By Dara

Bills, bills and more bills!  They just seem to keep coming, one right after the other.  Sometimes organizing them or just simply remembering where you placed them can get difficult. 

 For example, I have a habit of opening them after I get home and throwing them on whichever table or draw is closes to me.  I guess it’s not the best habit when I have to pay the bills on time.

I finally came to the conclusion that I need some help.  So for this week’s project, I’ve decided to make a mail holder.  I wanted to buy one from the store, but it’s a lot more fun to make it myself.  Plus the one’s at the store are so dull.  

 Materials:

• White on white poster foam core board (Two posters glued together with a thin layer of foam in between the posters)

Above:  Poster foam core board

• Box cutter
• Sobo glue (Crafts glue)
• 2 ¼” of 5mm black velvet ribbon
• Bullion crest
• Square pyramid nailheads
• Velcro
• A can of Krylon’s indoor/outdoor gloss spray paint (You can get this a local hardware store)

Steps:

mail_box_sizes1 <— Here’s a pdf of the measures for the mail holder that you can print and trace.

1. Measure and trace two 2″ x 8″ on the poster foam board.  This will be for the side of the mail holder.
2. Measure and trace 4.5″ x 10″ on the poster foam board.  This will be for the back of the mail holder.
3. Measure and trace 4.5″ x 6″ on the poster foam board.  This will be for the front of the mail holder.
4. Using a box cutter carefully cut the pieces off the poster foam board.
5. Using sobo glue, glue the edge of the 2″ x 8″ onto the edge of the 10″ piece.  Repeat this on the other side as well.
6. Then glue the 6″ edge onto both of the 2″ x 8″ piece.
7. Let it dry for about five minutes.
8. Then after it dries, the mail holder should be sitting up right.  Place it on top of the rest of the foam board and trace the bottom.  This will be the support for you mail holder.
9. Using a box cutter, cut of the piece, and then glue it onto the bottom of the mail holder.
10. Now you can spray paint the mail holder any color you like.  Remember not to put too much paint because it will dissolve the foam.
11. Let it dry for about 10 to 15 minutes.
12. After it dries, you can now decorate it using the velvet ribbon to hide the edges.  Use glue to add this on. 
13. You can then also use glue to add on the bullion crest.
14. Finally, add some nailheads to the top of the mail holder.
15. Leave it dry for about 15 minutes and then add the velcro on the back so you can add it onto your wall. 
16.  Now your mail holder is all done and ready for work.  Enjoy!

By Dara

There are certain days when it seems as though the world is moving at the speed of light.  Therefore, sometimes it’s nice to just sit back, relax and enjoy some quite alone time.  For millions and myself, quality time lying in bed or on a comfortable couch with a good book sounds pretty nice, especially on a cold rainy day. 

 This week, I’ve decided to put together a nice bookmark.  I tend to lose my place so this will come in handy.  I used a thick colored stock paper.  Using scissors, I cut off 2″ x 7″.  Then with a hole-punch, I punched the top middle of the paper.  With some cute shell buttons, I was able to embellish my bookmark.  I also found a cute artwork and glued that onto the paper using gem-tac glue.  Keep it mind that the bookmark should be light.  That’s the main reason why I chose shell buttons for decoration.  I then tied a black tassel through the hole at the top of the bookmark.  To finish it off, I glued two ¼” grosgrain ribbons to the back.  My ribbons measured 1 yd long, but yours can be as long or as short as you like as long as it is longer than your book. Remember not to use too much glue when you make yours.  It’ll end up wrinkling the bookmark and make it too heavy.  When using the bookmark, you can tie a bow at the end of the ribbon.  Then tada!  You’re all ready for your relaxing day!

 By Dara

Mother’s Day: May 11th, 2008

With the end of April and the beginning of May, flowers seem to be blossoming beautifully this year.  The beautiful flowers and the warm weather is definitely a reminder that Mother’s day is coming up soon.  It’s one of the greatest days for us to show our appreciation.  Did you know that Anna Jarvis created this special day in 1908?  She was a homesick gal who moved to Philadelphia in 1864 from West Virginia and after her Mother passed away she wanted to honor her by honoring all Mothers.  

