tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32475772551650052932024-03-14T04:05:25.535-04:00mourning dove studiosLaurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-49260099637169150362013-05-02T22:12:00.000-04:002013-05-02T22:12:08.832-04:00Snail Mail<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s a look at some of the snail mail I’ve been sending
out and receiving lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-75437552322852496442013-03-28T17:42:00.002-04:002013-03-29T12:04:54.447-04:00Easter Crafting<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m so glad it’s almost
Easter, and I’m thrilled that it’s finally starting to feel like Spring
outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a minute there I was
worried we might have snow on Easter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today I spent some time working on a few decorations for Sunday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I made these little treat
bags using paper shopping bags, old envelopes and washi tape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were really simple to make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I created the pattern by taking apart a paper
trinket bag and tracing it onto some cardstock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Later this week they will get stuffed with tissue paper, plastic grass
and candy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to hand them out
to my family.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8599025778_5d5a96cab1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8599025778_5d5a96cab1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition to those, I
made some pom poms that I plan to string together for garland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was my first time making them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always see them on my Pinterest feed and
being incorporated into all sorts of projects, but I never took the time to
figure out how to make them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
super easy!</span><br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8386/8599027348_d409e7988d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8386/8599027348_d409e7988d.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another project I worked
on today was a small centerpiece for one of our tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a work in progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually I’m not of fan of artificial décor
like fake fruit and flowers, but I actually work with these foam eggs quite a
bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s something about them that
appeals to me and blends in with the colors I like to use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for the flower, I’m still unsure of how I
feel about it, but for now it’s helping me brainstorm.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-4194546607651858332013-03-12T09:53:00.000-04:002013-03-12T09:56:36.327-04:00Inspiration Tip // Change Your Search Tags<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pinterest, Tumblr,
and related sites are great sources of visual inspiration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can cater the boards and blogs you follow
to reflect your personal styles, aesthetics, and interests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, it’s very soothing to scroll through
pages of colors and subject matter that I’m drawn to, but too much of the same
can cause a creative block.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once a week try
switching things up and searching some new tags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get outside of your creative comfort
zones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are the opposites of what
you are usually inspired by?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
pastels, but it can be refreshing to check out some neons. Do you lean towards contemporary design? Check out something vintage.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What we take in
has a huge impact on what we produce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Recharge your creative library and challenge yourself to incorporate something
new today.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<![endif]--><br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-34073008399881518092013-03-11T00:00:00.000-04:002013-03-11T01:14:28.695-04:00Artist Love // Midori Yamada's Cats<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you familiar with
<a href="http://www.midoriyamada.net/" target="_blank">Midori Yamada</a>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s a Japanese
illustrator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I first saw one of her cat
watercolors last year and absolutely fell in love with her work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even after seeing her diverse portfolio, they
still remain my favorite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.midoriyamada.net/image/syoujyo/hyakuken01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://www.midoriyamada.net/image/syoujyo/hyakuken01.jpg" width="549" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m very interested in the
way she uses plants and flowers as an element of pattern for the cat’s to
become submerged in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even when used as a
design element, she takes such great care with each leaf and petal, making sure
they retain their individual integrity and delicacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.midoriyamada.net/image/syoujyo/oide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.midoriyamada.net/image/syoujyo/oide.jpg" width="270" /></a><a href="http://www.midoriyamada.net/image/syoujyo/hyakuken03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.midoriyamada.net/image/syoujyo/hyakuken03.jpg" width="290" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The eyes of all her cats
hold a certain edge, a little bit of mystery and darkness, which mesh with the
hazy tone of her palette.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their gazes
draw you in and hold you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.midoriyamada.net/image/syoujyo/akebimiti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://www.midoriyamada.net/image/syoujyo/akebimiti.jpg" width="550" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aside from cats, Yamada
has a range of enchanting <a href="http://www.midoriyamada.net/syoujyo.htm" target="_blank">subject matter</a> including fish, girls, plants, and
comics. You can check out all of her work and other projects on her website, midoriyamada.net. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(images: Midori Yamada) </span>
</div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-69261837391197872972013-03-07T00:00:00.000-05:002013-03-11T01:15:02.465-04:00Beauty Review // Dear My Essence in Lips-Talk <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Korean
company Etude House is on of my favorite cosmetic brands, but it can be a
little intimidating to select the right beauty product when you’re buying out
of the country. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I first got into their
products last fall because I was in love with their package design and
catalogues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By December I was ordering
product, but it wasn’t easy to make the perfect choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to rely heavily on beauty review blogs
to find the right product and shade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s why I’ve decided to review some of their products I’ve ordered
since then.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Today I’m
going to talk about my current favorite; Dear My Essence in Lips-Talk in the
shade EPK002. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s become my go-to lip
product, even if I’m only running to the grocery store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8534316721_08fc2d8d59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8534316721_08fc2d8d59.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">First
off, what is Dear My?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s Etude
House’s line of lip sticks and tints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The best thing about the lip Essence is the smooth, light
consistency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t stand having
anything heavy or sticky on my lips, but this product is neither.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its signature silky texture can be
contributed to the Meadowfoam seed oil it contains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of the seed oil, it also does not
have that chemical lip stick smell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Another
great thing about this product is that it conditions your lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have chapped or dry lips you don’t
have to worry about the pigment clinging to the skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It goes on very smooth and is quickly
absorbed into the lips, leaving only the lovely matte shade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t recommend applying a chap stick or
anything to your lips first, because it will cause the color to sit on the
surface of your lips instead of fully absorbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over time the shade will lighten and continue
