NAILS: Having fun with nail wraps

 A while ago I bought some nail wraps from Primark (nail wraps from Primark you say? Yep... they do them, and they were only a £1. Bargaino!) and with Mr. D giving me a biblical-strength dose of the flu this week (thanks Hubby) I felt the need to pamper myself, so I gave my nails a good old seeing too!

The instructions on the back are relatively easy to follow. I was worried I would bodge it up but I haven't done a bad job especially it being my first go and all. I decided not to cover every nail but I like the results. I do advise using a top coat. This will help the results last longer. 

Can't wait to go back and buy some more! What do you think?

AKA Hooting Miss Owl


 

D.I.Y : Framed photos with a crocheted edge

I have become quite addicted to crocheting lately and recently came up with a little idea which I thought would make a lovely gift to a loved one. I have seen tutorials showing how to crochet around vintage Christmas cards but none using photos.... so I thought I would take this opportunity to try it out.

I have loads of photos waiting to be framed and I considered this would be a nice way of framing a couple. They are quite easy to make. Even if your a beginner at crocheting. You can also cut your photos into different shapes, and as you can see from the photos, I experimented with hearts.

You need

Fine yarn / wool - Not too thick. You want to be able to crochet through the holes without tearing the photo.

A single hole punch

Scissors

Crochet hook - I used a size 5mm for my red yarn

Photos

When I got my photos developed they were printed with a white border. I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep this or not so I decided to cut the border off one of my photos. I have made one with the border and to be honest I like both effects. 

You will need to make your holes next. You can use a single hole punch to do this, or if you don't have one of those around use a needle. I spaced my holes about 1 inch apart. Don't worry if your holes aren't even. This will not show once it's crocheted.

Scallop Edge

You will need to crochet a scallop edge around your photo. To start slip stitch through one of the holes (doesn't matter which one). Do 4 single crochets and then slip stitch into the next hole. Repeat this all the way round. When you get to a corner you will need to slip stitch in the same hole twice. Slip stitch to join when you have come to the beginning again.

Now you will then need to start your second row. All the way round you will be stitching 1 SC, 2 DC, 1 SC then slip stitch when you get to each hole. This will form a scalloped edge. Slip stitch to join when you get to the end and fasten off. Weave in ends to finish off.

I used little mushroom photo clips to display my photos and I got them from Tiger for a £1. Bargaino!

I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial. If you have a go at making this DIY I would love to see your finished photos. Please send any photos or questions to info@vintageowlboutique.com

Big love!

AKA Hooting Miss Owl

ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT

PLEASE ASK FOR PERMISSION BEFORE USING

THANK YOU!

COMPETITION: Sparkle DVD giveaway!

 To celebrate the 11th February release of Whitney Houston's final film before her tragic death last year, we are giving away a copy of Sparkle on DVD, courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Featuring original songs by R. Kelly, Sparkle has an all-star cast including six time GRAMMY Award® winner Whitney Houston (The Bodyguard), "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks, singer CeeLo Green, Carmen Ejogo (Away We Go), Tika Sumpter (Think Like a Man) and Derek Luke (Captain America: The First Avenger). This is a soulful story of an aspiring singer/songwriter (Sparks) who defies her overprotective mother (Houston) to form a musical trio with her sisters, only to encounter the temptations of success.

Like to know more? Find Sparkle on Facebook
 

 
 

How to enter?

To win, simply answer the question below in the Rafflecopter and also 'like' Vintage Owl Boutique's facebook page. You can earn more entries by following us on Twitter or even tweeting about the competition.

The competition ends on 11th February 2013. A winner will then be randomly picked and notified by email.

Question - The film 'Sparkle' contains original songs written by . . . . . ?

A. CeeLo Green
B. R. Kelly
C. Jay-Z

I wish you all the very bestest of luck!

Big love,
AKA Hooting Miss Owl



a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Sparkle is out on DVD 11th February from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

All images courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment