DIY Cavallini: Reverse Paper Art

I was recently inspired by this Pinterest to create some art:



It seemed like a quick and easily project so simple it came from a Mommy Blog and was meant to keep five-year-olds busy.

HA! I was so naive.

First off, in my defense, I did make things way more complicated than they needed to be. My vision was larger than a mere handful of crayons. And that canvas was down right petite. No no no, my masterpiece was going to be a giant explosion of waxy color.

So, for better or worse, I set out to create be an artiste. Here are instructions (plus a few things I learned the hard way).

DIY Cavallini: Reverse Paper Art

Supplies:

• Box of crayons 
• Scissors 
• Hot glue gun 
• White canvas (don't be too ambitious) 
• Depending on how poor you are either contact paper or a cut out of a shape you like and rubber cement, double stick tape or a glue stick.

Step 1:

 If you have contact paper (a double sided sticky parchment), cut out a shape that you want to be left in a white outline. I chose an Eiffel tower from a Cavallini decorative wrap. Since I didn't feel like making the long trek back to Michaels I used rubber cement to secure the tower. It works because even though the cut out is firmly in place it also is easily lifted off later.





Step 2:

This is a purely gratuitous picture of my getting in the way. 

Step 2: (for real): 

Hot glue a row of crayons at the top. Do not make the mistake I did and unwrap them all. Not only is it time consuming but it also causes the colors to run together more than they normally would once you melt them. The wrappers keep colors separate. I also attempted to use adhesive letters to spell out a French phrase. It didn't work for me as they weren't stuck on well enough and started to fly off the canvas. But if you're feeling creative, give it a try.



Step 3: 

Using a hair dryer (It will get everywhere so I recommend stealing your roommate's) begin to melt the crayon wax. Note: Melting it on your kitchen counter with just a box in the background is a TERRIBLE idea. Wax splatters which meant we had to live with a nice rainbow sink and crayon flavored toast for a few days. Save yourself the headache of scrapping off crayon and do this outside or at the very least over newspaper. 

Step 4: 

This is what your canvas will begin to look like, only with defined colors because you listened to me and kept the wrappers on. The melting of the wax became quite the process. I had planned to remove the crayons from the canvas, which meant pulling them off and then dealing with the white streaks left with the glue. Instead make a picture where the crayons look great on top (like this).











The Final Result?

Once the mostly dry peel off the Eiffel Tower (or leaning tower of Piza, elephant, whatever you used). Touch up the outline with white paint and voila!

Mine still needs some touching up. I also went through and peeled off the chunkier pieces of wax and remelted them to make the colors smoother. 

Our Cavallini papers are only $4.50 and come in a variety of themes. Whether you're into London, Italy, or Paris, there's something to spark your creative fancy. 

See for yourself at www.efvillageshop.com!

An Afternoon In Burns Court

This afternoon I took some time to explore Burns Square. A newbie to Sarasota (the 24th of May will mark six months!) my roommate was quick to fill me in that this was the "artsy" quarter of Sarasota. Burns Court, which houses the local independent cinema, was first built when John Ringling rolled into town to house the little people who performed in his circus. The houses were built smaller and today still resemble the beautiful architecture of the turn of the century.

Main Street is always full of action and has everything from toy stores to fine dining. But on a quiet afternoon Burns Square is perfect for a quiet stroll in search of treasures.

I started at Starflower Essentials, an all organic skin care line made with the freshest of ingredients. The sales woman, Vera, was warm and welcoming and if there was chance the stores products could give me her glowing skin I was all aboard! I walked away with the Rose Almond Exfoliant and Mask. It's made with essential oils and crushed almonds and promises to "leave skin moisturized and silky smooth". I'll have to keep you updated on the results but I can't wait to try it at home tonight before bed.

My next stop was Delight. I love this store because what isn't a chic item from a designer label (for an unbelievable price) is made from re-purposed fabric. There's a beautiful bohemian dress made of sheer fabric and scarves I've had my eye on for a while. A selection of the store's items is also available at the Farmer's Market each weekend.

