Love, Taryn

Recaptured Charm's: DIY Dollar Store Illuminated Pumpkin Tutorial

2011-09-23T08:59:00.001-04:00

This morning I found a post from Knock Off Decor's Facebook page about the following tutorial.

Now I don't know about you, but I absolutely LOVE to decorate for Autumn. Every time I pass one of these illuminated pumpkins at my local craft stores, I always stop dead in my tracks and drool. I love them and have been wanting to purchase some...but I am a bit on the frugal side and can't bring myself to pay the asking price.

Well, drool no more, because thanks to the AMAZING Lisa at Recaptured Charm, I can now make them myself! Yay! And the best part? Everything you need can be found at your local dollar store. Now, this is my kind of tutorial!


Photo Courtesy of Recaptured Charm: http://www.recapturedcharm.com/2011/09/diy-dollar-store-illuminated-pumpkin.html

If you haven't been to her blog, I strongly encourage you to please do so. I promise, you will not be disappointed!!!

You can find this easy to follow tutorial HERE.

Thank you so much, Lisa!

"There's No Place Like (a) Home"....for Your Trash!

2011-09-20T07:45:00.001-04:00

"There's no place like home", and there is nothing better than a fierce pair of ruby red slippers to boot! Adorned with red sequins, rhinestones, and blue gingham ribbon and fabric, this one of a kind wastebasket is a tribute - not only to one of the greatest movies of all time - but to the best pair of shoes EVER known to women! This wastebasket would make the perfect gift for that family member, friend, or coworker who is a Wizard of Oz fan...or simply has a shoe fetish!

I hand-painted Dorothy's slippers on the front and added oodles of sequins, applied sequin ribbon on the bottom and blue gingham ribbon at the top to replicate her pretty dress. The wastebasket is embellished with designs and rhinestones throughout. It's got that extra dash of kitsch, which is just the way I like it! :-)

This wood wastebasket has been sealed - both interior and exterior - with several coats of non-toxic and non-yellowing varnish for durability. Wipe with a lightly damp cloth to clean.

You can purchase this one of a kind beauty HERE.

Photoshoot with Kermit the Frog

2011-09-15T07:33:00.000-04:00

I was asked to make a custom Kermit the Frog handbag for a returning customer. I had a blast making the handbag, but I must say the photoshoot was just as fun.

Enjoy!

Hi Ho! Kermit the Frog here! Make that Kermit the Frogs. Aren't we cute?

When you are as cute as this fellow, who says "it's not easy being green?" ;-)

Ha! Ha! It's like looking in the mirror!

Well, if the exterior wasn't cute enough, check out the interior: matching green fabric and ribbon to boot. Oh, wow!

Look at all the details. I look dazzling, I must say. Miss Piggy is going to be so jealous.

Oh! It's so cute, I can hardly believe my eyes!

How Much is that Doggy on the Front Porch?

2011-09-12T15:50:00.001-04:00

My bestestest buddy, Bracken....

...wishes you a HAPPY DAY! Sorry, he's not for sale. ;-)

Love,
Bracken

Om Nom Nom....

2011-09-10T06:15:00.001-04:00

I am an 80’s junkie! From the music & movies, to the poofy bangs (Hey, you know you loved them!), the 80’s were a fun decade. Okay, so maybe the poofy bangs didn’t survive, but Pac-Man certainly did! It is quite possibly one of the most popular games in history. And what better way to pay homage to the game I spent a good fraction of my childhood playing than with this handbag! Ah…sweet memories!

Here’s the skinny:
I really had a blast making this handbag, for I jammed to nothing by 80s music for inspiration. In order to get the screenshot I painted on the basket just right, I played Pac-Man many many times! See? Who says playing video games isn’t work? I think I developed a bit of carpal tunnel from it, but it was well worth it!
Pac-Man, Inky, Blinky, Pinky, and Clyde, are made out of Shrinky Dinks. I wanted to keep them as retro as possible, so I designed them to be pixelated. Old-school! Don’t you just love it?