to absorb, so I typically reapply after four hours.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Now, can
I take a moment to gush about the packaging?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s absolutely adorable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saved
my box!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really enjoy the brush-like
illustration of the lip stick on the front and the adorable pencil scribble
style hearts all over it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tube
itself is a sweet shade of pink with a hint of silver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8518/8535425390_7738ec0217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8518/8535425390_7738ec0217.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">To wind
the product, you gently rotate the base to the right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will hear a gentle click.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do this about 2-4 times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It winds very gradually so that you get a
nice smooth line when you apply it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because the product is very soft, they have designed the tube to only
wind just the right amount.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cap has enough
room that it does not come in direct contact with the pigment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">One thing
to know about the tube is that you can not wind it back down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, do not aggressively over wind it.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">You can
find lots of places to order Etude products online, but I find that the
cheapest and most reliable route is to order through a seller on Amazon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This way you have a third party involved in
the transaction with international sellers in case your shipment is lost or you
need to do a return.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dear My
Essence comes in seven other shades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
the most part the colors are pretty accurate; perhaps they are a bit darker in
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suggest finding a review where
the shade is being modeled on someone’s skin so that you can make the right
selection for yourself.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">What
about you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you familiar with Etude
House?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which products have you tried
from them or what would you like to try in the future?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-49861972227169913252013-02-21T14:49:00.000-05:002013-03-11T01:15:23.879-04:00Calming Pink and Grey Pastels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8508/8496045614_28e7911637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8508/8496045614_28e7911637.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This year I find
myself very drawn to shades of pink and grey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve always loved pastels, but this particular combination has really
been resonating with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I even bought
a light pink pencil skirt last month!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think the soft winter overcast these first few months of the year bring has a
lot to do with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While cleaning up
my ‘studio’ (I use that word sparingly) I noticed how much I’ve been working
with these colors by how many pink and grey scraps I had laying around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had fun putting them together into a small
collage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is something very
soothing about these colors together, in just the right shades. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a relaxing little project to work on,
and I may create another one soon to escape all the stress I am under at the
moment.</span><br />
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<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="http://yumiasakura.com/1624" target="_blank">yumi asakura</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> While searching
for museum jobs over the weekend I found a wonderful artist fellowship and
decided to apply for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, the
deadline is only days away and I was completely unprepared to apply for
anything like this, but this would be a great opportunity and I’m not going to
let it slip by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This year I
promised myself I would start making bigger steps into regaining control over
my life instead of letting life happen to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had some major setbacks with school but I’m learning that when things
don’t go as planned, at some point you have to step back and reshape your
future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I am throwing myself into
putting together my portfolio and this application.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8496045568_2abab6b45e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8496045568_2abab6b45e.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><a href="http://www.ambidex-store.jp/products/detail.php?product_id=5554" target="_blank">ambidex</a> , <a href="http://nwermers.webs.com/works19982011selection.htm" target="_blank">nicole wermers</a> </span></div>
</div>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It feels great to
finally be applying for something I believe in and not being afraid to put
myself and my work out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote a
new artist statement yesterday and am feeling really good about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Selecting which works to include in my
portfolio is another story, but I am definitely including a pink and grey mixed
media piece I made last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That makes
one down and nine more to go!</span></div>
</div>
</div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-68152521346624787092013-02-03T15:06:00.001-05:002013-02-21T16:17:43.702-05:00Four Favorite BlogsWhen I read that <a href="http://decor8blog.com/" target="_blank">decor8</a> was hosting a <a href="http://decor8blog.com/2013/01/30/bloghug/" target="_blank">hashtag party</a> to celebrate those we appreciate in the blog world, I knew right away which bloggers I wanted to 'hug.' These four blogs are all ones I started reading last year, and they quickly became my favorite to visit. Reading them has become a part of my daily routine, and I can always look forward to the insight, inspiration, and cheer they provide. So here is a big <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bloghug&src=typd" target="_blank">#bloghug</a>, high-five, and hooray to the four of you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyZ8QMrr0MvOBktuMEBQiM6BWuQUzk5ADnKMhRLL1hg4jW8LLe1mlvgzLmBFZqCZF5SxWqP_swIEvLJM_AiPKkt372QrsoE7cGFzPfSI6zZeprlU_lu_MqSRhg4Ltl7gsMiGOKtUsTAA/s1600/%2523bloghug01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyZ8QMrr0MvOBktuMEBQiM6BWuQUzk5ADnKMhRLL1hg4jW8LLe1mlvgzLmBFZqCZF5SxWqP_swIEvLJM_AiPKkt372QrsoE7cGFzPfSI6zZeprlU_lu_MqSRhg4Ltl7gsMiGOKtUsTAA/s400/%2523bloghug01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://hellosandwich.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Hello Sandwich</a><br />
Being the washi tape addict that I am, it didn't take but one glance for me to fall in love with this blog. Some of my favorite posts are of the amazing mt factory and school. If you're ever feeling at a loss for craft inspiration, this is the place to visit. With all the pages of vibrant paper projects, it's no wonder Hello Sandwich has authored several craft books. She also shares many beautiful photos of Tokyo. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://bforbonnie.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">b for bonnie</a><br />
I found my way to Bonnie Tsang's blog after seeing her lovely photography portfolio. Aside from sharing beautiful photos with readers, you will also find plenty of posts on fashion and design. One of my guilty pleasures is food photography, and I always look forward to new photos from restaurants.<br />
<br />
This past December I was deeply moved by the post <a href="http://bforbonnie.wordpress.com/2012/12/12/9-years/" target="_blank"><i>9 years</i></a> on the ever of her birthday. It was so inspirational and heartwarming, and just what I needed to read at the time. There was so much that resonated with me and I'm very thankful to her for sharing her experiences with us.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrZN_9LLjigxzCqNUkjQrZhUTsp1374sd2RnDKgDulVldMgVtdcxC5DhdLdevDHRYo9bVn133YWT4ciau4DmFrpxNlQTe-n7vPlDSdrq9z8-rydsZTr-tBXmUBZ_r0ZZaPlB-dU6b1Ek/s1600/%23bloghug02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrZN_9LLjigxzCqNUkjQrZhUTsp1374sd2RnDKgDulVldMgVtdcxC5DhdLdevDHRYo9bVn133YWT4ciau4DmFrpxNlQTe-n7vPlDSdrq9z8-rydsZTr-tBXmUBZ_r0ZZaPlB-dU6b1Ek/s400/%23bloghug02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://sendmoremail.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">send more mail</a><br />
