crafts

10 Camping DIY Projects to Try This Summer

07/13/2015 by Jennifer 1 Comment

This year I am having pretty significant camping withdrawals. When I was younger, I used to go camping every year in my favorite California redwoods. Now that I’m older and have transportation and friends who like camping, you’d think it would be easier to take a trip to the great outdoors. But it’s actually quite the opposite! One of my biggest goals this year is to go camping, even if it’s a short trip. I just want trees and a fire and a tent and a small body of water. It’s gonna happen. :)

In honor of my favorite summer tradition, I thought I would round up some camping DIY projects I want to try asap:

(top left, counter clockwise)

Aren’t these amazing? I love the hammock but I don’t think I’m savvy enough with a sewing machine to make it happen. Maybe I’ll go for the modern cooler.

Do you have any plans to go camping or participate in camping DIY projects this summer? If anyone has Oregon coast camping recommendations, let me know!

DIY Mercury Jars on Darby Smart + Promo Code

07/07/2015 by Jennifer 1 Comment

How was everyone’s 4th of July weekend? I spent the day trying to be productive (or watching Netflix and painting my nails if we’re being honest) and at night I went to a gathering with some friends. I have a really strong feeling that this month is going to be amazing because this summer is already blowing my mind so far. I don’t think I’ve mentioned this yet but last month I began working at a small stationery shop in Downtown Portland full of my favorite paper brands (I want to buy everything). I only work there during the weekends and it’s so pleasant! During the weekdays, I’m freelancing full-time which is a whirlwind. So happy that I just went for it. I’ve been taking on some sweet new design projects as well as working on a small shop for The Blog Market.

Since my daily work is mostly design-related, arts and crafts have taken back their rightful spot as a fun, stress-free hobby. A few months ago, the lovely site Darby Smart came along and reminded me how much I love creating DIY projects. I recently launched my second project with them. My DIY Mercury Jar tutorial from a while back is no on their site with the option to purchase the supplies needed to finish the project. As someone who often wanders aimlessly through craft stores looking for the right supplies, I appreciate how committed Darby Smart is to making craft projects easy. They also offer free 2-day shipping so I feel like that’s about how long it would take me to get out to a craft store anyway.

Click here to view my mercury jars tutorial and buy the supplies if you need ’em. Use the promo code c-quzq25 for 25% off!

Moon Inspired Products & Projects

05/27/2015 by Jennifer 1 Comment

Whenever I feel a little off or encounter people who may be having “a day”, I think about the moon. I don’t know anything about moon phases and how they affect people, but growing up my mom would always blame weird days, crazy drivers, sassy customers, etc. on the moon. And now I do it too, mostly just for fun (but kind of for real).

Last summer, moon-related things were really trendy. Are they still? I hope so because I’m doing a roundup! I get tired of trends very quickly, so I always try not to overdo it (sometimes failing). I only have one simple moon print, so I think I’m on the right track.

While I was sifting through moon products, I couldn’t help but gather up a bunch of moon-related DIY projects. I am seriously so obsessed with each of these. Couldn’t pick a favorite if I tried.

Are you into the moon trend or anything celestial like that?

Darby Smart DIY Feature!

04/16/2015 by Jennifer 1 Comment

I always find so many DIY projects that I would love to do, but I usually don’t follow through because I’m lacking the supplies needed to complete these projects. Darby Smart is a brilliant community that shares inspiring projects and will send you the supplies you need. How helpful is that? They believe that there is beauty in crafting fashion and home trends rather than just buying them. I wish I had known about Darby Smart sooner because I would have probably finished so many more projects. So happy to know about them now!

Today I’m sharing my DIY honeycomb magnets project over on the Darby Smart website! It requires oven-bake clay, magnets, cardstock and glue, all of which you can find by following this link. Have fun getting lost on all the crafty goodness over on their site. Have an inspiring day and do somethin’ creative. :)

Last Minute Christmas Crafts

12/19/2014 by Jennifer 4 Comments

The holiday season is a sneaky time of year. Unless we start getting into the holiday season late summer (kudos to all of you shop owners who plan ahead!), Christmas time is always surprising. I love the idea of Christmas crafting and some years I get really into it, but I usually feel very rushed. If you are like me and tend to wait until the last minute to get festive, here are a few quick holiday craft ideas. Most of these can double as gifts, which is a win-win in my book. :)

(left to right, from top)

1. 3D Christmas Tree Ornaments
2. 10 DIY Holiday Gift Tag Ideas
3. Christmas Gift Box Ornaments
4. Sparkly Star Garland
5. Felt Heart Ornaments
6. Christmas Silhouette Wall Art
7. Glitter Ornaments
8. Instagram Ornaments
9. Felt Star Tree Topper

This year I surprised myself and did zero Christmas crafts. I feel good about it! It’s been a season of change, and it was nice to take a break from something without any regrets.

Hope you’re having the happiest of holidays.

Happy Halloween + Pumpkin DIY Projects

10/31/2014 by Jennifer 4 Comments

Happy Halloween! This is always one of those last minute holidays for me. I’m not sure if I will do anything to celebrate tonight, but I am dressing up as Shoshanna from Girls for the day. I’ve been planning this costume for a year. Basically, I’m just wearing a crazy bun on the side of my head and talking real fast as usual. Whew! So labor intensive. I have so much appreciation for people who put time and effort into their costumes though. My little sister dressed up as a vending machine this year and made the costume with my dad which I think is so sweet. I’m also loving costumes around the interwebs such as this Pinocchio family costume. So good!

I’m not a fan of scary Halloween decor, but I do love cute autumn swag more than anything. So I thought I would share some of the best pumpkin DIY projects I’ve found over the past few weeks! I love that pumpkins are relevant for the entire season. Pumpkin crafts forever.

(top left, clockwise)

1. DIY Macrame Hanging Pumpkin | Fall for DIY
2. Decoupage Pumpkins | Brit + Co
3. DIY Pumpkin Scented Candles | Momtastic
4. Felt Costumes for Your Halloween Pumpkins | Lia Griffith

Are you dressing up this year? Doing anything crafty? Have a fun and safe night!