Enchanted Makeovers

As I have said many times, I am a member of Make Mine Pink. I am a very proud member of Make Mine Pink :) and I will never be able to give back all I have received from this wonderful group. I have been given more opportunities and experiences that I would have never been given had my life not take this path. And yes I do believe its destiny. Another thing I believe with all of my heart is "pay it forward". Its time to give back in the best way I can. Make Mine Pink has become associated with a wonderful organization called Enchanted Makeovers. As a group we are donating money and sponsoring 18 hope chests to be built for a new makeover for a womens shelter. From what I understand, a very generous man is donating his time to build these wonderful treasures. The charity I am speaking of is called Enchanted Makeovers and was started by a young women named Terry Grahl.

Terry started her career as an award winning interior decorator with her own business. Chance had it that she was asked to donate some time and paint a wall for a shelter being made over. I would encourage you to visit her website and learn about her story. It is so inspirational! http://www.enchantedmakeovers.org/ But the result of that day was the beginning of her own adventure. In January 2009 Terry's Enchanted Cottage that was established back in 2005 ultimately became Enchanted Makeovers, a non-profit organization that changes shelters for women and children into places of peace and possibilities. Today she is transforming the shelters that save peoples lives into beautiful sanctuaries that heal their spirit.

Her latest project is Vista Maria in Michigan. At Vista Maria they provide education, therapy, shelter and care for young women. The make over will include cheerful paint, pretty new bed linens, furniture, curtains,, etc. Homemade items will be included for that special touch to complete this fantastic make over. I am so happy to be part of this organinations fundraising and I hope to be able to participate in many ways for the coming years. If you would like to join us,,, please feel free to contact Terry. All of her information is on her website.

Have a pretty day! We are very fortunate women. :)

Lavender and Lace for Pink Friday

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday, April 24, 2009 as we present "Lavender and Lace"
A lavender field in full bloom creates a purple and green landscape and infuses a sweet fragrance into the air. A field of flowers brought to life with the buzzing of bees, decorated with birds and butterflies drawn to its fragrant aroma. The lavender fragrance wafts gently through the air, carrying the memories of flowers, happiness, and sunny days.
Far away, a summer porch, framed by windows with white lace, is surrounded with the scent of lavender. Lavender blooming in window boxes and flower pots, or decorating a flower garden with their purple blossoms. Whether along a country road or on a city street, the lavender scent embraces all indiscriminately.
Too beautiful to remain outdoors, the fragrance of lavender easily enters our homes and daily lives. From a carefully tended flowerbed we pick a tiny bunch and place it in a hand-cut crystal bud vase, where it can brighten a corner as it sits upon a vintage lace doily. Tuck a sprig of the tiny flowers into the lace band of a broad-brimmed summer hat, carrying the beautiful fragrance with us wherever we go. Or perhaps lay it inside a dresser drawer. Tie it with a tiny scrap of lace and hang it upon a wall, set it upon a shelf. In a drawer or as a lavender bouquet tied with apple-green organdy ribbon, edged with a dainty row of lace, the loveliness of lavender is impossible to contain. An elegant centerpiece set upon an antique table draped with a vintage lace table cloth, it's a feast for more than the eyes as the fragrant aroma declares its presence. Sunlight shining through the lacy curtains warms the room and casts delicate shadows upon the wall. Suddenly, the room seems draped in a lavender landscape and fields of lace.

