Life Is Sparkly!

Sweethearts

2011-02-05T17:57:00.010-06:00

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and what a great reason to pick up some extra candy! And what would Valentine's Day be without that most recognizable of Valentine's Day staples; Sweethearts. Today I stumbled upon a bag of Sweethearts with a unique twist; "Dazzle Sweethearts." Each heart has a very fine mica glitter sheen to them. So FUN!

In case you were wondering who makes these popular Valentine's treats, here's a bit of history:

The candy heart has been in existence since the mid 1800s when the brother of the New England Confectionary Company's (or more commonly known as NECCO) founder, Olive Chase, devised a method for printing cute sayings onto the surfaces of the candy. Originally, these printed candies were used as novelty items at parties and weddings and weren't specifically designed with Valentine's Day in mind. In the early 1900s candy heart history was forever changed when the Sweetheart candy heart made its debut, capturing the minds (and hearts) of candy lovers everywhere.

As you might imagine, candy heart messages have changed considerably over the past 150 years, although some of the original sayings are still being used today. These include the classics such as "Be Mine" and "True Love." Today, in 2011, you can find some fabulous sayings like these:

Here are some fun ways to use Sweethearts for your Valentine!

Grab a glue gun and a picture frame and jazz it up with candy!

Embellish a handmade Valentine!

Or even make a hair clip!

We'll be posting some more fun and creative Valentine's Day ideas this week.

Dress To Impress

2010-09-21T19:52:00.004-05:00

Check out the progress of our Dress To Impress class. In the 8 week long session the girls are learning hand sewing, how to install snaps, how a sewing machine works and basic machine sewing skills. They will use their newly acquired skills to sew a super cute elastic waisted dress. Its only week 2 but we've already covered so much! The girls finished a hand sewn all over flower clip that can be worn on clothing or in their hair. This week they started making a pin cushion bracelet! Too fab.

Its storming like crazy here! Makes me wanna stay up all night and make stuff...

xoxo Ellie

Loft Love: Part Deux

2010-08-09T12:54:00.008-05:00

So here's a few more pictures of the progress! Its getting there. Our first party in the space is this Saturday. We're in the home stretch!

Oh and did I mention you can register for our Fall 2010 Classes?

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE CALENDAR!

Peace, Love & Glitter,

Ellie

Pretty Little Pens

2010-08-05T20:30:00.004-05:00

I always loved back to school time because it meant one thing- school supply shopping with mom! This past weekend at the CHA Super Show we met a lovely little lady named Margaret. She owns a company called Sparkle N Sprinkle. She sells glitter = we loved her. She had these pens laying all over the place and they are SO easy to make. We bought Tear-ific Tape from Margaret and I think it made the project way easier. Its super sticky and easy to work with.

Tips:
- Don't wrap your pen in double stick tape! Lay it in strips going from top to bottom around the pen.
-Use extra fine glitter.
-Hot glue the stone on the top.

Have a good night!

Smooches & Hugz,

Ellie

Loft Love: A Sneak Peek

2010-07-31T15:03:00.005-05:00

Here are few pictures of the loft and its progress. Jodie, myself and couple of our extremely generous, patient and giving friends are literally designing and creating every part of this space. We are stripping old furniture and rehabbing it, painting the walls, drilling, sawing, rewiring and repurposing EVERYTHING. Everything you see here was formerly a piece of junk. This is the DIY headquarters. Here's a little taste of the overall look and feel. We have an interview and photoshoot with Daily Candy on Tuesday so we are pedal to the metal all weekend long to get this place in grand opening shape (almost)!

REMINDERS:
1. AUGUST 14th- We officially open for parties!
2. AUGUST 16th- We will be the feature article in Daily Candy Chicago!
3. AUGUST 17th- WGN Chicago will be filming live in the loft for their "Around The Town" segment of the morning news. Tune in from 7am-8am!
4. SEPTEMBER 7- Fall 2010 After School Programming and Daytime Mom & Me classes begin. CALL 773.698.8071 to register or ask questions.

Thats it, thats all! Ellie

CHA Super Show

2010-07-31T14:45:00.005-05:00

Happy Saturday to all of you! Jodie made me go to Home Depot at 6 am (like we were there at 6 in the morning) so I was a little cranky this morning. But then we went to the Craft and Hobby Association Super Show and that put the glossy smily right back where it belongs. It was awesome. I would have to say the highlight for me was meeting a few crafting high rollers. These people eat glitter, sleep in uncut bolts of fabric and have more swarovski studded clothing than Ed Hardy. My kind of peeps. Our two faves were THE CRAFTY CHICA and Sarah Moore from CRAFTCRITIQUE.COM. Oh, there was also a man with Hello Kitty underpants. He was pretty killer as well. Check out the pics!

Immediately following this post I'm going to post some pictures of the loft and the decorating/design process...since thats all you people keep asking about!

Peace, Love & Glitter,

Ellie

Rain or Shine: Summer Camp at Little Threads

2010-07-27T23:18:00.005-05:00

So I'm a bit late in my post. I was in Northern Michigan chillin with the fam over the weekend. It was nice to get away and relax with my family and Matt (my fiance!).

Okay so lets get to it. Here are the pics of your vibrant little women crafting away in the sunshine last week.

Dont forget we're making towel wraps tomorrow from 11am-12pm at Little Threads.

EXCITING NEWS ALERT!!!!!!

1. Our after school program calendar will be available TOMORROW! We will be offering a series of classes for girls K-7th grade. Don't worry moms, we have a handful of daytime "Mom and Me" classes for your 0-3 year olds that will rock your socks off too!
2. I'm going to post a little sneak peak at what we've been up to in the Loft tomorrow.
3. BOOK YOUR PARTIES FOR FALL NOW (If I could capitalize my capital letters i would)! Word is out that we're opening the Loft and its booking up fast.

Thats all chica's!

