My DIY fabric wrapped glasses

Above Photo & Products courtesy of KL Designs

The first time I saw this idea in person I was at The Buttercup in Charlotte, NC. They were selling wine glasses wrapped and sealed with a Lilly P. fabric for $20 each! I thought that was a little steep, so I set out to make my own version. I did some googling and came across this blog The College Prep and her rendition of lilly shot glasses (click here for link to her directions). Of course if you're not in to girly patterns, you can pick out whatever fabrics and colors suit you.

I decided to try them on my own. They aren't perfect, but I still love them. I'd like to find out how KL Designs gets hers so perfect looking. Maybe she'll share her secret ... probably not.

Here's my step by step for making your own fabric wrapped glasses. Or you can follow College Preps instructions linked above.

Supplies:
Glasses (styles without curves are easiest). I got my glasses from Ikea.
Fabric (basic cotton works well)
Mod Podge
Sponge
Fine grain sand paper
Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
Optional - Painters tape or masking tape (see step 5)

Directions:
1. Measure the length and width that you want for your fabric wrap. Then cut. You might want to make one end angled in so that the ends hide underneath to top fabric in the middle.
2. Apply a thin amount of Mod Podge to the fabric using the sponge. Rinse sponge when done.
3. Put the fabric strip around the glass (it will hold with the glue). Quickly align the fabric to the placement that you like before it dries.
4. Allow to dry for at least an hour.
5. Sponge on a 2nd layer of Mod Podge over the fabric and edge of the fabric. If you have a steady hand, just be careful around the edges to keep it looking clean. You have to seal the top, bottom and middle (where fabrics meet) to make sure it will hold. You might want to consider using tape (painters or masking) to create a guide and reduce sloppiness. The tape can peel away when the project is complete to give a clean line.
6. Repeat steps 4 &5 until you have about 5 layers of glue.
7. Dip your sand paper in a small amount of water and gently sand away the graininess of the glue. This will smooth out all the rough spots.
8. Only hand wash the glasses. Never put them in the dishwasher. My dad did by accident and the fabric pulled right off from the steam.

Finished results a la Katie ....

I'm so indecisive!

When it comes to planning parties I can be so indecisive when it comes to a menu. There are far too many cool and new recipes out there that I want to try. But to narrow it down so that it doesn't look like I'm feeding an army ... it's kind of sad widdling down. In the end, the more complex I make it, I know it'll just be more stress on myself that day. I need to stick to simple to prepare, good mix of the food chain, crowd pleasers and foods that won't kill my budget.

This weekend we're having our yearly Corn hole BBQ party; this is the 4th year I believe. This is sort of Michael's yearly birthday party, along with his buddy Drue who's birthday is the same week. The main dish each year is catered BBQ. That way no one has to man a grill. And I don't have slave away. It takes a big load off my shoulders just to buy it. So here are my staples for my menu, then below that are my undecided items. I won't make all of them. Feel free to cast your vote or suggest new things :) I'm trying not to do any appetizers because our guests tend to bring them to share anyways. Less work for me!

Staples:
BBQ pork sliders (I'm doing mini versions this year)
Cole slaw

Undecided on (way too many salads!):
 - potato salad - I'd like to do this healthy version. it's good; I've had it before - http://www.cookinglight.com/food/in-season/scb-sides-00400000028195/page11.html
- corn on the cob
- baked beans
- melon fruit salad
- couscous tabbouleh with avocado - http://jkmassonrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/06/couscous-tabouleh-with-avocado.html
- homemade mac n' cheese
- Okra side dish - my friend Logan makes some good ones, like this - http://loganandmattsullivan.blogspot.com/2010/07/july-southern-living-treat.html
- pasta salad - this one looks nice.
- fiesta rice salad - gotta have something from the Mexican food group! - http://family.go.com/food/recipe-an-881517-fiesta-rice-salad-t/
- broccoli salad - http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/broccoli-salad-recipe/index.html

And after all that .... WHAT'S FOR DESSERT?!?! It has to involve chocolate and I want to use my cake stand. Those are my only requirements.

