tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31364681521844508562024-03-08T08:24:32.894-08:00absolutely-aliceAlicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-71764908385429636022012-03-15T01:17:00.004-07:002012-03-15T01:35:15.452-07:00Uncertain...of where this blog is going. It's been so long since I've last updated. I've grown lazy and unmotivated. To be honest, I don't see the point of updating sometimes. Who cares? What's the point? Why?<br /><br />I use to love blogging, sharing my ideas, getting feedback, etc, etc. But those days seem like ages ago. Well, I shouldn't say "use to love blogging" because I still do blog, just not on blogger anymore. I've moved on to tumblr because it is SO MUCH EASIER TO USE, as it is cell phone friendly. :) Nowadays I can't stand sitting in front of the computer for long hours. My interests are now heavily invested in physical extracurricular activities. I still do little projects once awhile and I of course still do nail art. Besides, my digital camera is almost dead and obsolete and my phone doesn't suffice as a reliable photography source (doesn't have flash, go figure). I have been doing research and saving up for a new digital camera- something easy to travel with and takes great pictures.<br /><br />I have been thinking about officially shutting this down yet at the same time, I feel as if I shouldn't...so I am uncertain at this point. Might update, might not. Who knows...still up in the air...Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-84856414110172121312011-09-29T00:48:00.000-07:002011-09-29T01:13:54.614-07:00Hello Kitty French Tip ManicureI have been on an unannounced hiatus. Due to my new job, it has kept me out of the blogging scene. However, I assure you that new changes are going to be coming soon to my blog! (hopefully) <br /><br />In the meantime, I leave you with a simple and quick french tip manicure featuring Hello Kitty! Please bear with me as I was having a little fun with the Fx Camera application on my phone :) (and my camera wasn't working at the time).<br /><br /><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/6194086533_de5251b604.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Hello Kitty French Tip"><br /><br />I used a dotting tool for the eyes, nose and free-handed the rest.<br /><br />Let me know what you think! :)<br /><br />I think I will catch up on some blog reading tomorrow or later should I say. I am tired and ready to sleep. <br /><br />Good night! :)Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-49494481098591978432011-07-10T18:03:00.000-07:002011-07-10T18:13:06.026-07:00Candy (Snack) Bag PouchAs many of you had noticed, I love taking completely useless things you would normally throw out and transforming it into something useful! <br /><br />I'm sure many of you enjoying eating sweets and snacks, right? Have you ever thought of what you could do with the bag once you've finished devouring the treat? How about a pouch to store miscellaneous items? It is also a great way to help the Earth by being environmentally friendly!<br /><br />Here is a collection of Japanese plum candy bags I've collected over the months from a generous donor. Any candy bag or chip bag will do. I decided to use four bags: two bags for each side of the pouch. This will also depend on the thickness of the bag as well, but I would recommended to go no further than two bags for each side (it will be too hard to put things into the pouch due to the thickness).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47848429@N05/5923903663/" title="Candy Bag Pouch by alicezheng, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5923903663_eca0997a9c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Candy Bag Pouch"></a><br /><br />This project does require a sewing machine because manual labor is going to put your hands into a world of fatigue! You can try using a glue gun or E6000 craft glue, but I'm not sure how well that will work. You will also need to purchase a zipper which can be found at any craft/fabric store.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47848429@N05/5923903749/" title="Candy Bag Pouch by alicezheng, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6144/5923903749_de19438970.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Candy Bag Pouch"></a><br /><br />I decided to use find a video tutorial on how to sew on the zipper as it it difficult to explain in writing. The tutorial I found on youtube does a great job of explaining how I sewed on the zipper.<br /><br /><a href="//http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EICadoBCC1s" target="new">Click here for video</a><br /><br />After completing the pouch, I decided to use Japanese packaging tape to "decorate"/hide the rips on candy bags.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47848429@N05/5924467774/" title="Candy Bag Pouch by alicezheng, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5924467774_43e96100e1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Candy Bag Pouch"></a><br /><br />This is what the final product looks like! This would also be a great alternative to put these bags to use instead of throwing them away to sit in land fills.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47848429@N05/5924467940/" title="Candy Bag Pouch by alicezheng, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6144/5924467940_6c96371ce1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Candy Bag Pouch"></a><br /><br />I also provided a snapshot of the inside just for viewing purposes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47848429@N05/5923904169/" title="Candy Bag Pouch by alicezheng, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/5923904169_2d5d9bb3b2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Candy Bag Pouch"></a><br /><br />Thanks for reading and please tell me what you think! :)Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-78749716703183035402011-05-29T21:50:00.000-07:002011-05-29T21:56:24.376-07:00Flower BroochThis is a handmade flower brooch constructed from scrap fabric, buttons and charms fastened to an alligator clip.<br /><br />I don't have any process photos because I was too absorbed into this mini-project. :P However, I do plan on making another in the near future and I will provide a small tutorial!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/5774128071_8fbc11f601.jpg" alt="Handmade Flower Brooch " width="500" height="375" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2175/5774667774_e25abb003d.jpg" alt="Handmade Flower Brooch" width="500" height="375" />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-14346978451429511842011-05-25T23:39:00.000-07:002011-05-28T11:42:32.643-07:00Good eats and travels in San DiegoWeekend post from last week! Funny how I'm posting about last weekend when the weekend is already here! By the way, there were way too many pictures and I'm lazy, so I decided to collage them.