Ellie

Treasured Trinkets: Summer Camp @ Little Threads

2010-07-20T11:34:00.006-05:00

Last week all the girlz at camp made Trinket Boxes to store their special things in. We even had one of our favorite little glitter brothers, Brewer, make a box for his Legos! Tomorrow we'll be making fancy and funky umbrellas. If you haven't signed up yet its not too late. Email littlethreadsrsvp@gmail.com to register!

Flip Floppin' & Fabulous: Summer Camp @ Little Threads

2010-07-07T22:27:00.006-05:00

Every week in July we are doing a "mini camp" at Little Threads in Roscoe Village. So pretty much this is the best kids store in the city AND they love The Glitter GIrlz. For realz people- if you haven't been in there to see some of the unique girl stuff (and boy stuff-ugh), you MUST check it out.

Today we made interchangeable flip flops. Basically the girls all got to design their own flops and then make two sets of center pieces to change out whenever they change their mood! Pretty cool huh? I thought so too! Check out the pics from todays session!

Its not too late to sign up for the following 3 weeks! Here's when they are happening and what we'll be making.

July 14 11am-12pm Treasured Trinkets: Build your own jewelry box to house your treasures.
July 21 11am-12pm Rain or Shine: Customize an umbrella to keep you dry rain or shine.
July 28 11am-12pm Back to the Beach: Design a towel wrap for the bath or the beach.

Later Gators...Ellie

LIFE IS SPARKLY...AND SO IS MY FINGER!

2010-06-28T11:18:00.004-05:00

The night he "put a ring on it"...

So not only is Matt incredibly hilarious, smart, patient, down to earth, humble (I know, he's THAT HOT and HUMBLE? insane, right?) he is also uber romantic and thoughtful.

This weekend my parents and Matt had planned to come to town to help Jodie and I get settled, unpack stuff, etc at The Glitter Girlz Loft. So all day Friday and Saturday we did just that. Saturday morning Matt told me I had to be ready to leave in a "fancy" dress to go to The Ledge at the top of the Sears Tower (its now called the Willis Tower but I refuse to call it that). We had talked many times about how it was one of the only "Chicago Things" I hadn't done and really wanted to do.

5:45 on the dot we hopped in a cab with my parents and off we went. We traveled up 103 floors to the top of the building and waited in line for almost an hour to stand over the city that I have grown to love. We finally walked into the glass cube that hangs over the city, Matt gave me a kiss and we took a few pictures. I thought we had been in the cube for our allotted "take a few pics, gasp at the height, point out a few landmarks, wonder if people could see up my dress" amount of time when Matt turned and looked at me. He got down on bended knee (Boyz II Men Style) and asked me to marry him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everybody cheered, one guy screamed "Did she say 'yes'?", boyfriends were jealous they didn't think of that and I SMILED and CRIED and SMILED and KISSED Matt and said, "YES"! He put the most brilliantly shiny and perfect ring on my finger.

After we left The Sears Tower we went over to The Hancock building and had an amazing dinner overlooking the city from the 95th floor....complete with fireworks over the lake! Matt gave me a book of letters and photographs he had my best friends and family write congratulating me on my engagement. More crying, more smiling and more kissing.

All in all it was the most unforgettable night of my life and his hand is mine to hold forever.

Here are the pictures!

The Glitter Girlz Loft: Chicago

2010-06-23T13:31:00.004-05:00

OPENING AUGUST 2010!

Here it is peeps...The very first peek at The Glitter Girlz Loft! After months of waiting, days of searching, a year of driving ALL over Chicago Land, hours of debating (not that Jodie and I ever disagree ;-), countless "one on ones" with Chicago moms- we are so thrilled to show you the first pictures of 2320 N. Damen Chicago! Jodie and I could not be happier. The space is in the heart of Bucktown at the corner of Fullerton/Elston/Damen (yes, THAT intersection!). It is two floors, 2 baths, 30 foot ceilings, a newly rehabbed building and steps away from the best shopping and eateries in Chicago on Damen Ave (at least according to the locals- we don't do Michigan Ave!) The Glitterati are officially taking over Bucktown/Wicker Park.

The GGz Loft will host after school classes, mom & me daytime classes, summer camps, sleep unders, sleep overs,holiday shin digs, birthday parties and tons of other girl power and glitter filled events.

We will officially open our doors in the middle of August 2010 after the space undergoes some serious cosmetic surgery. We'll be posting pics of the whole process.

WE ARE NOW BOOKING PARTIES! Our after school program will be announced in the next week or so and registration will begin then. We are keeping classes small (12-15 girl each) so sign up FAST!

Jodie and I are so thankful to have the support of SO MANY local Chicago moms and girls. Your excitement for the brand and the memories we make together is the reason Jodie and I LOVE going to "work" everyday! Thank You!

Peace, Love & Glitter,

Ellie

Make Your Potty Pretty

2010-04-11T21:37:00.005-05:00

Here's a little project. All you need is 3 dollars, a dollar store and some spray paint :-)

Get some GINORMOUS bathroom tools *you can find these at the Dollar Store or on the world wide web:

Spray paint them with THIN coats of paint:

Voila:

Happy Primping!

xoxo, Ellie

5 Things Your Daughters (or you) Need

2010-03-31T10:35:00.000-05:00

Parisian Wall Decals- So cute and so cheap! I think they would look amazing on a teal wall.

Sparkle Shoes- Some may call these special occasion shoes. I call them your everyday shoes. What wouldnt these look good with? Sweat pants...but you shouldn't leave the house in those anyway!

Tote for the Kids- This is the perfect summer "schlepping" tote. The best part is proceeds go to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.

Party in Her Tummy- No explanation needed here. This is so yummy. Buy it.

Hello Kitties- You can't have too many Hello Kitty charms (just ask Jodie)! This is little girl size (bummer I know). I know a few little girls that would absolutely squeal if they got this in the mail!

