papernstitch

When More is Too Much: how to keep from idea overwhelm

Tiffany — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:00:27 +0000

This contributor post was written by Tiffany Moore.

As Creatives, we are usually not short on ideas. We all have LOADS of ideas — the tricky part is figuring out when to say no, and not letting idea overload keep us from getting started on anything.

(I know that I’m always pushing the just start thing. It’s what I do.)

So, how do you balance all of your NEW AMAZING BRILLIANT ideas and inspirations with the need to actually get stuff done?

Here are a few tips to keep you from idea overwhelm and help you recognize where you need to spend your time:

1. What can you do right now?

Often we love the thought of something shiny and new, but have no idea how to make it happen. By focusing on things that you can do right now, today, you’ll be able to make movement on something. And any kind of movement is a good thing.

2. Where’s the low-hanging fruit?

Psychologically, it’s an amazing feeling to cross things off your list. What’s something quick and easy you can take care of right now?

3. Know that you may never get it all done and make peace with that.

It’s okay. By accepting that you’re only one person who can’t do it all (wait? what?!), you’ll be able to avoid idea overwhelm and get back into the real world.

4. But don’t give up on your ideas!

If you’re a dreamer who’s always coming up with crazy schemes or plans, write them down! Putting pen to paper and getting the ideas out of your head will make it so much easier to come back to them when you’re lacking inspiration.

Your turn: How do YOU deal with inspiration overload?

—–

*image via MothballCharlie: More

Tiffany Moore, co-founder of Teahouse Studio is a life and business coach. She helps creatives take their business (and LIVES) to the next level with her sparkly and sassy coaching and thinks that everyone in the world is beautiful, including you.

5 Faves: shops for the fabric lovers

papernstitch — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:15:41 +0000

I feel like a broken record, because it seems like I have said this a million times, but here goes 1 million and one: I am not a sewer! No matter how hard I try, I cannot seem to pick this skill up, which may sound weird coming from a DIY gal, but it’s true.

That doesn’t mean that I don’t hoard stacks of fabric (vintage and new) to use and admire though. So for all those fabric admirers out there, here’s a list of shops that love fabric as much as you do – making their wares from beloved materials…

1. Sleepy King: Savannah Carroll is the sewing master behind the adorable line of handmade plush animals, embroidered art, and accessoires you’ll find at Sleepy King. It’s clear that everything in this shop is made with love. Sleepy King Discount for you: Receive 20% off with coupon code HOORAY20 at checkout.

(above) Dachshund anyone? These guys are giving my grandma’s dachshunds a run for their money.

These plush bunnies would be perfect for a nursery (or the couch if you don’t have any little ones). I love the ones with their eyes closed especially. What about you?

Savannah’s plush creatures translated into embroidered wall art.

2. Lolos: A casual clutch shop where fabric takes the lead.

Great color and pattern on this clutch. Perfect for spring.

I could definitely see my old students toting these around. Great for teens.

And this bright red number. I love the simple pleating on this clutch.

3. Red Seed Studio: This Aussie shop carries handcrafted accessories and clothing made of hand screen printed organic textiles.

Comfy skirts for a casual lunch in the park with friends.

Actual leaves from the Red Seed garden were used to create this printed pouch. I’d use this fo a makeup bag in a second. Love the navy.

And a few pops of brick red.

4. Simplifi Fabric: Of course, if you’re just looking for fabric to make your own handmade goodies, this shop would be a good one to check out. Cute patterns and colorful solids to choose from (along with some other available crafting supplies like snap button kits).

Modern herringbone patterns alongside quirky fabrics for kid’s projects.

Something for the woodland animal lovers.

But my favorite from Simplifi? The sailboat fabric - makes me want to float away. Paper boats are a reliable way to travel, right?

5. The Blooming Thread: This shop is most known for the vintage-inspired jewelry that Ryan Horton dreams up (the enamel lockets are really popular). But I love Ryan’s felt and fabric brooches so much, I couldn’t help but included The Blooming Thread in this one. The Blooming Thread Discount for you: Receive free shipping for the month of May. Enter the code PNSFREESHIP at checkout.

Isn’t this felt brooch awesome!? I love the colors and that print for the center.

These remind me of Sex and the City when Carrie wore those giant flower brooches. These are a bit more tam – in a good way.