Red, White and Blue - Fun with Friends at the Beach!

Happy 'belated' Independence Day Y'all! I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. Filled with fireworks, summer BBQs and great friends. We spent our 4th with the Sullivan family in Wilmington. My friend Logan and I realized that each other blogs, so now I'm checking out her happenings, complete with pics of all her cooking adventures.

I didn't even get my camera out over the weekend, so I'm cross posting from Logan's blog Sullivan's Isle today to share all the fun we had (thanks for letting me mooch your pics, Logan). First things first ... FOOD! We fattened ourselves up on beach snacks, a great seafood dinner at Bridgetender, American flag cake, all American BBQ food (dogs, beans, slaw, potato salad, etc), Paula Dean's friend okra salad (YUM!!!), awesome blueberry muffins, a nifty spin on ham & eggs and of course Firefly and Coronas! Check here for some of Logan's recipes.

Wrightsville Beach is about 4 hours from where we live in Charlotte. It's a must when going to Wilmington. And we hit it up all 3 days since the weather was perfect!

The BBQ was followed up by cornhole, a neighborhood mini-parade (very cute!), fireworks and the most fun of all ..... Karaoke for about 4 hours!!

Fun times and good memories! Next time it's our turn to entertain them in Charlotte.

Embossed Graphics offering FREE return addressing

This just in ... the Embossed Graphics brand is offering PaperConcierge customers a July promotion (ends July 31st). Embossed Graphics already has great pricing, but their going a step further by offering an additional service for FREE.  When you order your notecards you'll notice that the return addressing is marked down to $0, no need for a promo code. This wonderful company has been a family business across three generations. Their mission is "The best value in personal stationery, with the fastest production, outstanding quality, and unparalleled customer satisfaction".

Find Embossed Graphics products at my PaperConcierge store here: http://kburch.paperconcierge.com/search/brand/1005///2945/Embossed_Graphics

Busy Busy Bee

Hello out there! :::: echo echo-o-oo ::::

I'm not holding up to my weekly blogging very well lately, but I have ideas churning and new inspiration to write about soon. In the meantime, I've been swamped at work. Got a promotion to Supervisor :::pats herself on the back:::  Busy assisting the hubs with a condo flip, and we're hoping to generate some interest and sell quickly. Just got back from visiting our friends at the beach and we're headed to Ohio this coming weekend to see family, celebrate the hubs birthday, and finally get to see our friends from Hawaii & meet their new baby too!

The hectic schedule will continue, but I still want to share the fun parts, so look for new blogs throughout the next few weeks :)

xoxo,
paper girl (haha! does anyone watch Gossip Girl around here?)

Innovative table decor

Happy Summer everyone! Is anyone hostessing a 4th of July party this year? I'm not, but I do look forward to other home entertaining this season. I was reading through the July 2010 issue of Better Homes & Gardens and loved this clever idea for a table runner.  Those are paper cocktail napkins! Use as many coordinating patterns as you like, just tape them underneath.

I attempted to put this nifty trick to use. My napkins are from Target's summer collection. I put this together very fast with other things from around the house. My favorite summer accent are these starfish :) I had planned to make a nice Sunday breakfast for just me and DH so this effort was not put to waste.

Recipe for Success! Ideas from Envelopments

I've known of the Envelopments brand since I was planning my own wedding in 2006. Brides-to-be from The Knot, aka. "knotties", are big fans of Envelopments and all the possibilities. But I never new about these Recipes until now, and I like I just struck gold! If you are looking for inspiration for your wedding then you have to check out their ideas, complete with recipe instructions for designing this look. Perfect for the DIY Bride!

Here's what Envelopments has to say about what they offer in their Featured Recipes:

         "Let’s say just for the sake of conversation that you aren’t exactly sure what you want. You have ideas, but nothing is set in stone. Well, you have come to the right place. Featured Recipes is full of possibilities to help start the process. Choose one of the classics or combine and blend to create that little something that speaks to you and your event."