Get Creative!

2010-03-09T09:30:00.000-06:00

Michael Giocchino's Oscar acceptance speech Sunday night was simply amazing. If you missed it, check it out below. Then go rent the movie UP to show your support!

“Thank you, guys. When I was… I was nine and I asked my dad, “Can I have your movie camera? That old, wind-up 8 millimeter camera that was in your drawer?” And he goes, “Sure, take it.” And I took it and I started making movies with it and I started being as creative as I could, and never once in my life did my parents ever say, “What you’re doing is a waste of time.” Never.

And I grew up, I had teachers, I had colleagues, I had people that I worked with all through my life who always told me what you’re doing is not a waste of time. So that was normal to me that it was OK to do that.

I know there are kids out there that don’t have that support system so if you’re out there and you’re listening, listen to me: If you want to be creative, get out there and do it. It’s not a waste of time. Do it. OK? Thank you. Thank you.”

Have a fantastic day! xoxo Ellie

Will you be my Valentine?

2010-02-08T10:26:00.001-06:00

Valentines day is right around the corner. Here are some fun handmade valentine ideas! Grab your little lady and the following supplies and create the most unique valentine cards in her class!

Cute Friendship Blossom Valentine Cards

What you need:
Scrap book paper, cardstock or old valentine cards
Scissors
Pen or marker
Lollipops
Tape
Optional:
Glue
Glitter
Embellishments like rhinestones and ribbons

Step One:
Cut 3 heart shaped petals any color you'd like!
Step Two:
Cut two leaves and write to and from on one leaf.
Step Three:
Cut a flower center. Use different color paper to contrast with the petal color.
Step Four:
Poke a small hole in each piece of the flower.
Step Five:
Slide a flower center, flower petals and leaves on the lollipop stick.
Step Six:
Grab your tape and put a few pieces under the leaves to secure your flower to the lollipop stick.
Step Seven:
This is an optional step. For a Glitter Girl it's a must do step! Grab your glue, glitter and fun stuff and embellish your flowers!

Have tons of fun creating your own custom handmade valentine cards!
xoxo,
Jodie & Ellie
The Glitter Girlz
Craft from www.familyfun.go.com

"Life's short, buy the shoes"...

2010-01-30T13:39:00.001-06:00

...and then make them even cuter! Jodie and I saw a pair of super fab "junked out" ballet flats a few weeks ago at one of our favorite spots, Forever 21. We simultaneously picked them up and both agreed that we needed to recreate the shoes. We would of course make them better, sparklier, add more junk to them and have the satisfaction of knowing that we made them ourselves. So here they are. This is really fun project for you to do with your little cutie or for yourself (like I did). Collect a bunch of cool junk, buy a pair of ballet flats and get ready to answer the question, "Where did you GET THOSE?" about a thousand times!

1. Start with a pair of flats. I of course picked a pair that came with some sparkle already included. You can totally use a pair you already have in your closet!

2. Gather bows, fabric flowers, sequins, rhinestones and other fun miniature items to add to your shoes. Be sure the adhesive you are using is appropriate for the material your shoes are made out of. I took the time to sew on the bows and rose beads. I'm not going to lie- it sucked and took a long time.

3. For the crystals I used "Aleenes Platinum Bond Glass & Bead Glue". I've tried them all and its the best.

Be sure to let your shoes dry over night and then go out and strut your stuff!

Peace Love & Glitter, Ellie

"My Dad Rocks- A Black & Pink Ball"

2010-01-23T11:04:00.003-06:00

"You girls really know how to throw a party! I've never seen anything like this before and I'm 45!" -St. James dad in attendance last night

Last night we had the honor of hosting "My Dad Rocks- A Black & Pink Ball" at the St. James School in Arlington Heights! The GGz had the honor of doing it all on this one. From the logo, invites, DIY activities (of course), pink carpet and our AMAZING MC and Dancer , "E is for Energy Evangela" we kept this event hoppin!

The daddy's and daughters dressed to impress! Real men do wear pink....a whole bunch of it.

And to Heather and the other St. James moms that made the event possible, THANK YOU! We can't wait to do it again next year.

Jodie and I truly believe there are moments in every girl's life that only happen once. Moments that bring true happiness. We are devoted to helping you make these moments sparkle. We are committed to making your child's celebration as unique as they are. Creating parties that will rock their socks off, a Glitter Girlz experience is sure to make every girl feel special and ignite in them the desire to let their imagination run wild! ....because that is, after all, how The Glitter Girlz were born. If there is a party or event we can help you create please send me an email! ellie@theglittergirlz.com

Keep on Rockin'

Ellie

"E is for Energy Evangela" rocked the house non stop!

Each girl and her father designed and created a "Loop Scarp"!

A few dads may be looking at a career change! He's a natural!

Bags of custom scarves ready to be heat-pressed!

"You change your mind, like a girl changes clothes"! Sing-A-Long!

Slow dance with daddy.

What's a party without a swag bag?

Totally my fave outfit of the night!

A few of the GGz Posse. Steph, Candy and Vivi!

Mini Bike racing!!!!! Dads won :-(

Scarves ready to be assembled by the GGz.

Who doesn't love a good twirl?

www.facebook.com/theglittergirlzfanz

www.theglittergirlz.com

"The Glitter Girlz Hatz Foundation"...launching soon! Very Soon!

2010-01-19T00:58:00.002-06:00

“There are sensitive, age-appropriate ways to introduce kids to issues

in the world around them so that they are portrayed not as unsolvable

and scary, but as opportunities to make a difference.”