And of course, I had to throw in these felt flower bobby pins. So cute.

5 Faves is a new column that I’ll be writing once per week. Want more? Read last week’s 5 Faves right here.

7 DIY Herbin’ Living Ideas

Beth — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:05:41 +0000

This contributor post was written by Beth of Parsimonia.

I don’t know about you, but I wasn’t exactly born with a green thumb. In my house, I have almost all succulents since they are the most difficult to kill (or so I’m told). So far it has served me well, but about this time each year I get the itch to grow something a little more useful, a little more…edible. Last weekend I scratched this itch with a trip to the local nursery to pick up some herbs for the kitchen. I got the basics (basil, rosemary and cilantro), and even though they’re pretty on their own, I can’t resist an opportunity to style them up a bit. Luckily, I’ve rounded up some DIYs for just such an occasion.

1. (above) DIY Tea Tin Herbs by Canadian House & Home

Containers

2. Mason Jar Herb Garden by Camille Styles

3. Chalkboard Herb Pots by Ellinée

4. Grow herbs in an old cup by House to Home

Labels + Markers

5. Clay Plant Labels by Fellow Fellow for Say Yes to Hoboken

6. DIY Herb Markers by EAB Designs

7. DIY Garden Markers by Wit & Whistle

Have a great weekend!

Beth is the writer behind Parsimonia: Secondhand With Style, where she blogs about her first love (thrifting) and her second love (cooking), as well as DIY projects, sustainable style and other bits of inspiration. She lives in St. Louis with one husband, one fuzzy dog and lots of dreams, and recently launched an online vintage store.

Interior Obsessions – Breakfast

Modern Simplicity — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:00:01 +0000

When I am designing a new home or remodeling an existing kitchen area, clients typically ask for an informal eating area. Sometimes this space can be set slightly apart from the kitchen itself, as in a breakfast nook, or it might just comprise in-kitchen eating, like a bar along a countertop. Although generally these areas don’t supplant an actual dining space, more and more these are becoming the location where families spend most of their time eating. Because our dining room is separated a bit from the kitchen, the backside of our peninsula counter has become the main congregation area in our home.Perhaps you live in a small apartment with a galley-style kitchen. A small table or counter perpendicular to the main space may be just right for two. Or add a small table against the wall to fit three. Raise a bar behind a peninsula counter to provide stool-height seating, or add one lower than the counter that can accommodate a standard chair height. Extend an island to fit seating around one end, or add a thin freestanding counter that defines the kitchen area and lets your guests take a seat. And don’t forget the standard nook style with built-in benches and a table. Whichever way you decide to arrange it, casual dining is here to stay.

Extended Island

Mid-Counter + Tiny Table

Low Bar

Freestanding Counter + Adjacent Table

Table on the Wall

Amy wrote this post. She is the designer and owner of FormFire Glassworks, where she creates modern lampwork glass beads and jewelry, and by day designs custom homes for a small firm in Southern California. You can follow her twitter @formfireglass.

Lazy Day DIY: how to make custom wrapping paper with stamps

papernstitch — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:23:44 +0000

Yesterday I opened a few birthday presents and loved the wrapping paper. I was so impressed with the way Jeff wrapped my presents this year. So I thought today would be the perfect time to share a project I put together for Glo.com as part of their hottest trends in DIY this year. This is a great way to customize gifts for friends, family, and special occasions.

I only shared an image of the finished piece on Glo. So it’s time for the full monty. Here’s how you can create your own custom wrapping paper…

Supplies List:

1. plain wrapping paper (Paper Source has a great selection of colors and each roll is only $5)

2. stamps

3. and a stamp pad

4. spray sealant that is okay for paper (optional)

Directions:

1. Choose your stamps and the color stamp pad you’d like to use. Ink up your stamp and you are ready to go!

2. You can choose a random pattern, an all over pattern – whatever you’d like! Here’s the all over pattern (I just staggered my stamp over the entire piece of wrapping paper, making sure to reload with ink after every stamp).

3. Wait 24 hours for the ink to dry completely before wrapping your pressies. You don’t want smudge marks do you? If you are in a hurry, you can use a spray sealant. Just make sure it is okay for use on paper.

