O is for OPEN

The designed by Diana website store is now open for business!

This store will feature web-only exclusives and very limited edition items. So you'll have to check back often to see what is there.

Our first items are a few great customs that I've done for a few people. And now here they are for everyone to enjoy:

Firstly, for all the brides-to-be out there, my "Toss Me" Garter Set. This is a matching set of 2 garters, one to keep and one to toss. They are made of satin and hand embroidered with your monogram. This is a great keepsake for your wedding and even a great gift for any friends that are getting married. This item is custom made when the order is received, so it will take at least 2 weeks before it is ready to ship. We can make it in blue (for your "something blue") or a variety of colors to match your wedding. I first made this garter set for my friend, Erica, who is about to celebrate her first wedding anniversary. They were the perfect addition to her wedding ensemble, and they are sure to be a great addition for anyone.


Next, we have the dbD Lunch Bag. I created this lunch bag for myself. I got so many compliments in the lunchroom at the office, that I took a few orders for more. I'm really proud on the design of this one. It's made in our cool dbD prints and is lined with ripstop nylon for easy cleanup. The bag is also interfaced and lined with insulated batting, so it'll keep your food cold or hot (just not both at the same time!). I made it large enough to hold an entree size tupperware and you'll still have plenty of room for snacks. These lunchboxes are great for kids and adults. This lunchbox can be customized in any of our dbD fabrics, so if you want a custom one, just contact me and I'll get one started for you. Bringing your lunch never looked so cool.


I hope you like the items up on the new website. Some new items are in development and will be coming to the website store soon.

N is for New

My new website is up, finally! I've been working on it and I'm pretty happy with how it came out. It's still the same URL: http://designedbydiana.com/

I'm really liking this new site, and I hope you do too!
This new site has a new and improved photo gallery. You'll get to see some custom items, events, and even my studio. We also have the dbD blog, a little info about dbD, and all our contact info. Plus I have a page for all of my favorite links, so check them out and see if you find some new faves too.

This new site also has a store, which will be opening next week. My etsy store will still be the main place to get the majority of the items, but I'll have some surprises on this store for all of you. Just stay tuned and you'll hear all about it. And there is a link to my etsy store on the store page of the site, so all you have to remember is designedbyDiana.com

I'd love to hear what you think about the site! So just comment below and let me know!

M is for Mom!

Alas, Mother's Day is upon us once again. And after racking my brain for gift ideas for all the moms in my life, I got inspired and made up something oh-so-cute for Mom and the MIL.

This year the ladies got some great girlie movies. But this is Mother's Day, I couldn't whole-heartedly just wrap up the DVD and call it a day! So I made them each themed giftboxes with little trinkets that went along with the theme of their movie.

First my Mother-In-Law, Ana. I got her "Hope Floats." So to package it all up, I got a little wooden crate and lined it with straw. With a paint pen, I wrote "My cup runneth over" on one side and "Hope is the stuff that floats to the top" on the other (both are lines from the movie). I draped over a bandana print fabric that I had to line the box. Then in went the DVD. I also made her a Flower Pen Pot. It had yellow flowers, just like the ones Justin Matisse gives to Birdee at the end of the movie. I was gonna make the galvanized pitcher into a candle, but i worried about the narrow mouth and a flame. So I filled it up with sugar-free chocolates. I wanted to give this one a very country feel. I know she'll like it, it's totally her style! I'm not sure if she's seen Hope Floats, but I know she'll love it.

Now onto Mom's gift box. She got "My Fair Lady." Her box was a hat box, cause Eliza wears some great hats in the movie. Didn't think I'd be able to actually get a hat box, but I found one! On the side of the box, I wrote "Wouldn't it be lover-ly" (from one of the songs in the movie). Then I filled it up with pink tissue paper. Mom also got a pen pot, but her flowers were more pink/purple, like the ones Eliza sold in the beginning of the movie. Then I made her a teacup candle, cause everyone knows a lady drinks tea. The box got adorned her box with black and white ribbons, just like on Eliza's "Going to the Races" outfit. It's so cute and I know Mom will get it.

Now, since I know the ladies will be reading this, I won't divulge the price, but needless to say they were very affordable and a great way to jazz up a DVD for anyone. Plus, I got to try out some great new crafts. The pen pot was seen on craftser.org and the candle cups are from Martha Stewart. So easy and so fun to make. This would make a great gift for anyone. Just vary the movie and the trinkets to go with it. I can't wait to make more of these, now I just need a reason!

And to all the Moms out there, "Happy Mother's Day!"