Reader Requests: Four Letter Monogramming

I swear I must get this question in email about once a week, regarding the proper way to do a four letter monogram. So for that reason, I'm going to throw out a reader request and answer it in case anyone else is searching for this info.


Brandi writes:
Please help me! My daughter’s name is Reese Avery Elizabeth Loya. What is the proper way to monogram when you have 4 initials?


In today's world, pretty much anything goes in terms of monogramming, although I tend to stick to the old-fashioned rules. In this case, you have a few options. Below are the options I sent to another reader who had the same request. Obviously, you would substitute the correct initals for the ones below.


1) Monogram with the initials in the correct order, all the same size: MANB



2) Do the last initial flaked by a dot on each side (centered on the initial though): •B•



3) If by chance, Miller Ann is hyphenated, then you would monogram: M-ABN


4) If by chance, Noble Bryerly is hypehnated, then you would monogram: MN-BA




5) Some people actually drop one of the middle names for monogramming. For instance, if you (or she) prefers Elizabeth as her middle name over Avery (or vice versa), then use that initial to create a traditional three letter monogram such as this: RLE




6) Or, you could do a more modern monogram that has been gaining popularity such as doing a small M, then UNDER that, an A, then UNDER that, an N, then to the RIGHT in LARGE, a B: see included example



If all else fails, then check with your monogrammer. See if she can help you create a beautiful and unique four letter monogram that you will want to stick with and use. Unfortunatley there are no real "rules" for a four letter monogram so in this case, you should do what you like the best.


P.S. Check back later for a few new preppy finds and sales!

Fresh Ideas for the Old Art of Monogramming

Often times we tend to think of monogramming in terms of the basics, such as towels and linens, silver jewelry pieces, barware, children’s clothing, luggage, women’s bags/purses (which has gained a great deal of momentum and popularity in recent years), and above all, stationery (my one true love in life). But sometimes it’s nice to think outside of regular monogramming standards and find other ways to incorporate our monogram into our homes without it being obnoxious. This is a question I seem to be receiving more and more and let’s face it, sometimes too much of something, such as a monogram, just isn’t too well received by others (at least that has been my experience).

Did anyone else receive the Pottery Barn Kids catalog this August? Well, even if you don’t have kids, it’s worth hopping over to their website and have a little look at the monogrammed valences they are now doing. I say, IT’S ABOUT TIME. And it’s also about time that they started doing a more streamlined, simple preppy crib bedding style that is available for monogramming also, but I’ll hop off my proverbial Pottery Barn soap box. But I want you to go check out these valences because really, I don’t think it is something that has to be done just in a nursery. I am thinking something similar in a rich, silk dupioni, with a formal monogram would make a really stunning addition to a room, such as a guest room. Throw in there a few matching/coordinating pillows and you’ve really personalized a usually bland room that is often an afterthought. Or, what would really look gorgeous is a matching silk bed skirt with wide pleats, and a matching monogrammed centered on each side of the bed skirt (so, a total of 3. one for each side). Obviously you can tell I love my silks and I try to incorporate them wherever I can in my own home (no, I don’t think that just because I have young children means I shouldn’t have nice things but that’s a post for another day). However, if you opt to do that, then I would not do monogrammed pillows. There is, after all, such a thing as overkill when it comes to monogramming, believe it or not. Even monogram momma knows that!

Now, another example of how I’ve incorporated monograms into my home is by doing a French calligraphic border with mini monogram #2’s monogram in the center. I painted it directly on the wall, centered over his crib as you can see in this picture. Can’t paint, you say? Well truly, neither can I. So I cheated. Don’t act so surprised either, it’s not like I cheated on a mid-term. I just gave my creative ability a much needed little boost in the painting department and there’s nothing wrong with that. So here’s what I did. I borrowed an old-school style overhead projector, then had my border (which I took from a design book of non-copyrighted images) & monogram copied onto clear projector sheets over at Kinko’s, projected it on the wall, sketched my design lightly with a pencil, then went back over it with paint. It was that easy. If you wanted to make it three-dimensional, then you could also go over your pattern w/ wall spackle, and then go over it with paint. I have seen this done with stenciling (which I am not a big fan of, in case you were wondering) where you fill your stencil in with the spackle to give it a raised, 3-D effect, and then painted over it. It looked pretty neat when done with a tone on tone sort of unobtrusive look, so that’s something else for you to consider. Clearly, you can see I am not one for primary colors in a nursery so both of my boy’s nurseries were very soothing and calm with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, silk drapes, and toile-type fabrics, so this monogram goes perfectly with mini #2’s room. I’m hoping it will work as I slowly change it into his “big boy room,” but I’ll have you let you know if that’s going to be at all possible. I know you’ll all be sitting on the edge of your seat, but I can tell you know I will be one unhappy momma if I have to paint over this decorative monogram on his wall.


Across the hall in mini #1’s bedroom, he does not have his monogram on the wall, Instead he has big letters that spell “Sogno” which means “Dream” in Italian. So I opted instead, to do his monogram on his pillow shams (excuse the pink lollipop mark on the sham. GRRRRRRRRR. “Someone” snuck a lollipop into his room and tried to hide it from me. I’m not saying who because I will not point fingers, but it was NOT mini #2 or Mr. Monogram, I can tell you that much). But this is very common and not something you haven’t thought or done yourself before. But what about monogramming the actual bed? If I wanted, and I did think about it, I could have monogrammed the center of his bed, since it is all hardwood. And I would have either used my trusty black transfer paper that you all probably think I need to take stock in (and don’t think I haven’t thought about that myself), or again, using the overhead projector. But if you love the monogrammed headboard idea but are more of a charge-it type of person, you can buy a beautiful one from my church, also known as Horchow, that is priced really great I think. Oohh La La, can’t you see yourself laying under this beautiful arched headboard? Or, head on over to Ballard Designs and they can do a monogrammed fabric headboard for you as well. Either chose one of the many fabrics they offer, or you can send in your own. Your choices are endless but again, use the monogram in small doeses. You don’t, for example, want to do a monogrammed headboard, pillow shams, and valence. That my friends, is what we’d consider an overkill and instead of being elegant and classic, you cross the line to tacky. And monogram momma just does not do tacky, let me assure you!

Also worth remembering are all the other monogramming projects we’ve already tackled here. Like the monogrammed shower curtain or the monogrammed drink tins, monogrammed dinnerware, etc.. And while some of these ideas may not be fresh ideas so-to-speak, you can freshen them up with more modern or fun fonts. So as you walk around your house today, look at your everyday things, and just ask yourself how you can freshen up your look with a simple 1 or 3-letter monogram. As for me, I’m off to go look at furniture for mini #2’s big boy room, then I’m going to attempt early voting today (these elections sure are getting down and dirty!) before picking up the mini’s at pre-school. Sadly, I must admit I am not looking very cute today as I’m in Yoga pants (how do I love elastic? Let me count the ways…) and long sleeved tee, hair up in a bun, sporting my glasses today. Well I can’t look cute everyday! Some days it’s all about comfort and today is just one of those days.

