bee keeper studio

Moving Day

2011-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Don't you love when you are all ready to move to a new place and they hand you your keys early? My NEW home is all ready for you!

My new home Style Pie is where I will be from here on out. I do hope you will make the change with me and follow me on this exciting new adventure!

CLICK HERE, save the new domain into your bookmarks and check in for daily inspiration!

cracking open the paint pale!

2011-01-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

Looking at the blog now, although I see how whimsey it kind of is, I am taking a different direction in the new space. Coming up with these colors was too tricky! So to ease the process I went to the one shop I knew I would find inspiration and grabbed items that, well, spoke to me. The gold tones, stones, and wood are literally the bracelet, and the pink is a lightened shade of this cute jacket. I am cracked open this color scheme over in the new space and it is so bright, easy to navigate, and still my favorite: cute. I am doing to do it, I am going to set a launch date! The new space doors will officially open on January 20th--just a week and a day from now! There is plenty to do, but like any project from the heart it's not even a question of worth it or not. :)

collection crush: packing the bags

2011-01-09T11:57:00.000-08:00

I don't exactly recommend moving in January (brrr!) unless of course it is a cyber move which this is! My idea journal pages are getting filled with a great concept that I can't wait to focus my blogging around: style. It's my favorite topic to talk about, encourage, brainstorm over, and read about. I will pack up a couple features for the road like collection crush and DIY projects, and I will be adding a few more I can't wait to start sharing. Soon, very soon! (above picture source)

1. globetrotting in grey coat: mod cloth 2. sage advice tote: anthropologie 3. season's end belt: anthropologie 4. vintage nude leather oxfords: dear golden vintage

While I neatly pack up some things around here and crack open the paint bucket in my new space I may be a bit absent. But as soon as the new place is ready for visitors I will be sure and have a wonderful blog opening party!

my days are filling with inspiration!

2011-01-05T19:29:00.000-08:00

Hello sweet bees, how have you been? I am in one of my inspired time to change things up a bit modes. I love these modes, but they usually mean I take a couple days (times more) away from my blog to get everything figured out. I think of this blog as my first studio apartment--super cute and filled with small collections I truly loved finding and putting together. But I also think that I am quickly outgrowing the space and it's time to find something a tad bigger (you know, where my domain and title match ;) ) So I am sort of packing up and getting ready to move over to a new space. Nothing is set up yet so it could be a couple weeks, but I will be sure and keep you updated!

Oh and I finally bought this set of pens I have been eyeing for awhile. They are pretty but are also distracting me with doodle time. Remember this post here on my 26 goals before 27? Well these are part of #16 now! How are your goals coming along?

2011-01-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

It being the new year and all I wanted to share a list of things I am currently obsessing over just a tad. First, I really don't use this time of year to create resolutions because I set new goals or review past goals every day, it's more effective! So in place of resolutions I will share 5 things that I am working on and making a priority throughout the year. What are your 5 things?!

Thing #1: Goals! Goal setting is so much fun and with a new trick to make it feel more doable they just start taking on better life. I read a wonderful article recently about goal setting using an, "if, then" statement. For example one goal I have given myself is--If I say I am bored, then I will read an article, email, chapter, essay, etc. about business.

Thing #2: Blog! I love blogs. They can be whatever you need them to be for you, educational, inspirational, or your daily guilty pleasure. I am taking this wonderful e-course from elsie and it has really got me thinking about what it is I do here. I love having this space but I think it's time for a direction review. My darling sister has recently decided to move her blog to a new home with a fresh start, which also got me thinking--what is my actual focus here? How can I make it better? Yes and I will!

Thing #3: Entrepreneur! Here is a word that I am using in my vocabulary every day now. This last year was wonderful because things happened outside of my control giving me time for pause. Eventually I turned down what I saw as a traditional route and started day dreaming about more fun things. Those day dreams are turning into realities with a ton of hard work ahead of me of course!

Thing #4: Stylist! As a little girl I loved playing dress up, redesigning my bedroom (constantly!) and designing clothing lines. But as I got older I deemed these hobbies as frivolous even though I truly loved what they all represented to me. It has taken me close to 10 years to throw that frivolous notion out the door and take back a piece of me that I still love. You will see this word start to pop up more as I take my blog in a more defined direction and give myself the space to be a teacher of style. (with more photos!)

Thing #5: Love! Well I am pretty lucky over this one. I get to spend great time everyday with someone who has pulled me out of my shell, all the while loving what unfolds. I foresee some exciting things in the future, but in the everyday life my sweetie inspires the small things, the big ideas, and all that is found in the middle.

Here is to another wonderful and playful year!

2011-01-01T07:11:00.000-08:00

Happy new year sweet bees! Here are six things I am crushing over for the month. For starters I always associate January with lots of white and soft winter colors like pale blue, honey brown, and gold.

I am in love with this little piece of love from old new again. One of my goals from the year is to add art to our humble abode, this would be quite darling over our mantel!

Classic lockets are always a favorite. This sweet one from jean jean vintage has such a romantic touch.

Coffee is always in season, especially during these chilly months! This literal coffee mug from Crate + Barrel would make the mornings a bit warmer. (update: this was sitting under the tree for me this year and is now what I start my mornings with!)

Who knew a toothbrush could be so cute?! These bamboo ones from Anthropologie are good for the environment and good for my counter. (and they tell you when to switch to a new one!)

Flats are easily worn in the summer, so how do you wear them in the cooler winter months? Pull out some grey and wool of course! I may need to snatch these bow topped flats up from Anthropologie for my feet.

I saved my favorite for last! After much hmming I decided I needed this ingenious course from Elsie of A beautiful mess: Blog Love! I bought this last month and have been swooning over every section. Her advice is packed full of inspiration. If you are a blogger I suggest getting a copy! I will write a review very soon.

day twelve handmade holidays: Thank You Notes

2010-12-25T06:02:00.000-08:00

It's finally here, Christmas morning! I may be in my (late) twenties but I still can't sleep all through the night before. For those of you tearing (or gracefully opening) your lovely packages from friends, family, or loved ones this early morning here is a great post holiday project: thank you notes! These would also make for darling winter solstice or new years cards, with a different stamp of course.

step 1: Your ingredients: 8.5 x 11 card stock, bone folder (or dull butter knife), stamps, stamp pads, A1 sized envelopes (these fit a 3.5 x 5 card), paper cutter, and a pen.

step 2: Cut your card stock into two 3.5 x 10 pieces. Using your bone folder fold your card in half to create a 3.5 x 5 folded card.

step 3: Starting with my owl stamp and red ink, flatten your card to make stamping easier...

step 4: I stamped the larger stamp towards the top so the thank you stamp had plenty of space

step 5: Using my small thank you circle stamp I stamped 3 times re-inking in between each stamp

step 6: Using a fine tip brown marker I drew three lines down to make the thank you's appear as little pendants

step 7: Incorporate your stamp on your envelope. It will go through the mail just fine!

step 7: I stamped the owl in the middle of the envelope so my address could be nestled inside.

step 9: Write your return address on the back flap to give your front address more space.

THANK YOU for spending these handmade holidays with me, this has been my most favorite blog project to date! I will be spending some much needed time with family and my sweetie, but I will be back very soon with a New Year's Eve collection crush, a few updated goals, Six Sweets for January, and some other fun things for the new year. Happy Holidays sweet bees!

day eleven handmade holidays: Placecards

2010-12-24T06:02:00.000-08:00

My family have always eaten dinner on Christmas eve and not much has changed! Well it usually begins in the early afternoon with a full day of grazing on appetizers and games then sometime late into the evening we get to that delicious dinner. This year our table will be the fullest with family it has ever been so I thought these would be a darling addition!

step 1: You will need the following materials: cardstock (in colors you like!), printed paper, double sided tape, paper cutter, pen.

Cut your solid cardstock to 4" x 3", and fold in half so each placecard measures 2" x 3".

step 2: Cut a contrasting color cardstock to 1 1/2" x 2 1/2", using a little piece of double sided tape attach it to your placecard just a tad to the right.

step 3: Cut your printed paper to 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" squares, and using your double sided tape attach this to the left side of your colored paper.

step 4: Write your friends + families names and set your lovely table!

step 5: For a different look, use your placecard to write on and use some printed paper for decoration. Cut some printed paper to 2" x 1 1/4" and adhere to one side of your placecard.

step 6: Write your guest's name (or a fun quote) and set your table!

Tomorrow's my last handmade holidays post: thank you notes. Happy Christmas Eve!

day ten handmade holidays: Gift Tags!

2010-12-23T06:12:00.000-08:00

In addition to scheming up my gift wrap design at least a month before Christmas (like a real paper adoring dork) I can't forget about the gift tags! This old post are my tags from last year, kraft paper always seems to make it's round this time of year. Here are three tag ideas with my favorite print maker: rubber stamps.

step 1: you will need blank tags (of any color to your liking), festive holiday stamps, stamp ink (note: I use both pigmented and dye inks here because my paper can absorb both with ease), printed paper, paper cutter, double sided tape, pen. My printed papers can be found here.

step 2: for one tag I cut down some of the printed snowflake paper and added a sold piece to create a border. Using my do not open until Christmas stamp and some red ink I repeated the stamp for a full print.

step 3: for another tag I used a simple circle stamp and the plain white background for another printed tag. Both of my stamps I snatched up for just $1! (see the finished tags above)

step 4: for my last tag I started by stamping my white tag in the same repetitive pattern as the first one.

step 5: using that as your backdrop cut some printed paper and solid paper for the front using double sided tape to attach.

step 6: find a colorful pen to add your recipients name, like this sea foam sharpie :)

Now your gifts are ready for your handmade gift tags and just in time to slip them under the tree. (if that's where they are headed) Just two projects left, check in tomorrow for: holiday dinner place cards!

day nine handmade holidays: paint your nails!

2010-12-22T05:42:00.000-08:00

A sweet friend of mine has become my personal nail polish guru! (and a ton of other people too) Not to mention she gifted me that bottle of Chanel polish for my birthday that I am coveting :) I will let her share her nail geniusness with you:

Tis the season to be festive! Nothing makes me feel more festive than a fun color on my fingertips, so I’m sharing my favorite holiday nail colors with you. I tried to choose both high and low-end polishes, so there is something for every budget.

no. 1 Reds and Golds: There is no better time of year to play with sparkle than the holidays! It’s actually the only time I really go nuts for glittery polish. I know I just said to think beyond red polish, but it really does work on everyone and is perfect for Christmas time. Recently I’ve started hunting for coppery golds, and this stunner on my thumb is my favorite. The richness of the copper looks good on all skin tones, even my pale pinkness. I love a good dark red nail polish, I’m constantly on the hunt for the darkest I can find. Look for something with a bit of shimmer in it so it reads as red, not black. If blood red isn’t your thing, the holidays are a perfect excuse to bust out your brightest, glitteriest red—this ruby slipper-inspired color by China Glaze never disappoints. Chocolate brown is starting to pop up more in polish and I can’t get enough. It’s especially appropriate at the holidays when sweets are everywhere and cocoa is necessary to get warmed up from the inside. Gold is so fun to wear any time of year, but it always brightens my spirits when it’s crummy outside. I bought this gold on impulse while I was waiting in line at Forever 21 and it’s one of my favorites.

