Southern Lovely

Show & Share #42

2012-05-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Wednesday!

This is the last week of school for my oldest daughter, I can't believe she will be finished with kindergarten soon. It goes too fast, really.
Hope to enjoy the lazy summer ahead of us. :)
Thanks for partying here!

*Link to a specific post--not your home page, no giveaways, or no etsy shops

*Link something you've done in the last month

*Post my button on your blog (and follow me & my co-hosts, Marie & Jennifer)

*Visit & comment on at least TWO other links posted

*Come back to see if you've been featured!

Painted pillow

2012-05-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

I figured since my last few stenciling projects turned out okay, I would try some more.
This time I chose a pillow. I am kind of into pillows lately, since I have done several of them in the past few months. :)
This was super easy, really.

I picked up a Martha Stewart Stencil kit, green paint & a roller from Michaels.
The stencil kit came with several other stencils, which I can't wait to use.

My friend Marissa @ Rae Gun Ramblings shared this awesome tutorial on how to recover a pillow, so I tried it out for myself.

First, I cut my fabric for the pillow cover.
I used the pillow I was recovering as my size guide.

I taped the stencil to the fabric, and lightly painted.
With stenciling, always remember that less is more. :)
After it dried, I ironed over the stencil to make it set.
Yep, it's really that easy. Why have I not stenciled more until now??

I stitched my fabric pieces together & created this cover.

And there you have it!
An easy way to freshen up an old pillow & add color to any space.

Tuesday's Blog Hop {co-host}

2012-05-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Tuesday's Blog Hop - Let's Have Fun #3!!

Your Host:

The DIY Dreamer

This Week's Co-Hosts:

It's Overflowing
Southern Lovely

Uncommon

Lolly Jane

For those of you who do not know what Bloglovin' is...

You use Bloglovin' to follow your favorite blogs.
You get notified when your favorite blogs have written something new.

Go and sign up to Bloglovin' so that you can join in this Bloglovin' Hop.

RULES:

1- Follow your hosts.  

They are the first 5 in the linky and they will follow you back.

2- Link up your Bloglovin' link (not your blog).
Please note that links that are not directed to Bloglovin' will be deleted. 

3- Check out the other blogs on the list and follow some.

4- Grab the button below and place it somewhere on your blog.

This will help increase the success of the Blog Hop.

You can even Facebook or Tweet about it.

<div align="center"><a href="http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com" title="The DIY Dreamer"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d189/lexieex/The%20DIY%20Dreamer/BlogHopFun1.png" alt="The DIY Dreamer" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

HAVE FUN with the Blog Hop!

Pinspired & Rewired #3 {winner}

2012-05-25T11:00:00.000-04:00

Time to announce the winners from our Washi Tape challenge!
Thanks for the wonderful response to this months challenge!
It was so fun to check out all of your 'pinspired' projects.
Great job to everyone! We had a hard time choosing three winners, but we finally narrowed it down. :)

And a very huge thanks to the amazing sponsor this month, GroopDealz!

If you haven't already signed up for their newsletter to get all the awesome daily deals, you can do so here.

Let's announce the winners already. :)

1st Place: 

Bear Rabbit Bear

$75 Target Gift Card--courtesy of GroopDealz

2nd Place: 

My Sister's Suitcase

$50 Target Gift Card

3rd Place: 

Nifty Thrifty Things

$25 Target Gift Card

Congrats ladies! You definitely deserve it!
Please contact Lindsay @ southernlovelyblog at gmail dot com

Make sure to come back next Friday when we reveal the theme for the month of June.

What I Know--{Passionately Perfect}

2012-05-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday to you all.  

Please welcome Sherika here today!

Hi Everybloggy! I'm Sherika over at Passionately Perfect!

I'm beyond excited to get to share today with all the wonderful Southern Lovely readers!

When I first heard about the "What I Know" series I immediately knew I wanted to be a part and started going through my mental list of all the things I think I know! And since my husband tells me I think I know it all, it was a little more difficult than I thought. But, I thought about the one thing that I'm so passionate about that I never get tired of hearing, reading, or seeing! The one thing that kind of drives me. The thing that I feel comfortable and would talk about every minute of everyday...if my husband would listen!

