Inspired by - Illustrated Wreaths

This year I have not been blogging. Instead I have been moving across the country, working a variety of jobs, going to school online, and trying to be a good mom/girlfriend/friend. While I have still been occassionally reading some of my favorite blogs, I haven't personally felt inspired to make anything let alone write about making anything.
As I am approaching 30 - I vow to change that. I need to get my craft back!
While browsing some of my favorite websites lately I discovered a reoccurring theme - these illustrated floral wreaths that were encircling another illustration.


"Custom Illustrated Garland Cards" by Rifle Paper Co.


"The Bees Knees" Print - The Black Apple


"Bertha" - Illustration by Carson Ellis

What I love about all of these illustrations is that they have a sweet, hand painted style. They make me want to learn to draw and paint like this! They would all make great gifts, too.

Speaking of gifts, Christmas is on the way and I need to plan some handmade gifts. Some thoughts: Handmade ornaments, baked goods, scarves, plush creatures, banners, cross-stitched and framed art.

What are you making?

Happy Hearts Inspiration

Here's some Valentine's inspiration to share with you!

I adore this Mini Custom Heart Sampler by Miniature Rhino on Etsy. Love everything about her blog, too!



I love this love heart screenprinted poster. In fact I love everything about the summersville shop.



If you need a good movie to watch while you craft, may I suggest Picnic at Hanging Rock? You can watch it instantly on Netflix. Here's a lovely set of pictures from the film on flickr by ginnybranch.



I love everything by Night Owl Paper Goods. Isn't this mushroom card cute?




And finally, can I pleez haz this necklace?
Apollo necklace by Elephantine on Etsy.



Happy Hearts Day and crafting to you!

Handmade Christmas Card

Here's a little card I made. I love the combination of yellow and slate gray.
What are your favorite color combos right now?

How To: Cloth Gift Bags

Please enjoy this simple holiday packaging idea. I've been so inspired by my favorite craft blogs lately, and just wanted to share a recent project from my home to yours!


#1: Gather those pre-made Anthropologie cloth receipt bags.




Anthropologie sometimes sends receipts in these plain cloth bags, so I've saved up quite a stash and thought I'd put them to use. This year I decided to put my handmade gifts in them by cleverly covering up the Anthropologie logo with some cotton twill tape and a hand-stamped sentiment.

#2: Sew on the cotton twill tape.



I chose a cotton twill tape about a 1/2" wide in the same color as the bag. I sewed a few straight stitches on either end of twill directly to the bag.

#3: Stamp design on the twill and let dry.



I chose a pigment ink in a mink brown. Pigment inks work great on fabrics but take a little longer to dry. You can set it with an iron but be sure to put a cloth on top to protect!

Happy Holidays!

fall leaves garland

Today we woke up and it was SNOWING, so this fall leaves garland seems slightly inappropriate. However, I made it because I was inspired by the variety of colors of leaves covering the ground last week. I saw this one in the Pottery Barn Kids catalogue and immediately thought "I can make that." And so I did, and I like my color combo better. Not trying to toot my own horn, just sayin'.
I used real maple leaves for templates, which was fun and super easy. Even though it's gray and white here now I like the garland for a Thanksgiving decoration since we're entertaining this year.

And here are some cute inspiring ones:

*Elsie's Felt Leaf garland

*Cute one by Sweetie Pie Bakery

Gifted Magazine by Creature Comforts

This gets me excited about crafting for the holidays.

Making Cards

Embroidered Card, originally uploaded by kimzerkins.