creative burst

You know how they say that vacations are really good for the soul? Or that you need "girl time"? Or that being around creative people is inspirational?

It's true. All of it.

Case 1: My husband and I love California, so when a good friend invited us to her wedding out there, we couldn't wait! Prior to going, I had no complaints about the state of our married relationship, but it was definitely sweeter after having time away and temporarily living the free life of married-without-kids. [Did I mention baby C's grandparents are amazing?]

Case 2: Not so long after that trip, I had to say good-bye to my baby again in honor of Girls Weekend 2013. This time she spent the weekend with Daddy, and though I still missed them, all the laughs and fiascos that go hand-in-hand with time spent in the company of my mother and her sisters were good for the soul.

Case 3: Our Girls Weekend basically consisted of going to a giant handmade market for 3 days. When we got home, I spent one day as a total zombie, but after that the weather turned cold and rainy, the coffeepot turned on, and creativity has been flowing.

Which case is responsible for this latest burst in creative productivity? No clue. Probably all of them in different measures. But I'm loving it! I'm actually taking the time to do the many projects that have been rolling around my brain for months and finding them easier to accomplish with this new burst of energy.

There are possibly some changes coming to this ol' blog of mine, but those details are far from firmed up at this point. Let me just say, thanks for reading and hanging out with me on a non-regular basis! I look forward to sharing more a little later on my newest creations.

christmas shopping with etsy

How do you normally pick out Christmas gifts? In my family, we exchange names and if I don't know the cousin (or cousin's child) well, it can be hard to brainstorm a present they would like.

Enter Etsy's new gift finder. It's integrated with Facebook...which is genius! [not to mention fun] If you visit Etsy, check out the sidebar for the gift finder. Then allow it to access your Facebook account and wa-la! For all the things your friends and family list as likes on Facebook, Etsy attributes a search tag to and boom: vintage + handmade items geared directly towards that person.

Normally I'm more of a ask-their-nearby-relative-what-they-want-and-play-it-safe kind of person, or if I'm really desperate, ask the person directly what they want. Takes a bit of the surprise out of gift opening, yes, but chances are good that they'll actually like what they receive. But this...watch out, world, this is making me brave. [Well, this and my mustard tights, but that's a different story.]

It even tempts me to buy things for people *not* on my list, simply because it's so easy to pick a price range + subject matter and find great, unique gifts.

While this strays from my typical company highlights of those that are *using* Etsy [or are otherwise small, independent businesses], I just love this feature on Etsy's site and couldn't resist telling you about it!

Have you tried it? Did it get your gift-ideas flowing?


I am linking up with Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop and the prompt this week is Holiday How-To.

my flower friend

photo via MeMeBev

One of my favorite kitchen items isn't a kitchen tool at all. On our first Valentine's Day as a married couple, my husband surprised me by disappearing early in the morning and placing a red Gerber daisy on the kitchen table to greet me when I woke up.

At the time, we didn't get much sunlight for the poor daisy and it got the nickname "Scraggles." At one point, we started to doubt that it was a daisy at all because the leaves looked more like a dandelion! Since then, we've moved and right above the sink is the perfect window for growing a daisy. Sigh. Wonderful.

I love watching it bloom, remembering the history that it represents, and enjoying a little bit of beauty as I peel vegetables or wash dishes. It makes me smile, our little Scraggles, and reminds me that perseverance brings its rewards.

Be it cooking or crafting, given time + effort (+ research won't hurt, either), you will experience success!

sewing friends

Alternatively, these ladies could be titled sewing fiends - but a quick definition search made that term seem a bit negatively extreme. Friends is, well, friendlier.

I digress.

Now that you've met the new member of my craft room, you should really take some time to meet a few ladies that incite a lot of the enthusiasm surrounding that black beauty.

First up: Cotten & Curls. This girl loves to refashion, which makes her pretty great in my book. How many clothes do you have in your closet that aren't quite right, so don't get worn, but aren't so wrong that you can't give away? This pants tutorial is one of my favorites because there have definitely been pairs that fit like the "before" and it would be awesome to have them fit like the "after" instead!

Then there's the gap in the back problem. It really takes joy out of the jeans shopping experience when you have to say no to a really cute pair because the waist is all wrong. Freshly Picked has a well written solution just waiting for you - and me. Must try this one.

While my friend over at Posy the Porcelain Pig doesn't limit herself to sewing, this refashion project had to be shared. Who wouldn't want to thrift and sew when enlightened to the possibilities an 80's dress like this has to offer? She has lots of other fun projects, including a kitchen re-do, so be sure to pay her a visit!

