Put on Your Apron

Out to lunch...

2011-01-05T10:38:00.003-05:00

So, I've been "out to lunch" these past two weeks. Absolutely got hit with the holiday tidal wave. And in the magazine world, it gets even more hectic because you still have to produce an issue in the same timespan as non-holiday-time. Same deadlines, less days in the office. Oof.

What else. Oh, I've been cast in a new role as the lead blogger for this new craft social networking site that's launching later this month, CraftFoxes.com. You should totally check it out and sign up to be alerted to the official launch date. And I'm not saying this because I write for it, but because it's really going to be a cool, comprehensive source for anyone who has even a passing interest in crafty things. There will be tutorials galore, a list of craft stores organized by area (this is what I'm excited about, since there is nary--yes, I said nary--a Joann fabrics or anything in a 20-mile radius), easy-to-navigate posts, the whole shebang. So, sign up for CraftFoxes here! And, of course, if you want to send anything over to my attention for editorial consideration, feel free to email me. I really am loving getting to know all the fabulous crafters out there, I've been making so many friends.

I'm also doing all sorts of business-y projects relating to my etsy shop, which I will post more about in the coming days. I'm finding that the hardest thing in the world when it comes to having your own line of anything, isn't the production process. (Right now, I have that down to doing an assembly-line set-up, with cutting pieces one day, hemming the next, and so on.) It's organizing the whole business. Because it is a business. It's figuring out what sells and what doesn't, how you can better serve your customers, establishing a consistent look and changing your pre-conceived ideas of what you thought your business would be. Does that make sense? Like, I was pretty sure the pin-up aprons would be the main seller, but it turns out it was the Wonder Woman apron, a kind of on-a-whim design.

Let's see, what else...I was talking to my new e-BFF, Katie of LemonJitters (who has a fab new digital design blog, TheCommonJar), about how it's hard not to automatically compare yourself to other bloggers out there. You know, the ones who have mastered 100 different cool craft techniques, executing each perfectly, photographing them beautifully, selling a bajillion versions of their designs online, they blog everywhere, etc. etc. And it almost makes you want to give up, doesn't it? Well, it shouldn't. We forget that we're in a small corner of the internet where like-minded people convene. If it seems like everyone else is effortlessly fabulous, well, guess what? It's not really "everyone else". It's still just a small portion of the population, not the norm. So, deep breath, attitude adjustment. Stay positive and glamorous.

-B

Better than Bows: Cupcake Paper Gift Toppers

2010-12-23T12:07:00.003-05:00

So, I was up until 2 am last night wrapping gifts, when inspiration struck to stick cupcake papers all over each present. This sounds ugly in theory, but the result (above) ended up looking lovely. I used these old holly-covered cupcake wrappers that I bought on super-sale after the holidays last year (the original idea was to use them FOR cupcakes, but then it occurred to me that it doesn't seem right to use holly-print things beyond Christmas).

What you do is: Cover the area of the gift you want to decorate with double-stick tape. Then, take a wrapper, bunch it up at the bottom and stick it to the tape. Keep doing this until you end up with the giftwrap equivalent of a glamorous boa. Ta-da!

-Brie

Holiday Messes...

2010-12-22T11:12:00.003-05:00

In the middle of organizing gifts, sending out packages, wrapping presents, finding the ornaments, finding my tree (a lovely little white faux tree that is only just now going up today!), fulfilling apron orders, ordering even more gifts for people I forgot, working on articles (on-deadline!), working ahead on articles, planning menus for parties and somewhere, somehow, sleeping, the above mess happened in my studio.

I'm totally into the holiday spirit and all, but I always have trouble keeping things neat and tidy during this time of year. I thought I was alone in this, some sort of yuletide failure, and got tremendously hard on myself...and then I read Pip's inspiring post on how she has the same trouble during the holidays. If Pip, blogging and crafting superstar has trouble keeping her sanity during Christmastime, then I can give myself permission to let myself go a little bit to the messier side of life, albeit temporarily. Everything will be okay, I keep saying...

P.s. That ghostly halo in the corner isn't a spirit, but the light from my laptop. I used my new smartphone, which has the unfortunate tendency to make me feel not-so-smart, to take the photo.

Christmas Favor Idea: Tiny House Boxes

2010-12-14T12:02:00.003-05:00

Even though these town house gift boxes (from Martha Stewart, of course) are too charming for words, I will attempt to write about them anyway. The illustration-inspired containers are meant for cookies and such, but with a ribbon they also are keepsake ornaments. The free template is pre-illustrated, but if you'd like to do custom, just trace the box parts onto cardstock and take it from there. I was seriously thinking of doing this with houses inspired from my illustrations, but then discovered that I have absolutely no time during this pre-holiday crunch. Between making aprons for orders, doing the whole "email everyone before they go on vacation" thing and trying to wrap up my gifts, I think I'm getting all of five minutes' sleep each night. It'll be worth it, I keep telling myself...

Hang in there!
-Brie

Image via Martha Stewart

Coveted: Handmade Batik Pillow Covers

2010-12-09T20:14:00.006-05:00

I would say "How fabulous are these batik pillows from my etsy friend SisterBatik?" but that would be a completely rhetorical question--and not because you can't answer me. (Well, I guess you can via comments...but you get the point!) Because they're clearly individual works of art, for only $20 a piece. They're completely handmade, from each unique print to each individual stitch. Sigh. You can find them here.

Image via SisterBatik.etsy.com

Peek inside the new WSJ Magazine

2010-12-07T13:54:00.002-05:00

When Domino magazine went away, it was a pretty big deal over in Magazineland (did you know I work there? Because I do. It's right near "PublishingIsDyingVille" and south of "PanicOpolis"). It was one of the earliest casualties of the shelter magazine folding epidemic of 2007-09. Admittedly, I had a soft spot for them since they kindly featured my old blog on their website, way back when. In 2006. Which makes me feel Internet Old. But because of that mention, I got to have a career in magazine writing, and for that I'm endlessly thankful.

