Friday, March 30, 2012

House Party at Mel's!

Last weekend I threw my first House Party and it was a blast!!!



I'm not talking about a glamorous in-home sales party.  You don't have to buy a thing.  No burping lids or spinning lettuce. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)  I'm talking about the awesome, fantastic, too cool for school company called House Party


House Party makes it possible for brands like Kraft, XBox, and Martha Stewart, to introduce new products to a large group of potential customers.  They give HP a bunch of samples and swag (enough for thousands), and HP passes it along to consumers while encouraging hosts to spread the word on Facebook and Twitter.  The only requirements to participate are that you have a party on a predetermined date, take plenty of photos and fill out a brief survey afterward.  Brilliant.  Sign me up!

It's so easy to participate and it's totally free.  You fill out a profile including your likes and interests, and you're ready to go!  You choose which parties to apply for and cross your fingers that you get chosen.  If you are accepted, you'll be able to set up a party page, invite guests and download printable party favors to help make your party a huge success.  Plus, there is a forum where you can swap ideas with other hosts as you are planning your party.  Brilliant, I tell you!


Last year, I applied for a couple parties and wasn't chosen.  So, imagine my excitement last month when I finally got an email telling me I was selected to host a House Party for one of my fave brands-- Benefit Cosmetics!  I'm working on a blog post all about the party, meanwhile, check out houseparty.com to learn more and sign up. Right now, they are offering parties for Blue Bunny and the nonprofit, Because I am a Girl.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Silly Bee's Nail Wraps!


Great news!  My own line of nail wraps is now available on inquenails.com!  Here is the lineup (the rounded end goes toward the cuticle):







Inque Nails are made of vinyl and adhere to nails with heat.  They are very easy to apply, last two or three days and peel off for easy removal.  I love that they are super shiny.  They are $15 each, Buy 2 Get 1 Free, or 6 for $35 which comes out to $5.84 a set.  With free shipping for orders over $30.  Not too shabby!

To check out my designs...
2. Click on Pick Out Some Nails
3. Click on Designer Collection
4. Click on Melissa Garza-Allen

To order a set...
1. Click on Get Em
2. Select a length
3. Click Add to Cart



Inque Nails also offers custom fit nails.  Just click on Size My Nails.  There, you will find directions on taking photos of your nails and uploading them so they can be measured for a perfect fit.  Once you do that, they will keep your size on file for future orders.  Inque charges $35 to size nails, but it comes with 6 sets of wraps, so you end up not paying for the fitting.

Thanks for checking them out!  Annnnnd, keep an eye out at the end of the month, there just may be a giveaway on the horizon!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Tissue Paper Flowers-Think Daffodil



There are a BUNCH of tissue paper flower tutorials out there.  Which is awesome, because they're sooo much fun to make.  But, most tutorials are missing one tiny detail that can make all the difference in the appearance of your flower...

Tiny detail:  Think Daffodil.

When you're separating the petals, pull them toward the center like a daffodil, especially the ends.  Otherwise you'll end up with a fan shape.  Now, the fan shape is still cute, but if you're going for the rosette, think daffodil.  No need to expand here, check out the photos and you'll get the idea.


So, the next time you want to make tissue paper roses (and not fans), you know what to do.
Think daffodil!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Super Awesome Thing

Have you ever...
Seen something super awesome and thought, "I can make that"?  Duh! Of course you have!

Have you ever...
Planned a blog tutorial of said awesome thing, only to find out that someone's beat you to it?  Duh. Of course you haven't.




Here's the scenario...
Two years ago (I know because I saved it in an email), I saw this clever t-shirt ($65-holy cow!) on Artware Editions and thought it was so cute that I decided to make a diy tutorial.  Perfect!  I'll be the toast of Crafty Land!

Here's the part where I am humbled...
I was hanging around Pinterest today and guess what. I spied with my little eye the same shirt pinned to someone's board. So, I did a search and I'll be darned if it isn't all over the place! Plus, there are already diy tutorials! Plus, they use the same materials I was planning to use: masking tape and fabric paint. SMH.  I am NOT the toast of Crafty Land.

Here's the part where I press on...
There aren't any super awesome sheet music shirts, so I'm claiming the idea and the tutorial will be out VERY soon. Right after I finish the post on the tea party I threw a couple years ago. Right after I do the post about my 35th birthday party (I turn 40 in May).  So, the shirt tutorial will come out VERY soon. In leap years.