Lovely Letter Project

This is a simple project that ANY glamorous (or not-so-glamorous) girl can do.  It is easy & will be impressive.  

1.  Buy a frame at a flea market or garage sale or reuse one from your home.  (This one is recycled from a previous project.)  Sand the edges if you want a shabby chic look. 

2. Buy several different types of paper from a craft or fancy paper store.  

3.  On your computer, print off a large letter in the font of your choice. Use the letter as a pattern for what will be "center stage" in your finished product.  

4.  Cut the largest piece to fit in the frame.  

5.  Cut another piece that is about 1 1/2-2 inches smaller around each edge.  Glue on top of the largest piece of paper.  

6.  Take your final piece of paper & trace the letter that you printed off of your computer.  Glue this to the other two pieces of paper. 

7.  Insert into frame and you are ready to hang your masterpiece!  

This can be hung as a single work of art OR you repeat the project to spell initials, or a name completely, and make a series.   It would look smashing in your own home and it would be a thoughtful gift for a loved one.   

Must-Have Monogrammed Mementos

I am giving my secret away! I love monogrammed gifts for every occasion...new baby, wedding, new house, Christmas, birthday or thank you. A few of my favorite gifts...

1. Ballard Basic Pillow from ballarddesigns.com

The key to this gift is ordering the COVER only.  (Twill covers are $12.  Velvet covers are $15.95.)  Monogramming is FREE with the purchase of pillow cover. 

Then go to your local craft/fabric store and buy an affordable (about $4-5) 18" square pillowform to insert inside the cover. 

Tie a beautiful bow around the pillow & wow your family & friends!

2. Ballard Tote Bags from ballarddesigns.com

This bag comes in Petite, Medium & Large.  The price ranges from $19.95-$25.95.  Again, Monogramming is FREE!  

This is a great gift for a Glamorous Girlfriend, Aunt, Mom, Mother-in-Law, Teacher, Babysitter or Hair Stylist.  It comes in Lime Green, Navy, Aqua, White, Pink, Sand, Brown, Black or Red with either Cream or Brown Monogram thread.  

When buying one for a gift...don't forget to order one for yourself!  This bag will make your closet look extremely chic!

3. L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag  from llbean.com

This is my mom's signature gift!  This bag comes in MANY colors and sizes.  You can buy it with an open top or zip-top.  (I prefer the zip-top.)  The prices are anywhere from $17-$37.  Monogramming is only $6.00!

A GREAT gift for men, women, college students, athletes...basically ANYONE!  My mom got one for each of my brothers and me for Christmas one year.  It is always fun to get together as a family & see all of our matching bags.  

OTHER MONOGRAM IDEAS:  

• Go to TJ Maxx or Marshalls & find a fabulous throw pillow, some luxurious linens or fluffy towels, then head to a local embroidery shop & have them monogram your item for a small fee.  (Anywhere between $5-25 dollars per item.)