— Ellen Sabin, author of The Giving Book

We have the opportunity to help girls just like us battling hair loss. But of course we're putting a perfectly funky fresh twist on the whole deal. Stay Tuned....this is going to be big! Wish I had more time to write but I need to go to bed!

xoxo. Ellie

"Craft Til You Drop" @ your Park District

2010-01-16T13:06:00.015-06:00

The Glitter Girlz will be offering workshops, summer camps and birthdays parties at select Park Districts! If you want to see our workshops and parties at your park call them or call us. We've learned there is nothing more convincing than the voice of a mom...or a group of moms! We have other districts (and hopefully schools in the city) in the works. We are also considering after school programs. Currently this is what we are offering in addition to our "normal" services.

VERNON HILLS PARK DISTRICT

"GO MAKE SOMETHING SPARKLY WORKSHOPS": Join us the first Friday of every month from 6pm-8pm as The Glitter Girlz present "Go Make Something Sparkly Workshops". All materials are included in the $40/girl per workshop price. Ages 6-12. Workshops begin in March and space is limited. Email, call or facebook The Glitter Girlz with any questions! Call the park to register today, 847-996-6800.

“Pajama Jam” March 5 6pm-8pm

You will create a pair of pajama pants…cozy, comfy and customized by you! Wear

your favorite PJ’s to the workshop, of course! Pajama pant size is due at the time of registration. Registration is due February 18.

“Clutter Be Gone” April 2 6pm-8pm

You will create a totally unique storage container to organize a bunch of your girl

stuff! Wear your wackiest miss matched outfit to the workshop!

“Off the Wall” May 7 6pm-8pm

You will create a decorative wall hanging for your bedroom. Wear an outfit that

matches your bedroom to the workshop!

"Flip Floppin and Fabulous” June 4 6pm-8pm

You will create Flip Flops and a Summer Tote. Wear your favorite summer outfit to

the workshop. Shoe size is due at time of registration. Registration is due May 27.

“Red, White and Glitter” July 2 6pm-8pm

You will create a headband, necklace and bracelet. Wear red, white and glitter to

the workshop!

“Kickin it Kool Back To School” August 13 6pm-8pm *note this is the 2nd Friday

You will create a funky and functional pair of shoes. Wear your oldest and grimiest

pair of shoes to the workshop! Shoe size is due at time of registration.

“Pencil Me In Please!” September 3 6pm-8pm

You will create a large school year calendar for your desk or wall. Wear your school

colors to the workshop!

MINI SUMMER CAMP: The Glitter Girlz mini summer camp will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday the week of August 9-August 13. 9:30am-11:00am. All materials are included in the $100/girl workshop price. Ages 6-12. Space is limited. Ages 6-12. Email, call or facebook The Glitter Girlz with any questions! Click here to download the VH Summer Program Guide, we're on pg 20! Call the park to register today, 847-996-6800.

“Back to Cool” Mini Camp M,W,F August 9-August 13 9:30am-11:00am

You will create a hoodie/pants set and a back-to-school ready messenger bag. Get ready to make back to school gear! Each day of camp we will focus on creating a different item. Each item will be YOU-nique to represent your style. Hoodies and pants are perfect for school or home and who doesn’t love to throw their books in a super cute messenger bag! These items are guaranteed to look just as cool (but probably cooler!) as something you would buy at your favorite store. Learn how to be your own fashion designer and make couture “Back to Cool” gear! Please indicate hoodie and pants sizes at time of registration. *The items made at camp pair up perfectly with the shoes we make at the August workshop so be sure to sign up for that too!

PROSPECT HEIGHTS PARK DISTRICT

THE GLITTER GIRLZ BDAY PARTIES: The Glitter Girlz are offering our "I Heart Parties" birthday parties at the Prospect Heights Park District! Ages 4-16, as always parties are customized to reflect the age of the participants. All activity materials are included in the $30/girl price. Food/Cake is not provided by The Glitter Girlz but may be provided by the park. There is a 10 girl minimum per party. Email, call or facebook The Glitter Girlz with any questions! Click here to download the PH Program Guide, The Glitter Girls Parties are on pg 32! Call the park to book your party today, 847-394-2848.

PRE "DADDY DAUGHTER PRINCESS BALL" APPOINTMENTS: Book a pre Princess Ball appointment with The Glitter Girlz. Appointments include a glittering hair do, nail paint and a fancy blingin' ring! The Ball is on February 12. Appointments start at 3pm, last approx 20 minutes and are $15/girl. The Princess Ball begins at 6:30pm so space is extremely limited. Email, call or facebook The Glitter Girlz with any questions! Click here to download the PH Program Guide, The Glitter Girlz Princess Ball appointments are on pg 11! Call the park to grab a spot today, 847-394-2848.

"GO MAKE SOMETHING SPARKLY WORKSHOPS": Join us the each month as The Glitter Girlz present "Go Make Something Sparkly Workshops". Workshops are from 6pm-8pm. All materials are included in the $40/girl per workshop price. Ages 5-12. Email, call or facebook The Glitter Girlz with any questions! Click here to download the PH Program Guide, The Glitter Girlz "Go Make Something Sparkly Workshops" info is on page 12! Call the park to register today, 847-394-2848.

“Your Fashion is Smashin'” Friday February 19 6pm-8pm

You will create and alter your very own fashion tee. Girls will learn design concepts and about commercial garment production. Wear your flashiest fashions and most fabulous jeans to wear home with the shirt you make at the end of the workshop!

“Spring Fever” Wednesday March 17 6pm-8pm

You will create customized (by you) can't-buy-it-in-a-store decor! Each girl will make a magazine/book organizer and pen/pencil holder. Wait until your parent see how spring clean your work area is!

“Create, Celebrate & Donate” Friday April 2 6pm-8pm

You will create 2 fun, funky and fashionable hatz. One to keep and one to donate to a girl just like you who is facing hair loss due to medical treatment. The hatz that are donated will be lined with interchangeable tracks of hair. Click here to learn more about The Glitter Girlz Hatz Foundation.

For all the latest Glitter Gossip become our fan on FACEBOOK and follow us on TWITTER!