Thumb to pinkie: OPI Rising Star, Sinful Colors Burgandy Apple, China Glaze Ruby Pumps, OPI Suzy Says Da, Forever 21 Gold

I’ve been buying polish like crazy for the past two years and the one piece of advice I have is to never judge a polish by its brand. It’s pretty much all made from the same stuff! Thanks for reading! -m

I am surely buying a bottle of Sinful Colors Burgundy Apple in time for Christmas eve -- just three handmade holiday posts left! Stop by tomorrow for: gift tags!

day eight handmade holidays: Stationary Set

2010-12-21T06:07:00.000-08:00

Just five days until Christmas, but don't fret, for just $5 wrap up a darling stationary set!

step 1: for this fun project you will need: stamps (#1-I grabbed a bird and bee set, but monograms are a classic style too!), ink pad (#2-dye ink will dry quickly), 2 sheets of cardstock, 3 sheets of text weight paper (text weight paper is just light weight paper), 10 A1 envelopes (these fit a 3 1/2 x 5), a paper cutter, 5x7 box, ribbon or raffia.

step 2: Cut your card stock down to 5x7 and then fold in half. Cut your text weight paper to 5x7 and leave large. This way your recipient gets folded cards and stationary paper for letters!

step 3: My stamp set came with several different stamps, so I used 3 for my set. Stamp an image on the front of your folded cardstock, and maybe at the top middle of your text weight paper.

step 4: While those dry, grab your envelopes and stamp the bottom right with another image.

step 5: Now that all of your papers and envelopes are stamped you can stack them in your box. Place the text weight paper flat in the bottom, fold your cards and place them on top, and place your envelopes on the other end. (Turn an envelope over behind the front one so the flap comes over the front)

step 6: Out of the same paper as the folded cards, make a small little note card to write a message in. I stamped the front with the little bee!

step 7: Close up your box, grab your ribbon or raffia, wrap up your box and tie a bow in the front. Finish it off with a colored pencil or fun pen!

Even without wrapping this will look darling under a tree or sticking out of a stocking. Stop by tomorrow for: another surprise guest post!

day seven handmade holidays: feather hair adornment

2010-12-20T06:13:00.000-08:00

I made a batch of these for the recent Crafty Wonderland and adore slipping them in my hair this time of year! The best part being that they are so simple to make and each is an original made just by you.

step 1: You will need to start with- single feathers (you can find these at any craft store in a bag for just a couple dollars), small piece of printed cotton, thin ribbon, alligator clip, scissors, and hot glue.

step 2: Start with a few larger feathers and begin layering them in hand to get the look you like. Place a small dollop of glue on the back of each feather as you layer them together.

step 3: For a little contrast mix and match bright colors with dotted black and white in the back.

step 4: Once your feathers are glued together finish off the ends with some ribbon. Cut an 8" strip of ribbon. Glue the middle of the ribbon to the top of your feather base. Then wrap in both directions finishing in the front in a knot.

step 5: Take your printed cotton and cut out a small circle, about 1 1/2" in diameter. Once cut out cut two tiny slits in the middle next to know another for your clip to slip into

step 6: Slip your alligator back through the slit in the cotton circle, glue the back down to the cotton

step 7: Place glue on the back of the whole cotton piece and attach to the back of your feather piece. Slip into your hair and enjoy!

These make for great gifts too, and who doesn't love a handmade gift? Stop by tomorrow for a darling gift under $5 (and with just 5 days until Christmas)!

day six handmade holidays: jewelry collection from nimbi designs!

2010-12-19T05:42:00.000-08:00

Today's guest post comes from the ultra adorable Devan of Nimbi Designs! She is a very talented designer and graphic artist, but really I see her as a Jill of all trades. Here is just one example of that: a jewelry collection set to wrap up for someone special or wear to that next holiday party. I will let Devan take it from here ;)

For this project you will need these tools: diamond glaze (clear drying liquid adhesive), scissors, decorative paper, (no 1.) Making Memories “Paper Reverie” 18 pc set (comes in several color options, for this I used “Noir”, runs about $5 for a set), (no 2.) Necklace backing, Silver hoops for necklace making, Silver Blank ring, Silver blank double sided necklace piece, Silver Earring piece pair, Pliers, Disposable paint brush. (grab all of these at your closest craft shop!)

step 1 + 2. Take your bobby pin piece and add a little bit of Diamond Glaze on the flat silver part of the bobby pin with your disposable paint brush.

step 3: Then take your chosen piece, in mine I picked the black sparkly flower, and place the Diamond Glazed piece to the flat side of the plastic rose. Let it sit and dry. Should only take a hour or two to dry since it’s a lighter amount of Diamond Glaze.

tep 1. the pendant when it's all finished up!

step 2. For this necklace (about nickel size) I chose a paper that matched the “Noir” collection to cut out and place inside the Double-Sided necklace

step 3. To get the right size I took a nickel and placed it on a the paper, and drew with a pencil lightly tracing the shape and size of the nickel

step 4. Once you’ve traced the shape out, take your scissors and cut along the line.

step 5. Then I take the Diamond Glaze and put just a small pea sized drop inside the Silver piece -- I use my disposable paint brush to evenly spread the glaze around. Once it’s set poor a little bit of the Diamond Glaze inside filling and covering evenly over the paper design. This will take about 12-24 hours to dry fully so sit it aside until the Diamond glaze has hardened and turned clear.

step 1. I chose 2 of the black jewels and replaced the hoops on them with larger silver hoops to match my silver earring pieces. Use your pliers to remove and add these.

step 2: Once you’ve done that, add your earring piece, and close the hoops tightly, so that it doesn’t have a gap to fall out.

step 3: Your earring is done. Do the same for your other earring and they are ready to wear.

step 1. Take your silver ring piece, and just like you did for the Bobby Pin, use your disposable paintbrush to add diamond glaze to the flat part of your ring.

step 2: Add your chosen piece for your ring and let it sit again, for at least 1 to 2 hours.

Now you’ve made an entire little accessory set as a gift -- you can give them individually or as a fun set. The best part is you have several other pieces to use and make many more from. Perfect girlie gift for the holiday season and great for a New Years Eve wear. Have fun making your pieces and Happy Holidays! – Nimbi Design

Thanks for reading my super fun guest post! I have been looking forward to having her here :) I have one more guest post coming up in a few days filled with vibrant colors! And don't miss tomorrow's post: feather hair accessories.

day five handmade holidays: Knitted Coffee Sleeve

2010-12-18T05:45:00.000-08:00

This is a project I have wanted to create forever. Well since I started knitting which was not forever ago, but still the project has been looming and just in time for the holidays! This sleeve was quite quick and may just end up in someone's stocking next week :)

step 1: gather your knitting ingredients: worsted weight yarn, needles size 8, cable needle, button. (if you are a beginning knitter you can handle this project, promise!)

step 2: I purchased this darling sleeve pattern from Etsy shop Natalya's Studio and highly recommend her patterns. As far as cabling goes, here is the basic how-to:

Cabling is simply slipping stitches onto a holding needle, knitting across, and then knitting the stitches you set aside back on. Moving them to the side (or onto your cable needle) and then knitting them back into your working needle creates a cross that over several rows will look like a braided twist, or cable.

If a pattern reads C6F, this means slip 6 stitches off and hold them on your cable needle in front of your project. Knit the following 6 stitches, then knit from your cable needle.

If a pattern reads C6B, this means slip 6 stitches off and hold them in back of your cable needle, etc.

It's that simple, honest! If you are looking for an easy to use cable book I highly suggest cables and arans from the harmony guides.

step 3: I finished my sleeve off a tad different then the pattern called for and created a larger strip that I attached to the other side with extra yarn. Sew on a large button and enjoy your next cup of (now fancy) coffee! -Or- box this up for a darling holiday gift sure to keep a loved one's hand warm this winter season :) Check in tomorrow for: a surprise guest post!

day four handmade holidays: paper ornaments

2010-12-17T06:23:00.000-08:00

There are more then many ways to make paper ornaments, but these are 3D!

Once you get the hang of these you can whip them up in no time, and they are kid friendly!

step 1: You will need these materials- cardstock cut into a shape you like (I chose 2" circles to match the circle stamp), a decorative stamp, stamp ink, double sided tape, scissors and ribbon.

step 2: Stamp your cut paper. Like in the previous post I prefer dye ink for fast drying. You only need to stamp one side.

step 3: Let your pieces dry if they need to.

step 4: Fold your shapes in half. I used a bone folder to place a score line in the middle to make it easier to fold. If you don't have one you can also use the dull side of a butter knife.

step 5: Place a small strip of double sided tape on the back of your scored shapes.

step 6: Tape two pieces together, then before placing the third cut 12" of ribbon. Loop it and attach the ends to the tape inside the ornament. Finish off with the third piece of cardstock to hold your ribbon in place. Hang them up!

Our tree is filled with little handmade ornaments, it makes it just a bit more personal. Don't miss tomorrow's post: knitted coffee sleeves! (<--I have been can't waiting to share this one!)

day three handmade holidays: stamped gift wrap!

2010-12-16T06:15:00.000-08:00

I love wrapping gifts almost more then gathering them up, it's another place to get creative! Here is a simple way to make your gift wrap more fun, hand stamping it. I found this stamp for just $1, it came in very handy.

step 1: Gather your materials. I love light weight kraft paper, but any blank paper will do great, even white. Also you will need scissors, tape, a stamp, and stamp pad.

step 2: Grab the gift you are wrapping and measure your paper, cut to size

step 3: Lay your paper on a hard surface and to keep it from rolling up just use some heavy items to hold the ends down. Start stamping! I prefer a dye based ink, they dry very quickly and won't stain your skin (as opposed to pigment based inks) Stamp randomly, it will turn out cute!

step 4: Wrap your gift with some double sided tape to hide in the folds.

Finish off with some matching ribbon and a little tag. And when your present gets opened you get to gloat about making it yourself :) Stop by tomorrow for: paper ornaments!

day two handmade holidays: favorite cookies recipe box!

2010-12-15T06:35:00.000-08:00

These are my favorite holidays cookies that my mom has been making for I don't know how long. A few seasons ago I started making them as the perfect holiday party treat. They are pretty simple and don't involve an oven!

You will need these ingredients-

no. 1: rice crispies. I found some gluten-free ones with less sugar in the organic section

no. 2: crunchy peanut butter. You will use almost the whole jar!

no. 3: powder sugar

no. 4: semi sweet chocolate, my baking staple :)

no. 5: mini cupcake wraps are great if these are going to a party for individual servings

no. 6: butter

1. Start by melting your chocolate, it will stay smooth while you make the cookies. I always make a double boiler out of a small pan (fill it with about an inch of water), and a cereal bowl over the top.

2. The chocolate will start to melt within about 5 minutes. Start moving the pieces around with a butter knife to help melt them evenly.

3. Move on to your peanut butter mixture. Everything just gets piled together!

First, cream your peanut butter, powder sugar, and butter. Once combined add your crispies a cup at a time. Work together with your hands but careful not to smash the cereal! It will look like no. 3, not too pretty but yummy :)

4. Using your hands roll together small balls. 2 Tablespoons is a good estimate. Then dip your ball into the melted chocolate and sit on some wax paper for cooling. You could get about 2 dozen out of your mixture. Pop the tray in the fridge for 30 minutes to set your chocolate.

5. Here's how they look when all done! You can store them in an air tight container on your counter.

6. Nestle them in little fluted wraps for easy handling around a treat table. Enjoy!

Stop by tomorrow for: stamped gift wrap!

day one handmade holidays: 12 Days Before Christmas Gift Tree

2010-12-14T05:45:00.000-08:00

(To start off the handmade holiday's is my darling mom. She had all kinds of wonderful tricks up her sleeve when I was little (come to think of it, she still does) here is one I truly loved!)

Our children are all grown and have flown the nest, but when it comes to Christmas they're all five years old, again. It reminds me of one little idea I use to do for them to calm the waiting & excitement of Christmas is coming. We lived away from our families when the kids were little, so The Christmas Truck (known as the UPS truck the other 11 months of the year) would deliver packages from all over the U.S., the kids would go crazy--"Can we open them now?" "Please-Please-Please?" "It has my name on it, I should open it RIGHT NOW!" The UPS person became Santa in the eye of my children.