I'm BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

Yes, that's right. You heard it here first! I am indeed, back from vacation and it was wonderful as always. I will post a few pictures and highlights tomorrow, but I wanted to run through a few quick things this afternoon. You know, I always like to dip my foot in the pool before jumping right back in! So here goes my pink manucured foot...

1) I swear I've jotted down The Silken Thread before, but in my haste to return to you all I can't find it! None-the-less, if you haven't yet checked it out, I strongly urge you to click your way over there now (this is my way of being subtle). They have very fine embroidered linens and accessories, baby/kids items and even wedding gifts. For all you engaged brode-to-be's out there, this bouquet ribbon is a truly beautiful touch if your planning on carrying a wrapped bouquet (which monogram momma highly suggests, btw). This shop is not like all the other's out there and has some very pretty and unique monogrammed gifts and linens out there that I am eager to pick up myself for a few Christmas gifts. That's right, I'm already shopping for Christmas, as you should be too. So in the spirit of gift-giving, gernerosity, and in gereral, all things monogram momma, Laura at TST is offering all MM readers 10% at checkout. All you have to do is enter "MONOGRAM MOMMA" in the comments field at check-out and Laura will take care of applying your discount! Now I don't know about you but anything monogrammed in silken thread is "good thing" to me!

2) Can anyone guess what time it is? (no, it's not Tool Time) That's right! It's time for the next installment of Show Me Yours & I'll Show you Mine! Horray!! *cheers and claps from the audience* There will still be prize for the winner but apparently I did not make the contest OR the voting last long enough last time (sorry Tod and EMG, to name a few), so effective immidiately, you have until 8PM E.S.T. on Monday night, 10/30 to send me your picts, and voting will last until noon on Wednesday, Nov. 1. So get ready and take those pictures!!

Show me yours, & I'll Show you mine..

PREPPY PUMPKINS!

Now, as you know, there is no discriminating or snubbing here at monogram momma's so whatever your version of a preppy pumpkin is, then by all means, send it in. This can include synthetic pumpkins, real pumpkins, glitter pumpkins, cut, sliced, diced, painted, lit up and whatever else you can come up with. It's your turn to impress me and show me how you guys carve and decorate your pumpkins! As a side note, Alyson, a monogrammed hamburger covered in thousand island dressing will not constitute a valid entry. Sorry.

Reader Requests: Etiquette & Embroidery

Once again I find myself on a Monday morning just dying to share with you all my thoughts and ideas on tailgate entertaining (something we have perfected to a true art here in the South), but I can’t organize my thoughts enough this morning into finishing this post. So I swear I will do it tomorrow. Sit tight!

Anyhow, this weekend I did some really fun stuff with pumpkins which I am excited to share with you all as we were stuck inside all weekend long due to 3 days of torrential downpours. And let me tell you, three days of rain does not make for two happy mini monograms or Mr. Monogram either for that matter. But today the skies are clear and in the 60’s so we are planning on heading out to either the zoo or the park this morning which is why I really must be going. I’ve also got lofty aspirations of throwing together some fresh blueberry mini muffins in the oven for the mini monograms this morning too, so I better get going on that as I’ve abandoned my project mid-cycle to post this quick entry (well important things first, right?). So in the mean time, enjoy some reader requests and have a fabulous day. I’m off to play Martha in the kitchen.

George writes:
...I am writing you because I have an etiquette question, and I haven't really found an answer, and I wanted to know what you think.

My girlfriend and I are a newly-minted engaged couple, and since this is our first Christmas season with this status, I wanted to send joint Holiday cards. My question is whether or not you think this is proper, and if so, what is the proper way to sign, ie., Love, George and Venetia; Happy Holidays, George and Venetia, etc...


Congratulations on your recent engagement! This is a great question and one I haven't yet received. I will tell you that I tend to stick to the old school rules for pretty much everything when it comes to etiquette and what's proper and not, but the world seems to have relaxed a lot where etiquette is concerned (trust me when I tell you I could go on and on about this). In my opinion, no, it is not proper for you to send out a joint Christmas Card unless you are living together. If you are and have been living together prior to the engagement, then I do think by today's standards it's acceptable to send out joint cards. But only in that instance. If you are asking if I would personally do it, then my answer would have to be no. My husband and I were engaged before Christmas 9 years ago (yikes) and no, we did not send out joint Christmas Cards. But like I said, I tend to take a hard line on things such as this and I know the "audience" (for lack of better words) that my Christmas Cards and invitations are being sent to and what they expect of me.

Truly, nothing should be signed jointly until after you are married. All thank you notes prior to the wedding should be sent by the bride-to-be and while she should reference you (i.e.. "George and I love the beautiful silver candlesticks") in the thank you note, she should not sign your name along with her own. All thank-you's should be from her only (on her own stationary with her own monogram or maiden name), unless it is a close family friend or relative of yours. In this event, then some men will write the thank you note themselves, but again, you sign your name only and it should be sent on your personal stationary or cardstock. The joint married name or joint monogram should never be used until after the wedding (with a VERY FEW exceptions such as wedding invitations and wedding programs). I know this is a very old-fashioned stance on wedding thank-you's and again, plenty of people have a much more relaxed view on this and will disagree with me, but I just believe the old school rules are the way to go, especially since the people from our parents generation and older don't know that any other rules [sort-of] exist, so that's what they expect.

Ginny also writes:
I was wondering if you happen to own a monogram machine and if so which one? I have friends who own a Bernina and are very happy but I was curious as to your suggestions.

I have a computerized machine by Janome (MC 4800) that has tons of decorative stitches and does small monogramming in a block or script font, but not a full-fledged monogramming machine. When I was looking for a new machine, this machine met my home dec sewing needs to a "T" and I can't live without it! An embroidery only machine is something I am hoping to purchase in the near future though, as I spend a small fortune on all my monogramming as you can probably imagine. Janome actually has a new Memory Craft 11000 on the market that with a standard embroidery size of 8" x8" has the largest hoop and monogramming capability on the market. You can bet your bottom dollar I'll be giving that one a whirl!

I will say, I ADORE my machine and can't recommend Janome enough. It's so easy to use and has honestly made me a better sewer, if you can believe that! I looked high and low and I did try the Bernina's but did not like them for myself. One of the main things that was very important to me when I was buying a new machine was to have a drop-in loading bobbin. My last machine was a Husqvarna and the bobbin was IMPOSSIBLE to put in and was such a big pain in the rear end, and then a lot of time it would get all wound up and stuck. Talk about frustration! But anyway, the Bernina's I looked at had the old style bobbin loading system and I just did not want to do that again.

