Crafty Texas Girls

8/16/13

Decorating a Mantle for Fall

*Disclosure: I was sent product to review, but as always- all opinions are my own!

In the past, I have made myself wait until September to start decorating for fall. But this year, I am throwing caution to the wind and starting early!

Balsam Hill contacted me about reviewing one of their wreaths, and that was all the motivation I needed to get in the mood for Fall decor.

I chose the Harvest Foilage Fall Wreath. I have been in love with this style of wreath for awhile, but I could never find one locally that was this full. I am so impressed with the amount of 'goodies' on this wreath.

When I decorate my mantle, the wreath is always the center-piece. Then I build around it with accessories. Getting started, I wasn't exactly sure of my 'theme'. But when I saw the colors of the leaves in the wreath, I decided on Metallics and Nature. (Which really means I want a lot of gold and silver accessories mixed in with pumpkins!) Since the pumpkins aren't out in stores yet, I got started on 'shopping my house' for the accessories I wanted to pair with the wreath. The painted brick fireplace makes a great backdrop for the metallics.

Details on my painted brick fireplace here

I want to add a few pumpkins too, I am thinking I will spray paint them gold. And then mix in some white pumpkins too. I like to keep my holiday decor along the same lines as my house decor, lots of neutrals with a variety of textures.

Are you ready for to get started on decorating too? As a special treat, Balsam Hill is offering a coupon just for Crafty Texas Girls fans. Use the coupon code : CRAFTYTEXASGIRLS10 for 10% off your order. Balsam Hill has so many beautiful products on their site right now, wreaths, garlands, even Christmas trees!

Balsam Hill Online | On Facebook | On Twitter | On Pinterest

When do you start decorating for Fall?

Flashback! -- Here is how I have decorated my mantle in the past.

Fall Mantle by Crafty Texas Girls

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All photos and text on craftytexasgirls.com are copyright protected. You may not copy entire articles or posts (even with a link) without my express written permission. Email any requests or links used to craftytexasgirls@gmail.com.

8/14/13

Christmas Preview & Chevron Love

I am already thinking ahead to Christmas. This week I am showing my new Halloween and Christmas accessories at Dallas Market. And of course, they involve a little bit of chevron.

Shop Kelly's Kids Here

And wouldn't you know it, one of my favorite Crafty Texas Girls sponsors shares my love of chevron too. Check out these sweet styles from Kelly's Kids.

Shop Kelly's Kids Here

My site would not be possible without the support of my great sponsors, so please take a minute to visit Kelly's Kids with Jennifer Anderson online, like her facebook page, or share this post!

Shop Kelly's Kids Here

Are you already thinking about Christmas too?

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All photos and text on craftytexasgirls.com are copyright protected. You may not copy entire articles or posts (even with a link) without my express written permission. Email any requests or links used to craftytexasgirls@gmail.com.

8/12/13

Handmade Baby Shower Gift: Bow Tie Onesie with Suspenders

Seems like everyone I know right now is expecting a baby.
Well not everyone... but you know how sometimes it seems like everyone around you is pregnant or has a baby? That is where I am:) Which means I get to make cute baby gifts! And even though I am 'all about the girls'-- I found something sweet to make for little guys too!

Using a Gerber onesie, I made a little bowtie and suspenders from some of my favorite fabrics. I stitched them on, making sure to turn under all the raw edges. Then I added some of the same fabric to a burp cloth, turning under the raw edges again. Finally, I used a pattern similar to this one, to make a 'diaper/wipes' holder or one like this. It's a cute way to keep diapers and wipes organized in your bag.

For more gift ideas, click here.

**This idea could easily be done in girl version, choosing different colored fabrics and attaching the bow to the side (like a little brooch!).

And here is the onesie on the cutest little baby boy-- don't you just love him?! His mom sent me this photo several months after the shower. I was delighted!!!

What is your favorite handmade gift for babies?

Check out these fun baby shower ideas by Crafty Texas Girls:

-Little Man Shower

-PINK and GOLD Baby Shower

-"Sweet as Pie" Baby Sprinkle

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Visit my shop, Samantha Conner Designs- fabulous clothing and accessories for the girl who has everything!

All photos and text on craftytexasgirls.com are copyright protected. You may not copy entire articles or posts (even with a link) without my express written permission. Email any requests or links used to craftytexasgirls@gmail.com.