And look at that? This little puppy is GEEK APPROVED! Say it loud and say it proud, my Friends!

The Pac-Man purse shown in these photos now has a happy new home in Greece, but I can make a custom order for you, should you wish. Just contact me for more information HERE.

Current lead time for MADE TO ORDER items is 3 weeks.

Well, now it’s time for me to go play more Pac-Man, folks! ;) But before I go, please know that nothing but pure TLC will go into making this purse for you! You can use it as a purse, handbag, tote, lunch tote, makeup carrier, anything your heart desires!
This basket purse is truly a one of a kind piece and is perfect for the ultimate Pac-Man fan!

Featured.

2011-09-10T05:40:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to all the wonderful Etsy members who have "favorited" my items and even took it a step further to list some in the Treasury.

The Etsy Treasury is a member-curated shopping gallery. Whenever an item gets posted in a Treasury, it truly is a great honor! I am thrilled as can be and would like to invite you to hop on over to check it out.

Here are a few snapshots of the Treasuries some of my items have been added to recently:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTU2MDkxMTd8Njk2NzI5Mzk1/black-and-yellow-steelers?index=0

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTE3MDU5MzB8Njg2ODg2NzQ4/time-to-tailgatepenn-state-style?index=0

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTQ5MDk3MXw2OTM2ODcyMTI/new-knitters-paradise?index=0

Be sure to check out ALL the wonderful talent found at the links in this post. Don't you just love Etsy? ::SMILES::

Thanks for the Ride, Red.

2011-09-09T11:16:00.001-04:00

Wednesday began just like any other day: I woke up, let the dogs out, made coffee, checked emails and began working. But as the morning rolled on, I felt this strong desire to break away from the normal routine – even if it was just for a moment…I was in need of a little “me” time. We all need “me” time every now and then. It helps us recharge our batteries; it does a body good.

But what should I do and where should I go?

Who cares? Let’s just drive.

Meet “Red”, our 1989 Chevrolet Camaro.

Now, I will agree he’s not exactly easy on the eyes. But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and there is certainly more to this car than meets the eye. My husband Erik purchased Red for $500 in Pennsylvania several years ago as a “parts car” for Erik’s 2000 Camaro SS. Red’s purpose was nothing more. But as Erik drove Red he began to fall in love with the car, despite appearances. Erik saw through the rust and faded paint and said this car deserves a second chance.

And so the restoration process began.

Any car enthusiast would tell you that third generation Camaros like Red are not exactly the most sought after. Sadly, most of the ones you see on the road look just like this – or even worse, they are sitting in a salvage yard. Many would probably say Erik was wasting both time and money with this car, but Erik would beg to differ.

After several months of prime restoration, the job was finally done. The result? Well, look for yourself:

I can completely understand what Erik saw in this car. It has a look and feel to it unlike any other.

I grabbed the keys, took out the T-tops, cranked him up and we were off.

It was just me and the car and the beautiful South Carolina countryside. Red and I were not in a hurry to get anywhere and to be honest I didn’t even know where we were going. We just drove.

There is nothing quite like the sound of that old raspy engine. And there was nothing more intoxicating than the feel of the cool Autumn morning air blowing through my hair. It was just me and the car on a road to nowhere fast.

So you may be asking yourself, what’s the moral to this story anyway, Taryn? There are several really. I have a bond with this car that I can’t quite explain. His rags to riches story touches my heart in so many ways. Sure, he may just be a car to some, but to me he’s an inspiration. He was neglected and never really appreciated until Erik got behind the wheel several years ago. Erik made it his mission to breathe new life into this vehicle and the car continues to bring us nothing but joy to this day. I can relate to that through my life and my work.
In life, we should never judge a book by it's cover. We all have something to offer others, we just need to give each other a chance. Never let others dull your sparkle!
In my work, I make it my mission to take something so ordinary and transform it into something completely new and different. It is so rewarding!