I had done Advent Calendars with pieces of candy inside - but, with the kids just coming down from the Halloween candy high they didn't need another sugar rush to add to their already hyper holiday. So, I decided to do something a little different. I started the 12 Days Before Christmas with a Partridge in a Gift Tree.

I used a small, 2 foot artificial tree and attached 12 little wrapped gifts with their names and a number for each gift per child. The gifts were little things - gum, a small toy, a dollar bill, Christmas candy, a personalized notebook, an ornament, small bag of popcorn, hair ribbons, a matchbox car, a small necklace, etc., the 12th gift on Christmas eve was usually a note to find mom and I would give them a new Christmas book. The tree was waiting for them the morning of December 13th and they could find the gift of the day waiting for just them. It worked too! It took the edge off of begging to open a gift and made the waiting for Christmas to come a little less stressful for them (and me).

Leda here: today the tree is all wrapped up for a very special little boy and I know all us grown up kids are waiting in anticipation for his reaction to this very sweet tradition. You can read more of my mom's musings, and see her scrapbook genius unfold on her blog here! Check in tomorrow for: my favorite Christmas/holiday cookies recipe box!

12 days of handmade holidays

2010-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

source

I am so excited about this project! (and I don't have to keep it a secret anymore) Starting tomorrow is officially the 12 days before Christmas, and to celebrate the season I will post the **12 days of handmade holidays**. These twelve days will be filled with all DIY ideas designed by me and even a few special guests. Without giving too much away there will be my favorite Christmas cookies, wrap projects, gift ideas (under $5!), paper goods, accessories, and more...

To start things off tomorrow my sweet mom has a project/tradition that occurred every year in our house when I was growing up and is still one of my all time favorite kid memories. It's a real treat!

(And, I will be doing a beetwixt shop update tonight with rings and new pendants too!)

a few snap shots!

2010-12-12T07:54:00.000-08:00

The show was so much fun yesterday and I am getting ready for day no. 2! Here is how my booth looks in the ring of all the crafty wonerlandness. Everyone who stopped by was so sweet and very complimentary, so thank you! This show was a real labor of love and seeing the final product sure does feel good. Here are a few of my crafty friends I snapped some shots of before the craziness began :)

Rachel with Bike Cozy. She makes tool kit rolls, toe cozies, lace wranglers, biking hats, and paper goods for the *everyday (biking) hero*. Her booth was so interactive, I loved it.

Amy Wing with Amy Wing Designs. Amy is a metal smither with an effortless looking aesthetic line of silver work. Every year there is a new piece I drool over, this year it is the clean circle inside a circle. *big heart*

Barb with Ciao Birdie. Barb is an ephemera collage artist who creatively has put her print work onto cards, buttons, magnets, journals, oh and she makes darling little mushroom ornaments. My day job is going to start selling her work this month, we are all pretty stoked about that!

There are many more friends but the doors were opening and I had to scoot back to my home base. The show is at the Oregon Convention Center, Hall C, from 11-5 pm today. Please stop by and say hello!

crafty wonderland, ah!

2010-12-11T05:19:00.000-08:00

1. Rachel Austin Original Paintings 2. Ciao Birdie Paper Goods 3. Darling Savage Cloth Goods 4. Locket 2 You 5. Bison Bookbinding + Spincycle Yarns (<--both from my home!) 6. Queen Bee Creations handbags

It's here, it's here! It is officially the morning of Crafty Wonderland. Here are just a small hand few of the artisans, crafters, makers, and dreamers that can be found at the show today and tomorrow. If you are not in Portland visit the full list of vendors here for some over stimulus of greatness :) Crafty Wonderland was originally a small monthly show here in Portland and they held a holiday sale every December. This is the first year with no monthly shows and you can only soak up the crafty wonderland awesomeness at the holiday and a spring time shows; hence the overabundance of excitement!

I love that artisans are coming form all over to participate, such as No. 5. Not only are these cards made by Bison Bookbinding from my home town of Bellingham, but the cards are for Spincycle Yarns -- another Bellingham native yarn maker. It's not too late to road trip over to our bridgetown of Portland, you won't regret it! I will post some pics tonight of the show. And don't forget to stop by Monday for my project launch (tee hee).

If I had a shop...

2010-12-10T06:15:00.000-08:00

If I had a shop I think it would a little something like this. Here is a sneak peak of how my booth will look this weekend at Crafty Wonderland! It will be filled a little more -- and there is a whole other table for just feathers and floral hair clips!

I think I say this every year, but this is my favorite booth/table set up to date! My favorite is my beetwixt chalkboard sign I found for $3 and made over with some paint and fabric :)

Today is my 300th post, and I think that is pretty nice. Thanks for reading!

holiday parties: green + red

2010-12-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

1. holiday parade dress: mod cloth 2. bow so sweet headband: mod cloth 3. vintage doris eaten bracelet: jean jean vintage 4. forest flower oxfords: anthropologie

1. burning desire dress: mod cloth 2. leather laurel headband: anthropologie 3. badgley mischka humbee II: piperlime 4. holly berry garnet ring: one garnet girl

As I wrote here, the holiday season is a great one for party dresses. These dresses from mod cloth feel so fancy and yet so simply put together. It may be cheesy, but sometimes I do love the classic red and green!

(stop by Friday for my craft booth sneak peak!)

creative bookshelf: a wishlist!

2010-12-07T06:56:00.000-08:00

1. my wonderful world of fashion: a book for drawing, creating, and dreaming by Nina Chakrabarti

2. the sartorialist by Scott Shuman

3. paper + craft: 25 charming gifts, accents, and accessories to make from paper by Minhee & Truman Cho of Paper Cup

4. the handmade marketplace: how to sell your crafts locally, globally, and online by Kari Chapin

One of my goals for the next year is to fill up my creative bookshelf with idea books, project books, how-to books, and even coloring books. This time of year is the perfect season to gift someone a book and a creative book sort of just keeps on giving! I stumbled on No. 1 at Anthropologie -- I was window shopping ;) -- and was quite impressed with this inspiring coloring book. I think it's intended for little girls, but I kind of want one too! It's pages are filled with blank sketches of clothing, accessories, patterns to color in and even blank pages with prompts to design your own creations. Christmas is coming :)

busy bee season!

2010-12-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

Here is what I have been a busy bee working on these past few weeks! Although this was all in preparation for Crafty Wonderland (in 6 days and counting!) it was great to get out my sketch book and create a whole new accessories line for gals. It has been one of those experiences where everything I dreamed up turned out as I had sketched out, that never happens! Now I will get to update beetwixt tonight and tomorrow. And for the holidays shipping is just $1!

No. 1: New rings! There are many colors in dahlias and roses. These will be in my shop after the show :)

No. 2: New feather adornments! Layers of colorful feathers perfect for this season. I even have a how-to coming up...

No. 3: (My personal favorite) lil' bees hair bows for lil' girls! There are turquoise, burgundy, olive, french blue, and pink bows in two sizes.

No. 4: Here is a sneak peak of my pop up shop display! I will post a table sneak peak the day before the show

I have a few more treats this week before my super secret project is unwrapped!

holiday party dress: golden rod

2010-12-03T07:13:00.000-08:00

1. dulce de leche cocktail dress: dear golden vintage 2. time of my life dress: mod cloth 3. jewel trim dress: forever 21

The infamous holiday party dress season is upon us! Dressing up for Christmas has been a long standing tradition in my family, one that I always look forward to. Soft gold is a classic holiday color that will transcend well into New Year's Eve too. I like the distinct waist lines on each of these dresses, a little belt is a perfect whimsical touch for a dress! (I will post a few more holiday party colors next week.)

Coming this weekend: a much needed beetwixt shop update! I have been grappling with what to put into the shop for the holiday season and have decided to show you what I have been up to this past month. Rings, pendants, hair bows, and feather adornments are on their way!

Six Sweets: December

2010-12-02T05:32:00.000-08:00

A new feature: six things I am sweet on for each new month. Here are six things I am swooning over/looking forward to this month, enjoy!

Any and all printed tea cups are always at the top of some list of mine. I rarely drink tea out of them though, they are mostly to hold jewelry, beads, or cards at craft shows. I am smitten with this set from Anthropologie.

It's all about silver + gold for me this season. There's something whimsical about muted colors nestled next to something shimmery. I am using something similar to these on my next craft show table!

Hot cocoa mixed into my morning coffee, it's a true treat for the season!

Crafty Wonderland! Need I say more? It's fast approaching and I am so very excited!

Every year about this time I start scheming up my gift wrap style for the holiday. It's one of my favorite things! Last year I took a chance with orange + pink, this year I am leaning towards red and soft blue.

This print from The Black Apple is too ridiculously cute! The hedge hog has a scarf on, I mean come on! I have been a fan of her work for years and she will be holding down a table at Crafty Wonderland this year. I hope I can say hi without making a fool of myself :)

Happy December!

Lucky Girl in Love: big day cardigan

2010-11-30T06:42:00.000-08:00

1. sequin wrap cardi: the gap 2. marvelous morning cardigan: mod cloth 3. blended cardigan: forever 21 4. the knit girl cardigan: mod cloth 5. merino tulle and sequin cardigan: j.crew

There's something awfully whimsical about wearing a cardigan with your wedding dress on your big day, especially on wintery wedding days. And chances are you will actually wear this sentimental piece again. The beauty of most wedding dresses? They are white! Which means almost any color will contrast beautifully. I think when the day comes I will have a dainty sequined one draped over my dress, probably in pink. Just a dream!

gift guide: for kiddos!

2010-11-28T07:39:00.000-08:00

1. robbie the radiant robot: danger crafts 2. custom doll: rice babies 3. dinosaur jumbo crayons: lil doodlers 4. wooden camera toy: little sapling toys

Start the little ones on the handmade path this holiday season with handmade toys! No. 1 is actually a knitting pattern from Rebecca Danger. She has an etsy shop filled with darling knitting patterns of robots and monsters (even ones with knitted hats to match!). The little one in your life will not only love this quirky toy, they will love that you crafted it up yourself. Hope you enjoyed these handmade gift guides. I have some more handmade holiday goodness up my sleeve later in the month!

gift guide: for him!

2010-11-27T06:55:00.000-08:00

1. black and white typewriter key cufflinks: qa create 2. screenprinted silk necktie: toy breaker 3. foaming shave whip: luscious lather 4. grey wool felt and leather iphone case: byrd & belle

Having two older brothers has certainly made for some tricky gift giving holidays, what do you buy for the boys?! The older we get the more fun gift giving gets, and I must say I am pretty excited about what I am wrapping up for them this year. I love the idea of giving handmade gifts, it makes even the simplest gifts more exciting such as shaving cream and cufflinks. Stop by tomorrow for a little kiddos gift guide!

gift guide: for her!

2010-11-26T06:44:00.000-08:00

1. organic body scrub: anthology organic 2. organic cotton and lace bralette: sandmaiden sleepwear 3. custom ring set: kathryn reichert 4. navy blue feather moccasins: darlingtonia

Here is a lovely gift guide for her, still to come this weekend are gift guides for him and for those little ones! It's officially the gift buying holiday season, but don't fret, before you get into crazy long lines remember all those fabulous handmade + local artisans this season. Check local listings in your area for upcoming craft shows because these aren't your old fashioned craft fairs. These days local craft and artisan shows are filled to the brim with clothing, paper goods, jewelry, prints, and refurbished things. Just think, there are etsy like markets popping up now through the end of the month! So thanks for buying handmade + local this season :)

happy thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T07:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for this year? This is a small compilation of some of the things I am (very, very) thankful for. Things like my health + home, my relationship with my love (which gets better each day!) and how my creative family inspires me every day.