Another great brand you might want to look at is Babylock. They make great machines (sewing and also embroidery only machines) and I know several people who swear by those too. One last brand I have heard great things about for emrboidery only machines is the Brother brand. As a plus, these are also readilly available on ebay. The main thing is just to write a list of criteria of what's important to you in an embroidery machine and what you will mostly be using it for. Just like looking for a new car, sit down and "drive" each machine to make sure it feels good to you, is quiet, has adustable speed, look at each machines smalles and largest monogramming sizes, does it have internet capability, etc... Take your time and then go with the machine that fits all your own needs and drives the best to you and will make your sewing and embroidering not only easier, but more fun!

Good luck!

Reader Requests: Monogramming

Well it's Friday and I've just dropped off mini monogram #1 at pre-school, and and working on potty training mini #2 today. Lord help me, this is probably the only thing that stinks about parenting (quite literally, I might add). Potty Training. Ughh. Anyhow, I've received lots of great questions lately so I'm pulling out a few reader requests today as I've got to rush upstairs and start brushing up on my "pee-pee dance" performance for mini #2. I know you're all envious, you don't even have to say it.

Allie writes:
Here is a question for you:
Where do you stand on the joint married monogram for things such as glassware and linens? I have always gone with the standard of the man's initials on glassware and the woman's on linens, but my husband thinks that we should use our joint monogram on things since we "jointly" own them.

Well Allie, here’s the deal. While I tend to follow the “old school” rules of monogramming (as briefly touched upon in last weeks post), truly anything goes in today’s world of monogramming. Believe you me, I have seen some pretty crazy monograms (such as people who give their kids like 5 names and can’t pick their favorite 3 for a monogram so they use ALL of them). But my thought is this: regarding glassware, if you are undecided to use a joint monogram when married, or to go with the old school man’s monogramming rule for glassware, then why not just use the single initial? It’s a nice clean look and you can dress it up a bit by placing two dots on either side of the initial or a design underneath. Both are really nice, although a tad more modern and can be passed down to other people (children) in the family someday. Our beer glasses have a single initial monogram and it looks very nice.

As for linens, often times you will find antique pillow cases where one has “his” monogram, and one has “her” monogram. But then the old school method as you mentioned is to use the woman’s monogram for linens. I prefer a joint monogram on linens because, as your husband mentioned, both of you are using them and you both jointly own them. After a quick walk through my house, I can tell you that pretty much everything in plain view that is monogrammed that we both use and own, has our joint monogram. But don’t expect to be seeing our joint monogram on say, one of my monogrammed bags or anything.

Next up, Josephine, and she writes:
I have a question for you. My last name is Italian, LoMedico. I usually use just the L in my monogram, but should I use both the L and M? How would that work in the traditional first name, maiden name, married name monogram?

You will be happy to know that monogram momma does indeed think you are monogramming correctly, Josephine! So don't worry about having to re-monogram all those bags sitting in your closet. I know this is a tricky question with a last name such as yours, or a name like O’Conner where there are basically two uppercase letters in the last name, where it’s sort of joined together. However, since the first letter of your last name is the “L” then yes, you use the “L” and not both of them. In some cases, some people prefer to do something like JLMB for their monogram if their name was like yours, but gerenally speaking, stick with the “L” and do not add the “M”. It's just too much.

So I hope that answers your questions, but if you've got any more, as always, post them here or pop me a quick email. I've had some great requests regarding gift giving so I will be sure to share those next week, and also have some other really fun stuff to share with you as well. Happy monogramming!

Creating Your Own Monogram

Monogram: noun, a sign of identity usually formed of the combined initials of a name.

So says our friend Webster. But did you know that they were actually created hundreds of years ago as a way for illiterate royals to authorize documents and proclamations? Well it’s true, I kid you not (see #36 “about me”). In fact, the famous Charlemagne him self, was unable to write his own name so he drew his monogram instead. Don’t say I never taught you anything useful!

So in honor of Charlemagne and all things monogrammed (and let’s face it, good and right with this world), I wanted to share a few helpful monogramming tips and resources for doing it yourself, if you are so inclined. You know I am all about giving back to the people and if it happens to be in form of monogramming today, then so be it. So here you go, peeps.

Thanks to Allie, I’ve discovered my new must-have program to play with for creating your own monograms, called Printing Press Extreme (and no, Ashley, I’m not burning a copy for you). Ahem, now, where was I? Oh yes, Printing Press Extreme! According to their website, this inventive software “…includes powerful new features such as patterned text, text on a curve, diamond and circle monograms, multi-style text boxes, pattern and border creators, labels, business cards, print to graphics file for email and offset printing and much more! Includes 285 patterns and more than 100 sample projects.” Yippee!

But if you don’t want to spend the $129 on the software program, then hop on over to My Fonts where you can purchase smaller monogram programs for much less. Now, I will share with you another little treat that Ms. Allie passed along to me is the oval monogram from Harold’s Fonts which you can download for free. Yes, that’s right, I said FREE! Horray! I find it a bit masculine, but it may be just what you’re looking for so go check it out.

Still want to attempt to design your own monogram but don’t quite know how to go about doing it? In that case, I suggest you either get aquainted with Adobe Photoshop, or you give it the ‘ol College try in Microsoft Word. To design your monogram in Microsoft Word, Choose Insert -> Textbox. Type and format the letter the way you like it with your preferred font. Do this three times (one for each initial). Now click on all textboxes and choose Format->Textbox. Choose Color: No Fill (so you can overlap letters) and Line: No Line. Select all letters, right click, and choose Group to lock in the arrangement. There you have it. You can now copy your image into Microsoft Paint and save in several formats, such as JPEG.

Now you all know me well enough by now to know that I’m not just going to send you on your merry way into the land of self-monogramming without a friendly little reminder of the correct order of initials for monogramming. So for those of you who need a little refresher course in the rules of monogramming, I will share the rules according to my Cranes Blue Book of Stationary: Tiffany edition. According to my little blue book, the proper initials for a single individual is first name initial, larger last name name initial, and middle initial (in that order). So, Susan Ashley Granger’s monogam would look like this:

The correct initials for married women to use are those which represent her first name, maiden name, married last name. If all of the initials are the same size, then they appear in that order. However, if you are choosing a monogram style where the center initial is larger, then the initial order should be first name initial, larger married last name initial, and maiden initial. Therefore, Nina Spooner Johnson’s monogram would look like this:

Now, here is the part that a lot of people mess up when it comes to monogramming rules. When you are using a monogram to incorporate both a husband and wife’s initials, the correct is order is woman’s first name initial, the joint married last name initial (larger), then man’s first name initial. The woman’s initial always goes first, such as the monogram of Kate and Alton Richards as shown.