On the other hand, this car helps me step back and appreciate those little things in life we take for granted. We get so consumed in our daily routines sometimes that we often forget what is important: Our time! When I got behind the wheel on Wednesday and just drove, I was at total peace. The humming of Red’s vintage engine was like music to my ears. The smell of the clear crisp Autumn air was so refreshing. It was just me and the car. Nothing more; nothing less.

Sometimes it’s not how long it takes you to get where you are going that matters…it’s how you get there. I encourage you to take the long way home every now and then. You know never know what you will find at the end of the road.

Thanks for the ride, Red. Looking forward to many more.

Here Be Treasure: Orange You Glad It's Friday?

2011-09-02T07:58:00.000-04:00

Ahhh, it's Friday. The long weekend is finally here!

What better way to kickoff the Labor Day Weekend than with a collection of amazing handmade and vintage goodies from Etsy?
I can't think of anything better either, Friends!

I am in an orange kind of mood today. It's such a happy color!

Here is a brilliant collection of amazing ORANGE goodies I found while perusing through Etsy this morning. You can visit the Treasury HERE.

Be sure to pay these Etsians a visit and look at all the wonderful things they have in store. Such talent!!!

Happy Friday...and Happy Labor Day Weekend!!!

Anony Tweet Pillow - Orange by Craftsquatch

Amber Necklace by EternalEden

3D Wall Butterflies by hipandclavicle

Felted slippers Orange and 2 roses brooch set by ing00te

Modern table runners in mandarin orange by moiraadams

Vintage motorcycle orange helmet black white stripes by EuroVintage

18" Throw Pillow Cover . Orange Creamsicle Collection by ChloeandOliveDotCom

Orange Rose Flower Cuff Silver Bracelet by MEJCollection

Orange Chandelier with tiny black crystals by PinnacleDesignCenter

Orange Poppies Hand Embroidered Wall Decoration by Sidereal

Orange Owl Painting by lisadejohn

Mason Jar Lighting Mason Jar Chandelier by BootsNGus

Bright orange lucite flower earrings by wickedruby

Mod Orange Flip Clock - by linea72

Orange Petals Clutch Wallet by thespottedbarn

5ft Book Shelf Orange/Yellow by WoodCurve

Love,

Taryn

Fight Like a Girl!

2011-08-30T19:19:00.000-04:00

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Show them you are proud to say, "I FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!" with this absolutely amazing Breast Cancer Awareness basket purse. It truly is a very special handbag and is a perfect gift for that brave woman in your life who is a survivor of breast cancer!

This handbag is about as handmade as it gets. I have cut the lid, hand-painted it, embellished it with rhinestones and trimming, laced ribbon around the basket, sewed the liner and so much more!

The lid is sealed with a durable non-toxic and non-yellowing finish so all you have to do is take a damp cloth to clean.

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My neighbor and very dear friend is a breast cancer survivor! Her story, just like so many others who are victims of this horrible disease, is an amazing one. She is my inspiration behind this handbag!!! I sincerely mean it when I say nothing but pure TLC went into making this handbag for you or that special loved one you plan on giving it to!

Find this little lovely HERE.

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What's Cookin' in Your Kitsch-en?

2011-08-30T07:42:00.002-04:00

A kitchen chock-full of vintage goodies, of course!

Here is my latest Etsy Treasury list. How lovely.
Please be sure to pay these sellers a visit for some amazing handmade and vintage finds!