I've since kept all of my issues, which I carefully read and sigh over.

But luckily, Deborah Needleman found a fabulous job as editor-in-chief at the new WSJ magazine. Above is a peek into the decor spread, a tour of Roxy Music front man Bryan Ferry's home. As you can expect, it's got that artsy-chic mix-and-match look that few can pull off. Like the above image of a paint-splattered chair, a gift to Ferry made by (and from) Rolf Sachs. If I had this in my home, my apartment would take on a Hoarders-like feel. In his house, with this photography...it looks artsy and fabulous.

Anyway, go look at WSJ and enjoy!

-B

Behind the scenes of an etsy photo shoot...

2010-12-04T11:18:00.002-05:00

I was trying to photograph a few milkglass items for my etsy shop when a certain cat named Cookie decided to jump into the frame. (She's not for sale, guys!)

But you can see my little set-up that I use for photographing for etsy. I use a small table that I've layered with 2 fabrics--a heavy white canvas, then a sheer polyester-ish fabric (it's really dress lining material). Why two? The white canvas nicely smoothes the surface, then adds brightness to the sheer top layer, enhancing the blue hue. Next, I iron the fabrics on the table. Sometimes I will leave a crease in to help me position/align objects (these always get cropped out, of course).

The table is placed by a south-facing bay window that I have in my kitchen. It's a shame because all the fancy architecture in my house--1920's molding, a marble fireplace, a huge front window with plantation shutters--is in the North-facing front side. Since I live in a brownstone on a narrow street, facing other brownstones, this room is in a perpetual Cavern of Darkness. Like the Motel 6 ad slogan, I always have to leave a light on in that room.

Anyway, the only time I get crisp sunlight in the kitchen right now is between the hours of 2pm and maybe 3:30. This leads to me running around the apartment like a madwoman, muttering to myself about how I'm about to lose the daylight. That said, I always keep my props close by and do really simple vignettes like the one above, with vintage books.

All that, and then a cat jumps into the frame.

Another freebie: Desktop Wallpaper

2010-12-02T15:09:00.003-05:00

It's a wallpaper and a desktop, featured by my Etsy friend Shrimp Salad Circus and designed by Katie of LemonJitters...and it's available to download for free here. Enjoy!

Free downloadable gift tags

2010-12-02T15:02:00.003-05:00

Etsy friend Irina posted these vintage-cute gift tags, free for you to download here. Enjoy!

New shop update

2010-12-01T22:55:00.005-05:00

It's always hard to part with things, but hopefully these vintage entertaining must-haves will find a happy home this holiday! From top: Vintage So Good Meals Cookbook, Southern Belles Cooler Glasses, and a Vintage Milk Glass Vase.

DIY Gift Bags

2010-11-30T16:55:00.003-05:00

Okay, okay, I know these adorable DIY gift boxes were originally intended for Father's Day...but they would be so much fun to use for the holidays! There's a template involved so you can make it completely custom...but I think you could also make these from a store-bought gift bag, right? Just cut off the handle, snip a "V" shape into the top on either side and fold over to create the shirt part. Then add a bowtie. Ta-da!

Found via PaperCrave

Cute winter craft: Felt pinecones!

2010-11-29T17:33:00.002-05:00

I found this pretty little project in the pages of Family Circle's December issue. I originally wasn't going to post it, because I thought that each individual bract was cut out--way too time consuming! But actually, the pinecone is made from little felt flowers, threaded onto a cut skewer. So much easier than I thought! I love the aqua/brown combo...Instructions (and template) are here.

Image via Family Circle

Wonder Woman-Inspired Apron Take 2

2010-11-28T23:26:00.003-05:00

I forgot to show you this new version of my popular Wonder Woman-inspired apron, when I added to my Etsy shop. This one was actually the first version I designed, before I got carried away with sassy sweetheart necklines (which I still love, by the way). This one has more of a traditional baker's apron look, and quite frankly, looks alot like a dress when it's on. And it can be yours for $26. Hope you like!

-Brie

A new twist on leaf votives

2010-11-24T12:00:00.003-05:00

I had an idea to do a few votive candle cups wrapped in pretty autumn leaves (like this idea from Better Homes & Gardens, via CasaSugar) for my Thanksgiving table, but a glance outside tells me that I missed the boat on that whole "pretty autumn leaves" thing. The trees have nothing to offer up by pathetic little wisps of what used to be leaves. So, I pretty much forgot about that idea...until I saw this neat take on candle and leaf centerpieces, from Sunset Magazine. Though they used skeleton leaves (available here), I could see this working with the "exhausted" leaves that are currently available from the aforementioned trees.

Now, how to get them to stand up? You could secure each leaf to a skewer using a tiny bit of tape, then insert into a piece of Styrofoam. But then you'd have a big hunk of Styrofoam on your table. To cover that up, you can either paint it and cover the exposed sides with ribbon. Or, you can cover the foam (before you insert the leaves with something else), like artificial moss.

Image via Sunset Magazine

Inspiration: Cozy Rustic Kitchen

2010-11-16T10:36:00.004-05:00

It's been raining for about two days straight now. Actually, raining isn't the right word...It's more like a dreary blanket of mist that envelopes everything, yet magically lifts at night, only to return right when I wake up. But anyway, this sort of weather has me longing to be curled up in a cozy kitchen, like the one above from Coastal Living. I usually don't go for a strong rustic look, but what I like here is the way the architects gave the kitchen island re-interpreted cabriole legs, painted white. It offers a jolt of modern style that lightens up the entire room. And it would be so easy to adapt this look to your home--just paint the legs of a table in a contrasting color. I'd even do it to a pedestal table, like Ikea's Liatorp model.