<br /><br />Four words for you: Good.Eats.and.Travels. :)<br /><br />Day 1:<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/5766779268_210b1fe96d.jpg" alt="nozomi" width="427" height="500" /><br /><a href="http://www.gonozomi.com/" target="new">Nozomi</a><br /><span class="street-address">4150 Regents Park Row Ste 190</span><br /><span class="locality">La Jolla</span>, <span class="region">CA</span> <span class="postal-code">92037<br /></span><ul><li style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="postal-code">Spicy green noodles<br /></span></li><li style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="postal-code">Bulgogi</span></li><li><span class="postal-code"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Katsu Curry</span><br /></span></li></ul>Day 2<br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5766233837_58e376cf46.jpg" alt="sdnationalhistorymuseum" width="427" height="500" /><br /><a href="http://www.sdnhm.org/" target="blank">San Diego Natural History Museum</a><br /><span class="street-address">1788 El Prado</span><br /> <span class="locality">San Diego</span>, <span class="region">CA</span> <span class="postal-code">92101</span><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/5766233741_67b3fac94f.jpg" alt="balboapark" width="427" height="500" /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://www.balboapark.com/" target="new">Balboa Park</a><br /><span class="street-address">1549 El Prado</span><br /> <span class="locality">San Diego</span>, <span class="region">CA</span> <span class="postal-code">92101</span><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2376/5766234287_46ebd46daa.jpg" alt="seaportvillage" /><br /><span class="street-address"><a href="http://www.seaportvillage.com/" target="new">Seaport Village</a><br />849 W Harbor Dr</span><br /> <span class="locality">San Diego</span>, <span class="region">CA</span> <span class="postal-code">92101<br /></span><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/5766234181_ee9722189f.jpg" alt="buds" /><br /><a href="http://www.budscafe.com/" target="new">Bud's Louisiana Cafe</a><br /><span class="street-address">4320 Viewridge Ave Ste A</span><br /> <span class="locality">San Diego</span>, <span class="region">CA</span> <span class="postal-code">92123<br /></span><ul><li><strong>New Orleans BBQ Shrimp Po Boy</strong><br />Sauteed shrimp in our spicy BBQ blend with garlic, Worcestershire, and butter served with shredded cabbage and jalapeno tartar sauce</li></ul>Day 3<br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/5766234093_99745bf730.jpg" alt="cafeatpark" /><br /><a href="http://www.cafeonpark.com/" target="new">Cafe on Park</a><br />3831 Park Blvd<br />San Diego, CA 92103<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scramble #9</span>: smoked chicken, sundried tomato pesto, onions, spinach & mozarella cheese</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pancake</span>: buttermilk & blackberry</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crab cake Benny</span>: Grilled french bread topped with a crab cake, asparagus, and two basted eggs covered with chili hollandaise sauce (best dish we ate!)<br /></li></ul><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/5766779186_b15ac2ee80.jpg" alt="oldtownsd" /><br /><a href="http://http//www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=663" target="new">Old Town San Diego State Historic Park</a><br /><span class="street-address">4002 Wallace St</span><br /> <span class="locality">San Diego</span>, <span class="region">CA</span> <span class="postal-code">92110</span><br /><ul><li>I wasn't able to take many photos while I was here because I was too busy shopping! I did the most shopping here out of all the places I visited.<br /></li><li>Old rustic town filled with vintage finds, handmade goods with a exception of your everyday tourist items<br /></li></ul> <br />p.s.: I'm going to have my very first giveaway soon, so stayed tuned!<br /><address class="adr"> </address>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-89644599185263301912011-05-16T12:35:00.000-07:002011-05-16T13:33:35.394-07:00There aren't enough Jiraffes on Urth<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2172/5727838600_7f725e4482.jpg" alt="Urth Cafe Menu" width="375" height="500" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5727284159_ab5bafb997.jpg" alt="Urth Cafe Desserts!" width="500" height="375" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2662/5727283779_5dffe4f221.jpg" alt="Urth Cafe: Iced Cofee and Fresh Lemonade" width="500" height="375" /><br />Iced Coffee and Fresh Lemonade<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/5727838348_35be4dfa75.jpg" alt="Urth Cafe Panini Roasted Turkey" width="500" height="375" /><br />Panini Roasted Turkey (Urth butter roasted turkey breast with Jarlsberg Swiss cheese, grilled to perfect on a poppy seed crusted honey wheat bread & served with small green salad and whole grain mustard sauce.)<br /><br /><a href="http://http://www.urthcaffe.com/" target="new">Urth Cafe</a><br />2327 Main Street<br />Santa Monica, CA 90405<br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3476/5727838232_e1548e10b2.jpg" alt="Oustide of Jiraffe Resturant" width="500" height="375" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/5727838172_63a02d0918.jpg" alt="Jiraffe Menu" width="500" height="375" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.jirafferestaurant.com/" target="new">JiRaffe</a><br /><span class="text">502 Santa Monica Blvd.<br /> Santa Monica, CA 90401</span><br /><br />Sorry for the dark photos, but I had forgotten my camera that day and my phone camera has no flash. Although not pictured we had the <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Prime Caramelized Pork Chop (</strong>long grain wild rice, smoked bacon, spiced apple chutney, aged cider sauce). The boyfriend claims it was one of the best dishes he's ever eaten!<span class="bigtext"></span>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-89231565810392195442011-04-16T23:40:00.000-07:002011-04-17T00:06:07.720-07:00Charm/Jewlery Case ReconstructionThe perks of cleaning your room every so often is magically finding random things that you “thought” you lost. Before I begin, let me share a little something. Buying watches are one of my many obsessions and you can imagine that over the years of buying them, I've accumulated many watch boxes. I recently rediscovered this box and decided to perform a reconstruction. <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5626203133_10b056f8eb.jpg" alt="jewelryboxrecon_1" width="500" height="375" /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5626789220_f8947af0eb.jpg" alt="jewelryboxrecon_2" width="500" height="375" /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Here is a Roxy watch box that I wanted to throw out, but figured that I should put practical use to it instead. Although the process is not photographed, I used black acrylic craft paint. I know it wasn't a wise choice to use because the paint isn't going to hold on well but I didn't want to spend money buying more materials. :)</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5626203437_4f6faa0e2a.jpg" alt="jewelryboxrecon_3" width="500" height="375" /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5304/5626203281_2e0df8404a.jpg" alt="jewelryboxrecon_4" width="500" height="375" /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I found the box quite dull and decided to decorate it. I used the backing of a border sticker (that I was going to throw away) and glued it on to the box.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5626789330_8f34a88394.jpg" alt="jewelryboxrecon_6 (1)" width="375" height="500" /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5626203383_9f9a9edb5b.jpg" alt="jewelryboxrecon_6 (2)" width="500" height="375" /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Here is the final product, finished and ready to use!