Joyce Lucas,Founder
www.MakeMinePink.com

Photos provided by istock photo

A Little bit of This and That :)

I have had a really nice and quiet weekend. I got alot done and am feeling very productive. I had a pet sitting job to feed this really sweet dog named Fiona. As I was driving to Fionas home I saw a store grand opening with all the colored flags celebrating the event. The sign said Ribbons and Lace. I almost made a right turn on two wheels to get in there, but I must be a responsible business owner. After all I had a very hungary Fiona waiting for me and a strong desire not to have my insurance rates go up because I caused a car accident, I drove by. I couldnt wait to get done so I could drive back and check it out. I wish I had my camera. It was rows and rows of ribbon and lace. Some of it was a little on the expensive side, but alot of it was priced pretty good. It turns out this is a 2nd store for them. Years and years ago, back in my other life as a wife, I used to sew alot and I went to this store. I forgot all about it, but now they have opened up a 2nd store near me. I will visit there often for sure. This is some trim I got to go on cupcake pillows. This other is a 4 inch taffeta wired ribbon with roses. ISNT THIS GORGEOUS! It comes in so many beautiful colors. When I have time to figure out what I am going to do with it, I will be buying more. I have a really pretty rose fabric and I think I am going to make a really long handled tote and use this ribbon on that. I need a tote that I can wear diagonally across my shoulder. Then Target sells these hard side clutch type wallets. I am thinking of covering it with this ribbon. Well, you just have to see it in my head, but trust me, its really cute. I will keep you posted. LOL

Next is a bracelet using one of my ceramic roses that I get from my really good friend Cindy (http://www.angelheartdesigns.com/ ) I was inspired by this scrapbook paper that I have it sitting on. I think its going to be a gift for someone, if not, it will be on my website soon. The scrap book paper is going to be used for my May Day Jar. There is a contest going on at Make Mine Pink for pretty May Day jars for fresh flowers to give someone on May Day. Its open to all members, so now would be a perfect time to join at http://www.makeminepink.com/ Eveyone have a pretty week. Enjoy some pretty spring flowers.

Pink Friday ~~~ Keeping it Green for EarthDAy

Keeping It Green!

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday, April 17, 2009 as we "Keep It Green."Restoring and repurposing vintage products keeps the earth clean while we decorate our homes and our lives. Suddenly following the 3 R's - reducing, reusing, and recycling - is much more than environmentally friendly. Now it's about making everyday things more beautiful. The practice of keeping it "green" can come in many colors... rose petal pink, poppy red, turquoise, pearl and yes, even green. Flea market finds and fragile memories edged with glitter, embossed with jewels, engraved, stitched and woven anew giving old treasures a new purpose.Items lovingly restored to more than their original beauty grace shelves and are welcomed into our cozy corners. Table linens returned to their crisp, former selves discover new life draped over an antique oak table or reinvented as a charming pillow or or tote. Silver pieces, shining brighter than before, sit proudly upon a freshly painted piece of discarded furniture. China and mirrored glass salvaged from cobwebbed corners set a graceful display. Repurposing gives items with forgotten histories new stories to tell. Rescued needlepoints are transformed into luxurious pillows, stitched with beautiful silks and trims, and shared with a friend. Postcard pictures become pendants, someone's love notes worn as special gems. Silk ribbons, velvet trims, handmade lace, are added to vintage finds. Tapestries transform into bags, repurposed into something perfect, just for you. Even the smallest fragments of memories are unwasted. The tiniest scrap of lace from a time-ravaged heirloom can be reused, and add a "just-so" touch to a new creation. Altered art repurposes the most unlikely items from the longest forgotten closets into pieces of beauty with new intent. Whimsical works assembled from many vintage and repurposed items. Shoes trimmed with flowers, pink winged fairies, items put together with nothing more than the intent to make you smile.
Repurposed Fabric Tote Image by: Dianne Hadaway - Mama's Pocketbook
Repurposed Sweater Chick Image by: Tedi Mercer - Petite Bookstore

Hippity Hoppity ~ Show and Tell

HI!! I hope everyone had a great Easter :) I had a three day weekend and I am soooo happy. I had such a productive weekend and got so much done. My daughters had plans with their in-laws for the holiday, so after a quick trip to deliver Easter baskets to the Grandkids I came home and had a relaxing day creating. I also managed to clean my apt. , do laundry,get my book club chapters read and make 3 cupcake pillows that are orders! So, I will post a few pictures here and then I am off to eat my Chocolate Easter Bunny! :) George and Pookie would like some of my Easter Bunny too! George and Pookie are brothers. George weighs about 12 pounds and Pookie weighs about 24 pounds. We think Pookie may be part moose as he is one big boy!