Have more monogramming questions? Then just email me at monogrammomma@charter.net or post it here and I’ll get the answer for you. You know I love a good challenge! Now, I must say. With it being 2006 and all, rules for monogramming are changing, and for casual purposes (ie not formal note cards), it’s is perfectly fine and socially acceptable for a married woman who dropped her maiden name completely, to use her first name initial, larger married last name initial, fllowed by middle name initial. This is actually how my own casual stationary reads, as I completely dropped my maiden name when I became married. So have fun monogramming on your own today, as I’m off to clean the house. The mini monograms are off to pre-school so it’s preppy puppy and myself to prepare for the arrival of Mr. Monogram’s father and step-mother. We are looking forward to their visit for the long weekend and the boys have a whole list of things they plan on dragging them around to do while they are here. Needless to say, I’m not looking very fashionable today, unless you consider yoga pants, sneaks, and a yellow tee a fashion statement for cleaning. But hey, at least I threw a matching ribbon in my hair, right? Oh wait, and my gloves are yellow too!

P.S. Many thanks again to my blogging buddy, Allie, for all the great resources!

Monogramming Dinnerware

I just love when Martha and I are on the same wavelength. Clearly, she must be reading my blog and making notes of what I’m doing, because for 2 weeks now I have mentioned monogramming plates and low and behold, I flipped on the TV yesterday to see her show preview that she was going to be doing something very similar. That’s Ok Martha, I still love you (if I still love you after your brief stay at Camp Cupcake, you must know there is nothing you could do to make me stray from you). Anyhow, as I was getting ready to say, last week I mentioned monogramming plates, and I have been anticipating this project, and been so excited to share it with you for a while now. It’s been on my project docket (no, I don’t actually have one. Well Ok, maybe I do) for quite some time, and I wanted to have them all done before our dinner party last weekend but it just didn’t work out that way. Another fine example of monogram momma putting too much on her plate at one time. Literally (ha! I really crack myself up sometimes!). And while I’m well aware the Preppy Handbook doesn’t exactly condone monogramming dinnerware as, in their opinion, it resembles, hotel ware, I am going to disagree. The reason I am disagreeing is because I want monogrammed dinnerware and well, that’s enough of a reason for me to do it (so there). Now, I’m not saying I would want this for everyday as we have very nice everyday dishes, but with all our entertaining, it’s just not always practical to have paper plates and I am not someone who can pull of the eclectic look of mismatched dinnerware when serving buffet style. Enter the monogrammed dinner plates.

So here’s the deal. I am very lucky to have a fabulous connection (coughThanksDaddy) who was able to score me four dozen; yes that’s right, FOUR DOZEN plain white, 9” diameter ceramic hotel dinner plates. Four dozen should suit me perfectly, although it may take quite a few days for me to monogram all 48. Not the point though. The point is, I’m beyond thrilled that I will now have plenty of real dishes, matching dishes to go with any theme or occasion, such as a bar-b-que, baby shower, brunch, or tailgating party, that will look classic and elegant no matter what. I mean, you can’t beat the simplicity of a crisp white plate with a simple black monogram, no? It sure beats a paper plate bending and folding under the pressure from a plate full of food as far as I’m concerned!

What you need to get started:
-ceramic plate (or other item) of your choice
-red transfer paper
-Porcelaine 150 food-safe ceramic pen
-tape
-pencil or pen
-baby wipes
-scissors

So first of all, let’s talk plate sources. You can buy them pretty much anywhere. Try Marshals, TJ Max, Target, Wal-Mart (ick), etc. all just depending on the quantity you need. I also really suggest checking out a restaurant supply store in your area as you can get large quantities very inexpensively. The hardest part for me, as Ashley will no doubt attest to, was picking out my font (I was getting a tad on her nerves getting font opinions from her, as if she doesn’t have a real job to do or anything). Once I did that, I printed it up in three different sizes which you can see here. After choosing which size I felt was going to be the best for my plate size, I turned my plate over and measured w/ my ruler, to make sure the “M” was centered within the little plate ledge on the bottom, as you can see from the pictures here. I then pressed down to make a circle, and traced the circle w/ a crayon around that ledge so I then ended up with a circle around my monogram.

Next, Cut out the circle. Then cut out a small square of your transfer paper, large enough to cover the monogram you’re going to transfer, and tape it on the BACKSIDE of the monogrammed circle you’ve just cut out. Now let me interject here, and tell you that for craft projects that involve paper and tape and tracing, I always prefer painters tape, as it won’t rip your paper template apart to pieces. I will re-visit the subject of painters tape and why you should make nice with it and other things it’s great for at a later date. Just know it’s a “good thing” to use for more than just painting.

So where were we…? Ah, yes. We’ve just taped on our tracing paper on the backside of our template, so we now flip it over, center it on the front of our plate, and tape it in place. Grab your very sharp pencil or pen, and trace your design. Now, I used the graphite paper because that’s all I had at hand, but I don’t recommend it for this project because it made the painting more difficult and a bit messier than it should have been. So take my word for it and make sure you buy the red transfer paper for this project. But at any rate, we are now ready to paint on the actual monogram once we’ve transferred it.

Now, I bought the Porcelaine 150 food-friendly ceramic paint in a pen form from Michael’s, but you can buy it in jars of paint or with paint applicators as well. Whatever will suit your project needs best. I bought the medium point when I could have probably used the fine point, so just cover your bases and make sure you buy a few different options so you can experiment. You can also buy a competing brand from any craft store, just make sure it is food-safe, and for me, it was very important it was dishwasher safe too. You must know, I do NOT plan on hand washing 48 dinner plates after entertaining all evening. So once the design is painted on, let it sit for 24 hours to dry, use a baby wipe to gently wipe off any excess from the transfer paper, and then put the plate in the oven for 30 minutes, at 300 degrees. It’s as simple as that!

When Martha did hers, she did Swiss dots which are always pretty, and also flowery little designs. You can get your design from anywhere! A fabric you like, your child’s artwork (that you’ve copied and traced), a magazine add, wallpaper, wrapping paper, etc. So, you can see some of Martha’s handiwork in the picture, and you can print not only the pretty template that Martha has here, but also some decorative letters as well if you’d like.

Oddly enough, these plates were not easy to find. You all know I always like to offer you sites and places to buy similar things I’ve done, that are already made. But in my search, the only ceramic dinnerware I found was at Dally Sisters (who I’ve mentioned before. Honestly I didn’t even try old standbys such as ebay, mostly because I’m just too tired, but you might want to give them a try too. If anyone else knows of a source, then please add it in the comments to help your fellow monogrammers out. But whether you decide to make these yourself (a set of 4 desert plates would make a nice little hostess gift!) or buy them already monogrammed, these too, make monogram momma’s list of very “good things” for entertaining, and I’m planning on putting mine to good use for our next party this fall!