</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5626789564_516dd7714f.jpg" alt="jewelryboxrecon_8" width="375" height="500" /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5626789514_955b1eca5d.jpg" alt="jewelryboxrecon_7" width="500" height="375" /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Please tell me what you think and thanks for looking!</p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-4365659855431871662011-03-24T23:24:00.000-07:002011-03-24T23:52:34.575-07:00Quilted Black Wallet Reconstruction<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">I fell out of the blogging world again! I'll spare you the excuses this time and get straight to point. I've been on a recon roll lately and with March as National Craft Month, it is just the muse I need.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">I found this lifeless black quilted shoulder bag sitting in my sister's donation pile she left behind, unused and collecting dust. Although I LOVE quilted purses (reminds me of those Chanel handbags I could never afford), I personally find this purse impractical. Since I'm not a big fan of pull string type bags, I knew it was a perfect opportunity to put good use to it. I immediately grabbed my scissors, started cutting and threading away.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/5558073482_559d55c76a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Black Wallet Reconstruction_1" /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5053/5558073622_fb18669794.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Black Wallet Reconstruction_2" /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5558073532_eb850d0f40.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Black Wallet Reconstruction_3" /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5172/5558073572_fd7c1be8fd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Black Wallet Reconstruction_4" /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in">I'm not the type to always plan things out when I work on projects as I like to improvise and “go with the flow”. However, I knew I had a sense of what I was going to construct using this black purse. The rule I gave myself was to only use the purse pieces.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; "><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5557489501_fb539808a0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Black Wallet Reconstruction_5" /></p><div><br /></div><div>After intense hours of cutting, measuring, and sewing, this was the end result. I know what you're thinking, I sacrificed a shoulder bag for a puny wallet?! I like to think of it as putting something into good use, I saved that bag its misery! :)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5095/5558073392_1051814561.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Black Wallet Reconstruction_6" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/5557489313_982ae24114.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Black Wallet Reconstruction_7" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5557489173_6b8e6177fc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Black Wallet Reconstruction_8" /></div><p></p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-52128100904390290032011-03-05T22:59:00.000-08:002011-03-06T00:06:32.862-08:00Sunglasses case recon w/ small tutorialIn celebration of March as National Craft Month, I decided to focus more on DIY's and Recons! Which is totally fine with me because I haven't had time for a proper manicure! I originally tried to do a tutorial with this project, but for some reason it didn't work out...(hehe). So, this is somewhat of a tutorial but the photo process is lacking.<div><br /></div><div>Sunnies are another one of my obsessions! I love sunglasses and I also love buying them, but not all of them have cases! Since I'm trying to not spend excessively, I decided to do a recon with what I had laying around. I came across a Fucci (Fake Gucci) sling bag that I got as a gift, sitting in my closet collecting dust. I saw it as a recon opportunity. Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture of the bag before I tore it apart, but that's okay. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Since this is a recon, this is going to be an easy and a quick project because everything is already pre-cut. (which I love about recons!)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5501859202_e046c1f831.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sunglasses Case Reconstruction: Tools " /></div><div><b>Step 1:</b></div><div>Proper tools are very important when it comes to crafting (at least in my opinion). I used a self-healing mat, rotary cutter, metal ruler and a sewing machine (not pictured here). You can also hand sew, if you have the patience.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5501265749_566c2c0d3b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sunglasses Case Reconstruction: Materials" /></div><div><div><b>Step 2: </b></div><div>Materials are just as important as tools, as you need them in order to create your desired project. :) (I included the Gucci wallet for comparison with the Fucci print. :D)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5016/5501859298_d64af3387f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sunglasses Case Reconstruction: Sewing it together" /></div><div><b>Step 3:</b></div><div>Sew on the border to: (1) make it look good and (2) to minimize the fabric fraying. If there is no border, then you can fold the fabric down to create a border.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5501859342_bc5fdcdc9d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sunglasses Case Reconstruction: Sewing with wrong side facing up" /></div><div><b>Step 4:</b></div><div>Be sure to measure the dimensions of your sunglasses to make sure they will fit. Fold the fabric in half and sew according to what you measured with the wrong side facing up. The wrong side is the side that will be facing inside of the case (as shown in the photo)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5501265957_91423b1d45.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Completed Sunglasses Case Reconstruction" /></div><div><b>Step 5:</b></div><div>Flip the case inside out, use and enjoy! </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope this tutorial made sense and should you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask!</div><div><br /> <div><br /></div><div> </div></div></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-47215399100094548982011-03-05T22:18:00.000-08:002011-03-05T22:23:57.134-08:00Cosmetic Cupcake's birthday giveaway!I'm so bad, I think this giveaway is ending in 3 hours or so. So here I am frantically advertising her giveaway, LAST MINUTE! haha....<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://cosmeticcupcake.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-big-birthday-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae198/cosmeticcupcake/Giveaways/Big%20Birthday%20Giveaway/Bigbdaygiveaway1.png" border="0" /></a></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-83049676857768109802011-02-27T11:33:00.000-08:002011-03-05T23:21:49.611-08:00Magazine Rack with tutorialI got tired of watching my growing magazine/catalog stack in the corner. So, I've been on the hunt for the perfect magazine rack and just couldn't find "the one". <div><br /></div><div>I was sitting my room watching television the other day and my eyes landed upon some boxes sitting in front the stand that I was planning to use in future projects. I had also just purchased a few items from a vintage shop that were packaged in a really neat paper bag. It was just the inspiration I needed.