 STYLE!

I say style instead of fashion because to me fashion is a trend and style is a way of life! I know that style is something that comes from the inside out! Style is more than a pair of jeans, its about wearing the outfit and not letting the outfit wear you! Style is about doing what feels best for you and on you. Style follows to its own beat and doesn't conform to what is the "hottest" thing! Style has no budget, whether it's 99 cents or 99 dollars, you make it hot, not the dollar sign!

I have always loved makeup, accessories, clothes and shoes...I LOVE shoes! When I was single I shopped probably almost every other day. YES, really! But after getting married and realizing my closet space got smaller and smaller, I had to figure out ways to make my dollar stretch and my closet stretch even more! Then, after having my sweet little Eden and becoming a SAHM, style started to become something that didn't come quite as easy! Not because my passion for it wasn't there, but because being everything else instead of the fabulous, stylish, shoe loving woman I am, came first! So I had to teach myself how to be that same person but in a more convenient way! So I started to search my closet for things I just absolutely in no way live without!

How many of you have pieces in your closet you have been holding on to for years because you have convinced yourself that it will come back in style and you will wear it one day? I have been guilty of that, but I have found the cure!

Here are ten pieces I think every woman should have in their wardrobe!

These pieces won't go "out of style" and they can be found at every price point and are so versatile!

1.) Your most favorite pair of jeans!

2.) Casual blazer

3.) Neutral heels

4.) White fitted tee

5.) Statement piece/accessory

6.) Cute flats

7.) Pencil skirt

8.) Jean jacket

9.) Maxi dress

10.) Purse (which should change depending on season!)

My pieces range every where from $2 to $60

Here are 10 different ways to wear your 10 keys pieces!

A few tips to staying fabulous!

Know your body type! This makes shopping so much easier! Knowing your best and worst feature can ensure you FEEL and look your best!

**Remember heels compliment any silhouette**

Follow the latest fashion colors and themes instead of pieces! My #1 style no-no is thinking all trends will work for everyone! I don't know who decides the latest fashion trends but they don't take into consideration age, or body type! But keeping up with the hottest season colors and themes will keep you up-to-date!

Don't be afraid of COLOR!! Color can change your life, mood and any outfit! Don't be scared to step out your normal, boring color palette and take a risk!

Photos don't tell lies....husbands do! If you're feeling insecure about your outfit a quick phone photo will show if your makeup is too light/dark, if your blouse is see through or if you really do look fat in those jeans!

Lastly, remember you are beautiful because you are confident! Confidence is your best feature! I always say looking good makes you feel good, but feeling good makes you look even better!

So go have fun with style! Make it your own! develop a style that speaks to you and makes you excited about getting dressed everyday! Even if you're just running to the store for milk!

Okay, I am heading to my closet after reading this. Wasn't this awesome?! Such useful tips. And how adorable is Sherika?? She can rock anything it seems! I know I am inspired!

Show & Share #41

2012-05-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

Well hello there!
Time for another round of creativity.
Thanks for making this so much fun!
Hope you are having a great week.

*Link to a specific post--not your home page, no giveaways, or no etsy shops

*Link something you've done in the last month

*Post my button on your blog (and follow me & my co-hosts, Marie & Jennifer)

*Visit & comment on at least TWO other links posted

*Come back to see if you've been featured!

Pillow from {place mat}

2012-05-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

One day as I was browsing through Target, I came across this adorable place mat. It was on clearance for under $3, so I knew I just had to pick it up. I wondered if it could be turned into a pillow, since the color would look awesome in my front room.
So I bought it, and here's what I did..

To make this pillow, you will need a sewing machine.
I folded the place mat in half, right sides together, then stitched all of the sides but one.

I pressed the seam open, then flipped it right-side out.
Next I stuffed it with Poly-Fil, making it nice & fluffy.

Then I stitched the open end closed.

Yeah, it's really that easy. :) Gotta love Target clearance section!
And I think it fits in well with the rest of my pillows.