Thats about all! We'll keep you posted. XOXO Ellie

Handmade Light Switch Cover

2009-12-16T14:44:00.006-06:00

Happy handmade Holidays to you and your family!

Do you need a last minute gift? Try this super easy paper or fabric light switch cover craft!

Every time someone turns the light on they will think of you! Awe...

What you need:

Decorative wrapping paper, candy wrappers, magazine clippings or fabric. Whatever you think is cool!

Scissors or x-acto knife.

Sand paper to sand the light switch cover before you cover it!

Mod-Podge, boy do I love this stuff...

Sponge brush to apply Mod-Podge.
Glitter, of course!

Now what do I do?

Cut a piece of decorative paper or fabric to fit the light switch cover.

Make a small snip at each corner. This will make it easier to fold the paper or fabric over the cover.

Sand the plate, coat it with Mod-Podge, then line up your paper or fabric and press it on by overlapping the corners at the snip. Fold excess paper or fabric and Mod-Podge it!

While your switch cover is drying you can sprinkle a little glitter on it!

Get your craft on,
Jodie

Merry Recycled Christmas! Create your own magazine tree!

2009-12-07T20:29:00.007-06:00

If your parents didn't teach you this neat trick, it's not too late to learn how to do it! Now, you can get your friends, kids or grand kids into the holiday spirit with this easy and fabulous craft.

Transform old magazines into glittered table-top trees with this easy -- and kid-friendly -- step-by-step process. Post your pictures of your magazine trees and you'll receive a gift from The Glitter Girlz!

You Will Need:

Magazine
Glue or spray adhesive
Glitter
Spray paint (optional)
Patience ; )
An hour or 2 depending your folding speed!

What to Do:

1. Remove both covers from magazine. Take the upper right hand corner of the first page and bring it down so that the top edge of the page rest against the glued binding of the magazine.

2. Now crease this first fold, carefully. Again, take this page and fold it over until the crease rests against the glued binding of the magazine. Crease second fold.

3. Finally fold the triangle (that overlaps the bottom of the magazine) upward so it will be even with the bottom of the book, crease it. The first page is finished.

4. Continue folding & creasing the remaining pages.

5. When the magazine is completely folded glue the front and back pages together. Spray tree with spray adhesive and sprinkle glitter while still wet. If you're not into the "all natural" look you can spray paint the trees too!

Tip: To create a bigger tree, try gluing two magazines back-to-back.

Just a reminder: Post your pictures of your magazine trees and you'll receive a gift from The Glitter Girlz! More fun and festive crafts to come!

xoxo,
Jodie

People Who Sparkle: Johnny Cupcakes

2009-09-17T19:32:00.008-05:00

Do you know the Cupcake Man, the Cupcake Man the Cupcake Man? Do you know the Cupcake Man who lives on Newbury Street? If you don’t- its your lucky day…cuz I’m about to dish the dirt!

Johnny Cupcakes is one of our entrepreneur super heros…similar to He-Man. Jodie and I have a whole buffet of dreams and sitting down with Mr. Cupcake and picking his genius cupcake batter filled brain is HIGH on the list. Johnny doesn’t actually make cupcakes. He makes tshirts and sells them at his three stores, that look like bakeries - he sells loads of them! In fact Johnny Cupcakes was just named one of Inc. magazines fastest growing companies (if you don’t read Inc. magazine…that’s a HUMONGOUS SIZED deal). Here’s the skinny: Johnny started his company kindve as a joke right after high school. He was given the nickname Johnny Cupcakes (think Johnny Appleseed, Johnny Pretty Much Anything Sounds Good…right?). As a joke, Johnny made a shirt with Johnny Cupcakes on it and WHAMMO…everybody wanted one. Fast forward 9 years he has literally built a tasty cupcake clothing empire. Johnnys shirts are crazy cute and his stores look like bake shops. PLEASE read his story here, he does a much better job of telling the tale than I do:

How Johnny whipped up his batch of awesomeness: His Story

Ten ways Johnny Cupcakes makes the world sparkle (in no particular order):

1. His brand was built from creativity and straight up love of the product.

2. He encourages people to take chances and get off their butts! College kids are always told to take internships at mega corporations rather than turning their own dreams into realities…I know I was. Johnny speaks at colleges and gives kids the confidence they may need to take the leap and do their OWN thing.

3. He hasn’t sold out to a corporation and you can’t find his shirts in malls.

4. He had ADD…. Can I get a holler for the hyper kids (like me!)!!!

5. He was born in 1982- so were we.

6. He has been able to employ his mom, dad, sister and friends!

7. He has his very own Pee Wee Herman suit and bow tie…complete with white platforms.

8. Everybody loves Johnny once they hear about him! Jodie just asked a total stranger she met on Johnnys facebook fan page to bring us two copies of “The Cupcake Chronicles”, Johnnys newslettery type deal. This boy, Mike, met us a coffee shop here in Chicago just because that’s how nice Johnny’s fans are and how much they want to spread the word. Check out the pics of our chronicles below!

9. He hosts events to get to know his fans/customers. We’re obviously a fan of parties….so is he J

10. He’s irresistibly delicious!

Peace, Love & Glitter,

Ellie

P.S. Glittermammaz, If you haven’t voted for us in the Martha Stewart Dreamers into Doers competition yet….GET ON IT WOMAN! Thank you kindly.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE.

OH Snap!

2009-09-04T19:22:00.003-05:00

Back to school shopping was always a REALLY big deal in my house...lets be honest, shopping in general was a big deal :-) My sister, Maggie, and I each got our own shopping days with my mom. There was no two timing us when it came to back to school shopping. Mom devoted two days to each of us. One day for supplies and one day for clothes. Come to find out much later in life (like a few weeks ago) my dad was actually the driving force behind this shoptastic yearly event! He thought it was important to start getting us excited for school well before the year actually started. My favorite of the two days was always the supply shopping day. I still love stopping in the school supply aisle at Target and picking up a new binder or a bran new pack of multi colored Sharpie pens. I think girls still get pretty pumped to buy their b2s goodies.