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a fun and DIY using most items that you would probably have in your home already. Its also a great way to be eco-friendly! I try to use items that I already have to save myself money.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5132/5482269545_f92f71ef93.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Step 1: Start with a cardboard box" /></div><div><b>Step 1:</b></div><div>Start with a cardboard box. Any box will do, mine just happen to have a lid with it. A good medium to large shoe box will do too.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5482269477_95e0429a4a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Step 2: Cut off the lid" /> </div><div><b>Step 2:</b></div><div>Cut off the lid. If your box happens to be a regular shipping box, you can cut off the flaps.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5482864798_42574061a4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Step 3: Place the lid into the box to make a backing/stand" /></div><div><b>Step 3:</b></div><div>After cutting off the lid, I placed the lid back into the box to make a backing/stand for it. (I hope this made sense, it is hard to describe this step and I'm sorry that I didn't take better pictures of this process)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5134/5482864694_af10ddfeb3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Step 4: Use some decorative paper or newspaper!" /></div><div><b>Step 4:</b></div><div>Use some decorative paper, scrap booking paper, wrapping paper and or newspaper! (I would recommend to use several layers since its so thin). This is the really neat paper bag I got from the vintage boutique I mentioned earlier.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5482269207_37388bcf4b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Step 5: Wrap the decorative paper around the backing/stand" /></div><div><b>Step 5:</b></div><div><u>First</u>, take the backing/stand and wrap the front side of it (the side that will be facing you) using your decorative paper with glue and or tape. </div><div><u>Second</u>, also wrap the back side of the backing/stand. You can use the same paper print or a different one. I chose to use some old wrapping paper (inspiration from my <a href="http://absolutely-alice.blogspot.com/2010/07/project-storage-box.html" target="new">Storage Box</a> post).</div><div>If you are using the standard shipping box, all you need to do is wrap the inside first and then proceed to wrap the outside (You will be done after this step). </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5211/5482269083_9906417254.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Step 6:Wrap the entire box with wrapping paper" /></div><div><b>Step 6:</b></div><div>Continue to wrap the bottom part of the box (wrapping the inside first and the outside last). Place the backing/stand into the bottom box. Now I found that the backing/stand can hold well without glue but I chose to use a hot glue gun to reinforce it, just in case.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5093/5482864336_42fe4f60a0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Step 7: And you're done! A regular cardboard box constructed into a magazine rack!" /></div><div><b>Step 7:</b></div><div>Place your completed handmade and eco friendly magazine rack at a desired location and enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope this tutorial made sense. I know the process images aren't that great. Sometimes when I'm doing these projects, I tend to forget to take pictures because I'm in deep concentration. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask questions and or contact me.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-38390719793035884922011-02-11T20:30:00.001-08:002011-02-20T22:29:23.151-08:00Swift Cheetah Manicure TutorialI have a simple nail design tutorial for you today! My apologies, I have been busy for the past few weeks. The weekends are the days I really get to rest and believe me, I do rest and get lazy!<div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5437959640_410d0691f3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Swift Cheetah Manicure" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I did this manicure a while ago, but never got the chance to post it up. I love having animal prints on my nails.The pros are that it is completely vegan and there is no hurting of animals involved! Yeah, I know I'm a nerd. :) I also did a <a href="http://absolutely-alice.blogspot.com/2010/03/fierce-manicure.html" target="blank">fierce tiger nail design</a> sometime last year if you want some more ideas for animal print manicures.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5015/5437959862_fb569f4b70.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Swift Cheetah Manicure" /></div><div><div><b>Step 1:</b></div><div>First start with a base color. I used Elf's Pearl, which is a shimmery white that almost looks silver. In my opinion, it is not a great color to use by itself, but great for nail designs. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5437959800_c2f0826ba7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Swift Cheetah Manicure " /></div></div><div><b>Step 2:</b></div><div>Add some random dots which will serve as the Cheetah's spots. I used Rimmel's 521 Dazzle ( I think that is the name). It is a gold glitter, which I also use primarily for nail designing as I find the color too overwhelming.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5437352239_6510bb918e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Swift Cheetah Manicure" /></div><div><b>Step 3:</b></div><div>Then add another set of random dots (about 3 as shown in the picture) around the gold dots. I used a black striping paint. You can also use black polish, but use it sparingly as you don't want too much polish on the brush when you're dotting. Just remember that these dots do not have to be perfect circles as we want to achieve an organic look.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/5437352181_b5dd885685.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Swift Cheetah Manicure" /></div><div><b>Step 4:</b></div><div>This is the completed look after all the dots have been applied.</div><div><br /></div><div>Feel free to play around with a color scheme. I just chose to use gold and black to achieve a realistic Cheetah look. Was the tutorial easy to follow? Please tell me what you think. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>*Special shout out to <a href="http://katherinedinh.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Kat</a>. I love the color combo of polishes you put together! Let me know when you're back in town and I'll "Hello Kitty" those nails for you! :) *</div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-69988074645600972692011-01-25T20:53:00.001-08:002011-02-20T22:30:49.543-08:00Dark Red French Tips with Red Glitter (Gradient Effect) with a small tutorialI want to clarify something first: the integrity of this manicure and condition of my hands greatly diminished as I was taking these photos. I underestimated the drying time of the top coat before smashing my hands into my boxing gloves for my Boxing class. Since I have sensitive skin on my hands, all that punching reeked havoc on them. Please bear with me. :(<div><br /></div><div>After seeing several of <a href="http://www.cosmeticcupcake.com/" target="new">'Chelle's</a> French tip gradient manicures: <a href="http://cosmeticcupcake.blogspot.com/2011/01/pink-gradient-manicure.html">here</a> and <a href="http://cosmeticcupcake.blogspot.com/2010/11/purple-gradient-manicure.html">here</a>. I was feeling quite inspired to create my own without having to purchase any new polish! I decided to sorta make a small tutorial just in case there would be any questions as to how I did the gradient effect. </div><div><br /></div><div>I decided to take pictures with flash and without flash because as you know, flash makes a huge difference on the actual color of the polish and the manicure as a whole.