Print Runner {winner}

2012-05-21T17:00:00.000-04:00

Time to announce the winner of the Print Runner giveaway,

thanks to all those who entered!

And the lucky reader who will receive 250 business cards from Print Runner is..

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congrats Brooke! I will be contacting you soon!

Show & Share #40 {features}

2012-05-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday!
Our teacher appreciation week starts today, so I feel like a busy bee getting little treats & gifts ready to go each night. :)
Such a fun time of year though, with school ending & summer beginning.

Check out these fantastic features!

Sliding Barn Door TV Cover @ Kristen Duke Photography

Painted Garage Door @ The Money Pit

Bench Re-do @ The Pinterest Project

Spring Display @ Simple Home Life

Decorating on a Budget @ Lolly Jane

Spring Party @ Craftionary

Teacher Appreciation gift @ Johnny in a Dress

Teacher Printable @ Mommy By Day Crafter By Night

Felt Corsage @ Winthrop Chronicles

Grilled Chicken Salad @ It's Overflowing

Jello Oranges @ Happy Hour Projects

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes @ Life Made Simple

Strawberry Trifle @ Festive Party Ideas

Thanks for sharing here!

Pinspired & Rewired #3 {Link party}

2012-05-18T11:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome friends!

It's time to share all the wonderful Washi ideas that you've been working on!

THIS MONTH’S THEME

Washi Tape

Remember: Your project must be inspired by any Washi tape project

you’ve pinned or have seen on Pinterest.

Include a link to your pinspiration in your post!

THE HOSTS

Southern Lovely, Family Ever After, Ginger Snap Crafts, The Gunny Sack
& guest judge Holy Craft

SPONSORED BY

PRIZES

1st Place: $75 Target Gift Card--courtesy of GroopDealz
2nd Place: $50 Target Gift Card
3rd Place: $25 Target Gift Card

Remember to sign up for the GroopDealz newsletter so you can be alerted about all the wonderful sales happening each day.

What I Know--{One Dog Woof}

2012-05-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday!  

I have a fun guest post for you all today. 

Check her out!

Hi everyone! I'm ChiWei and I'm so excited to be guest posting here at Southern Lovely! You can usually find me over at One Dog Woof, talking about all sorts of random life happenings, crafts, recipes and showing off the occasional baby/dog photo!

When Lindsay put out a call for guest posters for her "What I Know" series, I thought it was such a fun open-ended idea. Then I stopped in my tracks and wondered "What do I know that someone else may not?" and got a bit stumped. I'm sure many of us feel this way, but we all know something different, and we all use that knowledge in a variety of ways. So, I am going to stick to basics - food!

I know I love to eat.

I know I get hungry, often.

I know I can eat a lot!

I know I'm supposed to eat healthy, but that doesn't always happen.

I know I should cook hearty nutritious meals for my husband and my growing toddler, but again, that doesn't always happen.

I know I love color.

I know that God created a beautiful world full of color for us to see, to love, to appreciate and to use to our advantage!

So keeping in mind my love of food and color, here are two quick tips for when you go grocery shopping or when you're cooking!

1. Always try to create a colorful plate.

Providing an assortment of colors for a meal helps ensure that you are also providing an assortment of vitamins and minerals for your family, since different colored fruits and vegetables have distinct nutritional advantages.

http://support.pcrm.org/site/DocServer/Nutrition_Rainbow_handout.pdf?docID=1643

Plus, food is good for the tummy, but good looking food is eye candy for the soul, right? Isn't it more appetizing to dig into a colorful bento box or a stunning plate of sushi? Not that there's anything wrong with my favorite comfort foods of homemade beef stew or curry chicken, but if you think about it, a whole array of colors went into that pot too!

2. Think in groups of threes, like you're trying to complete a set.

I always try to have a protein, a starch, and a vegetable for dinner; for energy, for filling up (cause I'm a hungry hippo), and for extra vitamins! This helps me figure out what to buy at the grocery store, and also what to make out of what happens to be in my fridge or pantry. I don't use recipes (I'm absolutely terrible at them), so I tend to make up meals with whatever I have. It usually involves me standing in my kitchen, asking myself "What protein do I have tonight? Meat? Beans? Eggs? Then, "hmm, potatoes, rice or pasta?", followed by "Ok, what veggies can I use up to add texture and flavor and color?"