Luau themed party

Lately I've been day dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation. And it doesn't help that one of my favorite people lives there now - jealous much?!? I'm going to make my best attempt to go out to the Aloha State this year and live the dream! 

If a tropical paradise isn't in your near future, why not bring the paradise to your own back yard with a luau! Let me set the scene for you ... late cookout at dusk when the hot sun has settled down.  Beachy music - think Blue Hawaii and The Beach Boys. Tiki torches lighting up the patio and sea shells serving as votive holders. Hawaiian theme drinks served from coconut cups! Shrimp, pineapple, kabobs. A table top decorated with pineapples and palm leaves. Straw hats and flower leis. Remember, food is important, but presentation really makes it! I think I'm going to have to plan a luau at my house for sure!

Update (6/23/10) : I had to add this blog link from Amy Atlas. See her Luau ideas and more HERE!

Introducing personalized cutting boards by Confections

Confections by Shara's Paperie has joined the PaperConcierge family! Confections adds some great personalized products to our Gifts & More section. My favorite is the Tempered Glass Cutting Board. Available in many colors and design options, they are the ideal gift for a housewarming, bride to be, friend or family member who has everything. These are so cute, I'll be leaving mine out for display!

Find all of the Confections collection at my PaperConcierge store HERE. Including personalized clipboards (great for new grads and back-to-school), luggage tags and sticky note cubes

I'm in love with Printing Press!

I've been keeping this a secret for way too long! And now that I'm blogging about my love for paper I've decided to share this with ya'll. This blog isn't only for PaperConcierge business, so I'm going out on a limb here and passing on a huge tip for those of you who enjoy DIY projects. So what is Printing Press? It's an awesome software by MountainCow that helps you create all your staitonery and invitations at home! I've used this software for customer invitation projects (Save the Dates, invitations, personal stationery, etc...) as well as pre-designed invitations from a local store where I print the wording myself. No more fumbling through Microsoft Word or Publisher. Printing Press makes it SO EASY! You can buy different levels of the software - basic all the way to a professional class - to suite your personal needs. I have the Extreme 4.0 version and its been great! Summer of '06 I worked part-time in a local stationery shop and they used PrintingPress for all of their in-house printing. When I left that job I bought the software right away.

And now for my PaperConcierge plug :)  If you would like to purchase blank invitations off my site, I will throw in a great deal for printing them for you! Just contact me first, please :)

Here are a few things that I've designed with Printing Press.

Paper Sale - Twice as Nice

Shop our Twice is Nice Sale through June 16th for your personal stationery needs! These items also make excellent gifts - thank you for teachers or your clients, summer camp letters, bridesmaid gifts, hostess gifts, you'll even see some that Dad's would like (it's not all pink I promise!). Be sure to follow the info below before placing your order. And contact me for any questions or if you need help picking something out - kburch@paperconcierge.com

For the Whitney English sale shop HERE

For the Hicks Paper Gods sale shop HERE

Current Obsession: Fabric patterns

An interest in paper can easily also apply to an interest in fabric. If your love for paper is in the design, colors, architecture and style ... any type of textile can fit those categories too, especially fabric.I've been searching for a new fabric to recover my outdoor throw pillows. I bought the pillows for $5 a piece a few years back at Garden Ridge. They're faded and gross, but they'll work great for inserts. I'm having major commitment issues when I'm looking at fabrics - I actually bought something today though! But the process has been very fun. If I had more free time I would love to get more into sewing. I have my craft desk all ready, so sewing project #1 will be these throw pillows (pics to come later).

Browsing through fabric stores, checking out the thousands of options - chic, bold, natural, textured, graphic, bold, stripes, floral, etc ... - It's making me want to redo my entire house! For any other fabric lovers out there, here's some eye candy that I'm finding especially appealing.

Strawberry Fields Forever

Strawberries in pancakes, pies, ice cream, shortcake, crepes, tarts, preserves ... strawberry wine (mmm) ... strawberry salsa, strawberry & spinach salads, strawberry daiquiris and margaritas ... strawberries dipped in chocolate (ooh la la!). Goodness gracious!