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5100/5389657042_2e8474db20.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Nail Design with Flash" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5388926749_4348bfe93c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Black French Tip with Red Glitter" /></div><div><ul><li>Dark Red French Tips (looks black): OPI's Midnight in Moscow (Swiss Collection). This is an extremely dark red color when it is in the bottle. I noticed that when I painted it on my nails, it was more of a black with red glitter in it. </li><li>Red Glitter : Ozotic's 203 (which I got from <a href="http://www.cosmeticcupcake.com/" target="new">'Chelle</a> from our <a href="http://absolutely-alice.blogspot.com/2011/01/swap-with-chelle-from-cosmetic-cupcake.html">Swap</a>. Thanks again!). This is sheer red glitter with silver strips? or flakes? Not sure what they are called. Very pretty color though. </li><li>Nude Glitter: Essie's Cool-Lots. I totally forgot to include this polish during the photo shoot! It is an extremely sheer nude glitter polish which I mainly use as a polish topper.</li></ul><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5388926581_9b456066b5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="polisheswithflash" /></div><div><br /></div><div>As you can see with the flash, you get a better picture of how dark the OPI Midnight in Moscow is. But with the flash, the red of the Ozotic Pro 203 is just a little too bright.</div><div><br /></div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5388926629_f67f42476b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="OPI Midnight in Moscrow & Ozotic Pro 203" /></div><div>However, without the flash Midnight in Moscow looks reddish-brown and 203 is more on par with what the color really looks like. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5137/5388926479_acea1a7752.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="ozoticzone_flash" /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is just a close up of Ozotic Pro 203, you can see the little silver strips/flakes which I must say is what I love about this polish (besides the fact that it is a glitter polish). As you can see, the flash makes the red super bright!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now here comes the small tutorial: <b>How to create the "Gradient Effect"</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5217/5388926825_5374026dd1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="How to do the Gradient Effect" /></div><div><br /></div><div>So what I did here was create guidelines to show where you are suppose to apply the glitter polish. They are pretty self explanatory: first layer goes on first (black area), second layer goes on second (red area) and third layer goes on last (white area). Make sure to let each layer fully dry before applying!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope that small tutorial made sense! You can easily re-create this look any sheer glitter polish for your French Tip manicures. Let me know if this works out for those of you who tried this small tutorial!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to <a href="http://www.cosmeticcupcake.com/" target="new">'Chelle</a> for the Ozotic Pro 203 and the inspiration to create this manicure!</div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-49014259889873340042011-01-22T10:31:00.000-08:002011-02-20T22:31:22.719-08:00Purple and Pink ManicureI have been super lazy when it comes to my blog. I've been working on a lot of mini projects to relieve some of the stress from work and my research projects. I guess you can say that it helps me from going crazy and pulling out my hair. :)<div><br /></div><div>I'm at 48 posts since I've started this blog. I'm thinking about doing a giving away when I reach 100 posts or MAYBE 50 if I'm motivated to, so stayed tune! :D</div><div><br /><div>This is a quick and simple manicure I did because I was feeling lazy. :) I used my new polishes I kindly received from <a href="http://www.cosmeticcupcake.com/" target="new">'Chelle</a> from <a href="http://www.cosmeticcupcake.com/" target="new">Cosmetic Cupcake</a> from our <a href="http://absolutely-alice.blogspot.com/2011/01/swap-with-chelle-from-cosmetic-cupcake.html">Swap</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5378722690_9b191216f8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Purple & Pink Manicure!" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5044/5378722780_c9243049a1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Purple & Pink Manicure!" /></div></div><div><ul><li>Purple: Ulta3's Pearly Grape (which is the perfect color I've been searching for!)</li><li>Pink Glitter: Ozotic Pro's 601. There isn't a color name for it, so I assume that they label their colors by numbers because the red gliter of Ozotic Pro I also received from <a href="http://www.cosmeticcupcake.com/" target="new">'Chelle</a> is also labeled by a number. This polish is a somewhat concentrated glitter polish so it wasn't as clear as I through it would be but it is nonetheless a beautiful color!</li></ul><div>It was nice to try another brand of polish that I wouldn't be able to purchase here in the states. But thanks once again, <a href="http://www.cosmeticcupcake.com/" target="new">'Chelle</a> because if it wasn't for you, this post would have never existed. :)</div></div><div><br /></div><div>What do you think?</div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-8491988802994839372011-01-08T11:53:00.000-08:002011-01-22T11:48:56.388-08:00Swap! with 'Chelle from Cosmetic CupcakeI was able to do a nail polish swap with the lovely <a href="http://www.cosmeticcupcake.com/" target="new">'Chelle</a> from <a href="http://www.cosmeticcupcake.com/" target="new">Cosmetic Cupcake</a>. I had a pleasure getting to know her through our love for nail polish and blogging. She is such a sweet gal with so much talent in nail art. I was really fortunate to be able to do a swap with her because I knew she was already doing so many other swaps with fellow bloggers. So, Thanks to 'Chelle for swapping with me! I really appreciate it! :)<div><br /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/watashiwaarisu/project%20blog/swap.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Here are all the goodies she sent me! I was so excited to receive so many Aussie polishes that I'm not able to purchase in the States here. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/watashiwaarisu/project%20blog/swap3.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>I've actually been wanting to try Ulta3 ever since I saw it featured on <a href="http://www.cosmeticcupcake.com/" target="new">'Chelle's</a> blog. She sent me purple colors, one of my favorites!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/watashiwaarisu/project%20blog/swap4.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>I was also able to receive wonderful selection of greens and glitters!