Globe Trotter Diaries

Another type of a set of three would be in colors, like my favorite fall back combinations of ham/bacon/sausage (red) with scallions/onions/peas (green) with eggs/potatoes/rice/pasta (yellow) for some sort of quiche, frittata, fried rice, or pasta primavera.

Homestyle Fried Rice

Here's my Sesame Peanut Noodles with carrots, cucumbers and peanut butter (orange + green + brown).

I also like a salad with tomatoes, green beans and roasted corn, topped with scallions and Parmesan cheese (red + green + yellow).

A Couple Cooks

Or what about cantaloupe wrapped with prosciutto and arugula/mint (orange + pink + green)?

Bell'alimento

The combinations are endless, and I love that I can just make it up. Which means, so can you! The bounty of summer provides so many opportunities for beautiful, nutritious meals. I'll be sharing more fun and fresh recipes and tips in the coming months, so come visit my blog and Happy Eating!

Thank you ChiWei! This is a really awesome way to look at meals. Gives you more variety AND is good for you! I will definitely be trying this method out!

Lucy's Knitting Shop {winners}

2012-05-17T22:07:00.000-04:00

Hello there!

Time to announce the winners of these lovely headbands from Lucy Knitting Shop.

Thanks for the wonderful support!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congrats Stephanie & April! I will be contacting you soon!

Crayon Canvas {teacher gift}

2012-05-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

May is such a busy month, with school winding down. I had to get going on my teacher gifts early this year, since we kind of have a lot going on at the end of the month. I saw this adorable idea last year with the crayons, and I knew I wanted to do something similar.

I think personalized gifts are wonderful to receive, so I like to make them as often as I can.

Canvas (I used 12x12)

Painters Tape

Paint & brush

Crayons

One trick I learned with stripes, is to use the same width of tape as you guide in between stripes. Make sure to continue the tape on the sides of the canvas as well.

Then paint!

I cut out the letter that I wanted, so I could use it as my guide.

It helped a lot to have an idea of where to place the crayons.

Then I added some vinyl to it--you could stencil the words on if you don't have a cutting machine.

And if I am being honest, the pinwheel was an after though. I accidentally forgot to center my letter, so it looked off. I added the pinwheel to make it look better--and I actually really like how it looks with it. :)

I am very excited to have my daughter pass these out to her teachers. They have done so much for her this year, that this is the least that I could do for them!

Yay for wonderful teachers!

PrintRunner {Giveaway}

2012-05-16T17:00:00.000-04:00

Hey friends!

I'm excited to share a fun giveaway with you all today from PrintRunner

PrintRunner.com is a full service, high quality online printing company with very affordable prices. Started ten years ago with a small press & a dream. They are located in Chatsworth, California. If you would like to print online, definitely check out their site.

They print business cards that look professional and expensive at an affordable rate and today one lucky reader will receive some!

Here are the details:

 One winner will receive 250 Business Cards 

(color on both sides, 2x3.5, 14 pt. UV Coating on Front, 14 pt. UV)

*Giveaway is open to US Residents only, ages 18 years old and above.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: A big thanks to PrintRunner for providing this giveaway.

I will receive a set of business cards for hosting.

Show & Share #40

2012-05-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Wednesday!  

I absolutely love checking out all you share here.  

I only wish I had more time to look at more. :)  

Thanks for making this such a fun party!

*Link to a specific post--not your home page, no giveaways, or no etsy shops

*Link something you've done in the last month

*Post my button on your blog (and follow me & my co-hosts, Marie & Jennifer)

*Visit & comment on at least TWO other links posted

*Come back to see if you've been featured!

DIY Flower Petal {shirt}

2012-05-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Apparently I am on this 'embellish shirt' kick lately, because I have done it again. :)

I had so much fun working with felt last time, that I decided to try something a little different.

Check it out..