Womens Sweetheart Hostess Apron made by CreativeChics

Pink Glass Salt and Pepper Shakers by SummerHolidayVintage

eat sign - kitchen sign - diner sign - retro sign by OldNewAgain

1950's Aqua Hand Mixer by RuggyDesign

Pair Vintage Depression Glass Candy Dishs Pink w/ Lids by FreshUrbanVintage

Updated Vintage Kitchen Home Decor "The Big Fork and Spoon" by TRWpainted

Buttermint Tiles - Set of Four by maiziejane

Vintage 50's PEBBLEFORD Pink Plates and Bowls from Taylor Smith Taylor by lavendargardencottag

Vintage Shabby Chic Upcycled Canister Set by lemonsnlimesdesigns

Prettiest Vintage PINK Kitchen Utensils, Vintage Retro, Shabby Chic by stacysshabbyshoppe

Pink 1940's Casserole Dish, California Pottery by Nachokitty

Vintage Wall Pocket Pink Teapot Clock Kitsch Retro Kitchen Home Decor Pottery by amya68

Vintage 3 Tier Pink and Yellow Saucer Cake Stand Battenberg, Wedding, Hen, Christening, Mad Hatter by LaviniasTeaParty

Vintage Green Pyrex Mixing Bowl by dinoloff

Vintage Pink Pyrex Casserole Dish Gooseberry Pink with Lid by AmeliaRoseVintage

Green Coffee, Flour, Sugar canisters by coffeefancy

"Oh Golly Gee Damn!" Holly Golightly Wastebasket by Love, Taryn

2011-08-28T07:00:00.006-04:00

Let me tell you "how divinely and utterly happy I am" about this Holly Golightly-inspired wastebasket! I just love Breakfast at Tiffany's and have been wanting to create something like this to pay tribute to that movie and the lovely Audrey Hepburn for quite some time...AND HERE IT IS!

This wastebasket would make the perfect gift for that family member, friend, or coworker who is an Audrey fan. It is painted in a Tiffany-inspired blue and embellished with designs and rhinestones throughout.
I hand-painted Holly Golightly on the front and added sparkly pearl earrings and necklace. Pretty ribbon wraps around the top and bottom to give it extra glam.

This wood wastebasket has been sealed - both interior and exterior - with several coats of non-toxic and non-yellowing varnish for durability. Wipe with a lightly damp cloth to clean.

The listing notes that this is a wastebasket, but you can use it for all sorts of wonderful things!

Measurements:
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Width: ~8 inches (all 4 sides top rim)
Height: ~ 11 inches

Her Majesty's Crown

2011-08-25T09:49:00.004-04:00

A handbag fit for a queen!

This lovely shabby chic-y handbag is absolutely stunning. To add the cherry on top, I used many original vintage Enid Collins jewels and frames throughout the purse. I am in LOVE with it, and I know you are going to love it too!

This handbag is about as handmade as it gets. I have cut the lid, hand-painted it, embellished it with original vintage Enid Collins jewels, rhinestones and pearls, trimming, laced ribbon around the basket, sewed the liner and so much more! I gave it a whitewash finish to give it that ultimate shabby chic look. It is absolutely GORGEOUS!

The lid is sealed with a durable non-toxic and non-yellowing finish so all you have to do is take a damp cloth to clean.

Nothing but pure TLC went into making this handbag for you!

Learn more about this handbag HERE.

Sew Bitchin' - Sewing Basket by Love, Taryn

2011-08-24T19:48:00.003-04:00

The coolest sewing basket on the planet. Period.

My inspiration for this beauty started with the patterned fabric found throughout. It just screamed retro so I went with it. The result? An absolutely adorable sewing basket to hold your goodies in while you Stitch & Bitch your little heart out!

You can learn more about this sewing basket HERE.

More sewing baskets are coming soon. These make the PERFECT Christmas presents for your loved ones who LOVE to sew!

Chic & Geek Invite You to "Tweet"

2011-08-24T06:57:00.004-04:00

Follow Love, Taryn Boutique on Twitter for the latest and greatest on what's going on over here and Etsy.

Not on Twitter? No worries! Love, Taryn Boutique is on Facebook too.

Hope to see you there!

Follow "Love, Taryn" Boutique on Facebook

2011-08-18T21:16:00.003-04:00

Boy, am I excited about re-opening my online Etsy store. I went through some serious craft withdrawals these last few months, but I am proud to say that I am back at it again. Yippeee!!!