Image via Coastal Living

How to fix up a paper lantern lamp

2010-11-10T10:16:00.003-05:00

This is such a great idea, courtesy of the lovely gals at Hambly Screenprints. They have the most adorable online shop filled with designer papers, overlays and other pretty little things. Here, they used a bunch of overlays to customize one of those ubiquitous Ikea paper lantern lamps. Just cut each sheet (I could imagine using tissue or any other sheer paper) to fit each side of the lamp, using glue dots to attach. More complete directions are here.

Image via the Hambly Screenprints Blog

For your Thanksgiving table: Leaf Placemats

2010-11-09T15:08:00.003-05:00

Watching Martha Stewart's show always makes me feel a bit nervous (I think it's because of the newish format, with her trying to "learn" crafts from bloggers, or teach stars how to craft, too much tension there!) but occasionally she has a really simple idea that wins me over. Like these free-form leaf placemats. She simply cuts them from ultrasuede, which won't fray on you (so you won't have to fuss with hemming), but I'd use felt instead. It's also no-fray and much cheaper, so I wouldn't feel as bad throwing them out if they get stained. Expanded directions are here.

Image via Martha Stewart

Meet Miss November: The Apron

2010-11-08T15:23:00.005-05:00

Here's the newest apron available in my etsy shop, which is from my Women of the Year line. Each month brings a new color combination along with a hand-embroidered award ribbon brooch. This month, of course, is Miss November! The design is handmade in chocolate and white broadcloth, accented with a gold silk ribbon sash. Each apron also comes with a surprise vintage cocktail recipe.

DIY Lattice Wall

2010-11-04T11:48:00.002-04:00

Do you remember that lattice wall craze that had a moment in the early 90's? I distinctly remember this on the only two home shows that were on back then, the Christopher Lowell show and the Lynette Jennings show. The backing wall would almost always be painted hunter green and the lattice would be either left natural (if wood) or painted white (or they'd use that plastic version). Extra decor points would be added for an...artful...flourish of fake ivy at the end. Ooh, or stenciled ivy somewhere, that was also pretty big.

But anyway, here's a way, way more modern take on the lattice wall treatment, courtesy of Real Living magazine. (It's an Australian publication that looks a bit like Domino and has tons of ideas.) Here's the DIY instructions. It looks so nice when you paint the wall and lattice the same color, don't you think?

Despite all appearances, it's pretty easy to do. You'd just need a buddy to hold the thing up while you screw it into your wall, but everything else can be cut to your specifications at the Home Depot or whatever home center you frequent. I'd love to see this in an entryway--mostly because it would dramatically increase the storage space in that dump-and-go zone.

Photo via Real Living magazine's MSN page.

How to use pumpkins past Halloween

2010-11-03T10:04:00.003-04:00

Found while I was searching for more ribbon crafts (I have way too many spools lying around my work area and need something to do with them, they're too pretty to throw out, but of course they take up much-needed space), this cute centerpiece idea from Good Housekeeping.

Some people get a little narrow-minded about pumpkins and completely associate them with Halloween. But come on, nothing says autumn like cute little pumpkins! These ribbon-trimmed pumpkins would be perfect right now and into Thanksgiving.

Image via Good Housekeeping.

Election Day Rosettes

2010-11-02T09:50:00.003-04:00

I get unusually excited about performing my civic duty during November elections and end up lining up at the polls before they open. (Not easy for someone who usually has to be bribed with baked goods to wake up at daybreak.) And yes, I do decorate for the occasion if I have people over to watch the results. I mostly enjoy being able to use the red/white/blue colors during Autumn, which allows me to forget the dreary winter that is looming. These retro rosettes, via the Paper Source blog, would be perfect for this evening's festivities. They'd be nice hanging in a window, cinched around napkins or attached directly to the wall (as if you were hanging plates, if that makes any sense). Directions are here.

Image from Paper Source blog

Fab Organizing Solution: Pegboard

2010-10-28T10:53:00.003-04:00

I've always been a huge fan of pegboard. We've used it quite possibly in every room of the house as part of our organizing features at the magazine. But personally, I'm the type of organizer who likes to see everything (which, I guess, doesn't sound like organizing at all, I admit!) in front of me, so pegboard fits the bill. You can hang pretty much anything on it, and once given a coat of paint it doesn't look so office-y.

So anyway, I found a new twist on the standard pegboard set-up on CraftStylish. Instead of inserting hooks into the holes, they thread ribbon through using a thick needle. Then, you simply clip up anything you want using clothespins. Though this particular project is used to organize wedding plans, you could use this easily for inspiration boards, bits of ribbon, invitations/pretty cards/not-so-pretty bills, etc.

Image via CraftStylish.

DIY Sweet (ha-ha) Candy Dishes

2010-10-27T14:03:00.002-04:00

These generously-sized candy dishes featured on CraftStylish make perfect little favors. (Not to mention another good way to use up scrap fabric.) I'd do these in a rustic linen with a velvety orange ribbon tie for Halloween/autumn parties. It's very easy--just snip fabric, apply fabric stiffener and wait for it to dry. The name tag picks are made from paper, glue and skewers. Directions are here.

P.s. The creator of this craft is none other than Diane Gilleland of the fab CraftyPod podcast, a must-listen for crafty business owners.

Image via CraftStylish.

What's in your workspace?

2010-10-27T11:54:00.003-04:00

For me, it'll soon be one of these, hung on my cubicle wall. Via Penelope Waits' shop on etsy. Otherwise, my work zone is relatively cluttered with work-type things and books, with the odd vintage Asbury Park postcard to add color and cheer.