If you have not yet decided on a gift, may I suggest the flower pin?  Almost all women enjoy the sight of beautiful flowers.  However, after a couple of days the flower seems to just die away.   For that reason I’ve made my own DIY flower pin.  This way, my Mother can keep it as a reminder that the love I have for her is as gentle and internal as the flower pin I’ve made her. 

Not only can she use the pin on her garments or handbag, but she can use it on accessories as well.  The one I’ve made here, I hooked the pin onto a chain and created this stylish necklace.  I’ve also made other styles of flower pins so she can switch the flowers to match her garment.   The pins are very easy to make.  Just choose a couple of trims you like.  Either grosgrain, silk, satin or any decorative styles of trim.  You can also mix and match like I did. 

 If you decided to make a flower pin, please do share.  We’d all love to see how it turned out or if you decided to make something else, I’m sure everyone would enjoy it as well.  The more ideas the merrier. 

Materials:

•     ½ yard of any style or fabric trim you choose.  (Recommend size 1 ½” or larger in width)
•     ½ yard of another style of fabric trim you choose.  (Smaller than the other trim you’ve chosen)
•     Stitching needle
•     Thread (Color should match with the fabric trim you’ve chosen)
•     Any style shank-button you choose
•     Pin-back
•     Straight pin

Instructions:

1. Lay the smaller trim on top of the larger trim.  Make sure the smaller trim is aligned with the left side of the larger trim.
2. Using straight pins, pin the trims in place.
3. Using the matching thread begin hand-stitching the trim along the left side.  Be sure to stay close to the edge and start from the backside of the larger trim.
4. Space each stitch at least ½” apart. 
5. When you get to the end of the trim, remove the straight pins
6. Then using your fingers, push the end of the trim back towards the beginning of the trim. 
7. Stitch the end in place.
8. Turn the trim around so that the larger trim is facing you.
9. Make sure the edges of both ends of the trim is facing you as well
10. Stitch the edges together, allowing the trim to form a flower shape. 
11. Turn the trim around and add your button in the center.
12. Stitch the button into the center.
13. On the backside of the flower, now stitch the pin-back onto the center.
14. Now your flower pin is ready to be wrapped in a pretty box for your Mother.

By Dara

Photo courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

Here’s a list of items that are being used on today’s Martha Stewart show. I hope this makes it easy for those searching for the items. If you cannot view the items online, please call customer service and let them know about the item number that you’re interested in. Have fun decorating your flip flops.

By Dara

With hundreds of people visiting M&J Trimming in NYC everyday, you can image how busy the store is. Every person who walks into the store has a mind for creations of his or her own.

Customers storm the store with amazing ideas on using M&J’s products. It’s great to know that our products can bring their creations to life.

I wanted to share with you today what some customers have been using the products for. For instance, last week a young lady stepped into the store in search for some sequins and matching organza ribbons. While assisting her I had asked what the items were going to be used for. She said that she works for a make-up company and they were holding a special event promoting a new product. Therefore, she wanted to artistically embellish the sales girls with some sequins along the side of their face and tie the organza as a bow around the neck. I would have never imaged using the items in this way. It’s amazing how creative people’s mind can get.

Some of the more popular trend is of course, bedazzling cell phones with Swarovski rhinestones. None other than Paris Hilton started this addictive trend. Today, many customers storm the store in search for the perfect color to match their phones as well as ipods, headphones, shoes and clothes. The list goes on forever when it comes to bedazzling projects and garments. It’s so easy and the sparkles are definitely irresistible.

At M&J we try very hard to place all of our items online. However, it’s not as easy as many may think. The process is long due to the fact that we must precisely take photos that best represent the true item, but today I’m able to share with you some photos of items that are available for purchase by calling our customer service.

The items you see are cute little sew-on cotton appliqués. I saw these and wasn’t sure what to use them for yet, but you can be sure that I will use them in my future projects. Some costumers have been using these for knitted projects such as scarves, hats, blankets, sweaters and the list goes on forever.