See how I staggered the pattern? No ruler or anything – kind of free form (and easy). Just the way I like it.

Finished presents…

And here’s one with just one stamp – a little thank you gift…

What do you think? Are you ready to tackle this on your own? Let me know in the comments below.

I’ll be sharing some more projects I created for the Glo.com article in the coming weeks as well. Stay tuned for those!

All photos by Brittni Mehlhoff (that’s me)

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An interview with Jonathan Adler. Yep, that Jonathan Adler.

papernstitch — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:59:14 +0000

I was recently contacted by the winner of Cottonelle’s blogger contest, Stacy Wichelhaus of Hello Cupcake, and asked if I might be interested in featuring an interview. But not just any interview – an interview with designer Jonathan Adler. Yes – THE Jonathan Adler.

Stacy asked Jonathan some really juicy questions about overcoming fears, living a creative life, and a whole lot more. He even references The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Love that. I’ll let the two of them take it away…

Fear of failure is a paralyzing emotion that oftentimes holds one back from pursuing what they are most passionate about.

Stacy here from Hello Cupcake! I’m recently back from a trip to New York City where I had the opportunity to meet and interview well known designer Jonathan Adler in his SoHo loft. In choosing what to ask the “Happy Chic” designer with stores across the US, his third book in production and having collaborated with an impressive list of big name companies, I wanted my questions to resonate with people who are looking to kick start a creative career or act on their ideas no matter how scary it may seem. Having an Etsy shop and recently quitting my full time job at a San Francisco nonprofit to start a boutique public relations agency I wanted to talk about fears, failures and successes in the pursuit of following ones creative passions.

Stacy Wichelhaus: At 27, you vowed never to have a “real job” again. What led you to this leap and how did you overcome your fear of failure to do this?

Jonathan Adler: Lucky for me, I didn’t have to make a choice. I once burnt down an office building from a kiln fire and I got fired from every job I ever had. I was totally unemployable, so I knew I needed to figure this out. Sink or swim. I honestly think there have been so many times along that way that I should have sunk but because there was a sheer sense of panic to make this work I did.

SW: Have there been any words of advice given to you early on in your career that have stuck with you?

JA: When people ask me for advice I usually say that there is a lot to be said for “panicked stick-to-itiveness”. I look at someone like my husband (Simon Doonan) and I who have both been doing what we do for quite some time. Neither of us has bounced around. He has been at Barney’s as a window dresser for 30 years, and I’ve been here for 18 years. I think there is a lot to be said for staying the course.

SW: How did you handle your nay sayers and doubters?

JA: When I was in school, I had a pottery teacher who I went to for advice and told her that I wanted to be a potter and she told me that I had no talent and couldn’t do it. I think it’s good to have someone who doubts you. Having the support of your friends and family is also important. My family has helped me get through some really tough times.

SW: Did you ever have a moment early on in your career where you were asked yourself “what the heck am I doing”?

JA: Every day. Every single day. I can’t count the number of times I would just lie in the fetal position on the bed. The numbers of screw ups that have happened over the course of my career are of such monumental scale and capacity. I’ve had so many of those terrible moments. I think doing your own thing, especially when it’s as weird a thing as a creative business, it’s a preposterous undertaking and you have to be slightly delusional and you need to fully believe that something as crazy as what you’re trying to do can work even though there is a possibility that it may not. You need to be incredibly resilient and hard working. But don’t take yourself too seriously and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. I wish people weren’t as hard on themselves as I was on myself.

SW: You’ve collaborated with a wide variety of industries. How has this helped you to expand as a designer?

JA: For me, my whole career has been improbable and I would say that I’ve always welcomed design challenges. Collaborations are something that people are doing these days. Once I understood what I was trying to say with my work, I thought that happy chic idea could be applied to so many areas and it made a lot of sense to take my design vocabulary and the spirit of what I do and spread it out. I love designing, it’s what makes me happy and I ALWAYS welcome a challenge!

SW: You and your husband, Simon Doonan are both creative. How do you fit two creative people into one household and where does Liberace (their Norwich Terrier) have a say?