Image via Penelope Waits' shop.

New in my store...

2010-10-26T21:17:00.004-04:00

Two new prints are up in my etsy shop. Each print, depicting an old-timey scene of (left) a row of brownstone-era buildings or (right) New York's Washington Square Arch, is pre-framed in a 5 x 7 black frame for your convenience. I originally rendered each in Prismacolor markers in a style vaguely related to M. Sasek. At $10 each, there is no absolutely excuse for that bare spot on your desk.

-Brie

Wedding flowers for an autumn bride

2010-10-26T17:01:00.005-04:00

Here are a few arrangements that I did with my (business-y) partner in crime, the lovely stylist Shana Ecker, in conjunction with the fabulous Twigs & Buds floral design. Above, bridesmaids bouquets in a plum and pink color palette accented with peacock feathers, then below, a tall table arrangement featuring lilies and orchids.

The surprising part: The bridesmaid bouquets were super-easy. I know they look fancy, but really they just used a hydrangea as a flower frog for the other blooms. Its naturally full, round, bloom-packed head eliminates the need for lots of filler, and it also serves to guide your arrangement (keeping things in a pleasing round shape). Keep that in mind the next time you work with hydrangea!

Photos via Heather Johnson photography. (She's also handy with the flowers!)

More fabric flowers!

2010-10-26T16:11:00.004-04:00

I think that the impending winter/bare tree season is causing me to gravitate more and more towards flower crafts. Such as: These light and airy fabric flowers, as seen on the 100 Layer Cake blog. I'd love to make them, though the step-by-step looks a bit involved, so to speak. You basically cut lots and lots of petals, then stitch them together, which is do-able--however, the reason the filmy fabrics can stand up so well is with careful structural stitching. So really, "involved" wasn't the right word. You'd just need some time and patience. (If only they sold that at etsy!) Directions are here.

I'd use these to decorate sofa pillows, perhaps string some together like a garland, add them to a chandelier, or treat them like regular flowers and create a centerpiece arrangement.

Image via 100 Layer Cake

Cute Halloween Craft: Hanging Ghosts

2010-10-25T11:02:00.004-04:00

Spotted in Country Living magazine. These sweet-not-spooky ghosts strike just the right note for a grown-up Halloween party...like the one I'm having this weekend. Directions, which are easier than you think (it's just like grade school papier-mache crafts), are here.

Image via Country Living.

P.s. Regarding my Halloween party: This weekend I picked up a bottle of a garishly-colored Pumpkin Spice Liqueur, because I got sucked into a sale. Unfortunately, the bright orange color should have been my tip-off: It's really boozy corn syrup with the tiniest hint of spice flavor. I have no idea how to rescue it, except by throwing it down the garbage chute (but if I figure out another way, I'll let you know). Lesson: Don't cheap out on liqueurs. The end.

Fancy Ribbon Coasters

2010-10-25T09:49:00.004-04:00

I absolutely adore these DIY coasters, made by coiling curling ribbon. (That skinny stuff that always shreds on me whenever I try to curl it.) It might take tons of patience, but the results are very special-looking. They'd look fabulous in black and white, don't you think? Directions are here.

Image via Chica and Jo

Easy Halloween Ribbon Wreath

2010-10-22T13:07:00.003-04:00

This fab ribbon wreath, found on The Long Thread blog, is so so easy--just tie lengths of black grosgrain ribbon around a wreath form. Of course it's great for Halloween, but how nice would it look against a pale gray wall anytime of the year?

Instructions are here.

Image via The Long Thread

My next project...Customized Porcelain Plates

2010-10-22T11:35:00.003-04:00

Idea found via Going Home to Roost.

I collect porcelain plates (especially vintage) like it's my last day on earth. How bad is my hoarding? Let's just say that if I ever needed to host a dinner party for 80, I would be covered.

But I found a good way to put some to use as art pieces, by using porcelain paint pens (which you can find here.) You really just write or draw onto the porcelain using the marker, then bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Ta-da! Customized porcelain plates.

Image from Going Home to Roost.

Crafty Collar Necklaces

2010-10-22T10:45:00.003-04:00

Cotton Collar by Aussie brand Hand Hook Yarn...found, of course, while searching for something completely different. A cool idea for all you crochetistas out there.

Image via Hand Hook Yarn

Found while searching: A splash of entryway color

2010-10-20T13:25:00.003-04:00

Found via LivingEtc magazine, while searching for something completely unrelated. (Isn't that how it always happens?) Love the alternating green colors on the balusters. Now, if only I had an entryway to call my own...

-Brie

P.s. If you follow that link, what's with the MS Paint-looking intro on the video? ;-)

Image via LivingEtc

Easy Halloween Centerpiece: A Witch's Cauldron

2010-10-20T12:32:00.006-04:00

Courtesy of the lovely Calli at Make It Do comes a fun little Halloween party idea...basically, you take a wreath base, pile orange string lights in the middle, top with orange/yellow tissue paper, and prop a drink basin on top of it. Dry ice in the middle is optional...I probably wouldn't go with it only because I'm a little bit afraid of dry ice. Here's the DIY instructions. I might use this to serve drinks out of for my upcoming Halloween party!

-Brie

Image via Make It Do.

Book love: Allure by Diana Vreeland

2010-10-20T12:00:00.006-04:00

Some pretty images to get you through the day, courtesy of the reissued version of Allure by Diana Vreeland. I remember when it was previously published, it was a super-huge tome that ate up coffee table space, but this version is a chic, smaller-format red book...and it has a well-written forward written by Marc Jacobs. What I really like about the book is the selection of photos coupled with Vreeland's memories of each subject--it takes icons like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn and renders them human. They seem like real people, as cliche as that sounds. I always keep it close by for a little bit of escapism into a much more glamorous world.

