A Few Favorites: Crafty Supplies

What are some crafting supplies that you cannot live without?  You know, the ones that you always reach for when you're making that last minute gift?  Here are a few that I am always digging for in my craft supplies.

1. Ribbon: I love ribbon.  You can use it for absolutely everything.  I even save the ribbon off of paper shopping bags.  This particular ribbon comes from the Anastasia Marie Shop on Etsy.  She is actually the older sister of a friend of mine!  If you haven't checked out her shop, I definitely recommend that you stop by.  She has such awesome crafty goodies!
2. Fold-over Elastic (FOE): I've only made one purchase of FOE and I bought a bunch at the same time.  You know those cute little hair bands that you see at Anthro (3 for $12)?  Well, I got enough to make a dozen headbands plus a gazillion little hair bands.....for less than that.  Can't be beat, right?
3. Clothespins: particularly those with glitter.  Because glitter makes everything better right?  Remember the autumn garland that I showed you?  Having clothespins in my crafty bins came handy with a last minute project.  But now I'm wishing I had glitter-ified them!
4. Gift tags: Can't you see it?  You're running out the door for a birthday with your quickly-put-together gift and realize there's no tag!  Well guess what? PROBLEM. SOLVED.
5. Decorative Embroidery Hoop: I have a bunch of little pretties all embroidered up and ready to be given as gifts.  But just when I need them the most, I realize that I don't have any embroidery hoops except for the cheap plastic ones.  It would be super handy to have a pretty one like this on hand.
6. Baker's Twine: ahh.  This really doesn't need a description.  Everyone knows all the different things you can do with baker's twine, right?  Wrap gifts and embroidery hoops, make Christmas trees.....the options are endless.
7. Washi Tape: I saw a giveaway a little bit ago for 72 rolls of washi.  My first thought was "What would I do with 72 rolls of washi?!?!?!?"  Haha.  My next thought?  "What WOULDN'T I do with 72 rolls of washi?"  You can literally put washi on anything.  ANYTHING.  Your phone, your keyboard, your door, cards, gifts, pictures, puppies (ok. maybe no puppies).  The sky is the limit.  (#washibombinganyone?)
8. Thread Scissors: for all those embroidery and sewing projects.  And everything is better vintage right?

|| ribbon || elastic || clothespins || gift tags || embroidery hoop || baker's twine || washi tape || scissors ||

A Few Favorites: Sugar Scrub

top: // 1 // 2 // 3 //

middle: // 1 // 2 //

bottom: // 1 // 2 // 3 //

"It's that time of year..."

You know, the time where your hands dry out and get all cracked if you don't pay attention to them?

Well, I guess that's not technically the next line of the song.  But sometimes, I feel like it should be;)

But don't worry!  Sugar scrub is here to help!  *Insert dramatic superhero music here*

With everything from pumpkin spice or chai tea, to fresh grapefruit and "French Country Morning", there is a scent of sugar scrubs for everyone!!!  Each of these shops has tons more scents of sugar scrub, plus soaps and other products.  So go explore!

~Kelsey

A Few Favorites: "Alternative" Christmas Trees

The other day my sisters were talking about Christmas trees.  Our house has a vaulted ceiling, so we always end up with a pretty large tree.  Like, 16 feet large.  For some of us, this is just tradition that we expect every year.  We know for a fact that we will always push the Christmas tree over to our open, second-story loft to decorate the top.  For others, this is a nightmare (cue said 16 foot tree [ornaments, lights, water, and all] crashing on the floor above us in the middle of the night.  Yep, nightmare).  One of my sisters stated that she is going to have a nice 6-footer every year when she has her own house.  To everyone's shock, I said that "I'm not going to have a Christmas tree."  Then I clarified by saying, "I'm going to have like 30 of them!!!"  I love this trend of "alternative" Christmas trees.  If you want to change it up and make your tree out of a ladder instead of having to slog through the mud to cut one down in the pouring rain (hint hint, Washingtonians), you can go right ahead.  Or if you're like me and just want Christmas trees everywhere, there are so many different options!  And since we only have 24 more days until Christmas (eek!), I thought I'd share 24 Christmas tree ideas with you!

// bead board // beads // book shelves // books // chalk board //

cardboard // framed ornaments // distressed wood // double-sided ladder // driftwood and perler beads

// driftwood and ornaments // geometric // washi // lights and balls //

metallic mobile // driftwood and poms // ladder // ornament mobile // pallets

// paper and washi // sequins // sticks and cotton // wood and clothespins // wool and washi

 

Have you made any alternative Christmas trees?  I saw one on Pinterest that I really want to make, made of white cupcake liners.  Hmm.......couldn't find the link.  But you can find the picture on my Christmas Tree board.