Monograms Gone Too Far

Now, you know monogram momma is all about all things pink and green and preppy in between, and especially when that comes to monogramming. However, that being said, there are times, when it is taken past the limit of what I feel is in good taste and proper etiquette. So for that reason, I feel it is my duty, a duty which I take most seriously, to share with you an example of monogramming gone too far (much too far). Just a little example for, you know, should any question or doubt arise in your mind at some point. Consider it a public service announcement, sponsored by monogram momma.

Please, people. I beg of you. Please try to use some decorum when deciding what you think should and should not be monogrammed. I really don’t think I need to point out all the very many bad places this bride has chosen to go with her wedding theme (and don't dare ask my opion on those ridiculous rose turbans either). Poor, poor girl. Bless her heart. *deep sigh*

Friday's Monogrammed Item of the Day

Well, we're back from our visit home with family and friends and all the stress and anxiety for this dinner party tomorrow night has already made me about 6" shorter, and believe you me, monogram momma can not afford to be much shorter. Apparently, Mr. Monogram was unable to accomplish any of the few little things I left on his own "to do" list for the week (for what reason I have yet to hear), leaving me most unhappy as you can imagine. And while I've got loads of party prep to do myself from monogramming dinner plates, ironing table linens, creating floral arrangements, etc., I thought I would leave you all with my monogrammed item of the day.

Aprons
Originally uploaded by tgrs97.

The Monogrammed Hostess Apron from Ballard's Design is a lovely little gift that any hostess, yours truly included, would love to receive. And what with us having an Italian Themed dinner party tomorrow evening, this perfectly classic apron would definitely suit me carrying the dishes to the table. Oh, and in case you are thinking of someone coughSpecial in mind, my correct monogram is small C, LARGE center M, small M. *wink*

Must Have Fall Finds

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go, I'm standing here outside your door, I hate to wake you up to say goodbye! So anyway, you get the point. My Suburban is indeed, packed to the brim, as I’ve decided to take the mini monograms and preppy puppy home to my parent’s for the week. I’m so excited I think I could cry. Literally. I think the mini’s and I could all use a little change of scenery, and sister 1 from CA is in town for the week with her two children as well, so I’m very excited to do some fun stuff, such as play dates with friends and the new Aquarium, which I haven’t yet visited. So while there are no crafty projects on the horizon this week, I certainly didn’t want to leave you empty-handed today, so I’ve worked up my brief little Fall Must Have List to share with you all. I haven’t noticed if Martha has done hers yet or not, so that means I might possibly have beat her to it! So without further adieu (drum roll please), I present you with Monogram Momma’s Must Have Fall Finds, in no particular order.

1-First off, I am loving both “The Daily Scheduler” and “Note to School” pads by Family Facts over at See Jane Work. It is just what I need to keep my obsessive compulsive list making looking ever so cute. These are great to keep in the kitchen or on your office desk. Much more fashionable I think than the standard post-it pads! Although if you are a perpetual post-its user, then you should also check these ever cute and preppy polk-a-dot post-its as well.

2- Even the littlest school go-ers need a stylish backpack to tote home all that artwork, and for that reason, the mini monograms both have the monogrammed Pottery Barn Kids Fairfax backpacks and matching monogrammed lunch totes from last year. I love these bags for the boys because they have so many great pockets; most of them mesh on the inside so nothing gets lost in there. It is also quite large which makes it another plus in my monogrammed book!

3- Perfect for slipping in that PBK monogrammed backpack are these nap mats. I am especially fond of the Pink toile Nap Mat for the little ladies heading to pre-school, or the Cowboy nap mat for little gents

4-You had to know I was going to put the Tamara Henriques rubber floral flat that I mentioned a few weeks ago. I warned you then they were an absolutely must have for monogram momma! (coughIwearAsizeSeven)

5-With fall comes the time to transition to long sleeves, and that means Ralph Lauren “Create Your Own” long sleeved polo’s and Candy Striped Oxfords, prepped out with your monogram.

6- I quite simply, can not live without my Lands End Goose Down Vest. It is just the perfect weight for running around and in and out of stores without a cumbersome jacket to tote around. And in the preppy parrot green, which is the color I myself own, it goes with pretty much everything in my closet. As for the mini monograms fall outerwear, they practically live in their Gap plaid windbreakers, and also their Ralph Lauren Bayport Windbreakers. Now, once we hit winter though, they have nice navy pea coats, plus Lands End winter Squall coats, and also a Fleece pullover is a MUST. They practically live in these things, and this year I’ve picked these up from Mini Boden (matching, of course) because I love the quality of their clothes. Of course, you know I just had to pick up the ever preppy navy and red stripe.

7- The Weatherfield Tote in pink plaid by Lands End. Need I say more?

8- What a treat to see that Preppy Potato has their AMAZING fall line, the Canterbury Collection, on their site already. Hooray! So hop on over there and check out the new leather belt collection for the fall, and by all means, pick up the new monogrammed pink and white striped belt buckle with that fabulous white monogram on the homepage. I am so in love with this belt, it just had to make my list. But hold your horses! I can’t forget about the minis! So after you’ve picked up one of the new Preppy Potato belts for yourself, check out the great selection of grosgrain Baby Bug belts by Bugface belts.

9- What preppy wouldn’t love to pull on a pair of cropped ribbon jeans? You can pick up a cute pair for yourself at the Purple Poppy and while you’re at it, don’t forget to pick up a pair for the little Miss of the house over at CCC Gifts (as a side note, I will be telling you how you can make these yourself in the next couple of weeks too). These would look so adorable with a loafer and tee for running around I can’t even stand it!

10- Hi. My name is monogram momma and I am a Coach-aholic. I will make no apologies, or explanations, but rather assume you understand this desperate need of mine to add the new monogrammed Signature Stripe Collection to my own collection. I promise, Just.One.More. (Yes, I realize I already alerted the media to this bag a month ago with my bullhorn, but I really do have to have this bag for fall. I’m not kidding)

11- Speaking of bags, my favorite fall/winter bag is my Beijo “Over the Moon” bag in “fern” green. I love the shape of this bag, its shiny durable material that looks like patent leather, and the fact that it is the perfect handle length to comfortably sit on my shoulder. I am already looking forward to breaking it out this fall, so I wanted to make sure I shared this little treat with you too, so you can give these bags a try yourself.

12- Also making the list this fall, are these Monogrammed Mules and Slip-On’s by Mostly Monograms. But don’t just check out the monogrammed shoes they offer, make sure you look at all the fabulous needlepoint loafers and mules such as these that I also fancy.
However, if you are into needlepointing, then you can find needlepoint shoe canvas’ to do yourself at M’s Canvas warehouse.

