sometimes I start to wonder if handing out homemade cookies is worth all of the stress, sleepless nights, and countless trips to the store for ingredients I forgot (or ran out of). But then I realize that baking holiday cookies is kind of a lost art form. Back in my Grams' day, baking cookies was a way of life. I like that I can keep a bit of history alive.

My dad called me old fashioned not to long ago. It's not a word you think of when you picture someone in their early 30s. But I suppose I am. And I wouldn't have it any other way, Christmas cookies and all.

Do you have any holiday traditions in your family that you feel responsible for preserving? I'd love to know if you do!

P.S.) I have a free download coming soon - the third photo is a little hint!

A week of lovely things....

2011-12-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

The past week has been crazy busy but luckily I did get a few moments to slow down and enjoy the holidays. I received the most amazing handmade gifts this week too. I am lucky to have such talented friends. Jaymi made me the cutest stuffed owl and tree decoration. They both look adorable in my living room. Lauren made the yummiest cupcakes (red and white) and some lovely ceramic decorations (an ornament and some dainty bowls for my jewelry).

I also received some yummy treats from a new friend, Melissa of Best Friends for Frosting. Melissa and Tessa from The Frosted Cake Shop made a 6-pack of holiday flavored cupcakes (pictured above) and some cake pops too (pictured below). Such a yummy surprise!

This weekend will be filled with lots of baking, peppermint mochas, time with family, and a heavy dose of Christmas lights. I just love driving around to look at the spectacularly decorated houses.

I hope this weekend treats you well!

The time of year for baking

2011-12-13T16:56:00.000-08:00

It's the time of year for baking. If I had unlimited time and funds, I would love to make all of these...

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