The other part to the day: eating! Lots, and lots of eating/grazing! It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the feast. Happy Thanksgiving sweet bees! Tomorrow: handmade holiday happiness begins...I can't wait!

recipe box: double chocolate cookies

2010-11-24T07:12:00.000-08:00

My sweetie requested cookies of the chocolate variety and these seemed to fit the bill!

I prefer Ghiradelli chocolate, and even when a recipe calls for bittersweet I grab the semi-sweet. It's always worth the extra chocolate sweetness! This recipe comes from our Cook's Illustrated Baking book which I totally and completely swear by.

1. Sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl; set aside. Melt chocolate in medium heatproof bowl set over pan of almost-simmering water, stirring once or twice, until smooth; remove from heat. Beat eggs and vanilla lightly with fork, sprinkle coffee powder over to dissolve, and set aside.

2. In bowl of standing mixer fitted with paddle attachment (or with hand mixer), beat butter at medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 5 seconds (15 seconds with hand mixer). Beat in sugars until combined, about 45 seconds (1 1/2 minutes with hand mixer); mixture will look granular. Reduce speed to low and gradually beat in egg mixture until incorporated, about 45 seconds (1 1/2 minutes with hand mixer). Add chocolate in steady stream and beat until combined, about 40 seconds (1 minute with hand mixer). Scrape bottom and sides of bowl with rubber spatula. With mixer at low speed, add flour mixture and mix until combined, about 40 seconds (1 minute with hand mixer). Do not overbeat. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature until consistency is scoopable and fudgelike, about 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, adjust oven racks to upper- and lower-middle positions and heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Leaving about 1 1/2-inches between each ball, scoop dough onto parchment-lined cookie sheets with 1 3/4-inch diameter ice cream scoop.
4. Bake cookies until edges have just begun to set but centers are still very soft, about 10 minutes, turning cookie sheets from front to back and switching from top to bottom racks halfway through baking.
5. Cool cookies on sheets about 10 minutes, slide parchment with cookies onto wire rack and cool to room temperature; remove with wide metal spatula.

These were the perfect ending to a very cold day. The chocolate flavor was surprisingly not too sweet for how much chocolate the recipe calls for, they were perfect!

cocoa season!

2010-11-23T07:28:00.000-08:00

1. cabled pathways pullover: anthropologie 2. perfect skippers necklace: anthropologie 3. patterned knit tights: forever 21 4. velvet crusher peeptoe: free people

I saw these heels on another blog and snatched them for this collection all about velvety chocolaty cocoa. It is officially cocoa season. I look forward to this during the fall, although the cold weather that accompanies it is, well, cold! For a good morning treat try adding a tablespoon of cocoa mix to your coffee, it's the perfect perk. And I have a triple chocolate cookie recipe box for tomorrow, complete with step by step pics this time!

sneak peak!

2010-11-22T18:45:00.000-08:00

Here is a little show prep sneak peak! I finished up the rings and am wishing I had more they are too darling. And here are my lil bee's hair bows! As you can see they are not quite finished, but there are five satin colors in a couple different sizes. I know I made them with little kids in mind, but I sort of want to wear them too! Just a few more things to finish up and then my shop is in for a much needed update in time for this holiday season. More sneak peaks to come!

5 tips!

2010-11-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

While doing more work for my upcoming holiday show (some sneak peak pictures tomorrow!) I was thinking that I sort of take advantage each year that I have done many, many craft shows to date and the to do list doesn't take much to compile in preparation. But for my first holiday show (four years ago now...) I was a nervous wreck! I spent one whole thanksgiving day on the couch tagging jewelry for a show the very next day. I thought I should share a few tips that I still keep in mind no matter how many shows (holiday, or summer) I set up shop at.

tip #1: be cohesive. If you are selling one product in different colors find a theme with the way you present your crafty items. If you make a line made up of different things make sure they make sense on one table. If paper goods are your thing don't throw in a wrench like t-shirts.

tip #2: create a brand. This may sound intimidating but it's how your new customers find you, see you, and remember you. I throw my brand in with tags, fonts, a couple of the same colors, and even how my table is set up. Just be yourself, it's the most receptive!

tip #3: less is more. This tip is all about your booth design! Whether you pitch a tent or tables don't distract from your product. My booths are usually mostly all white with soft accents such as bamboo and clear vases. You don't have to be washed out, but let your product be seen! You may not always have access to lights or electricity. I always design a booth with that in mind.

tip #4: be you. You are your best asset because you made your product! Remember that no one knows your product like you. And don't slouch! I drag a chair along but I rarely if ever sit down, it's off putting to shoppers. There is already a table barrier between you and them, make your booth as cozy and comfortable as possible so they linger just a tad longer :)

tip #5: package it up. Let your customers remember the experience of browsing and buying from your table long after walking away. Bring your brand into your packaging. I make accessories that are quite small so tissue is important but the little sticker to hold it together dresses it up just enough. (there's more, but I can't share it yet!) Keep in mind your customers may only have a purse with them if anything, package your item so it's easy for them to store nicely before getting home.

Oh, and have fun, selling the goods your make is an unexplainable rush. Obviously, I am hooked!

new addition!

2010-11-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

Why add just one thing to the to do list when you can add a dozen? Inspired by this darling silhouette of my mom when she was little(<--!) I am in the middle of yet another product for the upcoming Crafty Wonderland: hair adornments for lil' girls! I can't say what exactly just yet, but they are pretty darling. I will show you soon enough! These will be a part of the tag that they sit on. I think an etsy shop update is very much in need in the coming week for all this new cuteness piling up in the studio. (note: pretty please ask for permission if you want to use this image, thanks!)

26 before 27

2010-11-16T07:16:00.000-08:00

Another sweet inspired idea from elsie cake: a number of goals before your next birthday! Yes, I am 26 and will be 27 in eight months and counting and here to continue inspiring the year are 26 goals before I turn 27. Some I can barely wait to start, like baking out of the book, 'Tartine' (when I get the book!), and knitting fingerless mitten type gloves. Some will be a year long project such as finishing my business plan, read fun fiction books (I like mysteries, like my mom), and plan a trip to the local Japanese gardens in the spring time. Currently I am working on No. 10: design an accessories line which I will unveil at the upcoming Crafty Wonderland!

What are your goals?

I need some help!

2010-11-15T09:43:00.000-08:00

1. estate jewelry box, rings: anthropologie 2. bakers twine: crate + barrel

Hello sweet bees. After burrowing in my studio for hours and hours getting product produced I am finally starting on the smaller details! But here is where I need some advice. I have cards being printed, stamps being made, little wooden trays and chalkboards painted, and table tents for hair pieces; what should I do with these delicate pendants I've made? I know, you haven't exactly seen them, but imagine dainty semi-precious stones wrapped with brass findings and strung on tiny (yes, I found some!) brass ball and chain. If you were a shopper how would you like to shop for a necklace? If they are laying down they get all tangled, if they are hanging the tag gets in the way... I am stuck! How do I love shopping for necklaces? When piles of them are strung up so I can sift through for the perfect one. But that's just me.

aster + bee

2010-11-12T07:12:00.000-08:00

A very near and dear friend of mine and her darling mom just opened there very own shop in Portland and I couldn't be more excited for them! Inspired by her own daughter/grand daughter they've opened a boutique for children and their parents. Their shop is filled with delightful games, gifts, and sweet clothes (like sailor coats, and tutus!) and plenty of local goods. They've taken old drawers, dining room tables, and china cabinets and turned them into darling fixtures to fill up. Visit their shop today! If out of town see their online shoppe. Their grand opening is just a couple of weeks away in plenty of time for the holidays. Love, love, love!

Have a nice weekend sweet bees!

Lucky Girl in Love: hang it up

2010-11-11T07:22:00.000-08:00

1. raise the flag DIY: martha stewart weddings 2. halo chandelier: anthropologie 3. vintage canning jar chandelier: lamp goods 4. petite poms: party poms

Holding a ceremony anywhere but outdoors has never been in question. The best part of an outdoor ceremony/reception? Lovely trees to hang things from! Whether it be candle holders and light fixtures, or paper projects such as pendant banners and pom poms. (I will do a DIY pom pom post and show you how easy they are to make!) There is such a whimsical note to hanging canning jars, and with a little malleable wire or copper the are an inexpensive solution to hanging decor. (perhaps another DIY?)

recipe box: apple galette

2010-11-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

For the pastry, place the flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Pulse for a few seconds to combine. Add the butter and pulse 10 to 12 times, until the butter is in small bits the size of peas. With the motor running, pour the ice water down the feed tube and pulse just until the dough starts to come together. Dump onto a floured board and knead quickly into a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. (<--the dough is the best part!)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Roll the dough slightly larger than 10 by 14-inches. Trim the edges. Place the dough on the prepared sheet pan and refrigerate while you prepare the apples.

Peel the apples and cut them in half through the stem. Remove the stems and cores. Slice the apples crosswise in 1/4-inch thick slices. Place overlapping slices of apples diagonally down the middle of the tart and continue making diagonal rows on both sides of the first row until the pastry is covered with apple slices. Sprinkle with the full 1/2 cup of sugar and dot with the butter.

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the pastry is browned and the edges of the apples start to brown. Rotate the pan once during cooking. If the pastry puffs up in one area, cut a little slit with a knife to let the air out. When the tart's done, heat the apricot jelly together with the water and brush the apples and the pastry completely with the jelly mixture. Enjoy!

What do I love as much as pumpkin this time of year? Apples! I am a northwest girl after all. This makes up a whole platter of apple tart that is quite good in the morning with coffee or in the evening to finish up a meal. And the apricot jelly surprisingly makes for a wonderful glaze. Happy fall baking!

send me into a dress tizzy

2010-11-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

1. angel in a blue dress: mod cloth 2. woven drawstring dress: forever 21 3. spinning lace dress: anthropologie 4. laced with grace dress: anthropologie

Something about this time of year sends me into holiday/everyday dress tizzy! I admit that I start looking for my Christmas eve dress right around this time. What? I spotted No. 4 in the most recent catalog from anthropologie and am very much in love with it's vintage-y feel and soft winter color. Oh and don't miss the vintage racks of dear golden, she always stocks plenty of holiday dress love!

little sneak peek..

2010-11-08T14:38:00.000-08:00

As promised here are a couple sneak peeks at what I have been bust working on! These are just the start of my new feather collection, I have some fun olive green + burgundy colors I will be playing with today. The pendants will be strung singly on very delicate gold chain (when I find some!). Each pendant is a semi-precious stone, some in the mix include serpentine, citrine, strawberry and clear quartz, and plenty of chalcedony.

Today I visited a dear friend in her brand new shop! I was blown away with the mass amount of cuteness. She and her sweet mom opened a boutique for kids and their parents chalked full of locally made products. I took a few pics and can't wait to post them this weekend ;) Back to the studio!

production mode!

2010-11-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

It's official, I am in production mode and am loving every moment of it! This is my first new collection of product in three years and the ideas keep flowing. I will be debuting not only a newer line of floral hair adornments but also feather pieces, single pendants, + rings. These are a few items I may have purchased recently. (Except for this pendant, it's just pretty) I promised pics, and I took them, but am missing one camera cord. I will post them tomorrow!

I am also working on several projects for one big blog idea coming next month, sorry you have to wait. I will post a recipe box, lucky girl in love, and some holiday on the horizon collections this week!

inspired...