I’m sure you also have some creative ideas. I’d love to hear about them. There’s no need to be shy.

By Dara

In just a couple of days Spring will arrive and before you know it, it’ll be Easter this coming Sunday. This year, Easter falls on March 23^rd. Can you believe it’s already the end of March? Where has time gone? Next thing we know, we’re celebrating New Years again. Okay, maybe I’m way ahead of myself.

Since, I won’t be back home in New Mexico this Easter, I’ve decided to dress up this boring basket and brighten it up. I’m definitely using it to send some flowers back home to my Mom. You can get a basket like this at any local dollar store. Also known as the 99-cent store. Sounds like a good deal, right?

Using about 1 ½ yard of wired ribbon, I started wrapping the basket’s handle. With another 1 ½ of the same-wired ribbon, I added it along the basket using crafts’ wire to hold it down every 3 inches. This created the little bubble like form you see. To finish it off, I took the same-wired ribbon and a yellow organza ribbon and tied a bow on top of the handle.

I filled this basket with some silk flowers because that’s what my Mom likes. However, you can fill yours with anything you’d like such as candies. If you were planning on giving it to a child, I’d recommend some items like crayons, coloring books, barrettes or even some educational books. This might take them away from all those sweets that can cause cavities.

If you’re planning on giving this basket to a friend, family, co-worker or partner, you can fill the basket with items they might like. Maybe some CDs, DVDs, reading books, cook books or accessories.

I hope everyone enjoys your Easter!

Have you noticed that people who are interested in arts and craft can’t seem to sit still when we have an idea on our mind? I know that’s the case for me. It seems like I try to find something to do for every occasion.

For instance, a couple days ago my cousin called and told me that she’s having an addition to the family. You know what that means. It’s time to start planning the baby shower. Okay, so it’s still a few months away, but it doesn’t hurt to get started.

I came up with this idea for a baby frame set as a gift. Basically, I’m using an O ring and wrapping it with some of my favorite plaid wired ribbon while leaving some space between the ring and the ribbon so I can mold the structure. Of course you can use any style and design of ribbons you like, but I strongly recommend wired ribbons because they help keep the structure in place. I also used the Unique Stitch glue to hold the ribbon in place as I was wrapping it around the ring. The glue worked great for bonding the fabric to the ring and the best part is that it’s safe to wash.

I made three frames and set it aside to be gift-wrapped for the baby shower. Once my cousin has her baby, then she can take some pictures and add it to the frame. It’ll look very cute in the nursery room or even on the wall at her work.

The frames aren’t restricted to just gifts for baby showers, but they can be made for many other occasions as well. They can also be used for weddings, birthdays or just to keep for yourself.

If you have any other suggestion or ideas for gifts, please do advise. I’m always open to making more keepsake gifts.

By Dara

A few mornings ago, while I was walking from the subway to the M&J office I felt the cold winter breeze blowing across my face. The chill suddenly reminded me that my Grandfather’s birthday is coming up soon.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what I could give an 81-year-old man with severe Alzheimer. After contemplating for a while, I remembered visiting my Grandfather in New Mexico a few months ago. Of course he couldn’t remember me, nor was he able to remember himself. Sitting next to him, I thought of so many memories we shared together. I wish so hard to bring those memories back to him.

Of course I realized that time can’t literally be brought back, but photos can say a millions words. In hopes that the photo of my grandfather and I will help him remember me, I’ve decided to give him a picture frame. Not any ordinary picture frame, but one embellished with love for the one man I’m proud of call my Grandfather.

I bought a regular frame with a white center board that you can get at any department store. Then I used these two different beautiful metallic ethnic trim to give the frame a Laotian/Thai feel to it. These trims was the first thing that stood out to me when I first starting working for the company. So I was really excited when I realized I could put it to good use. I also used the silk ribbons to wrap the white board. Then with some matching rhinestones, I was able to add some sparkles on the ribbon. Some people like using the glue to attach them. I prefer the hot-fixer setter because I know for sure that it will secure the rhinestones in place. I know my Grandfather can’t answer me anymore, but I hope he likes it.