Outa commission

I'm going to be MIA for my daily posting for a few weeks. We are expecting long term house guest and have lots of packing and moving to do. I'm sure to be super busy for quite sometime. I'll try to squeeze in a post every once in a while- but I'm not promising anything. =p
Hopefully you'll stick around till' I can get back in the swing of things.
But until then... wish us luck with the packing & moving. ( =
-Emily Anne

Ta- DA Stained glass adventures.

My mother in-law bought a nifty plaid stained glass kit from QVC and we spent the day trying out different techniques and ideas. It's very time consuming, but fun too. This was my first attempt at stained glass but I'm fairly pleased with the results. What do you think? Have you ever tried leaded paint to simulate stained glass?

©2010 Paperpixiecrafts

©2010 Paperpixiecrafts

Frugal Friday finds. Free stuff. Straight Talk cell phone FAIL. My review.

No time for frugal finds when I'm spending hours on the phone with straight talk customer service. Do you have or know someone who has a straight talk cell phone? We have had the worst experience with their service and their customer support.

If you Really want to hear the whole story about the straight talk phone and the trouble we've had... you can click here to hear my rant and review.

Bangle bracelet DIY or up-cycle tutorial.

Remember the bangles from Tuesdays's post?

As promised... My inspiration revealed.

Are you familiar with Craftstylish? They have some wonderful tutorials & DIY projects, as well as a great online community where crafters share their projects and ideas.  I just started poking around the site but quickly spotted this bright bangles project that reminded me SO MUCH of  some really pricey bangles that I've seen from Elizabeth Yarborough's designer jewelry collection.  The jewelry is pretty- but to rich for my crafty pocketbook. The collection is available at Opening Ceremony in NYC, but the bangles carry the heavy price tag of up to $140 each! SO.. with that being said... Without looking ahead {dont cheat}, can you tell which of the photos are designer and which are DIY? 

Image sources. Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3

The collection in photo #3 is designer and the 10 bracelets shown in the photo could run you up to $1,400!! Doesn't seeing that total make the DIY bangles, by Craftstylish members in photo 1 & 2 look so much more appealing?

Good news. These can be made in about 10 minutes with simple supplies. Craftstylish did a great job with step by steps photos in the bracelet tutorial. Be sure to check it out & while you are there- join craft stylish, check out what other members are making, and maybe even share some of your own creations. I love to see you there.

*If you missed Tuesday's post- Click HERE to see photos of how my own bangle project turned out.

fabric shopping galore.

Image Source

I'm fabric shopped out.

I got to visit 2 really great fabric shops this week. 

Sew be it in Ringgold, GA is great! They have a huge selection of fabrics and several lines that you can't find anywhere else locally. They have a great selection of pre-cut's and several BEAUTIFUL quilt kits. Also- If you are a beginner or if you are looking to brush up on your skills, they offer several classes that I hear are great! I'd love to take a quilting class when I feel more confident in my abilities to tackle such a large project. If you are in the Chattanooga or North Georgia area- be sure to check them out. If you aren't local- don't fret! They have started adding items to their online store- so browse around there and see what you can find.

Meg & Ry joined me for our shopping adventure at Sew Be It. He loved all the pretty colors and fell in love with a cute car print that Mommy Meg turned in to this adorable pillow.

Pillow by Meg at Bug creator- Check out her pillow tutorial  here.

This week I also visited Mimi's treasures in Rock spring, GA. It is a fairly new fabric shop but the owner, Claudia, is as nice as people come. She is great to work with and fabulous at helping your pick out supplies for your projects. She has amazing prices on her fabric! $3 a yard for cute cotton prints is just unbeatable! She also has great prices on other fabrics, like collegiate prints, flannel, fleece, and more. It's defiantly worth stopping in. There are plans for the store to expand soon and she intends on having much more to offer, as well as possible sewing and crafty classes. ( = I can't wait to see how the store expansion turns out. But in the mean time head on over to Mimi's, meet Claudia, and check out her cute fabrics at super cheap prices. You won't be disappointed.

image source

Ta-DA. Bangle Bracelets.

I was inspired to create these bangles to save myself $1400! Read more about my inspiration and savings on Thursday when I share with you how to make your very own bangles with a few bucks and 10 minutes.

