Medicine for Mondays 5.20.13

I have been missing my blog lately. Between my fabric flower class and a trip to Quilt Market last week, things have been really hectic.

Behind the scenes, I have been working on some new content and fresh ideas for this space — and it was good to give things a little extra time to gel. I’ll be rolling out some new columns and branching out a bit more. The weather is summery here today, and it feels good to get moving again!

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{Introducing a new weekly column, Medicine for Mondays: If only we could bottle beauty into an elixir and drink our fill each week. This is my weekly reminder to try to see the world with fresh eyes.  A photograph I’ve taken of a beautiful spot. Five things I’m thankful for right this very minute. And 1 question to help jump start my Monday.}

5-Things-Pink

1) Pockets of sunshine this weekend

2) Being home and waking up in my own bed after a trip to Portland

3) My husband hearing the scratching noises in the office and agreeing that a squirrel is living in the wall*

4) Naps

5) Really good, chunky erasers

 *Some days I am just really thankful to learn that I am not crazy.

1-Question-Pink

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I’ve had several reminders lately that there is more to me than just work. And yet, too often, I measure my week only by my list of accomplished tasks.

I am really trying to focus on being more well-rounded (thinking about my physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well-being). Self-care is a choice that I have to make about how I spend my time. (Anyone else struggle with that?)

This week, I’m making an effort to try a new form of exercise — yoga. And yes, it made me smile.

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What about you?

Filed under Inspiration, Photography. Tagged with , , , .

By Kelly
May 3, 2013

1 comment

Backyard Makeover Needed

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Last week, I managed to snap a few photos of the gorgeous pink trees peeking over our backyard fence. I am glad I did. Their fresh Spring pink has already dulled to a dark, mauve. The tree at the right-hand of that photo burst into fluffy, white blooms a few days ago — and the parade moves on.

I gushed about Spring last year when everything felt new to us up here in the Pacific Northwest. In fact, I thought that maybe this time I’d be less impressed.

However, now we are in a house as opposed to a high-rise apartment. We’re closer to the trees and bushes and flowers then we ever got from our balcony, and it feels more intimate and personal. Even though these are my neighbor’s trees — they feel like mine somehow, too. The view from my second story window looks right onto their huge, pink boughs.

For a few really glorious days, we had a lot of sunshine and wind, and outside, the pink petals drifted by the window like snowflakes.

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And that’s about where the fantasy ends. I know. I hate to burst the bubble.

Apparently, we are supposed to mow the lawn and pull weeds and, eh-hem, repair that fence. We try not to make eye contact with the neighbors. Did you notice the boards all askew in that top photo? The other side of the yard is worse — the whole fence up and keeled over.

I try to have a sense of humor about the never-ending list of things to maintain. I am so grateful to have discovered the writings of Gladys Taber last year. I hear her wise words and laughter in my head when I think about the chores and rhythms of the seasons. I look out back, and think — oh, this summer, we’ll build a new fence and landscape those beds and re-paint our deck and, and, and… The reality will be much less productive than that. There will be hot days sitting outside with Popsicles – too warm to think straight let alone do any physical labor.

I was asked to write about waking up your outdoor space with 5 personalized art projects (at P&G Everyday) and that was so much more my style. Let’s just decorate instead. I’ll paint a nice faux rug on that deck, and everyone will forget about the fence.

Right on cue, it has started to rain. I guess we’ll table this discussion for later. We don’t really have to get started yet, do we? What about you — any outdoor projects you’re planning to tackle this year? (Balconies and apartment steps count in my book!)

Filed under House & Home. Tagged with , , , , .

By Kelly
April 19, 2013

No comments

Handmade Hostess Workshop & Open House!

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Keli of Drygoods Design and I have been working on something pretty special — a Handmade Hostess Workshop & Open House. If you are in the Seattle area, then I hope you will head over to her beautiful shop in Ballard on Saturday, May 11th for this 2-part event. The Open House is free (no RSVP required), but the Workshop spots are limited so be sure to sign-up early!

(Do you wish you lived nearby, but don’t? Well, I have something special planned for you, too. I’ll get to that in a moment.)

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Workshop (5/11 from 1-3:30pm)

My hands-down favorite project from the book are these fabric flowers — and based on everyone’s reactions to them, I think they are your favorite, too. I am going to be teaching a class where you’ll make a fabric flower that you can use as a centerpiece, mobile, or even a really gorgeous gift wrapping embellishment.

The workshop is the week before Mother’s Day, so this would be a fun treat to bring your Mom to or just a chance to get a head start on her present. You’ll need some basic sewing machine skills, but these flowers are beginner-friendly. (And if sewing isn’t your thing, then hold on because I have something for you, too!)

The workshop is $35, and there will be refreshments, goody bags (!), and some sneak peeks of my next fabric line. Enrollment is limited, so if you’re interested, be sure to sign up here.

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Open House & Book Signing (5/11 from 3:30-5pm)

In the afternoon, we’ll open up for a Book Signing and Open House. Everyone is welcome. There will be door prizes, a beautiful, simple craft you can make and take home with you, and refreshments (think: dessert)!

No sewing or crafting experience necessary, but if you’d like to, we’ll be making some paper flowers from the book.

Last year, I got the chance to go to several book signings, and while it was a total treat to meet some of my favorite authors, I sometimes wished there was more to do. I really want every single person who attends to know that there are a few special treats planned just for them.

If you are local, then please help spread the word! I still feel a little bit like the new girl in town and really appreciate the support.

IMPORTANT: To reserve your spot in the Fabric Flower Workshop ($35), go here to sign-up. The Open House is free and open to the public — no RSVP necessary.

For my non-local friends: I always feel bummed reading about cool events that I can’t attend! So, I am going to be giving away some extra goodies from the workshop right here on the blog. It’s my way of saying “Wish you were here!” Stay tuned for details.

Filed under Books, Fabric & Sewing, I Made This, Site News. Tagged with , , , , , , , .

By Kelly
April 18, 2013

4 comments

Handmade Hostess (Official Book Trailer)

It’s done! At last!

My homemade book trailer for Handmade Hostess is all finished.

It’s pretty short — just one minute long. I tried to give you some more glimpses of the projects in the book which was fun and also helped me answer my husband’s frequent question. “Do we really have to keep all of this stuff?” (Um, yes.)

If you like it, please help spread it around. You can watch it right here or head over to Handmade Hostess (Official Book Trailer) on Vimeo.

I completely lucked out and the super talented composer, Ashley Jurgemeyer, allowed me to use her song, “Sunday Sundress.” I love it. Which is important, because when you are editing something, you get to listen to the music track. A lot. It’s a good sign when you still like the music as much on Day 15 as you did on Day 1. Thanks Ashley.

Filed under Books, I Made This. Tagged with , , , , .

By Kelly
April 16, 2013

2 comments

Featured on A Subtle Revelry

Parasol Backdrop DIY

Victoria at A Subtle Revelry always has great, unique party ideas and projects going on, so I’m flattered to be on her blog today.

If you have been curious about how to make the parasol backdrop that is featured on the cover of Handmade Hostess, well, here is your chance! Check out the post at A Subtle Revelry for the full Parasol Backdrop instructions and DIY.

Special thanks to Luna Bazaar for loaning us the parasols and to my Dad for helping me design the PVC backdrop. It always helps to have an engineer in the family!

Hope your week is off to a good start. I am working on one last audio fix for my video (fingers crossed). I can’t wait to share it with you!

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Filed under Books, I Made This. Tagged with , , , , , .

By Kelly
April 8, 2013

1 comment