If you're a fan of ephemera and snail mail, you will be in heaven on this blog, scrolling through endless pictures of written correspondence. I'm an avid collector of stamps and postcards and love looking at through this blog as much as I love sorting through my own albums. Have you sent any snail mail lately?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://fabrickaz.jugem.jp/" target="_blank">fabrickaz+idees</a><br />
Love zakka and textiles? You need this blog in your life. It's completely dedicated to sewing housewares and sweet soft objects. I really admire the non-stop freedom to created this blog promotes. Besides seeing completed projects, you get a step by step look at the creative process, from the uncut vintage fabric to the potholders waiting to be sewn shut. You will definitely be moved to want to make something.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[images are from their corresponding blogs: hello sandwich, b for bonnie, send more mail, and fabrickaz+idees]<br />
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-22460517317536046632013-01-24T14:53:00.000-05:002013-03-14T15:08:24.314-04:00DIY // Elementary Kid Inspired Valentines<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Today it finally snowed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was beginning to worry that we wouldn’t get any snow here at all this
winter, but I woke up this morning to a cold room filled with soft light from
the window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My inner-kid immediately
recognized the signs of snow and I pulled back the curtain for a quick glance
at the white covered back yard before going back to sleep.</div>
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It’s funny how that child-like wonder of snow has stuck with
me, even as an adult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Winter was always
an exciting time of year filled with holiday parties in class and hopes of
school cancellations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The feeling stayed
with me throughout the day and got me thinking about another favorite thing
about winter that’s coming up: Valentine’s Day.</div>
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Do you remember the little valentines you have to fold in
half that come in the cardboard boxes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
loved those things when I was little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They always come in designs of cute cartoons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In school we would make little ‘mail boxes’
from paper bags to tape to our desks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did anyone else do that? On
Valentine’s Day we would have a small party where everyone would deliver cards
into the mail boxes. At the end of the day they would be filled with lots
of little cardboard valentines.</div>
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Feeling nostalgic, I decided to make some of my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All you need are index cards and whatever supplies you would like for decorating. Fold the index cards in half, then have fun decorating them inside and out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a great project to do with kids, or you can make them for
your friends and family to smile back on those childhood days. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Recommended Supplies:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3” x 5” assorted color index cards</div>
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deco and washi tapes</div>
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die cut hearts</div>
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glue stick</div>
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bone folder (for scoring the folded card)</div>
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rubber stamps</div>
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scrap papers and magazines</div>
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kid safe scissors</div>
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assorted stickers</div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-77567949008422157232013-01-12T22:24:00.000-05:002013-01-12T22:24:47.099-05:00Mini Calendars for the New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I kicked 2013 off with sending out some snail mail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After recuperating from some post holiday
sickness I made these little mini January calendars to send to friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fun to do a little collage work, and I
got to use the new slim pastel washi tapes I got for Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little floral bits were cut out from the
inside of a shopping bag pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
been hanging on to them all last year, but I never got around to using them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, each time I went to de-stash some of
my materials I was never able to throw them away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know how it is when you’re waiting for
the perfect project to come around?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
of the time I end up holding on to things forever, but in this case I found the
perfect use for them.</div>
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This year I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i>
need to let go of lot of little bits like those flowers since my sister and I
are re-designing our room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping
to be able to move my workspace into the basement, but that project may have to
hold off for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I’m left with the
task of trying to balance having my room double as my studio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really hope I can be more organized this
year and get better at separating work things from the rest of my things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anyone has any design tips for having a
workspace in your bedroom, please share!</div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-15936825778537499482013-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:002013-01-01T15:03:12.224-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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Happy New Year</div>
</div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-45393914117825131522012-12-18T17:30:00.000-05:002013-03-14T15:08:39.931-04:00DIY // Eraser Stamped Gift TagsI had to do a double take when I looked at today's date. Not only did December sneak up on me, it's flying by. Yesterday my family and I got our tree. The cats are having a blast with it, as always. It's hard to believe the holiday is right around the corner and I haven't wrapped a single gift.<br />
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I did find time to make some gift tags over the weekend. The idea came from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewarts-Encyclopedia-Crafts-Instructions/dp/0307450570" target="_blank">Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts</a>, which I checked out from the library. It's a wonderful and inspriing book. Projects and tutoriols are so accessible on the internet now that I don't look at craft books much, but it was very refreshing to flip through page after page of beautiful craft work.<br />
<br />
Anyway, there was stamping project using the erasers on the ends of No. 2. pencils to create little flower patterns. I went simpler and took the polka dot route, decorating a few shipping tags. After that I made a few of my own tags from card stock. A brand new pencil eraser will give you a perfectly round stamped circle, but for some fun I did a bit of stamping with worn erases, too. The end of a glue stick provided a nice circle stamp as well, and I enjoyed making patterns with it.<br />
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Hopefully I can get some presents wrapped this week and put these tags to use.<br />
<br />
Happy Holidays everyone!Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-58314414207085377482012-11-23T21:06:00.000-05:002013-03-14T15:08:53.517-04:00DIY // Rustic Cinnamon Stick Holiday Table Decorations<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s a quick idea I had
for holiday table decorations that don’t fall into the trap of traditional
holiday colors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a spool of scrap
fabric ribbon I’ve been adding to, and I thought some of it would look nice
tied around of a bag of cinnamon sticks I found from last Fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a sucker for any kind of pastel fabric
paired with natural materials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For this project you’ll
need some cinnamon sticks, various ribbon, washi tape and anything else you think would be fun to work with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To make the fabric ribbon, collect some scraps and cut them into
strips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can mix and match the sizes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tie them together and wind them onto an empty
spool. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cut 18” of the ribbon and
tie it around the cinnamon sticks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
used two sticks, but feel free to add more – just be sure to cut a few extra inches of
ribbon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are nice to sit on napkins
for place settings or to accent a centerpiece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To make place cards, you can tie on a shipping tag as well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After making a few with