 

~Kelsey

 

A Few Favorites: Cozy Fall Night

Don't you just love those cozy fall nights?  Rain pounding on the roof, a warm drink in hand, and wrapped up all snug?  These would make the perfect late November evening curled up on the couch.  Can't you already smell that hazelnut coffee candle???

|| acorn locket || leaf necklace || cozy scarf || pumpkin soap || hazelnut coffee candle || chunky blanket || mugs || coffee cozy ||

 

~Kelsey

A few of my favorite things

 

 

On Monday I showed you my version of See Kate Sew's Sweet Scallops Tote.  Today I'll show you my favorite way to use this type of bag.  It's perfect for packing a few items for a change of clothes, using as a full-on purse, or carrying a bunch of craft supplies that need organization *cough cough: stamps*.

1. Sweet Scallops Tote: well, duh.  I like it.  And I fully believe everyone should make one;)
2. My favorite sunglasses, purchased on sale at Ann Taylor.  I'm a big, perfectly round sunglasses kinda gal.  These are the smallest ones I've had in a while, but I love them.
3. Fold-over elastic headbands.  Swoon.  Last year, I bought a bunch of FOE from Elastic By The Yard on Etsy.  My package came super fast, and I'm pleased with the quality!
4. TOMS, yay or nay?  I love the look, but I'm not willing to pay the full price for a pair.  Solution? Rite Aid.  Believe it or not, these shoes were only $10!  I'm not usually a fan of hte knock-off brands, but these ones are different.  They're really comfortable, and have lasted well for how much I wear them!
5. Vintage sheet goodness, mmm mmmmm.  This pouch from Sand and Starfish pairs just perfectly with the vintage florals on this tote.
6. Speaking of vintage....antique jewelry is one of my favorite things ever.  Ok, well it's up there with ruffles and puppies and nutella.  But still.  This particular one belonged to my gramma and was passed down to me and my sister.  In this particular necklace, I love how each of the three layers is a different type of chain.  And I love how the pearl is a perfect accent, and yet not too gaudy.

What are some things you are loving these days?

~Kelsey

A Few of My Favorite Things: my life according to my phone

Today's "Favorite Things" isn't in the form of Pinterest links or blog inspiration.  It is simple pictures from my phone capturing some of the things that I am loving lately.  Different filters, raw pictures, various frames, #ABeautifulMess graphics, etc.

Stamps.  Smash, Amy Tangerine, Dear Lizzy.  And smashbook media papers.  What's on your reading list this summer?  Playlist?  Who are your favorite athletes?

Fresh homegrown strawberries.  Like I said on IG, I wish I could send one to all of you:)

Pizza.  Homemade, on the stone, in a mock wood-fire oven (heated to 500+ degrees before cooking).  Lara's all official with that wooden paddle;)

A quick stop for ice cream at a place that my dad would go to in college.  "Those Christmas lights are probably the same ones that were up when I came here."  Ahh, nostalgia.

Adorable Targets that take you by surprise with their cuteness.  This was downtown in our big city.  I can't wait for it to open this summer!

 

Caprese on a toothpick.

Picnics.  Stripes and floral patterns.  Sun tea in an Izze bottle.

Haagen Daz ice cream bar.  And patterned pants, $14 from Walmart.

A Starbucks photo wall that looks like it popped straight off of Pinterest.  I will be back.

The sound of #paigetheportrait at work.

Pottery Barn Kids.  Make me wish I was a kid again.  Inspire me for more creativity in my own room.

Caramel on green grapes.  Same flavor as caramel apples, nowhere near the mess and work.

Beautiful skies that the Lord paints.  I don't mind the clouds when they look as lovely as this.

Oxfords.  Oh how I love this style.  Lace and floral? Yes please.

This single little flower amidst a sea of green.  The only bloom on the whole plant.  Looked like a little firework.

A dog who hides from showers.  Seriously, she wanted to leave the marshmallow in her hair rather than have a shower (???).

Also, a dog whose hair looks like this after the shower.  Ok, I helped it a tad bit.

 

$9 men's shirts at JCPenney's.  Will be living in these this summer.  See that one on the bottom left?  Wearing it right now with my polka dotted skinnies.

 

What are some simple things that you are loving right now?

 

~Kelsey

A Few of my Favorite Things: Baby shoes

Who doesn't love baby toes?  I mean, seriously, they are like the cutest thing ever!  But sometimes, necessity requires them to be covered up.  So how about some cute shoe inspiration???:)

I love the fabric mix that Megan @ Homemade Ginger used on these adorable shoes.  She used a pattern from Homespun Threads.

 

 Ok, so technically the creator behind Grosgrain Fabulous didn't make the shoes, but she did create the adorable flower clips!

Jess @ If Only They Would Nap made these little shoesies out of felted wool.  They look so comfy!

Kimono-inspired shoes: so original!  I never would've thought of this combination, Aimee @ Home Spun Threads sure pulled it off nicely!

The Mila shoes.   Oh the ruffles.  And the stripes!  (Is it just me, or does it look like those ruffles were once a button-up dress shirt?) Laura @ The Fleeting Thing has got it right when it comes to baby shoes;)

 Do you follow Shwin&Shwin?  If you don't, this post can wait.  Head over and follow!

