Mail Make-Over

Digital books are the rage these days. I think they're a genius idea but I still prefer leafing through paper and sniffing a brand new book. It's a simple joy of mine. I'm proud to say I take care of my books. No dog ears -- just bookmarks. And all this week, I'm making them myself!

I'm using these catalogs I got in the mail.

TADA! I get to save these inviting images by turning
the pages into bookmarks.

I think this mailer has a fabulous print.

Just cut a section and TADA! -- instant bookmark!

I love the floral prints on this perfume insert (the ones
you get in a magazine; just open & sample a perfume).

Fold it up, cut the unnecessary ends and TADA!,
another one to add to your collection.

Aren't you drawn to the modern
elements of this catalog cover?

I was and by now, you know what it did to it!
Bookmark!

D-I-Y Bookmarks

This week on my blog, I'm turning excess paper
from blah to TADA!

I'm using this bag again today.

Yesterday, I cut out the spoon graphic and
turned it into a bookmark.

Today, I'm using the back side (blank) of the bag, together with
these subscription inserts tumbling out from magazines.

I folded the subscription cards & wrapped the brown paper
around it. Then I added a sticker, punched a hole and
finished it off with some yarn.

TADA! I've got some blank bookmarks.

Use these for a kiddie party activity.
With some pens & stickers, it serves as a
canvas for creative little hands and it
doubles as a party favor, too.

Bookmark Bonanza

Sometimes, I feel like there is so much paper in my life -- paper bags, catalogs, junk mail and ticket stubs. And you know that throwing them out is not my first option. To turn them from blah to TADA!, my go-to idea is to turn them into bookmarks.

This has got to be one of the cutest
paper bags out there.

So I took my favorite graphic from the
bag (the spoon!) and made it into a bookmark.

I cut it out and mounted it on cardboard.

TADA! It does a great job marking pages in
my favorite cookbooks!

Bag in Bloom

It's finally Friday! Please tell me you all had a wonderful week?

I hope you're excited to see the final look
on this blah bag.

{cue drum roll}

TADA! This bag is blooming!

I simply sewed on black rose petals (got them from Tinsel Trading Company in New York City) for added drama.

I can't wait to use it for my next formal event.

But why wait when I can use my blooming clutch
to dress up an everyday dress like this one?
(image from Old Navy)

Have a weekend worth celebrating!

Naughty or Nice?

I'm experimenting with different looks to update
this old, blah evening bag:

It just didn't seem to look current.

Add a black chain, pink tulle & accent with a
black ribbon...TADA! It's a brand new bag!

Does it remind you of playful lingerie or a graceful ballerina?

Add a sleek wrap-dress (image from Banana Republic)
and you've got a perfect match!

A Touch of Silver

Inspired by the glitzy evening purses seen on Oscar night,
I'm turning this blah bag....

...into a TADA! clutch!

I picked silver-gray accents -- feathers, felt, tulle & crystals.

It's an instant face lift that didn't cost a fortune!

Won't it look pretty when worn with
this frock by Robert Rodriguez?

Day to Night Dressing

This week on my blog, I'm turning this blah bag into a TADA!

I liked the size, shape and the kiss closure.
But the decorations were far too busy.

So I covered it up and added these massive beads
in a light shade of mocha.

I think it will look good with a tailored outfit
like this one I found in Banana Republic;
especially when it's time to hit happy hour!