Let Chaos In

packing my big life into little boxes

2011-08-26T11:45:00.002-04:00

My absence around here has been due to a a recent decision to move back to my home-city where I will once again start my young adult life over. I'm happy that I'm still young (ripe age of twenty three) and can make these moves without it spinning my whole world out of wack. These are the moments in life where you're quite literally standing at a forked road and you need to make a huge decision and mine has been made, I'm Worcester-bound. Moving is always a bittersweet thing...I am sad to leave behind the aspects of my life that I've recently grown accustomed to but excited for all the potential the future holds. Once I am back on my feet I intend to launch my Etsy store and get involved with several craft shows. I am building inventory everyday and when I'm more settled I can begin uploading photographs and really sharing the ins and outs of my days.

Moving hasn't left me a lot of time to do the daily internet browsing that I usually do but when I found out I was making the move I did begin to think of all the cute things I'd like for my future living space. I'd really like to try give "living alone" a shot...I have yet to do it and I honestly think it'd be really nice! Not forever of course..but for a while.

Folky Fresh Pouf

I've always wanted one of these little seats...they sell them everywhere and I have contemplated trying to make my own since they always tend to be a bit pricey.

Trompe l-Aundry Hamper

Many people have probably already seen this if you explore ModCloth at all...it's an awesome piece that they seem to sell out of quickly. If and when I have the space I'm making the purchase!

Chroma-logical Order Clock

I love clocks...hardly ever use them for their intended purpose which seems silly but it's the same reason why sometimes I buy yarn or anything really just to look at because it's beautiful and not necessarily to use. I feel as though that's such an "American" thing to do...buy unnecessary items just to have, but the guilt hasn't stopped me yet. It's the little things.

Nesting 1, 2, 3 Plates

Another guilty pleasure of mine is these nesting dolls. I find myself embroidering them on everything and I'm attracted to them. These plates are adorable and although I already have a bunch of cute plates I would enjoy these!

Practical Proprie-tea Wall Hooks

Wow, these make hooks fun! So creative and elegant. I am always struggling to make space for all my belongings and hooks are a great way to display your goodies rather than hide them in drawers and these are perfect! I love the color of the wall too...ideas!

Extra Soar-age Shower Caddy

I have always hoped for a cute and stylish shower caddy and have never been able to find one until I found this piece. Maybe I wasn't looking hard enough...but either way, this is excellent and since I will most likely lose my current caddy in the move, I want this one! It's sold out so maybe it is THE coolest caddy around.

Fits the Billard Tea Set

A girl (or boy) can never have too many tea sets, especially ones in a caddy! Caddy may just be the word of the day. Perhaps I should do a "Cute things in a Caddy" special.

Flock Party Apron

A girl can also never have too many aprons! I have a bunch, one is vintage and amazing but I would definitely put this baby on in the kitchen. I haven't been doing as much cooking lately due to my life being in boxes, etc but when I do I love putting on an apron..even if I don't really need it. =)

Washing & Hoping & Dreaming Dish Rack

Not everyone likes doing the dishes but I honestly don't mind if I keep up with them quickly enough so that I only do a small run every now and then. I like a clean and neat house..kitchen especially and this makes it all the more fun! It's both decorative and practical, awesome!

Coast to Coaster Set

Coaster sets are a disease. I have so many of them and can't stop acquiring them and can't get rid of them and yet somehow I always want more. I have to admit...I hardly ever use them because I'm so active and bring my drinks with me everywhere. Another useless item! The colors and patterns on these are what draws me in, so maybe it's not the coaster it's the color. Either way, cute!

Picnic Crashers Tablecloth

I feel as though I need to go on more picnics. I get so excited at the thought of them but nobody ever feels the same joy so I remain living a picnic-less life. I have a super cute vintage picnic basket somewhere in the basement of my mothers house that I should really take out and make use of. This table cloth would be the perfect solution to your picnic woes...you get the picnic feel but you can enjoy in all sorts of weather and circumstances. I think this is close to the top of my "must buy" list when and if I ever get another kitchen table. I've also made the decision that I'm going thrifting for all my future furniture in hopes of saving money and bringing some charm to the space. New furniture just like anything is not what it used to be..it isn't meant to last and I want some durable and long-lasting pieces!

