Just Jen

For the Girls

While I was in Gymboree the other day looking for Jack's new rocker outfit, I glanced over to the girls' side and saw these adorable outfits. 

I would have flipped over this I Heart Soccer outfit back in my Girls Club soccer days. Go Gold Team!!

 

School of Rock

I am LOVING this look for my little man this fall. New at Gymboree.  

 

Friday Favorite - Crochet Covered Stones

I am a crocheter (crochetist?). I am not a knitter. I tried. I did not like it. I always find myself looking longingly at knitting patterns, though, as there seems to be more versatility and different looks that just cannot be achieved with crochet. So, when I came across the post on the Purl Bee featuring artist Margaret Oomen and her beautiful crocheted stones, it took my breath away. Literally. And I'm not typically the over dramatic type.

Are these not beautiful? I especially love her patchwork stones. In the Purl Bee post, she shares some of her creative process and inspiration and even better - she shares a special free pattern for making your own stones.

Be sure to also check out her personal blog, Resurrection Fern along with her flikr stream and Etsy store.

Stitch School

I am always looking up embroidery stitch how-to's online (usually for the blanket stitch, which is so easy I just can't seem to remember how to do it from one project to the next). It was during one of these searches that I came across the Stitch School blog. There are great step-by-step pics and directions for lots of simple stitches like the blanket stitch (of course) and the herringbone stitch.

There's also more advanced stitches like the palestrina and the guilloche. Ooohh - fancy. 

Can't wait to try them all!

 

 
 

I Scream, You Scream...

As my grandmother, Gogie used to say, "It just goes down around the edges."

Pick up this lovely print at twoforjoypaper's etsy shop.

President's Day

I thought it'd be fun to post this on President's Day, but it's like in February, and I can't wait that long to share this one. So pretend it's today - unless you're a banker or postal worker - 'cause you still have to go to work today like the rest of us.

This letterpress print from 1canoe2 features all 44 of our dear (and some not-so-dear) Presidents. Get it here.

 

 

 
 
 

Drip...Drip...Drip

A great idea for plugging the leak in the bottom of drippy ice cream cones - drop in a couple of mini marshmallows before adding your scoops!

Why are the most genius things always so simple?

(from MarthaStewart.com)

 

 

Magazine Gift Bow

I guess it's the packaging designer in me that wants a gift's wrapping to be as much fun as the contents. I'm heading out in a little bit for a jewelry exchange party, so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to try out the magazine gift bow tutorial on How About Orange. It was so much fun, it and took less than 15 minutes to make! It's made from just one magazine page cut up into strips plus a few other materials you probably already have on hand. 

Anthropologie Look For Less!

I'd love to fill my closet with beautiful clothes from Anthropologie, but unless by some miracle I win the lottery (it'd be a miracle since I never play :) that's not going to happen any time soon. Luckily there are some great tutorials out there like this one from the Crimson Owl. Using an Anthropologie blouse as inspiration, she takes a Target tank and some lovely fabric and recreates the look for much less. The process is basically the same one that I used for Jack's tie applique shirt - so easy! I can't wait to make my own.

Woven Bracelet Tutorial

 

If I didn't have a million other things that are higher on the 'ol priority list today, this is what I would be making. They remind me of the friendship bracelets I used to make as a kid out of embroidery floss. I have some fabric scraps that I've saved for no particular reason that would be perfect for this! I'm tempted to pretend like my house is clean and my work is all done and just drop everything and make one. Or five. 

If you're one of those super-efficient people that has already checked off all your to-do's for the day, you can find the fabulous tutorial here at Between the Lines.