The Lady Guinevere

 

Renaissance Festivals...ever been to one?

It's been a family affair for us for two decades.

I used to make our costumes every year.

Okay, I still do.

I am not in any way responsible for this though.

The designs are elaborate snippets of fantasy that are just FUN.

You can be whomever you choose.

Feel like joining in, but the idea of creating a costume seems daunting,

not to mention pricey?

Well, let's fix that, shall we?

Laura Tolton created the Guinevere Gown on Deviant Art,

making her design available to anyone.

I think we can all admit, it's pretty cool.

All you need are two twin size sheets from Walmart in your choice of colors,

and some trims!

No pattern even!

Savannah had the basic dress stitched up in two hours flat.

 I used Disney Princess Tinkerbell gems by the yard in two different sizes.

tacked them along the hems, then stitched jump rings to the shoulders,

attached lobster claw clasps to a rope of pearls and clipped them on.

 The princess trim is in plastic, so it washes easily.

The pearls obviously come right off.

 The tiny sized trim is on the full length of the sleeve opening.

 I simply double stitched between every other gem.

How did it turn out?

Let's call in our team of Princess Stylists to find out!

You really need experts in the field for the right effect.

 And who better to create the Princess Look than an 8 year old girl?

Choose a willing victim model...

 ...and let's just make him extra pretty!

 Ladies and gentlemen, my son, "Princess Sophia."

 The earrings really make it, don't they?

 This demonstrates how the gown flatters any body type.

Perhaps a little too well.

 Somewhere, there's a psychologist who will be sending his children to college

via the proceeds of this experience.

 Um...it looks pretty good on a woman too.

So if there's a Renaissance Festival in your area soon,

whip up this little number.

It ran us $12 to throw together!

 The sheets drape nicely, and they make it ready to wear straight out of the dryer.

Plus, let's face it...even at 52, being a princess is kinda fun, huh?

 And wouldn't you look grand at an Irish Festival this weekend?

Green and Runny

I like doing a little something to decorate for Saint Patrick's Day.

After all, he does deserve a little recognition and credit, right?

But we're only like 1/16th Irish on the husband's side,

so I don't want to go too overboard,

but the corned beef and Mussels Donegal deserve a little fanfare!

(We'll be sharing recipes for your dining pleasure will be here on Wednesday!)

Now, how do you create a quick and easy runner for $3?

Hellllllllllloooooo, Dollar Tree!

Does anyone else love the possibilities these little felt placemats afford?

I only used three, and I kept it to one design for their laciness, but feel free to

mix and match and head all the way down the table if you want!

Add the centerpiece we just made, and you're done!

Simple and festive!

Tomorrow, we'll talk about what to wear for the occasion.

You should have a little fun with this.

There aren't that many holidays that encourage bad behavior, after all.

What's Blooming?

We all need a best friend who shares your interests and opinions,

 with just enough of a clash to keep it interesting.

 This big smiling guy is mine.

Michael Reilly and I have been BFFs for over a decade, and several years ago,

I lured him into the dark, seductive world of...

Orchids.

What did you guys think I was going to say, sheesh?

 We're married, and we hang out as a foursome.

Minds out of the gutters!

When he and his lovely bride of 30 years, 

 Carolyn, went to 

The New York Botanical Gardens Orchid Show,

they were kind enough to share.

So today's Tropical Tour is brought to you by...

 New York City!

 

Happy Sunday.