© 2010 Paperpixiecrafts.
In the tute I'll share on Thursday- they up-cycle old bangles for this project- but I frugally used bracelet sized plastic purse handles that I picked out of the craft store bargain bin for 20 cents a set. I have another tutorial that I plan to share with you soon that involves making similar bracelets from 2 different items that you most likely throw away every day! Wondering what it is? You'll have to stick around to find out. ( =

Snazzy Saturday- Love for Etsy sellers. ( =

This week's super cute Etsy finds:

Note card set - Whimsical Wellies
by sloeginfizz

Who doesn't love colorful rainboots? I do!  Can you belive she drew these by hand?

 Way to go Nicole for an awesomely cute Etsy shop.

	MUSIC GUITAR DECAL
	by victorialogodesign

Isn't this cute? One day when we have a bigger house I would love to make one room in to a music studio for Dylan. This vinyl is so cute- I think it could work in our current arts and crafts/ guitar room. I haven't ever used vinyls and I curious if they really do come off as easy as everyone says? Any one have any experience with removing vinyl from dry wall?

Victorialogodesign has some pretty awesome decals- go check it out. ( =

My Guitar Has Stories to Tell / Signed Art Print / 8 x 10
by studio3ten

While I'm on a guitar shopping spree- let me mention studio3ten. They have some super trendy art prints that I'm dieing to get my hands on. Wouldn't this print look great in that music room I'm planning? ( = They have prints in all sorts of themes. Head on over to their shop and choose your favorite. You know you wanta!

wire wrapped button and bead rings
by vainvixen29

I've seen these in person and they are super cute! If you don't have a button ring yet- vainvixen is the place to go. Her work is Beautiful and she's great to work with on custom orders. Check out her Etsy shop today!

Shark made of recycled fence wood. JAWS, Great White, outdoor art
by JohnBirdsong

For some reason I feel the need to put this little fella out by the pool. For a creature so scary- he's adorable & he's recycled.  At Johnbirdsong you can also find a cute little owl, a fish, and others too.

Beach Briolette Petite Initial Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Necklace
by DolphinMoonCreations

I hope take another trip to the beach before summer's end. Oh how I love the beach. Oh how I'd love to find this baby wrapped around beach getaway tickets. This little charm necklace reminds me of days spent with my toes in the sand.

Personalized Embroidered Stainless Steel Monogrammed Water Bottle or Coffee Mug Travel Tumbler
by luckyloveboutique

My mom spotted these and I know she's going to have to have one for her coffee this winter. I must admit- good find mom. This are super chic. Kudos on the lid options. ( =

Love. Love. Etsy and all the amazing stuff I find there.

Friday the 13th wasn't so unlucky.

Image source

Sorry I'm slacking on my Frugal-ness tonight. I have a cool excuse. The hubby and I spent the afternoon at the new McKay's in Chattanooga. The new store is HUGE. You can spend hours in there!
Never the less- I couldn't leave you without a few happenings for tomorrow...
 Chattanooga River Market at the TN aquarium plaza on Ross' landing. 10-5.  Arts and crafts anyone?
Hang around for Riverfront Nights music series at Ross' landing starting at 7. This week's lineup includes Jennifer Daniels, and the Jamie McLean Band that opens for Greg Allman.
If you are looking to beat the heat- check out "Smoke on the Mountain" at the Colonnade, or Cledus T Judd at the Comedy Catch. Oh- And don't forget... The new "Eat. Pray. Love." Movie comes out today! ( =
I promise to make up for my slide and hook you up with some awesome deals next week.
Hope everyone is having a GREAT weekend.

Thursday tute- Jumper dress pattern

Image source IKat Bag

This is a winter style but I plan on trying a summer version soon. It's super cute. I just discovered the Ikat bag blog - and I'm officially a lurker ( = She has some great patterns for sell, but this little tute and pattern is offered here for free. Try it out. I think i'm really going to like her pattern style and I've added her "Katybag" to my wishlist. I'll post photos of how my version turns out soon.

Image source IKat Bag

our week in review.

Saturday we went to a bluegrass festival in Snow Hill Tennessee with my grandmother and her boyfriend. Our favorite band of the night was Mountain Cove. If you don't know of them- check out their website. These boys are sure to be famous one day. ( =

We are on the hunt for a new laptop- I'm holding out for a good deal.  Did I mention that Dylan and I have been sharing one desktop for months now? oh how life will be more simple when we find a new laptop. Any model suggestions?

