My most recent project: a commissioned baby quilt. As you might imagine, with my propensity for exact measurements, instructions, and lists, I had a helluva time learning to “color outside the lines.” This is an improv quilt, so no measured strips or advance plan. Really a flybythedseatofyourpants kind of deal…and exactly the kind of thing I have a hard time with. And guess what? I loved the project! So fun!

I had such a great time hanging out with my cousin this weekend {my usual crafty partner in crime} and for the first time in a long time, I feel inspired to create. I can’t believe it’s been a year since I’ve sewn anything independently.

Here are some quick snaps of a baby quilt I did for Harper {my friend Kristin’s baby girl}.

One thing I’ve really learned in the last few months is that you have to surround yourself with the people who lift you up…people who are inspiring, engaging, and exciting. It’s so motivating! On top of that, for me at least, creation is largely about being in a happy space. For the first time this year, I feel light, unburdened, lovely, and well. Yessss. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work!

Preview of the new project fabrics.

I’m back on the crafting wagon, yaaaaay! Sadly, I think this might be too much bow even for my laid back work standards. I need people to take me seriously, y’all. Originally I started knitting a little turban/headband/earwarmer thing. But, at about 10 pm last night I decided I wanted to say I completed something. Plus, I’ve totally been jonesing for a knit bow. So there you have it!

How I did it:

1. Bought hand-dyed Oregon yarn on sale at purl soho
2. Cast on 20 stitches using size 8 needles
3. Seed stitched until my heart was content {approx 50 rows}
4. Cast off and wrapped some yarn around the middle. Tied on the backside to secure
5. Used an alligator clip to fasten to my hair

See also: new hair cut. It’s not that exciting/different but it’s got a lot of volume up top, which gives me kind of a mullet in the morning. If that’s not super hot bed head, I don’t know what is!

{also, it turns out this is the 2nd time I’ve used this post title? I had to go back and look at the 1st one. Totes appropriate.}

Happy Monday!

I’ve been struggling with inspiration in my personal creative life….but I’m full of ideas on what could be good for other people! {in so many ways…hahaha.}

A couple of cute DIYs that are just lovely for summer:

Feather Hair Accessory via A Beautiful Mess

Eco Travel Lid found via OPB

And I’m working on a supersecret/amazingly fun project with my friend Dara. Can’t wait to share it with you!

Today’s DIY was inspired by my trip to the tulip fields this past weekend, along with a great piece featured on loving. living. small. this week.

 You can check out the full tutorial on the Feather Girls Blog!

and my first tutorial on the Feather Girls Blog. Go check it out already!

When I was organizing my closet I found a scrapbook from high school, and whoa did it bring back some memories. I was OBSESSED with scrapbooking! There were entire stores JUST for scrapbookers in Fresno {do things like that still exist?} So I thought I’d share some of my high school crafty side with you {don’t laugh too hard!}

 8th grade throwback…that outfit’s so Clueless!

 JV Cheerleading @ Bullard High School

 My 1st job!

 Senior Prom — I still love that dress!

 H.S. graduation present…a trip to hawaii with my bff

I’ve been wanting some vintage sheets for awhile now. I love the thought of upcycling…and I am happy to say I am now the proud owner of these two babies. Both in excellent condition, one still in the original packaging. Can’t wait to make some cute quilts and put them up in our collective etsy shop!

After I hung these, I did one more just because, but I don’t have a picture of it yet. Overall pleased, but it makes me want to do a for real inspiration board, like the ones over at Made by Girl & Ish & Chi.

I’ve also found some cute tutorials lately, one for an oversized mood board, and another for a leaning mood board. lovelovelove.

What inspires you lately?

This weekend I:

• Cleaned my apartment…kind of.
• Planned a menu for tomorrow’s dinner with Kim. {Brussels sprouts with white beans and pecorino. And pilaf, yum}
• Watched both of these:

Factory Girl and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Two style icons in one day! Edie Sedgwick and Audrey Hepburn are both completely mesmerizing in completely different ways. Incredible. It’s crazy to me that Breakfast at Tiffany’s debuted in 1961, and Edie Sedgwick was dubbed the first “it-girl” in 1965-ish. Same era, same city, worlds apart. Well, of course, Breakfast at Tiffany’s is fictional and all.

But I digress. I also:

• Finished my clipboard project…and the cross stitch part of my cross stitch pillow. It’s been raining all day, as predicted, so it was a great day for catching up on things. Pictures to come soon, promise!
• I read this from cover to cover. Un-inspiring projects, but extremely informative. I’ve already started carving a stamp for a project I’m thinking of. I actually think I am really going to get into this mixed media thing. It’s perfect for me {here’s why}!

Sad that it’s over, but it lovely while it lasted.