Anyway, you can get your own copy of the book at Chronicle Books.

-Brie

So impressed: Target's Merona Line

2010-10-19T14:18:00.003-04:00

Target's Merona line (which was redesigned in a more fashion-forward, Kate Spade-ish direction about a year ago) consistently impresses me for knocking out really high-quality dresses for insane prices. I buy a ton of them, especially during the Fall/Winter months, and no one ever thinks they are from Target. Like, I have to physically show them the label before they believe me. See above, Merona's $40 Skylar Jacquard dress, which frustratingly sold out at my local Target in blink. How fabulous would it look styled with high black leather gloves, or a bunch of stacked cuffs?

-Brie

Favorite Source: Nonpareil Magazine

2010-10-19T12:19:00.004-04:00

I know that it's for brides and wedding folk, but one of my favorite sources for crafty/entertaining stories is Nonpareil magazine. It's completely online and features all sorts of easy-ish projects (and there's printable downloads on its site!) along with table-setting ideas. The above photo is the cover of their current issue (#6). I was thinking of using some scraps leftover from my aprons to make the little flowers...it's pretty easy, just taking a strip of fabric, sewing a running stitch, pulling and then pinning to a Styrofoam ball...to do a little autumn centerpiece. (It's especially convenient since I'm working on a few aprons in an autumn color palette of orange, tan and gold.)

Go read it now!

-Brie

Photo from Nonpareil magazine: http://www.nonpareilmag.com/

Now on sale: The Wonder Woman Apron

2010-10-14T11:24:00.007-04:00

Introducing the first piece in my glamorous apron collection, a Wonder Woman-inspired apron design that's perfect for Halloween or anytime you need to feel a bit more super. Made to order. It's $26 in my Etsy shop.

Preview: Kohl's 2011 Spring Collection Highlights

2010-10-13T16:07:00.009-04:00

Today I went to the Kohl's Spring Collection Preview, where they put out all the lovely things that make you immediately want to transport yourself 6 months into the future. There were sundresses and lightweight tops galore, along with bright and cheerful home things, but here are some of the highlights....

This leopard trench from Dana Buchman was my favorite piece, because I'm drawn to leopard in the most tasteful way possible. And trenches, even though there are about 5 days each year where the weather is just right for wearing a trench coat.

A TON of editors took a photo of this jacket, from the Candie's collection, after I moved it from the sweaters it was hiding behind. So, I think it is pretty safe that the moto jacket trend will stay strong for the next few months.

And here's my favorite bit of the Spring home collection, featuring almost Vera Neumann-inspired florals. Love that tablecloth.

-Brie

Back to school...

2010-10-10T15:52:00.005-04:00

...decorating school, that is. Tomorrow evening is Jill Vegas's "School of Speed Decorating", where she'll reveal her secrets to making your living room only look as if it's been made over by a decorator. And yours truly gets to be a VIP guest. Above, is an example of an "after" that Jill did for a client.

She calls it the "bombshell bookcase" and she treats it like a focal point in a room. Overall, it'll take a weekend to do (depending on how big your bookcase is, for those who live in dollhouse-sized studios, ahem, it should be less time). Here are her tips, with some of my notes:

- Remove everything you don't need. I mean, I hold on to textbooks I had in college, which should probably go. Be ruthless and get a friend, so you can avoid justifying why you need that copy of "Chairs Throughout The Ages, 1600-1750".
- Put the books back, but vary the stacks. You should do some vertical stacks, some horizontal. I usually do the coffee-table and oversized books in vertical stacks.
- Add a FEW vases, seashells, decorative items, framed photos. Not too many, or you'll be back to square one with a mess. I usually put framed photos/decorative items on top of the vertically stacked books.
- Install spotlights or add string rope lighting, to lighten up the shelves. I like this tip, but I haven't put it in practice. That's because my shelves aren't roomy enough. But it looks very nice, as you can see above, when you are able to do it.
- Extra credit: If you can, after taking out all the books, either paint the back panel with high-gloss paint, or back it with nice wallpaper.

Anyway, class is tomorrow evening, October 11th, at Knoll Furniture, 79 Ninth Ave, 11th Floor. For more info, visit Jill's site here: http://www.jillvegas.com/events.htm

I'll take plenty of photos and let you know how it goes!

-Brie

And then I got sucked into Polyvore...

2010-07-02T12:23:00.000-04:00

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Mod Retro Indie Clothing & Vintage Clothes
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classic kate postcards at kate spade
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Zooey - PURCHASE ONLINE
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grand at kate spade
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Summer Cocktail Series: The Mango Monster

2010-06-27T19:24:00.005-04:00

Today I've learned that no matter how charming a pre-war (as in pre-WWI) apartment is, you really shouldn't rent an apartment without air conditioning. All the high ceilings, marble fireplace mantels and 6" windows in the world do not make up for the miseries of June. With 3 large fans going, it still might be in the mid-80's in the apartment.

So I did what any other gal in this situation would do: Make a cocktail.

I had a near over-ripe mango languishing in the refrigerator, awaiting some sort of use. So why not puree and spike it with a spirit of some sort?

This had its pros and cons. Pro: Mangoes are easy to puree into deliciousness. They can pair with any type of common bar spirit (except maybe gin, I'd guess). Con: If you puree it without straining afterwards, you end up with disgusting little mango "hairs" in your cocktail glass. And if you don't dilute the puree with something else, you'll feel like you're eating boozy baby food. Water works fine, but I used lemonade to cut the sweet mango. But really, you need to strain it. Mango hairs=disgusting.

