co wash vid...kinda

So....I was asked to make a cowash vid. Well specifically, the individual mentioned that they went to view my co wash vid and noticed I didn't have one. I said I would attempt to make one the next time I do my hair...well holding a video-camera phone and washing one's hair at the same time...not doable. However...I did take pics while I was doing my hair....and I will upload a slide show if possible. So its coming...its just not ready yet. Stay tuned.

DMC #5 cotton floss prep vid

Watch "DMC #5 cotton floss prep" on YouTube

This is to give a visual reference of the dmc floss tutorial.

DMC #5 cotton floss prep

Ever steped up your game and bought some premium DMC cotton floss and found that not only is it not designed to be split but just getting started s a challenge? The answer is in the prep. Improper prepping leads to mass tangling. This is how to prep a dmc #5 skein. You need a yarn bobbin or a business size card, a mini clip or tape.

First...remove the binding labels. Put them aside...you will use them later as an identification label. Now untwist the skein and it will look like a long circle. Look at this circle...you will see a loop knot somewhere on it.

Pick it up by this knot and use it as the guide to open the circle. Place carefully on flat surface and undo the knot. 

*Attach one loose end onto a bobbin in the slit or a card to which you have anchored the loose end on with the clip. Slowly wind around the bobbin/card.

Once you are done winding the skein onto the bobbin...take the binding label that has the color number on it and slide it under the loose end side...I actually put the loose end thru the paper tube...then clip it into place.

*If you are using a bobbin...and the loose end is inserted into the tab...skip that step and tape the label onto the bobbin where the color number will clearly be seen. If you have paper bobbins...simply write the info onto the card. Finished.

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Aspen

This leaf is called the aspen leaf. Turns out it is much similar to knit than the chadelier leaf i was making before. Oddly enough...same number of rows. The only difference is the placements of the yo's. The pattern can be found on knitty.com it is the embellisment for a wine bottle cozy. But as you see here....not how im using it.

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Tone on Tone fun

This is a knitted leaf....on the back of the shirt...the stem is embroidered. On the front are 2 rosette flowers...3rd in the works and more leaves. Cant wait till im finished so you can see it.

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Air conditioning

twists-braids-and a back-up...didn't quite know what to call this. Its got a back-up...it started with twists...and ended up with braids.  It looks good so I'm just gonna leave it like this. Maybe add some beads. But for now ...this is it. I may break each section up into 2 or 3 more braids....but for right now its serving its purpose....its air conditioning. Haha

Fail....twists

I tried these twists on the back up as inspired by a similar look seen on the fiesty house blog but they kept unraveling....so....i kept the twists on the top half and the bottom half i braided. That looks great stay tuned.

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Braid Back-up

Most folks know the quickest way to stay cool is to put the back of your hair up. We call it a back-up. It serves 2 purposes...it keeps you cool and it keeps the hhair off the neck and keeps your hair from being snagged by your clothing. Well this is a braid back-up. I havent decided how the front will be. I have an idea, inspired by the fiesty house, but i dont know if that will work for my features.  You'll know, when i know. Yes...I plan to post the results.

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A few changes...

You may have noticed there have been a few changes to the format of the blog. This is becuz life itself offers changes and challenges. The artfire mini store at the bottom of the page for example...that will be going away soon. When artfire changes their format on the 15th...I will not be joining them, instead I will be removing the ministore and links and selling directly from the blog. Stay tuned for that....shipping will remain free unless specifically statd otherwise. Also for clarification...when I upload design pics...unless stated in post...those designs will be on sale. Even if its in the works...it will be considered on sale but won't be available until the finish pic is uploaded. I have always done it hat way for custom items so the customer could see the progress so regular items will simply follow that format. Stay tuned and stay blessed.

Nice look

Tried on my daughters glasses. They look cute on me but had to take them off of course...she needs them to see, and i need to close my eys since now they hurt. Haha. In other news my hair is rocking!

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Parade Aftermath

Haha had great fun walkiing in a parade...now im having a heavenly time resting on this icepack! Right before i headed for home, we got word "Best Church Float"...there wiill be a trophy. Yay! God is good.

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Simple Elegance...released.

It you take down just the top of the Simple Elegance style..the halo braids become a headband.  This is how it looks....before wetting. The curl pattern will return after I wet it. But either way...its cute.

Simple Elegance

This style...also known as 2 base protective, anchor braids, 4 square, 2 inverted-2 extroverted, quick weave base, 2 cornrows with frenchies, what ever you call it...its simple elegance....and simply fast and easy.

Starting with freshly washed and deep conditioned hair....make a 1 inch halo part....clamp it out the way. Part the canopy into 2 or 3 sections...i did 2...and french braid strait back leaving ends free, but held in place with a clamp. Comb out the halo section and part in center...braid this sectiom loosely...so it floats and wont pull the scalp. When you reach the free end of the french braids...remove clamps and pick up and braid into the halo. Braid this to its end matching the center part when necessary. Repeat on other side. Wrap with a silk scarf at night and this style will last 2 weeks.

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Emergency reweaving...

Someone had an oops...and asked me to fix it...in an hour. As you can see...the hole is in a location that can't just be stitched over without being obvious.

I reweaved a base with a pale green yarn. Then I matched the color as closely as possible with a green embroidery floss...this patch is called a double chain. You chain stitch up thru the fabric and the makeshift base...and when you reach the top...you chain stitch down.  Repeat the process, reversing directions each tiime and you end up with the textured patch you see here.

Since the next project will be to add flowers and leaves with the same floss it will work rather well. But for right now...this hour fix it was greatly apreciated.

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Qik - Double French Braid by Tonilakaya Peeples

Double french braid

5 mins to Elegance. This style looks like you spent time to create it but it basically takes about 5 mins. Great look for summer.

The video can be found on youtube.com/peepla7 if it isnt showing here.

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Anchored twist out

This is what the anchored twists look like when released. There is movement, shine, length from the looser wave pattern and hangtime. This won't round off into a bush until at least the 3rd day. If wrapped at night...can last a week.Gotta love that.

Hair was deep conditioned yesterday so there is extra shine from the retained moisture. No styling products used. The style probally wouuld last longer if you use setting lotion or something. I don't use products so what you see is what I got. Give it a try.

Anchored twists

Ever noticed that on humid days the twists get fluffy and look shorter as it dries. Want to retain the length you had when you first twisted it...try this. Twist the hair the way you normally do...holding the hair taut at the roots...anchor the base of twist with a clip or a bobbi pin. Tighten twist and place a clip on the end. Repeat with all twists. Re-wet with a mist of water if desired. Let air dry completely before removing bobbi pins and clips. If you are wearing a twist out...you will notice more definition and length.

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Time to deep condish...

Step one....mix 1 cup of mayo...with 1/4 cup or good pour your regular conditioner or scoop of LeKlair cholesterol conditioner. I use an old magarine bowl so I can storage leftover in fridge until next time.

Step two...either apply to hair directly....or to sectioned hair...one section at a time....making sure hair is coated from roots to ends. Cover hair with plastic shower cap. Wrap a long piece of plastic wrap around that...making sure to overlap the skin and the cap....this is to keep any oil from dripping. Now take a towel and wrap around the hair. Leave on for an hour.

Step three...rinse well. Co-wash the roots if needed. Detangle in needed...and style as usual. Personally ...I twist the hair into large sections...trim the ends if needed and let air dry. If I'm doing this close to bed time...I wrap a scarf around it and go to bed. 

Step four...witness the rebirth of soft, shiny, touchable curls. Enjoy.