2010-11-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

1. simply charming pendant: anthropologie 2. cotton candy divine twine: endless inkibilities 3. kimono fabric button ring: tiger lilly shop 4. a fine fete necklace: anthropologie

Here are a few images I am keeping on my desktop to help inspire a few new designs! I have switched from sterling silver to brass, it's much more delicate and looks pretty darling around a simple drop of serpentine. I will take a few pics this weekend!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T06:13:00.000-07:00

This is me on halloween, I think I am 3. (nope, I was 2!) Who doesn't love kiddie pics of your past halloween days? The story goes that after a mere five houses I was ready to head home, that's a lot of candy for a little one!

These days Halloween is more about pumpkin carving and pumpkin bread baking then costume construction. Alas, here are 3 costume collections I adore! Mother nature, a black swan, and a peacock. Three quick costumes you may just already have laying in your closet! Enjoy.

1. kindred spirit sweater dress: anthropologie 2. woolen bouquet headband: anthropologie 3. owl picture stone necklace: forever 21 4. curried heels: anthropologie 5. owl patch sweater cardigan: forever 21

1. black feather fascinator: vie moderne 2. sateen lace party dress: forever 21 3. swan hook earrings: forever 21 4. heel booties: forever 21

1. gemstone dress: mod cloth 2. peacock wide headband: forever 21 3. everlasting emerald heel: mod cloth 4. in the groove mineralize shadow: mac cosmetics

Happy Halloween!

can't get enough!

2010-10-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

A few things in my everyday I can't get enough of! I went to sell a few things and clean out my closet (a seasonal tradition of mine) and came home with this lovely bag for fall + winter. Dark green compliments all colors from rust red and chocolate, to charcoal and black. I have it filled with my vintage shop cards, my sunnies (a.k.a sunglasses) I snagged for $5, a sweet love note from my sweet love, there is always a journal + pen, and an olive wrap for warmth!

Here are a few droplet pendants, I keep wearing the navy ribbon and lime pendant. I am so excited to start playing around with beads and stocking up little droplets for Crafty Wonderland. There will also be hair adornments, hat clips, feathers, and sash belts. Here's to a busy bee season!

eye candy

2010-10-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

1. evergreen plaid dress: red velvet art 2. decaf chandeliers: anthropologie 3. fox red vintage frye boots: lizzie warren 4. gold small ball of yarn: clay, wood, & cotton

Don't get me wrong, I love the traditional halloween candy: candy corn + pumpkins, mini chocolate bars, and carmel. But eye candy is just as sweet! This pumpkin colored ball of yarn makes me laugh a little, and is reminding me of that little itch to start knitting again. I always get the urge right about now and it lasts well through the winter to whip up hats, scarves, and little mittens. I think my sweetie needs a charcoal cable knit scarf, another DIY in the works maybe?

recipe box: pumpkin bars

2010-10-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

I love to bake, and even more then loving to bake I love to eat sweets! I think I get it from my mom, this whole sweet tooth, chocolate for breakfast (what?), looking at the desserts before dinner kind of thing. I have enjoyed baking since I was in high school, it was and is still a kind of meditation for me. It usually involves whimsical music (Billie Holiday) and melting chocolate which is truly an art. Around the holidays, and I consider fall a holiday, I really get the itch to bake and stir up warmth in the kitchen for my belly. I will be adding recipe box to my collections here to share with you my past favorites, new finds, holiday staples, and just those things that taste great. Side note: this is all about comfort food, but I will substitute oat and whole wheat flower, apple sauce for eggs, and raw sugar when possible!

whimsical + white

2010-10-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

1. sovereign style coat: mod cloth 2. finely feathered cloche: anthropologie 3. first glow peep toes: anthropologie 4. tart pear droplet pendant: beetwixt

Who says you can't wear a softer palette during winter? A whimsical white is just as cozy as it's darker counterparts charcoal and chocolate. I will be debuting a larger line of my droplet pendants at Crafty Wonderland this holiday season. Any color combination suggestions? I must get started!

I heart paper goods

2010-10-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

1. super cute custom notecards: sugar and spice studios 2. I love you dear letterpress: clay, wood, + cotton 3. I'm so happy I found you letterpress: clay, wood, + cotton 4. basic grey jovial nordic

I just can't help myself, I heart paper goods and prints! Working a day job in a paper and craft store only feeds this little obsessive love. Whether it's cards, printed papers, letterpress, or even solid card stock I can find someplace for it in my life. No. 3 inspired this collection. "I am so happy I found you" is just too adorable and quite simply says so much. Monogram cards are always a classic favorite and they are useful. Looking for a simple handmade holiday gift? Try a monogram stationary set. Hmm, I see a DIY in the near future!

busy bee

2010-10-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

It's a rainy day, but with a cup full of sweetened green tea I am one busy bee! Here are the proofs for my little business cards. The show is not until December, but the deadline finally got me to design something off my to do list. Happy to do list Monday!

It's Monday! ah!

2010-10-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

(photos taken by my mom!)

I swear it was just Friday, how did it become Monday already! So much has happened; a Mumford + Son's concert (<---I heart them very much!), a visit from my mum, an impromptu drive home and back, and an acceptance letter into this year's Crafty Wonderland in Portland. Phew. Now today will be known as "to do list" day, but not just a singular to do list, no, I need a multi layer to do list! Organizing not just my thoughts and ideas but tasks for the following months. Sorry to admit this, but the holiday season is upon us!

On the blog over the following few months: DIY ideas for the holidays, inside my studio as I prep for my upcoming show, my favorite seasonal recipes, a few blog additions, and even posts dedicated to the art of gift wrap!

I leave you with my mom's hot apple cider recipe. With the rains that have come to our doorstep this is a keep-your-heart-warm kind of drink! Enjoy sweet bees.

2 quarts apple cider or juice
3-4 cinnamon sticks - broken into 2" pieces
*if not on hand, 2 t (more or less to taste)
of ground cinnamon is OK
1/4 Cup brown sugar
a dash of nutmeg
a dash of allspice (only if you have some on hand)
a tab of butter
a small piece of orange peel added, if on hand
Heat and serve

a pretty wishlist

2010-10-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

1. mini bow shoe clips: No. 144 2. tartine: all bookshops 3. printer drawer necklace display: blue bird heaven 4. whats up doc handbag: ruche

A few rustic wishlist pieces! My favorite piece is No. 3 by blue bird heaven. They take old press printer drawers and turn them into jewelry display and storage pieces. I don't think their work would fit discreetly in our home, but maybe it is meant to stand out in its own. I don't think I could sneak this into our bedroom, but oh it could be in my future studio!

my autumn look book

2010-10-20T07:32:00.000-07:00

Hello sweet bees! This is the inside view of my personal closet. (bee keeper vintage has a different home down the hall) It's a tad messy and I love it that way! Sometimes, like many gals, I utter, "I have nothing to wear!" but then I get to rummaging around in things I have collected over the years and newness springs up. These red boots are my no. 1 favorite vintage find of all time. They are 1970's burgundy leather by Dexter. Even when totally broke, I never consider selling these, they have burrowed a little into my heart. The top two dangling from my closet door are favorites that are perfect for the season. The printed dress was a classic summer find, but paired with burgundy tights and a mustard scarf it just reads fall.

Lucky Girl in Love: chalkboards

2010-10-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

1. recycled chalkboard vase jars: bragging bags 2. wedding table frame: the funny shack 3. hyde chalkboard organizer: pottery barn 4. chalk menu sign: pottery barn 5. vintage french oval chalkboard: shabbie chic home

One trend that has been popping up all over for weddings no matter the season are chalkboards and I love them! They have a rustic meets home feel for your special day. They could be used to direct guests (ie. dance floor, dessert bar, guest book, photo booth), they can be table numbers, menu + bar signs, or even centerpieces! I especially love No. 3, this little chalkboard and drawer combination would be great for guests to write little words of wisdom and drop them into the box for safe keeping. And chalkboards could easily be put on your DIY list, whether you refurbish a board or buy chalkboard paint this project will save you plenty!

birthday month!

2010-10-18T08:57:00.001-07:00

It was my sweetie's birthday yesterday (and it's my brother's birthday today!) I am so jealous (in a nice way) of their fall birthday's. The weather has been the perfect compliment to October in Portland. Not a cloud in sight, slight frost in the morning, and red trees as far as the eye can spot. Knowing my sweets also loves all things fall I used a new paper line out, Pyrus from my all time favorite brand Basic Grey. I used the tree lined papers for her birthday card, guest book, and the little cards telling her where to go and when for her birthday party! The canvas' were her birthday gift from me. I haven't used paints in way too long, I miss mixing colors and creating collages on canvas!

Here she is blowing out her (30) birthday candles. Sorry for the nightime/bluriness, although I still love this photo. Now I think left over birthday cake will go nicely with my coffee. Happy Birthday to you both!

five for fall

2010-10-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

1. mid length pea coat: forever 21 2. soft bow belt: anthropologie 3. echoes scarf: anthropologie 4. jane tall cuff boot: frye 5. pumpkin spice latte: local coffee shop!

My favorite five for fall!

1. double button jacket

2. leather belt

3. tall boots

4. whimsical scarf

5. spiced latte, of the pumpkin variety

This list tends to look the same each fall season. What is it about fall that is so totally wonderful and nostalgic?! Pulling my boots out of the corner in the closet is the best part; there might just be a few of these posts before October is up, I can't help it.

Also, today is me and my sweetie's partial anniversary (yes, we celebrate these things!) and this is her birthday weekend too! Her 30th I should add. There is a little something in the works, that is all I can say because I know she is reading this. Pictures next week of the sweet little details, I promise. I smell waffles (yum), happy friday little bees!

dream space

2010-10-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

1. Making It Lovely Studio 2. Making It Lovely studio 3. Nest Pretty Things studio

Ok...so I should be deciphering what words like "pro forma" mean since there is a section of it in my business plan, but instead I am day dreaming about future space! Having a studio/workspace has been a long time dream of mine. The beauty of what I am working on is that I may eventually have just that to go to every day. I want shelves and baskets for everything, racks and racks color coded, and the wrap station easy to use with frilly tissue + ribbon. This space may not exist even on launch day, but it is something to work towards!

Here are two spaces I adore, organized creativity is an oxymoron, but these ladies own it quite well!

gypsy chic

2010-10-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

1. kimono hood sweater 2. earth streamer earrings 3. hammered rectangle 4. pink flowers

I have a new local love: gypsy chic! One girls international travel dreams and love for fashion led her to design and open this local shop. You can see some of her styles on the website, but if you are ever in town this N. Portland shop is well worth sifting through. This mustard jacket also has a swopping hood, I can't stop thinking about it. Just more inspiration to push that business plan along. It is now in a binder, with tabs, and many pages of ideas starting to build on themselves! I will reveal more...soon. I just don't want to jinx this yet!

pumpkin spice

2010-10-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

1. classy belted dress: forever 21 2. ha'penny cardigan: anthropologie 3. teacher's pet oxford: ruche 4. vintage carmel satchel: dear golden

And so another one of my favorite seasons begins! The temperature around Portland has only just begun to drop but the leaves can not be fooled, they know it's their time to change. I always love a rich pumpkin meets burgundy color for the whole season and nothing goes better with burgundy then mustard. It adds that little something to the richness of an autumn palette.

In studio news: operation business plan is under way! I am writing a survey that I would love for you (yes you!) to fill out. Just a few questions to help me narrow down what people really love! I will let you know when it's available.

I heart San Fran

2010-10-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

Home from San Francisco with a pocket full of great memories from a weekend filled with the best music festival I have ever been to (hardly strictly bluegrass) and a couple vintage shops too!

