chic.ed // 2

"So, what's with this whole chiced series?" you may be thinking. It's kind of like this: "Look, I chiced it!" Yes, I know I just made up a word, but let's just go with it, ok?

Remember this post? No? Well, I can't blame you. It's one of those projects that I really wanted to happen, but it never did. Until yesterday. My original idea was to handmake the flowers myself. That would mean going out and deciding on fabric, then designing the flowers and putting it all together. That's what usually stops me from getting my endless list of projects accomplished (besides the obvious, that the list never ends). I usually choose the most time consuming process. Yesterday, I just decided to get it done. It wasn't that hard:

1. I already had the mounted antlers. I got them from Tumbleweed's Odd Shop when Doug and Beca (and their furry babies) still lived in San Diego.

2. I bought the flowers at Michael's instead of waiting to make them. I didn't let myself even look at the one's at regular price- only the ones on sale (which is a lot right now).

3. As soon as I got home, I immediately got to work. This was the key to my last chic.ed project. Do it right away! How many times have you gone to the craft store to buy all of your materials, but didn't do it when you got home? When you don't get to it right away, what happens? It stays in that plastic shopping bag (receipt and all) or becomes a small pile (which we see as more clutter or mess). This bag or pile is either sitting out, haunting you every time you walk by it or by now you've stashed it up in the closet because it's been so long.

There you have it. All of that wasn't difficult, it wasn't expensive, and now I can cross this pretty project off my list. (except for the part of where to put it.)

Made with love.

As mentioned earlier, my nieces birthday is coming up. We were supposed to have her party today at the park. However, the rain decided to join us this morning. Therefor the princess party will be postponed until tomorrow afternoon.

Here's a few things that I made for her...

Every little girl needs bows and hair ties.

I thrifted this GORGEOUS knit sweater earlier this week at Amvets near downtown. I was just chuffed to bits when I found it! (haha! I've been wanting to use that phrase ever since I learned it this week!) I could not believe the amazing color and how cute all of the pattern was! Now, when I found it, it was just the sweater. On our way home, the sweater and I, made a stop by Yardage Town for some fabric and buttons. Now it's the PERFECT sweater for the cutest little 3 year old I know.

I'm so excited for her party tomorrow. Her mama has been working really hard putting this all together. It's going to be lots of fun! And it's so much fun watching Skyla open her presents.

After making the hair pieces and sweater, I was inspired to make a Christmas ornament. Here it is! What do you think?! I'm debating making more like it. Also, what do you think about the rosette hair pieces? I think I'm going to make a lot of them for the shop, but would like some feedback before I do.

I hope you are enjoying your Halloween weekend. We have been so busy these past few weeks that we didn't really make any plans for tomorrow night. We're kind of bummed about it, but maybe it could be a date night

♥

Are you dressing up this year?

[All pictures from we ♥ it]

Sweet little find.

I am a big fan of any work that comes out of Studio Violet. This book is no exception. How cute are these pictures?! I want to buy this for a little person in my life.













Also, Chelsea posted the cutest DIY owl lady costume for one of Elsie's tricks and treats post today! So adorable! Maybe I want to change my Halloween idea??? We were going to be Mr. And Mrs. Fox from Wes Anderson's amazing film.

being inspired is being productive.

This morning, you might say that I'm starting my day a little late. I have a lot to do before the shower this weekend and I need to make the most of my time today. But i was! I promise! This is what ive done so far...

I drove to the coffee shop and parked far away so that I could enjoy the morning air. Walking outside in these cute little neighborhoods does wonders for me! The past hour or so, i sipped my coffee, had some devotion time, checked emails, and soaked in some inspiration out there in blog land. This is the best way for me to start my day! I had some time to myself and I am so easily inspired by those walks, the feeling of the morning air, and finding so many inspiring posts. Now my mind has a million more ideas, my crafty heart is so excited to get everything done, and my OCD side of my brain can't wait to finish it all so i can give lots of attention to our messy house!

Here's a little inspiration to share with you before I start my to do list...

I feel like everything that I'm in love with lately is Swedish. Fashionistas, decor, furniture- everything. I definitely can't read this blog, but that's ok because she has cute pictures of her baby belly and vintage dresses.

I found these photos over at 100 layer cake yesterday. Beautiful.
I'm always inspired by Miss James's "What We Wore" posts. Her cute little family is so stylish!

I found this gorgeous and simple DIY on Danni's blog. She just got married and while they are honeymooning, she has a new guest blogger everyday.

I was so giddy when I found yet another mad hatter tea party bridal shower to spark some more ideas! Here.




Also over at green wedding shoes, I found these GORGEOUS pictures! I am absolutely in LOVE with the silhouette of this dress and I think the mix of the colors in is bouquet is fantastic!

I hope you're inspired. I know I am. I think now is a good time to start my day :)

Punkins

This weekend, were planning on going to Bates Nut Farm. We have been going every October for the past few years or so with a group of friends. Everyone grew up going there and as we got older, we all decided to start a tradition. We usually hang out afterward and carve pumpkins together.

Now, I have not always seen myself as the most patient person in the world. I have definitely gotten a heck of a lot better in this area since I started crafting on a regular basis. You have to have enough patience to actually FINISH a project before you can see the end result. A lot of things I do are small, detailed, time consuming and straining on the eyes. Therefor, my patience is growing more and more. I don't know what it is about pumpkins but I have ZERO patience when it comes to carving them! There's so many steps- planning your design, getting the tools, making a stencil, cutting the top (just the right way so it actually stays), gutting it, and then there's the actual cutting which takes way too long. I don't like the typical halloween faces that are goofy or scary. Mostly because I hate Halloween, I think it's the worst holiday. So maybe that's me rejecting it in some way. But the creative crafter inside of me really enjoys those oober cute pumpkins that are shaped like owls or that have cute lace patterns on them. i just dont have the tolerance to make my pumpkin look like those. I usually end up painting it. This year, I am going to try really really hard to create a pumpkin that I am proud of. I needed ideas and inspiration so I found some via Martha Stewart's website. I wanted to share them with you. Then after Sunday, I'll share my pumpkin with you.

Meet Jack!

My brother and sister-in-law are new parents! They had their first little boy on September 16th (3 days after my brother's birthday). Yeah, that's right, I have a nephew and he is the COOLEST!

Meet Jack Michael...

He has A LOT of hair :)

He is soooo cute! I love him so much! Unfortunately, I got sick pretty sick the day after he was born. I got to see him the first two days when they were in the hospital. Since then, I haven't seen him bc I didn't want to get the little guy sick. But now I'm feeling better and I am so excited to go cuddle him!

In the meantime, I've been occupying myself by making custom little onsies for him to wear.
Thank goodness for his awesome parents who have sent me about 10 pictures and video texts of him everyday! :)