20 February 2013

DIY & Freebie: iPhone case by Maiko Nagao

Now is the time to get a clear iPhone case if you don't already have one. Why? Because I'm giving away free Printable iPhone case designs to all my beautiful readers!

I figured by re-using your clear iPhone case and simply replacing the inside will decrease your carbon foot print! How? By preventing you from buying new stuff! So get creative people - craft our way to a greener world!

Just print and place the art inside of a clear case and there you have it - a new case! I will be posting more designs throughout the year so watch this space people!

// iPhone 4 & 4s // iPhone 5 //

Enjoy~!

19 February 2013

DIY: Masking tape frame

I have so many of my prints lying around that I never know what to do with them. Getting ALL of them framed would be super expensive! So, I tried this DIY masking tape frames inspired by Kreativ Inredning! She talks about washi tape, but I just went into my toolbox and found some black masking tape.

It's ok if it's a little wonky - I think it ads a little funky touch to it!

17 February 2013

DIY: Spa treatment for dry and cracked feet

I’ve been working on switching over to all natural beauty products for several months now and really loving the results. So, here's one of my special DIY spa treatment for dry and cracked feet recipe. It's super easy and all the ingredients should be in the kitchen!

Here's what you need:
2 T baking soda
Juice of half a lemon
1 T salt (preferably epsom salt)

Mix all the ingredients together and in hot water, soak your feet for about ten minutes, rinse and pat dry.

Image source

Celebs vs. the paparazzi: WIN! Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield

What a crafty way to use paparazzi to their advantage... Go Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield! Makes me smile ♥

"We just found out that there were paparazzi outside the restaurant we were eating in. So ... why not take this (with an arrow pointing to Garfield, whose sign continued) opportunity to bring attention to organizations that need and deserve it www.WWO.org & www.gildasclubnyc.org Have a great day!"

Source

14 February 2013

DIY: Baby pic fun by Adele Enersen

How gorgeous are these 'When My Baby Dreams' photographs by Adele Enersen? If I had a baby of my own this
is the first photo shoot I'd want to do!

Follow me on facebook, pinterest, instagram and twitter, for more daily creative inspiration!

Image source

13 February 2013

DIY: Masking tape frames

I have so many of my prints lying around that I never know what to do with them. Getting ALL of them framed would be super expensive! So, I tried this DIY masking tape frames inspired by Kreativ Inredning that I had to try it myself!

She talks about washi tape, but I just went into my toolbox and found some black masking tape.

It's so easy, you should try it too!

9 February 2013

DIY: Upcycled magazine envelope

What do you do with old magazines? Easy, you upcycle them and make them into envelopes! I used an old Vogue issue but any magazine would do. A home and garden one with plants and flowers would be extra cute too!

You will need
An old magazine, scissors, envelope template, a glue stick and a pen.

1. Tear out some magazine pages that you like
2. Download envelope template, print it out to your desired size and cut it out.
3. Trace the envelope template on a magazine page
4. Cut the envelope shape out
5. Glue the bottom flap down to the two side flaps.

Voila, you've made your own envelope!

You can also follow me on facebook, pinterest, instagram and twitter, for more daily creative inspiration!

8 February 2013

DIY: Baby print fun~!

How gorgeous are these 'When My Baby Dreams' photographs by Adele Enersen?

7 February 2013

FREE: You're so freakin' awesome card by Maiko Nagao

I have literally JUST finished designing this valentines day card for my husband after spending hours trying to perfect the typography! Yay, and because I love it so much I thought I should share it with all of you. Make sure you print it on a thick A4 card and set it to 'fit to page'. There are two grey lines at the top and bottom as markers for you to cut in half. It makes two if you're lucky enough have more than one 'freakin' awesome' people in your life!I’m fairly active on facebook, pinterest and twitter, so let’s stay in touch!
// Valentine's Day Card Download //
Enjoy~!