Shirt
Felt
Fabric for center
Heat & Bond (I used Pellon)

1. Cut 8 of each color for two rows of felt
2. Pin the bottom row of petals to create a circle
3.Pin the top row of petals, as indicated above
4. Stitch the top row of petals, then lift up that row & stitch the bottom row of petals

Cut your fabric in a circle big enough to cover the open center of your petals.

I used Pellon Wonder-under to attach to the back of my fabric circle--the instructions should come with your Pellon or other fusing web.

Once you have fused both of those pieces together & taken off the paper part of the Wonder-under, you can iron the fabric onto the open section of the petals.
Finish by stitching the fabric circle to your shirt

I made a second one as well. :) I'm very happy how easy this was to create. And it washed up wonderfully--ironed the fabric center

This post was originally published at I Heart Nap Time on April 3rd, 2012.

Show & Share #39 {features}

2012-05-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday!
I hope you were able to celebrate all of the wonderful mothers in your life yesterday. My family made my Mother's Day so memorable. I am very blessed to have them in my life!

Here are the features!

Penny Countertop @ Domestic Imperfection

Pretty Canvas Art @ Natalie's Sentiments

DIY Upholstered Bed @ Visual Eye Candy

Painted Brass Lamp @ Renewed Upon a Dream

Stenciled Rug @ Days of Chalk & Chocolate

Sunshine Plates @ Chase the Star

Fabric Marble Necklace @ Keeping it Simple

Save Scratched DVD's Tip @ Free Stylin'

Adult Mac-N-Cheese @ Life with Hawleys

Strawberry Lemonade @ One Sweet Appetite

Thanks for sharing here!

Lucy's Knitting Shop {giveaway}

2012-05-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hello there!

I have a fun giveaway for you all today.

Lucy over at Lucy's Knitting Shop has generously offered to give two of these beautiful

crochet flower headbands to two of my lovely readers.

Want to win it?? Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can also receive 10% off anything in Lucy's Shop using the code LUCY10

Good Luck Friends!

Winners will be announced Thursday, May 17th.

Washi {summer fun} Folder

2012-05-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

So, I'm thinking that Washi tape is the new burlap. :)

Even if it's not, I absolutely love working with it.

When my fellow co-hosts & I decided on a theme for the 3rd challenge of Pinspired & Rewired, I started pinning all sorts of fun Washi tape projects. Once I found the one for my 'pinspiration', I went straight to Target & brought some Washi tape home!

My 'pinspiration'--How to Nest for Less

This was a great starting point for my project. I realize they are not that much alike, but this cute little journal helped to spark my creativity.

I am throwing an end of school party for my little kindergartener, so I thought I could make a 'summer fun' folder to pass out at the party.

Folder

Notebook

Colored pens

Washi Tape

(all purchased at Target)

For the inside--
I used hot glue on the inside of the flap that contained the pens, so they wouldn't fall out.
I decided to use the striped Washi tape, I love how the continuous stripes looked. Pretty self explanatory how I put them on, right?! :)

Since this is a 'summer fun' folder, I added a label to the front of the notebook. I also printed out & glued on this adorable '100 things to do this summer' printable list.

The goal of this folder is to have a fun way to document all the activities they do this summer. I thought they could draw pictures about the things they do, or write about them (my older daughter).
It will be a great way to view it through their eyes.

I added the 'O' for my daughter. The other folder has a 'K' on it. :)

I think this summer is going to be a great one, what about you?!

Hope to see you all at the Pinspired & Rewired link party next Friday. The prizes are pretty fabulous, thanks to GroopDealz.

You can check out my co-host's projects @
The Gunny Sack
Family Ever After
Ginger Snap Crafts

Show & Share #39

2012-05-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

It's that time again! 

I just want to say a HUGE thanks for making this party so fun & full of creativity! Couldn't do it without the help of my wonderful readers!

*Link to a specific post--not your home page, no giveaways, or no etsy shops

*Link something you've done in the last month

*Post my button on your blog (and follow me & my co-hosts, Marie & Jennifer)

*Visit & comment on at least TWO other links posted

*Come back to see if you've been featured!