The Mango Monster
Serves 2, but who are we kidding?
1 very ripe mango
2 oz+ rum (light or dark, depending on preference)
splash triple sec (optional)
splash lemonade or water, to get the texture right

Cut up mango (taking the skin off of course), puree the dickens out of it. Add rum, optional triple sec and lemonade, puree some more. If it's too thick, add more lemonade. Strain through a sieve, pushing around the pulp with a spoon to get things flowing, into martini glass. Enjoy as you read a 1962 printing of Sex and the Single Girl--after all, Helen Gurley Brown didn't have air conditioning either.

Let's take a cupcake break...

2010-06-04T10:26:00.005-04:00

My brother's birthday is coming up at the end of the month, so I used that as an excuse to whip up a "test run" of Mario Brothers-inspired cupcakes. The most successful design, it seems, is of the little mushroom guy. I have no idea what its name is. But he was delicious (vanilla/vanilla, so what, I'm plain).

Next time, instead of piping on the mushroom spots, I'm going to cut large marshmallows into rounds and stick those on top.

First apron design...

2010-06-03T10:00:00.001-04:00

Ta-da! Here's a test run of a summer apron design, with a v-neck bodice and circle skirt, trimmed with hand-made bias tape and rosette. Perfect for cocktails, as you can see. More pics to come!

Let's talk tunics...

2010-05-27T11:59:00.004-04:00

When I'm not writing about food, decor and entertaining, I also do our mag's fashion pages. Previewing new lines really does a number on your sense of season, I have to say. You're looking at heavy sweaters when it's, say, 90 degrees outside or pretty little dresses when it's sweater weather. And by the time summer rolls around and the pretty little dresses are in shops, you feel like you've been there, done that.

But right now, I've seem to hit the season right as I'm working on a story on beach cover-ups. It's ninety degrees out and I can easily get into the beachy mindset...now, if I only got to go to the beach...

I found this cute little tunic from, of all places, QVC. I know, QVC! I keep getting sucked into watching that channel when I least expect it. Like, on a Sunday at 4 pm, engrossed in a Richard Simmons segment. Anyway, this tunic is from the Lilly &Van line, which is kinda-sorted related to the Lilly Pulitzer line in that it's designed by the goddaughter of the queen of Pink and Green. Consider it a sneak peek, since the new collection doesn't debut on QVC until June 18th at 2 pm EST.

I'd wear the tunic with denim shorts. And wedge heels. Carrying a mojito...sigh. Is it summer yet?

The buildings in my neighborhood...

2010-05-26T10:28:00.004-04:00

...as drawn by me. At least, it's kind of a fantasy-version of the different sorts of buildings I pass in my everyday travels. Fan-cy. As usual, I used my trusty prismacolor markers, some fine ink pens and a cheerful disregard for the rules of perspective. (The latter fueled by many cups of coffee.)

Thank you to Chris for uploading it and putting it in his Flickr stream, along with my arch drawing.

Rachel Kramer Bussel of Cupcakes Take The Cake weighs in on bake sales

2010-05-24T12:51:00.016-04:00

A few weeks ago, I interviewed the lovely and talented Rachel Kramer Bussel, the founding editor of the equally lovely Cupcakes Take The Cake blog, for an article on having a successful bake sale. (The full article appears in the June 14th issue of First For Women Magazine, on sale today!) My experience with bake sales is a bit outdated (let's say by two decades), to when I manned a table outside the local grocery store for my Girl Scout troop.

My memory is fuzzy, though I can remember that I was bored out of my little skull. It took a while to move any product--until a nice gentleman came by and bought out ¼ of the table. I remembered him not only because he bought so much, but because he was wearing a t-shirt accessorized with a collar, bow tie and formal cuffs.

Years later, I would realize that this man was a Chippendale's dancer.

But if you don't happen to spy any male dancers at your table, I can share one of my favorite tips from Rachel, that didn't make it to print for space reasons:

"If you’re selling cupcakes to kids, color and decoration are key. Kids get very excited about having their specific cupcake; flavor as less important as what it looks like, what’s visually appealing...We’re seeing cupcake toppers made for every occasion, from holidays to major movies like Twilight, as well as elaborate decorations."

So, decorations trump flavor (again, unless there's a Chippendale's dancer nearby). If your clumsy with a piping bag *raises hand*, I would totally stop at the sight of the following cupcake toppers:

(From top, Dynamite Candles, $6.50 for ten from SpoonSisters.com; Chanel-inspired fondant topper, $12 for a dozen, from SocialSweets.etsy.com; Pinwheel Party Picks, $2 for a dozen, from Wilton.)

And a shameless plug: To check out the article in person, look out for the June 14th issue (on-sale between May 24-June 14) of First For Women magazine, available nationwide at most major grocery stores along with Target, Wal-Mart and select Barnes & Noble locations.

Of course, you should also go run to Cupcakes Take The Cake!

How to make cocktails: The Magnolia Blossom

2010-05-17T22:38:00.005-04:00

I spend more time than I should on the Archive.org website. It's about the closest thing you can get online, and increasingly in real life, to the secondhand bookstore experience--you really have no idea what you'll find. Like LEGO movies. A children's book from 1866. Or a cookbook for men, by men, written in 1922.

My favorite is The 20th Century Guide for Mixing Fancy Drinks, written in 1900. Devoid of any trends, slick photography or uppity know-it-all descriptions, you're forced to imagine what wonders the author is making. Would Milk Seltzer be good? Well, no. At least I assume it wouldn't be, because it's made from combining milk and seltzer. Thus, Milk Seltzer.

Things, my friends, were just different then. Ladies wore bustles, men were working for Ebenezer Scrooge and people ordered Milk Seltzer at bars.

But I did get distracted by something called a Magnolia Blossom. It's a combination of port wine (stay with me, I know, port wine isn't thought of as a cocktail ingredient, but don't worry because I'm not leading you into Wine Cooler territory), orange liqueur, lemon juice, superfine sugar, a little bit of soda water...and an egg white.