Obsessive Consumption

I figured I'd conclude this post with this neat little book since it seemed appropriate. I write about how I desire various things but I honestly am more of a window shopper. I would rather use what I have and attempt to recreate the items I'm interested in or find them at a thrift store or acquire them for free. I am very cheap...hate to admit but times are tough for all and you need to make do with what you've got. I look forward to whatever new space I will be dwelling in...for a while it will most likely be my mothers house but I've got big dreams and they'll happen one day!

Have a wonderful weekend!

-mj

spruce up your space

2011-08-15T18:02:00.000-04:00

Adorable studio by Charm City Craft Mafia

If you're an artist/crafter/thinker like me then you value your work space more than anything. Although I admit that I do work in various locations throughout the house, I have made a space that I consider to be my "studio." This is the docking place for all my supplies, materials, sketch&note books, in progress pieces, and whatever else finds its way in there. I've been looking at a lot of office/studio-esque space items now that I'm preparing for the arrival of my new computer. =] Here are some of my favorites (and yes most all of these items are from Anthro as you'll notice).

Pinwheel Push Pins from Anthropologie

These push pins remind me of my experimental quilting days when I would add these little shapes to anything and everything. I honestly think these win the award for cutest push pins ever. They make me want to break out my bulletin board again!

Alphabet Stamp Set from Anthropologie

I have been wanting an alphabet stamp set since as long as I can remember for any and all stamping needs. I am one of those people that really loves the idea of pretty much every collection but I myself try not to have too many. I love things..stuff..but I don't enjoy a lot of clutter so I maintain collections in my head. This set is super cute and I'd definitely use it constantly if it were mine.

Flowering Twig Pencil from Anthro

Flowering Twig Pencil...for all your pencil needs! Amazing how something as simple as a pencil can become a piece of art. This is a piece I would love to throw into my "utensils" jar on my desk. It would certainly out-do all other utensils in there!

Harvest Calender from Anthro

The designs in this calender are so sweet I can hardly take it. I always look at calenders when I'm browsing through stores but I hardly ever purchase one and I'm not quite sure why. This is one I would love to hang on my wall in my studio, it'd go perfectly with the decor.

Industrial Stitching Light from Anthro

I am a huge fan of light...I can't get enough of it yet always seem to live in places where there isn't much of it at all. Of course I always prefer natural light but sometimes you just need to make due with the cards that were dealt to you. I'd happily satisfy my lighting needs with this lovely lamp. I love the simplicity of it (in the past I've always had a hard time with color, getting better now, but I still enjoy muted and natural colors) and think it's amazing.

Woods Wallpaper from Anthro

I have a sight obsession with trees and roots and nature in general. Growing up (and still to this day) I always associate the location of my mothers house with the two birch trees out front. We're the only house on the whole street that has them and they're my favorites; I think sometimes I treat them like people. Anyways, this tree wallpaper is so pretty. I would love for this to cover at least part of the walls in my studio space.

Vintage Globe from UnExpectedParTie, Etsy

Ever since I was a little kid I wanted a globe. I love the way they look more than anything and really just wanted/want one to stare at and admire. I think it really adds something to a space, especially to a writing, reading, crafting desk. This vintage globe is awesome and I hope to acquire one of my own someday soon.

Looking Back, Looking Forward Planner from Anthro

I'm a firm believer that everyone should carry around something to write/draw/scribble in. You never know when you're going to have a thought and writing a note in your phone is just not the same at all. Many people have lost the desire to hand write things and it's really sad. I write notes and letters to the person I live, lame I know, but there's something special about the written word. Each persons handwriting is unique. I'd love to have this cute planner to keep with my notebooks on my desk.

Sprucing up your space is a ton of fun whether it's making purchases like these or creating your own decor DIY style. Happy sprucing!

-mj

peace & love & slipper boots

2011-08-12T14:37:00.001-04:00

Last Christmas Target was carrying this awesome slipper boot that I adored and purchased immediately upon finding it. (I'd give you a link but it appears as though they aren't selling them anymore, I really hope they make a come back this year!) I have a love-hate relationship with Target and all chains for that matter, but when push comes to shove I don't have a problem with showing the store some love. I actually find a lot of my winter-like shoes and boots there. I am lame and hate wearing shoes that cover my foot completely, but when I do/when I have to because I live in New England...I usually wear slippers or really comfy slip on types. When I say slippers I mean that I wear what stores call "slippers" as my regular everyday shoe. I'm all about it! Anyway the past two days I've been playing with these slipper boots trying to think of a way to spice them up a bit.