I nearly stopped in my tracks the other day when I saw a little girl and her binder. I asked her if I could see what she had done and she was more than willing to show me! I told her that I was going to blog about her cute idea and that she just may start a b2s 2009 trend. I've tried to recreate exactly what she did...check it out and try it yourself!

1. You need all the colorful elastic headbands you can find laying around...I have about 10 million.

2. Grab a binder, notebook or even text book!

3. Crisscross ten or so headbands around your binder. Make it extra funky and crazy or make a pattern.

4. Tuck writing utensils and other commonly used supplies behind the bands! Totally cute. Totally practical. Totally cheap!

For your viewing pleasure....

2009-09-02T11:38:00.008-05:00

Happy Wednesday everybody. Hope you are all having a great week. I am in Michigan and having a great time babysitting my niece, GiGi. And chillaxin with my sister and her huz. Wanted to post a few pics from two of last weekends events. Theses events were "Big Glitter Events" and really busy...which means we didn't have time to take lots of pictures. Enjoy the few we have and....

Stay Sparkly, Ellie

"Peace with Reese".... an extravagant batmitzvah put on by our new fave city event planner, Bambi! Check out WWW.BCREVENTS.COM to see her work...this woman knows how to throw a bash! She didn't miss a detail. The guests all dressed in their 1960's best and looked amazing. This is such a great party theme!

Update: Sept 4 2009

Just got some pics from the photog at "Peace with Reese"! AMAZINGNESS. I have one website for all of you.... WWW.MATTPOWERSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM Matt captured some great moments. If you really want to be "wowed" go to his site and drool over his portfolio!

okay from here on are my amateur no so masterpiecey pics!

One of our superstar Glitter Girlz....MEOSHA! how beautiful is she?!!!!

"Make A Jamaica" Charity Event. The weather wasn't exaclty "jamaica-y" but it was a super fab event! This event was a benefit for Little Angels and we had the opportunity to provide all the kids activities...even for the boys! painting, hair, t-shirt design... It was our first large event in Elgin and we met some totally awesome kids and parents!

I need to get my sparkly little booty on the road back to the Chi! xoxo.

Wonderful World of Window Clings!

2009-08-28T16:32:00.017-05:00

So the weather is uber crappy here in the Chi today (well actually for about the last week)! What better to do than bust into the new school supplies you bought for your girlz and make something fabulous with them...since your stuck in the house anyway! The Glitter Girlz have you covered! This should all be stuff you have right in your house so you don't even have to spend any additional dough. Pretty radical huh? Follow the steps below and you will have some super fantastical window/refrigerator clings....

HERE IS WHAT YOU DO:

1. Get all the "Stuff" together.

STUFF:

-Glue

-Glitter (duh!)

-Cookie Cutters

-Wax Paper (I had to use foil but use WAX!)

-Food Coloring

-Little Bowls

-Spoons

2. Pour some glue in a little bowl (I personally only use Fiesta Ware because its pretty). Add a TINY bit of water. I'm talking like 5 drops. Add a few drops of food coloring to the mix and stir it up until its just a little bit runnier than normal Elmers. You need to be able to pour it. It should be about the consistency of shampoo.

3. Lay your cookie cutter on the foil or wax paper with the sharp side on the paper. Metal cutters work the best but use whatever you've got! Fill the shapes with thin layers of the colorful glue. The layer should be as thin as possible without being see through at all! You may have to push the glue around in the shape so that every little nook is filled...this is important! You can also use your spoon to drizzle glue into crazy free form shapes. Check out the stems I made for my flowers!

4. Repeat the previous steps with more colors and more shapes! You probably have quite a few windows in your house...so go crazy, make a million of these things!

5. Now its time for the fun part, the GLITTER! We only use Martha Stewart glitter....duh! But you can use whatever kind you'd like. Sprinkle different colors on your shapes until your little heart is content. I tend to go overboard with this part. I tend to go overboard with most things though. As Mae West said, "Too much of a good thing can be wonderful".

6. Now comes the part I hate. WAITING! Ugh. I hate waiting for anything...especially a craft or my nails to be done drying. These normally take about 10 hours to dry. Thats like 10 episodes of 90210 you can watch (old school 90210).

7. The big reveal! Okay so this the fun part. Carefully peel the cling away from the foil and the cookie cutter and VOILA! You did it girl. You may have to trip the edges with scissors wear the glue bled under the cookie cutter a bit.

Stick these babies on the windows or the fridge and people will be jealous. just saying :-)

Have fun! xoxo. Ellie

Glitterpalooza!

2009-08-11T11:46:00.006-05:00

This weekend was Lalapalooza here in the Chi and I'm sure it was a pretty fun party...BUT nothing compared to the Glitterfest we had! Friday night was our first ever "Go Make Something Sparkly!" Workshop and it was AWESOME! We had lots of different groups of girls and they are were all so much fun! If your girls didn't have the chance to attend be sure to sign them up for the next one by emailing workshopz@theglittergirlz.com! All the girls were pretty pumped with their pillows and they were all so YOU-nique! We had the workshop at the Hotel Indigo in Vernon Hills...seriously the cutest hotel!

Jodie and I will be hosting a "Skool Is Kool!" workshop at the end of September and your girls should be there!

If you'd like to see all the pictures from the workshop and the party pics from the weekend click THIS!

xoxo, Ellie

FASH BASH 09! Krazy Kenzi turns 7!!!!