13-Yes folks, they’re baaaaack! The same beautifully preppy monogrammed sweaters that we all wore for our class pictures with our ribbon barrettes in the 80’s have returned, sporting a slightly updated look. I’m so pleased to see these, I can’t begin to tell you and I’m so excited to share these with you all! Over at Baby Knits and More, they not only have monogrammed rolled-neck sweaters for the mini monograms, but also for Mr. Monogram and I. Are you loving it, because I sure am! Now, just to give you another option for your own little ones, at Twinkle Toes they’ve got beautiful monogrammed sweaters in either cardigan or rolled neck but if you are looking to make your initial a bit more prominent for your own mini’s, then check out the knitted initial sweater. I am ABSOLUTELY ordering two of these for the mini monograms in the off-white with a navy monogram. How supremely classic! However, if you love this idea, but not the price, then you can pick up a beautiful cotton cable knit monogrammed cardigan with matching knitted hat at Spoil the Baby for a perfectly preppy price of $35. Now that’s a great fall baby must have!

14- Last but most certainly not least, I wanted to let you know that I've heard a little rumor from the lovely ladies at Chesapeake Rose about their new fall line, and I'm so excited about it that I had to go ahead and put it on my list as a little teaser of more "good things" to come! So be looking forward to that little newsbreak as well when their fall line is ready to roll.

Whew! Well that list completely wore me out and now, unfortunately, I must go chauffeur the mini’s to my parent’s for the week. Oh how can I possibly contain my excitement at having to endure the next several hours of children’s DVD’s in the car? So I have no idea when or if I’ll be blogging the rest of the week. I may just hop on and share some fun finds this week and let you all know what I’m up to in Atlanta, but don’t count on any good preppy crafty ideas. So Adios! Maybe you’ll see me this week, maybe you won’t! But until then, feel free to talk amongst yourselves and share any other fall must-haves that I might have missed. Have a terrific week! I’m off to start my engine and continue singing my song.

A Sling with Style

Well I certainly hope you all didn’t think I’d deserted you. I mean, I do like to think I have better manners than that. But unfortunately I have spent the better part of today waiting to get an x-ray at a Doctors office where quite frankly, there was no one else to wait on. So I left. Do they not know I’ve got a babysitter at home with the mini monograms and don’t have this entire calendar year to wait on a mere x-ray? Now, I know this isn’t very craft related and there certainly isn’t a “good thing” about endlessly waiting for an x-ray that I didn’t end up getting, all the while being stuck with Women’s Day magazines from 2005, but just bear with me.

Two weeks ago we actually had a day of rain, if you can believe that, and walking from the kitchen down the six steps into the garage, I completely slipped on the slippery wet stairs, and in an effort to catch myself from tumbling head first down the stairs and completely losing it, I grabbed onto the railing to my left and over-extended my arm as I, monogram momma, continued to gracefully slip down the stairs and land on my fanny. So for the first few days, you can imagine I was pretty sore. Especially my shoulder and arm. But I have continued to endure the pain and each day, wake up thinking if today is the day I will find relief and the shoulder and arm pain will magically go away. Well, fast forward to current day, and two weeks later it’s still there. So last night, while wincing in pain as I tried to even lift my arm to get into my cute Tommy Hillfiger green and white tennis racquet nightgown (this really is SO adorable, btw), Mr. Monogram diagnoses me with a torn rotator cuff. I’m sorry? I had no idea he’d received his medical degree, because I certainly would have liked to have been there. What an accomplishment for me to have missed! *rolling my eyes*

So clearly he thinks a lifetime of football injuries has earned him his right to diagnose any broken or torn or sore bone in my body. Whatever. So I begrudgingly decide to go have an x-ray today and because I couldn’t get into the “real” Doctor, I just decided to do a quick stop in the Doc-in-the-box. There is no such thing as a quick stop to see the Doc-in-the-box. And so, after two hours of waiting in the waiting room, when only one other person was there, I asked for my co-pay back and left. But while I was there, I did have one of my so-called “brilliant” creative ideas. As I’m was sitting there wondering how awful an arm sling was going to be and how I was going to make that “work” with all my pink and green, I tapped into my inner preppy and decided there is, after all, NOTHING that a monogram and a little grosgrain ribbon can’t fix! I mean, this could be a real market that has yet to be tapped into, no? So I hope when you see me out and about tomorrow with my prepped out arm sling, you’ll honk to say hello! Meanwhile, I'm going to leave you with this little clip, compliments of the preppy princess herself, as these guys too, look like they might soon be in need of one of my custom arm slings with that serve they're using!

Happy Monogram Monday

So as I mentioned earlier at the end of my boring blog about peas (seriously, what was I thinking?), this begins “Monogram Monday” where I will attempt to give you good ideas for something to monogram on Mondays. I have no idea why, really, I just like the way it sounds. And if you have returned for your second helping of monogram momma today, then obviously you are interested in Monogram Monday as well. So let’s get to it, shall we? Unfortunately, when we have guests, our guests must share a bathroom with mini monogram #1 (I will say this though; at least he puts down BOTH toilet seats when he’s done, unlike Mr. Monogram). So because of this, I needed to make the bathroom appealing to a wide audience range, and what I did was put in crisp white bead board and a chair rail. The walls are painted a beautiful apple green color, and the plain white waffle weave shower curtain that was in there, was taken to my favorite monogram lady to be monogrammed. When I re-hung it, fresh with its new crisp black monogram, I also added some black and white gingham ribbon where the shower rings latched on. You can see for yourself how cute it looks, and it’s so eye catching when you walk into the bathroom, it really makes a statement in this small bathroom. Now, if you want to attempt this yourself, then you have a few options. You can either do what I have done and purchase a plain shower curtain (or one you already have) and take it to have monogrammed yourself, and even add a grosgrain ribbon border to it, or check out one of several sites such as Lovely Stitches where you can pick out your own fabric from a wide range of delicious looking fabrics and for $12 have them monogram it for you as well. Now, if you happen to have more of the French country look going for you in your home, then they’ve got a really pretty monogrammable matelasse shower curtain by Peacock Alley over at the Linen Place. Also worth noting is that while pricey, it’s also made with Egyptian Cotton and you know how I feel about having the best! If you happen to need something for you own “mini’s” bathroom, then I am a HUGE fan of the Warm Biscuit Bedding Co. You can pick out any number of classic or retro fabrics and have them custom make anything from bedding to shower curtains to burp cloths and towels. And over at Ballard Designs, they’ve got a very affordable, classic white with colored border monogrammed shower curtain. But if a black ad white polka dot shower curtain happens to be in your future (which btw, it is most certainly not in mine), then you should probably check out the one at The Pink Monogram. Another great option is at Beetle Nut Embroidery, where you can either purchase your own shower curtain and send it to them to embroider for you (you tell them your colors, style, etc) or they will even go buy one for you, embroider it, and send it to you. So while you’re sunning on the beach, you can have someone else doing your running around and embroidering for you! Talk about a “good thing” which as you know, I am all about. As always, I must send you over to my temple called Horchow where for the bargain price of $215 you too can have a monogrammed shower curtain like moi (like how I broke out my 4 years of French again?). However, while you’re there, you must take a look-see at the seersucker shower curtains as well, which would look so adorable in any bathroom (naturally, with a monogram of course!). And now, my fellow monogrammers, I hope the first “Monogram Monday” has lived up to your expectations. But now it’s time for me to get back to work on my madras headbands and see what I can whip up for dinner since sadly, I do not have a bevy of chefs in my kitchen like Martha does.

