Five Fun DIY Halloween Costumes

That is definitely me at parties.  If I could find/make an adult Sulley costume from Monsters Inc, I would absolutely wear it. I love dressing up in costumes.  Here are five DIY Halloween costumes from previous posts to inspire you.

Dyed Lace Earrings (DIY)

Its fall! Brrrrrrrrr!
Fall is all about warm food, brisk walks outside, and gorgeous, vibrant colors.  These Dyed lace earrings are not only colorful and bold, but also one last outdoor project to squeeze in before its too chilly.

Welcome to Colorado

Hello, Friends!
I finally made it to Colorado - a few weeks ago, actually.
After making the decision to move halfway across the country, I realized how totally awesome Michigan is: the Mitten is surrounded by fresh water lakes, covered in mile after mile of gorgeous trees, and filled with woodland creatures.  During our last month, we squeezed in as much outdoor time as possible (which, unfortunately, didn't amount to much with work and packing).

Galaxy Letter Tee (DIY)

When I found these letter stencils from My Next Style in my mail box, I knew exactly how to use them...

Good{will outlet} Friday #50 ~ 20 Outfits from 10 Pieces (Inspired by Anthropologie)

Because I am moving to Colorado in a few weeks, this will be my last Good{will outlet} Friday post.  I know, its a sad day, but I promise that this is a good post - definitely my favorite.

Big news!

And the big news is...
We are moving across the country to Colorado!
Until we're settled in, my posts may be a bit sparse, but I'll be back as soon as I can!

Hair Bow (DIY)

For some crazy reason, I like to bring neckties home from Goodwill.  That's right: men's ties. I don't know why, I just see nice patterns or colors and I have to buy them.  After slowly filling a basket with random ties, I finally came up with a project: a hair bow barrette.

Why I'm Not Cool

Good{will outlet} Friday #49 ~ Aztec Print

Aztec patterns are popping up on just about everything for fall.

DIY Inspiration - Elastic Headband

In June, I posted a very easy headband tutorial (below) using fabric scraps and elastic.  My version was very basic with a tribal print design, but you could really do anything you want - the possibilities are endless!  Here is some DIY inspiration I found online.

Start with a basic fabric and elastic band, then sew on pretty patches or big fake flowers, or consider swapping out the fabric scrap for a band of lace or chain.

Libby Story | Charlotte Russe

Boohoo.com | Nasty Gal

Lace Cuff Top (DIY)

Believe it or not, it is time to start thinking about autumn.  We still have a month of summer sun to bask in, but fall fashion is here and back-to-school shopping has begun!  After watching this Changing Room video by Free People, I was smitten with the Lace Cuff Henley and all of the fabulous ways it could be worn:

Raw Mineral Necklace (DIY)

This DIY necklace combines two very wonderful things: fashion and geology!  I found a gold mining kit while perusing the toy isle at Five Below, and only thing more satisfying than unearthing every last chunk of 'gold' was using it to create something beautiful and useful.  Raw mineral necklaces are gorgeous, edgy, and very interesting.  If digging for fake gold doesn't tickle your fancy, any small stone could easily become a pendant with this technique.

Dream Catcher Tote (DIY)

Did you ever go to summer camp as a kid?
That week at camp was the single highlight of my year (even more exciting than Christmas).  Archery, tubing, and camping were fun, but my real passion was arts & crafts.  I was kind of an indoors kid: I'm sure this doesn't come as a surprise to you.  My afternoons were filled with magazine collages, glitter, and mastering the exotic art of Popsicle Stick Box Making (this is a staple camp craft right here).  Each summer, I brought home a fresh collection of friendship bracelets, painted ceramic animals, and dream catchers to decorate my room and enhance my indoor lifestyle as I endured the fifty-one week long wait till I could return to camp.

Comic-Con Super Shorts

In case you didn't already know (like if you happen to live under a rock), Comic-Con took place in San Diego this weekend.  Not only have I been roped into super hero conversations at work and bombarded by a flood of Marvel related Facebook posts, but even a hand full of stores - places that sell ladies clothing - are getting in on the action.

Good{will outlet} Friday #48 ~ Inspired by Sabo Skirt

I adore mint and lace, so when I found this gorgeous dress online at Sabo Skirt, I knew it must be mine.