</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/watashiwaarisu/project%20blog/swap5.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>I was so excited when she sent me a bottle of BYS cracked polish because I've been wanting to try it ever since I saw her post about it! Now I have a bottle of my own. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/watashiwaarisu/project%20blog/swap2.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>She also sent me a wonderful selection of yummy candies and cute nail stickers!</div><div><br /></div><div>Although I wasn't able to make a comment on each bottle of polish featured here, just know I love them all! Such wonderful colors which are now part of my nail polish collection. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you so much <a href="http://www.cosmeticcupcake.com/" target="new">'Chelle</a> for your wonderful package and for swapping with me! It was a lot of fun. </div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-22039354004380360222010-12-31T20:58:00.000-08:002011-02-20T22:33:10.488-08:00Christmas and New Years Manicure!lHappy New Years Eve!<br /><br />Since I wasn't able to do a post on my Christmas manicure, I decide to do a Christmas and New Years combo.<br /><br />Btw, please excuse my nasty cuticles. They have been really dry due to the weather. I guess I didn't realize how dry they were! :(<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Christmas Manicure:</span><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/5311589808_2e16f2e406.jpg" height="375" width="500" /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><ul><li>Red: OPI's You Rock Acapulco Red</li><li>Gold: Rimmel. I can't remember what its called at the moment and I'm too lazy to dig for it through my nail polish stash</li><li>White: Non-toxic (yes, I had to put that) acrylic craft paint from any craft supplies store</li></ul>I originally wanted to do the candy cane design on all my nails, but I figured it would be excessive. So I decided to improvise and this is what I ended up with. I tried to keep it simple, but it just came out very gawdy and christmas-y. But hey, it never hurts to be in the Christmas spirit right? It only comes once a year so I thought, "why not?"<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">New Years Manicure</span>:<br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5122/5310998125_c6f5dcb47b.jpg" height="375" width="500" /><br /><ul><li>Bright blue: OPI's Suzi Says Feng Shui (Spring/Summer Collection)</li><li>Blue glitter: OPI's Simmer & Shimmer (Burlesque Collection)<br /></li></ul>For some reason I thought blue would be a good and festive color for the new years. But again, it came up quite excessive but hey, its all for fun. I used the same white craft paint from my Christmas manicure and a dotting tool to make the white dots. I used tape to make the straight edges. Believe it or not, tape has been my best friend in nail designing. It works wonders.<br /><br />Tell me what you think! Thanks. :)Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-38956146519381295582010-12-18T09:01:00.000-08:002010-12-28T20:04:06.803-08:00Versatile Blogger Award!While I was away on my unannounced hiatus, <a href="http://gurlythings.blogspot.com/" target="new">Kay</a> of Gurly Things awarded me with the Versatile Blogger Award. Aw, so sweet of her. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/watashiwaarisu/project%20blog/versatileaward.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><br />Rules:<br /><br />1. Thank and link back to who gave you the award.<br /><br />2. Share seven things about yourself.<br /><br />3. Pass it along to seven blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy.<br /><br />4. Leave you recipients a note, telling them about the award.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">******************************************************************<br /><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">7 things about Alice:</span><br /><ol><li>I took one lesson in Muay Thai. I got so frustrated with the instructor because he kept picking on me that I started crying. It was quite embarrassing. Don't get me wrong, I had fun, but it was that intense. Luckily I was paired with a girl so it wasn't as awkward-- she was very understanding and nice. :P<br /></li><li>I bring my boyfriend with me when I go shopping and or buy nail polish because he seems to have a better sense of what looks good. Which works out for me because when he goes shopping once in a blue moon, I can pick out better clothes for himself than he can. Weird right? He can pick out better girl clothes than I. But can't pick out guy clothes for himself. :)---which brings me to my side story. Remember how dark blue nail polish was in style for fall about 2 years ago? Well I remember asking him what colors he thought would look like nice. He suggested dark blue. I told him, "you got to be kidding me". A few days later I was reading the Los Angeles Times---lo and behold there was an article in the fashion section indicating that dark blue was the new in color! I saved that article because I thought it was funny. I'm thinking about framing it. :)</li><li>I bought my first pair of heels about 2 months ago for a wedding. I'm 23 years old and I never bought heels for myself until now. I've had the luxury of borrowing shoes from my older sister until she moved to San Fransisco.<br /></li><li>I have a strange hobby of keeping old letters, notes I wrote to friends during class in high school and Christmas/Birthday cards from people. I don't know why I keep them. I especially like to go back and read the notes I wrote during class and laugh at how stupid I use to be. </li><li>Although I make a lot of Hello Kitty stuff when I do my crafting/nail art. Chococat is my all time favorite. :)</li><li>About 60% of the music in my mp3 player belongs to Frank Sinatra. As my great history high school teacher would say, "His voice is like butttttttttttahhhh" (butter).</li><li>I've never left the country before, which is quite sad. I've been stuck on USA soil my entire life. :(</li></ol>Okay, so I'm going to be a rebel and break the 3rd and 4th rule because I haven't recently discovered any new blogs and it would be cheating if I tagged blogs that I've been reading for awhile. Sorryyyy...:(Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-75705854925277957822010-11-20T20:42:00.000-08:002011-02-20T22:33:37.930-08:00Hello Kitty ManicureI've been away from the computer for awhile. Since I have email access on my mobile device, I seldom use the computer now. :(<br /><br />Here is a Hello Kitty manicure I did, although she is not my favorite Sanrio character. She is nonetheless a beloved icon.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5194111450_44fa085828.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Hello Kitty Nail Art!" /><br /><br />I know it looks a bit excessive, but this was done at the spur of the moment. Since I use to work for Sanrio, I figured such a gawdy look would be appropriate for a Hello Kitty manicure (pink, purple and glitter/sparkles-I kinda thought about shiny stickers). I didn't use red because it is a traditional Hello Kitty color and I wanted to do something different.<br /><br />The purple I used was from Color Club's Wild at Heart . The glitter polish was used from OPI's Burlesque Collection; I used Show it & Glow it! and Sparkle-icious. The pink was nail art paint I bought from Sally's Beauty Supply, used for the stripes and bows. The black and white paint I used for the Hello Kitty face was acrylic craft paint.