Instagram Feeds I Love

(I painted this with my watercolors, so I'm pretty proud of myself!)

This week, I thought I'd share with you some photos from my Instagram feed that I am loving - you may find someone that you want to start following!

There's so much to love about this photo - the children's books displayed (like I did here), the wood floors, the gorgeous antique rug, the fun swing, the use of whimsical lyrics as decor, the styling - but my favorite thing is that string of unique, colorful lights.

A photo posted by Lauren (@farmhouseforfour) on Aug 25, 2016 at 6:36pm PDT

People who know me know that I love decorating with words. I love these boards and I love them even more when they have quotes from my all-time favorite TV show (The Office)!

A photo posted by Letterfolk (@letterfolkco) on Jul 25, 2016 at 7:36pm PDT

I love Katie's paintings inspired by nature - they are gorgeous and magical.  She has such a unique, recognizable style and I love that.  I also love the styling of this photo.

A photo posted by ᴋᴀᴛɪᴇ🌻ᴅᴀɪsʏ (@katieisadaisy) on Jul 9, 2016 at 5:43pm PDT

I love following Nesting with Grace - her home and her children are absolutely gorgeous.  I love everything about this kitchen - every time I see a shot of her home, I think she has impeccable taste.

A photo posted by brooke🌿nesting with grace (@nestingwithgrace) on Jun 28, 2016 at 2:25pm PDT

I like following Love of Character because it's a local shop. I haven't been there yet, but I'm cheering her on and like the owner, I love the character of this building and the things she sells in her shop!

A photo posted by Mary Taylor Billings (@loveofcharacter) on May 30, 2016 at 7:46am PDT

Such a beautiful photo of colorful flowers - and all her photos are always like this - I love seeing it in my feed!

A photo posted by Erin Benzakein - Floret (@floretflower) on Aug 17, 2016 at 10:38am PDT

Probably my favorite Instagram feed - my sister Jordan posting pictures of my crazy cute niece and nephew!!

Hadley showing Kellan her new bed!

A photo posted by Jordan Waugh (@jordw0426) on Aug 6, 2016 at 12:20pm PDT

What Instagram feeds do you follow that you would recommend to your friends?

DIY Daily Prayer Journal

I looked around for a prayer journal that was modern looking, that had Scripture on each page and that gave me a place to write.  I also really wanted the pages dated.  When I didn't find anything that met my specifications perfectly, I decided to make my own!  I knew right away that I wanted to be able to print each page, so I would need loose-leaf paper.  After shopping around online, I found exactly what I was looking for: 

My next step was to design my pages.  For the date I used the font "Bakery" and for the verse I used "DJB Brewhaus Special" both of which you can find on http://www.dafont.com/ and both are free for personal use.

Then I had to come up with all the verses - which takes way longer than you realize!  I actually only have about 2 months done, so if you have a favorite verse - write the reference in the comments - I'd love to use it!

I love how it turned out and I'm excited to begin a yearlong journey of prayer.

*Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links.

Yarn Wrapped Burgundy Fall Wreath with Handcrafted Burlap and Lace Flowers

I bought some burgundy yarn at Goodwill a few weeks ago with a vague idea of making a fall wreath. This weekend, the idea fully formed in my brain and I decided to get an assortment of lace and burlap and see what I could come up with.  It was really fun to just play around with the materials and see what I could create!

Here are the materials I started out with:

Then as I was watching a Veep marathon, I wrapped the yarn around the wreath form.  Other times I've done this, I just wrapped layers of yarn around, but this time I made sure to do a single layer, which took more time, but I like how smooth it looks.  This shows my progress in motion!

Then, using various methods as detailed in some of my previous blogs (Shabby Chic Fabric Rosette Toddler Headband, Felt Flower Wreath, Easy Toddler Dress) I made flowers out of burlap and lace (and cheesecloth and tulle that I had in my craft supplies).

I love how it turned out!

 

Upcycled Frame

I had bought this welcome sign at the Target Dollar Spot because I liked it's cheery colors.  My vague idea was to put it in a frame to elevate it from a bulletin board punch out sign to a cute piece of wall art.  But I discovered it was an odd size and I'd have to special order a frame.  So when out shopping at Goodwill, I found this frame that I thought my Welcome sign would fit in.  As you can see - it's definitely an outdated frame.  But it was unopened and wood and I knew it had potential!

I painted the frame with chalk paint.  Only 1 coat was needed.  I also painted the cardboard backing gray.  

Here are the other things that I think help elevate it - since it was a punch out piece of cardboard, there were perforations around the edge, so I got out a nail file and filed all the edges to make them smoother.  Also, I cut out squares of foam and used double sided mounting squares to attach the sign to the gray backing.  This gives it more dimension.  This project cost around $6 and I think it'll look great in my craft room!

A Celebration of Harry Potter

Yesterday the new Harry Potter book - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was released.

I think JK Rowling is a fantastic author and I love the Harry Potter series.  The HP series is also tied to some of my best memories.  

Seeing the first film on Christmas Day, with my dad, in my hometown's historic theater.  A lot of magic combined to make a wonderful memory!  

Another summer, when one of the books was released, I woke up to find my dad had left the new book, a diet coke and a donut on the table.  I spent the entire summer day laying outside and reading.  That is a happy memory too.

So, I was pretty excited about the release of the script for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (which happened yesterday)!  I wanted to find a few fun ways to celebrate.  Here's what I came up with:

1. I dusted off my wand that I made here and practiced a few spells.

2. I made Butterbeer - the frozen version.  I searched Pinterest and decided to use this recipe.  It was pretty delicious and kind of tasted like eggnog.

3. My 3-tiered stand was empty after July 4th (it was decorated with fireworks!) so I decided to set up an HP vignette, using candy from the books.