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June 2, 2017

Yarn Bombed Picture Frames How-To

I love yarn bombing. But then I love all forms of graffiti so much of the time, anyway. It can be so beautiful! Who’s with me?

For this project, you’ll need yarn, of course, in whatever shades and colors you like. Dig through your leftover scraps or head to a second-hand shop. You won’t need much and you don’t have to worry about dye lots or anything like that. You’ll also need frames (I used 5×5 frames for mine), scissors, a large-eyed needle, and a little bit of time.

Begin by cutting off a length of yarn, at least a yard or so but there are no hard and fast rules. I like things to end up looking a bit random and asymmetrical, anyway. Tie one end of the yarn onto your frame with the knot in the back. Then, simply begin wrapping the Read more

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May 1, 2017

The Beginner’s Guide To Hand Lettering

One of my goals for the year is to improve my hand lettering skills. I’m not where I want to be yet (hey, it’s only May) but I feel like I’ve improved a lot this year already. If you’re afraid to jump in and try it yourself, don’t be. Like anything, all it takes is practice.

An easy way to get started is with something called “faux-ligraphy.” The look mimics classic calligraphy but in a looser style and can be achieved with the humblest of supplies. If you have pencil and paper, you can do this. In the examples below, Read more

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April 2, 2017

DIY Flower Crown

Flower crowns are so easy and the materials are super accessible for just about everyone.

Step one is gathering your materials. You can use one kind of flower or a combination of blooms. For this one, I decided on some pretty blue hydrangeas, a couple bunches of them, each costing only one dollar. You’ll also want floral tape and strong scissors or snips.

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March 2, 2017

Spring’s Inspiration

There is perhaps not a more inspiring time than spring. It’s every moment shouts at you to move, move towards what you want, move towards what you’ve been waiting for.

The impatient stems that push back against the earth and gravity and every other thing that pushes down. Even if they must strain against the snow, they will. Blooms greet you from the tree branches in the sky to the mounds of crocus at your feet. Even in the grocery store, we’re greeted by cheerful daffodils and tulips, gathered in bunches and held together with rubber bands. Read more

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January 28, 2017

Cacti. So Misunderstood.

I used to not think too much of cacti. They can seem so off-putting and well…prickly.

But now, I think of them as these beautiful miracles that survive the harshest of conditions. Not only survive but thrive–flower even! Seems there’s a lesson in there somewhere.

I’ve been working on a few little illustrations (I always forget how much I love sketching until I get back into it!) and thought I’d give you a sneak peek.

The pencil sketches:

And all inked in, ready for color:

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December 24, 2016

She Loved Christmas Eve

She loved Christmas Eve. Christmas was always so much fun, so lovely, but Christmas Eve was extra special, magical in a way that only the holiest of nights can be.

Most of the day on Christmas Eve was spent finishing up in the kitchen on all those handmade goodies–cookies, candies, gingerbread, and hot cocoa mix– before we delivered baskets of them to neighbors and friends in the afternoon. Then the four of us, Mom, Dad, my brother, and I, would gather at home. Read more

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In ART On
December 20, 2016

Christmas Tree 2016

Christmas trees are my thing. My thang, y’all! I’ve had some favorites over the years, my Scandinavian tree, the Woodland theme that got featured on RealSimple.com, and last year’s cheery Vintage Tinsel tree.

This year I went a different way. And it has a lot of meaning to me. Every bit telling my story.

Little white birds floating somewhere between heaven and earth. Free. Resting in the fact they’re taken care of.

Red berries and bare winter branches.

Tiny white lights and tiny silver ornaments that reflect that light. Read more

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In ART On
December 17, 2016

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Mexican wedding cookies, also known as Russian Teacakes, also known as You Can Eat the Whole Plate Before You Realize it Cookies. They’re like shortbread biscuits rolled in fluffy sugar. And of course in my recipe, I throw a little extra Christmas inside.

Christmas Snowball Cookies Read more

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