Tassel and Chain Necklace (DIY)

When I think of tassels, two very different - yet distinct - images come to mind.

Recycled Magnets (DIY)

I adore summer.

Cat Lady Earrings (DIY)

This tutorial is for the ladies...the crazy cat ladies.

How to Paint a Sparkler Design (DIY)

Happy Independence Day, friends!

Head Wrap (DIY)

Summer is pretty awesome, but you know what isn't so awesome?  Humidity.  That's right, and living here in The Mitten basically guarantees that I can expect Brillo pad hair from the first day of spring until Thanksgiving.  It can't be tamed.  Because I dislike children mistaking me for Ronald McDonald, I try to hide the frizz under hats, scarves, or whatever I can find.  This is why I love head wraps and why I'm going to show you how to make one today.  Even if you aren't at all good at sewing, you can make this: I promise.

Good{will outlet} Friday #47 ~ Inspired by Nelly Magazine

The 4th of July is almost here - and what could be more American than a frayed denim sundress and strappy sandals?

July ~ Etsy Treasury

Today begins July: a month of warm nights, dirty feet, bright stars, and loud laughter...

For a closer look at this summery treasury, click here to visit the shops featured & see these wonderful, summer-y items up close.

LEGO Coin Earrings (DIY)

This is the shortest tutorial I've ever written.

Safety Pin Tribal Necklace (DIY)

One of the most exhilarating journeys is the move away from our parent's home and into the world to spread our wings.  When I moved to college, I had all kinds of great experiences, such as paying my own bills, adjusting to the lack of rules, and meeting new people.  One of my fondest memories: shopping at stores that were not Target.  Growing up in a small town with hippie parents and no internet access does not offer the same retail opportunities as a large city.

Etsy Craft Party

Last Thursday, creative people around the world met up for an Etsy Craft Party!  

Shop Local ~ Etsy Treasury

Tonight is the Etsy Craft Party!

Colored Pencil Ring (DIY)

This tutorial is the result of a project I participated in from ArtHouse Co-op called #RandomSpark.

Good{will outlet} Friday #46 ~ Inspired by Style Lately

I have been waiting a long time to show the world this maxi skirt.

Pop Rocks Speaker Card (DIY)

My dad was around in the 1980's and had a set of vintage speakers just like this to play his records and cassette tapes.  I'll be sending this card to him on Father's Day (because he does rock).  I found these old school Pop Rock candy packs at one of my new favorite places, Five Below.

Dollhouse Makeover (DIY) ~ Part 3

This post is the last of three about making over a plastic dollhouse for Calico Critter figures to live in.  If you already own a Calico Critter house, use these tips and tricks to decorate!

Grow ~ Etsy Treasury

Hooray for florescent hues, fragrant flowers, and fresh herbs!

For a closer look at this bright and enticing treasury, click here to visit the shops featured & see these gorgeous items up close.

Watercolor Mist Tank (DIY) ~ with Simply Spray Fabric Paint

Today was beach day.  Patrick and I vowed to spend the afternoon at the beach - rain or shine!  We didn't wake up to rain this morning...or shine.  Our morning started with a weather advisory text alerting us of 'Dense Fog Conditions.'   The drive was slow and the walk (between the parking lot and the water front is a half-mile hike through the woods) was misty.  I couldn't have planned for a better morning to take photos of this Watercolor Mist tank top!

Bullet Necklace (DIY)

Okay - let me preface this post with the fact that I know nothing about guns. So if you do, then you probably know all the official gun lingo, and you will probably notice that I used some creative (and made up) terminology.

Doll House Makeover ~ Part 2 (DIY)

Welcome to Part 2 of the plastic dollhouse makeover! This is the second of three posts about fixing up a plastic dollhouse for Calico Critter toys.  An internet search will bring up dozens of wooden dollhouse makeovers, but these posts are especially for plastic houses that need a little extra TLC before dolls or critters can move in.

On The River ~ Etsy Treasury

My birthday weekend (or at least a few hours of it, anyway) was spent on the river.  