<br /><br />Unfortunately I wasn't able to take a photo of the other hand before I took the nail design off. It was less excessive, more plain and much nicer. I had to go to a wedding so I figured it wouldn't be appropriate to wear to a wedding.<br /><br />Tell me what you think! :)Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-9203295760786336112010-10-29T21:52:00.000-07:002011-02-20T22:39:34.784-08:00Black Flats Reconstruction (3 in 1)I've been so lazy!! and for too long! I've been keeping myself busy here and there working on small projects.<br /><br />Here is a simple and yet fun project using basic black flats. I bought these at a stand from my local Farmers' Market. They were only $10! So I couldn't resist! I never ended up wearing them and began to collect dust in our storage room. I decided a change was needed to make these shoes wearable. As I was walking around <a href="http://www.joann.com/" target="new">Joann</a>, ideas starting coming to mind and I ended up purchasing (2) gold bracelet toggles, a bag of silver end connectors, leather band lace, and a metallic gold lace.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/5127310811_9ed18d9183.jpg" width="500" height="375" /><br />This is the what the Mary Jane flats looked like when I first bought them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5127310999_f2b38f6dae.jpg" width="500" height="375" /><br />A close up picture.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1108/5127310919_e3e075c497.jpg" width="500" height="375" /><br />Black leather band I sewed to the back of the shoe.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1329/5127310871_a89b89e131.jpg" width="500" height="375" /><br />This is the final product! So I know I skipped a few steps, I was so into it that I completely forgot to take progress photos. :( But as you can see, I used the gold lace, gold toggles, and silver end connectors to make the ankle wrap.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/5127311075_79d9a7647b.jpg" width="500" height="375" /><br />Here is a close up of the ankle wrap with all the jewelery hardware.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1086/5127310973_a232de3115.jpg" width="500" height="375" /><br />I also found some other fun uses for the ankle wrap!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5127916734_7d2be062a9.jpg" width="500" height="375" /><br />A bracelet!<br /><br />There you go! A pair of black flats reconstructed/altered to my liking with 3 uses in 1 product. What do you think? :)Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-58377878903401761622010-10-09T13:29:00.000-07:002011-10-15T11:33:30.533-07:00Totoro Nail DesignOkay, I delayed my update as I promised...this is the laziness I am talking about!<br /><br />Here is a Totoro manicure I did. Since I love Totoro and nail art, why not combine them? I was thinking of you <a href="http://www.nailsbyasami.com/" target="new">Asami</a> when I was doing this because I know how much you love Totoro and Nail Art. :)<br /><br />The mediums I used were Orly's Bon Bon which is a pale gray-ish light purple. It is such a pretty pretty color. I figured this would be a nice color since light gray on nails is too dull for my taste (no offense to any of you who like light gray on nails). I decided to use this shimmery/glittery purple from OPI that I mentioned in my <a href="http://absolutely-alice.blogspot.com/2010/08/space-nails-madness-angry-paint.html" target="new"> Space Nails</a> post. (I still don't know the name of it. If anyone knows, please tell me! I'd like to know. :) ) The So Easy Stripe Rite paint I got from Sally's Beauty Supply which I used to make the little designs. I also used dotting tools which are not pictured to make of the designs.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6165/6194576760_fd77db2afa.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Totoro Manisure with Flash"><br /><br />I used the shimmery/glittery OPI polish on my fingers that didn't have designs on it so the whole design wouldn't look dull from the Orly's Bon Bon.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6194576712_c90386ce15.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Totoro Manisure without Flash"><br /><br />Tell me what you think! :)Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-89487460668184110852010-10-07T14:20:00.000-07:002011-02-20T22:43:46.820-08:00Time waits for no one...It has been almost month since I last updated. My how time flies. I've been working a lot. I have so many things to post but I've gotten so lazy....I'm at work right now. But I will be back to update! Just wanted to let all of you know I am still alive! :)Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-9362325277672300422010-09-09T22:01:00.000-07:002011-02-20T22:38:15.408-08:00Totoro Eyeglasses Case ReconstructionHere is a fun and simple project that only took me a matter of hours to make. You can use any old soft eyeglasses case you have laying around. Doesn't have to look exactly like what I made, but since I love Totoro from Hayao Miyazaki's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Neighbor_Totoro" target="new">My Neighbor Totoro</a> (for those of you that don't know)and the eyeglasses case is gray, I thought, "Hey! Why not?".<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4976136540_80facded91.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="totoro-doodle" /><br />I first started out with a blueprint/doodle in my notebook. You don't have to do this, but I just like to draw out/plan out first.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/4975543121_983d2b0454.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Totoro-doodleCloseup" /><br />Here is a close-up of the little Totoros I drew for fun. :)<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4939510610_462261e327.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Totoro-Before" /><br />This is what the case looked like before. I used an <a href="http://www.express.com/" target="new">Express</a> eyeglasses case my sister gave me when she use to work there. If you look closely at it, it has Express plastered all over it which is huge turn off. But the overall satisfaction of the final product outweighs it. :)<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4939510750_1165482d4f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Totoro-After" /><br />This is the final product. I used green felt to make the leaf, some old buttons for the eyes and black threading for the nose & whiskers.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4938925633_08ae376718.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Totoro-Closeup" /><br />A close-up picture. :)<br /><br />You can use this pouch to store anything to your heart's content. I personally would not use this to store glasses because the case is too soft and could easily get crushed. I like to store my mp3 player and cell phone for easy access and so it won't get scratched.<br /><br />I hope that this will inspire you to make your own fun & cute decorative eyeglasses case. What do you think about it?Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-50315234136284189482010-08-26T16:50:00.000-07:002010-08-28T20:02:17.437-07:00Space Nails/ Madness!/ Angry Paint Splattered PaintingJust as a side note, I also added a form spring on my side bar so feel free to ask me any questions!