First, the photo above was snapped by my sweet sister (in-law), see a more pics on her blog! Second, yes that is Jenny Lewis + Johnathon Rice. I have had a musical crush on the darling Jenny Lewis for many years now, she was a perfect way to kick off our weekend. We are already looking forward to next year's festival. (hehe)

Now that I am home for a bit it's back to dreamin' and workin' towards future endeavors. I have officially started the process of writing a business plan, well a journal filled with things to end of up in the business plan. Sorry to keep this one hush, but there is so much to work out before I can start chatting about it! See you tomorrow for a little pumpkin spice...

happy (looong) weekend!

2010-09-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

1. strumming guitar top: mod cloth 2. vintage dear to me bracelet: bee keeper 3. vintage side saddle bag: bee keeper 4. ag stevie cords: anthropologie

Off for a long weekend in the now sunny San Francisco! My mum + I are heading down for some bluegrass, visiting with dear family, yummy food eating, and if I can help it some vintage shopping and thrifting! San Francisco has to be one of my most favorite cities to visit. I feel it is the big sister to my home Portland. And I also wish I had this great oversized top for the trip, cozy and urban in one. You can buy the accessories in my vintage shop!

Have a lovely looong weekend! I will have plenty of pictures and new things for the vintage shop when I return. (I also want to secretly have coffee with Victoria of SFgirlbybay, too bad I don't actually know her!)

bee keeper vintage: fallin' in love

2010-09-28T19:36:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I love, love, love fall! My favorite boots sit where I can see them all summer in anticipation of cooler air, crisp leaves, and hot spiced lattes. I have been hunting down fall pieces for my vintage shop. I am taking a break from dresses and sweaters to look for the things I really love: bags, beads, and little accessories! These new pieces plus more are in my bee keeper shop today.

new! little droplets

2010-09-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

These are what I was up to all yesterday! I walked by my local bead shop, stopped in for a quick browse and had an, "ah ha!" moment. These little droplet pendants are single pieces of quartz, serpentine, and amber fastened to brass findings and strung on satin ribbon. You can buy them in my shop today! Also, I have cleaned out my bee keeper vintage closet and will be adding new accessories, jewelry, and bags for fall starting tomorrow!

Sunday's are for...

2010-09-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

1. cable knit oversized cardigan: vonlenska vintage 2. worn in wash denim: jcrew 3. inside out bowels: anthropologie

Sunday's are for the more casual side of my closet. I recently discovered that my all time best fitting feel amazing jeans have a hole...in a terrible place. But every Sunday I can't help but grab for them proudly. I will still wear them to pieces! With fall knocking on our door it is time for my oversized sweaters to have their turn again. Latte in a bowl? Yup! We recently discovered the most delicious brunch spot in Portland, Blue Hour, and they serve a mean latte in a bowl. It's pretty much heaven.

What are your Sunday's for?

dreamin!

2010-09-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

We are home sweet home from the lovely Kauai! I am not quite over the jet leg but that doesn't keep us from hitting the ground running. Not to worry, there are many photos to come this weekend! I thought that while being a beach bum I would be flooded with inspiration for the future, rather I was distracted by the pretty ocean and did not have a thought in my head. Now that we are home I am starting to daydream/plan for my personal future. Little secret: I spent the last year working on getting into graduate school for more direction. I got in just a couple days before going on vacation and happily turned it down to follow my heart. But following your dreams are scary, especially when I want to do so many things in one job. Maybe you can help me clarify!

My dream? I want a shop. I don't know if I want it here in Portland or online. I want to be a purveyor of style through jewelry, accessories, home decor, and vintage. Maybe some wedding components thrown in? See my confusion! Why not a fashion boutique? Because they are everywhere, and because most days even though I adore fashion, I adore the finishing touches more. Do you see something I don't?

jewelry box: personal collection

2010-09-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

I have always loved accessories, the more bold the better! I don't remember when I started collecting, or making jewelry for that matter, so here are my 10 favorites in my current collection!

A more delicate collection

1. quartz: unknown 2. gold disc: theresa mink 3. pineapple quartz: amy wing

No. 1 was a good find years ago, one of those marked down, marked down again, and then marked down once more. I didn't leave it behind! No. 2 was my first jewelry buy on Etsy, I must wear it every other day. No. 3 was a holiday gift from my sweets and the designer is a dear friend of mine!

4. typewriter key: unknown

This was gifted to me by my darling sister-in-law just a day or two before her wedding. It is a vintage typewriter key!

5. turquoise: unknown 6. carnelian: local artist

No 5 was another one of those bold finds marked down way too much, needless to say I took it home with me. When I need something big to really stand out I put this on. No. 6 is handmade by a jeweler back home. I am terrible and don't remember her name, but every fall she would set up a booth on campus and I of course was always sucked in!

7. stone necklace: Thailand import

One of my most favorite shops back home is filled to the brim with jewelry imported from around the world. I had my eye on this stone necklace for over a year until finally giving in. It weighs over a pound, but I still love it too much!

8. pearl strand: vintage

While working for this fun lady, one day she brought in a bag full of vintage pieces and was kind enough to give me this strand of pearls. I don't wear it as much anymore, but the simple classic nature of them makes them a favorite.

9. rust beads: San Francisco

I probably have 5 necklaces in this style, and yet this is my all time favorite (don't tell the others). I found it in San Francisco's castro district, enough said!

10. turquoise: vintage

This gorgeous piece was my grandmother's. I know I am going to tell this story wrong, but in my mind she brought it back from the Navajo Nation in the southwest during the 1960's. My mom tells me she had a large collection of cocktail jewelry, so this piece fit right in! (mom, is this right?!)

What favorite things do you find you keep on collecting?

Lucky Girl in Love: DIY Placecards

2010-09-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

This is a DIY project I've had in my notebook for awhile now: mini canvas and easel place cards that double as the wedding favor gift! (It's a bit long so I will keep it up over the weekend.)

Materials

1. mini canvas, find them here 2. chipboard pieces, optional 3. mini easel, find them here 4. scrapbook paper prints and matching paper of your choice 5. dye ink for the chipboard 6. paper cutter 7. diamond glaze 8. xacto blade 9. small foam brush

Step 1: cut your papers into a good size to wrap your canvas. I didn't want the whole surface covered, so I left a half inch on either side of the printed paper.

Step 2: If you decide to incorporate a small chipboard piece for either a stamp, the date of the wedding, or the table #, following instructions 2-7 here from a recent busy bee pendant class.

Step 3: wrap your printed paper and attach the overlapping piece with double sided tape

Step 4: before handwriting your guest's name, fold your top piece of paper around your canvas creasing it on the edges. Use these creased marks as a guide for your handwriting.

Step 5: use a pen in a matching color to write your guest's name. I love a fine point sharpie for cursive!

Step 6: once written, attach a couple pieces of double sided tape to the back.

Step 7: using the creased lines made before, center your paper over your printed paper and wrap around to the back.

Step 8 (optional): if you use a small chipboard piece follow this and the following step. once both pieces are attached slide off your sleeve and punch a small hole for ribbon.

Step 9 (optional): using a thin piece of matching ribbon tie your chipboard piece on and finish with a small knot. This piece can be attached anywhere you prefer on your place card.

step 10: the second mini canvas I used is a different size and I played around with brighter colors. Also, notice the chipboard piece on this mini canvas below shows your guest what table they are seated at.

At the end of the evening your guest's get to take their place card home, slide off the name sleeve, and create a mini piece of art!

Guest Post: Slim Arts by Sara

2010-09-15T07:12:00.000-07:00

Hello little Bees! My name is Sara and usually you can find me over at slim arts girl, but today I'm pleased and honored to be a guest blogger here while my sweet sister is away in a magical land of beaches and fruit.

When I'm feeling important, I like to think I had a little hand in the creation of the handmade business lady behind BeeTwixt & Beekeeper Vintage with a simple suggestion: 'You should open an Etsy shop,' It's been enormously fun witnessing her creative genius as her handmade business grows and evolves. I'm so proud of her! We still enjoy a good business chat on the phone now and then, and since it all started with paper, I thought I'd share a few amazing and inspiring paper finds I know Leda will love...

1. Littlefly [jewelry by Jeremy May]

Jeremy cuts pages out of books and magically smooshes them together into gorgeous pieces to wear. I like the rings best...I picked this one out for Leda, from 'Pride and Prejudice':

2. Tiny Teacups [DIY tutorial by Paper Forest]

Shelley is making a stop motion movie and needed teeny tiny cups & saucers, so she whipped out the paper and glue. Ridiculously cute.

3. Motivate [print from Orange Beautiful]

I feel like I need this reminder now and then, do you? Doesn't it seem like the year is flying by?

Thanks for reading! For the record, I considered posting a pic of a certain someone at 16 years old dressed as Audrey Hepburn/Holly Golightly as an illustration of her early stylish ways, but I figured it wouldn't make it past her editing room. Besides, I think her mom has the image usage rights ;)

back to school: collegiate

2010-09-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

1. coin purse cardigan 2. zip pro quo coffee purse 3. slim jean rustic wash 4. vintage ripe raisin ankle boots

It's been a few years since my college days, but I still remember this time of year sneaking up and the urge to fill up on fall sweaters, boots, and new books. I have my degree in social work, and although I am not working in this field I loved every moment of college! I didn't take nearly enough art electives, but the day I graduated from college I opened my first Etsy shop, hmm.

1. positive influence sweater 2. silkin droplets necklace 3. taylor over the knee boot 4. classics

Books, books everywhere! I miss the big library where you could get lost in aisles of books and small tables for studying. These classics rebound with screen prints of chairs and sweet designs inspire me to recollect.

1. cream confection jacket 2. academy days dress 3. vintage burberry messenger bag 4. trouser oxford

This collection is structured but fluid with warm fabrics and large ruffles. My dad always wanted a mathematician, but I think he loves his artists just as much! I may not be headed back to school, but maybe I can dress like it.

last days of summer sale!

2010-09-13T08:02:00.000-07:00

1. sweet hydrangea pleated skirt 2. lovers cove beaded necklace 3. mellow yellow embroidered dress 4. bright + beautiful floral handbag 5. part deux purple pumps

With September here summer is truly fading away. It is time for a good vintage shop clean out of the spring and summer prints, bright heels, and sheer dresses. Almost everything is now 50% off through the end of this month! My next project? Stock my vintage shop with sweet details for the fall and winter including home decor, heavy metal jewelry, boots, and warm hats.

Shop the summer sale here!

DIY Guest Post: Rachel db!

2010-09-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

"Always Do Your Best: Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret" -- The Four Agreements

I've never been able to rock the self-affirmations, repeating things out loud to yourself in the mirror. I always felt a little silly. Then, during a day of particular frustration, I remember going to the big bathroom mirror, picking up the hand soap and drawing a giant heart and the words "You are doing your best." I may not have said anything out loud, yet reading to myself had the effect of a spoken affirmation. (Have you ever written on a bathroom mirror with soap and then taken a shower? It's like magic the way your message becomes clear with the steam. Try it, it's delightful.) My self-love soap message lasted a good long while, yet has long since disappeared.

And now is a time when I could really use the affirmations. I recently made the move to being 100% self employed (hooray! I'm self employed here and here.) yet being the maker of your own destiny can be hard! There are many details and cracks constantly pulling towards each other, there is almost constant wondering if I've forgotten something or if I could be doing something better. To be reminded daily, "You are doing your best," that would be very helpful.

In lieu of soapy mirrors, I share with you a project to bring a little self-love back into my everyday.

I'm in a very long stint of trying to use what I already have (goal 060 – balance with possessions) so all the items I used to make my encouraging words poster were things I had on hand. Granted, a trip to the craft store can be a welcome burst of creative energy, and this project is a nice excuse to dig up some change to buy one or several sheets of pretty 12x12 scrapbooking paper.