Yes! An egg white. Back in the olden days, eggs in cocktails was about as common as ladies not being allowed to vote. And just when the ladies were allowed to vote, the egg cocktail fell out of fashion. I'm not saying there is a connection....

It does sound creepy, putting egg whites in cocktails. And it is. An egg white is supposed to froth up the drink and add a velvety texture. But if you don't mix it right, or use a new-ish egg, you'll end up with a residue at the bottom of your glass that's closer in texture to something that would end up in a Kleenex.

Instead, I left it out. What I got was a cocktail that tastes like a pomegranate. The orange liqueur brings out the sweetness of the port, which is tempered by the lemon juice. The sugar, I think, it unnecessary. And the soda water should be poured lightly.

The Magnolia Blossom

(adapted from The 20th Century Guide for Mixing Fancy Drinks)

1 1/2 ounces port wine (I use The Portly Gentleman, an Australian port)

1/2 ounce orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Orange Curacao, not worth being fancy here)

2 tsp. lemon juice

Soda water to taste

Shake all ingredients (except soda water) until shaker frosts over. Pour into glass, top with soda water. Optional: The original recipe calls for fresh grated nutmeg on top, which I tried. It looks terrible, but the spicy kick is pretty good.

Introducing my shop...Dinner At Eight!

2010-05-09T22:20:00.007-04:00

Ta-da! I've officially opened up a little Etsy shop (partially) filled with the vintage housewares I find on my travels. And boy, do I find lots of stuff. The truth is, it's hard to part with all of it, but I seriously do not have any sort of room for my collections. So, my lack of space is your benefit. Mostly, you'll find goods for entertaining, but soon...cocktail aprons! Yay.

Here's the address: www.etsy.com/shop/DinnerAtEight

Let's not, shall we: A word on Entertaining Books

2010-04-22T14:43:00.003-04:00

For research purposes, I read more decor-entertaining-advice books than I care to mention. Most of them are forgettable to the point where I wonder if, in fact, I even read them in the first place. And if there's one thing that's true, though, is that I can't stand to read the phrase: "Don't worry, have fun!" I swear it comes up about 30000 times in every book. This is terrible advice, since "having a small and intense panic attack" seems to be part of many would-be-hosts to-do lists. Having fun is the furthest thing from my mind in that jumpy pre-guest moment where I realize that I have about 2 minutes to get dressed, answer text messages from people who need directions, answer calls about parking, etc etc. And then the cat decides to get stuck behind a dresser. FUN!

Sometimes, though, an author suggests something so far out of left field that I just have to share it with someone. Today, it's this tip from caterer-to-the-stars Lulu Powers, from her book Lulu Powers: Food to Flowers. I will preface this by saying that I actually enjoyed this book, at least from a recipe standpoint. There are at least 15 post-its marking recipes, including one for Chocolate-Caramel Brownies that are not only Bill Clinton-approved, but only use about 5 ingredients (the biggest one being a Devil's Food cake mix). She seems genuinely delightful, naming her doggie Teddy Kennedy, calling afternoon drinks "sneakies", etc.

But here's the tip that threw me:

"For an indoor clambake...buy a bag of sand from a local hardware store or garden center and spread it down the center of a small table like a table runner..."

Just, um, make sure you have a good vacuum and keep the cats far, far away from the table. Lest people start finding bits of "brownies" by their entrees. Say it with me: "Let's not, shall we!"

New Cocktail: Rose Meets Blanche

2010-04-15T22:53:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I picked up not one, but two bizarre ingredients from the grocery store: Rose Water and Orange Flower Water. Why I capitalized those names, I have no idea. It's not like I capitalize Lettuce. Wait, I just did...

Anyway, I can't explain what I was thinking when I blindly shoved the bottles into my shopping basket. It seemed like a life-enhancing thing to buy. Roses, orange blossoms--those are lovely things. It'll be like a garden in my drafty studio! Won't I be fancy?!

As I got home, I thought of all the things I could add it to. Cakes, sorbets, and other things I never ever make. Mostly, I thought I could add a dash of it to an Old-Fashioned or my evening Martini. (again with the capitalization...)

When I opened the bottles, only one thing crossed my mind: Orange water and rose water smell like fairy pee.

I was bothered by the wasteful purchase, until I came up with this cocktail. It's kind of like a margarita, without the Spring Break connotations.

I named it after the two remaining Golden Girls. In it, the rose water cues in on the delicate daintiness of Rose (GET IT?!) while the tequila gives it a decidedly worldly Blanche flair.

Rose Meets Blanche

In a cocktail shaker, combine...

1 1/2 oz. Rosangel Hibiscus-infused tequila (don't look at me like that, it's a tequila that doesn't taste of pennies and that's worth it to me)

3 drops rose water

3 oz grapefruit juice (as the case for the other day, I have lots of grapefruits to use up)

1 tsp. black currant or raspberry syrup

dash lime juice

Shake until frosty, then strain into the fanciest glass you have. For me, it was one that looked like a tulip. A purple one.

The most glamorous lady ever...

2010-04-14T22:43:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago, I was at a coffee shop in Philadelphia, when I happened to come across THE MOST GLAMOROUS LADY EVER (TM). There she is, above. Can you see her cigarette holder? The bejeweled barrette on the back of her bouffant? The devil-may-care stance?

There was so much glamour that my camera could not handle taking a head-on full photo of her. (Okay, the reality is that I was pretty sure she would tell me to go to hell in the most eloquent and haughty way, the likes of which haven't been seen since Joan Crawford's day.) But can I describe her outfit? Okay. It was a full-length black gown with a long cashmere shawl/cardigan/cape. Three layers of necklaces, two cocktail rings and jawbreaker-sized diamond earrings.