Freezer Strawberry Jam

2012-05-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

Hey friends! I am excited to share one of my family's favorite spring time traditions--strawberry pickin'!

Being in the south, there are some really awesome strawberry farms this time of year, so we make a night of it, & choose the best possible strawberries we can find! The kids LOVE this night & have the best time filling our buckets. Usually at the end we have to throw out a few of the ones that are not edible. :)

Here is what we came home with. I was so excited to make something yummy from our labors at the farm. :) And I knew just the thing..

Strawberry Jam!

You will need:

4 cups ripe strawberries
4 cups sugar
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
3/4 cup water
1 package pectin (I used Sure Jell)

Yep, it's really that much sugar. It's amazing though, trust me. :)

You will need to sterilizer your jars & lids--I boiled mine in a big pot for 5 minutes

Wash & cut the stems off the strawberries

Crush 2 cups worth of strawberries--I used my Cuisinart

In a large bowl, mix crushed strawberries, sugar & lemon juice, then let stand for 10 minutes.

While that is setting up, in a small pot, mix water & pectin over high heat. Once it boils, stir continuously for one minute, then pour into the bowl with the strawberries & sugar (after it has set for 10 minutes). Mix together until it is no longer grainy--about 3-4 minutes.

Immediately ladle the jam into jars, leaving 1/2 inch at the top.

Wipe containers clean & place lids on.

I used a cupcake liner as a decorative piece with my jars. You could also wrap with a ribbon, use scrap book paper, lots & lots of possibilities to dress it up!

Let your jam set at room temperature for 24 hours, then place in fridge (up to 3 weeks) or freezer (up to one year).

Don't forget to share with others, that is half the fun!

Always Perfect Freezer Jam
(recipe from Favorites cookbook)

4 cups ripe fruit, such as strawberries, peaches, raspberries, or apricots
4 cups sugar
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
3/4 cup water
1 package pectin (i.e. SureJell)

Prepare containers & lids for freezer jam by sterilizing & cooling. Wash, & slice fruit as necessary.

In very large bowl, thoroughly crush enough fruit to equal 2 cups. Stir in sugar & lemon juice until thoroughly mixed. Let stand 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in 1-qt saucepan, combine water & pectin & heat to boiling over high heat. Boil, stirring constantly, for one minute. Stir pectin mixture into fruit until sugar has dissolved & mixture is not longer grainy, 3-4 minutes.

Quickly ladle jam into containers leaving 1/2" of room at the top. Wipe container rims clean & cover with lids. Let stand at room temperature until set, up to 24 hours.

Refrigerate up to three weeks, or freeze up to one year.

Makes five-8 oz. containers.

Show & Share #38 {features}

2012-05-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hey friends, Happy Monday!
We have a busy week around here with lots of end of year activities.
Some days I wonder how I keep up with it all. :)
Here are some awesome features to help spark some creativity, I know I need it. :)

Vintage Book Flowers @ Sweet Little Gals

Rustic Burlap Wreath @ Too Much Time

Shabby Chic Room @ Fancy Frugal Life

Nightstand turned Kitchen Island @ Make The Best of Things

Moss Spring Sign @ Brown Paper Packages

Painted Planters @ Still Being Molly

A+ Teacher Appreciation Gift @ Homespun with Love

School Day Thank You Cards @ Shaken Together

Happy Birthday Banner @ Sensible Nonsense

Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken @ Miss Information

Strawberry Yogurt Cake @ Baking with Blondie

Thanks for sharing here!

Pinspired & Rewired #3

2012-05-04T11:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to month three of our series!

Here is what Pinspired & Rewired consists of:
4 hosts picking an inspiration project from Pinterest.
Making our own version of it, with a twist,
Announcing the theme for the month
Letting you have 2-3 weeks to create something in that theme for yourself
Pin it. Make it. Share it. Win it!

THE HOSTS

Southern Lovely, Family Ever After, Ginger Snap Crafts, and The Gunny Sack.

SPONSORED BY

We all love having super cute boutique items that no on else has and everyone wonders where you got it! Well, I have the site for you....it's called Groopdealz!