I love to embroidery and do it almost everyday even if I have no idea what I'm intending to make. I have recently been making what I'd consider to be a "patch" if I had to define it. A lot of peace signs are popping up. I've got a lot of funky fabrics laying around and a ton of canvas because a lot of my art work for many years has been and is made of raw canvas. The durability, look, and feel of canvas is so attractive to me. I combined all the elements that I had laying around the house and stitched them all together and here we are! Peace & Love boots.

I don't want to rush the summer weather because I am a huge fan of it, honest, but autumn is my favorite season and I find myself taking out some of my warmer weather clothes already and wearing them around the house. I look forward to acorns, scarves, and hot caramel apple cider. Mmmm. I assure you I am not over summer just yet, I still need to pay a visit to the beach a bunch more times. Autumn aside, I'll leave you with this cute and summery look!

Let The Sun Shine In by fashionmefabulous featuring summer jewelry

I am really into purples/blues in combination with yellows/mustards lately and have a new found passion for Jeffrey Campbell's shoes. He's got some serious edge and it's really inspiring. I'll take the Good Morning Sunshine Wedges in a size 10 please! A girl can dream =] Have a lovely weekend everyone and stay crafty!
-mj

Sweet Seven

2011-08-11T09:54:00.003-04:00

As I mentioned in a previous post...I work a 9-5 job. A lot of my work is based on the computer so in my down time I tend to wander around the internet searching for lovely things. I honestly can't help it! Here's seven sweet pieces that I've been in adornment of all week.

1.

Peas Pass the Salt and Pepper Shakers- ModCloth

I cannot describe how cute these two are. It was pretty much love at first sight. They are a little pricey in comparison to some other places that sell the same concept (ie: Pier 1) but these ones are much cuter with their painted faces and subtle pod.
2.

Canvassing Backpack in Uptown- ModCloth

I feel like I'm beating this coral color to the bone (since it appears twice in the Sweet Seven) but it really is my current favorite so why hide it? This bag is so simple and perfect, it's making me want to attempt pattern making, dye some canvas and get sewing! I'm terrible at patterns and following directions in general so this is most likely in my dreams but it's definitely something I want to learn.
3.

Sweet Tooth Cookie Jar- Urban Outfitters

I'm obsessed with teeth and always have been; I have literally no idea why. When I was younger I would say I wanted to be a dentist even though I'm pretty sure I had no real desire I just loved teeth. I made a ton of art about teeth in college and it turned out most times to be a pretty big hit. Turns out lots of people share this same interest with me; once you admit your love for teeth other lovers start coming out of the closet. This cookie jar is sweet!
4.

Camera Love iPhone Case- Urban Outfitters x Society6 Print Shop

I was never aware of this society6 print shop that Urban Outfitters has on their website until I had too much time to browse. I am in love with the concept that you can pick a print made by an artist and make it your iPhone case, laptop case, or just do it the old fashioned way and have it printed, sent to you, and hung up on your wall. I love old cameras and thought this was sweet. I "Amazon Universal Wish Listed" about 6 of these guys but this was one of my favorites.
5.

Vintage 70's Orange Floral Lace Mid Day Dress- btbvintage (Etsy)

Here's coral-ish sweet find number two. I love the 70's, flowers, dresses, and this color so this is a win, win, win for me. I would seriously consider purchasing it if I hadn't made a million other purchases lately (a new computer included)
6.

Home Is Where You Are- Urban Outfitters

I love this for about 12 different reasons. It's so simple and cute and true and it's amazing. I want to re-create this in my own way.
7.

Jeffrey Campbell Delilah Tan Leather Platform Wedges- LuLu

If I were going to drop dead tomorrow I would need to have these first so I could wear them as I depart this world. I'd probably give an arm to have these. If I could have the 70's dress with these 70's inspired wedges I would be the happiest girl in the world, and also wear both every single day. So.Attractive.

That sums up the Sweet Seven. I intend to do this often..I am constantly adding things to my Amazon Wish List. They seriously couldn't have invented a better (or worse) little button for your toolbar. It really is an awesome idea and I use it everyday. It's nice to conveniently track all your interests and inspirations.