The affirmation “You are doing your best” served as inspiration for a little typography exercise. I picked a few fonts [http://www.dafont.com] and arranged the saying to fit easily on a half sheet of paper. A jpg of my design is available for free on BeeKeeper's flickr page here.

I let the saying and design guide my choices for possible background papers. I knew I wanted something that was punchy, but not too soft... assertive and bold, yet encouraging and pretty.

A couple of printouts on a variety of pretty papers. How to choose a background?!

For a one off project, it can be quite nice to just play it by ear... that seems like a nice border I'll mark for cutting there.

Once I managed to actually choose a pretty background paper, I found a complementing plain paper for a middle layer. I was a bit lazy and didn't use exact measurements or rulers to cut the pieces. I just cut out the saying, laid it onto the citron cardstock, eyed a border about 1/4” all around and used a pencil to make tiny guide marks at the edges

a personal paper trimmer is an indispensable and economical tool for home crafting. This triple track from fiskars is about $24 at craft stores.

Line up the pencil marks on your personal paper trimmer (or use an exacto, ruler and self healing cutting mat. Only have scissors? There is a hint at the very bottom of the post.) Try to cut on the inside of the marks, if you see any lingering lead erase using a non-marking white eraser.

My thrift store “crafting score of the year” 2009. ATG guns use a trigger to dispense super strong ATG double sided tape. An investment for serious crafters. A little brother version by the brand Tombo is an adequate substitution and are economical at around $6.49, for almost 40 feet of adhesive

After cutting, and before I apply any adhesive, I set the top layer onto the middle layer to check and recheck the border so it will be easy to make all the sides even once everything is sticky.

If tape goes over the edge, just roll it back onto the paper with your finger. Double sided adhesive rollers are magical, so sticky with little mess.

Apply your adhesive. Don't have fancy guns and whistles?

This isn't just any glue stick. It is super strong, meant to last. Apply generously just to make sure it won't fall off later like many economy glue sticks

A strong gluestick will work just as well. Notice however, that this glue stick makes sure to mention it is acid-free, non-toxic and dries clear. A good quality glue stick is also a crafting-tool-box-must.

I always use scrap paper on my work surface. A nice big sheet of white paper makes it easy to see your project and will catch any errant glue.

(An aside, working at a craft store for two years, I learned never to assume someone's skill level of craftiness. If some of these instructions seem a little elementary, it's because one of my missions is to help those less craft-able than myself, and there is no better place to start than the basics.)

Here's the way I get perfect borders: the back of the piece to set down is very sticky, so I pick it up toward the top on both edges with just the tips of my fingers, hopefully in a less sticky spot. Then like a plane coming in to land I approach the top border of the background. Without actually setting any sticky bits down I can eyeball that the two sides show the same border, and then I eye that the top will match that border too. Once things seems pretty even set the top down. ATG tape is unforgiving, but glue sticks might give you a little wiggle room.

I found these pieces of acrylic on the side of the road. Not so lucky to have random acrylic in your stash? It can be found as most hardware stores in convenient sizes

I have had this acrylic laying around my studio for two moves. I'd never cut acrylic before, but Ian reassured me all you have to do is score and snap. And can you believe it!? It is that easy. Three passes with my exacto, a firm grip on either side of the score with down pressure (a turned head with eyes shut tight) and voila! Make sure to leave the protective paper on until everything is measured and cut.

I let the width of my stashed acrylic sheet inform my measurements for the pretty background paper.

Once everything is cut, play around with the placement of the saying, it might give a very different feeling at the top or bottom of the page.

Up until this point I wasn't really sure how I would mount the paper to the acrylic sheet. Then I remembered one of my precious souvenirs from a trip to Prague. A small photo behind thin glass that is neatly taped around the edges.

A perfect reason to use a little bit of my decorative Japanese masking tape!

Washi tape is a current crafting wildfire trend, and it's so fun and beautiful I happily jumped on board.

Probably because I was tired, I had accidentally cut my decorative paper smaller than the acrylic by about an 1/8” all around. Channeling the every positive Bob Ross, I chose to see it as a happy accident and a reason to use metallic gold paper for the backing.

Using the bottom edge of the decorative paper as a guide I placed the line of blue striped tape along the bottom of the acrylic sheeting. Make sure there is at least half to go around to the other side. Flip the piece over, realign all the sheets and press down the remaining tape. Cut right at the edge and repeat for all four sides.

oh yes, I am please with the colors!

To make the hanging loop, adhere two strips of the pretty masking tape together, sticky sides touching. Then tape onto the back of the poster.

The only thing left to do is decide where to hang it. It has to be a place I will see it when I need it most.

I promised a hint for those poor crafting souls who only have scissors. Draw a straight line along the edge you need to cut and then cut very carefully next to that line. Not much of a hint, huh. A better hint is to wait for a 40% off coupon from your local craft store and invest some dinero in a personal paper trimmer!

Thanks for having me over Leda and Bee Keeper Studio readers. If you'd like to learn more about me and my 100 goals so can find me at Rachels100goals.blogspot.com.

Cheers,

Rachel.db

vacation mode

2010-09-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

1. buttercup bikini 2. 10 day shades 3. vintage blue travel set 4. facet beaded necklace

My sweetie and I are off! Where to? Kauai, Hawaii for most of the rest of this month! I can't believe it's already here. We started a travel jar, literally a glass jar we kept in the cupboard, and we each put $20 in it every week for the past few months. And now our slow saving is paying off big! And as I promised my sweets I am shutting the computer off and leaving it at home. For real. Don't worry, I still have a few things in store for my darling readers! Guest posts from both miss Rachel db and the dear Sara of Slim Arts, a wedding table DIY project, bee keeper vintage summer sale, a peak inside one of my personal collections, + and a 3-part collection crush!

When I come home it is all about the ideas in my journal I can't wait to come to life like everyday photos, a vintage shop revamp project, and new BeeTwixt accessories! But for now it is all about the beach, sunshine, and pineapple (and perhaps the new Martha Stewart Weddings that is in my beach bag).

etsy loves fall

2010-09-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

1. vintage nubby vanilla slouchy cardigan: dear golden vintage 2. vintage bianchini ferier printed scarf: bee keeper vintage 3. vintage bronze filigree rose brooch: dear golden vintage 4. vintage ostrich leather slingbacks: allen company inc. 5. hammered gold cuff: paradox jewelry

I just realized this collection is 4 part vintage and 1 part handmade, I can't help it! I went browsing for a fall collection completely made up from the likes of Etsy. Vintage is just a bit more fun in the fall: chunky sweaters, leather oxfords, and layers of accessories. And I can always count on dear golden vintage to have a shop full of yummy sweaters to choose from. I may be off on a tropical vacation in one day and counting, but fall is in the air!

archived

2010-09-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

A few archived photos of vintage from bee keeper vintage! The last photo is still my favorite, it made me look at my collection in a new way.

shop adore: haven vintage

2010-09-06T07:42:00.000-07:00

1. industrial metal hardware storage 2. sewing drawer 3. cream and blue decorative dish 4. mason jars 5. letterpress collection

I have been stumbling on more of these darling vintage shops on Etsy that line their online shelves with home adornments rather then clothing. The newest is Haven. I can see the use of vintage drawers for jewelry, letterpress sets as shelf decor, and mason jars for vases. It's that vintage meets modern with a slightly rustic edge I have always been drawn too. This shop is no short of perfection. The shop sections even read, "the cottage", "industrial", "the desk", etc. If I am not collecting her collection I am surely inspired just browsing.

back to fall!

2010-09-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

1. the swing of things coat 2. mineral rock necklace 3. vintage bronzed twig dress 4. fall frolic booties 5. cloche to me in charcoal

This was supposed to be a back to school post, but really back to school is back to fall! (I still have a back to school collection in the works) I am a tad sad to let summer slip away, but the thought of heavy tweed, deep chocolates, oxfords, and pumpkin spice lattes are making me giddy. I have a few fall-ish pieces for the BeeTwixt shop in the works, some peacock feathers and rust red peonies. Very soon!

BeeTwixt: a new catalog!

2010-09-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

These here darling catalogs are what I have been up to the last couple of days! All in preparation for a very excited networking event tonight hosted by I heart art: Portland + Etsy. The event? Speed networking! A very fun idea where designers and handmade artists get 2 minutes with 20 different regional buyers and store owners to pitch what we do.

Being my first wholesale pitch event I of course was not prepared. A few hours of catalog designing, printing, stamping, and bow tie making later I had these lovelies! There are a few kinks to be worked out, but for my first catalog batch I am quite proud.

a lucky girl in love: mix + match

2010-08-31T08:12:00.000-07:00

1. whizbang bowels 2. citrine taper holder 3. turquoise taper holder 4. lissome lotus glass

I love a wedding table filled with mixed and matched plates, wine glasses, and candle holders with the same colorful flair to pull them together! I imagine an outdoor wedding with rustic tables, vintage linens, and varying thrifted chairs too. Instead of bouquets for centerpieces I adore the use of vintage candle holders. Sometimes the less match-y the better!

sunday sale

2010-08-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

1. ruched jersey tank 2. overhand knot necklace 3. shifting buttons skirt 4. ares platform shoes

what lady doesn't enjoy a good sale? With a tropical vacation around the corner I am scouring summer sale racks. Then I found No. 3 and it melted my heart! Maybe I can snag a little anthropologie on sale?

Off to a Sunday full of designing! And maybe some more online sale window shopping...

ode to mod cloth

2010-08-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

1. scavenger hunt dress 2. she bows what she wants heels 3. isabella locket 4. vintage talbot tote set

The latest edition of Entrepreneur magazine was braced with a cover of teenage (self-made) millionaires. One who's shop I visit often is miss Susan, the founder and owner of Mod Cloth. Started as a dorm filled with vintage she no longer had room for has become one of the largest indie designer + vintage shops on the web! The above collection are of course things from her store, all of which I'd love to materialize in my closet in time for this evening's dear friend's wedding (!)

Mod Cloth is the sort of thing I do wake dreaming of having in my own home. Not the closet, the business. Things will unfold as they should, but this is a dream I am not letting up on just yet!

in the mailbox

2010-08-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

Phew, what a start to this week! It was made better when this sweet postcard arrived in the mail from a dear friend. There of course is a story! This dear friend is miss Rachel db, and she has created a very fun art project. Buy a "blank" postcard from her, give it a future title, and your title will come to life via her artistic styling and be mailed to you someday in the future. It was just enough time to forget I bought this postcard and then it showed up in my mailbox making me smile very big! The title was inspired by this post here from the darling Dear Golden. Also, don't miss Rachel db's blog that tracks her accomplishing a list of 100 goals, all things that make me go, "oh, that's a good one". AND she will be one of my guest blogger's early in September! (<--very excited about this)

Home in crazy studio updates: in lieu of being accepted in an upcoming "speed networking" event next week I have been hard at work on an impromptu BeeTwixt catalog + wholesale sheet. This is on top of vacation prep, back to school posts, DIY projects, and new product coming soon to my newest shop. (breath)

Happy Friday!

home sweet home + home again

2010-08-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

I had planned on blogging throughout my venture home, but there was so much to do the computer hardly ever opened up! Remember this post here and goal #3: take everyday photos? Here is my first attempt at taking photos of where I go and things I want to capture. My loooong weekend was filled as I had hoped with coffee dates on by the bay, game nights, plenty of home cooked meals, and even a trip to the NW County Fair. These sweet piglets and pygmy goats are from just that, right before we gorged on fennel cake and lemonade. Such nostalgia at the fair, and cute baby animals too!