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So there you have it. A peek into some of the places that get me [dangerously] inspired to rip open seams and tailor endlessly. Time to get the thread out!

gratitude

In light of the recent holiday, I've been thinking a lot about giving thanks.

by peacecranegreetings

How many times do you generally say "thank you" in a day? If you feel gratitude, do you express it? Conversely, how many times do you complain, make requests, or think "when this happens, I'll be much happier"?

by cottonflowerpress

I've been convicted of this lately and have been making a concerted effort to appreciate what I have now and share the thankfulness that I am feeling. If a batch of doughnuts in the break room makes me smile, I shouldn't keep that to myself. Nor should I isolate the kind words in my head when I see my husband has done the dishes or vacuumed the stairs.

by iloveitall

But what if you're not feeling particularly grateful? Well, that is perhaps the most powerful time to practice this concept. Since life is 10% what happens to you and 90% your reaction to it, what if your reaction was to give thanks? How much more life-giving would your countenance be?

by vinylyourdesign

Thus my current endeavor: to increase my awareness of the blessings in life and respond accordingly by giving thanks to the responsible party.

If this speaks to you, print it and hang it up! Click the image for a larger version.

Your turn to speak up! What are you thankful for lately?

artist feature: Carlos Silva

"9 Mugs" Framed 8"x 8" seen here

Another great shop to visit if you find yourself in Boothbay Harbor, Maine is Sweet Bay. They have a charming collection of home decor items, from traditional white and blue Maine-themed pottery to tiny cast iron mice that add character wherever they appear.

Being a coffee lover, I was immediately drawn to the work of Carlos Silva. He is a potter who makes wonderfully simple, cheerful shadow boxes and clocks featuring brightly colored tiny mugs, teapots, and saucers. My kitchen would love to welcome any of these pieces to its walls!

 Aren't they delightful?

encouragement

Some days you just really need a kind, uplifting word. Last week, that was me. The next day, I clicked on a giveaway and found this doodled saying, and instantly my spirits were lifted.

image by aimee of artsyville (check out her blog for more delightfully illustrated phrases)

It's moments like those that remind me of the importance of a supportive word. Enter (in)courage. They, too, were hosting a giveaway, but this giveaway paid forward! They sent participants a pack of encouraging cards with the promise that the cards would be used to encourage others, in honor of the the National Day of Encouragement (today!). I was more than happy to receive a pack of Dayspring cards and send them out.

In particular, there is a group of girls that I used to room with. Each one of them came into my life during a different stage: high school, college, and post-college. Let me tell you, these girls are amazing. They are all very different from each other, but they've all impacted my life. When I read through the pack of cards, there was one specifically geared toward each one. I hope their hearts were lifted as much as mine was when I wrote in them, reflecting on our friendship.

I seriously love this one. Who in your life comes to mind when you read this card?

nautical notions

In part inspired by recent twitter discussions regarding nautical navy by the lovely @NoirBlancDesign, this inspiration board is all about room decor that celebrates sailing the ocean blue. If I lived on a lake, or even near the ocean, I think I might decorate my guest room around this theme.

Imagine how much fun you could have with it!

Image Credits and Ideas
1. This would be a great addition to a wall shelf. Delicate and charming.
Miniature Fishing Net by honeyandbee

2. A handy place for guests to hang items - maybe beach towels!
Cast Iron Wall Hook by monkeyandsquirrel

3. Love the illustration and the character the printing substrate provides.
Vintage Dictionary Print by littlebluebirdstudios

4. Keep the bedspread white, and let the pillowcase carry the theme.
Anchor Pillowcase by Royalkane

5. Place one of these on the bed or nightstand to welcome guests.
Nautical Chart Cards by Juanitas


Which idea is your favorite?

flower yearnings

Flowers are lovely, aren't they? I've always admired the variety of colors and petal formations that exist among the flora family. I like to grow them, draw them, paint them, smell them ... and now ... I want to wear them.

But first, I need to make them.

These will be my inspiration:

images via anthropologie

image via  Reese Dixon tutorial

 image source

What do you think? Any personal faves?

artist feature: Susan Piazza

Disposable income is not something I often have in excess, so I've gotten really good at browsing. As Torrie said in her comment on my summer outfit post, "Blogging and the internet is a double-edged sword - great for shopping, but not so fun when you're trying to minimize spending!"