the fabric ribbon I decided to break out the washi tape (because I love to add it to everything) and tried making one that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It looked a little plain so I added a thin strip of cream polyester
ribbon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tape gave it a nice modern
look.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pine cones would be
another way you could try to make these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The idea is to find materials to work with that are in season, but to
have fun with the colors you accent them with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Experiment with what you find and show me what you make!</span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-38597989490272748572012-11-14T13:12:00.002-05:002013-03-09T17:07:28.228-05:00Little Joys // Postcards, Postage Stamps & Paper Goods, Oh My<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the never-ending task
of organizing all of my things so that I can re-claim and re-decorate my
bedroom, I went through my ephemera collection yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now most of it is tightly nestled in
photo paper boxes and small plastic bins, but I’m working towards getting
everything displayable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day
everything will be tucked into nice albums and binders that will rest on my
coffee table.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I started collecting in my
junior year of college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always a snail
mailer, my first passion was for postage stamps, but I quickly became attracted
to the materials the stamps were attached to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today I also collect postcards, art cards and ads from art shows, and everything
else in-between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Looking through everything
on days like this is one of the most rewarding parts about collecting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s this little rush of comfort and
content I get from filing through familiar pieces and sorting out new
additions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I once read that collecting
is the result of an unused trait leftover from the days when we were
hunter-gatherers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s something
really beautiful and primitive about that, don’t you think?</span></div>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">photo boxes full of fine
art advertisements</span></div>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">new stamp arrivals from China, Japan
and Korea
ready to be sorted</span></div>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a box full of unsorted
paper goodies</span></div>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> one of my favorite pieces;
this hung on the wall of my old studio to remind me to take a breather and
smile each day</span></div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-25178288611678108082012-11-05T19:32:00.000-05:002012-11-14T17:22:05.627-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy November! I hope everyone is well on this Election Day eve. This is going to be a busy and exciting month for me because I will be launching a new line of hair bows in my shop, and I will be a braidsmaid in my cousins wedding in just a few more weeks. It's already getting very chilly outside, and although the beautiful Fall leaves are still in warm vibrant color, it looks like the Fall weather has left for the season. I hope you enjoy this Monday's Picks inspired by warmth and love.<br />
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<a href="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5856082/il_570xN.311274878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/5856082/il_570xN.311274878.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89775041/i-love-you-like-chocolate-on-toffee-with?ref=tre-2723532368-9" target="_blank">andyspecialtysweets</a></div>
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<a href="http://img0.etsystatic.com/006/0/5651239/il_fullxfull.378094228_26ja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/006/0/5651239/il_fullxfull.378094228_26ja.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93212432/old-wooden-egg-cups-couple?ref=tre-2723532368-3" target="_blank"><span class="shopname wrap ">aneedleinthehay</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/5770799/il_fullxfull.301040895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/5770799/il_fullxfull.301040895.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="shopname wrap "> via </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/90022087/brown-heart-single-roll-15mm?ref=tre-2723532368-8" target="_blank"><span class="shopname wrap ">leboxboutique</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5732517/il_fullxfull.162983192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/5732517/il_fullxfull.162983192.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="shopname wrap "> via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52890627/made-to-order-felted-soap-yellow-heart?ref=tre-2723532368-13" target="_blank">SoFino</a></span></div>
<br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-12692652601123074872012-10-11T15:45:00.000-04:002012-11-14T17:22:49.858-05:00Crafting Inspiration from the New Etude House Catalogue <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I received the new <a href="http://www.etudehouse.com/eng/main.jsp#wrap" target="_blank">Etude House</a> catalogue in the mail!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so lovely that I had to take a few
pictures to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earlier this year a
snail mail pal in Korea
sent me a copy of their last catalogue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I completely fell in love with the design and she was kind enough to
send me a copy of the newest one when it came out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their catalogues are themed around a doll
house and are designed like a scrapbook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They’re so fun to look through and if you do any kind of collage work
there is a lot to be inspired by.</div>
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All of their products have adorably designed packaging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t wear make up, but I’m a sucker for
pinks and pastels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They provide great
pallet inspiration.</div>
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This style cartoon would make a fun scrapbooking technique,
don’t you think?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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In the back of this issue there was a little project idea
for a kind of clothes line version of a mood board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They stretched a few feet of bakers twine
across a wall, and then used mini clothes pins to hang up little bits of
decorative ephemera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try it out!</div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-51385371476733615562012-10-08T14:25:00.000-04:002012-11-09T14:40:46.813-05:00Vintage Goodies from Little Maison and Antiquaria<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I was very excited to learn that I was winner of the
<a href="http://antiquaria.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Antiquaria</a> giveaway hosted by <a href="http://littlemaison.com/" target="_blank">Little Maison</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Insert “I never win anything” speech here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The set of four vintage napkins arrived in
the mail last week and were more lovely than expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The colors are so bright and perfect for Fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m already trying to think of an excuse to
plan a little dinner around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also,
they were accompanied by the most adorable card from <a href="http://www.peterpauper.com/" target="_blank">Peter Pauper Press</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a stationery junkie so of course that
went right up on my wall.</div>
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Thanks a bunch!</div>
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-76024298838418579182012-10-06T15:42:00.000-04:002012-11-14T17:23:04.340-05:00Murakami Artist Trading Card<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Anyone else make artist trading cards?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started creating and collecting them about
four years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re really great for
when you have an idea you want to work out for a larger piece or for when you
feel like doing a little collage work, and they make terrific snail mail. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s a Haruki Murakami inspired one I made
and mailed out the other day – with matching envelope!<br />
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Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-23994576874987378602012-10-05T19:09:00.000-04:002012-11-14T17:23:32.759-05:00Neon Cloud Stickers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">It’s been a busy Friday.