Recycled Layering Necklace (DIY)

Sooooo.....if you've ever hung out in my studio, you may classify me as a pack rat (I prefer the term pack rat  over hoarder).  I come from a long line of pack rats that get too attached to their junk, and I can't escape my roots.  I'm very anal and organized with my junk, but I cannot deny that I inherited the but-what-if-I-need-it-someday gene.  So fellow pack rats - this tutorial is for you!  Lets unite and make a teeny little dent in our stashes of random junk.

Good{will outlet} Friday #45 ~ Inspired by Goodnight Macaroon

I love summer for a variety of reasons, but here is one of my favorites: skirts!

Doll House Makeover ~ Part 1 (DIY)

Recently, I received an email from a girl named Sailor about making over an old dollhouse for her Calico Critters.  I've read dozens of wooden dollhouse makeover stories online, but not a single post about plastic homes.  Most modern toys are made of plastic and unfortunately, a layer of fresh paint and some wall paper scraps won't do the job.  For this project, I found a sweet plastic Fisher Price Little People house produced in 1996 to re-vamp. Because I have a lot of information and photos, I'm dividing the process into three different blog posts.   I hope this gives you a few ideas for your little house, Sailor!

Good{will outlet} Friday #44 ~ One Item Worn Two Ways

Most of us don't have access to a wardrobe of infinite clothing, so we are left to find multiple ways to wear what we have.  Lots of other bloggers have been doing the One Item Worn Many Ways post (such as A Beautiful Mess, Putting Me Together, and What I Wore) so here I am hopping on the bandwagon!

Edible Candy Terrarium (DIY)

Long, long ago when I a tiny kindergartner, my class took a very exciting field trip to the chocolate factory.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go because by baby brother was born that day (who, ironically, was named Charlie).  True story.  I've always felt a bit jaded about missing that trip - especially a year later when I read Roald Dahl's Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.  My very favorite part of the book was the edible room full of candy flowers and mushrooms and grass.  This little treat was inspired by that wonderful image.  As a six year old child, I dreamed about visiting that room.

Etsy Treasury ~ Right Meow.

So cats are kind of a cool thing right now.
I fully support this trend.  Everyone should be aware of how awesome cats are.

For a closer look at this treasury, click here to visit the shops featured & see these great items - right meow!

Wooden Arrow Necklace (DIY)

I don't know if its the sunshine, or the fresh air or what, but I have been feeling super crafty this week.  The other day, I was absentmindedly staring at a container of bamboo forks and I thought to myself, "That would make a good arrow."  And so I made one into an arrow.  And then I made the arrow into a necklace.  And then I wore it.  And I love it.

Good{will outlet} Friday #43 ~ Inspired by Buffalo Jeans

The early bird gets the worm...unless rain has been falling every day for a solid week.  At that point, worms are scattered all over the sidewalk and the birds can sleep in.  However, that saying does ring true for Goodwill Outlet Center. 

Gift Wrap Wednesday #10 Cloud Paper

Soooooo much rain!
Today's gift wrap idea is inspired by the big, fluffy clouds (that also happen to be full of rain) in the sky above my home.  I love this simple handmade gift wrap for Spring (wouldn't a baby shower gift look precious wrapped up this way?)

April Showers

Things have been... interesting in Grand Rapids this week.  You could say we've had a little rain here - maybe a few more inches than in years past.

Etsy Treasury ~ Party On, Garth!

Gift Wrap Wednesday #9 Rainy Day Roses

The booming thunder and torrents of rain out there can mean only one thing: it is officially Spring.
Until the flash flooding dies down in my parking lot, let's just celebrate the change of seasons indoors for now.  As we wait patiently for those budding May flowers, let's make some of our own for cheerful packages!  For a quick rainy day project, put together a few cupcake wrapper roses to top girly gifts with.

Good {will outlet} Friday #42 ~ Inspired by Anthropologie

Another Anthropologie outfit.  Why? Because I love that store: that's why.

Colorado Road Trip

Last month, Patrick and I went on an awesome road trip to Colorado for my sister-in-law's baby shower.  We spent a lot of time in the car (thanks to the massive winter storm that rolled through the Midwest just as we did), and saw all kinds of fascinating places and things.  I've been meaning to post the pictures for a while now, and I guess today is the day.

Easter Sale!

Still in need of Easter basket stuffers?  Check out the Easter/Clearance sale in my Etsy Shop!

To save 10%, use this code at checkout: EasterBunny10.