As you may have briefly read in my blurb about the 70's floral dress...I found out yesterday that my beloved laptop is beyond reasonable repair (has an issue where I can't see the screen very well due to a death red that has consumed it) so I bit the bullet and rooted myself -quite literally- with a refurbished 2010 21.5 inch screen iMac desktop computer. I'm looking forward to adapting to a new computer lifestyle. I wanted to move away from the laptop to avoid spending so much down time staring at a screen just because it was convenient and portable, and spend even more time on my crafts. =]

Have a great Thursday!
-mj

My first genuine vintage dress...

2011-08-09T08:37:00.001-04:00

On my quest to feed my thrift shop hunger a couple weeks ago, I wound up at an adorable little place called Wicked Thrift. The name plays along with the Boston/Massachusetts tendency to say that everything is "wicked" ______ and then insert the word of your choice (ie: awesome, amazing, etc.) Anyway, I've passed this amazing piece of property on various road trips throughout Cape Cod and finally took some time out of my crazy life to go inside, and boy am I glad I did! We (my boyfriend and myself, I'll introduce his cute face later) drove around a lot when I first moved here, and still do, to find new and exciting things and places...and this shop is definitely the neatest of my finds!

Wicked Thrift circa 1892 (photo from Wicked Thrift blog)

This is what the property used to look like...how awesome is it? A house, barn, and a windmill. I believe today the windmill is no longer there but the rest looks the same except now it's painted all sorts of funky colors. They do trading, which is something I hope to take part in in the future, allowing their prices to be extremely reasonable. I believe it is a mother-daughter operation, which I adore, and they offer all things new and old; I obviously enjoyed the old the most! I shopped around a bit and spotted this amazing 50's dress. I have never really had one of those "made for me" moments but I can't really explain just how truly made for me it is! I tried it on and it fit me like a glove and I knew at that moment I could not live without it so I purchased it without any look at the price tag. (Thank goodness it was only around 20 dollars!)

Amazing dress taken by an unamazing camera phone
Better pictures to come once my laptop is fixed =)

I was probably glowing as I checked out. The nice lady at the register let me know that a girl had come in the night before just as she was about to close and tried it on but decided not to get it. It was fate! I also scored a super cute 60's apron that I tend to find myself wearing around the house over the 50's slip I also found that day, all topped with bright red lipstick. The damages totaled around 40 dollars but for all that I got I consider it a steal and I definitely intend to go back to Wicked Thrift. Living in a tourist town (this I will touch upon at a later time as well), I have to admit I'm quite excited to go there in the off seasons so there's less shopping competition! =)

Melon Monday

2011-08-08T11:41:00.000-04:00

I went back to my native land this weekend (I moved about 10 months ago to Cape Cod, Massachusetts from Worcester, Massachusetts, it's only an hour and forty minute drive so I'm being silly, but if you know anything about these two locations people really view where I live now as a different country!) to visit some friends and family. I was happily greeted with a package from ModCloth when I arrived home yesterday afternoon. Despite the rain, fog, and killer bees (exaggeration) that live outside of my door and attack me every time I enter the house...I was excited to have my new Melon Patch Dress!

Tulle Clothing dress (see more rose print dresses)

Despite the gymnastics and yoga poses it took to get this cute piece on correctly (if you check it out you can see that the back has some unique straps that don't work nicely with any bra, really) it is lovely and I'm happy to have it. I will probably have to replace the zipper because it is a bit flimsy but otherwise no complaints. For under 50 dollars this was a great buy!

peach by jld14 featuring gold chandelier earrings

The "melon" or coral top is a color that I absolutely adore. I have various tops in this color and am actually wearing one as we speak. It pairs up well with so many garments and makes my skin look awesome for some reason; I'm sure many can agree! I'm already thinking up accessories to make to match it. =]
Happy Monday readers!
-mj

let chaos in...what's in a name?