This week we got behind on a lot of cleaning around the house and I’ve
been trying to make up for it all day.
Usually, I don’t enjoy cleaning, but today I was in one of those moods
where all the little things were jumping out at me like the drapes that needed
washing and the spring coasters that are out of season. I did manage to squeeze in a little creative
time this afternoon to try making some stickers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is a project I’ve been thinking about for a while, but
I never have the time to dedicate to it.
While I was cleaning up some paper scraps I started playing around with
layering different colors and patterns and decided today I would give the
stickers a try.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I cut out some little cloud shapes from neon paper scraps
and tore apart a few used envelopes. I
affixed the security paper from the envelopes to some self-adhesive laminating
sheets using spray adhesive. After those
dried I applied the neon clouds the same way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I’m still not sure how I want to cut them out yet, but I’m
happy with the results so far. The
security paper patterns really make the neon colors pop. It gives the clouds a kind of levitating effect
that is pretty cool. On the down side, I
now have spray adhesive all over the front steps of the house and will have to
try to scrub it off the cement. The
price of crafting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Have a lovely and productive weekend everyone!</span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-33636145714196919912012-10-01T00:00:00.000-04:002012-10-08T14:29:09.815-04:00Monday Picks: Goodbye Summer<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Summer
is coming to a close. I spent the last few
weekends enjoying the warm weather outdoors at a lovely butterfly garden, a
nature hike, and of course the county fair.
Here are my picks for this Monday, inspired by the bright colors and
flowers I will miss, though I have a feeling we won’t need to put the
sunglasses away any time soon.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HXekgvm3xqrDvNDwv9YXfhyphenhyphen0SsxvNi1FWT8fPJwveZfKMAU-wMVxqRMow0PlvMUZWTvqURau9tF2JjTxV5K9zTzLceqS2cft4YTfscmULD0l_aikLdGByc83lMlxWH7g1XRKrweyBpo/s1600/monday_picks_9.24.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HXekgvm3xqrDvNDwv9YXfhyphenhyphen0SsxvNi1FWT8fPJwveZfKMAU-wMVxqRMow0PlvMUZWTvqURau9tF2JjTxV5K9zTzLceqS2cft4YTfscmULD0l_aikLdGByc83lMlxWH7g1XRKrweyBpo/s640/monday_picks_9.24.12.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recycled
summer paper bunting from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/97686988/spring-and-summer-paper-bunting-recycled?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_source=Pinterest" target="_blank">Peony and Thistle</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Vintage
pink and gold sunglasses from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/holdenism?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">Holdenism</a> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Neon
wooden bowls from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/109303890/wooden-mini-bowl-set-of-3-neon-colors?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_source=Pinterest" target="_blank">Wind & Willow Home</a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Floral
stud earrings from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/102037455/vintage-floral-studs-earrings-cream?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_source=Pinterest" target="_blank">Starlight Woods</a> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have
a beautiful week!</span></span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-43724799861234894482012-09-23T16:46:00.000-04:002013-03-14T15:09:34.463-04:00DIY // Invisible Bathroom Drawer Organizer<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Happy Sunday everyone; I
hope you all enjoyed your weekend. Here’s
a quick and easy DIY project to kick off the new week. I missed our last recycling pick up and had
an overflow of plastics and glass in our little milk crate that we keep in the
kitchen. This inspired me to take out a
few items and reuse them around the house.
