How To: Paper Leaf Wreath

My favorite craft project my Mom and I (ok all credit on this one goes to my Mom) recently made is this wreath made from old legal reporters.  My Mom had the idea when they were getting rid of the paper copies of the Supreme Court and Federal Reporters at her law library.   I love the light and airy look at have two perfect ones (one at work and one above my bookshelves). 

This project can be adapted based on your interest (ie. nursing books, dictionaries, etc.). 

1. Choose what type of paper you will be using.  These Supreme Court Reporters were on light and flexible perfect which made it easy to cut and glue.

Hint: Black and white paper looks the cleanest.  

2. Wrap the foam wreath with the papers. 

 3. Cut dozens of leaves by folding the paper in half and cutting along the fold (about 3 inches long). 

4. Glue the leaves onto the wreath form one by one stacking and alternating them.

Hint: Face leaves in the same direction as you fill in the wreath. 

 5. Continue until you reach the beginning section of leaves. 

 6. Let dry, choose a contrasting ribbon, hang. 

I think these wreaths which can easily be made in a few hours, make a great personalized gift!

Laura x

Phipps Conservatory and Prabal Gurung

Sweater: GAP; Dress: Prabal Gurung for Target; Necklace: J Crew; Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs

I spent last Sunday at Phipps Conservatory in Oakland with my Mom.  It is such a beautiful place and the textures, patterns, and colors were so inspiring.  I wore a Prabal Gurung for Target orchid print dress with a neon sweater.  

Like clothing, the brighter the flowers' colors, the more varied the textures, and the contrasting shapes, the more interesting the displays were. 

Ring: family heirloom

Ballet Flats: Brooks Brothers

Mom's bracelets: Top: self-made; bottom: vintage from the west

Laura x

How To: Wine Cork Tray

With my Mom in Pittsburgh, I have had my best thrifter and artist inspiration in town.  We have both been collecting wine corks to make a project.  At first we thought a corkboard, but I ended up with a unique and fun display tray made out of more than a few corks.  If you want to make one, start collecting corks now! And follow the directions below.....

1. Pick out a foam shape that you will use.  I bought all of these at the store and was planning to make all of them.....the cubes would be stands for large candles, but I only had enough corks for the large rectangular tray. 

Hint: Always have a lot more corks than you think you need!

2. Remove any corks that aren't really made out of natural cork.  I was shocked how many corks I couldn't use because they were plastic. 

3. Once you pick your foam shape, determine what pattern you would like the corks to make.  It takes some playing around because you can't cut them to size.  Ours is an alternating 2 vertical and 2 horizontal pattern. 

Hint: Varying directions of the corks make them easier to fit to scale and add visual interest.  

 4. Make sure the ends of the corks are flush with the edges of your shape. 

Hint: Make an effort to put the most interesting corks to you in the middle and varying which ones you use based upon whether the design is better vertical or horizontal. 

White Pants before Memorial Day

White pants only after Memorial Day is one fashion rule that I don't follow.  White cropped jeans and peep toed heels felt perfect on one of the first warm and sunny spring days. 

Earrings: Tiffany's

Bracelets: All-Links of London except Coach gold bangle

Sunglasses: Vintage Bill Blass; Coat: Caslon; T-Shirt: Ann Taylor; Belt: J Crew; Jeans: American Eagle; Heels: Vintage Burno Magli; Purse: Coach (on loan from my Mom)

 The heels are a great mix of nude and grey and are low enough to wear all day. 

Laura x

Last Week for Wool?

Dress and Belt: J Crew; Sunglasses: Vintage Bill Blass; Purse: Louis Vuitton; Shoes: Burberry

Even though it is spring the winter temperatures are still here, especially in the morning.  This will probably be the last week that I can wear this wool dress.  It is a great blank canvas for accessories and I thought it was fun with some new tortoise shell accessories that I bought in Baltimore. 

Weekend in NY: Army Green, Leopard, and Louis Vuitton

I spent the weekend at home in Horseheads, NY for Easter.  As usual, all I packed was dirty laundry, shoes, and accessories.  There is something so relaxing about being in upstate New York.  A relaxed look is the best one and I don't feel the need to get too pulled together.  Because I had so much laundry to do, I had to raid my brother's closet for some clean clothes. 

Jacket: Caslon from Nordstroms; Shirt: Nautica; Leggings: AE, Boots: J Crew; Purse: Louis Vuitton

On Friday morning I had to borrow Luke's Nautica button down.  He has great style so it wasn't difficult to find something I could adapt.  I loved the mix of patterns and textures and hoped that my polished nails and hair kept it from being too sloppy looking. 

Bracelets: Bangle- Coach; Silver- Links of London; Nail Polish: Revlon Red

Necklace: J Crew

Oh and while I was home my Mom gave me a belated Christmas gift......a vintage Louis Vuitton from the 1980's.  I think that it is the Saumura saddle bag size.  It is the perfect day bag. 

This is my new casual jacket for spring.  I love olive green and thought that the pockets and hood added some interest. 

Sweatshirt: Aerie; T-shirt: GAP

 Saturday we went antiquing in Ithaca.  These photos are from Buttermilk Falls State Park. 

Necklace: Kate Spade

Photos to come of my night at the antique auction.....

Laura x