How did I forget to mention this one? Dylan killed {or at least seriously injured} Bambie's mama last week on his way to work. )= What in the world was this mama doing out at 4 in the morning?

Has anyone else's yard been growing like a weed this summer? I thought grass was supposed to die when it's this hot? Nope- ours turns in to a forest! I'm feeling a riding mower being added to our "TO BUY" list. Oh and.. that house in the photo... still empty. They finally auctioned it off- so hopefully they will fix it up and we'll get some new neighbors soon.

So- It hasn't been an eventful week but I haven't been feeling well either. Apparently naughty gallbladders are contagious! {Thanks Meg.} Not really. I've been dealing with this for YEARS but I have a hida scan scheduled for tomorrow so hopefully the test will be enough to get them to take it out and this pain can be over with. I'll keep you posted on the results. *Fingers crossed*

Ta- DA! Clipboard

Check out this clipboard I made. I hand painted it for a teacher who's classroom theme is "Busy as a Bee."

Snazzy Saturday

Short and sweet this week my friends. I'm headed out to a music festive with the family tonight. So... Here's my awesome finds for this week.

EIGHT LETTER NAME TRAIN personalized custom hand painted keepsake toy by VibrantTrains

Personalized Cherry Blossom Family Tree - Canvas Cloth Print by CookiesForSale

Monica by FolkArtbyKerry

FLOWER GARDEN black stained glass necklace pendant by Functionslust

Sofia Maria round copper pet ID tag by makeyourdogsmile

Johnny Cash......Original Gaffiti Stencil Style Painting on Wood Box by thefactory10

It's all Lovely isn't it?

Go check out these awesome shops and see some of the GREAT work that Etsy sellers have to offer.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Frugal Friday finds ( =

It's Tax Free Weekend in TN! ( = Go get you shop on. More info from the Mall here.

*Freebies by mail:
-Post-It Super Sticky Notes 


*Coupons
-JC Penney coupon for $10 off a $10 purchase and free S&H through the end of August!  Read the details here.
-If you are headed to the mall this weekend be sure to stop by Bath & Body Works for a free bottle of Dark Kiss Body Lotion. No purchase necessary. Offer good thought 8/8/10. Here's the Bath & Body Works coupon.

Have you heard about IHOP Pancake Revolution? Sign up here and get a free meal for joining, and they will send you another on your birthday too. Also kids under 12 eat free from 4-10 all this month.

Rack Room shoes has a 20% off a $60 purchase coupon on coupon.com. Click here to print the coupon.

Get a year of Womans Day for $4.69 from Best Deal Magizines.

They have a huge list of subscripting for $4.96, including Parents, Budget Traveler, Marie Clare, and Seventeen. Click Here to see the full list of subscriptions.

Be sure to check out The Create for less website. They are celebrating their birthday with a $1 sale. They have all sort of craft supplies- so go stock up.

Heres some crafty online coupon codes to save you some mu-lah:

Joann.com

FREE SHIPPING ON $50- expires: 10-31-10 use code: AP227

40% OFF ONE ITEM expires: 10-31-10 Use code: AE227

Fabric.com

10% OFF clearance- use code: FIRST

FREE SHIPPING- Use code: JUNCTION

First order ships for $2.95 for New Customers- Use code: TEN

It's Friday! What are you doing this weekend?

*Tomorrow is National Bowling Day! Bowl for free at participating alleys. Click here to find one near you and get your coupon. 

*David Alan Greir is at the Comedy Catch this weekend. 7:30 & 10pm show Tonight and Saturday and a 8pm show on Sunday. Ticket info here.

*It's your last weekend to catch "The Book of Liz" at the Chattanooga Theater Center.Here for ticket info and times.

*Don't forget about the Hot Fun in the Summertime Rythm & Blues Tour at first Tennessee Pavilion tonight. $25 at the gate, gates 6, show at 8. Bring your lawn chair.

*Chattanooga Lookouts vs. West TN Diamond Jaxx tonight atAT&T Field 7:15

7:15pm

*Smoke on the mountain is at the Colonnade center this weekend. It's a great show. Check out tickets and show times here.

Most of you, I'm sure, will be taking advantage of the Tax free weekend. Be careful out there and have fun.