OK, lets see, first is two of my new small cupcakes that will be added to my line. (Nancy the pastel pink one is yours :) ) I have been so busy with cupcakes and have been missing creating jewelry, so I spent this afternoon making this necklace and bracelet. This friday at Make Mine Pinks Pink Friday the shopping them is "keeping it green". Both of these pieces are made from other broken or vintage jewelry. I go to a local antique mall and this man bags up huge amounts of broken jewelry and I love buying them and making something new from these bits that would normally end up in a landfill. So in addition to being productive, I am ahead for this friday :) Its just got to be a good week. I cant wait to visit you all in blogland. Until next time....... gail

Show and Tell Monday

I hope everyone has a little spring in their neighborhoods! The weather has been gorgeous and spring fever has hit me hard. :) And the day job has been anything but pleasant. But I have managed to get a few new things made. I have been working on so many new ideas. So I thought I would share a couple with you today. The first photo is a new addition to my Sweet Dreams Bakery line. These will be smaller cupcakes for hanging on doorknobs, or hooks. This was the first one and I am going to have to tweak it just a little. So next time I post you will see the finished result, but i do like them. I plan on doing alot of fancy embellishing on these. Next is my 3 tier cake pillow. I didnt know exactly where I was going with this, but this was the end result. And I have lots more ideas for these cakes coming as well. And last are some Easter Bunny baskets I have made for years now. I just plain ran out of time to get any online for this year. But one was an order for a dear friends Grand daughters first Easter and she picked the green one, so my Grand daughter Mya will get the blue one for Easter. Poor kid is 7 and I have never made her one yet!

So this week I have been working on my business plan, designing new patterns, spring cleaning at home and trying to hang in there at the day job. Cant wait to post more new things soon....gail

Marie Antoinette ~ Pink Friday

Marie Antoinette was young, tall, blonde and beautiful and she set fashion trends through France and Europe. She was nicknamed "Madame Deficit" or "Queen of Debt” because the Queen spent lavishly on her dress and adornments, exceeding annually her clothing allowance (her overruns always covered by her devoted husband Louis). Her flip remark “Let them eat cake” (attributed to her, but never confirmed) was the spark that ignited the French Revolution. Today, we simply cannot get enough of “Marie”Only 15 when she married the crown prince of France, the dauphin. France was then the most powerful nation of continental Europe, and the royal palace at Versailles the most opulent. She became Queen of France while still a teen. Her excessive fashions for high headdresses, plumes and voluminous dresses were subject to public comment, admiration and ridicule. At Versailles, the Queen also spent lavishly on her friends and on her entertainment. She held frequent gambling parties, masquerade balls and danced all night long.To escape the formalities, boredom, and royal obligations of court, Marie-Antoinette created a private realm of pleasure for herself and her friends at the Petit Trianon, a small retreat palace on the grounds of Versailles, and Hameau, where she planted the first Anglo-Chinese garden; collected all species of antique roses; and revolutionized architecture and gardening trends. It was so much her escape that the King was reported only to have visited her there a few times.So why do we love Marie Antoinette today? All her extravagance, her life of excess, her hairstyles that were larger than life, her reported love of pastries and champagne (some truth and some fiction as Marie was a teetotaler) all create for us a time and place where a young girl can be Queen. Marie Antoinette has become a real inspiration.