Groopdealz is a trendy site that offers amazing deals on a variety of boutique items. But there are limited supplies available, so each deal is only good for 24-48 hours or until they sell out! As you can imagine, these great items can sell out fast. The best way to keep up with what is currently available and never miss out on a great deal, is to register for the Groopdealz newsletter which is delivered right to your inbox.

TIMELINE

First Friday of the Month (May 4)~ Theme and host's projects are revealed
Second Friday of the Month (May 11)~ Host's tutorial available on her blog
Third Friday of the month (May 18-23)~ Link Party Contest held Friday thru Wednesday
Last Friday of the Month (May 25)~ Winners announced!

THE RULES

1. Before entering your project, you must follow each host's blog via RSS and Facebook.

2. You must have a blog to enter the contest.

3. You must place the Pinspired and Rewired Button in your post or on your sidebar (button found at the end of this post).
4. Your project must be inspired from Pinterest. (Include a link to the pinspiration in your post).

5. Your project must have been posted within the last 90 days.

PRIZES

1st Place: $75 Target Gift Card--courtesy of GroopDealz
2nd Place: $50 Target Gift Card
3rd Place: $25 Target Gift Card

THIS MONTH’S THEME

Washi Tape
Remember: Your project must be inspired by any Washi tape project
you’ve pinned or have seen on Pinterest.
Include a link to your pinspiration in your post!

OUR "PINSPIRATION"

How to Nest for Less

The Crafted Sparrow

Twigg Studios

HOST PROJECTS REVEALED

*Tutorials for each project will be available on each blog on Friday.

GET YOUR GAME ON

We can't wait to see what you come up with!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact any of the hosts.
So grab a button, and play along! Good luck!

**A big thanks to GroopDealz for sponsoring this months challenge!

What I Know--{My Girlish Whims}

2012-05-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Happy to have Friday here!

Today I am sharing a lovely guest by the name of Rebecca!  

Check her out!

Hello Southern Lovely readers! I'm Rebecca

and I blog over at My Girlish Whims, a blog all about beading, crafting, and general life as a girl!!

For my "What I Know" post I decided to talk about the craft that I know best of all...jewelry making!

I started making jewelry as a bored kid in the summer who needed a hobby. Let me tell you...it was NOT very pretty at the start. I have a very vivid memory of me trying to tie wire together to make a necklace stay together and I got so frustrated I started bawling. Hah! Well, over the years I've learned a few more techniques and I've been sharing them on my blog recently with a Jewelry Lessons series!

Jewelry making is such a rewarding hobby because you get to wear your creations when you are done with them and show them off!! It's actually surprising easy as well. After you learn a few basic techniques you will be surprised at how many things you can actually make.

To get started in jewelry making you need a few basic tools such as these:

And a variety of beads like these:

Beads are my FAVORITE part of jewelry making. There so many different kinds/shapes/sizes/colors....you can really let your creativity go to work!! Sometimes I just sit at my beading desk for hours playing with different combinations of beads trying to work out new designs in my head!!

After you learn some basic techniques like how to make a simple loop:

How to crimp:

how to use jump rings:

And How to Wire Wrap

You will really be surprised at how simple and addicting jewelry making really is!! Before you know it you'll walk into a department store and be like...I could make that necklace...and that one...oh and that one too!!

If you have any more questions on how to get started, pop over and say hello and let me know on my blog!

Wasn't this great! She sure knows her stuff when it comes to creating pretty accessories! I need to take up jewelry making & save myself a lot of money. :) Thanks for the very helpful tips, Rebecca!

Show & Share #38

2012-05-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hello, hello!

With Mother's Day just around the corner, I am enjoying all these wonderful ideas shared by you all.  Is it just me, or are handmade gifts so much more fun to receive??  

Enjoy the rest of the week!

*Link to a specific post--not your home page, no giveaways, or no etsy shops

*Link something you've done in the last month

*Post my button on your blog (and follow me & my co-hosts, Marie & Jennifer)

*Visit & comment on at least TWO other links posted

*Come back to see if you've been featured!