Now that I am home again it is back in the studio for DIY posts, a branding your business e-course, new product in the BeeTwixt shop, and collection crushes for back to school!

going home to roost

2010-08-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

1. split decision cardigan: anthropologie 2. mallard's ice cream 3. the wood's coffee shop 4. bellingham bay

I am heading home today for some much needed time with my whole entire family! A dear friend's wedding is bringing us all home, and that in itself is a rarity. I know my mom has the games for game night sitting on the dining room table, movie times picked out, and a fridge stocked full of anything we could want. Where is home? Bellingham, Washington! Odd name, I know. But it is a truly beautiful place. The city is nestled against a bay of islands and the north cascades mountain range; a true northwest delight. Plenty of coffee, sea air, farmer's markets, and bluegrass music.

I am looking forward to latte's at sunrise and sunset at Boulevard park. No. 2 is the coffee shop, and yes it is right against the bay's edge. Then there will be ice cream runs to Mallard's where they dish up flavors like basil, rose, cayenne cinnamon, and classic strawberry. But don't forget your stash of sweaters! Although we are battling the 90's here in PDX, Bellingham's forecast declares the medium 60's for the weekend. Being a northwest girl, that is what summer is all about. Mum, I'm a comin'!

bee keeper vintage: cotton candy

2010-08-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

1. vintage mellow yellow floral embroidered dress 2. vintage sweet cream slipdress: personal collection 3. vintage hydrangea pleated cotton skirt 4. vintage bright beautiful cotton handbag

This collection is all made of cotton, who doesn't love the soft summer feel of cotton?! I took myself on a thrifting date just a couple days ago and collected a couple great things! I was so happy to stumble on this new mellow yellow pleated dress, got it to the fitting room and it was a tad too small (sad face), but this means it is going in the bee keeper vintage shop! She is a lovely dress though, just in time for the end of summer. But this new slip dress, I am holding onto that one for awhile. It feels too good on to let go of!

I am making a plan to vamp up the vintage shop, add a few new things, take new photos, and fall back in love with my store! Very soon...stay tuned!

get hammered

2010-08-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

1. classic gold fill hoop earrings: rorolee 2. skinny bangle: amy wing designs 3. silver hammered stacking ring: bead in by the sea 4. mesh n' metal: lex luxe 5. teardrop chandelier with moonstone: sarah hickey 6. pool necklace: es designs

Hammered jewelry is a classic handmade staple. All of the above collection are from Etsy and yes, made by hand. My sweet friend, Amy, of Amy Wing Designs has one of the cleanest and classiest collections of hammered jewelry. (You may remember this post here.) I was very lucky to be gifted a piece by her last holiday, it is one of the only pieces I keep wrapped up in a cotton bag for safe keeping! What's a style of jewelry do you pick out over and over?

Where did the summer run off to?! Back to School is just a couple weeks away, I am not on my way back to school but it makes the itch to enroll in art classes that much stronger. And I am working on my take everyday photos goal. I have a few all lined up to share later next week!

a lucky girl in love: faux bouquet

2010-08-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

1. diamonds + pearls button bouquet: letters 4 lilly 2. catala bloom bridal bouquet: emici bridal 3. flowers are forever: martha stewart weddings 4. clay flower completion: wedding bee

Take a closer look, all of the bouquets above are faux! Silk blooms, buttons, clay, and nylon can create an original DIY bouquet for less money that won't wilt. Maybe your favorite blooms are not in season in time for your bouquet toss or maybe you want just one more project, either way these alternatives to the traditional bouquet are quite lovely. Each one is handmade, click on individual listings for Etsy sellers or step-by-step how-to so you may make your own!

saturday flea market: jewelry box

2010-08-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

1. initial ampersand letterpress necklace: gwen delicious 2. billie frechette: jean jean vintage 3. vintage chains and lockets necklace: my own little universe 4. vintage hammered cuffs: diament designs

When I was a little girl my two favorite places to play dress up were in my mom's scarf collection and her jewelry drawer. It was the eighties and I do remember lots of long + big colored beads. I am not sure if that is really how it was but that is how I remember it. Come to think of it, now I have a jewelry drawer too! She would also on occasion pull out her mother's costume jewelry, there were several cotton zipped bags full of cocktail bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. I still have a few pieces of her collection. There sentiment outweighs the risk of wearing them but I love holding onto them all the same.

This collection was inspired by No. 3, I have had this listing saved to my computer for over a week now wanting to blog about it. Few words to describe how decadent and beautiful this piece is. Then I found No. 1, letterpress pendants! What?! Too amazing. Her shop is also chalked full of typewriter key necklaces and other neat vintage tokens. Do check Gwen Delicious out!

BeeTwixt: something blue + new

2010-08-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

1. ivory silk magnolia and russian veil hair piece 2. sweet blue tipped duo silk floral hair piece

Two new (and one blue) pieces added to my shop this week! I find that the magnolia is the largest I would personally want in my hair but it is still as sweet and simple as the smaller roses. No. 1 is actually two pieces that you place together yourself. The veil could even be worn over the eyes for the ceremony and repositioned for the reception! Just a thought..

My next project: tulle! Pink, taupe, and ivory tulle drop birdcage veils are on their way. Tulle is bit different to work with then Russian veiling but also much softer in the end. Stay tuned!

thank you for my lovely comments on yesterday's post! Now the fun part, making them happen.

4 simple goals

2010-08-12T10:13:00.001-07:00

I am so excited about this! From the adorable Elsie Cake of a beautiful mess + red velvet art comes a new blog collaborative goal achieving great idea! You can read her post here. The concept: finish 2010 with four goals under your belt that have been sitting on the idea or I wish shelf for...too long.

My 4 simple goals are:

Work from home full time. This has been a dream of mine with aching desire everyday since I think I was a little girl really. I started designing clothes and styling my room from the time I was maybe 8. As I grow up new ideas come to the table and all of them make my heart very happy. I am not sure which endeavor will allow me to hang up my day job apron, maybe all of them together.

Do 10 push-ups in a row. (haha) Alright, this may sound easy, but let me tell you it is one of the hardest exercises to do properly! Over 1 1/2 years ago I took on a quest to love my body, change how I looked at food, and fall in love with exercise. I have accomplished all of these and am very proud! But my goal has been to do 10 push ups to show myself physical and mental strength. I can do 5. I am almost there!

Take photos of the everyday. One of my brothers is a brilliant fine art photographer, and my mum is a published scrapbooker! I am embarrassed to say I only pick up a camera to take product shots for my shops or the blog. For shame! I want everyday pictures of the small things I adore, my sweetie and I being silly, and of the city I dwell within that I fall more in love with everyday.

Enroll in a continuing education artsy class. There are truly fantastic art schools in Portland that offer short classes in very cools subjects like screen printing, metal smithing, and hat making. I am not sure which I want to snatch a seat in yet, but I would love to just be immersed in that environment.

Your turn. What are 4 simple goals that can finish out the year with you? Don't miss Elsie's post, she inspired this!

fall lookbook: menswear

2010-08-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

1. striped classic cardigan-forever 21 2. jericho tote-jcrew 3. carson oxfords-frye 4. faux pocketwatch-vintage fabulous

There is still a weekend of 90 degree weather on the horizon but fall fashion is in the air. One style of talk this season is menswear for women. I personally love this idea! I am ultra feminine but wearing a pair of flat oxfords or an oversized button up shirt just feels great for whatever reason. This is a great style to practice your new thrifting skills with! Thrift store's are flooded with fantastic menswear, especially leather oxford shoes, they are a dime a dozen no matter where you shop. This is a great style to play with but not invest in. Although this leather tote from J. Crew is pretty much a new favorite.

ruffleupagus

2010-08-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

1. babergh dress: anthropologie 2. gold and turquoise moccasin: darlingtonia 3. radiating ruffles belt: anthropologie 4. marigolds wrap: paper source 5. everyday chocolate top: ruche

Ruffle overload! And I love every part of it. I am such a girl's girl and ruffles are my dear friend. I went looking for pieces for this collection and stumbled on a whole shop dedicated to ruffles at Ruche . This particular detail never tires for me. It is elegant, whimsical, and feminine always. And I have wanted to blog about Darlingtonia for a while now! She designs and hand makes moccasins and crushed velvet bows. The turquoise + gold pair are on my getting too long wish list of handmade. Check her out.

In studio news I added this new piece to my BeeTwixt shop! More designs to unfold over the next two weeks. And I am on the search for guest bloggers. (!) I am going to be vacationing early fall and have promised that the computer is staying at home. I have some sweet posts in mind but have always wanted guest writers! Let me know.

thrifting 101: mix + match

2010-08-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my fifth (and last!) installment in my feature thrifting 101: mix + match. Seems to me that the words "vintage" and "vintage inspired" have become hot commodity terms over the past couple of years. It is a form of recycled fashion and can save you some money but there always seems to be a popularity attached to collecting and wearing vintage and thrifted clothing. For me, it has always been about brining the past into the present and finding small details that work well with the more modern touches of my closet.

I live in a city crawling with urban trends straight out of the year I was listening to Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson's Spellbound album, on cassette tapes mind you! I do love that fashion is in the eye of the beholder but full head to toe vintage mixed from 3 decades can be a bit intimidating. So I tend to tone it down a touch. For me, the beauty in vintage or rummaging through a thrift store is finding things that maybe don't speak to the head-to-toe trends of local urbanites, but speak to your love for how fashion makes you feel.

I can never have too many black leather Mary Janes, slip dresses in nude shades were not all created equal, and the little black hand bag remains to get old. Most all trends are recreations of the past, so grab a piece that inspired the latest window display at Urban Outfitters and enjoy the story you get to tell about finding it, mending it, and making it your own.

My five basic tips

#1: classic black is always, well, classic

#2: start with the accessories, they will build your shopping confidence!

#3: it's rarely, if ever, about looking straight out of Mad Men, just be you

#4: if you love your finds, they will love you back

#5: not every trend was created for every person, pick and choose

There are many vintage collectors, writers, and sellers that present thrifted and vintage fashion in a fresh and exciting way. Two of my favorites are Dear Golden (<--such a sweetheart!) and Elsie Cake with Red Velvet Art (<---her darling name says it all)

And as always, have fun! Thanks for reading my first feature, it was fun to write and now I am itching to go thrifting!

busy bee class: paper printed jewelry

2010-08-06T22:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my first busy bee class! I didn't realize it would be so many steps, but I promise it is well worth it.

Step 1: Gather your materials. You will need a piece of printed paper for each side of your jewelry piece, chipboard or binding board cut to a shape you like, diamond glaze, sponge brush, stamp pad, hole punch, small pliers, jump ring, and ribbon. (phew!)

Step 2: Put a few dots of diamond glaze on your piece of chipboard

Step 3: Glue your first piece of paper. It should dry within seconds

Step 4: Once dry, cut the paper away from the chipboard.

Step 5: File the edges to make them smooth

Step 6: Follow steps 2-5 for the back of your chipboard

Step 7: Using your stamp pad, ink the edges to cover the color of the chipboard and to also fill in the white from cutting your paper

Step 8: Using your diamond glaze and sponge brush, put a few more drops on the surface of one side

Step 9: Paint the glue on to create a glazed surface. Once dry (30-6o seconds) do the same to the other side of the board

Step 10: With the remaining glue on your sponge brush glaze the edges as well

Step 11: Once the edges are dry use your hole punch to place a hole for your jump ring in the middle of the chipboard

Step 12: Use a small hole punch to not take away from the finished piece

Step 13: Using your pliers attach your jump ring through the punched hole

Step 14: Scrunch your jump ring together to leave it nice and tight

Step 15: Thread a piece of ribbon through and tie in back for a quick necklace!

To make earrings follow the same steps for a pair and add earring findings instead of ribbon. You may also use a photograph, stamped images, words, or fabric. Have fun!