My husbands family came to visit us a few weeks ago and we took the nephews to pick fresh strawberries. They went PERFECT with the pound cake we made for PopPop's birthday, along with homemade vanilla ice cream. Is it fair to say that it made the dessert a little healthier? After all they aren't just delicious ... they're also rich in nutrients and antioxidants. OK, whatever you need to do to convince yourself you're eating healthy :)

And I can't talk about strawberries without paying homage to my childhood community and the Troy, OH Strawberry Festival. Strawberry pie eating contests, strawberry queen pageant, bed races (never figured out what that had to do with strawberries, but it was funny) and the big parade.

Here are some recipe ideas I've found online for more unique and interesting ways to use your fresh strawberries. I will definitely be testing some of these out. Leave a comment below if you have a favorite that I need to know about!

Strawberry Banana Muffins

Strawberry Margarita

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Sex & The City: They're back!!!

The Stories. The Fashion. The Adventure. I really don't know what all to say accept .... YAYYYY!!! I am so excited about the next SATC movie! And keeping in true KatieLovesPaper blog form, it's the perfect excuse to get dolled up and have a party with your favorite girlfriends. Whether you're having a night on the town or a party at home, do it the Carrie Bradshaw way. Have fun everyone and enjoy the movie when it comes out May 27th!

Left to Right:

Dogeared jewelry's Sex & The City inspired line of charm necklaces (here);

Pink Martini party invitation from Hicks Paper Goods found at PaperConcierge (here)

Wild Things party invitation from Hicks Paper Goods found at PaperConcierge (here)

Dreaming Big

Some day I REALLY want to go to the market. And I'm not talking about the farmers market (although I love that too!). I'm talking about the National Sationery Show in NYC. Since getting involved with Paper Concierge, I've really kept up with industry news and right now everyone's focus is on the NSS. If you're in the biz you're there ... buying, selling, making a name for yourself, making friends and networketing. I can only imagine the overwhelming creativity, colorfulness and pure girlyness that just sings from the walls there. I'm totally jealous and anyone that wants to have me a long in the future ... I'll work for your booth if you need some help.

Video about the 2010 NSS

Can't wait to hear more about the Whitney English's (parent company of Paper Concierge) booth too. Earlier this week Whitney shared some pics from a previous trade show booth (blog link).

Miss Manners

Crane’s Blue Book of Stationery: The styles definitive guide to social and business correspondence etiquette

My love of stationery began when I began a part-time job at a small paper boutique in Charlotte, NC. As a bride to be, I had an interest in invitations and wedding related accessories. The store owner gave me a copy of this book. It’s been an excellent reference when I’ve created invitations for myself and friends. Beautiful stationery deserves beautiful words, and those receiving your letters and invitations will understand the consideration you put into your correspondence. Email, texting, facebooking, IM’ing … it’s had a big impact on our communication. So when you’re at a loss for how to articulate your words, ask yourself “what would Crane say?” and check out this book. Or you can come ask me and I’ll be happy to look it up for you! I might have to also read the 17th edition of Emily Post’s Etiquette and Eleanor Roosevelt's Book of Common Sense Etiquette.

“In the midst of this fast-paced and often impersonal world of digital technology where   messages disappear almost as soon as they are delivered, the arrival in your mailbox of a finely engraved invitation or a personal note on elegant, timeless stationery has greater impact than ever before.” – Crane’s Blue Book of Stationery

SALE at PaperConcierge! Get it while it's HOT!

Boatman Geller Box Sets are HALF PRICE!

Perfect gift idea for Graduation, Teachers, Father's Day or YOURSELF! With 10 styles to choose from, each box set includes 20 personalized flat cards & matching plain envelopes. Use the direct link - Katie's PaperConcierge - to order your personalized box sets at half the price. At checkout, use coupon code "BOXSET50" to receive your discount. Sales ends August 1st.