2011-08-05T09:15:00.000-04:00

Left wrist tattoo. 2010

I have to admit...I probably held off as long as I did on creating this blog not only because I preferred the written word, but because I felt such high pressure in naming it! Last year I successfully completed my bachelors degree at the Massachusetts College of Art (&Design...an addition to the name that I still have a hard time accepting!) in May. It was a long four years of moving from one place to another, commuting from various locations, and just plain hard work. Many ignorant folks think that art school is a joke and is more like a "4 year long summer camp" but they are very wrong. The college experience for anyone in any field and any school is all what you make of it, so of course if you'd like it to be summer camp..by all means, camp it up! I however, used every part of my body, mind, and soul to get that piece of paper and I'm proud of it (I only wish it would have been like summer camp).

So what does this have to do with the name of my blog and the tattoo pictured above? My freshman year I entered Mass Art thinking I was going to be a painter because that is just what I knew. I was working on a painting about a controversial topic and was struggling to make it work. I sat there and stared at this canvas forever. My favorite professor at the time, Sharon Dunn, talked me through it and said..."Just let chaos in." That phrase immediately stuck to my brain and any doubts that I had about going to art school and pursuing my dream went out the door; I was comfortable and I was ready to take on the chaos that was my brain and that was art school. I swore to myself that I'd live by that and if I graduated I was going to permanently put it on my body and that's exactly what I did (pictured above).

My messy loom. 2010

The chaos took hold and fiber and all it's goodness entered my world; amazing what paths lead you to another. I've been playing with strings of all sorts ever since and I couldn't be happier!

Happy weekend friends!

The beautiful world of bad photography...

2011-08-04T10:27:00.000-04:00

Good morning darlings, Thursday is already upon us...my oh my, where ever does the time go? Seems it's slipping right past me faster than ever these days. Last night I dropped off my first roll of film for my Holga 135BC 35 mm lomography camera.

I've never had a pinhole camera before so I am more than anxious to pick up my photos after work. While I am completely new to the toy camera world (and therefore crossing my fingers for this film to develop!), I am quite familiar with various other forms of photography and have been exploring the subject deeper than ever lately. I have been on a scavenger hunt for all things polaroid and all things camera in general and have been successful thanks to Amazon, EBay, and of course your lovely local thrift stores. I have been saving up funds to support this camera shopping addiction (among many other shopping addictions) I've developed and it's paying off! I was kind to myself and also decided to purchase the precious Instax Mini 7S and I am in love with it. It's so chunky and cute I just wanna squeeze it, and I do!

Once I am able to find/purchase a decent scanner (suggestions on good deals and where to do this are welcome!) I will begin to upload the adorable and awesome photographs that I come up with. The only issue I have, and that I'm sure everyone with this camera has, is that the flash cannot be turned off which causes some photo's to look a little funky but I'm over it and I'm learning to embrace it! I'm more than excited for all the happy accidents and captured moments. The thrill of not knowing how each moment will be captured is unbeatable.

I am already in the process of creating a "DIY" picture frame hanging device to display the mini instax photos. I've seen various bloggers creating these and have become inspired to make it happen for myself. Meredith from one sheepish girl wrote this lovely post explaining her process of making an instax mini photo display frame and "52 weeks of instax," which is an idea worth exploring as well. I've recently become a big fan of her blog, check it out!
I thrifted an amazing large wooden frame with fabric a few years back with fabric detailing that is awaiting it's new life as my mini polaroid display; better than sitting in my basement! I will post pictures once I get it together, very excited.

"Bad" (awesome) photography aside, since my blog is brand new and I am a person that believes strongly in the meaning behind names and titles (always one of my favorite parts about exploring a new blog), tomorrow I will talk about what "let chaos in" means to me and where it came from. What does your blog name mean to you? =]

Happy Thursday!

Every blogger was at first an amature...

2011-08-03T11:36:00.001-04:00

I never really liked the sound of the words "blog" or "blogger"; I never realized how strong and connected the blogging community was especially amongst fellow crafters, creative thinkers, beautiful dressers, vintage hunters, world travelers and beyond. I have recently found myself desperately seeking an outlet to reveal and discuss my interests and have found comfort in various blogs in people who I feel as though I know without having ever met them or even heard their voice. A visual person, I am hooked on the various styles of text, the beautiful photographs, the handmade items and the beautiful clothing and never thought to share these exact aspects of my life. Having a full time day job limits my availability to do and be all the things I love but it doesn't stop me from creating a beautiful present and dreaming up my beautiful future!

Image of Rosie the Blogger © Michael Licht

I want to inspire so that is exactly what I will do! I hope you'll join me for this ride, much more to come!