Alright, now that you're back from drooling over her creations, check out these adorable shoes!  One of the many things that she can do well is mix patterns.  I love the boldness of the main fabric against the blank slate of denim.

Ashley @ Make It and Love It said it right: these shoes are irresistible.  Orange and blue (one of my favorite color combinations), ruffles, ahhhhhhhhh.
 



A Few of My Favorite Things: Bedroom Inspiration

Ok, so today's round-up isn't directly inspired off of one craft or product, just a general idea: my bedroom.  These are a bunch of projects that I hope to one day have displayed on my walls.  But until then, enjoy them in this post:)



Ok, so I've always wanted a hanging canopy in my room.  Just never happened.  But this idea is brilliant!  Lowe's just used a hanging flower pot for the top!  So simple, I really can't resist doing this:)

 

How about this pinwheel wall?  So cute!  Kelly @ View Along the Way created this as a guest post for the Frugal Girls......how perfect for her little girl's nursery!

As a crafter, I'm always looking for more ways to store.....er I mean display........my projects in a cute way.  These drawer shelves are perfect!

Ok, so this ruffled bean bag isn't exactly a DIY........yet.  Maybe one day I'll figure out how to do this.  Perfect for a little reading in the corner of my room.

 

Anyone who has talked bedrooms with me knows how I'm loving string art.  Seriously, so many new twists that every wall is begging for this.

 

Book shelves......taken to a newer meaning.  Antique stores are calling my name.

 

If this is not enough inspiration for you, I suggest that you take a look at my "Dream Bedroom" board on Pinterest:)

 

~Kelsey

 

A Few of My Favorite Things: Embroidery

I'm putting up this post a little bit early because we've got a really fun post coming up tomorrow.  I'm super excited for you to see it!  But in the mean time........have any of you done very much embroidery?  I did it when I was younger, but then lost interest.  But I feel it coming back!  I've done a few simple projects, and want to take some of these ones on!  If you haven't embroidered before, I hope this inspires you to start!!!:)

Love this embroidered US map.  And a little heart where you live: how cute!!! From Plumed Etsy shop.

I absolutely love this little camper!!!!!  It is SOOOOOOO adorable!  I think this might have to be my next embroidery project:)  You can by the pattern from Joann's online.

Ok, so maybe this will be my next project.  So cute, and super-dee-duper simple.  The Miniature Rhino has some cute stuff.

Pink Gerger Daisies made this awesome Aztec-inspired embroidery hoop art.  I'd have to agree with her: I love the color combo.

This is probably the most awesome project I've ever seen.  What an awesome idea!  I might have to make this for a friend who lives a few states away:)  In Between Laundry gets a double thumbs-up from me:)

Hot air balloons.  So whimsical.  And with these awesome stitches, it's a winning combination.  I hope to one day learn how to embroidery like that:)  Spool and Spoon officially has my admiration:)

Allison at Little Lovelies created this awesome ombre heart cross stitch.  It's amazing how something so ridiculously simple can be so cute!
Ok, so this idea might officially take the cake on absolute creativity.  Dana first painted the squares (I don't know how) and then embroidered the icons.  And, no, this isn't just an adorable piece of art hanging by her computer.  SHE USED THESE CUTIES ON THE SIDE OF HER BLOG!!!  You seriously need to go check it out.

Allison at Little Lovelies also created this adorable embroidered penant, inspired by the colors of sherbet:)

Well, there is so much more inspiration that I could put up here.  But that might be overwhelming.  I hope you enjoy this little bit!
~Kelsey

<a href="http://fancythatnotion.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Fancy That Notion" src="http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r574/knmcvicker/Round-uplogo3_zpsf50277cc.jpg"/></a>

A Few of My Favorite Things: Chevron

Hello!  I'm back again with another Pinterest Round-Up Post this week!  I didn't post last week because of the extended weekend.  I hope you enjoyed yourself with an extra day off!  But I'm back today with one of my current loves: chevron!  I'm seriously loving this craze right now.  Wanna know a secret?  Chevron is not entirely new!  One of my favorite bloggers from Sewing In No Man's Land posted a picture on Instagram of a beautiful church (I think) in Paris whose lovely steeple was (can you guess?) CHEVRON!!!!  So maybe this isn't just a fad, and will stand the test of time!;)  Anyways, I hope you enjoy the inspiration!:)

Chevron Pasta Necklace

Chevron Moccasins

Chevron Shoe Box Wall Art

Painted Leather Bracelet on Etsy

Pleated Chevron Skirt

Pleated Chevron Skirt

 

Painted Chevron Art

Chevron Printed Scarf

Knitted Chevron Blanket

Knitted Chevron Baby Blanket

 

 

~Kelsey

<a href="http://fancythatnotion.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Fancy That Notion" src="http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r574/knmcvicker/Round-uplogo3_zpsf50277cc.jpg"/></a>