One of them was a plastic cookie container from the bakery that got
transformed into this neat and simple drawer organizer for my bathroom.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTH9i_3OgFSJIyVZQgII_8_uufLDcVtClkpO0IIwln76zI5z5eclcs3EzseGcZotGosAuWxBVFmEJlE_209hxJC4BB4NlLgjBdC1EQQZjq13Z5FNnB9x11pjybdBnGCAYzIuo0YHBXAY/s1600/diy_drawer_organizer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTH9i_3OgFSJIyVZQgII_8_uufLDcVtClkpO0IIwln76zI5z5eclcs3EzseGcZotGosAuWxBVFmEJlE_209hxJC4BB4NlLgjBdC1EQQZjq13Z5FNnB9x11pjybdBnGCAYzIuo0YHBXAY/s640/diy_drawer_organizer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Here’s what you’ll need:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">- 1 plastic container with
at divided sections on the bottom </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">- a pair of scissors</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Step 1. Rinse container. If there are any stickers or labels on it,
run them under some warm water before gently peeling them off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Step 2. Cut along the plastic hinge that connects the
top and bottom of the container. Be sure
to sure to cut down any sharp edges.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Step 3. Place container into a drawer and get
organizing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Wasn’t that easy?</span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-14467387721868102982012-09-03T15:37:00.000-04:002012-09-30T12:21:47.695-04:00Relaxing Monday Picks<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">In the spirit of Labor
Day, this Monday’s picks will help you relax and unwind. I hope everyone will have a clam, stress free
week and be able to make some time for you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvTIA_fPUIKK1szEtwlQP2HYTfBCfxfBo45dk5qq7cCFKLGLVBDNV6eTaFY_l4Rh3cSU-iS6WK8RuvrHeVWktlRCK-aLXpk0u3CbiQfyb-0w857wttbOD6NX1x8fg3hqiXgObx6nLr6A/s1600/mondaypicks9.3.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvTIA_fPUIKK1szEtwlQP2HYTfBCfxfBo45dk5qq7cCFKLGLVBDNV6eTaFY_l4Rh3cSU-iS6WK8RuvrHeVWktlRCK-aLXpk0u3CbiQfyb-0w857wttbOD6NX1x8fg3hqiXgObx6nLr6A/s640/mondaypicks9.3.12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Haruki Murakami’s
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_scat_283155_ln?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Anorwegian+wood&keywords=norwegian+wood&ie=UTF8&qid=1346700549&scn=283155&h=de7117735a44f6f9b347fd153bc152086ceab927" target="_blank">Norwegian Wood</a> is the book I have been unwinding with each night. It’s deals with the themes loss and change but doesn’t
drown you in the subject. Instead,
Murakami’s words gently lull around you and pull you effortlessly into the
memory of the main character. It is engrossing
without pulling you in so deep that you can’t step out; that’s why it’s the
perfect book to help get your mind off the day for an hour before bed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Even if you’re not a tea
drinker, you will be soothed by Teavana’s <a href="http://www.teavana.com/the-teas/oolong-teas/p/monkey-picked-oolong-tea" target="_blank">Monkey Picked Oolong</a>. Its delicate flavor unravels from whole tea
leaves in a light balance of earthy sweetness.
Any time of day is perfect to treat yourself to a cup and escape for a
bit. While you’re at it, why not enjoy
that tea in these adorable cups from <a href="http://dawnvachon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dawn Vachon</a>? I find their pastel pallet irresistible and
am impressed by the illusion of softness she has managed to create.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Finally, I couldn’t
mention relaxation without pointing you in the direction of Lush’s <a href="http://www.lushusa.com/Dreamtime/00601,en_US,pd.html" target="_blank">Dreamtime bath melt</a>. Drop this into a tub of hot
water and your bath will be transformed into a calming sea of jasmine,
lavender, chamomile and sandalwood. It’s
aromatherapy qualities make it perfect for just before bed time.</span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-54153575000774630822012-09-01T17:08:00.000-04:002012-09-30T11:35:42.423-04:00Fragrance Inspired Stationery<span style="font-size: small;">I have some letters to send out to friends and decided to make a new stationery set, inspired by Marc Jacobs' Oh, Lola! packaging. I have no idea how the fragrance smells, but the design is wonderful. The bright flower shaped perfume card caught my eye in the department store and I picked up a few of them, intending to use them for crafts. Once I got them home I realized they were too pretty to cut up or paste to anything, so I tucked them away in my ephemera collection.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqgolZeKCtq8vAakI27r_yXyRhHtIz7xSVmZyEvOew1YjtiMoVT38yJxCDWDYO4h0ERqS28uYbPHaA4XbfXXbv5eVUgzBXhKpyd3H38jTx1k3rbuN2lt-D8ACg-B0j3f6Bvq7MDXuVco/s1600/popstationery01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqgolZeKCtq8vAakI27r_yXyRhHtIz7xSVmZyEvOew1YjtiMoVT38yJxCDWDYO4h0ERqS28uYbPHaA4XbfXXbv5eVUgzBXhKpyd3H38jTx1k3rbuN2lt-D8ACg-B0j3f6Bvq7MDXuVco/s640/popstationery01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