6 February 2013

DIY: Anti-aging facemask

Here is a great moisturising facemask by Birchbox that I had to share with you all. All the ingredients can be found right in your pantry! I tried it one morning with left over oatmeal porridge and worked like a treat. Did you know Bananas are full of vitamin A and potassium, which naturally moisturises and nourishes the skin? Aside from numerous health benefits (high in potassium, iron, and protein), egg whites are nature’s skin tightening remedy. Honey is the miracle ingredient that retains and attracts moisture. And the the last ingredient - oatmeal's grainy little flakes will remove dead skin cells from your face, leaving your complexion soft and smooth!!

What you'll need
½ ripe banana
1 egg-white
1 tsp honey
½ cupcooked oatmeal

Apply a thin layer of the mask to your face, adding more layers to certain problem areas. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, dry your skin, and apply toner and/or a moisturizer.

5 February 2013

DIY: Draped skirt by Passion for Fashion

Check out this cute skirt by new NZ brand Capsul. They make designer essentials with a hint of luxury exclusively online and at a fraction of the price of high end boutiques! They have some really cute things you should sign up here.For those that are crafty, you can easily DIY this! I used an old stretchy scarf from Zara. You have to tie it as tight as possible and use a hairpin so it stays in place. Check out the full tutorial from Passion for Fashion here.
You can also follow me on facebook, pinterest, instagram and twitter, for more daily creative inspiration!

4 February 2013

Chocolate avocado pudding recipe by How Sweet It Is

Guacamole is so passé... make pudding instead! Check out this gorgeous chocolate avocado pudding recipe by How sweet it is. Any excuse to consume this super nutrient-packed fruit!

You can also follow me on facebook, pinterest, instagram and twitter, for more daily creative inspiration!

3 February 2013

DIY: Upcycled plastic bottle herb planter

Totally in love with this super eco self-watering upcycled plastic bottle planter by Science you can love ♥ Make sure you check out their site here.

Cut up a few bottles for your kitchen windowsill and create a indoor herb oasis!Materials:Marker
1-liter plastic bottles with caps
Utility knife
Scissors
Potting soil
Herb seedlings Instructions:For each planter, mark a line 5 inches (12cm's) from the bottle’s base. Use the utility knife to puncture the bottle at the mark (an adult’s job), then use scissors to cut all the way around the bottle at the mark. Remove the label, using the label remover or vegetable oil to get rid of any extra adhesive.With the cap in place, invert the bottle’s top portion and insert it into the base. Fill it partway with soil. Transplant a seedling, adding soil and pressing it gently until the seedling is secured in the planter.Lift out the soil-filled top portion and remove the cap. Add about an inch of water to the planter’s base, enough to cover the lip of the inverted bottle top when you replace it. Give the seedling some more water to help it get established, then place it in a sunny spot. Following the care instructions that came with the herb, add water as needed to the planter’s base.I’m fairly active on facebook, pinterest and twitter, so let’s stay in touch!

Image source

2 February 2013

My new baby shower invitation design

Here's a cute custom baby shower invite I just finished! Do you like it? If you're organising a baby shower or any event and would like me to design an invite for you - please email me at maiko.nagao@gmail.com. I would love to help ♥

1 February 2013

Valentines Day breakie: Bacon hearts

How sweet are these bacon hearts by Paper Mama? My husband and I are doing Valentines on a budget this year so will need to get super creative! This is definitely on my list of things to do!

Directions:

You will need 12 slices of bacon. Preheat oven to 400. Cut your bacon slices in half. Use 2 pieces of the cut in half bacon and shape them into a heart on a sheet pan (make sure this pan has sides so the grease doesn’t get all over your oven!). Bake for 18 – 25 minutes or until done. Serve however you’d like for your loved one.

28 January 2013

DIY: Polka dot jeans

A super cute and easy polka dot jeans tutorial by A Merry Mishap. Her blog is amazing. Maker sure you check out her blog here.

Katie Holmes, Gwen Stefani, Sophia Bush, and Poppy Delevigne rocking these in their own unique way!

Supplies: jeans or cut offs, slight grey acrylic paint, ruler and a wood skewer (for smaller dots, pencil eraser for larger dots)

Check out the tutorial here!

26 January 2013

DIY: Egg shell garden by Le Robin's Nest

I found this gorgeous DIY egg shell garden By Le Robin's Nest and had to share it with you all! Make sure you check out her site here. She has more of these beautiful photos!

