Friday, August 28, 2009

And the winner is...

Shirin takes the top spot on Project Runway. I really loved her dress and the stitching detail made all the difference. I must say Haley & I named the top 3 and the bottom 3 this time, so there really weren't any surprises. It seems the editing is such that you really don't get a good feel for everyone, but it's hard with so many designers. I thought Ra'mon was on to something with his color-blocked dress, but once it got labeled as the bowling ball bag, there was no turning back. I see in his bio that he's a designer for Kohls and that dress had a very Kohls feel to it. I still like his idea, but it would take a very confident pregnant woman to wear it. And the egg? Creative but not realistic. And the look on Malvin's face told me he really thought he had the top design and had no idea why he was going home. With Malvin and Ari gone, it seems like quirky is out this season.
It was funny to see all the stick-thin models with these huge bumps. I know when I was expecting, it was more of an all-over effect. I don't think there was one dress last night that would have worked for me.


We're happy about the Models of the Runway after party show. It's been interesting to get to know the personalities a little. Don't you think Fatma is a little delusional?


Oh, and our winner is Jules, so email me your details and a copy of Altered You! will be on the way.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Martha and me? I don't think so...



Just saw Julie & Julia with one of my best food buddies. Loved it, loved it, loved it. All the reviews said it was too long -- we would have stayed for another hour. In fact, we had trouble leaving our seats, and shared a "it's over already?" exclamation when the credits began to roll. Of course we loved the food. I am suddenly craving boeuf bourguignon. And we loved the settings -- my friend is homesick for Europe, while I am missing the New York City scene (also missing my 30s, but that's another story). We loved the husbands. Whose was more endearing --Julie's or Julia's? And whose was more (ahem) hotter -- Julie's or Julia's? I don't have Mastering the Art of French Cooking, but I do have The Way to Cook. It's as good to read as it is to cook from. I really need to revisit it.

So will I be crafting along with Martha's tome, The Encyclopedia of Crafts? I don't think so. But will I rent the movie again next year when it's released on DVD? Absolutely.
PS Don't forget to enter my drawing for a copy of Altered You! in honor of Project Runway!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Support the ArtGirlz

I've been a huge ArtGirlz fan since I first came across them years ago at CHA. I highly recommend their kits -- you'll have everything you need to make a really fun project in just a few hours. They're having a giant sale on their site. I also love their papers, scrapbook supplies, and blank journals. I used their felt beads in the memory bracelet project in Altered You! Just like all of us, they're having a tough time this year. So if you're in the mood to craft a little, or if you need to make a quick gift for someone, or if you've got a crafty friend who needs more stuff for her stash, stop by their site and take advantage of the great deals.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Book Giveaway

In honor of the return of Project Runway, I'm giving away one copy of my book Altered You! Your Style ... Your Stuff ... Your Space. Post a comment and tell me what off-the-rack clothing you've altered -- or would like to alter. I'll pick a random winner next week during episode two. Here's a link to some of my favorite altered projects.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

And I'm finished...

More than 30 projects, 18 alternates, and months of work fit into a suprisingly small tote bag and was safely delivered on time this morning. The new book is called Back To Basics: Stringing Beaded Jewelry, it will be available in the spring of 2010, and it's the first book in an exciting new series from Kalmbach Books. And, for sticking with me during this process, I think you deserve a sneak peek:







What do you think? The cover meetings start tomorrow, so as soon as I can share a copy, I will.