To hold my snail mail, I wanted to make something quick, colorful, and playful. I remembered the Oh, Lola! cards and dug them out. What attracts me most about the design is the bold use of color and shape. The loosely defined petals are layered to create a poping flower that jumps right out at you, and I wanted to create a similar effect for my envelopes. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_stzePFjPypKK-B325HK6UG8EN0w7MvOlQJ_MwT9Y0K85r-FhypWUQyz1UIDv-jDmz2kHrfi3mIRWlSiDcaumo6n93IScWrkC1c4lMxC24t1LmWDBwpluAFE8q-CucvOzZUt-e4JgRIM/s1600/popstationery02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_stzePFjPypKK-B325HK6UG8EN0w7MvOlQJ_MwT9Y0K85r-FhypWUQyz1UIDv-jDmz2kHrfi3mIRWlSiDcaumo6n93IScWrkC1c4lMxC24t1LmWDBwpluAFE8q-CucvOzZUt-e4JgRIM/s640/popstationery02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Instead of flowers, I cut out some black and white bird pictures and
pasted them to vibrant printing paper. To add to the playfulness, I
used contrasting colors instead of monochromatic ones. After cutting
them out and leaving a generous border, I picked some backing paper and
cut out large organic shapes. I layered and pasted them all to some
blank pastel manufactured envelopes I had. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuOs3428ACE8PiW0oyAOdZlRfEhWmMRGYuZkjIpHY3WblNh7yYLltmh2RNpN91SI2WvJj-bUw3AU_hgDXueNT5V937Q-VWTLaz0vKZFhqHRjr3RbVrgksACOOc5TS7M9mY8dMiqpQ5Z4/s1600/popstationery03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuOs3428ACE8PiW0oyAOdZlRfEhWmMRGYuZkjIpHY3WblNh7yYLltmh2RNpN91SI2WvJj-bUw3AU_hgDXueNT5V937Q-VWTLaz0vKZFhqHRjr3RbVrgksACOOc5TS7M9mY8dMiqpQ5Z4/s1600/popstationery03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuOs3428ACE8PiW0oyAOdZlRfEhWmMRGYuZkjIpHY3WblNh7yYLltmh2RNpN91SI2WvJj-bUw3AU_hgDXueNT5V937Q-VWTLaz0vKZFhqHRjr3RbVrgksACOOc5TS7M9mY8dMiqpQ5Z4/s640/popstationery03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
After making the bird ones I decided to create another set using some blank labels. I'm happy with how they both turned out and can't wait to mail them. I definitely want to toy around with this idea some more and perhaps make some influenced by Jacobs' Daisy fragrance bottle. Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-29126111564893109292012-08-30T00:00:00.000-04:002012-09-30T12:22:19.356-04:00Head In the Clouds<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1. Installation
by artist <a href="http://www.dietrichwegner.com/index.html" target="_blank">Dietrich Wenger </a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">2. Hot pads from designer </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.cocon-work.com/cocon" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">MasamiAkatsuka</span> </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2xQrl9hKAYa8BmjvPs8xW_9EVBHPdfM9Fv33BuR4GInH122qninjq4wtmRyAsyTZaicuai654ByXukwVd8kzpqDFf7KGd0krKKv7LCiGzrFejtU5sOfoW15rTxnJTBR11sCVZOxLVHg/s1600/head_in_clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2xQrl9hKAYa8BmjvPs8xW_9EVBHPdfM9Fv33BuR4GInH122qninjq4wtmRyAsyTZaicuai654ByXukwVd8kzpqDFf7KGd0krKKv7LCiGzrFejtU5sOfoW15rTxnJTBR11sCVZOxLVHg/s640/head_in_clouds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">3. Polymer
stud earring from<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kukishop?ref=seller_info" target="_blank"> Ku Ki Shop</a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">4. Wallpaper by designer<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://aimeewilder.com/" target="_blank"> Amiee Wilder</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-72802456181231718952012-08-29T00:00:00.000-04:002013-03-14T15:09:22.271-04:00DIY // Chic & Discreet Prescription Containers<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">It’s called the medicine cabinet,
but experts say that’s the worse place to store your pills. The heat and
moisture generated in the bathroom can break down medicine and make it less
effective. So, where do you keep all those prescription bottles where they
will be out of sight, but still convenient to access?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fOvZZWHrV7_Ythc-O3I8tF8YuzGxLVsny3Ppv779K_pYUEox80UsSrTcQ3viEzTxAoM6uj3FRMpI4d8L86gv-KEPksHx8JaLcPp015dOgJeYdR3ulnspz2wBfqXrWqRoZVrio4JtCuE/s1600/product,+diy,+flo+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fOvZZWHrV7_Ythc-O3I8tF8YuzGxLVsny3Ppv779K_pYUEox80UsSrTcQ3viEzTxAoM6uj3FRMpI4d8L86gv-KEPksHx8JaLcPp015dOgJeYdR3ulnspz2wBfqXrWqRoZVrio4JtCuE/s400/product,+diy,+flo+029.JPG" width="400" /> </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tea tins provide a perfect cool,
dry, and light proof environment for storing your meds. After you’re done with your favorite bag or
loose leaf tea, keep the container! I prefer ones that come in a square
shape because I can fit at least four pill bottles in them. Round containers give
you space for about three – and if they’re tall containers, you can always
stack them.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">All you
need for this project is a nice tin and your favorite roll of washi or deco tape. Most tea tins already have fancy package
design, but I still like to deck mine out a little. Find
a cute tape that compliments the tin and use it to line the top and bottom
edges. If the container has a label, border your tape around it.