In the past, when I discovered a store that was filled with delightful treasures, I would buy one small thing, just so I could take home a piece of each place. Unfortunately, having that one small piece was never enough to truly express the inspiration that it was meant to represent. Now I stare at the pieces,  trying to soak them up in order to implant their memory and their magic into my brain. So it was with Susan Piazza.

It was a relaxed weekend, my parents were visiting, and we thought it would be fun to explore downtown Anoka. Our last stop was the Krista Artista Gallery, which is filled with great finds. It was these poppy pieces, however, that monopolized my attention.

I love the color, the texture, the three-dimensionality, and the simple subject matter.

If you're ever in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities, please visit this art gallery. It's worth your time!



All images via Piazza Art and Design

summer outfit: yellow + black

Confession: I love shopping.

When I was young, my dream was to go with a group of friends to the mall after it had closed, but the stores stayed open and we tried on everything we possibly could, and left them all in a heap on the floor when we were done (because hanging everything back up on the hanger is my least favorite part).

Now we have the internet. From the convenience of my home, I can find all sorts of treasures! While I may not be able to try them on, at least I don't have to hang them up when I'm done looking at them. :-)

This summer has been all about skirts, so I thought what better to shop for than a new outfit to go with a classic gray pencil skirt. And since yellow + black is all the rage, I couldn't resist basing my new outfit on that palette.

P.S. While I was browsing for these lovely pieces, I came across a whole slew of shrugs with Victorian flair. Most of them are bridal, but don't you just love the way the neck turns up?


Images Credits
Shawl from mucar
Mermaid Ruffle Strapless Shirt from bluethreadsmelody
Classic Pencil Skirt from tasifashion
Obsidian Earrings from JennyMJewels
Bracelet from SpottedFish
Peeptoe Pump from Ann Taylor

color spotlight: blue and gray

Blue and gray. How relaxing is this palette? It's truly seasonless; could be crisp and wintery, or soft as a rainy spring day, or warm as a summer beach.

Some examples of the palette in action:

Image Credits:

1. Art Deco Table Lamp from Target

2. Fillable Glass Table Lamps from Lamps Plus (spotted on Completely Coastal)

3. Rioja Bowl from Crate&Barrel

4. Linocut Print from thebigharumph

5. Marble Magnets from sideproject

6. Throw Pillow from wickedmint

7. Tin Recipe Box from kotibeth

8. The Crafty Silver Fox from dearcolleen

9. Porcelain Dish from elmstudios

What do you think? What mood does the blue + gray combo evoke in you?

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reclaimed wood

This year's 4th of July weekend was spent at a small town's centennial celebration. They had a small craft fair there, where one of the vendors was selling wall art featuring handmade wire windmills mounted on reclaimed wood. Unfortunately, I missed the chance to purchase any and don't even know the vendor's name. Even more unfortunately, I can't get them out of my head! So it looks like I'm going to have to try to make one myself. Or look longingly at similar things. Like the ones below. Don't you just love the rustic feel of these pieces?

Reclaimed Rustic Barn Wood Coat Hooks from timelessjourney

Reclaimed Wood with Antique Monarch Burner Shelves from AtomicAttic

Upcycled Salvaged Wood from NATURALBATHTIME

Vintage Cast Iron Cultivator Wheel Mounted on Black Walnut Wood from sixtyfivestudio

folk trending

Recently, I've been eyeballing my rosemaling supplies and considering applications for that art. What timing - evidently it's a trend I didn't even know I was channeling! The Storque, Etsy's blog, just listed this summer's trends. Included on the list was Folk and Bohemian. My family always had elements of their heritage proudly on display, so it always cheers me up to see others keeping those traditions alive.

Blue Holland Earrings set from JaimeNicole

A Peaceful Garden Sampler by Moira Blackburn from ShakespearesPeddler

Country Rose Laisser Faire - Hand Painted Box from ByCoco

Here are some pieces reflecting my heritage - can you guess what it is?

movie inspiration: 500 days of summer

Summer Finn knew how to decorate an apartment!

{for those unfamiliar with the movie, 500 Days of Summer tells the tale of boy meets girl - the girl being, of course, Summer}

If you have seen the film, perhaps you also loved, amidst other great moments, his introduction to where she lived. As he walks around exploring the various elements, he touches (followed by a camera zoom) these great paper cranes hanging from a tabletop tree.

Origami. So simple and beautiful. Love it.

Seriously, how great are these mobiles?








Top image courtesy of roundhousedesigns
Left image courtesy of Longarms
Movie stills courtesy of quarterlifestyle