Make sure to visit www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday tomorrow, April 3rd to see all of the great Marie inspired shopping for our one day only shopping event! The participating shops and boutiques have been preparing and making some very lavish and beautiful products for this special shopping day. You dont want to miss this one. (())gail

Its Monday and a new week :)

Hi, I hope everyone is enjoying some little bit of spring this week. In the southwest it has been gorgeous. I had such a busy week. I sure hope this week is a little more balanced. I did manage to get a few things made, but I so wanted to do more. I suppose its like that for us all. These 4 cupcake pillows are going out to a bakery shop in Seattle. I hope they do well. It could be the beginning of something good! Next up this week is my bargain of the year. LOL I was at Joanns buying glue and fiber fill and I saw these spools of wired ribbon. They were on clearance for .50cents each. I bought 16!!! I got 5 rolls of pink too. OK, next is awesome pink glass jars and bottles I received from my friend. She is clearing out and downsizing and had these pink things and thought of me. Imagine that. LOL I love them. AND last but not least, I received my advance copy of STUDIOS magazine that I am featured in. It hits the stands March 31st. Its a beautiful issue with some very inspiring studios. This handsome guy in the photo with me is one of my cats. He is a rather large 25 pound Maine Coone cat and his name is Googars. (Dont ask, I have no idea where that name came from, my DD April named him. lol) So, this is whats new in my life.... I cant wait to visit your blogs and see whats new in yours.... Until next time,,,,,have a pretty week.. gail

Easter for Pink Friday

Please join us for shopping with a twist on Friday - March 27, 2009 as we present Easter Memories.On Easter mornings, when we were children, we would awaken to discover Spring had magically arrived overnight... and delivered some delightful surprises. The world was new again and filled with treasures just waiting for us to discover them. Tall chocolate bunnies hidden in springtime flower beds. Eggs delicately painted like rainbows, waiting in the grass. Plush rabbits in ruffled dresses and straw hats, sitting in white baskets, eager to become our very special friends. We'd hunt together with our friends and family, oohing and aahing over each person's discovery... but secretly knowing that the treasures we found were made just for us. Now that we're older, the newness of Spring and the thrill of the annual Easter hunt can be rediscovered every time we seek out a treasure in a vintage shop or exclusive boutique. Perhaps we're not searching for chocolate wrapped in sparkly foil or rainbow colored treats. We might not even be sure what we're seeking, but we recognize these treasures the instant we see them. A vintage hanky embroidered so delicately you can't help but wonder about the woman behind its design. A crystal bracelet reflecting a color that's "just so" when the sunlight shines on it in "just that way". The ideal display for a certain corner that's been looking slightly forlorn - not missing just anything, but the perfect thing. The moment we discover them, our hearts feel a little thrill and, just for that moment, the world is new again and we feel reborn. As if someone hid this treasure in a secret corner just for us to find, and our hearts recognize them before we even know what we've discovered. At Make Mine Pink, you may not find the foil wrapped bunnies or the colorful eggs, but you will always discover a thrilling hunt for the perfect treasure that stirs up feelings of Spring.

Did I ever tell you....

I am a non-stop doodler! If I have a pencil in my hand, something is going to get drawn on! This is my desk calander from my job. As you can see, its been a little slow around the office. In fact we joke that we keep coming in every day, but I feel like someone forgot to tell us to not show up anymore. LOL

This is a quilt my friend Judy made. She actually does some very detailed and intricate ones, but I had my camera handy. I love the kittys on this quilt. Judy and I have been BFF's since we were about 11 years old. So, thats about 40 years now. This is three of her dogs. Kahlua is the Carin Terrier and Glory is the Westie and Rowdy is the Australian Shepard, with her new hair cut. The are my God Dogs, ( I am in the will!) These three dogs are therapy dogs who volunteer at hospitals and visit patients,,,,so they are awesome.

And since yesterday was the first day of spring I planted some flowers. Its almost to late in AZ for flowers. Its getting so hot here, its been around 90. They burn up here in the summer. I put them on my porch and they will be in the complete shade all day, so they should do well. So, everyone have a fantastic first week of spring and until next time......

Spring Shop Hop and Show and Tell Monday

Be sure to visit the post below this one to get all of the details for the big event going on at Make Mine Pink. Make sure to register for the Spring Shop Hop for your opportunity to win some beautiful prizes!