I had just a few moments left to make it to my shift at European Focus but I had to check out the Tortoise & Pearl. This store is simply exquisite. It had everything from gorgeous vintage tea cups to hand crafted jewelry. I am definitely going back to pick up some of the vintage decor pieces but with only a few minutes I barely had time to grab a steel heart and wings wall hanging and a hand drawn birthday card for my sister.

Main Street is the perfect shopping destination if you're looking for a gift, new outfit or something to eat. But occasionally it's nice to get out and meet the neighbors. Once you've stopped by to tell us hello wander down orange and check out what the quaint stores of Burns Square have to offer.

We'll be waiting at 1469 Main Street to hear what you thought. And as always, at www.efvillageshop.com.

Top Seven Things You Need for Your Beach Bag

Season has died down and that means the beaches are free once again (well, Siesta Key will always be packed, but that's because it's THE most beautiful beach in America).

Are you heading out to the beach this weekend? Then don't forget these top seven items: 

1. Sun Hat - Of course you've put on SPF to prevent premature wrinkles and cancer, but as an extra measure many dermatologists recommend wearing a wide brim hat to shade your face. Store owner Jenean cannot stop raving about these hats from Lakhay's in Los Angeles. A perfect size they also are super flexible and will bend into whichever style you like. The owner of Lakhay's is based in L.A. but has strong ties to Indonesia. Many of his products are handmade from relatives still living in the South Pacific. Only $22.00

2. Sarong- Speaking of Lakhay's, another must have beach item is their sarong. You can wrap it into a beautiful dress, sexy swim cover up or fun summer shirt. Check out the video below for some ideas. Only $30.00

3. Lip Balm - When you have chapped lips it's hard to focus on anything- not your breezy summer read or the soft crashes of the waves. And nothing dries lips out faster than salty air and the scorching sun. Protect yours with a ball of Cosa Nova lip balm. Available in cute animal prints and cake shapes they're the most fun way to keep your lips soft when out in the sun. Only $3.25

4. Lavender Lemonade- This recipe passed along to us from a customer is possibly the most refreshing drink for a hot summer's day. Lavender adds an unexpected but delicious touch to this perfect beach beverage. It's the perfect way to test out our culinary lavender ($14.00 a jar).

5. Wire Free Entertainment- Don't be one of those people ruining the serenity of the beach by blaring your stereo. Instead take advantage of nature as free entertainment. Bring a notebook for to-do lists, short stories, drawings or even origami. Many artists find the beach inspiring: Grab a Cavallini Italian notebook and unlock your inner genius. Starting at $10.00

6. Headband- Keep strands in place in the summer breeze with these wonderful headbands from (who else?) Lakhay's. Super soft, stretchy and fashionable, they'll help you make a statement while keeping your cool. Starting at $5.25

7. Beach Bag- And just where do you think you're going to keep all of this stuff? Our Oil Cloth bags are super spacious. Their smooth finish means sand will wipe right off. Yet another fashionable way to have fun in the sun. Starting at $23.50.

Mother's Day Gifts for Under $50

Okay, getting a little higher in price now but your mom's worth it, right? Check out the fantastic Mother's Day Gift ideas we have for under $50 (most are hovering around $30).

Top Mother's Day Gifts for $50 (and Under)

Deruta Mugs ($27-$34 depending on size and design)

Like all of our Deruta items these mugs are dishwasher and oven safe. Forget the knockoffs, these authentic, hand painted pieces from the original factory in Deruta, Italy. Is Mom an art or history buff? She'll love the "Raphaelite" design (below). That little figure is said to have first been depicted by the legendary artist Raphael. 

Oil Cloth Market/Beach Bags ($27)

Each of these over-sized totes has been on a journey. The fabric is made in Europe and then imported stateside where it's sewn into the large bags you see above. As the name suggests, each bag also has a special "oil" coating (it feels like acrylic) that make these the absolute best beach bags. Sand get everywhere? Just wipe it off!

Polish Teapot (Staring at $48)

Store owner Jenean has tested these beautiful, hand painted tea pots at home. According to her they keep tea hot without making the outside of the pot scalding, poor pleasantly and serve as instant attention-getters. Did your mom ditch java beans for tea bags? Than these beautiful pieces are the perfect gift.