<br /><br />After reading <a href="http://www.nailsbyasami.com" target="new">Asami's</a> <a href="http://www.nailsbyasami.com/2010/08/space-nails.html" target="new">Space Nails</a> manicure, I made an attempt to re-create her masterpiece.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4930240123_fa7bbf46b0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="chanel's blue stain" /><br /><br />Since I don't have any black nail polish, I used Chanel's Blue Satin (which is the darkest nail polish I own). It is an extremely sexy color with shine and glitter.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4930829004_a6318a8905.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Chanel Blue Satin close-up" /><br /><br />I also took a close-up picture just to show what the color really looks like. I know this isn't really a great photo, but this will do. <br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4930240207_1d1fc60ccc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="space nails" /><br /><br />So I didn't realize how much polish had gotten on my cuticles! Sorry for the dirtiness! I used an OPI glittery/shimmery purple color for the first layer. I'm not sure what the color is called because it was from one of those sample packs that I got as a gift. But it is a really pretty color. Then I used Nina Ultra Pro in Electric Rainbow and Molten Opal. I used all 3 of these colors to help create the spaciness. I didn't use any nail embellishments because I don't have any that resemble stars so I just left it as it is. But I might purchase some later on in the week just to reach the maximum effect. <br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4930240283_86ff8f66d0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="space nails" /><br /><br />Here is the final product! Although it does not look as good as <a href="http://www.nailsbyasami.com/2010/08/space-nails.html" target="new">Asami's</a>, I had fun trying to attempt it! I'm calling it Space Nails/ Madness!/Angry Paint Splattered Painting because (1) it looks like madness (2)sorta looks like space and (3) reminds me of an angry paint splattered painting.<br /><br />What do you think?Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-43440555043718466192010-08-14T12:23:00.000-07:002011-02-20T22:40:40.222-08:00Moccasins with a personal twist!I know it has been a while since I last posted, but with good reason! I have been keeping myself busy with another project!<br /><br />I was browsing around <a href="http://www.michaels.com/art/online/home" target="new">Michael's</a> one day and came across a DIY: Moccasins kit. I thought it would be something fun to keep myself busy with. It was about $15.99, but since I had a coupon it only cost me about $10 dollars or so with tax.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4891177553_341f75d9d6.jpg" alt="mocs1" width="500" height="375" /><br /><br />This is what the kit came with:<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4891177441_550a39c10e.jpg" alt="moc2" width="500" height="375" /><br /><br />When completed:<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4914071427_eea683d72d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="mocs-before" /><br /><br />Upon completion, I felt that the final project lacked serious character and wanted to do something more. After browsing through much online tutorials and YouTube videos, I came across Katie's <a href="http://www.darlingtoniamoccasins.blogspot.com/" target="new">Darlingtonia Moccasins</a>. This was just the inspiration I needed. Although love her Moccasins very much and would LOVE to purchase one, I don't have the financial means to do so as of now. But I will be purchasing a pair in the near future.<br /><br />I drove back to Michael's again in hopes of searching for something that would give my Moccasins what it needed and I found this:<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4891774764_f5c520b6bb.jpg" alt="string" width="500" height="375" /><br /><br />Who would have known that leather jewelery would go a long way!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4914007825_27c6c6e6ff.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="mocs-side" /><br /><br />I added some embellishments so it wouldn't look so plain. These beads were sitting in my arts and crafts bin for a long time and figured it would be the perfect opportunity to use them.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4914007779_54f5f3313c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="mocs-facedown" /><br /><br />A side view of the Moccasins.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4914610746_5324ccc747.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="moc-closeup" /><br /><br />As you can see, the stringing on the left Moccasin is different from the right because I ran out of string and didn't want to go buy more if I only need such a small amount. Kevin suggested that I put a charm on the back of only one shoe to make it unique and I do say that it looks good.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4914007505_1ea5025153.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="moc4" /><br /><br />So here you have it, a completed Moccasins project. I hope this will inspire you to go out and make your own or to purchase one from Katie because her Moccasins rock!<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.darlingtonia.etsy.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss288/darlingtoniamoccasins/Button_1.jpg" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">*Side Note*</span>: I also wanted to mention that these Moccasins kit didn't have soles on the bottom of the shoes, so I went to a local shoe repair store and had one slapped on.</span>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136468152184450856.post-59683367893379303232010-08-05T22:05:00.001-07:002010-08-05T22:38:15.950-07:00Back from Vegas...Part 2First of all, thanks for all your lovely comments from my pre-vacation post. :)<br /><br />Second, good news! My camera showed up in Kevin's room. That was a huge relief for me since many of my photos were stored in the camera. I'm one of those people that are too lazy to transfer photos into their computers and will only do so when there is no more storage room.<br /><br />Anyways, one of the few things I love about Vegas is:<br /><ul><li>A chance to get away from LA</li><li>Great food - Buffets</li><li>The Shoppping<br /></li></ul>I also visited the Pawn shop from <a href="http://www.history.com" target="blank">History Channel's</a> <a href="http://www.history.com/shows/pawn-stars" target="blank">Pawn Stars</a>. Sadly they weren't there because it was a weekend after all and who would want to work on weekends anyways. However, what was cool was that I was able to see some of the items that were featured in their episodes!<br /><br />Sadly, I didn't get to take much photos from trip. I only got pictures of dessert, YES--DESSERT! from the <a href="http://www.themresort.com/" target="blank">M Resort's</a> Studio B Buffet. It was so good! I cannot help myself when it comes to dessert, even though I'm lactose intolerant! and Yes, I tried every one of those. I was a happy fatty that night!<br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4864768027_9dc03ee986.jpg" alt="CIMG4005" width="500" height="375" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4864767633_1717a51ef8.jpg" alt="CIMG4011" width="500" height="375" /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4864767251_187e20ea4e.jpg" alt="CIMG4007" width="500" height="375" />Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05935339788699070873noreply@blogger.com8