So Many Paint Colors, So Little Time

J and I have been trying to pick paint colors since we moved into our new home a year ago. Every. Wall. Is. White. Well, except for our bedroom and the half-bathroom downstairs, which I tackled over the summer.

But for the rest of the house? There's just soo many beautiful colors out there, it's almost overwhelming to choose. Hence the polka-dotted wall on our staircase. We're trying to pick a nice neutral for the walls / ceilings ... and I never realized there were soo many variations of beige and tan! I'm also thinking a blue for the office, and maybe something fun for the laundry room.

What are some of your favorite paint colors / brands?

Wish List: Christian Louboutin

I've been drooling over Christian Louboutin for awhile now. While I can't realistically fork over the dough for his beautiful collections, I can at least ogle from a distance, right? *Sigh*

My latest cravings ...

Ballerina Flat ~ Bergdorf Goodman

Peep-toe Heel ~ Bergdorf Goodman

Cutout Peep-toe Pump ~ Bergdorf Goodman

Mocha / Gold Patent Leather Pump ~ Barneys New York

Satin Petal Bag ~ Saks

What are some of your latest cravings?

Boo-tastic

While looking for the right color napkins for a bridal shower project, I came across the coolest stamps at Michael's. The best part? They were all in a $1 bin -- can't beat that with a stick!

So, while the hubby (J) watched football Sunday, I stamped out a few black 5"x5" cocktail napkins with a skull stamp -- I thought it would be perfect for Halloween. Done on a hot-pink napkin with black ink, it might even be fun for a girls b-day or bachelorette party.

I'm loving this ink -- fade resistant, child-safe, non-toxic, and doesn't bleed. Even added a rhinestone to each, just for the heck of it.

Bring on the Halloween treats! :)

Sew What?

I ran across this photo and thought, "What's a better way to celebrate National Sewing Month than with hand-sewn roadkill?" Not that I could do any better. Though, he is kind of cute ...

Check out more hand-sewn (or is this hand-knitted?) mishaps -- including this fuzzy little guy -- at Handmade Gone Wrong. Quite entertaining!

Closet Art

We decorate bedrooms, bathrooms, even garages. So why are closets soo neglected? I'm hoping to paint mine at some point, though it's honestly at the very bottom of the list (right behind the living room, dining room, kitchen ...). And I'm also on the lookout for a new light fixture. Something that's not too girlie -- something with just a hint of glam.

So, in the mean time, I finished the DIY {cheap} art project that I mentioned last week. I managed to find an old frame tucked away in a hall closet. A little primer, a little metallic bronze paint, and I think it turned out rather beautifully.

The finished product ...

I couldn't resist adding a few rhinestones, just to add a little dimension and sparkle ...

Now I just need a hammer and a nail to hang this puppy up ...

Some Beach, Somewhere ...

Hope every one had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!  Not that I'm headed to the beach anytime soon, but these Kate Spade flipflops read my mind ...

I'm starting a new embellished napkin project for a family friend's bridal shower.  The bride's colors are red and purple -- perfect for fall, but definitely hard to find the right shades.  Hopefully I'll get lucky this week and find the colors I'm looking for ... for once, Hobby Lobby was a disappointment.


I heard IKEA is a great place for party supplies like napkins.  Other suggestions?

Wish List: Haute House

I have this weird fetish for chairs. So, when I came across a few from Haute House, I couldn't resist sharing. I just love the quirky yet classic designs and the whimsical fabrics.

Their collection for Neiman Marcus is absolutely stunning. Check it out here.

Small Spaces

I was sitting in my bedroom closet the other day, and I noticed that -- aside from the colors of my clothes -- it was actually quite boring. At some point I want to paint. But I just can't fathom taking everything out of there. So, I thought I would make a little wall art instead.

I found a blank canvas and some old magazines, and thought a "fashion collage" might be kind of cool. And the clipping of photos? Very therapeutic after a long day of work!

Still some work to be done, but it's almost there. I'm digging through the hall closets this weekend to see if I can find an old frame to finish it off. Perhaps it will help provide a little inspiration to my morning routine ...

Project 1: Stinkin' Cute

Well, the week got away from me, as it usually does. But, finally, my first project! My inspiration for these napkins came from something I saw at a local bookstore. Only, they were super expensive and kind of blah.

So I thought I could do a little better. A few paper cocktail napkins, some colorful paper flowers, and a dash of smooth pearl beads and sparkling rhinestones, and viola. Stinkin' cute!

I just love the soft aquas and yellows.

I ended up making a set of 10. How perfect would they be for a baby shower, bridal shower, brunch or anniversary party? The possibilities are endless!

Sure, they're disposable. But who wouldn't want to enjoy a scrumptious cupcake or a glass of wine off one?

Save a Little Dough

Who doesn't love coupons? Especially to Hobby Lobby. Click here to print this 40% off coupon for yourself ... hope you find something fabulous!

In other news, I finished my first project. I'll share it tomorrow. :)

First Project Sneak Peek

When I decided to start this blog and dapple in something creative, I wasn't really sure where to go with it. I just knew that -- after hours of working on the computer each day -- I needed something to distract my mind at night. Something to do besides just PowerPoints.

Thus, the birth of this blog -- bella creative. Not sure what all you'll find here: crafty ramblings, current projects, fashion wishlists ... I'm sure that will all sort itself out with time. As for my personal projects, I'm sure they'll range allll over the board as I figure out what I'm good at, what I suck at, and what actually brings me peace instead of adding stress.

And after countless hours dreaming, two trips to Hobby Lobby and several cupcakes later, I've started my first project. It has something to do with paper napkins and colorful flowers ...

... and perhaps a few rhinestones. As you'll see, I'm not the best photographer in the world. But, this project is already turning out pretty darn cute -- can't wait to show you the finished product! :)

Coming Soon!

So I've decided to dapple in the creative world for a bit. Thanks for your patience while this site is under construction -- will be up and running this week.

Please bookmark / follow and come back soon!

Cheers!

:)