{Currently Crushing} Cookie Artists

(Cookie - All Things Exquisite, Invitation - Gwynn Wasson Designs)

I have to say just the thought of this post makes me giddy! 

(Sweet Ambs Cookies)

I am crushing HARD on some of the AMAZING woman out there who are creating the most beautiful pieces of art.... on cookies! 

(Ali Bee's Bake Shop)

Their skill sets are insane. Not only are they unbelievably creative but they are truly artists and, man, do they know their way around a piping bag! 

(JP Creatibles)

I'll be honest, I rarely have the guts to eat their creations. 

(All Things Exquisite)

They are just too darn beautiful! 

(Dainty Delights)

(Sugarbelle)

And, I often don't have the heart to platter them either because each one is such an exquisite piece of art. Consequently, I've been working them into my tablescapes standing up!

(Lori's Place)

(Lori's Place)

(JP Creatibles)

So the next time you are at a party or ordering up some cookies, take a moment and enjoy the time and artistry involved in creating the amazing (and delicious) creation you are about to pop in your mouth!!

{Field Trip} LA's Fabric District

I get SO many inquiries as to where I get my fabrics and I always a little guilty saying that I got this or that fabric downtown. I am very fortunate to live near such a fabulous resource. It's inspirational and definitely helps to keep costs down. (You can buy nice fabric for as little as $1.49/yard. Most of the fabrics pictured are $6-$10 a yard! Amazing!)

Yesterday I was downtown sourcing fabric for an upcoming party and I took a few pictures with my phone. In case some of you from other parts of the country, etc. are curious as to what LA's Fabric District looks like, here's a little taste.

Most places are simply wall to wall fabric. All bound together. You really have to dig to see what they have.

And as much as everyone has, a LOT of it is the same. Which is nuts! But you can find some unique things you just have be determined and adventurous.

Some shops have their niches. There's the fur guy...

And the plaid guy...

And the guy with the pretty decorative fabrics...

Sometimes, after awhile, my head starts spinning and I have to just walk away and look at the pictures I took, take a couple Excedrin and collect my thoughts! But, overwhelming or not, it is definitely a fabulous part of LA!

{Tips & Hints} Paper Fan Tutorial

Oh, my! Can you believe that I've basically been away from this blog for month??!! Yes, I took a little unofficial vacation from it. Sorry to all of you who have been checking back regularly. Life. It happens, you know?! We went on a vacation, and then in the past few weeks I've been super busy with the shop (lots of new collections to add!), styling parties (I just got a sweet message last night that you might get to see a new one very soon!), and my kids. I had to prioritize. My baby just started waving, babbling, cutting teeth, and crawling in the last couple weeks and my 3 year old isn't sure what to make of it. So excitement AND drama! A mommy's "favorite" combination, right?!!

While enough about me, I hope you all have been fabulous. And I hope you are up for something fun! When I posted the round up of paper fan backdrops a month ago, I received a lot of inquires about how to make them so below is a tutorial. And if you are not that adventurous (or simply pressed for time, like we all are) you can purchase them at Polka Dot Market, Party Cheap, and at many other places including Luna Bazaar.

To make your own Paper Fan, you will need the following:

- 2 sheets of scrapbooking paper
- hot glue gun (of course! have I done a tutorial yet where you don't need one??!)

1. Fold your paper back and forth, making accordion folds.

2. Next while holding the folded paper together bend it in half.

3. Repeat with your second sheet of paper.

4. Glue the inside edges together on each piece.

5. Glue the outside edge of one piece to the outside edge of the other piece and repeat for the other side.

And there you have it! A beautiful handmade paper fan!! Have fun decorating!!

S'more?? You betcha!!

Happy National S'more Day!!! 

If you're looking for a fun easy way to create this sweet treat, click over to Celebrations.com for my recipe/tutorial for S'mores On A Stick!! (Everything's better on a stick, right??!)

Hope you have a happy YUMMY day!!