8/6/13

Trend Spotting: Maps in Decor

I got a new phone cover-- it is from Zazzle. They are always having sales and when an email came through advertising 'half off' all phone covers, I 'went' shopping. This is what I ended up ordering. It reminded me of fabric swatches, had a touch of chevron, and made me think of 'made in the USA'.

Zazzle

Since then I have seen several "USA Map" things have caught my eye. Maps of all sorts are popular in decor, here are a few new twists on a classic favorite.

Child Inspire via Etsy

Embroidered USA

Dwell

Pendleton Woolen Mills

Map by Numbers (This is a paint by number!)

Love Leeves

And this one just made me smile-- an edible map. Yum!

Grateful for Grace

We are making our own tracks around the country this week. We drove from Dallas to Destin. Follow along on our road-trip via instagram @craftytexasgirl.

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All photos and text on craftytexasgirls.com are copyright protected. You may not copy entire articles or posts (even with a link) without my express written permission. Email any requests or links used to craftytexasgirls@gmail.com.

8/2/13

Get Started: Tips and Resources for Blogging

Have you ever sat down at your computer and thought, "I would love to blog!"? I know there are lots of 'almost bloggers' out there. This week I have been emailed by three different people wanting to know how to start a blog.

When I began blogging three years ago, I didn't really know what I was doing. My goodness-- we didn't even have Pinterest back then!! (It was pretty much the dark ages.) So I just Googled every single question I had, texted my friend Jordin, emailed some of my favorite BIG bloggers and then just went through trial and error.

How I got started blogging ( the story behind this blog)

But if you are just getting started now, you are in luck. Between a beautiful template, a little research, a lot of passion and some great photography-- you can look like a pro from the 'get-go'. Here's how to get started!
1. Choose a place to blog. Could be WordPress or Blogger... do a little research.

The Best Blogging Platform

2. Put together an appealing layout-- mine is from Designer Blogs.

Get a pretty blog design

3. Choose a name and if you are ready, buy your domain name. (For example when I bought my domain name it changed from "craftytexasgirls.blogspot.com" to "craftytexasgirls.com")

How and Why to Buy Your Domain Name

4. Get writing. For me, great blogging is about living you life and sharing those stories.

How to Write Something Worth Reading

5. Photos matter. You don't need the best camera. But you need big, bright, well-lit photos.

Take Better Photos- 31 posts to show you how.

6. Find a community. Whether you attend a blog conference, email other bloggers, or belong to facebook group. Find others who can help and encourage you.

What I Wish I Had Known About Blogging

Tips and Tricks for Bloggers

7. Don't be afraid. It won't be perfect. Years later, you'll probably look back and cringe. But don't be afraid to do it. All those mis-steps are an important part of the journey.

The Do's and Don't of Blogging

14 Do's and Don'ts for Blogging

8. You won't get rich from blogging. Seriously. You won't. But--- blogging can open up amazing opportunities and lead to some awesome experiences.

Stop Trying to Get Rich Blogging

Some of the BEST behind the scenes advice about blogging from our friends at YHL.

9. Set aside comparisons. Someone will always have a 'better' blog. That's ok. Everyone, no matter how big or 'famous' feels that way. There is room for all of us.

What about those Perfect Blogs?

The Secret to A Great Blog

10. Enjoy it. Aren't we lucky that we live in a time when anyone can start a blog for free! Anyone can be 'a published author' in a matter of moments. Seize the day and share your story!

Encouragement for New Bloggers

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**Got a big SLR camera that you don't really know how to use? I admit-- I keep mine on 'auto' most of the time :) Join Photographer Kristen Duke on August 17th for a fun workshop to learn how to use you camera. I will be there, hope you can come too! More info here: http://www.kristendukephotography.com/say-no-to-autothe-workshop/

Sharing this post at: Too Much Time on My Hands -Home Stories A to Z -Tatertots and Jello -The 36th Avenue --Serenity Now -Love of Family and Home -It's Overflowing -I Should Be Mopping the Floor -Live, Laugh, Rowe

All photos and text on craftytexasgirls.com are copyright protected. You may not copy entire articles or posts (even with a link) without my express written permission. Email any requests or links used to craftytexasgirls@gmail.com.