Just Like Old Times

One thing you will come to learn about me as you continue to (pray) read my daily blog is that I will frequently refer to my prep school friends. I know you don’t know these people and probably really don’t care, but quite honestly I really can’t help it. After you’ve had a group of friends for near 20 years (most of my life since I’m just 30), you too will find it difficult not to think about these people who you are still so close to on a regular basis and how they affect your daily life, even though I live far away from them now. And while Ashley really gets my creative side, on the other hand there’s Kristi who really gets my moody side that likes to take daily afternoon naps and like me, should walk around with a warning sticker that reads “Warning: Subject to Frequent Mood Changes.” With Kristi, I can embrace my moodiness and wear it like the fluorescent badge that it should be, and she’s perfectly cool with that. But many a weekends I spent grounded because we also were prone to get into trouble together. And that is just one of the many reasons why we also call each other “twin.” But I digress. I might also mention here that she is also just as sarcastic as I am and if you’ve been following my blog, you know she came in town to visit with her daughter Lydia last week for a few days while Mr. Monogram was out of town. Now let me just say I was planning on being ever so sweet and not mentioning our Moms Gone Wild night (which truly, wasn’t all that wild) but after a few sarcastic emails, I feel I must share. To be specific, she harassed me in an email that I accidentally mislabeled a picture, to which I responded to her to give me a break or I will blog about her. Then the sassy sarcastic one emailed me back to say the following:

Her: Oh goody I am going to make it in the blog. I was worried I would be in there about “how not to be a house guest."

Me: LOL. O just you wait. I was sparing you but not now!!

Her: LOL LOL. And I am ashamed to say I don't have any "Martha" standard stationary to write you a thank you note. So you should be anxious to see what I come up with. I may take a few, well a few for you to get it. I will come up with something good. Ha ha ha "evil laugh"

Now I ask you, would you dare mock a close friend and blogger?! Rude, just rude is what I say! Now onto the TRUTH (because you know I am all about the truth). Ever excited to spend a fun night out with one of my best and oldest friends, I got a babysitter to come stay with the mini monograms and Miss Lydia. Anyhow, we each had a beer while getting ready to go out (or perhaps she had one more than me? That is still up for debate), then went to a very nice dinner at one of my favorite restaurants right on the lake where we had a delicious dinner, several glasses of wine each, good laughs, beautiful weather and sunset, etc. You get the picture. Then we decided to make a quick Target run for what I can’t even remember (Oh yes, I needed some film, new book, new celebrity gossip mags), and then back home to pay the babysitter. The rest of the evening went pretty much like the night before, with us sitting outside until around midnight, having a few drinks and just talking and laughing (well I had one more, did she have more?). Then up to bed. Next thing I know, I am being awoken at 3am by Kristi telling me she’s sick. So I ask her “are you flu sick or drunk sick?” and she moans and says “drunk sick.” Now mind you, I am not drunk or hung over in the least bit, so I don’t know what her problem is. Then off she goes to get her pillow and blankie and hops in the bed with me. The rest of the early morning hours are a bit of a haze as I hold her hair and rub her back while she is sick in my bathroom. Then she decides she wants to take a bath at 4:30am as well. So all this got me to thinking, and I’ve decided to be prepared for her next visit I will pull together a lovely welcome basket in the guest room of things with her in mind, that she might possibly need for her visit with me. I mean, it really was quite rude of me not to have one prepared to begin with. I look at it like this… If I were to go stay at Martha’s home she would certainly have a welcome basket prepared for me, no?

Now, the very first thing I’m going to have to put in my basket is going to have to be a six pack of beer, with personalized labels that I’ve designed and ordered at My Own Labels.com (BTW, they do tons of fantastic labels and tags there, not just for alcohol). And again, always keeping my guest Kristi in mind, this basket will no doubt have to include a monogrammed beer koozie and of course since I’m buying it and it’s my house, it will have to be in pink and green. And while I’m at it, I might as well order her a set of personalized Tervis Tumblers just in case she opts to switch to a mixed drink during her stay. But for those swollen “day after” eyes, I will also make sure I include a monogrammed eye therapy pillow from Ambridge House. And what welcome basket says “unpack and stay awhile” without monogrammed toilet paper for the potentially hung-over guest? There, I think that does it, don’t you? But wait, something is missing. Oh yes, instead of cleverly packing everything in a cute little basket, I think it much more fitting if I put my welcome gift in a monogrammed trash can for her to keep by the bed. You know, so she can put it to use the next day. And as I step back and take a look at my welcome basket, I think it’s complete. Perhaps something even Martha herself would be proud of, and now all that’s left to do is sit back and wait to see what kind of thank-you note she comes up with.*evil laugh* Seems just like old times!

URGENT MESSAGE!

THIS JUST IN! If you're not sitting down, then you must, by all means, grab the nearest chair you can. Are you ready? Can you stand it yet? COACH IS NOW MONOGRAMMING THEIR NEW SIGNATURE STRIPE COLLECTION! I swear, if I were a cocker spaniel, I'd be piddling on the floor right now I am THAT excited. And wouldn't you know the blue trim is PERFECT for the fall and winter to go with my blue jeans!

