Pearls for Girls
I’ve enjoyed making a few necklaces for my kindergartner this year…this is one of a set of three for her and some friends, and I love how they turned out. Simple, sweet, and best of all–fast! Is it bad that I want to wear it? I just might!
Photographing the Photographer
Last week I had the opportunity to tag along on a fun family photo shoot with my little sis. I was in charge of my own camera–catching candid moments and running and just helping out in general. It was a lot of fun, and I managed to sneak in a few photos of her in action. I think she really loves what she’s doing!
Confessions of a Gift Wrapping Fool
I admit it. I love gift wrapping. But I have a love-hate relationship with cards! I mean, I enjoy reading through stacks of thoughtful/sentimental/funny cards at the store and all, but I hate forking over multiple dollars for them. And since I don’t get much alone-shopping-time anymore, it’s just not that fun to peruse the overwhelming plethora of cartoonish greetings. On top of the $$ and time issues, I’m a bit OCD about matchy-matchy stuff, and it bugs me to put cartoons on my pretty packages.
So, from time to time…okay, most of the time…my gifts come cardless. I am ashamed to admit this, and since I’m airing it all out, I will also throw in the admission that I hope most recipients don’t really notice, I mean, who needs another piece of paper kicking around the house, right?
Sometimes it occurs to me though, that a cardless gift is like a sprinkle-less cupcake. I would certainly never wish for someone to think that they don’t mean as much to me because I neglected to give a card. Thus I live with a niggling little shadow of fear that someday someone will feel less loved because of the lack.
I don’t know why it took me so long to figure it out, but I finally had my Eureka! moment and bought some blank cards and tags, perfect for customizing with a bit of wrapping paper or fabric…and I am now at peace. The card gets included, it matches, and no more shadows over my head. Except for when I’m running behind and don’t have time to get it done! But that’s a topic for another day.
Salvaged Tin Tile
Several months ago I purchased some antique ceiling tile tins on Ebay, and they arrived…very rustic and paint-peely and sooty! So how do we go from raw material to cute wall decor? After tossing it around in my head for a while, I attached them to simple box frames made of 1×2″ pine, sprayed them with a finisher, and hung the set of three above my kitchen window. Love ’em.
Productivity
The daughter of a farmer and an entrepreneurial mother, I grew up in a productive family. There are six of us siblings, and each of us inherited a drive to succeed, a passion to produce in our chosen fields. I had an idyllic childhood, with my fair share of play time, but somehow (example? osmosis?) I picked up this internal force that has been with me for as long as I can remember.
One might think that once you’ve got the desire, you’re all set to go forth and conquer! But I’m finding that if I don’t manage it carefully, this compulsion can work against me, leaving me exhausted and frustrated before I’ve even begun to work on anything, overwhelmed by piles of unfinished projects and mountains of to-do lists! The intersection of this trait and its powerful counterpart in my personality (the evil procrastinator) is the crux of the creative slump I’ve found myself living in over the past few years, and the reason for writing this blog.
My little vacation last week was so what I needed to get myself gathered and centered and ready to take on the challenge of my days. In the last two weeks, I’ve read or listened to some really helpful books: How to Have a 48-Hour Day by Don Aslett and Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy. Both directly addressed my problems with overwhelm-ment and procrastination, and I’ve enjoyed trying some new approaches to my days. As a bonus: I’m actually getting some sewing done!
(Pictured above, parts of an in-process project using the gorgeous Freshcut fabric line.)
Pioneer Girls
A couple weeks ago Kayla and I grabbed the kiddos and ventured out on the family farm to shoot some pictures of my girls in their Easter dresses. It was a chilly day, so I threw on these too-cute ruffle pants from Matilda Jane. The kids loved playing in the sun and exploring the old homestead.
A Little Rest & Relaxation
Ahhh. I’ve spent the last couple days enjoying some sun and pampering. This is a little something I made for my partner-in-crime on a much appreciated girls’ weekend, with Heather Bailey’s Freshcut fabric and an Amy Butler pattern.
A Birthday Dress for Miss K
After a long break from sewing, I really enjoyed working on an outfit for my sweet little niece’s third birthday. I like how it turned out…what do you think?
Pictures are courtesy of her mother, the fabulous Kayla at www.evansphoto.blogspot.com.
Where I Begin
My life is busy. Who’s isn’t? I used to create stuff every day, seems like so long ago, but the demands of life and love and motherhood have kept me feeling pinned down and anxious to get moving and express myself already! By anxious, I mean I am literally itching to dive into my pile of ideas and projects and get some creativity and productivity flowing.
What’s held me back? Me. The challenge of just taking the first step and starting the forward motion. So here I am today, beginning by starting this space where I can record the things that inspire me, and (hopefully!) a collection of creations from my heart.
Sage Meadow Studio 