Recently, I started my "Love, Taryn" Boutique Facebook page and custom orders have just been pouring in. I couldn't be happier with the response I am receiving about my basket purse and picnic basket line, but the fun doesn't stop there. I have oodles of great new items lined up and cannot wait to post them in my Etsy store. Be sure to stay tuned, for I will post more details here and on Facebook so you can get a sneak peek at what's in store.

In the meantime, why don't ya hop on over to my Facebook page and "LIKE" me so you can stay up-to-date on discounts and giveaways that will be coming around soon.

Thank you all for your generous support!

"Do I Dazzle You?"

2009-10-24T09:58:00.017-04:00

SOLD

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Calling all "Twilighters". Hey, you know who you are! :-)

Have you made big plans to go to the New Moon premiere yet? You have? GREAT!!!
Now, what could be finer than having one of these adorable Twilight-inspired basket purses wrapped around your arm as you waltz into the premiere?

Well, Robert Pattinson would certainly be my first pick too, but if that's not a possibility, here's the next best thing! ;-)

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Cullen Family Crest Basket Purse by Love, Taryn
A beautiful basket purse, in which I hand-painted the Cullen family crest on the lid then adorned the basket with elegant ribbon and cording.

SOLD

SOLD

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I (HEART) Twilight Basket Purse by Love, Taryn
A stunning basket purse, in which I hand-painted "I (HEART) Twilight" in the Zephyr font. I adorned the heart in red rhinestones and trimmed the basket in gorgeous ribbon and red velvet.

SOLD

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Here's the skinny:
Amanda, an event coordinator, who is hosting a private pre-screening of New Moon to benefit the Tarrant Area Food Bank on November 19th at 8:00pm in Bedford, Texas, contacted me via Etsy to ask if I would be willing to make and donate one of my purses for a silent auction/merchandise raffle they would be holding that evening. I was absolutely thrilled to be asked to be a part of such a wonderful event and was delighted to help.
Oh, and Sterling Beigert, the owner of Bella's Twilight truck, will make an appearance with the truck at the screening as well. Isn't that exciting?

So, if you happen to be in the Bedford, Texas area on November 19th, be sure to go to the pre-screening event. You could have a chance to win one of these darling purses!

Not going to be in Bedford November 19th? No worries! Just hop on over to my Etsy shop and pick up one of these beauties for yourself! Better hurry though. November 19th will be here before you know it. ;-)

You can see more information about my purses and this awesome event right here!

Think Pink!

2009-10-17T22:16:00.010-04:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Show the world you are a proud SURVIVOR and/or supporter of breast cancer with this Love, Taryn basket purse. Let's promote breast cancer awareness and early detection. It's time for a cure!!!

SOLD

I'll get you my little pretty, and those WICKED-COOL RUBY SLIPPERS too!

2009-08-07T08:11:00.009-04:00

“There’s no place like home”, and there is nothing better than a fierce pair of ruby red slippers to boot! This is the picnic basket Dorothy was supposed to carry on her journey to Oz.

This one of a kind basket is a tribute, not only to one of the best movies of all time, but to the best pair of shoes EVER known to women!

I am a sucker for shoes and handbags. It's border-line obsession, really. Well, with this handbag you can have the best of BOTH worlds!

I had a BLAST making this handbag. I knew I wanted to go over the top and add a dash of kitsch when creating it...just the way I like it!

I am so very pleased with how it all turned out. It just sparkles and sparkles!

Nothing but pure TLC went into making this purse for you! Use it as a purse/handbag, a lunch tote, a place to keep your treasured keepsakes, or just for display. It is the PERFECT gift for any Diva who is a ‘Wizard of Oz’ fan….or simply has a shoe fetish, like myself!

You can find more information about this purse and other "Love, Taryn" basket purses over at my Etsy shop! I am currently taking custom orders too, so if there's anything you have in mind, please let me know! I will do my best to accommodate your request(s).

I hope you all have a most WONDERFUL day! ::sings "We're Off to See the Wizard::