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Paper flowers

2013-05-07T13:31:01Z

Last night I spent the loveliest of time learning all about how to make crepe flowers with Brittany Watson of the blog The House that Lars Built. I've been following her gorgeous blooms on etsy and most recently her Kentucky Derby flower hat win on the Today Show! I had never worked with crepe paper and now I'm hooked! It's quiet easy to mold and you can make all sorts of lovely crafts with it. But really, I was blown away by the giant paper flowers she and her mother made for her wedding whoa. She is truly an inspirational gal!

"My mom’s favorite quote was “a creative mess is better than tidy idleness” and so my childhood was spent creating art work, music, and yes, lots of messes." -LOVE!

What a sweet little spring craft to make with lovely friends or make a giant bouquet of these and give to mom for Mother's day! Check out more of Brittany's DIY's on her blog. And if you are looking for a how-to book, Paper to Petal looks amazing.

Sketch Ink... Becky Kemp

2013-05-06T13:03:53Z

Meet the super talented Becky Kemp and dive into her colorful world of sweet curiosities. Inspired by playful geometric design and Japanese Illustration, Becky has been sketching, sculpting and painting since childhood.

The Nesting Dolls were originally inspired by a graffiti incident with my Grandmother's Russian Dolls when I was a child.

She works from her home Studio in the South east of England and says her designs originated from her collection of sketchbooks spanning two decades.

Check out her equally sweet prints as well! Click on the images for instant gratification...

What to take to Costa Rica

2013-04-29T14:06:32Z

As the weather gets warmer I slowly start to shed my layers- er clothing wise. After speaking to my brother in Costa Rica (he manages our project) I can't wait to head down there to soak in the sun and hang in the jungle! What to pack when you are visiting such a diverse country really varies according to where you will be visiting.

If you are heading up north, you'll be in for the heat, so pack lightweight items and bring plenty of sun lotion and hats. Hanging with the surfers in Tamarindo? Throw in some maxi dresses and flip flops and you'll fit right in.

Volcano watching? It gets chilly and foggy up at the top. Not only is the fauna crazy looking but the view into the volcano is amazing! You'll want to bring a light jacket or rain poncho and umbrellas and wear jeans and good hiking shoes. Also, the earlier you arrive the better chances are to see anything. If you are going to Arenal, the nightly volcanic eruption show is fantastic as well as the hot springs (amazing!).

Jungle action requires a bit of bug repellant, hat, water, shorts and if you are visiting our jungle Rainmaker bring a swim suit because a dip in the waterfalls is a MUST! You'll get rained on but that is part of the adventure.

Going further south... the Nicoya area is a wonderfully laid back zone. More surfing vibe and beach wear. In Montezuma eat at Playa de los Artistas because sunset in this bohemian restaurant is otherworldly (if you can find it). Stay at Flor Blaca because the spa will change your life and you'll feel like a rock star. (celebrity spotting zone)

All the way south is the Osa Peninsula where I feel is the heart of what Costa Rica is all about. We stay at Poorman's Paradise a family run, verrry rustic place. Just getting there is an adventure but once you do you'll see flocks of macaws, families of howler monkeys, toucans, and if you are lucky- jaguars. They'll take you to an uninhabited island off the coast were you can do some snorkeling or animal watch. This is the last place on earth that you can get away from it all and be surrounded by lush jungle and beach. A perfect combination to enjoy with your best of friends!

Drink - T oasted coconut vanilla limeade via The Kitchy Kitchen

Wear- Hat Dress cover up

Carry- Mar y Sol tote

Walk- Multi strap thong sandals

Stay- Flor Blanca resort and spa Cost Rica

Renegade Love Emergency Packs

2013-02-06T23:03:21Z

This is a call to arms! To arm yourself and others with love! We're treating this Valentine's Day a little differently. While we'll still profess our undying love to each other we're also on a mission to cover our town with love. The last couple of months have been rough for our country both politically and emotionally. It's time to do a little mending. It's emergency time. We're going incognito and taping our packs all over town. In the most unsuspecting places. The library, the hair salon, the pizza place, the roller rink, everywhere! Join our renegade love challenge and make your own little love packs to spread all over your town. Because really what the world needs now is love, sweet love.

