Here is what I came up with…

Supplies Used:

1 wood plauqe form the dollar store

2 different ribbons from 1$ section at Craft Warehouse

Scrapbook papers

Lime green acrylic paint $1 Craft Warehouse

Modge Podge

Embellishment Glue, used to glue onto wood

Tacky Glue

Paintbrush

3D stickers from Target

Colorful buttons

Aqua colored rheinstones from $1 section at Craft Warehouse

Chipboard letter shapes

Star pin from CraftWarehouse (came in a set with stars & hearts)

Sentiment “friends make life blossom” printed at home using fonts for peas from Kevinandamanda.com

[click on the image to see larger]

Here is what I have compiled:

Ann Taylor: Your Mother’s Store. More conservative style, business professional. Size 0-18, XXS-XXL, Wedding & Events Collection,

Ann Taylor LOFT: Your Store. More “sexy” casual designed for the younger buyer, middle to younger business woman. Less expensive than Ann Taylor. Size 00-18, XXS-XXl. Beach Collection,

Below is a picture of items I picked off both Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT online store so you can get a feel of the looks both stores have.

[click image to view larger]

Q: Have you ever shopped at Ann Taylor or Ann Taylor LOFT? If so, what is your favorite piece?

http://liveloveloft.com/

http://www.annthinks.com/

Read full directions at Delicious Delicious Delicious: Read here

Be unique and either go simple and buy less flowers, OR think outside the box and use other objects as you centerpiece or accent.

candy apples that are edible for gifts guests!

create crafty fake flowers and accent with twigs/branches

use other bright accents such as candy

re-use old soup cans and add flowers from your backyard

colorful fruit adds a pop of color

Fish! Guests can be encouraged to take them home

Other tips:

• Go Simple
• Ask for help arranging and delivering
• Buy In-Season flowers and arrangements

Local Places in Portland Oregon to buy flowers:

Trader Joe’s

Whole Foods

New Seasons

Portland Saturday Market

Saturday Farmer’s Markets

Online:

http://www.organicbouquet.com/Info.aspx?pid=36

http://www.myportlandwedding.com/portland/flowers/

http://creaturecomrade.blogspot.com

http://lovely-little-things.blogspot.com

http://goodthingscatered.blogspot.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessipervola

JANUARY: CARNATION
Representing pride, beauty, admiration and gratitude, the carnation’s multilayered, feathery soft petals conceal a hardy core – an appropriate paradox for this first-month-of-the-year flower. Originally from Asia, where they’ve been cultivated for the last 2,000 years, today this winter birth flower is a richly colorful and fragrant gem.

FEBRUARY: IRIS
It should come as no surprise that the iris’s three upright petals symbolize faith, valor and wisdom. With its majestic purple hues and soaring slender stem, this dignified and graceful February birth flower dates back to Ancient Greece, when Iris, the messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow (the Greek word for Iris), acted as the link between heaven and earth.

MARCH: DAFFODIL
When the bright yellow daffodil pokes through late winter’s ground, it’s like a long-awaited friend returning home and a birth flower anyone would be proud to call their own. Symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings, particularly when presented in an abundant bouquet, daffodils promise happiness and joy.

APRIL: DAISY
Legend has it that the daisy originated from a nymph who transformed herself into a charming but unassuming wildflower to escape unwanted attention. Epitomizing childlike joy and playfulness, this April birth flower captures the essence of spring’s happy-go-lucky, forever-young attitude.

MAY: LILY
Lilies were so revered by the ancient Greeks that they believed they sprouted from the milk of Hera, the queen of the gods. Long tied to the Virgin Mary, the white Madonna lily represents virtue, while the lily of the valley conveys sweetness and humility. In the language of flowers, this May birth flower expresses purity of heart, majesty and honor.

JUNE: ROSE
Long a symbol of love and passion, the rose is rich with history and meaning. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, presented a rose to Eros, and Cleopatra lured Mark Antony with a room knee-deep in rose petals. Though each color offers a distinct meaning – and the number of stems offers a singular message – this June birth flower signifies beauty and perfection.

JULY: DELPHINIUM
With its lush, dolphin-shaped flowers, the aptly named delphinium – or larkspur – symbolizes an open heart and ardent attachment. Also signifying a feeling of lightness and levity, the gentle hues and refreshing fragrance of this summer birth flower give it a refreshing and distinctive natural beauty.