My Celebrity Friends

So it’s no secret that I LOVE celebrity gossip. I mean, truly my day is not complete unless I check my 2 favorite celebrity gossip blogs no less than a dozen times each. Obsessive, you say? Well come on, I have to be prepared and current on the latest celebrity crisis so I can engage in intelligent conversations about them with my friends over lunch. For instance, when Jennifer Anniston and Brad Pitt announced their divorce, I spent at hour on the phone with one of my sisters, dissecting their marriage and the possibility that that Angelia Jolie played in all this, as if we knew them all personally (why, oh why, Brad? That’s all I want to know!). Don’t sit there and pretend you don’t do the same thing either, because I know you do. And who else aside from myself was jumping for sheer JOY at the train wreck that was the Britney Spears/Matt Lauer interview? And then there are all these celebrity babies (seriously, what the heck is in the purified mineral water they’re all drinking?). Much like the rest of you, I too was on the edge of my seat waiting for baby Suri to be born, and for the Brangelina baby to grace us with her presence as well (BTW, has anyone seen Suri? Please contact the Center for Exploited and Missing Children if you have). But when Jennifer Gardner and Ben Affleck were being showered for baby Violet’s pending arrival last fall, I SO wanted to be invited! I mean, come on! I give good baby gifts! Please let me be your friend! And she was so darn cute on Martha, munching on everything in site! But then again, what exactly DO you give a celebrity who’s expecting? A onesie with a skull and bones is just NOT monogram momma’s style, I can tell you that now (no matter how popular they are for the celeb set). So what is my style? Well I’ll fill you in since you’re all just dying to know. Furthermore, I’m sure it will come as no small surprise that I have a standard gift that I give to every first time expectant mom. And believe me, it is one that even Jennifer Gardner or Gwen Stefani would love to get (in my humble opinion, of course).
Although I could easily buy off the baby registry like everyone else, I prefer to give a baby gift that says its from me, something I came up with and created, but yet something that you also need. So I buy a large basket that’s very deep, and purchase lots of things that I know (from experience, of course) that every new mom needs, and that I personally couldn’t live without (but didn’t know it until I had the mini’s). So here is a list of the things I need for my celebrity worthy gift:
1- Large wicker basket (for instance, I have 4 of these Pottery Barn baskets that are great, or just find another big basket cheaper somewhere else)
2- Dreft baby detergent
3- Several packages of baby hangers (you can NEVER have enough of these)
4- Wrist rattles
5- Box of plastic links
6-Bugs on Board for the carseat
6- Aveeno baby wash & shampoo in one (made of oatmeal so it doesn’t dry out the baby’s skin like regular Johnson & Johnson)
7- Box of nursing pads (because trust me, even if you don’t nurse, you will be needing them!)
8- Avent variable bottle nipples (only if they’ve registered for Avent bottles of course)
9- PetZyme Stain Remover (can only get it at PetSmart and it’s the ONLY thing that I’ve found gets out formula, urine, etc.. b/c it’s an enzyme remover. Even OxyClean won’t completely get it out like this stuff)
10- Mylecon infant gas relief (actually if you go to Walmart-which I LOATHE btw, you can buy their own brand that is 1/2 the price for twice the amount)
11- Chenille and fringe burp cloths

So obviously, everything 1 through 9, I purchase, but #10, the burp cloths, I always make. I actually started making these about 6 years ago, but originally I hand embroidered everything myself on the thick white cotton Gerber cloth diapers/ burp cloths, just like Martha suggested back then in her Special Edition Baby magazines (make sure you buy the heavy thick ones, and NOT the weave because monogram momma thinks those are very cheap looking and flimsy!). But over the years, my burp cloths evolved as I just didn’t have the time to do all that hand embroidering anymore. So I still use the Gerber burp cloths as my template so they are nice and big. Monogram momma does not skimp on size or quality! Then I buy chenille and fabrics I like and basically just make them as I’d sew a pillow, and add some cute ball fringe, or sometimes I’ll add ric rac trim, or pretty grosgrain ribbon. Check out these two I just finished for my friend, Brooke. I used black ball fringe on the blue toile and chenille, and green ball fringe on the retro cowboy fabric and chenille. But the beauty of these is that they are not only so soft and warm, but also very durable. Now, if you like the idea of doing these custom burpcloths, but don't want to go to all the hassle of searching and buying all the different fabrics, another option that I love, is to just take those plain white Gerber diapers and add some pretty grosgrain ribbon to them, and have them monogrammed. Voila! The great thing about these cloth diapers is that they have vertical seams in them so it's SO EASY to sew the grosgrain on straight. Then you just drop them off at your local monogram lady and it's done. If you want, add a little ball fringe on the top and bottom of these as well. Just be as creative as you want! For another twist, you could even buy some Rit Dye and dye the cloth diapers a pale pink, blue or yellow (make sure you wash very well after dying!) and THEN add on the grosgrain. It's such a simple thing that looks so cute, and will make every new mom feel like a million bucks (or dare I say, a celebrity) when she's burping her little one in public. But you know my job isn't completed yet! I take the chennile burp cloths or my gorsgrain and monogrammed burp cloths, and fold them in half, then roll each one. Then I take all 3 or 4 (how ever many you decide to do) and bunch them together and tie them off with a ton of raffia so it looks really festive and pretty. They will then sit front and center in a spot of prominence in my gift basket. As a side note, I usually include a little note typed up on card stock w/ a cute little graphic that reads "Hand Made with love by Monogram Momma" and then I hole punch it, tie it on, and I'm done (as you can see here). The basket always gets RAVE reviews!
As always, I realize there are plenty of you out there who like this idea, but don't have a sewing machine or even the time to do it yourself. So go buy all the junk for your basket and you can then check out these sites and buy already completed burp cloths to put in there too. First of all, I have to send you over to Lolli Tots, as my friend, Heather, owns that business. She will take care of you; just make sure you tell her Monogram Momma sent you. Then my friend Susan's sister-in-law owns another little online boutique called Dally Sisters and they've got the white burp cloths that are embroidered and accented with cute fabrics. Now, over at The Monogram Shops, they've got very nice things which Oprah herself even recommends. However, you can take a look at their grosgrain burp cloths and see for yourself that they aren't any different fom the one I made myself (and I can promise you, it did not cost me $50). After you leave the Monogram Shop, you might want to check out Layla Grace. ALWAYS a favorite of monogram momma's for their fabulous products, they've got a great selection of products by the 3 Martha's, which I am a very big fan of. But if that isn't quite glam enough for you and you want a burp cloth and bib set to speak for itself and REALLY make a statment, then by all means, wander on over to Teacups & Tadpoles and check out their stash that would be fit for any celebrity gift basket. A few more sites I'm going to throw out there to you that deserve honerable mention are of course, Posh Tots (I could eat up every little thing on this site!) and Sydney's Closet. But lastly, I will remind my fellow monogrammers once again, to check ebay. I found this store to have some really cute retro prints for their chenille burp cloths and honestly I didn't look very hard so you could probably find a lot more if you tried a little harder than I did.
So now that my burp cloths are finished and shipped off to Brooke, I'm just sitting here wondering who the next celebrity to procreate will be, and if they would be worthy of my basket with my cute little monogrammed chenille burp cloths and all my thoughtful little things. Hmmmm... As much as I'd like to sit here and ponder about it, I have to go check my celebrity gossip blogs for my twelth and final time for this morning.