Follow me on facebook, pinterest, instagram and twitter, for more daily creative inspiration!

25 January 2013

Upcycled barbie pool/bath time fun~!

Upcycled barbie pool/bath time fun by Disney Family Fun~! Two 500ml bottles and a bit of tape later and you’ve got a luxurious catamaran. Barbie and her bf are ready to cruise in style!Check out this tutorial here.

You can also follow me on facebook, pinterest, instagram and twitter, for more daily creative inspiration!

24 January 2013

DIY: Pixelated heart pop up card for Valentines day!

Loving this pixelated pop up card for Valentines day! Full instructions plus template on the wonderful Minieco site! Go on, make valentines day extra special with a DIY card for your loved one!Enjoy~!

22 January 2013

DIY: Scalloped shorts by Page Six Six Six

A super cool and easy scalloped shorts tutorial by Page Six Six Six! Make sure you check out their amazing blog here.

Check out Kate Bosworth, Olivia Palermo, Nicky Hilton, Chloë Sevigny, and Sienna Miller rocking scalloped shorts in their own unique way! Def gotta go scalloped this summer!

You can also follow me on facebook, pinterest, instagram and twitter, for more daily creative inspiration!

DIY: Date night in a jar

Date night in a jar made with colour coded popsicle sticks by Light in the green house. A cute idea to keep the romance going! Red = $$$ and planning required Pink = minimal $ White = Stay at home date Find cute date ideas and full tutorial here.

DIY: Garden chandelier

Do you have Christmas lights that won't be any use for another year? Check out this super funky DIY garden chandelier by Candie Cooper! Looks like a very sweet and easy garden chandelier to light up your summer evenings!

In 1 Egg basket, wrap 1 bundle of Chrstimas lights. Fill with clear glass ornaments and you're done!

Happy crafting!

8 January 2013

DIY: Sock bun tutorial

Found these super cute sock bun images from Ciao Beautiful and just had to share it with you all. Celebrities such as Lauren Conrad, Kim Kardashian, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lopez and more have been rocking the sock bun. All you need is a sock with it's top cut off! Watch this awesome tutorial below to get the look!

5 January 2013

DIY: Makeup contour and highlight for beginners

They say it's so super important to contour and highlight your face on your wedding day especially for your photos. The key is to blend blend blend and use very little product. Contouring creates a lot of dimension in your face which looks so gorgeous in photographs!

Here's a lovely diagram from She's Smart for you to try yourself!

1. Darker shade of powder on the darkened areas shown

2. Lighter shade of powder on the light/off white areas shown no more than 2 shades difference to natural skins shade

3. Place your natural shade in areas absent of any shading

4. Blend thoroughly, until you cannot tell where one shade meets another

DIY: French manicure with neon tip

How HOT are these french manicured nails with neon tips? I found some easy tutorials from When and Wonder and Studs and Pearls and Lackfein.Follow me on facebook, pinterest, instagram and twitter, for more daily creative inspiration!

DIY bobby pin statement necklace

Check out this super cool DIY statement necklace by Timea Timbo! All you need is a huge bunch of bobby pins! I think I would spray paint it in a lovely neon for that extra pop!Tutorial link here.

3 January 2013

DIY: Free iphone 4 & 5 cover design!

To all you trendsters, now is the time to get a clear iPhone case if you don't already have one. Why? Because I'm giving away Maiko Nagao designed iphone covers to all my beautiful readers!

Just print and place the art inside of the clear case and there you have it! A new case! I will be posting more designs throughout the year so watch this space people!

// Download iphone 5 // Download iphone 4 //

Enjoy~!

DIY Toddler Proof Door Stopper

A genious DIY Toddler Proof Door Stopper by Diana Matoni. Make sure you check out her website here.All you need is a pool noodle from the $2 store and cut halfway through it to the hollow centre. That's it! Pop it onto the side of your door and voila! No more worries about closed doors or fingers getting pinched. You can prob get around 12 door stoppers out of one noodle.

2 January 2013

Notes in a jar

Start 2013 off with a new jar and fill it with notes about good things that happen. On new years eve, empty it and see what awesome stuff happened that year!