Here's how to make your own Love Emergency Packs...

Now off you go!

I give sewing lessons- did you know? Lala Sews!

2013-01-31T16:41:59Z

A quick interruption to tell the world that I teach sewing to adults and teens! In case you didn't know...

In the most creative space on the planet, really! So if you've always wanted to learn how to put a bird on it or make pajamas for your cat- I'm your gal! And I do travel! So if you live in, say Hawaii, I'd be happy to fly your way and help you out of your sewing conundrum! Interested yet? Take a look at the classes and if you don't see the class you need, let me know. We'll get that sucker made!

Lala Sews and sew can you!

Hay Plus 9 Blanket

2013-01-30T15:39:28Z

It can certainly get all Valentine'sy in bed with this gorgeous blanket by Hay Plus 9.

The perfect pop of pink with a geometric twang. And speaking of bed situations, ahem, do you have a side that you have to sleep on? It didn't occur to me until I was speaking to a friend that I have to sleep on the side of the bed closest to the door. I do it subconsciously apparently as I recall the last times I've slept in a hotel. Why? Am I anticipating a quick getaway? I tried sleeping on the other side and had a horrible night. My head is simply programmed that way. Am I the only one or do you have similar sleeping habits?

Anyhow, love the blanket no matter what side I'm on.

Click on the link for instant gratification...

My Friend Jason

2013-01-27T17:44:54Z

A touching and important reminder to take the time to tell your children what you value in life. Make sure they know what is important to you and how you would like them to live their life. I just assumed they knew what I expected of them. What my wishes were for them in the future. Have that talk now and continue the talk always because you never know when they will have to let you go.

Free thank you card printables

2013-01-03T19:14:17Z

We're so fortunate to have such generous friends and family that we've been trying to get our thank you's in order! I'm always searching for lovely cards that I can print from home and have complied a few of my favorite to share. I also made the one above that is ready for you to download! While I was looking around the web I found this interesting video from Alma Loveland graphic guru discussing the best options for your printing needs, and why your home printer may not be up to par. Woopsie -time to find that flash card and head to Kinkos! To download my card, go here and download and print...

1. Creature Comforts 2. SusyJack 3. The Lovely Dept. 4. How About Orange 5. Keep Home Simple

Christmas recap 2012

2013-01-02T17:37:56Z

I really can't believe we're in that same place again. The beginning of a new year, new possibilities, new ventures! I took a look back at my pictures from the year and am struck by all the stuff that went on this year. I'm working on a little project for my family where I am editing all the images captured (good hair days and bad) and compiling a little video with them. Finding a good editing software that will take images and load them up quickly is proving not to be so easy. suggestions? We had a lovely holiday and I really felt like I took the time to do all those holiday things I have always meant to do. (make a new tree skirt!) I hope the best for your new year and wish all my friends a fantastic year ahead! Here's a bit of what went on...

1. our chalkboard wall full of friend's cards 2. hunting and cutting down our tree, we go here every year to find it. 3. making paper gem ornaments with the gals 4. finally made a new tree skirt using coat material 5. made a bunting and welcomed our new ornaments from India to our home 6. our Costa Rican manger 7. a window decked out with trim 8. making a woodlan themed wall for the winter 9. our cards from pinhole press and fabulous photography by Jordan Koepke 10. learning to knit with my son (his is on the left) 11. a walk in the woods with dad

Knitted lamps

2012-12-07T13:06:42Z

I am seriously in love with these knitted lamps by Buubok a sweet company from the Netherlands. Each one is handmade and each one deserves to be hanging in your reading nook! Wish listed for sure!

Links on the images...