AUGUST: GLADIOLA
Gladiola, the August birth flower, represents strength and moral integrity – not surprising when you consider that its name comes from the Latin word for sword, “gladius.” But while its sword-shaped stems may imply Roman gladiators, its romantic flowers are capable of piercing a heart with their beauty – explaining why infatuation is another one of its meanings as well.

SEPTEMBER: ASTER
With their lush texture, rich hues and wildflower beauty, it’s easy to see why asters have had a long association with magical powers. In ancient times, it was believed that when aster leaves burned, their perfume could drive away evil. Today, this autumn birth flower is known as a talisman of love and an enduring symbol of elegance.

OCTOBER: MARIGOLD
With their rich, autumn-colored hues, marigolds are the quintessential October birth flower. Early Christians called marigolds Mary’s Gold, and placed it by statues of the Virgin Mary. Brilliant and colorful, with a late-harvest warmth and a broad open bloom, marigolds signify affection and grace.

NOVEMBER: CHRYSANTHEMUM
Chrysanthemums, a symbol of the sun, have held many noble positions in ancient cultures. The Japanese consider the orderly unfolding of their petals to represent perfection, and Confucius suggested they be used as an object of meditation. Signifying optimism and happiness, it’s said that a single petal of this November birth flower placed at the bottom of a wine glass will encourage a long and healthy life.

DECEMBER: POINSETTIA
Also known as the Christmas flower, legend has it that poinsettias began as a humble weed. When a little girl – with no means for a grander gift – placed weeds on a church alter, they turned into brilliant red blooms. Symbolizing good cheer and merriment, this December birth flower is a fitting tribute to December’s joyful celebrations.

In my family we have always used the dollar kits you see at the grocery store that have all that you need to decorate your eggs with various color dyes. My favorite growing up were the shakeable color kits, dont shake too hard or you’ll crack the egg! Also the  glittered ones were a favorite, all little girls love glitter, glam, and sparkle!

Now days there are so many purchasable kits such as Tye Dye, High School Musical, and Writable Crayon kits.

This year I think I am going to try the Rubber Band technique shown below.

Directions:
-Wrap a few rubber bands around an egg before dipping it into the dye. After the egg dries, remove the bands, revealing white stripes. Try placing the rubber bands in different places and using another color for a striped rainbow effect!

Check out my post I put together on how to cook the perfect hard boiled egg {HERE}.

Click on the title to see full directions on how to make these creations!

Marbelized Eggs from Epicurious

Glittered Eggs from Martha Stewart

Speckled Easter Eggs from Good Housekeeping

Stickered Easter Eggs from Hostess with the Mostess

Golden Chocolate Easter Egg from The Kitchn

Rubber Band Easter Eggs from Purple Trail Party Ideas

Chalkboard Easter Eggs from Apartment Therapy

Click on the title to see the full post!

Chocolate Easter Egg Nests

Easter Egg Shell Votives

How to cook Hard-Boiled Eggs

Easter Smores in a Jar

Carrot Candy Popper

Easter Basket Ideas

Here are some of my favorite items I found on their website from the Crate and Barrel Easter Spring 2010 collection!

(Click on the title to see more info and pricing details)

Glass Bunny with Jelly Beans

Sunshine Cake Pedestal

Flower Beaded Napkin Rings

Rustic Egg Shaped Candles

Spring Shaped Pancake Molds

Project inspired by using Bostik supplies:

Supplies Needed:

• 6 Polystyrene eggs
• 6 Small Terracotta pots
• Ribbon, green tinsel, paper or foam letters to spell EASTER
• Colored sticks or straws
• Loose Glitter
• Craft paint
• Super Glue
• Hot Glue Gun
• Multi-Colored Mini Rhinestones, and any other decorations of choice for Eggs

Directions:
1. Set aside 6 small terracotta pots and glue on your Easter letters.
2. Decorate the rims with loose glitter and fill the pots with green tinsel.
3. Now paint your polystyrene eggs with paint and set aside to dry.
4. Then decorate the eggs as desired.
5. Once done, insert a stick or straw into the bottom of each egg and secure with super glue or hot glue gun.
6. Position and secure each straw or stick into the pots with a blob hot glue.
7. Now make and stick little ribbon bows onto the bottom of each egg with super glue.
8. Enjoy!