Put a little tape around the rim of the lid, or across the top, for a unified
appearance. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3K_ga1vdpSiso8NaI_ZlimKnqv4p0OAAjXHuWWpZ3t3RP9uKnJmYTmF4tI47FxR5KxaEyCYsTUDgC4D9ZOPlAF4qzDsW29-Qg2BToNZFkde_iWP18gSWMTJ6zzAmQsQIyI4G5zfk2Lo/s1600/product,+diy,+flo+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3K_ga1vdpSiso8NaI_ZlimKnqv4p0OAAjXHuWWpZ3t3RP9uKnJmYTmF4tI47FxR5KxaEyCYsTUDgC4D9ZOPlAF4qzDsW29-Qg2BToNZFkde_iWP18gSWMTJ6zzAmQsQIyI4G5zfk2Lo/s400/product,+diy,+flo+039.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once your
new container is decorated you can transfer your pill bottles into it. Now you
can store your meds on your bedside table, kitchen cabinet, or shelf without having it
looking like a mini pharmacy. This also keeps nosy house guests and
visitors from checking out your prescriptions.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">For meds that you need to take on
the go, you can create a mini version of these containers by cleaning out lip
gloss or other small cosmetic tins. Since these are so small I just put a
little washi tape around the lid. Transfer the pills you need to take
with you inside and pop your new pill case in your bag or purse.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8P32vb6Z-s__U7N2tdVrma8GI268Zrk7lk1HmaoGTWCi_RPUsl1Y5-dIDTvsAmgF_LtwAAzu4NBX8g7x1xcUa7AJinRDuvDgkzGQBrAyqf_bMGDC1su9o8-9AKGjr_pveOpIEI5QhRI/s1600/product,+diy,+flo+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8P32vb6Z-s__U7N2tdVrma8GI268Zrk7lk1HmaoGTWCi_RPUsl1Y5-dIDTvsAmgF_LtwAAzu4NBX8g7x1xcUa7AJinRDuvDgkzGQBrAyqf_bMGDC1su9o8-9AKGjr_pveOpIEI5QhRI/s400/product,+diy,+flo+041.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don’t have the kind of containers
you want at home? This is a great project for thrift store or flea market
finds. Hunt down some small vintage tins and aluminum containers.
Japanese candy tins also work great for this.
As usual, you want to keep all prescriptions out of reach of children
and pets.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoy!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3247577255165005293.post-37327756686086215272012-08-28T00:00:00.000-04:002013-03-14T15:09:10.614-04:00DIY // Color & Texture Swatches<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcGWFoFp5JYLNI-1kjmsJdCnHBwNe3s9VVmiyDoMAMPyVLeoFnmxgwnvL1_LjT4GAsVUxNBAux_a6ip8rUF57cUuD7pHI5JHnyt3avu984SRRXwJiBAvnkHP2QPMvYNmpF-4RdeP2aFM/s1600/colortextureswatch01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcGWFoFp5JYLNI-1kjmsJdCnHBwNe3s9VVmiyDoMAMPyVLeoFnmxgwnvL1_LjT4GAsVUxNBAux_a6ip8rUF57cUuD7pHI5JHnyt3avu984SRRXwJiBAvnkHP2QPMvYNmpF-4RdeP2aFM/s640/colortextureswatch01.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I’ve never been the type
to keep a sketchbook. The writer in me
always takes over and I end up jotting down lots of tone words and long
descriptions of my ideas. Visually, I
rely on color and texture instead of sketches. Both have always evoked strong emotion in me,
so when I’m planning out ideas I try to match up different textures with pallets
that speak to my written descriptions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">As a result, I end up
keeping every scrap of paper or fabric, small or large, which inspires me or
holds my attention. You can imagine the
mess I create when I pull all of them out and spread them around the floor,
sorting and selecting. Besides being a
hassle to pick up, it also becomes difficult to store so much stuff when I have
to keep taking it out again. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">To make this whole process
easier I recently made my own color and texture swatches. They’re super simple to make and great for
creating color and mood boards for projects.
You can also scan them to use for design and digital scrap-booking. All you need is a stapler, some sturdy
backing paper, scissors or paper cutter, and a selection of your favorites
scraps.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7iu0MtsCT2nh6nt5Uo9523duTtKM837OTk0ttxtIxaxAMEvVYIfein6xFl9SQVTwhgmpjPRyCz5kW6H_h7gbBSIqdWZIMdzVrPxNKYBY62a6W3mSthzc0FF6kprrhiq-i5l3boY4mDU/s1600/colortextureswatch02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7iu0MtsCT2nh6nt5Uo9523duTtKM837OTk0ttxtIxaxAMEvVYIfein6xFl9SQVTwhgmpjPRyCz5kW6H_h7gbBSIqdWZIMdzVrPxNKYBY62a6W3mSthzc0FF6kprrhiq-i5l3boY4mDU/s1600/colortextureswatch02.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Here’s what I did:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Step One: Gather materials. You can see that I used a wide variety,
including tissue paper, different fabrics, ribbon, vellum, vintage book pages,
handmade paper, and various ephemera.
Don’t be afraid of bold patterns or textures. Candy wrappers, various textiles, and found
items are all fair game. Use whatever
jumps out at you and gets your wheels turning.
Have fun with it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Step Two: Prepare the backing paper. It’s best to keep them on a light solid color
that will not compete with your swatches.
I used perfume sample cards and also cut up a few blank index
cards. You can also use card stock. Whatever you chose, make sure it’s sturdier
than the materials you will be attaching.
The next thing you’ll want to do is cut them down to size. Most of mine are about 2” x 3.” They don’t have to be systematic, as long as
they’re easily handheld and sortable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Step Three: Cut out your materials. This is the fun part. You don’t want them to be much bigger than 1”
x 2 ½” or they will start to overpower the backing paper and contend with your
other swatches. If the color or pattern
is not the same all over, cut out the area that you like best, or cut out
several areas for a mini set. For sheer
and transparent materials I sometimes cut two pieces or longer strips, then fold
or overlap them to show the change in opacity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Step Four: Assemble your cards. Center your swatches on your backing paper
and staple them at the top. I used
staples instead of glue because I wanted to be able to lift the swatches and
drape them over other materials to see how they interact together.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">All that’s left to do is
to find a convenient container to store them in. I’m still looking for something small and
cute and might go thrift store hunting for some vintage tea tins. Now you have your very own swatch set to help
visualize all your creative thoughts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Enjoy!</span></div>
Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07658402608582572425noreply@blogger.com0