2009-07-21T20:25:00.010-05:00

The Loibens....ahhhh, The Loibens. aka The Glitter Girlz BIGGEST cheerleaders! Jodie and I had the pleasure of meeting "Mr. Lou Life of the Party Loiben" a few years back. Lou started his own party company back in the day, Personalities Inc. and has been more than supportive and helpful with our new adventure. Jodie and I can only dream to bring as many smiles to kids faces as Lou and his crew have brought to kids all over the country. Then there is "Mizz Super Mom Kelli Loiben", Lous wife. We can not thank her enough for all of the buzz they have created for us in the Vernon Hills area and for the opportunity to do both of their girls birthday (Mackenzi and Skyler just happen to the be the cutest little girls in the world btw). One thing is certain....no amount of ad space or PR can get you more attention than one crazy cool mom with a perfectly glossed big mouth!

Friday night we celebrated "Fash Back 09....Kenzi turns 7!" In true Loiben style it was an incredible bash. We had 35 girls all in their house, of course Lou was throwing a dance party in the basement and the girls all designed one of a kind tshirts! This was a family affair...we had aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmas....everybody was gettin down and dirty with their fashion designing selves! Pretty awesome.

My two favorite parts of the night were Mackenzi's joke:

Q. How do you make Lady Gaga sad?

A. Poker Face

Q. How do you make Lady Gaga happy again?

A. Just Dance

AND

the concert that 8 of the girls put on at the very end of the night, complete with choreography and a curtain call.

Girls like Mackenzi and her friends along with parents like Lou and Kelli are the reason Jodie and I started The Glitter Girlz. They believe in creativity, the importance of "never growing up", not taking life too seriously and just having a blast!

xoxo, Ellie

People Who Sparkle: Maggie

2009-07-15T16:55:00.005-05:00

A little while back my sister called me to tell me that her husband, Chris, and her were going to start the process of adoption. I'm sure there are many of you who have been through this process and I am certain it changed your life. Georgia, GiGi is what I call her, is now nearly four months old and has so powerfully impacted my family. She has no idea how much she is loved and how many lives she has already affected. My sister has a pretty tremendous blog about Georgia's journey to her and Chris and their journey as parents afterward. Maggie talks about adoption very openly...the good, the not so good, the TOTALLY AWESOME! Maggie has recently contacted a number or parenting publications on the possibility of writing a column on adoption. She explains it all much better than I do. Please take a few moments to check it out and share it with anyone you feel would enjoy it or benefit from it. There's lots of "moms to be" out there who are considering adoption that would really love to hear what my sister has to say.

"A JOURNEY TO YOU" -MAGGIE'S BLOG

10 Reasons Why Maggie Makes Life Sparkly, in no particular order:

10- She wears sparkly eyeshadow.

9- She is often the only one who can talk me out of doing something totally irrational without making me mad.

8- She is a great wife. I love watching Maggie and Chris together. Its like watching a really good band perform live...every thing just works. Sometimes they have loud crazy songs and sometimes they play nice lovey dovey type stuff...either way, it sounds good and they compliment each other.

7- She is an amazing teacher! I googled my sister a few years ago (I know thats creepy. Chances are if I know your last name I've googled you too :-) and all these lesson plans she wrote came up...AMAZING! Lets just say, If I had a history who used Kanye West songs in her lesson plans I may know a thing or two about history. I've had the opportunity to meet many of Maggies previous students...The report from them is always the same, "She's the strictest teacher, the FAVORITE teacher, and the best dressed teacher"....duh.

6- She never made me feel like I was "just" the little sister. Maggie always went out of her way to include me in pretty much everything she did and never complained about it. I think this impacts me more now because I am always with little and big sisters and see how some little sisters get treated....BE NICE KIDDOS!

5- She pretty much always wins arguments. Sometime I call Maggie before I know I'm going to "get into it" with someone (not that I'm a major time scrapper- but ya know) and get a few good jumping off points just to really be able to blow them outta the water. She always delivers. I've even used this technique with our very own parents :-)

4- She is a WAY better cook than I am...nuff said.

3- She is funny.

2- She is the only other person in the world who knows allllllllllllll my history and still loves me! Every boy I've dated (and trust me, there's too many), every class I failed, every curfew I missed, every performance I had, all my happy days, all my sad days...she's cool with all of it!

1. She is a better mother than she will ever know. TRUST ME MAGGIE- you are.

Call your sister and tell her how much you love her, Ellie

WACKY WATERMELON MANICURE!

2009-07-12T13:46:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite things to do when I was a little girl was to get manicures from my mom. She would set up a little table and make it look just like the salon! We even had one of those cool dishes you rest your hands in to soak your nails. When my mom did my nails we would talk about all sorts of things! Boys, projects, how messy my room was, school, my dad...you name it, we talked about it! It was a great to time to hang out with my mom and chill together! My mom, Maggie and I still get together and spend plenty of time doing our nails, putting make up on each other, doing our hair and just being nerds together...cute nerds! More important than what we look like when we are done playing dress up are the conversations and things we learn about each other. So grab the little lady in your life and have some fun!

Coming Soon:

A super awesome end of summer give away!

Totally free craft idea to do at home with stuff you already have laying around!

Leopard Print Manicure!

Peace Out Girl Scouts, Ellie

People That Sparkle: Nicole

2009-07-09T18:33:00.005-05:00

Jodie and I had a breakfast meeting with our friend Nicole this morning. Nicole and I became friends while working together almost five years ago, I was also fortunate enough to get to know Nicole personally. Nicoles role was Director of Advertising and Marketing but she did SO MUCH MORE. I always respected Nicole when I worked with her because she just seemed to always "rise the occasion"....whatever the occasion may be. Throw a QUALITY 45 minute presentation together in 3 hours to present to the "higher-ups" complete with power point and visual aids- DONE, learn adobe illustrator as if she'd went to art school on a PC- DONE, dance to "Who Let The Dogs Out" in front of 120 people- DONE, let the florist know exactly how off the color of the flowers were on her wedding day- DONE (that was actually just kinda scary :-) pull together a $20,000 dollar photo shoot on a $20 budget- DONE, come to office with the biggest "wall of bangs" on "Flashback to the 80's Day"- DONE....

