Shop Update

It's been such a fun year at my Etsy store! Though my one-year business anniversary isn't until March, the past 9 months have been packed full of organizing my business, custom orders, embroidery, planning, and sales! I'm always trying new fabrics and new ideas, like some of the things I've pictured below, and I look forward to continuing to create in the coming year! Please take a minute to visit Vibrant Designs by Mimi, and when you find your dream item, use code HELLO2013 for a 10% discount (good through 1/3/13).

Nail Art Tutorial (DIY Heart Stencil)

I took an old stick-on nametag, and cut two squares out of it to make my stencils. I used a heart-shaped craft punch to make my design, but you can choose whatever shape you want.

Peel off the back of your stencil, and arrange the design how you want it to appear on your nail as you stick the stencil on your finger. 

Smoothly apply a layer of nail polish in your desired color to the top of the stencil, making sure your shape is neatly covered. I used gold crackle polish on top of clear here, but in hindsight I realized it would have been better to go for a stronger contrast!

Let the polish dry, then carefully peel stencil away. Apply a coat of clear polish to the entire nail to seal the design in place and make it last longer. Repeat on other nails as desired; you can probably reuse one stencil at least 4-5 times before you need to make a new one.  Enjoy your fun nails!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone! I've been enjoying this season, with so many activities leading up to today's celebration of Jesus' birth, and especially had fun decorating these cookies at a friend's Christmas party. 

Hope your holidays are filled with JOY!

Christmas Onesies

I had so much fun making these appliqued Christmas onesies for my cousin's sweet little twins, and can't wait to see pictures of them all dressed to party!

This tie design is available in my Etsy store and initials can be custom-ordered as well!

Reverse Heart Applique

This was my fun Thanksgiving outfit! I had seen a cute shirt with a reverse heart applique a while ago, and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to try it. These are quick and easy to do, and you don't need an embroidery machine! Simply cut out the shape you want, then apply interfacing or stabilizer to the back of the fabric. Pin the right side of the patch to the inside (wrong side) of the shirt, exactly where you want it to end up, and sew close to the edge of the shape all the way around; I did mine twice to make sure it was secure. Then cut out the top layer (shirt fabric) from inside the stitching, being very careful not to cut anything else, and you have a cute reverse applique!

Product Review #2: Christmas Hairbows

I made these cute Christmas hairbows (tree idea from this tutorial) and a friend was kind enough to share her thoughts about them as well as these pictures of her gorgeous girls!

"What a great idea for Christmas!  I love this hair bow. I like that it's bigger and stands out. Looks great with red.  Grandma will eat this one up! No matter what color your little girl's hair she will love wearing this little bow!  When Madeline saw it..she told me more than once how delighted she would be to wear it!!!  We are so anticipating the season of celebrating Jesus's birth and how fun to do it with style!!  Thank you Mimi for another adorable idea!!!" ~Anna

Madeline modeling the Christmas Tree Bow

"Very cute and simple for Christmas. Will match any Christmas outfit! Doesn't slid around in child's hair....even when she doesn't have much! Perfect size for infant or toddler." 

Isabel loves her Holly Berry Bow!

I Heart Hand Warmers

With winter on the way, and autumn chill in the air, it's time to think about ways to stay warm! These adorable hand warmers are perfect for keeping your fingers frost-free all season long. Made of flannel and filled with rice (I got my idea from this tutorial), microwave them for 20-30 seconds for about 20 minutes of warmth (and freeze in the summer to use as ice packs!). Watch for this chic and kid-friendly product to appear in my store very soon!  

"Owl always love you"

"Warm hearts, warm hands"

Super squares get the job done too...

Embroidered Stockings

I embroidered these stockings for my brother and sister-in-law

 and loved how they turned out!

I think they look so pretty and elegant!

Email me about embroidering your Christmas stockings today! (vibrantdesignsbymimi@gmail.com)

Guest Posting!

  I am so excited to be guest posting today on Mandy's blog Sugar Bee Crafts for her guest posting extravaganza! She has so many fun crafts, recipes, and tutorials, so head on over and check out her fun ideas and my post giving you the recipe and instructions for amazing Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Scones.

Fun Ruffle Scarves

I made these super cute scarves by following this great tutorial. They are the perfect accessory for Fall and Winter, easy to wear and easy to dress up or down. They make great gifts for family and friends!
Now available for purchase in My shop.

This "rust" orange is such a trendy choice!

Ivory goes with everything.

Who doesn't look pretty in pink?

This blue is bold and beautiful.

Linking up to

Cute Vests

I saw this super cute no-sew knit vest tutorial and thought it would be fun to try. :) So I told my sister about it and we were off to the fabric store! The tutorial was very clear and easy to adjust to you size and preference. It took very little time and we love the results, so go get a yard of fun knit fabric and try it for yourself!

 Here are the pictures of our success:

Linking up to 

Thanksgiving Onesie

I just embroidered this cute "My first turkey day" onesie and I love how it turned out!

 It is now available in my shop. 

Candy Corn Bark

I had so much fun making this great bark candy recipe for the little girls in the class I help teach at my church on Wednesday nights. They LOVED it! It was a fun Fall treat!

Linking up to