This weekend I was very busy creating new designs. I have lots cut out and ready to sew. I did redesign my Chocolate Easter Bunny pillow. I like it much better now. Sometimes I get lucky on my first try, sometimes its back to the drawing board. I love this process. Its totally relaxing to me. I also wanted to add some new jewelry. This bracelet is made with faux pearls and some hand made polymer clay roses. Marie Segal is a wonderful artist and I love using her roses.

After a lot of thinking, stressing and just plain freaking out, I have made a decision. A really important one! I am leaping and hoping the net will aprear. A door has been closing for awhile. I have been looking frantically for open windows. My job will soon be ending. It has lasted longer than I thought, but the writing is on the wall. I will stay there as long as I can, but when it does close I am going through that window. LOL I will be devoting 100 percent of my time to Gail Friend Designs. I have searched out some selling options that look great. I have a few national ads coming out and will be featured in the upcoming STUDIOS magazine. (March 31 if ya all want to see me:) ) I have been fighting up hill battles for a long time now. The only thing that has been falling into place has been my website and my wonderful membership with Make Mine Pink. I learned a long time ago, if your fighting something, let it go. Its not meant to be and if it is , it will fall into place nice and easy. I am really looking forward to the future and all it holds. I know its going to be a great thing!

Spring Shop Hop at Make Mine PInk

Starting March 16th!
The joyful march into spring begins, a cacophony of bird calls fills the blue skies, the trees show their fresh green buds, and the tulips start to poke their heads from the earth to face the sunshine. Colors are about to burst forth, and the earth will be new again. With fresh eyes, we are stocking our shelves with pretty greens, bright yellows, vibrant pinks, and beautiful blues. For the Boutiques at Make Mine Pink, spring cleaning is over, and we would love to show off our fresh new colors and exciting spring merchandise.

Please join us for our "March Into Spring" Shop Hop from March 16 through March 21, 2009. The shop hop is open to anyone that would like to participate (limit one registration per physical address). Please register if you would like to participate.
How to Play
Each of the participating boutiques at the bottom of this page has hidden a Make Mine Pink shopping bag somewhere on its website. Find the shopping bag, and click on it to return to MMP and mark it off your list. At the end of the shop hop, depending on the number of bags you found, you will be entered into a drawing for prizes.

There is no cost to play. All we ask is that you enjoy yourself and take your time looking for the shopping bags—you wouldn't want to miss out on any of the fine products our boutiques are offering during this promotion.

This Friday~~~ A touch of Whimsy

Once in a while, it's fun to take a detour from the normal "a place for everything and everything in its place" ritual and include some whimsical touches in our daily routines. Add a few teasing twists to the poised beauty around us with unexpected delights that give us a little flutter.Tucked away in the corner of a beautifully painted, chic shelf filled with plates covered in hand painted roses, a gossamer-winged fairy, sprinkled with German glass glitter speaks of a side of us that we all let peek out now and again. From a romantic Victorian display made of white vintage wire, a gold garnished teacup and saucer edged with pink and blue buds, spill out another whimsical treat: a tiny bird with a bejewelled beak in a doily nest. The formal tea set with a splash of frivolity reveals a secret sense of silliness we hope to never outgrow. A fairy's magic wand, trussed with a garden pink ribbon and planted in a basket of practicalities, adds an unspoken wish for excitement. Small dashes of dreams make ordinary items extraordinary and diffuse a fine mist of fantasy and fun into everything you do.Paper cupcakes on a tray, teapots tied with bows, a porcelain doll collection in the corner of your room, fairies dancing on pink cupcakes, lacy vintage doilies and gossamer bows. Whatever causes your whimsical self to feel a little flutter - whether be it owls, the newest (or the oldest) collectible, a small hand blown glass kitten - celebrate your whimsical side and surround yourself with things that make you smile

