Crafty Can be Cool

The wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving is approaching

which for me, means a few things like..

-Incredible food in greatly-oversized portions

-Afternoon-consuming naps

-Catching up with family

-Shopping like it's going out of style

-The blessing of free-time

This last aspect got my friend and I thinking about spending some of that time getting a little crafty...

While I have done a number of crafts growing up, I am now 21 and in hopes of discovering a few projects that are homemade but also hip, artsy, and colorful! In case you find yourself with some wonderful, and i'm sure well deserved, free-time this holiday weekend-here are a few projects you may want to try out :)

• Design your own apron! Move away from that "one size fits all" style and incorporate your own taste into an all new kitchen ensemble


• Create fashionable placemats out of magazine covers-find covers or pages of magazines that you'd love to show off and all you need is thin pieces of wood, transfer paper, and varnish in order to make pieces of art you can display at every meal!


• Begin knitting a blanket-especially if you live in a place like Michigan, as I do, you will have many gray, chilly days to work on it as well as greatly appreciate its' warmth.


• Decorate lamp shades-All over the magazines and specialty boutiques are shades draped in ribbon and adorned with flowers. Make the most of your old shade or pick up an inexpensive one to experiment on! It'll add both personality and much cozier lighting to any room.
  

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday week ahead full of family, friends, food, and maybe even a craft or two :)

Best,

Anne

Design Updates

Wendy is officially here! If you happened to stop in at the store or attended a LILL on Location party over the weekend you may have had the opportunity to get your's a little early, but today is the day it's available everywhere. Wendy is a casual tote bag that offers you an exterior and an interior fabric choice, as well as your choice of black of natural webbing for the straps. The straps have a super cute knot detail that we all love, and there's a sneaky zipper set into the exterior side seam to keep all your valuables safe. On top of all that Wendy is reversible, and has a great price point at $88, making it a perfect holiday gift.

Design yours today!

Nothing Short of Bittersweet...

Good afternoon ladies of Lill,

After reading the two previous blog entries I realized that I in no way can compete with their exciting and beautifully touching stories-goodness I've only been apart of Lill for a semester and the "Tapestry ELLIE" story nearly made me cry! As I try to recover from that tender act of kindess presented by Lill employees, I say we dive into my life; a college student winding down an incredible semester in Chicago!

The holiday season is quickly approaching and its been so exciting seeing all that Lill has done in preparation actually come together! I have absolutely fallen in love with a few of our new designs and feel as though I will not be leaving empty-handed come December :)

The only sad part about the upcoming holidays is that my time here at Lill and in Chicago is nearly up...

While my family and friends from home have been dearly missed, these past 3 months have been nothing short of life changing and nearing the end is painfully bittersweet. Seeing how so many things have progressed while I'm here like...the DAB kits, gift guide, etc. it's going to be incredibly challenging to let go; this position has been such a blessing!!

Even though I am whole-heartedly ready to make the most of these next few weeks both at work and in the city, I know Lill will be greatly missed once my residence is once again in the "mitten state". So while I am dealing with mixed emotions, make sure that you keep an eye out for all the AMAZING things Lill will be doing for the upcoming holidays!

Best,

Anne

What I'm Loving (this) Wednesday

Good morning all you LILL fans. I can’t believe it’s already mid November, the holiday’s are just around the corner. But don’t worry there is still plenty of time to get everyone on your shopping list fun and creative gifts from 1154 LILL Studio! (shh…keep reading for a special blog exclusive offer).

1) I had to wear a winter coat for the first time this weekend in Chicago, so naturally I wanted to escape reality already. Which means I’m on VACATION, I’m spending the week down in Longboat Key with a couple of girlfriends, and couldn’t be having a better time…thanks Jamie and Tracy…and the sun.

2) Design a bag kits, design a bag kits, design a bag kits. Can you tell I’m excited about our new design a bag kits? This week we officially launched our new line of Design a Bag Kits for the holidays. We have changed the packaging up a bit, and are offering ten (10) bags at various price points, who wouldn’t want to design their own bag for Christmas? Shop Design a Bag Kits

3) While laying on the beach I’m trying for about the 3^rd time to read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, it’s a slow start, but I’m finally getting into it and can tell it’s going to be phenomenal.

4) This Monday LILL officially went into holiday mode, be sure to check out our 2010 Holiday Gift Guide to find the perfect gift for every girl on your list. www.1154lill.com/gift+ideas/

5) I’m also loving all of the amazing press 1154 LILL Studio is getting, it’s so fun to share in all of the excitement with our die-hard LILL fans. Who doesn’t love seeing the same bag (but in totally different fabrics) they have walk down the red carpet?

6) Last, but not least…who doesn’t love a deal? This is why I am offering a $10 off code for all you blog readers. For three (3) days only enter Promo Code: BLOG10 at checkout and receive $10 off your order. This offer expires on Friday, 11/12/10 at 11:59 PM CST – which just so happens to be my very own incredible mom’s birthday – happy birthday mom.

Thanks again for tuning in to see what I’m loving this Wednesday. Back to vacation for me J

- Morgan

It's What's on the Inside That Counts

My mother always told me "it's what's on the inside that counts." I was reminded of this recently when I received a beautiful gift from my staff as we celebrated the 11th Anniversary of LILL. The team presented Robin and I with commemorative ELLIE totes - in a fabric I didn't recognize at a distance. As they brought the bags towards us, I realized that it was a patchwork fabric made up of a multitude of fabrics in our line. Each team member had selected their favorite fabric and they had stitched them together to create a beautiful tapestry representing each person in our organization. Along with the bag came a fabric "key" that listed each person and their selection. At the top of the key was a statement that I just love - "A business is made up individuals working towards one goal. When they all come together amazing things can happen." I adored the bag and couldn't wait to start carrying it. Then someone pointed out the inside...

On the inside of the bag, each person had written a short note and signed it. I use the bag everyday and as I open it up to pull out my work, I am reminded of the wonderful group of people that make up LILL and I am thankful for the opportunity we've had to build this business together. It simply makes me smile. I can almost hear my mother's voice saying "it's what's on the inside that counts."

As you start to consider gifts to give for the holidays, you, too, can give a gift with a little extra meaning. Our ELLIE totes with their nylon interiors are perfect for giving to that special teacher, coach, boss, mom or grandmother. Pick an exterior fabric she'll love and have the group sign the inside to commemorate your experiences together or have the kids stamp their hand prints on the interior. Your recipient will enjoy receiving a beautiful bag, but will LOVE what is on the inside.

Happy Designing,

Jen Velarde