let's chalk about it

I have had an obsession with lettering my entire life! Yes, I was that girl that would write song lyrics on the front of my binder and get all excited about deciding which font I was going to write "Biology" in on my book cover. I loved the look of plain old craft paper with creative lettering in the center. . . nerd alert. But little did I know that I would end up doing it for work as an adult! I am lucky enough to work on the visual team for Anthropologie, where I get to do arts and crafts every day. A few weeks back I got to use my love for all things chalk and create chalkboards for display in the store. . .

This tedious little project lit a spark in my creative mojo that got me thinking, more like obsessing over chalk! How many ways can I use chalk and lovely lettering to create art? Oh ya, my mind is still going ape sh*t. . . Anyways, after posting a couple of pics on Instagram and Facebook, I had some of my dear friends reach out with projects of their own that they needed my help with. In I came with chalk, rulers, and font books in hand! The first project that I got started on was a couple of signs for a wedding! I LOVE weddings and all of the love that embodies that special day, so I was super excited to get to put my little touch on the event. Even better was the joy that came out of the bride when I delivered my hand made signs to her. Happiness filled my heart and I drove away feeling so blessed!

{ I can't wait to see + share the pictures from the event}

homemade gift idea :: get well soon

Looking for a charming gift idea? I made this little gem for my soul sister Mary. She is a treasure hunter at heart with a wonderful bohemian way of living.  I wanted to create something to cheer her up for all of the sunny days to come!! I picked up this silver rimmed, cut glass bowl from an estate sale and planted baby succulents in it. Voila!! 

fathers day gift idea

In celebration of all the fathers out there that love to enjoy a cocktail or two, here is a simple, yet meaningful gift that is personal+practical. . .

{SUPPLIES: Modpodge, 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" tile, a small brush, and clear Polycrylic }

{STEP 1:} photocopy your favorite pics onto cardstock. I was lazy and used my color printer

{STEP 2:} trim the pics to size + modpodge onto tile

{STEP 3:} once the modpodge is dry, paint a coat of polycrylic onto your pics

I have to admit, this project came about because I bought these stone ice cubes that I thought were neat. But at the same time, I thought to myself "what a random Father's Day gift?" Our dad LOVES his whiskey but I realized my gift needed something more personal.

{STEP 4: Presentation is everything! Tie your best ribbon, twine, or rope around these suckers and your gift is complete and sure to impress!}

These were super easy, cost $1 a pop, and turned out better than I expected! I am definitely going to make these more often. . . birthdays, party favors, any holiday really!

chalk.chalk.chalk

Chalkboard paint might be my favorite thing in the entire world- I am 100% obsessed with it! Everything that I own would be covered in chalkboard paint if I had the time. A chalkboard in the kitchen is a whimsical necessity for everyone, it is perfect for writing menus, recipes, to-do lists, and daily affirmations. My new kitchen was lacking wall space to hang a chalkboard, so I decided to paint the ugly pantry door into a giant one! The depth of the black color and ever changing drawings that cover it add a layer of interest and playfulness to the room. Major bonus alert. . . the large chalkboard is perfect for the kids! It keeps them busy while you are cooking + baking!

 {before}

 

{after}

check out pinterest for some other amazing ideas!

hey, kool keys

Here is a crazy simple DIY project perfect to add a little pizzazz into your everyday life. How many times a day do you pick up your keys? Why not give them a touch of love? We promise that it will make you smile inside at the sight of your pretty kool keys. . .

  

one

First things first, please take off that ugly Pet Smart plastic tag that you have on your keychain when you only go to Pet Smart twice a year! Thanks.  

Most importantly grab your favorite nail polish colors. . . one color for each key!

two

Paint a generous layer of color onto the top each key. I suppose that you could just dip the keys in paint? But I tend to live on the cautious/perfectionist side of life. . .

three

Let your keys dry completely for an hour. Be patient. Trust me, don't get aggressive on it. I did and had to start all over cause I smudged the paint. Ain't that always the way?

four

Using a gold leaf pen (got mine at Michaels) draw designs that you love on one side of your key. You could number them if you have a collection on there for easy guidance! I drew a triangle and stripes.

Enjoy!

DIY :: stationary set

This weekend's DIY project is perfect for Mother's Day. There is nothing more personal than a custom stationary set complete with hand-dyed feather pens! For under $20 bucks you can create a magical gift that is one of a kind. Hey, you could make one for yourself cause it looks pretty amazing on your desk too!

SUPPLIES

feathers (I bought mine at Michaels)

pen inserts

rit dye - pick 3 colors that you love

mason jars or bowls to place the dye in

cardstock

envelopes

envelope liner template

double sided tape or gluestick

 Fill mason jars halfway with hot water and add your rit dye

 Place wet feathers into the jars, let stand for about 5 minutes. The longer the feathers sit, the more saturated the color will be!

 After you reach your desired color, flip the feathers over and soak the other half in a different color dye

 Remove the ink cartridge from a pen using needle nosed pliers, if you have em!

 Cut the pen to the length of the white stem of the feather

 Insert the pen into the feather and there you have it! Gorgeous hand dyed feather pens!

 Print your design and wrap it up!

Like us on Facebook and receive a free download of our navajo design!

XOXO

CREATE :: baby shower gift

Baby showers are always about, well the new baby of course!! But what about the mamas? They deserve a little love too, right?? This gift idea is perfect for new mothers as well as the mighty mamas who have gone through this more than once. Our dear friend Ava is about to pop out her second baby, so we decided to give her our homemade HOSPITAL SURVIVAL KIT. . . here is a peek at what's inside!!

1. snazzy knee high socks to roam the hospital halls

2. ball o' hair ties in beautiful jewel tones

3. RISE vitamin water. every new mom needs a little healthy pick me up

4. milk chocolate bar. just because

5. burt's bees tinted lip moisturizer in TIGER LILY for that post baby glow

6. Sally Hansen's MELLOW YELLOW nail polish

7. burt's bees moisturizing facial towelettes

8. germ blaster to keep her bundle of joy protected

{ pack it }

 { label it }

{ share it }