JA: In Simon and my case, we’ve been together a very long time. We do things thoughtlessly and naturally and we’ve always been on the same page with one another. I feel that in a way, creativity is mostly logic anyway. It takes work and analysis and I think Simon and I both fully understand that. He’s a window dresser and a writer and you know the saying ‘writing is rewriting’? I think it’s so true. I can have an idea in my head of what something is going to be and then when I get it back it’s a disaster. So it’s the same thing. If you’ve seen that episode of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, it’s like when Sheree decided to start a clothing line and when she got the first prototype back she was like “this isn’t what I thought” and I’m like “hello, welcome to any design undertaking. It’s never what you think it’s going to be it’s always a disaster. It’s only on step 10 after you’ve been rigorously analytical and covered all the issues that anything can come to fruition as you hoped or imagined that it would. Once you surrender to that idea in whatever you do, whether it be medicine or a creative pursuit that’s when you end up being successful and that’s something that both Simon and I agree on”. And Liberace is an adorable idiot, he’s really dumb but oh so cute!

Stacy Wichelhaus is the owner of Hello Cupcake Public Relations - a boutique public relations firm for the Wedding Industry. Stacy is also a stationery designer for Hello Cupcake Creations and she, her husband and their furry baby Ginger live in San Francisco.

Thank you Stacy for choosing papernstitch as the blog to share this awesome interview. If you like this post, please “like” it or share this article using the buttons below.

It’s my birthday and I have a gift for you.

papernstitch — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:01:19 +0000

Good morning! Today is my 28th birthday and it is already shaping up to be a good one.

But that’s not the focus of my post this morning. I want to switch things up this year and say thanks for being so awesome – give you something and spread the b-day love.

So today, I am offering Track This, at a “pay what you can” price. ANY price you want $1 or more.

Just change the regular retail price ($27) at checkout to whatever you’d like and click “update cart” before paying.

I hope this will inspire you to take action and get a leg up for the rest of the year and beyond.

If you aren’t familiar with the workbook already, it is a 33 page plan of action, so you can organize your thoughts, understand what you truly want for your business, and use that knowledge to propel yourself forward. Learn more about Track This here.

If that sounds like something you need right now, click here, press the ‘buy now’ button, and choose your price.

I sent this offer out to my list yesterday and it has been purchased by 150 people in less than 24 hours. Thank you to everyone who has made a purchase, whether it was for $1 or $27.

“Pay what you can” will end tonight (May 15th) at 11:59pm pacific.

5 Faves: shops to bookmark for handmade + homemade gifts

papernstitch — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:00:19 +0000

I know yesterday was Mother’s Day, so you may be gifted out right now. BUT tomorrow is my birthday, so I can’t help but celebrate with a few gift ideas from 5 shops in handmade + homemade that I think you’ll love…

1. Miki.o: For paper goods, this shop is one of my favorites. Modern, colorful DIY printable invitations, labels, notepads and more.

(above) Chevron printed paper for those birthday gifts you’ve been meaning to wrap.

Notepads are my favorite, practical gift to give (and receive).

Colorful wrapping paper for those spring gifts. I like this one for bridal gifts too – not too fussy, but still pretty.

2. Yours is the Earth: This new line of illustrated and calligraphed prints and other goods are created by foodies, for foodies (and all lovers of great design). Love the variety of pieces in this shop – jar labels to wall art to custom stamps.

The perfect gift wrap for the foodie (or gardener) in your life.

Illustrated fruit + vegetable prints for your favorite cook.

Canning lid labels for the homemade goodies you are whipping up.

3. Mosie Posies: Personalized prints and paper goods for kids and parents.

For a child that is learning to write, a personalized notecards set would be an encouraging gift to give.

Cute gift for new moms or welcome home gifts for baby.

Next time you (or a family member) get a gift from a friend, send out one of these super cute thank you cards. Perfect for kids especially, though I would love to get one of these in the mail too.

4. Black Box Dessert Club: Wine and cheese clubs are so old school. This is what I want delivered to my doorstep each month – dessert! BBDC delivers artisanal sweets- from chocolates and confections, to snacks and pastries AND the boxes are curated by former food editors and food lovers, so you know you’re getting the good stuff.

Receive 20% off your order at Black Box using the code “gifted” at checkout.

Nibble on the petite box and start getting organic treats in your mailbox every month.

Get a little bit of everything with the grand box. This one looks so good.

Don’t leave anyone out - gifts for vegans! They like yummy treats too.