Nicoles enthusiastic energy is contagious and today her energy was all about The Glitter Girlz, it was an honor. Her willingness to help us is SO amazing! Talk about a person whose heart is in the right place and filled with passion for things she believes in. Words cannot explain how wonderful it is to see that Nicole believes in what we are doing and is willing to help us follow our dream.

Jodie and I are learning that when you start your own company you tap into every resource you have. Anyone you know who is good at something is probably going to get hit up for a donation of their services or particular area of expertise. Well today was officially "Hit Nicole Up Day"...

Once again Nicole wowed me by rising to the occasion...

"Your Life is an Occasion, Rise To It"

xoxo....Ellie

I must apologize for the lack of nail tutorial that I spoke of yesterday! I told you I would post it today and I am a bad little lie teller. Its not ready. However, I did the mani and pedi on my little cousin Olivia last night and IT is AMAZING! Lets just say she was most def the most happenin 8 year old at summer camp today. Tutorial will be up tomorrow...CROSS MY HEART HOPE TO DIE STICK A NEEDLE IN MY EYE!

Peace, Love & Martha Stewart Glitter!

2009-07-08T22:03:00.003-05:00

Growing up most girls see their moms reading things like Red Book, Ladies Home Journal, "Questionable" Fabio type romance novels and an occasional Chicken Soup for the Soul. Not at my house. I'm pretty confident my sister and I were read bedtime stories from Martha Stewart Living. My mother, I prefer to call her Marsh- her name is Marcia, has EVERY issue ever published...all the way back when the paper was real thick and nice. She hoards her MSL's big time ...along with her craft supplies, jewelry, dishes and candles- but whatev. My mom passed along the love of Martha to both my sister Maggie and I. When I met Jodie 6 years ago and she expressed her love of "good things" I knew we would get along just fine.

Jodie and I heard about a competition that Mz. Stewart had created for young woman who have turned their dreams into a business or philanthropic organization. We entered! We were pretty excited when we were contacted by Marthas producers this week to inform us that we would be featured in their newsletter. You all know our business is still VERY young and we are trying as hard as we can to create a glittery buzz about what we do. To even be looked at by Marthas peeps was enough to super charge us to work twice as hard to continue turning our dream into a reality.

Martha is an amazing source of inspiration to us every day at 11am when we watch her show here in Chicago and we are so honored.

We will be sure to keep you updated on the competition!

Be sure to check the blog tomorrow! We will be posting a deliciously cute totally free tutorial video on a mani pedi idea you can do at home with your girlios.

sweet dreams, ellie

"GO MAKE SOMETHING SPARKLY!" Creative Workshop....YOURE INVITED!

2009-07-06T23:14:00.008-05:00

So! We are hosting our first ever "Go Make Something Sparkly"....Workshop for Creative Girlz! These workshops are going to be very similar to what they will look like in our very own "The Glitter Girlz Creative Studio". The first one is going to be in Vernon Hills and will be "Pajama Ramma" themed event! We are limiting space to 30 little chicas this first go around...in other words, GET ON IT WOMAN and sign your little bambinos up! The party will be two hours and the girls will be making decorative pillows for their bedrooms. This is a BRAND NEW PROJECT! If you've been to one of our birthday parties -you haven't made this, we promise! This event is perfect for groups of girls or for girls to come and meet new friends! The details are below, please email the address below for hotel and conference room location!

workshopz@theglittergirlz.com

WHO: Girls 8+, space is limited to 30 girls. Parents are welcome to stay or pick their girls up at 8:00pm sharp :-)

WHAT: Creative Workshop....this ain't no popsicle stick and paste crafting session, this is the real Glitter Girl deal! Each girl will make a unique pillow to match her room or her own personal style. Each girl will also go home with a "GGz Swag Bag" (thats just a cool way to say goodie bag).

WHERE: Hotel conference room in Vernon Hills, please email for exact location.

WHEN: Friday August 7 6:00pm-8:00pm

WHY: To have fun and encourage girls to create something awesome from their imagination!

HOW: The Glitter Girl Gang will instruct and assist your girlz in their creative endeavors. Jodie and myself will also both be in attendance and leading this first session!

PRICE: The cost is $30 per girl and must be registered ahead of time via email. WORKSHOPZ@THEGLITTERGIRLZ.COM

This is going to be off the heezy fresheezy! We are thrilled to be able to bring creative entertainment to your girlz. It will be a night to celebrate and encourage each other in creativity. Its going to be wacky fun!

Later Gator!

A SUPER IMPORTANT DAY...kinda like the day you get ears pierced, but not painful.

2009-07-06T10:15:00.001-05:00

So, This is a pretty big day for me. My first blog post. I've dreamt about this day for sometime...nightmared might be more accurate. Everyone tells Jodie and I, "You need to blog!" I've honestly been avoiding it like I avoid the color brown (I'm sorry mom but brown IS the ugliest color). When the subject of a blog came up Jodie quickly said, "Its all you Elle, I'll make guest appearances." I knew the ball was in my court. My sister, Maggie, has always been the writer in the fam and there is good reason for it. She is good at it. Maggie knows how to use things like commas, letters, dictionaries, paragraphs, the dewy decimal system, etc... So I guess you can take this as my pre-apology for poor grammar, bad punctuation and mis spelled werds ;-) I have tons of good stuff to say and tell you about, its just gonna be a little rough around the edges. Our blog will be the one thing we do primarily for moms. We spend most of our time devoted to your daughters but this is all about you Mamma! We'll post cool stuff that doesn't suck; activity/craft ideas for you and your girlz, ridiculous pictures, give away free parties and other Glitter Girl swag and of course journal about our sparkly little lives. So hold on to your glue guns ladies....here we go!

I need to get back to watching "Doggie Make Overs" on the 4th hour of the Today Show.

xoxo, Ellie