diy // paper flowers

Fell in love with this diy featured on A Beautiful Mess the other day; they are so dainty and delicate! I'm jumping the gun on dorm decorating here...I still don't find out where and with whom I am living for at least another week. Crossing my fingers for one of the older (but still refurnished) Mount Holyoke dorm halls, though the antiquity and individual beauty is consistent in every one. Waiting so long to find out has been slightly irritating, but it's mostly because I cannot wait to make the space my own! Anyway, enjoy the craft and check back for more--I'm sure I'll continue to update once I'm moved in!

{original}

{my version}

>> placed on one of my handmade crochet doilies<<

Project by: 100 Layer Cake and Heart of Light. Videography: Scott Clark. Video editing: Buckshot Creative

crochet // DIY

One of my all time favorite things to do is to crochet while watching some Downton Abbey. I taught myself how to do a few basic stitches a few years back with a learner's guide I found at the local thrift store, but I decided it was time to pick it up again and re-spark that creative outlet. It's amazing how much one can find on Youtube, Pinterest and other blogs! The photos below feature a few of my most recent projects: coffee cozies, coasters, scarves, flower embellishments, and pyramid berets.
I'm working my way up to being able to read patterns; it takes a bit of translating to understand the abbreviations and lingo used by experienced crocheters. Though the visual videos are useful and make the projects much easier to create, there just aren't videos made for all of the creative stitches and designs that are out there. These projects make wonderful gifts, especially during the holiday season.
I've also embedded the YouTube videos I used to make these crafts; they are great for beginners, so feel free to try them yourself!

start a booming business

I know it's been a while since my last post, but school's out and summer's here! But being a teenager comes with many expenses. There's the important stuff: sports/activity fees, gas money, insurance, etc. Then there's the not-so-important-but-still-need-money-for stuff: going out to the movies, the pool, plays, museums, restaurants, clothes, etc. And my budget's pretty tight, (i.e. nonexistent). So if you're looking for a way to make a little extra dough without the constraints of a summer job, join me in my business building efforts.
In past years, I've been a big babysitter. But since the school year picked up my schedule's been booked, and my name's gotten a little lost. So I thought creating a business card would help bring it back.

(I apologize for the horrible image quality)

It's simple yet colorful enough to catch one's eye, and hopefully put on the fridge. A business card brings a bit of class and professionalism to what you do, and proves to customers/clients that you take your job seriously.
Any other ideas or stories? Let us know.
Well, I wish you the best of luck!