5. Crafts and Love: Jewelry is always a good gift to receive, right? I actually prefer inexpensive jewelry to flashy diamond necklaces, so this shop is right up my alley.

BONUS! Use coupon code PAPERNSTITCH20 upon checkout for 20% off your order.

I love the green stone in this necklace. Chartreuse is my color.

A pair of earrings for your friend’s teenage daughter would be nice.

Or a double strand bib necklace for your always on-trend sister.

5 Faves is a new column that I’ll be writing (tentatively every Monday). I would love your opinion on the best day for this column – leave me a comment below if you have any thoughts.

P.S. My birthday is tomorrow! I get so many wonderful gifts from my family for my b-day that I wanted to spread the love and give something to you. So today and tomorrow I am offering Track This, my digital goal tracking and creation guide, at a “pay what you like” price. The retail cost of this workbook is normally $27 but right now, you can pay any price you would like $1 or over. Just change the price at checkout and click “update cart” before paying. Enjoy!

From the inside out: 19 DIY home projects for indoors + outdoors

papernstitch — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:15:24 +0000

Now that we are living in an apartment again, we have a new set of challenges when it comes to decorating. Our old house was too small, and our new apartment is almost twice the size of our old space, BUT we don’t own this one. So it feels very temporary and it doesn’t feel like we can lay down roots. Do you know what I mean?

Luckily, I am obsessed with DIY projects and have found a bunch of handmade touches that I can whip up in no time to make our new(ish) space feel like home. Here are 16 DIY projects for the indoors and out…

Small Housewares

1. DIY Succulent Wraps from Camille Styles 2. DIY Clay Pots by Claire for Say Yes to Hoboken

3. DIY Wall Clock from Scandinavian Deko 4. Make a Chevron Pillow from Biscuits and Jam

Wall Art

5. Geometric Wall Art (yep this is a diy) from Kate for Design Sponge

6. DIY Book Frame Wall Art from Lauren Elise for Papernstitch

7. Nail and String Wall Art from Jen Loves Kev

8. Wood Pendant DIY from my buddy Chris at ManMade

Furniture

9. Create a custom Storage Ottoman from Katherine for Papernstitch 10. Make an easy cushion Ottoman from Casasugar

11. DIY Dog Crate Coffee Table from HGTV (by Erin of Design for Mankind – found via Dog Milk)

*I know this one doesn’t exactly look fast or easy, but I love it.

12. DIY Tree Stump Table from Martha Stewart

13. Upholster a Chair with DIY Printed Fabric from How About Orange

Lighting + Accessories

14. DIY Cardboard Chandelier from Kayte for Etsy’s Blog

15. Modern DIY Coatrack from Weekday Carnival

The Great Outdoors

16. Chevron Recycled Wood Planter Box from Zelo Photo 17. Color Block Terra Cotta Pots from A Beautiful Mess

18. Outdoor Kitchen DIY (free pdf instructions) from Studio Mama

19. Outdoor Lighting DIY from Lowe’s

What problems are you currently tackling with your home?

Let me know in the comments below.

P.S. If you’re looking for craft project ideas for Mother’s Day, check out this roundup of 25 projects you can finish up last minute (with the kiddos if you have any) to get you through the holiday. One of my projects made the list at #3.

Creative Colorblocking (Jewelry)

Christina — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00:11 +0000

This contributor post was written by Christina of Down and Out Chic.

The mod 70′s colorblocking trend is back in full force and I especially like this trend when it comes to jewelry. A little goes a long way and these handmade pieces approach the graphic, bold use of color in a fresh way…

(above) colorblock layered bangles set of 3 ($60) by the glossy queen

eagle point necklace ($188), clear fork necklace ($68) and central point pop bracelet ($42) by minoux

geometric necklaces in triangle and circle ($34) by snug studio

water resistant watches by May28th ($39)

leather arrow necklaces ($22) by leebee jewelry

leather colorblock necklace ($24) rare bird

What do you like most about this trend?

Christina is the writer behind the design blog, Down and Out Chic. She’s a budget-friendly design huntress that’s passionate about art and the handmade movement. She adores all things striped and polka dotted and would spend most of her afternoons vintage shopping if her closet were big enough. Find her on Twitter or at D&OC.