Bluntly, this is my journal of life as a creative and my various projects. So I want to get down to brass tacks, and write a few posts about what motivates my heart from its very depths. Those small parts of life that truly cause a yearning to thrive from within, you know?

Every spring is a miracle to me. I chose to invest in my dirt because it was an eye sore. Little did I know that every year would emerge a new joy to wash over my soul.

Sickly winter twigs suddenly sprout the smallest beauty.

From rocks there arises new life. Like pure magic.

Each year I forget what to expect. You can find me outside just staring at the ground, waiting to catch a glimpse of something new. It's like the anticipation of Christmas, but completely different. Unexpected and faithful. Sporadic but sustained. A reflection of grace renewed.

Like any baker or builder, there is a mountain of gratification with a job well done. Do you have any insprirations that offer continual surprise?

Below are a set of corsage & bout that I made for a wedding last fall. (Hoping someday I'll have photos of the event to share!)

Despite being faux flowers, I think they still offer a nice mix of texture and color. What are your thoughts? Is it possible to use fake flowers in a stylish way? Or is real the only way to go?

Wishing you a sunny week!

But what IS making me happy—this antler I just spray painted gold tips onto.

It also doesn't hurt to be recently featured on the blogs of two idols, Emily Henderson & Martha Stewart (insert audible squeal!). Who knew decorated eggs could be so popular shortly before Easter? Yay ego boost!

Should be the start to a great week!

Though the weather does not reflect it, spring is here and my front door will participate. Using what I had on hand (embriodery hoop & fabric scraps), I whipped up this seasonal greeting to brighten my exterior. What do you think?

It was a short work week, and now I'm off to enjoy the local vineyards with the visiting in-laws. Relaxation and merriment will be in abundance this weekend. Wishing the same for you!

I recently had some fun decorating farm eggs. With a white paint pen, I was able to make simple yet surprisingly pretty Easter eggs.

Wouldn't you love it if all you eggs came like this? I certainly would!

Any fun weekend plans?! I'll most definitely be celebrating some Irish cheer on Saturday. How about you?

I certainly am. And these gorgeous-to-die-for-flowers are just a little inspiration for the impending buds.

Annnd also ideas for my upcoming business venture! In May I'll be selling my own flower arrangements at the Farmer's Market...Eeeee! It might be too early to share the news but I cannot contain myself. So for now I'm collecting as many ideas as possible on my floral Pinterest board. Have you seen any simple arrangements lately that I should add? Or favorite blooms to make sure I include?

Image Sources: 1. Studio Choo on Design*Sponge // 2. Once Wed // 3. Wild Folk Studio Blog // 4. Emily Henderson // 5. Wild Folk Studio // 6. Photography by Jose Villa, featured on Once Wed //

Art for the fridge. And art for the mirror. Two places I visit multiple times throughout my day.

Worry has NO VALUE and does not solve anything. It steals joy and contentment. So why are we prone to worry? It's like we're wired to be in control of everything, and when circumstances are out of our control we default to anxiety. Am I alone? What are you worrying about lately? How do you combat your worry?

If you'd like, you may also download this artwork (formatted 5x7). Two small reminders that there is hope for the future, and no reason to worry about it.

Have a wonderful *worry free* weekend!

This isn't meant to be shameless self promotion as much as, "Uh hello this gold confetti is gorgeous and I'd love to share some with you". Who doesn't love a giant gold paperclip? Yep, this shop is a hodge podge.

And Of course I'd love for you to share a tweet to get the word around, because I'm convinced one of you knows someone in need of awkward plastic test tubes. I'm absolutely sure of it.

Thanks so much for your support!

I now present to you a party that was styled a while ago.

Remember these amazing party invitations I posted? (No, of course you don't because that was forever ago.)

Neon. Confetti. Subtle Mexican Fiesta nuance.

The food served was a nacho bar and a gorgeous chevron cake. Yum.

One of the activities was that each guest filled out a favorite memory with the birthday girl, totalling 30 envelopes of memories.

And a incredible, ginormous, teal, pentagon piñata. Full of more confetti!

And a paper chain photobooth backdrop with metallic balloons and playful props.

A mess to clean up means great times were had. Yay friend collaborations to celebrate a friend in style!

What do you think, is this a fun way to help a friend over the hill?

Photography by Chase Oros

I think a little color will lighten my mood. How about you? What ways are you using color lately?

This is a large stencil letter made from standard foamboard that measures 20"x30".
For a dramatic focal point in any room or display, this does the job well. 

And edge the letter with neon washi tape for extra interest.

If interesed in how this was made, continuing reading the next paragraph.

To create the letter, I did freehand draw the letter on the foamboard. The secret however, was to create a digital file with the same measurements to use as a guide for measuring cut lines. To be more specific, I created an Illustrator file of the same dimensions (20"x30") then used a standard sans serif font blown up to the size I liked. From there I could measure how many inches each horizontal line was from the top and also how many inches each vertical line was from the side. Using a straight edge ruler, it was easy to draw each of the line dimensions on the foamboard. The curves were a little tricky using just freehand. Also, a large cutting matt was a lifesaver when I was ready for cutting out shapes with an xacto knife.

Sorry to be MIA last week. I think I'm still in a winter slump (as I mentioned some at the beginning of January). Both my husband and I are slow with work, so I spent most of last week working on potential income streams (new Etsy products, selling stuff on Ebay, etc). We are at a standstill waiting on job/future opportunities, so it's been a struggle for us. Hoping (paid) work projects pick up and future direction come soon! Anyone been there? Where you feel your hands are tied while waiting? Any tips? Ugh, no fun.

Here's to expecting a breakthrough this week!

I've got a little download to share with you today. Was itching to play with a little watercolor and figured a feather tag would do the trick.

Feel free to download these feather templates and create amazing Valentine's projects with them! Perhaps a "birds of a feather" gift...or maybe "you tickle my fancy" love note? Any other ideas on what to use them for???

You don't realize how intense this was. It was like Mary Poppin's bag, where all magical crafting things come from...except also a disaster of piles upon piles. There was no floor to be seen in any of its' 10 sq ft.

Above would be all my fabric scraps. Organized. By color.

Heart is bursting with pride. Like that feeling when the house is clean, the laundry done, and fridge stocked. As if your life is almost put together. With a bonus of bunting hung on the ceiling.

Small life victories for the win!

PS. Super fun desktop wallpaper from Oh, Hello Friend. Find it here.

This quote jumped out at me today. Maybe because I've living in anticipation lately? Or maybe work has been slow and I've been thinking too much (and organizing!). Either way, expecting good things for your future is a must.

It's a fun collection of love notes for my shop! And I've made an option for customizing the poems/quotes and adding names/initials to the back page. Wouldn't they be so sweet scattered through out the house? Or tucked in places like a lunchbox...

I think I'm most obsessed with the mini binder clips I used on our Christmas cards. Too cute! And printing on chipboard—my latest design craze. But I also like the neon colors instead of the traditional Valentine reds/pinks. (So actually there is a lot I like about these). What do you like most? Any sweet Valentine ideas you've been tossing around for this year?