Its time again for Pink Friday at Make Mine Pink. Visit all of us at www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday for a fun and whimsical shopping adventure. One day only, tomorrow Friday , March 13th

Hi :) Its spring in AZ

Hi, I hope everyone is well this week. Its been hard to stay in and work this week. I have had spring fever really bad. The weather has been just beautiful. The orange trees are in blossom and it is the most beautiful scent. The air in the evenings is the perfect temprature and smells like heaven and the birds are singing their little hearts out. :) These are some blossoms I photographed near my home. I am also beginning to work on Easter projects. This is a Chocolate Easter Bunny pillow. I am not 100 percent happy with it, so I am going back and making a couple adjustments on the pattern. But this is a sneak preview of one of the new things I have coming out in the next couple weeks. I hope you are begining to see signs of spring in your neighborhood too! Until next time......

STUDIOS ~ a place to create

I am really excited! I am being featured in the upcoming magazine by Cloth, Paper and Scissors called STUDIOS ,, its release date is March 31. It features the studios and workrooms of artist and creators in all types of fields. Its loaded with inspiration and ideas for your own studio! Be sure to check it out when it arrives on the newstands.

Show and Tell Monday

Whew I made it, I am running late ! I have been pretty much out of commission the last 3 weeks on an overnight petsitting assignment at my bosses house. It was supposed to be a few days. I didnt get much done, just lots of running around. But I was finally home this weekend and I managed to get two things finished today. Yay!!! I hope to have a very productive week. The first thing I got finished is a chocolate dipped strawberry pillow for my Sweet Dreams Bakery line. Then I made one of my rose bracelets. My friend Cindy from Angel Heart Designs makes these handbuilt ceramic roses for me and they are beautiful. She is sending me lots of new colors. She has also made me some starfish and hearts. And we are working on some cupcake charms as well. I cant wait to see the finished product. I will make this short but I will be back later with lots more:) Until next time,,Gail

The French Farm House for Pink Friday

Hi:) This friday for Make Mine Pinks themed shopping day, its the French Farm House. This is a lovely style of decorating. Its a style that is so comfortable and peaceful. So inspired by nature. Fresh flowers fill every room. The smell of french lavender and beautiful colors and rich wood furniture. Make sure to visit the participating shops of Make Mine Pink for one day of French inspired shopping to fill your French Farmhouse style home. One day only, tomorrow, February 20th. Just go to www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday to visit each boutique.

Lollishops ~ All Dolled up Grandopening Blog Party

I hope by now you have all heard of the new online shopping site called Lollishops. We are having a blog party, here on Valentines Day. Its a Grand Opening celebration. Guests: You're invited to our Progressive Blog Party! Visit Chelsea Ann's Blog http://www.ittybittybirdy.blogspot.com/ on February 14th and visit all the participating blogs for your chance to win some fabulous Door Prizes!Each Blog Party will have an item from their LolliShop hidden in their Party Photos. You will find each vendor's item and comment "I found it" to win! If your comment is chosen, you will be asked to name the item you found to win your Door Prize.Don't forget to visit the Official http://www.lollishops.blogspot.com/ for your chance to win a ginormous Gift basket filled with all sorts of fabulous creations! Feel free to stop by my shop at www.lollishops.com/gail-friend-designs and see if you can find my hidden piece. ((())) gail

My Teddy Bears were very excited to get "all dolled up" for such a fun party. They are wearing there finest. What would a party be without fun and pretty treats! I hope you enjoyed your visit. Make sure to visit all of the other parties and join the fun. ((()))gail

Shades of Roses ~ for Pink Friday

As many of you know every friday at www.makeminepink.com/pink-friday we have a wonderful one day only themed shopping event. Each week will change. The participating shop owners always come up with new and beautiful products for these special fridays. This weeks theme is Shades of Roses. Rose themes are our favorites. You wont want to miss this one. Please make sure to visit all of us at Make Mine Pink tomorrow.