And the biggest eyeglasses ever. Like, Carrie Donovan huge. You don't remember her? You're kidding me...

There. Now imagine that, and you can see why I just *had* to get some sort of photo. I mean, it was all I could do not to ask her to adopt me. She just seemed like she had all sorts of stories, involving bridge games with Truman Capote, Slim Keith and the chimp who played Cheetah in the old Tarzan movies. While Burt Bacharach played in the background. She'd swear alot, drink Rob Roys and own lots of caftans and/or palazzo pants. That's just all in a days' work for THE MOST GLAMOROUS WOMAN IN THE WORLD (TM).

Spring store windows...

2010-04-13T23:06:00.011-04:00

Today a co-worker (responsible for getting props for our photo shoots) said, "You know, it's hard to shop in my spare time, since I spend my day trying to find cobalt blue salt shakers." What she meant is that it can be hard leaving our "Decor Hats" in the office. I know I wear mine, which is more of a Decor beret, during evenings and weekends.

And that's when I get around to doing store windows, like this one for the fabulous cupcake boutique, La Dolce Divas. This theme was...well, Spring. I filled the shop, and windows, with all sorts of flowers. I made about 90% of them, by folding and cutting tissue paper until my fingers were individually cramped. It took about two days before I could properly hold my favorite highball glass.

I'd like to think it was all worth it. Here are some more pics:

Grapefruit Brulee Cocktail

2010-04-11T21:57:00.002-04:00

My North-facing apartment doesn't get too much light. It faces the across-the-street row of brownstones, which is fine for spying on neighbors (not that I'd, ahem, ever do that), but the lack of direct light makes me feel as if I live in a casino. A casino with no jackpot, no disco music, no buffet or sequined outfits. (Can you tell I've never been to a casino?)

Anyway. What I'm trying to say that the indirect light makes things kind of gloomy. And that's when I have a grapefruit. Or, more likely, this grapefruit-based cocktail. It's bright, light and altogether summer-y. It has plenty of Vitamin C, and plenty of rum. Which is handy for fighting both scurvy AND gloominess.

This particular cocktail takes its cues from bruleed grapefruit, which is indeed an actual thing. You see, you're supposed to take a fresh grapefruit (as opposed to an old one), halve it, dip it in brown sugar and pass it under your broiler.

Which would be delicious, if I wasn't terrified of using my broiler.

So we'll go with the next best thing, which is convenient but fancy enough to impress others.

Grapefruit Brulee Cocktail
(serves 1)
1/2 cup fresh squeezed grapefruit juice (or bottled, I won't tell)
1 to 1 1/2 oz dark rum, depending on your day
1/2 oz brown sugar syrup
dash bitters (optional)

*To make the brown sugar syrup, boil equal parts brown sugar and water together until appropriate syrup-y.

Squeeze 1 large grapefruit over a measuring cup topped with a sieve. Pour the filtered juice into a martini shaker filled with ice, then the rum and syrup. Shake until the shaker is frosty; strain into a glass.

It's the thought that counts...

2010-02-28T23:13:00.004-05:00

The location: The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. (Why yes, I do summer there.)
The occasion: Tony Bennett, duh.
The lesson: You don't have to be fancy to make someone feel special and welcome. Or, I really should download my photos sooner, rather than later.

I spent today working on an apron pattern, which made me really productive around my house. Once my brain gets set to do something, it suddenly has an urgent need to do pretty much every task except the thing it set out to do. Did that make sense? While I did get around to constructing a pattern for the apron, I managed to go through my make-up collection, try out some eyeshadows, matted and framed a 60's print depicting the Boston Museum of Art, watched a documentary on Elizabeth Arden and then downloaded 400+ photos that have been sitting on my digital camera since 2008.

But anyway, the photo. Is this not the very definition of an underwhelming welcome? I'm amazed they didn't substitute the E's with 3's.

I'm guessing Mr. Bennett didn't leave his heart in Asbury Park that day.

Drawing on a snow day...

2010-02-26T20:12:00.000-05:00

It snowed today and there's absolutely nothing else to say about it. Except that it was inconvenient, and that I looked out my front window and saw a man hitch a sled to a mid-size poodle. Really. The poodle didn't look too pleased about it. I couldn't help but think that there is a husky dog on the Champs-Elysees being fed bon-bons thinking, "There must be more to life than this."

Anyway, I took the time between checking emails (my work has a remote connection system that transports me to the internet, circa 1999) to work on the above drawing. It's the Washington Square Arch, circa 1960 or so. I found the photo of it from Lost New York, a great book for cranky young people (hi there!) who feel that they were born in the wrong time. I have the super-old version, which is only superior to the updated version in that it smells of Old Library.

Raise a toast to Old Abe

2010-02-10T19:28:00.000-05:00

If Mr. Lincoln were alive to enjoy this cocktail, he'd most certainly hide it under his hat, so he could enjoy it during his Freedom-Preserving activities. Although, he'd probably have to also hide a microwave or a small induction burner under the hat, too--since this is a concoction best served steaming hot. I've decided to call it a Stovepipe, after old Abe's magical hat.

Here's what you'll need...

From left to right: A small Lincoln statuette (for ambiance), apple cider, a bag of chai-type tea (I use Yogi Tea's Soothing Indian Spice, bought when I had an identity crisisat the grocery store and mistook myself for one of those relaxed yoga ladies) and spiced rum. I prefer Trader Vic's, because I found its label charming. But also, it doesn't have that odd Old Coughdrop taste that many spiced rums have.

For one serving, pour a mug's worth of cider into a saucepan. Toss in a tea bag, let simmer over medium heat for about 5 mins. Once hot, turn the heat off. Add a healthy glug of rum, cover and steep for another 5 mins. Pour into a mug and savor your liberty and various freedoms.