Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
crochet tutorial :: simple stars
These small stars are really easy to make! Each one has five points that are formed around a center ring.
Start by chaining 5:
Use a slip stitch to close your chain into a ring:
Chain 5 more stitches:
Single crochet in each stitch back down that chain so you end up back at the ring:
Then do one single crochet into the ring to make sure that little bit of crochet is snuggly attached to the ring. That's the first point of your star:
Chain 5 again. We're starting the second point of your star:
Single crochet in each stitch back down the chain so you end up back at the ring. Do one more single crochet into ring so that "arm" of the star is snuggly attached to the ring, just like before:
Continue in the same way, creating each point by chaining 5 and working back to the ring:
When you have made 5 points simply join the last point with the base of the first one with a slip stitch for a clean look:
Weave in your loose ends:
And your star is finished!
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Thursday, June 28, 2012
Sneak Peek!
I'm working diligently on a new crochet tutorial and a new soft sculpture (almost finished with both -
soooo close!).
Here's a sneak peek that pertains to both projects:
Cool, huh? I have to say that I'm extremely happy with this piece, it's going to be gorgeous.
{And Cornflower Blue Studio is featured on the Frankie Magazine website today - such an awesome Aussie magazine! Such an honor!}
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Wednesday, June 27, 2012
{homemade focaccia}
I made homemade focaccia this week and it was so good! I had never made it before, but it was really easy and I'll definitely be making it again - for some reason I thought it would be a difficult bread to make on my own. My husband got the recipe from an Italian friend who likes to make bread, too. The timing for this bread was perfect because my little rosemary plant on the front porch is getting big enough to start using in recipes!
Have ever tried making your own focaccia before? Did you use an herbs or toppings?
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Tuesday, June 26, 2012
feminism + zines
I'm so excited to be contributing to the Philly Feminist Zine Fest in August! I'm sending this little package which will be a prize in the raffle - two of my own zines and an embroidered design.
There's not much better than feminism and zines, 'tis true. I think the festival will be an amazing event, if you're in the Philadelphia area make sure to check it out!
I am a Woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal Woman,
that's me.
--Maya Angelou
Monday, June 25, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
color story :: purple and green
I saw this beautiful landscape planting while on a walk yesterday - I just love the combination of deep purples with bright acid green! I would love something similar in my future yard.
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Saturday, June 23, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
*Inspire Someone*
A few weeks ago I posted with a theme about being yourself and I've been thinking about it ever since. It seems like the easiest thing in the world, but sometimes following our inner guide takes courage and guts.
I've made two new note designs to offer encouragement to those of who are blazing our own trail!
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Thursday, June 21, 2012
*movie date*
On Tuesday went on a movie date to see the documentary Marley. It was really hot outside, but I knew I'd be cold in the theater so I wore my giant scarf as an extra layer.
I love big scarves like this and I'm always trying out new ways to tie them - this video is my favorite place to find cool scarf ideas.
The movie was awesome! If you are interested in Bob Marley and love his music you'll love it, too!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
DIY :: Fancy Fascinator Headband
In the summer I like to dress up my outfits with scarves and headbands in my hair. I had to idea to make a lacy fascinator headband - it turned out to be a really quick project and super easy.
To make this headband you'll need a large piece of lace (I cut mine from a vintage table runner I found at the thrift store). The piece I'm using happens to be a round medallion, but since you'll be mounting it to felt you could use any shape you like. I think a floral motif would be excellent!
You will also need a piece of felt, approximately 21 inches of soft elastic (I used thin lingerie elastic that has a lacy look, too), craft glue, scissors, and a needle & thread.
Trim your lace to the size and shape you want, then apply craft glue to the back and glue it onto your felt.
When the glue has dried cut your shape out of the felt.
Grab your elastic - 21 inches of elastic was the perfect size for my head. Double check this for your own head and alter the measurement if necessary.
Overlap the short ends of your elastic about half an inch, then stitch in place.
Glue the elastic across the back of your felt piece with the sewn edges int he middle to hide them.
Once the glue has dried add a line of simple straight stitches to reinforce the glue.
Voila!
10 Simple Pleasures
I went for a nature walk first thing this morning and it made me think about all the simple things that make life so great. Nature walks are a perfect time to reflect and make mental lists of things you are grateful for - the sunshine and fresh air seem to be especially conducive to this kind of thinking!
Here is a list of 10 simple pleasures I compiled this morning on my walk:
fresh flowers from the farmer's market
going to the library and browsing for an hour, making a list of all the books you want to read
a cupboard full of herbal teas
taking walks in the morning or at dusk
weekend naps
baking cookies and eating some while they are still warm
watching birds and listening to their calls
collecting stones, pine cones, leaves, and shells for a nature basket
a signature scent, one you really love
music for whatever mood you're in
Sunday, June 17, 2012
bird watching
This weekend I've been identifying birds in my area - now that I'm paying attention I see cool birds everywhere! I've found three (beautiful!) Red-Headed Woodpeckers, a flock of Chimney Swifts, Wood Thrushes, Cardinals, and Finches. I think there are quite a few Mockingbirds in my neighborhood, but I still need to compare them more closely to my guidebook photos : )
Are any of you into birds? What bird guides would you recommend for beginners?
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Saturday, June 16, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
{week in review & summer necessities}
I'm planning a restful, restorative weekend for myself as a reward for working hard over the last few days. I have been cleaning out closets, cabinets, and drawers, deciding which items are more clutterful than useful : ) A charity pick-up is scheduled for tomorrow to cart away everything that needs to go. I also did some caulking in the bathroom, hand-washing of delicates (I actually love washing delicates by hand!), and a bunch of other home-keeping chores.
On Tuesdays we've been going to the summer Art House movie series and this week we saw A Separation - it was so good! If you are interested in foreign films this would definitely be a great one to watch.
I've also been making a list of necessities for the summer weather. I love this sunscreen, this swimsuit, and these comfy French shoes. I have my eye on this Italian summer scarf and these colorful sunglasses, too!
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